Contemporary

Heartless | Book Review

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About The Book
Working as a nanny for a grumpy single dad should’ve been simple, but sparks fly when Cade Eaton and I end up in a hot tub one night. He’s thirteen years older, rough around the edges, but I can’t resist his rugged charm. Beneath his tough exterior lies a man who softens in quiet moments and melts my heart with his tenderness. My contract says two months, but my heart says forever.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/40Nc6CO

My Rating

I was both excited and nervous to start this book because I wasn’t the biggest fan of Flawless, the first book in this cowboy romance series. However, this book has single dad, nanny, age gap, and grumpy/sunshine tropes—things I usually enjoy.

From the first chapter, I didn’t think I’d love this book as much as I did. It had a similar vibe to Flawless, and the writing felt a bit awkward and forced at times. I wasn’t really invested in Willow and Cade’s story, which made it hard for me to enjoy the book.

However, by about 30% in, my opinion changed completely. I ended up loving the story and the characters. I liked Willow and Cade more than Summer and Rhett from Flawless. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was great, and Willow and Cade really complemented each other.

Their relationship felt natural. They didn’t dwell on their age difference, which I liked because they were both consenting adults. Even though Willow was younger, she wasn’t immature. She was driven and had her own goals, which I admired. She also helped Cade learn to put himself first sometimes.

“I’m definitely in my country-boy era.”

Cade was the perfect grumpy cowboy and single dad. He put his family first and had been through a lot, which made sense for why he was so guarded. What made their relationship even better was that Willow fell in love with Cade’s son before she even started to be interested in Cade.

The ending surprised me. I didn’t expect it to go where it did, and yes, I cried. It was an unexpected but fitting way to wrap up the book, even though it included a trope that isn’t usually people’s favorite. I loved the epilogue and am looking forward to seeing where the characters will be in the next book.

The only downside was the writing. The steamy scenes were good for the most part, but as I mentioned earlier, the writing felt a bit awkward at times. I’m hoping it improves in future books. I had similar thoughts about Flawless, so I’m keeping my expectations low regarding whether the writing will start to wow me.

Overall, Elsie Silver delivers another binge-worthy cowboy romance. This was my first single dad/nanny romance, and I’ll definitely be reading more. If you’re new to this trope, give this one a try. I’m excited to continue with the series and see more of these characters.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR! Don’t forget to like this post and share it with other bookworms. Hit the follow button to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Mika Moon, one of Britain’s few witches, lives a solitary life to keep her powers hidden—until she’s invited to Nowhere House to teach three young witches. There, she becomes entwined with an eclectic household, including the protective and prickly librarian, Jamie. As Mika finds a sense of belonging, she also discovers just how important family and love really are.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4fyj1DJ

My Rating

I want to say upfront that this isn’t meant as a criticism, but this book was just fine. After reading it, I found the writing good and the plot well-executed, but I didn’t have any strong feelings about it. Honestly, I don’t have many positive or negative thoughts about it. It was simply okay.

In the book, Mika Moon becomes a witch tutor for three young witch girls, despite witches in this world usually living alone for safety and protection. Mika takes the job and grows close not only to the girls but also to their caretakers. She starts to see a different way of living, one where she doesn’t have to stay so isolated.

A romance also develops between Mika and Jamie, a librarian and father figure to the young witches. I really enjoyed Jamie’s personality; he’s the classic grumpy guy, and there’s just something I love about a hot, grumpy nerd! As for Mika, she’s a ray of sunshine, and I think her backstory explains why she’s always trying to stay happy and positive.

“That was some excellent Mary Poppins shit right there.”

The heart of this book centers on the theme of found family. While I enjoyed the cute romance between Mika and Jamie, I especially loved seeing Mika find a group of people who accepted her and made her feel like she belonged—a connection she clearly needed, and one that I think will resonate with a lot of readers.

The magical elements contribute beautifully to the story without overshadowing other aspects. Jamie’s backstory was surprisingly deep, though it felt a bit unnecessary. Still, I appreciated how it helped bring him and Mika closer.

Overall, this is a solid, well-written read. The pacing is quick; I finished it in two days, though I probably could have read it in one if I’d really wanted to. My only issue is that the book doesn’t stand out and, unfortunately, didn’t give me the warm, cozy vibes I was hoping for. Still, I don’t have any other negatives to mention. Would I recommend it? Yes. Would I read it again? Probably not.

Let me know in the comments if this book is on your TBR! Like and share this post if you enjoyed it. And if you’d like to support my blog, follow it so you never miss a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

We Used To Live Here | Book Review

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About The Book
Young house-flippers Charlie and Eve score a great deal on an old home, but a family’s unexpected visit triggers eerie events. When their child goes missing and strange presences appear, the family won’t leave, and Charlie soon disappears too. As Eve’s grasp on reality fades, she begins to question what’s real and what horrors the house may hold.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/48qdFbw

My Rating

I’m not quite sure what to say about this book—it wasn’t as scary or compelling as people claimed. Still, it was weird and unlike anything I’ve read before. Sadly, the plot didn’t captivate me at all. I’m always down for a good strange, psychological thriller unfortunately, this book fell so flat and bored to me at times. OK, it bored me most of the time.

It was such a hard book for me to get through, and I don’t exactly know why because the plot was interesting. In the first few chapters, I was really wanting to know what was going to happen. We have a main character, Eve, who is a bit socially awkward and shy. When a family appears on her and her girlfriend’s doorstep, claiming the father once lived there, she lets them in—but things quickly get weird.

The setup makes you want to keep reading to figure out what the family is really doing there and where things are going to go. But by the 20% mark, I found myself not really caring about the story or the characters. There were some interesting moments here and there, but overall, I felt like I was just pushing myself to get through the book.

“Get them to leave. Whatever means necessary…”

The story didn’t scare or shock me at all. I had a lot of questions throughout, hoping they’d be answered by the end, but I felt like none of them really were. It seemed like the author added many elements to make the book stand out or feel different from other horror novels. However, some things didn’t flow together, and I couldn’t understand the overarching plot. Maybe I just prefer straightforward horror, and elevated horror isn’t my thing.

That said, I did like the main character’s development throughout the book. She starts off shy and passive but grows increasingly suspicious, strong, and determined. I think the author was trying to make her somewhat of an unreliable narrator, but I never truly felt she was. I was on her side throughout the entire book.

Overall, this isn’t a bad book, but it’s far from the scariest thing I’ve ever read. I don’t really understand the hype behind it. I’m not sure if my issues were with the plot or the writing. It might have been the added mixed-media excerpts that felt unnecessary. Nevertheless, it’s not a book I’d recommend to other horror lovers. And let me just say, the ending truly frustrated me.

In the comments, let me know if you share my thoughts on this book or if you enjoyed it. Don’t forget to like and share this post with all your reader friends. Hit the follow button; it’s completely free and helps my blog grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Witch Of Wild Things | Book Review

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About The Book
Sage Flores returns to her hometown eight years after her sister’s death, resuming her job at Cranberry Rose Company. She’s forced to work with Tennessee Reyes, her high school crush who she never fully got over. While juggling a ghostly sister, a stormy sibling, and an old flame, Sage navigates the tangled roots of her past and the new growth of her heart.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3BBsStZ

My Rating

This book is perfect for bridging the gap between summer and fall, with a mix of witchcraft and a touch of magic. Think Practical Magic meets Encanto and I loved every minute of it. The plot, characters, and unique twist on a second-chance romance make it a really engaging read. The romance involves secret high school pen pals—or AIM friends—which adds a fun twist to the typical second-chance story.

Sage Flores, the main character, is incredibly well-developed. She’s dealing with guilt over her younger sister Skye’s death, a tough relationship with her other sister Teal, and still holding on to her anger that when they were growing up, she had to act like a mother figure to her siblings and wasn’t able to be a kid herself. Despite these challenges, Sage’s protective nature and her journey to stand up for herself make her a character you’ll root for.

Even though second-chance romances usually aren’t my thing, this one stood out because it’s different from the usual plot. The reasons for the original conflict make sense, especially considering the characters were teenagers. Tennessee, the love interest, is fantastic and definitely falls first. There is something about the guy falling first in a romance that I just love.

“They needed to break. So now the roots and leave can come out and everything can bloom again.”

The side characters, especially Sage’s sisters Teal and Skye, add a lot to the story. Teal might come off as a bit harsh at first, but there’s more to her character than meets the eye. I also enjoyed Skye’s fun and adventurous personality. The magic tied to the Flores family is really interesting and make the plot even more compelling. I’m a sucker for a good witchy story, and this one didn’t disappoint.

The writing is great, balancing fast-paced action with slower, more thoughtful moments. Even when the plot slows down, I stayed hooked on the characters and their journey. The ending is satisfying and leaves room for more stories with these characters.

Overall, I wouldn’t call this a romcom but more of a magical realism or paranormal romance. If you’re interested in or new to romantasy, this is a good place to start. It’s a lighter take on the genre, with less world-building but a similar feel, making it an enjoyable read.

If you enjoyed this review or have read the book yourself, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please like, comment, and share this post. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more reviews and bookish content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Hysterical Girls Of St. Bernadette’s | Book Review

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About The Book
For over a hundred years, St. Bernadette’s has shaped the best and brightest girls. Then, the screaming starts. Seventeen students fall victim, including Khadijah’s sister and Rachel herself. As hysteria spreads, Khad and Rachel must uncover the school’s dark secrets to stop the terror. But something sinister is lurking, waiting for its next victim.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4eoFLGb

My Rating

Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC of ‘The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette’s’. While I’m grateful for the opportunity to read it early, please know that all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own and remain honest and unbiased.

I loved how the story began. It was captivating and made me eager to know what would happen next. It follows two perspectives, Rachel and Khadijah, who lead different lives but both attend St. Bernadette’s. After a traumatic event, Khadijah becomes silent and guarded, and the random screaming at school deeply affects her.

Rachel is raised by a sophisticated single mother who pressures her to excel and get into a top university. She feels overwhelmed and wants to rebel against her mother’s expectations and criticism. At first, she dismisses the screaming as unimportant but starts to think there might be more to it. Both girls have fascinating lives and perspectives.

Usually one of my biggest annoyances in any book that has dual perspectives is when the two characters don’t interact. It feels as though there are two separate storylines going on at once. But in this book, it worked because of the subject matter. I don’t want to give too much away, but it basically shows how to people can be going through the same thing, seeing each other everyday, and not even know what they share.

“What matters is what I know to be true.”

I feel like by the 50% mark, the book really kicked up the pace, and that is when I couldn’t put the book down. Even though it deals with such a heavy topic, there is the mystery element that I think really helps the story from being super serious. However, there were times when I felt for these girls, and they truly did feel like real people. Although some of the things in the story are fiction, the root of the plot is very much true, and could hit close to home for some readers.

The author knew how to tell this story in such a way that I think a lot of teenagers will find interesting. She crafted an intense, heartbreaking, and interesting story, that is part supernatural mystery, and part coming-of-age contemporary. It really gets you thinking in almost the way I feel that a non-fiction book dealing with similar topics would. It’s a very original story that I know will stick with me.

Overall, this is such a good book, and while I don’t have a deep personal connection to it, I know others might. The author tackles serious real-world issues in a thoughtful way, and the paranormal mystery elements make it less overwhelming to read. I wouldn’t classify this as horror, but it’s still impactful and engaging. Be sure to check the content warnings before diving in, and despite not typically loving books with such heavy themes, I can see myself recommending this one to others.

Let me know in the comments if this book is on your TBR! Also, the audiobook is available on Everand, and as always, you can use my link (click here) to get a free trial of the service. Don’t forget to like and share this post and follow the blog for more book reviews!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

6 Romance Books I’ll Fall In Love With

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Hi Friends,
September 28th marked 20 years since Jesse McCartney’s Beautiful Soul album was released. While the Internet lists various dates for the album’s release, Jesse himself confirmed that it was released on September 28, 2004. Back in the day, my sister and I loved the show Summerland, and when I was thirteen, I attended one of Jesse McCartney’s very first concerts. In honor of the 20th anniversary, I decided to share six romances that I’m pretty sure I will love!


This Spells Love By Kate Robb
“A young woman tries to heal her heartbreak by casting a spell to erase her ex from her past, but she wakes up in an alternate reality where she’s lost more than she wished for in this witty, whimsical friends-to-lovers debut.”

This magical realism romcom sounds perfect for me; everything about the premise is right up my alley.

The Nanny By Lana Ferguson
“A woman discovers the father of the child she is nannying may be her biggest (Only)Fan in this steamy contemporary romance by Lana Ferguson.”

Give me a single-dad romance with spice, and I’ll be happy! I also believe this is an age-gap romance, which has been one of my favorite tropes lately.

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care By Ashley Herring Blake
“A clever and steamy queer romantic comedy about taking chances and accepting love—with all its complications—from the author of Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail.”

I’m not sure where I first heard about this book, but it’s been on my radar for the past year. I know it’s a favorite sapphic romance for many, and it apparently features the one-bed trope.


The Comeback By Lily Chu
“Who is Ariadne Hui? Laser-focused lawyer diligently climbing the corporate ladder? The “perfect” daughter living out her father’s dream? Shocking love interest of South Korea’s hottest star?”

I previously read a book by this author that I gave five stars, so I’m hopeful I’ll love this one too. It is a celebrity-regular person romance, which is a plot that I’ve enjoyed before.

The Love of My Afterlife By Kirsty Greenwood
“A recently deceased woman meets “the one” in the afterlife waiting room, scoring a second chance at life (and love!) if she can find him on earth before ten days are up.”

This book became popular out of nowhere, and it’s another cute magical realism adult romance. As you can tell, magical realism has become one of my favorite genres, and I’m curious about all the hype surrounding this book.

Love in the Time of Serial Killers By Alicia Thompson
“Turns out that reading nothing but true crime isn’t exactly conducive to modern dating—and one woman is going to have to learn how to give love a chance when she’s used to suspecting the worst.”

I’ve heard mixed things about this book, but the synopsis and title make me think it’ll be a cheesy, silly Hallmark movie and I don’t mind that at all. Some of my favorite romances have that feel-good vibe!

There you have it, six adult romcoms that I’m sure will become new favorites of mine. If you’ve read any of these books, let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget that liking and sharing this post helps it reach other book lovers. If you want to be part of my bookish community, please hit the follow button!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

3 Banned Books To Add To Your TBR

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Happy Banned Books Week! I want to start by saying that I don’t support banning or challenging books in any way. Just because a book touches on a sensitive topic or doesn’t end with a happily ever after doesn’t mean it should be banned. There’s definitely a place for those stories in literature, and no reader should miss out on them. Everyone deserves the freedom to choose what they want to read, and no author should face silencing.

Thanks for letting me hop on my little soapbox for Banned Books Week! Now, I’d love to share a few banned and challenged books that are on my TBR.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
I have both this book and the prequel, ‘The First to Die at the End‘, on my TBR. It combines sci-fi and dystopian elements in a world where you receive a call the day before you die. An app called Last Friend helps you find someone to spend your last day with. I believe it also features an LGBTQ+ romance. Just from the title, I can tell this book is going to break my heart.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman
This dystopian novel hasn’t been banned, but people have challenged it because its main theme revolves around death. The story takes place in a world where people no longer die naturally, so Scythes train to control the population by deciding who lives and who dies. I might be a bit off on the synopsis, but that’s the general idea. It sounds like a fascinating series, and I know it’s hugely popular.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
I’ve had this one on my TBR for years, so I’m not sure when I’ll actually get to it, and I don’t know the full plot. From what I gather, it follows two teenagers in the 1980s, and I think it’s a love story. I’ve heard it’s a YA contemporary that explores love and coming-of-age, and people really hyped it up when it first came out.

So, there you have it three banned and challenged books that I’m excited to read! The great news is that you can find all of these books on Everand. I know I sound like a broken record, but you can use my link (click here) to get a free trial, which I really recommend.

As readers, we need to stand up against those who try to silence authors by supporting their work and sharing why banning books is wrong. One of my favorite books, ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger, is banned, and I think that’s absolutely ridiculous. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on an amazing story!

Before you go, it would mean the world to me if you left a comment and liked this post. If you want to support my little blog even more, please share this post and hit the follow button!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Final Draft | Book Review

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About The Book
Laila Piedra only takes risks in the sci-fi worlds she writes about. When her supportive creative writing teacher is replaced by Pulitzer Prize-winning Nadiya Nazarenko, who is harsh and unimpressed, Laila becomes obsessed with earning her approval. She begins to feel like she has to choose between perfection and sanity, but deep down, Laila wonders if letting go of her mentor is the only way to truly find herself.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Zw5gRy

My Rating

This book left me with mixed feelings. While there weren’t any major issues with the plot or characters, I just didn’t feel a strong connection to either. It follows Laila, a sci-fi fan who wants to be a writer, and her life changes when a new teacher takes over her creative writing class. The teacher becomes a big influence in Laila’s life, causing her to question both her writing abilities and her identity.

A key theme in the book is about losing yourself while trying to please others. The new teacher, even though they’re a successful writer, doesn’t really teach, which leaves Laila and her classmates feeling uncertain about their work. This really hit home for me—it reminded me that creativity is personal, and trying to get others’ approval can make you lose your own voice.

Redgate hints at Laila’s mental health struggles throughout the story, which become clearer halfway through. These hints add depth to her struggles with writing, friendships, and her sexuality, making her feel more real and layered.

That said, the event that triggered Laila’s mental health decline didn’t quite make sense to me, and I often found myself wondering why it had such a big impact on her. However, I believe the author used it to symbolize how a single event can deeply affect someone who is already struggling mentally—it was about losing stability and support in her life.

“Let’s short circuit in the rain.”

The romance in the book was okay, but I didn’t feel very connected to the love interest since the other characters weren’t fleshed out enough, in my opinion. The focus is mainly on Laila throughout the book, so we don’t get much insight into her other relationships, which made it hard for me to fully invest in her romantic storyline.

What stood out the most for me was Riley Redgate’s writing style. It’s engaging and kept me reading, even when I wasn’t totally sure where the story was going. While I probably wouldn’t read this book again or strongly recommend it, I do think it’s well-written and touches on some important themes.

Overall, the story explores finding your identity and the risks of looking for validation from others. It didn’t totally click with me, but its strengths lie in its writing and thoughtful approach, which could appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

Let me know your thoughts on the book in comments! You can also listen to this audiobook and many others with an Everand subscription. Sign up for a free trial using my link (click here). If you liked this review, please consider following my blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

September 2024 | To Be Read

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today, I’m sharing my September TBR! Throughout the year, I’ve been changing up how I choose my monthly TBR, but for September, I decided to let some of my favorite book content creators pick my books. I’m nervous about some of their choices, but I hope I enjoy them all.

Witch Of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Legend goes that long ago a Flores woman offended the old gods, and their family was cursed as a result. Now, every woman born to the family has a touch of magic.

In An Instant by Suzanne Redfearn

Heartrending yet ultimately redemptive, In an Instant is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and carrying on…even when it seems impossible.

We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

Get Out meets Parasite in this eerily haunting debut and Reddit hit about two homeowners whose lives are turned upside down when the house’s previous residents unexpectedly visit.

A Touch Of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

From bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair comes a dark and enthralling reimagining of the Hades and Persephone Greek myth.

“Let me worship you,” he said.

She remembered the words she had whispered to him in the back of the limo after La Rose. “You will worship me, and I won’t even have to order you.” His request felt sinful and devious, and she reveled in it.

She answered, “Yes.”

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Icebreaker is a swoonworthy college romance about an ice skater and the hockey captain she hates as they’re forced to share a rink.

A Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

You should never talk to strangers. With his flight delayed, Ted Severson meets Lily Kintner, a magnetic stranger, in an airport bar. In the netherworld of international travel and too many martinis, he confesses his darkest secrets, about his wife’s infidelity and how he wishes her dead. Without missing a beat Lily offers to help him carry out the task.

So, that’s my September TBR, but of course, I’ll try to read more books throughout the month. Also, feel free to follow me on Bookstagram (@Books.With.Bunny) and BookTok (@BooksWithBunny) for more content. If you enjoy TBR posts and bookish content, follow the blog to get updates whenever a new post goes up.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Love On The Brain | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Bee Königswasser, a neuroengineer, lands her dream project at NASA but must co-lead with her old grad school nemesis, Levi Ward. Despite his heroics and undeniable attraction, Levi once made it clear they were enemies. As Bee’s career hits snags with missing equipment and uncooperative staff, she notices Levi becoming more of an ally. Torn between her growing feelings and the risks involved, Bee must decide what her next move will be.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4czbnHn

My Rating

I’ve heard this book compared a lot to ‘The Love Hypothesis,’ Ali Hazelwood’s first STEM romance, with people saying it has a very similar plot. However, I don’t see that at all, apart from the sunshiny and somewhat clueless main female character, and of course, the STEM setting. There aren’t many similarities between the books, and the tropes in each are completely different.

Honestly, as someone who loved ‘The Love Hypothesis,’ I enjoyed this one slightly more and think it’s an underrated novel where Ali Hazelwood is concerned. The main female character, Bee, is a Marie Curie-obsessed scientist who is offered her dream job working on a project for NASA. Unfortunately, she has to work with her grad school nemesis, Levi.

You might think this is an enemies-to-lovers story with a touch of workplace romance. However, that’s not the case; there is so much more to the plot. I loved Bee and Levi’s interactions throughout the book. She was so sure that he hated her, but that simply wasn’t true. And yes, one could say she was oblivious, but I found it hilarious.

“Science is reliable in its variability. Science does whatever the fuck it wants. God, I love science.”

There was this whole ‘You’ve Got Mail’-esque plot that I didn’t expect but loved. I’m a big fan of secret pen pals or, in this case, online friends. It adds such a fun layer to the story, and I couldn’t wait for things to be revealed. I will say that this book wasn’t a quick read, but the plot was more than just romance; a lot happened within 350 pages.

The characters Ali writes are amazing, and all you want is for them to get their HEA. For me, Bee and Levi complemented each other wonderfully, and they might even be one of my new favorite couples. However, I have a feeling I’ll be saying that about all the couples in Ali Hazelwood’s books.

Overall, I think this book shouldn’t be disregarded. The plot is interesting, the side characters are great, the banter is wonderful but not overwhelming, and the romance is fantastic. Also, the spice in this book is great! It’s open-door, and I would rate it a 3 out of 5 on the steamy scale, but that might be a bit too high.

Please let me know in the comments if you’ve read this book. Also, feel free to follow me on Instagram for more bookish content. And if you enjoy my blog, please show some love by giving it a quick follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny