Contemporary

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

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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

Back To School | Book Recommendations

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Hi Friends,
I can’t believe it’s already back-to-school season! The months have flown by so quickly, but I’m excited for fall. I know some of you might not be thrilled about school starting again, so I thought I’d share some book recommendations to help you get into the back-to-school spirit.

Matilda by Roald Dahl
This middle-grade novel is a quick read about a young girl with a tough home life. Matilda loves to read and is excited about going to school for the first time. I enjoyed both the book and its movie adaptation.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
This book is packed with drama, friendships, and a murder mystery. It starts right at the beginning of a new school year, and it’s a fast-paced read that keeps you hooked.
Related Post: One Of Us Is Lying | Book Review

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
This YA mystery kicks off a series about a teenage girl who loves true crime and attends a boarding school where a murder takes place. I didn’t love it, but if you enjoy boarding school settings, it’s worth a read, especially in the fall.

The Ivies by Alexa Donne
Another YA mystery thriller, this book is set in a boarding school and revolves around students aiming for Ivy League colleges, with a murder thrown into the mix. It wasn’t my favorite, but it fits the back-to-school theme.
Related Post: The Ivies | Book Review

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This contemporary YA novel is great for starting the school year, especially if you’re figuring things out about yourself. The main character has a supportive family and friends but still struggles with his identity. The book has a fantastic ending and a movie adaptation worth watching.

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s a dark academia novel involving a secret society and magic. It sounds like a good pick if you’re into fantasy elements.

There you go—some book recommendations for back-to-school reading. If you have an Everand subscription, some of these books are available there. If you want to try out the service, you can use my link (click here) for a free trial. Check out my Amazon Storefront page for all the titles mentioned here. Don’t forget to click follow so you never miss a post!

Beach Read | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
Augustus Everett, a literary fiction author, and January Andrews, a romance writer, are polar opposites. They end up as neighbors in beach houses, both struggling with writer’s block. To shake things up, they make a deal: Augustus will write a happy story, and January will attempt a serious novel. As they explore each other’s worlds, they vow not to fall in love—though that might be inevitable.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3YOSmOa

My Rating

I’d heard so much about ‘Beach Read’ by Emily Henry before picking it up, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of her most popular books. I initially thought it was an enemies-to-lovers story, but it’s more of an opposites-attract situation, which was a pleasant surprise.

What really caught me off guard was the depth of the main character, January. I went into the book expecting a light and fluffy rom-com, but her struggles added an unexpected heaviness to the story. These layers made her character much more relatable and interesting to follow.

The interactions between January and Augustus, the male lead, were a highlight for me. Their chemistry felt genuine, not just driven by witty banter, which made their connection feel authentic. Their agreement to write books in each other’s genres was a fun twist, and I loved their research outings together. You could feel their attraction build gradually, rather than being an instant connection, which made it even more satisfying.

I appreciated how the characters learned to open up to each other while still dealing with their personal issues independently. This gave their relationship a healthy dynamic, avoiding the trap of a rebound or grief-driven romance. I also liked how they pushed each other out of their comfort zones, not just in their writing but in their personal growth.

“People were complicated. They weren’t math problems; they were collections of feelings and decisions and dumb luck.”

The only part that left me conflicted was how January’s issues with her dad were resolved. While I didn’t dislike the direction it took, I wasn’t a fan of it either. That said, I understand it was a complicated and messy situation, so I get that it isn’t something that can be easily resolved. However, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.

The writing was fantastic, and I’m realizing that I might just be an Emily Henry fan. While her style isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, it’s impressive to learn that she didn’t even consider herself a romance writer when she wrote this book. Knowing she primarily wrote young adult books before this showcases just how talented she is.

Overall, I can see why this book gets so much hype, and for once, I actually agree with it. I know—shocker! If you’re looking for a fun romance that still touches on deeper topics, this is a great pick. It’s the perfect beach read—pun intended—that you can easily devour in a day. Also, if I had to rate this book on a spice scale, I would say it’s probably a 2 out of 5, so the sexy scenes aren’t that intense.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book or if it’s on your TBR. Don’t forget to share this post with other book lovers. And if you enjoy bookish content, click the follow button so you never miss a post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Asking For A Friend | Book Review

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About The Book
Juliana Zhao, confident in her expertise on love and her chance to win the Asian Americans in Business Competition, is forced to team up with her frenemy, Garrett Tsai, after her partner drops her. As they clash over their dating advice column, Juliana starts questioning her priorities and the sacrifices she’s made. With the competition intensifying, she must decide if winning is worth it.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3y90Apd

My Rating

*I want to thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. However, please know that my reviews are 100% honest and reflect my own thoughts.*

This is an interesting book to explain because it is so much more than a romance and even a love advice column as the synopsis suggests. That isn’t a bad thing, but there are many layers to the story. It dives deep into the complexities of family expectations, personal growth, and the cultural pressures faced by its characters. To me, this multi-faceted approach makes the book stand out in the crowded YA genre.

The main protagonist, Julianna, is always trying to live up to her mother’s high expectations and standards. She tries not to make waves like her older, disowned sister Bella, or her younger sister Hattie, who isn’t shy about questioning their mother. Her goal is to win the Asian Americans in Business Competition started by her deceased father, get into an Ivy League school, and become a success. This relentless pursuit of perfection adds a lot of tension and depth to her character.

I loved how Julianna’s thoughts and plans evolved throughout the book. Her character development was remarkable. Her relationship with Garrett, her former childhood friend, was especially touching because they both understood each other, despite their different struggles. Their reconnection felt genuine, and you could see them growing from friends into something more.

“I wanted the days when I didn’t even know what it was to think of the future.”

This book really focuses on Taiwanese culture and the type of pressure that, I assume, many Asian children have put on them. However, it was nice that the author showcased that not all Asian families hold their children to such high standards and let them make their own choices without judgment. This gave a clearer and more detailed view of cultural expectations.

The writing in this book was a pleasant surprise because, for a YA novel, it didn’t feel too juvenile. In my opinion, the story was well thought out, and there were no moments when the characters seemed immature. The reasoning behind Julianna and Garrett’s falling out was very realistic and understandable, which I appreciated.

Overall, I was surprised by the heavier and sadder parts of the plot. I expected the book to focus more on the advice column, but it turned out to be about following your own advice and figuring out what you want from life. I think many teens, especially those in the Asian community, can relate to this story. I also love a story with an epilogue, and this one wrapped things up nicely.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR and whether you think you give good advice. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. As always, please hit the follow button before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Red, White, and Blue Books // July 4th Reading

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
In honor of the 4th of July holiday, I wanted to share some red, white, and blue books. These might not be my all-time favorite books in these colors, but they are definitely ones worth checking out. I know this post isn’t the most original, but I love recommending books I’ve enjoyed. I hope you might find joy in them too!

Buy The Book

‘Summer’s Edge’ By Dana Mele
I am going to be upfront and admit that this isn’t truly a favorite of mine, but I think the concept of this book is really cool. It’s a queer young adult paranormal thriller that takes place during the summer. Although I had my issues with it, I do think that it is a pretty decent summer thriller. Also, it is compared to *I Know What You Did Last Summer*, which, if you are a horror movie fan, takes place during July 4th.
Related Post: Summer’s Edge // Book Review

Buy The Book

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ By Holly Jackson
I really wanted to give out new recommendations, but when it came to a white book, the only one that stood out was *A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder*. I’m not going to rave about it too much since it is a widely popular YA mystery book, but this is such a good, fast-paced mystery with great characters and an interesting storyline.
Related Post: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder // Book Review

Buy The Book

‘How Not to Fall in Love’ By Jacqueline Firkins
This is a blue book that I think is underrated. It is a young adult friends-to-lovers romance. I found it to be so cute, and it has the exchange of service plot that I adore. The plot follows Harper, who tries to teach her hopeless romantic best friend Theo how not to fall in love with every girl they go out with. I read this book really fast, so if you’re looking for a quick and cute read, you should definitely give this book a chance.
Related Post: How Not to Fall in Love // Book Review

There you have three recommendations for books to read this 4th of July. These books might not take place during the summer holiday, but they are still good reads nonetheless. Before you leave, hit the follow button so that you get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

She Drives Me Crazy // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
After an embarrassing loss to her ex-girlfriend in their first basketball game, seventeen-year-old Scottie Zajac gets into a fender bender with her nemesis, Irene Abraham, head cheerleader. Irene’s car needs repairs, forcing them to carpool and endure a rocky relationship. Scottie then bribes Irene into a fake-dating scheme to get back at her toxic ex and climb the social ladder. The scheme threatens to reveal real feelings between Scottie and Irene.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4e7ppSQ

My Rating

Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. It’s one of those books that just didn’t leave a lasting impression. Maybe it’s because it’s a YA contemporary, and sometimes they tend to blur together in my mind, but I don’t remember much about the story itself.

I do know that this is a queer romance with an enemies-to-lovers twist. However, I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two main female characters. You could also call it a forced proximity romance, since they (reluctantly) have to drive to school together, and there is a bit of fake dating involved as well, so this book incorporates a lot of very popular tropes.

One aspect I did enjoy was how the story highlights that not all cheerleaders are just pretty faces, and that cheerleading is tough work and a real sport. It also touches on the disparity in attention and recognition between women’s and men’s sports, with one of the main characters being a female basketball player.

“People break our hearts, but they create more room in them first, and that room makes it possible for us to become more ourselves.”

The personal struggles of the main characters were far more interesting than their romance, as far as I’m concerned. Scottie is dealing with a breakup, and coming to terms with the less-than-great aspects of her past relationship. Meanwhile, Irene is grappling with her sexuality, and the fallout from a toxic friendship that played with her emotions.

Overall, the romance was cute, and it’s a quick read if you’re looking for a light queer contemporary romance. But the developing love story wasn’t the most compelling part of the story. I wouldn’t say this is a must-read, and it’s definitely not a book I’ll remember in the future. This is pretty obvious since my memory of the plot is already fading.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. You can listen to this audiobook on Everand, and if you use my link (click here), you can get a free trial. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. Your continued support means a lot to me, so please hit the follow button before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

June 2024 // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
Today, I’m sharing my June TBR, and I couldn’t be more excited! June is my birthday month, so I’ve come up with a special way to choose my TBR using a ‘Roll The Dice’ game. The game is pretty simple: I use a six-sided die, roll it once to determine the column, and roll it again to find the row and prompt. I hope that makes sense. As usual, I’m picking five prompts, but to make things more interesting, if I roll the same number three times, I’ll add an extra roll. This rule only applies once, so I’ll never have more than six books on my TBR.


For this prompt, I chose ‘Bunny’ by Mona Awad. I’m both excited and nervous to read this book because I have such high expectations for it. It will be devastating if I don’t enjoy it, but maybe I’m being too dramatic.

This prompt means I have to scroll through Instagram (Bookstagram) and read the first book I see that I own. The first picture I saw that included a book on my physical TBR was shared by wallflower.bookshop. It showed the entire Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver, so I’ll be reading ‘Heartless’, the second book in this companion cowboy romance series.

This one might make my June reading a bit chaotic since I’m adding two books to my TBR. The first book that came to mind was ‘Magnolia Parks’ by Jessa Hastings. I discovered that ‘Magnolia Parks’ can be tandem-read with ‘Daisy Haites’, so I’ll be reading both. Unfortunately, I don’t own these books, so they won’t help reduce my physical TBR.

The only book I could think of for this prompt is ‘The Unmaking of June Farrow’ by Adrienne Young. I’m a bit disappointed that I don’t own this book either, but I’ve heard great things about it and have been wanting to read it.


For this prompt, I chose an ARC I received from NetGalley called ‘A Game Most Foul’ by Alison Gervais, which will be released on June 18th. I’m a bit nervous because I’ve never read anything by this author. However, I do enjoy a good YA mystery.


For this prompt, I picked ‘The Last Girls Standing’ by Jennifer Dugan, a young adult thriller about the surviving counselors of a summer camp massacre. This book sounds like a fast-paced thriller and includes LGBT representation, which is perfect since June is Pride Month.

That’s my June TBR! Let me know in the comments what you plan on reading this month. Don’t forget to check out Everand, my favorite audiobook and ebook subscription service, to see if any of these books are available. By using my link (click here), you can get a free trial of the of Everand. Before you go, please show your support by following the blog.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

With And Without You // Book Review

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About The Book
High school seniors Siena and Patrick, dubbed Couple Most Likely to Marry, face a dilemma as college approaches. Siena questions whether staying together is right for their future, but before she can voice her concerns, Patrick announces his family’s move to Austin. Despite the distance, their relationship evolves during visits throughout the school year, leading Siena to rediscover her love for Patrick.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3R3Pg4a

My Rating

I adored this book and found it to be an absolutely charming young adult love story. Initially, I gave it 4 stars, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it deserved 5 stars. This surprised me since I don’t usually rate this author duo’s books so highly.

The story follows high school student Siena, who feels defined by her long-term relationship with Patrick. She decides it’s time to end the relationship, but when Patrick reveals he’s moving, she ultimately agrees to try long distance. Siena hopes this will give her the opportunity to grow without losing Patrick.

I am team Patrick all the way! He was kind, understanding, and confident. However, Siena was probably the only downside of the book. She spent too much time debating whether to end her relationship, which became a bit annoying.

“The distance doesn’t matter. It doesn’t define our relationship, because we’ll always have this—being together—eventually. It’s more like a Temporarily Distant Relationship.”

Even so, I enjoyed the storyline. As a former long-distance relationship (LDR) girlfriend, I know how challenging they can be. It was nice to see both characters grow individually and reignite the spark in their relationship. I loved how the plot focused on the lack of communication, which is often what ends a relationship.

The ending was perfect! Honestly, there were some moments I didn’t see coming, which I loved. Normally, a young adult contemporary doesn’t have many surprises, so it was an added bonus to see the authors take the road less traveled.

Overall, I will probably continue to read this author duo’s young adult books. This is a solid contemporary that will make you laugh, cry, and smile. It is now one of my favorite young adult reads, and I will be recommending it to other YA contemporary readers. Hopefully, I will continue to find more gems like this within the genre.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve ever been in a long-distance relationship. Don’t forget to support my blog by getting post notifications. All you have to do is hit the follow button.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Weyward // Book Review

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About The Book
In 2019, Kate escapes her abusive partner to live in Weyward Cottage, inherited from a mysterious great-aunt. In 1619, Altha awaits trial for murder, desperately fighting accusations of witchcraft. During World War II, Violet is confined to her family’s estate, seeking answers about her mother’s mysterious past. These intertwined stories of Kate, Altha, and Violet span five centuries, highlighting their resilience. “Weyward” is a captivating debut novel about female strength.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4bpemlU

My Rating

I’ll admit, I wasn’t immediately drawn into the story, but there was something about it that kept me intrigued. As I delved deeper, I found myself captivated by the historical elements and witchy vibes. Plus, the way all three characters and timelines were woven together was nothing short of brilliant.

I’ve never been a huge fan of historical fiction, but the book has completely changed my perspective. Turns out, I have a soft spot for stories that blend history with a touch of magical realism. Who knew? I think that the writing really helped me enjoy the genre, and I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author in the future.

Let’s talk characters. Altha, Violet, and Kate—three women from different time periods, each with their own story to tell. While I liked them all, I couldn’t shake the feeling that they lacked distinct personalities. Still, their journeys were compelling enough to keep me turning the pages.

“Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us.”

When it comes to pacing, it’s not what I’d call a fast-moving story. But you know what? That’s okay. The slower pace actually worked in favor of the narrative, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the plot and each character’s story. I was completely invested, despite having a pretty good idea of where the plot was headed.

Now, here’s something I didn’t love so much about the book. While I appreciated the feminist themes woven throughout, I couldn’t help but feel like the portrayal of men was a bit one-sided. Sure, not all men are saints, but lumping them all together felt a tad unfair. It would have been nice to see a broader range of male characters, acknowledging that while some men can be horrible, others can be kind and true of heart.

Overall, this is a beautifully written novel with an intriguing storyline. The ending tied everything up nicely, though I couldn’t shake the feeling that the feminist message was a bit heavy-handed. Still, it’s definitely worth a read, especially if you’re a fan of historical fiction with a magical twist. It’s 100% a girls supporting girls book, which is great, but it also contains a lot of triggering topics, so please check out Trigger Warning Database for a complete list.

Have you read “Weyward”? I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re interested in checking it out, the audiobook is available on Everand—I’ve got a link (click here) for a free trial if you’re interested. Don’t forget to hit that follow button for more bookish content!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny