Books

Holiday Book Recommendations // Underrated Reads

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
In my Bookmas day 4 post, I’m going to be talking about some underrated holiday books. I always seem to see book lovers recommending the same old holiday reads, so these are some books that I think deserve more recognition.

What Light by Jay Asher
Honestly, I can’t remember a lot about this story, but I do know that it had a Christmas Tree farm setting. The plot follows a young girl that spends the holiday season helping run her Christmas tree lot in California. Although this is a sweet holiday romance, it’s really a story of forgiveness and redemption. I remember this being a slower read, but it is a great wintertime book.

My New Crush Gave To Me by Shani Petroff
Nobody ever talks about this book, which is crazy to me. This is an enemies-to-lovers Christmas story that is a jolly good time. The book follows Charlotte. who rigs the Secret Santa drawing, so that she draws her crush, Teo’s, name. However, she needs to enlist the help of her crush’s cousin J.D., who she can’t stand, in order to get Teo the perfect gift. This is a fun holiday romance with a fun Secret Santa plot.

Snow In Love by Various Authors
This is a collection of four holiday short stories by different different YA authors. The stories focus on the holiday season, and of course there is romance involved in every story. My personal favorite story was written by Kasie West, but she’s one of my favorite author. So, there’s no surprise I’d enjoy her story most. However, the book as a whole is a pretty decent holiday read.
Related Post: Snow In Love // Book Review

Whiteout by Various Authors
This is another holiday short story collection, which was released in November of 2022. I, myself, have yet to read this book but it sounds amazing. The story takes place in Atlanta, before the Christmas season, and is all about black teen love. I find that this book has flown completely under the radar, yet I can’t wait to give it a read.
Related Post: December 2022 // To Be Read

The Chaos of Standing Still by Jessica Brody
Although this isn’t exactly a Christmas book, it is still a holidays read in my opinion. The book follows a teenage girl trapped at an airport on New Years Eve, which happens to be the day before the anniversary of her best friend’s death. Sure, there is a romance plot, but the main focus is about letting go and the loss that goes along with it. It is a beautifully written and well done story. Also, every reader could use a good sad holiday read right?

There you have some of the holiday books that I think deserve more hype. And yes, they are all YA book recommendations, but that’s my go-to genre. Before you leave, give my little book blog some love by becoming a follower.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Haul // November 2022

- Bunny 3 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today I’m sharing a small book haul. I have been trying not to buy any books, since Christmas is coming up quick. However, I had to buy some books and wanted to share those with you all.



Jo & Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz
“Bestselling authors Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz bring us a romantic retelling of Little Women starring Jo March and her best friend, the boy next door, Theodore “Laurie” Laurence.”

A Secret Princess by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz
“A surprising and romantic YA retelling-mashup of A Little Princess and The Secret Garden by bestselling authors Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz.”

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
“The New York Times bestselling love story about two teens who find each other while standing on the edge.”

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
“Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on brooding artist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And, after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer break, romance might be closer than Isla imagined.”


Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel by James Howe, Andrew Donkin, Stephen Gilpin (Illustrator)
“Celebrate over forty years of the modern classic Bunnicula with this fang-tastic graphic novelization that will send a shiver down your spine and leave you howling with laughter!”

Frogkisser! by Garth Nix
“The Last Thing She Needs Is a Prince.The First Thing She Needs Is Some Magic.”

Winterhouse (Winterhouse Series #1) by Ben Guterson, Chloe Bristol (Illustrator)
“An enchanting urban fantasy middle-grade debut—the first book in a trilogy—set in a magical hotel full of secrets.”

The Winterhouse Mysteries by Ben Guterson, Chloe Bristol (Illustrator)
“Danger, intrigue, and the power of family combine in The Winterhouse Mysteries, the fast-paced conclusion to Ben Guterson and Chloe Bristol’s illustrated, enchanting Winterhouse middle grade trilogy.”

If you have read any of these books please let me know your thoughts on them in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow my blog for more bookish posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Meet Me At Midnight // Book Tag

- Bunny 4 Comments

Hi Friends,
I am excited to share that I created an original book tag! This tag was inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album ‘Midnight’. I had a lot of fun coming up with the questions, and think that they went with the songs well. If you do this tag please credit me as the creator.

Lavender Haze: A book that left you in a reading slump?

‘As Good As Dead’ by Holly Jackson was a book that left me in a big reading slump. I have a lot of issues with this book, and still fume at the though of it. However, the first two books in the ‘A Good Girls Guide To Murder’ series were amazing! Sometimes I wish it was just a duology, to save me from the reading slump.
Related Post: As Good As Dead // Book Review

Maroon: Show A Book You Love That Is You Favorite Color!

My favorite color is pink, so I choose to show off ‘If I’m Being Honest’ by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley. Not only is this cover pink, but this book is super cute. It is a YA contemporary ‘Taming of the Shrew’ that is a ton of fun.
Related Post: If I’m Being Honest // Book Review

Anti-Hero: A Book That Has Mixed Review But You Still Want To Read?

‘Beautiful Creatures’ by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is a book that has been on my TBR for years, but I’ve been put off by all the mixed reviews. All I know is that it’s a popular YA fantasy that now has a lot of mixed reviews. Also, my husband really enjoyed the books. Even though the book isn’t as well liked anymore, I still would like to eventually read it.

Snow on the Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey): Are You A Seasonal Reader?

100% yes! I am the type of reader that associates certain books with each season. I am not someone that can read a beach read in the middle of winter. Honestly, I think it is way more fun to be a seasonal reader.

You’re on Your Own, Kid: A Book Couple You Didn’t Like?

Annie and Clay in ‘You’d Be Mine’ by Erin Hahn wasn’t a match made in heaven to me. I didn’t see their chemistry except for the fact that they both had a lot of emotional baggage. There personal issues made it hard to root for them as a couple, because they had a lot of things they need to workout on their own. I don’t see their relationship lasting or being very healthy.
Related Post: You’d Be Mine // Book Review

Midnight Rain: What’s A Book You’ve Changed Your Mind About?

‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ by Jay Asher is a book that I use to think was amazing. However, after reading so many books, my taste has changed, and so has my opinion on this book. It isn’t a bad book, but I probably wouldn’t rate it that highly today.

 

Question…?: A Book That Left You With More Questions Than Answers!

‘The Fear’ by Natasha Preston has a great premise, and kept me guessing the whole time I was reading it. But, the ending drove me insane! There were still so many unanswered questions. Why Natasha Preston decided on that ending confuses me.
Related Post: The Fear // Book Review

Vigilante Shit: A Mystery/Thriller You Can’t Walt To Read!

‘The Christmas Murder Game’ by Alexandra Benedict is a book that I have very high hopes for! I am actually kind of nervous that it won’t live up to my expectations. But, in my mind a mystery thriller that takes places at Christmas time sounds like the perfect read.
Related Post: November 2022 // To Be Read

Bejeweled: A Book You Bought Because Of The Cover!

‘Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me’ by Mariko Tamaki is a graphic novel with a fantastic cover and that is all I know about it. I saw the book on sale and the cover screamed by me. The artwork is beautiful and I have no shame admitting it was a cover buy.

 

Labyrinth: A Book Trope You Love But Also Hate?

Friends to lovers is a trope that I have mixed feelings about. It is usually so obvious to everyone that they have feelings for each other, but they are too blind to see it. I cannot stand characters that can’t see what is right in front of their faces. Nevertheless, I don’t hate all friends to lovers stories, so I am not sure I truly hate this trope.

Karma: A Book That You Thought Would Be 5 Stars, But Wasn’t?

‘You’ve Reached Sam’ by Dustin Thao was such a disappointment. I was hoping for a 5 star read, but instead got a 2 star book. I wasn’t a fan of the writing, characters, or plot. Basically, it just wasn’t for me.
Related Post: You’ve Reached Sam // Book Review

 

Sweet Nothing: A Book That Makes You Happy?

‘Better Than the Movies’ by Lynn Painter is a book that I gush thinking about! I went into this book not excepting much, and was very surprised at how much I loved this book. Even just thinking about it makes me smile. It is a total feel good YA romance that I think even non young adult readers will enjoy.

 

Mastermind: An Author That Never Fails You?

Kasie West might not always give me a 5 star read, but she never fails to save me from a reading slump. Her books a quick, cute and easy reads that always lift my mood. Also, most of the time I rate her books 4 or 5 stars which is always nice.
Related Post: On The Fence // Book Review

 

Dear Reader: Give A Book Recommendation!

‘Five Feet Apart’ by Mikki Daughtry, Rachael Lippincott, and Tobias Iaconis is beautiful and heartbreaking. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a sweet teen romance. And, if you need a good cry this book is perfect for that as well.
Related Post: Five Feet Apart // Book Review

 

There you have my ‘Meet Me At Midnight’ book tag! I wanted to tag a few book blogger, but everyone is welcome to do this tag. I tag Elfie @ Enchated Elfie, I’m All Booked Up, Goddess Of Books and Jordann @ The Book Blog Life. In the comments, let me know if you did this tag on your blog because I would love to read it. Please follow my blog for more bookish posts like this one.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

November 2022 // To Be Read

- Bunny 5 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today is my November TBR post! For the month of November I decided that I would mostly mood read. However, I have a lot of Christmas books that I would like to get to, so I thought that I would share those with you. Also, I will be taking part in the Gilmore Girls readathon, but I am going to be doing a separate TBR post for the readathon.


“A teen girl gets the perfect second try at a first kiss in this hilarious, romp-filled young adult romantic comedy perfect for fans of Jenna Evans Welch and Hallmark Christmas movies.”


“Who’s naughty and nice at Riverwood Mall? In this hilarious YA holiday rom-com, two rivals get together to save their families’ livelihoods, and Christmas, too!”


“A pitch-perfect holiday rom com about two oil-and-water reality-star country singers who must fake a relationship in order to win the opportunity of a lifetime, perfect for fans of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game and Christina Lauren’s In a Holidaze.”

‘Reading Rabbits’ Book Club Book

“Twelve clues. Twelve keys. Twelve days of Christmas. But how many will die before Twelfth Night? Agatha Christie meets Clue in this delightful, tense manor house murder mystery.”

Those are just some of the holiday books that I would like to get to in the month of November. Let me know in the comments the books on your TBR for the month. Please don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

End Of The Year // Book Tag

- Bunny Leave a comment

In this video, I talk about the books that I need to finish before the end of the year as well as the books that I am still waiting to be released.

QUESTIONS
1. Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?
2. Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?
3. Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?
4. What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?
5. Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favourite book of the year?
6. Have you already started making reading plans for next year?

Bookstagram: books.with.bunny
Twitter: bookswithbunny

The Fall Bucket List // Book Tag

- Bunny 4 Comments

Hi Friends,
September 22nd is the first official day of fall, which signifies the end of summer. Thus, I wanted to do a fall inspired book tag! And, ‘The Fall Bucket List’ tag seemed like the perfect one. The tag was created by Read By Tiffany, so go check out her posts as well! Also, you are supposed to tag seven people, but I decided to tag only three bloggers.


For me that is ‘Pumpkinheads’ by Rainbow Rowell, because it is a fun and lighthearted fall graphic novel. The book takes place on Halloween in a pumpkin patch. What is more fluffy and fall than that plot?


‘Séance Tea Party‘ by Reimena Yee has been on so many peoples fall book recommendations list, which has made me want to see what the hype is all about. I will be doing a whole post on my Fall TBR, and this will 100% be on the list.


I don’t ever talk about this, because I read it probably 10 year ago, but that is ‘Heist Society’ by Ally Carter. If you like the movie ‘Catch That Kid’, then you will enjoy this book. This is the first book in a trilogy, and the friend group in it is really fun.


‘Kiki’s Delivery Service‘ by Eiko Kadono is a very heartwarming and coming-of-age story about a tween witch. This wasn’t a five star read, but it is a cute story and perfect for the fall time.
Related: Kiki’s Delivery Service // Book Review


Lara Jean in the ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ trilogy! However, she is more of a baker, but I think that still counts. These books are perfect for all, and I love that she bakes, because who doesn’t love a story that mentions baked goods?


Obviously, ‘Long Live the Pumpkin Queen‘ by Shea Ernshaw is my answer for this question. This book wasn’t amazing, but it did live up to my expectations. It was a good retelling of sorts, and I would recommend it to others that enjoyed ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’.
Related: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen // Book Review

I hope that you liked this post, because I really have a good time doing tags. I have tagged a few people below, but I tag anyone reading this post to do it as well. And, don’t forget to hit that follow button before you leave.

I Tag
Books and Sensibility
Writing Rose Read
Enchanted Elfie

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Reading Wrap-Up // August 2022

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Below is my August wrap-up! I show all the books that I read in the month of August and my ratings for them. August was a great reading month, since I was able to read 13 books. My ratings were all over the place and I had my first 1 star read of the year. In the comments, let me know if you are excited to see my reviews for each of these books. And, feel free to follow not only my blog but my booktok (@bookswithbunny) and bookstagram (@books.with.bunny).

Rereading Books // Bunny Babbles

- Bunny Leave a comment


Hi Friends,
Recently, I was considering rereading a book that I read a few years ago. Well, I wondered to myself if rereads should count towards people’s reading goals for the year. I am the type of reader that actually enjoys rereading books. Yet there are some exceptions to my rereading. I wouldn’t necessarily read a thriller over again, since it’s less impactful the second time around. But, I love rereading YA contemporaries!

Every year, I reread ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens and ‘The Afterlife of Holly Chase’ by Cynthia Hand. But, I think it is pretty normal to reread holiday books, since people rewatch their favorite holiday films every year.

There are some books that I do want to read again, because I can’t fully remember them. And, I always try to reread a series if it’s been over a year since I read the previous books. I am someone that does count rereads towards my yearly reading goal, because whether I’ve already read it or not, I’m still technically reading. A reading goal is for all the books you read that year, right? It isn’t just for new books read in a year.

In the comments, I would love to know where you stand on rereading, if they should count towards your yearly reading goal. Please follow my book blog, so that I know you like these types of posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Related Post: The Afterlife of Holly Chase Book Review

Friday Reads #11

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
I haven’t done a Friday reads post in a while, so I thought it would be fun to share my weekend reading plans. This weekend the Summer Mixtape Readathon is set to end, which I have been participating in. And, I only have one book left to read for the readathon. Now that’s enough chitchat let’s talk books.


“Nightmare Before Christmas fans rejoice! Long Live the Pumpkin Queen picks up where the beloved film left off, with Sally in her new role as the Queen of Halloween Town. This delightful return to The Nightmare Before Christmas universe is sure to appeal to fans old and new.”


“From the star of MTV’s The Hills and The Hills: New Beginnings, a candid and insightful reflection on aughts tabloid fame, the powerlessness and loss of self in toxic situations, and the life-changing power of even our smallest choices.”


“The instant #1 New York Times bestseller! Stephanie Garber’s limitless imagination takes flight once more in the colorful, mesmerizing, and immersive sequel to the bestselling breakout debut Caraval. A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.”

Although, these are the books I’m planning to read this weekend I am not sure if I will read them all. Especially since I’ve become a mood reader. Honestly, I might just end up reading whatever I’m in the mood for at that moment. In the comments, tell me what you will be reading this weekend. Please support my book blog by giving it a quick follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

14 Ways To Die // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

Synopsis
A decade ago, Jess lost her mother to the Magpie Man, an infamous serial killer who is still at large and planning to kill again. Now, She’s going to use her new platform as the star of a YouTube reality series to catch him. That is, if he doesn’t catch her first.
Synopsis from Amazon

My Rating

 

My Thoughts
I had been seeing this book in stores for months, and decided to pick it up. I went into it fairly blind, but the cover and title were very intriguing. It was interesting to see that the plot centers around a serial killer and unsolved murders. The book follows Jess, a teenage girl, determined to find the Magpie Man, who is the serial killer responsible for her mother’s death.

To draw the Magpie Man out of hiding, Jess enters a YouTube reality competition where she documents her search for her mother’s killer. Honestly, I t think that the whole reality competition aspect was unnecessary. You didn’t learn much about the other contestants, and the story could have had the same outcome without the reality show element. The author could have simply made Jess start her own YouTube channel about the murders, instead of adding cameramen and show runners.

It was understandable that Jess wanted to bring her mom’s killer to justice, but she was too reckless about it. She was literally asking for a serial killer to come get her. She didn’t even have a plan as to what she’d do if she found the killer. You should always have a plan. However, she gets points for being bold, since I don’t know if I could be as brave as Jess is in the book.

Yet, I didn’t feel like we got to know Jess, or any of the other characters, much. All we really learn is that Jess spent her whole life wanting to avenge her mother’s death, which I found to be very unhealthy. However, her determination was understandable for the story. You could see that she has a lot of unresolved issues, and hasn’t fully come to terms with the loss of her mother.

Keep in mind that the book is very plot driven, which is the case with a lot of thrillers. Still, I want strong character development in addition to a solid mystery. For me, a successful book is made up of an engaging plot, and a forged connection with the characters. This book was lacking on the character front.

There is a romance that forms between Jess and someone, which progresses gradually. The love interest cared for Jess, and wanted her to stay safe. But they also understood that she had to see her plan out until the end. He didn’t understand her pain, but wanted to be there for her nonetheless.

We lie to sad people because we think it will make them feel better. But sad people see through lies. You can only trick happy people with bullshit.”

There weren’t many suspects, so it was hard to see where the story was going. When the killer was finally revealed, you started to put all the pieces together. The author did a good job of dropping bread crumbs throughout the book without making the serial killer’s identity too obvious.The book depicts that everyone has a story to tell, and some people’s stories might be more tragic than others. Also, a murder is never truly perfect. There is always some evidence left behind. Yet, the police overlooked certain things for years. More and more, a lot of books have been brave enough to call out the police and the justice system.

Overall, I was a fan of the writing style and the short chapters. The book went by fast, but still got the story across. The plot twist at the end was good, but I was hoping for more. I think that fans of ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ would thoroughly enjoy this book. Speaking of the “Good Girl’s” trilogy, I do have reviews up for all three of those books, if you want to know my thoughts on them.

In the comments, let me know if you have read anything by this author. I would love to know more about their other books. If you like bookish content, then be sure to follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny