Fantasy

Our Violent Ends | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
In 1927 Shanghai, Juliette must make Roma believe she’s guilty of murder to protect him from the Scarlets, while Roma, still grieving his best friend’s death, is determined to set things right. Amidst rising political tensions and a monstrous new threat, they must team up to save the city. But as they battle danger and secrets, their tangled feelings for each other become the greatest challenge.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hjcxK9

My Rating

This is the exciting sequel and conclusion to the These Violent Delights duology. For some context, it’s a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, and this book picks up right where the first one left off. It’s packed with just as much action and excitement, so be warned there are spoilers ahead!

We once again follow Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov. After everything that happened in the first book, they’re not on the best terms, but their feelings for each other are still there. This creates a lot of tension in the story as they try to navigate their personal drama while dealing with political and dangerous situations.

I actually liked the plot of this book even more than the first one. The slow-burn romance between Juliette and Roma is still there, keeping all the tension and angst without feeling repetitive. I’m honestly amazed at how Chloe Gong kept me hooked, especially since I usually prefer faster-paced romances.

The world-building in this series is so interesting, and all the characters are fun to read about. There’s also another romance in this book that I loved, adding even more to the story. Gong does such a great job creating an immersive world and characters that feel real.

“In this life and the next, for however long our souls remain, mine will always find yours.”

The plot kept me just as engaged as the first book. It builds on everything from book one and ties things together really well. I was hooked from start to finish, enjoying all the twists and surprises.

There was never a dull moment for me. There were some really heartbreaking parts that made me feel so much for the characters, and the ending hit me hard. I’m a sucker for a happier ending in Romeo and Juliet retellings, even though I know their story is always meant to end tragically.

Overall, this was an amazing and satisfying conclusion to Chloe Gong’s duology. I can’t wait to read more of her books, as she’s quickly become one of my favorite authors. If you haven’t started this series yet, I definitely recommend it!

Please let me know if you’ve read anything by this author! It would mean a lot if you could like this post, leave a comment, and share it with a friend. If you’d like to go the extra mile to help my blog grow, please consider following it.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

A Touch Of Darkness | Book Review

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About The Book
Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, has always caused flowers to wither at her touch. After a fateful card game with Hades, the God of the Dead, she’s bound by a contract to create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom. As she battles her own limitations and spends more time with Hades, she begins to wonder if her freedom isn’t the only thing at risk—but her heart as well.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4jeBlVd

My Rating

I want to gush about this book and say how amazing it is, but I’m having a hard time putting my thoughts into words. This doesn’t usually happen with my book reviews, so please excuse this one if it isn’t the most articulate. The main takeaway is that I absolutely loved this book and the romance. It’s one of those stories that isn’t particularly fast-paced, but you simply cannot put it down.

In the book, we follow Persephone and Hades, and if you couldn’t already guess, it’s a Persephone and Hades retelling. I didn’t know much about these two going into the book, but I want to mention this in case you’re really into Greek mythology. Persephone is a college student who gets lured into Hades’ world after unknowingly making a bet with him. Persephone isn’t naïve, nor is she afraid to stand up to Hades, which I loved about her.

Hades was very protective of Persephone early on. I adored how it almost felt like he fell in love with her first. Despite his feelings, he didn’t try to control her. He wanted her to see his softer side and understand that he wasn’t the evil god she initially believed him to be. There’s always a reason behind the choices he made and the things he did. I really enjoyed seeing this side of him while he still maintained his strong, intimidating god-like presence.

“Darling, that’s only the start of what I want to do to you.”

The plot was so engaging, and the conflict throughout the book was very understandable. There wasn’t much miscommunication, and let me just say—the spice was amazing! If you’re a closed-door romance reader, you could probably enjoy this book by skipping the spicy scenes, but for me, it was about a four out of five on the spice scale. That said, the book isn’t overloaded with spicy moments—it definitely prioritizes the story over smut.

The writing style was fantastic, and I felt the book ended nicely. I’m curious to see where the next book in the series will go. I especially loved how we got a few chapters from Hades’ perspective at the end. There’s also a book series that tells the same story solely from his perspective. While some might find it odd to read the same story twice, that’s just how good this book was—I’m honestly dying to see the story through his eyes.

Overall, this is such a good book—it’s seriously addictive. It’s a retelling, somewhat romantasy, and spicy read, which are all things I gravitate towards. I honestly don’t think I have any cons for this book, which is rare! It wasn’t too dark or overly insta-lovey—it had more of an ‘attraction at first sight’ vibe, which I found to be a nice touch.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR—do you enjoy mythology retellings? If you love book reviews and all things bookish, don’t forget to hit the follow button before you go!

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

January 2025 | To Be Read

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today I’m sharing my January 2025 TBR! I’m so excited for a new year, and I know there are only good things ahead. To make picking my TBR a little more fun (and because I’m terrible at coming up with bookish prompts), I decided to buy some amazing TBR cards off Etsy. I picked six prompt cards this month because I wanted to start the year with a realistic TBR. As a mood reader, I’m not always great at sticking to a TBR, but some months I may pick more prompts—like eight—depending on how much of a challenge I’m up for. Let’s jump into the cards I picked and the books I’ll be reading!

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Book Club
Some of you might not know that I’m a Rosy Sunday Social Club chapter host! For January, our pick is Intermezzo by Sally Rooney. I honestly know very little about this book, except that Sally Rooney typically writes adult literary fiction. There will be a happy hour discussion for this book, and you can grab free tickets [here]! I’d love for you to read the book and join me for a fun bookish conversation so we can share our thoughts!

In the comments, let me know what’s on your TBR for the month. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other readers! If you’d like to help my blog grow, please hit the follow button to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Kingdom of Sweets | Book Review

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About The Book
Twin sisters, cursed by their godfather, lead starkly different lives. One Christmas Eve, an enchanted Nutcracker transports them into the magical Kingdom of Sweets, where one makes a dangerous bargain with the mysterious and powerful Sugar Plum Fairy.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4guBouk

My Rating

This is a standalone fantasy and a retelling of The Nutcracker. I really enjoyed the author’s original take on the story and how fast-paced it was. The plot follows twin sisters Clara and Natasha, whom I found to be very interesting. Clara is cursed to embody light, while Natasha is cursed as the dark twin. Both sisters bear heavy burdens because of their gifts, and the story explores how these curses shape their lives and choices.

The plot was quite dark, but I found it fascinating. It really delves into how envy can fuel a person’s actions and the lengths someone will go to when they feel wronged. Natasha, the protagonist, was such a complex character. Although she’s initially portrayed as understanding and deeply loving toward her sister despite her dark curse, her actions throughout the story reveal that she does have some real darkness within her.

The worldbuilding in this book was incredible. The magical realm Johansen created was vivid, immersive, and at times even creepy, which added to the darker tone of the story. I also appreciated how the theme of forgiveness was explored—though forgiveness is offered in some cases, one can never truly forgive someone who has wronged them. As for the ending, it was intense, shocking, and very well done. It kept me guessing right up until the last page.

“Who really knew, after all, how the old fairy tales died, or where the story might end?”

That said, my biggest issue with this book is that it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. While I enjoyed it while reading, and there were so many strong elements, I don’t think it’s a story I’ll remember a year from now. For a book with such compelling characters and themes, it’s a bit disappointing that it doesn’t stand out more in my memory.

Even so, I think this story will appeal to many readers, especially those who don’t usually gravitate toward Nutcracker retellings. One of my favorite aspects was how the author took inspiration from The Nutcracker but turned it into something completely original. The darker, more complex direction she chose to take really brought new life to the story.

Overall, I did enjoy the book while I was reading it. It really is a story that shows how we are made up of both light and dark parts, and that no one is truly all light or all dark. While it might not have made a lasting impact on me, I still think it was a wonderful retelling and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh twist on a classic holiday tale.

In the comments, let me know if you have ever seen the actual ballet production of The Nutcracker. Sadly, I have not, but I have read some great retellings of the story. Don’t forget to like this post and share it with other readers. And if you would be so kind as to hit the follow button, that would be amazing.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Dream Book Haul | Amazon BOGO Edition

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Hi Friends,
Amazon is currently offering a buy-one, get-one 50% off deal on select books. I always try to take advantage of a good book sale, but I’m on a small book-buying ban at the moment. So, instead, I thought I’d share the books I would get if I were shopping the sale.

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The Women by Kristin Hannah
I haven’t read a Kristin Hannah book yet, as historical fiction isn’t necessarily a genre I gravitate toward. But I’ve heard wonderful things about her writing, and so much praise surrounds this novel in particular. The plot follows the journey of an Army Nurse in 1965. I can tell that this will be an impactful story. Fun fact about me, I love nursing and think it’s one of the most incredible careers.

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The Wedding People by Alison Espach
This book is known to be an emotional read, with a few trigger warnings, one being for miscarriage. As someone currently going through fertility challenges, I may not be emotionally ready for it right now, but I’ve heard it’s a beautifully written story. Although I don’t often read literary fiction, I think this one would be something I’d enjoy. Plus, the cover is gorgeous.

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Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz
If you know my reading taste, you’ll know I’m usually not a nonfiction girl. However, as a huge fan of One Tree Hill—where Bethany Joy Lenz played Haley James Scott—this memoir is definitely tempting. The show was a big part of my teens, so I’d love to support her by reading it. I’ll just have to overlook the controversy surrounding the book.

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Spectacular by Stephanie Garber
This is a holiday book set in the Caraval world. I don’t know much about the plot, except that it once again follows sisters Scarlett and Tella. I loved the Caraval trilogy, so reading another book with these characters at Christmastime sounds perfect.
Related Post: Caraval | Book Review

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Bloodguard by Cecy Robson
This book has the most beautiful sprayed edges, and it’s about gladiators! The plot sounds incredibly unique, with a deadly tournament and a tortured male lead. Plus, it features an enemies-to-lovers romance, a trope I adore (and probably most romance readers do too).

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The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen
This is a mythology-based romantasy retelling that’s been getting a lot of buzz. It’s said to be super fast-paced, with excellent writing and an amazing romance. This book has blown up in the book community, and I’m excited to see if it lives up to the hype.

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Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
I’ve never seriously considered diving into the Sarah J. Maas world, mainly because her series are so long and I’m unsure if the plots would interest me. However, I think I’d like to try her books, and what better time to get them than on sale? Throne of Glass seems like the right place to start, so I’d be tempted to pick it up for 50% off.

These are the six books I’d pick up if I were shopping the current Amazon book sale. If you’re not on a book-buying ban, I highly recommend checking them out and maybe adding a few to your cart. Don’t forget to like and share this post, and hit that follow button—your support really helps the blog reach other readers!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Romantasy | 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards

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Hi Friends,
We’re talking about the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards again! This time, I’m sharing my predictions for the romantasy category. I’m officially in my romantasy era, so I had a lot of fun picking out five books that I feel confident will be nominated. For many, voting in this category will be tough!

Bride by Ali Hazelwood
People seem to have mixed opinions on whether this is actually a romantasy or paranormal romance. However, since it’s tagged as fantasy romance on Goodreads, it’s safe to say that if it gets nominated, it will fall under the romantasy category. Currently, it has about a 4.0 rating on Goodreads, and Ali Hazelwood is a very popular author. That said, it seems to be one of those books you either love or hate, so while I expect it to be nominated, I don’t see it winning.

A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
This book was widely talked about when it came out earlier this year and received great reviews. Although it only has a 3.97 rating on Goodreads, I think it has the potential to be nominated due to all the attention it received. I’m not sure how it will fare compared to other romantasies that will be nominated, but I’m positive we’ll see this as one of the choices in the romantasy category.

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
This is a book I can’t wait to read and definitely see making it to the top ten of the awards. It has a solid rating, and most of the reviews are positive. I’ve been dying to read it since I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I know it’s a witch and witch hunter story, which is a plot that many readers, including myself, tend to really enjoy.

When The Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
This book has been all over the bookish side of TikTok and Instagram. It wasn’t on my radar before all the hype, but now it’s at the top of my must-read list! I could see this book winning the romantasy category, but I’m not 100% confident that it will be the winner. There have been a lot of good fantasy romances released, but this one is extremely popular, which makes it a strong contender.

The Ashes & The Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
This is the sequel to ‘The Serpent & The Wings of Night’, a book I loved! I can almost guarantee it will be nominated, and if it isn’t, I’ll be so upset. This romantasy series has become incredibly popular and well-loved. I haven’t read this book yet, but I really need to because I predict it will probably make it into the top 5 in the romantasy category.
Related Post: The Serpent and the Wings of Night | Book Review

There you have my predictions for the romantasy category of the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards! Please leave your predictions in the comments below and let me know your favorite romantasy reads of 2024. Don’t forget, you can read some of these books on Everand [Here]. Before you go, hit the follow button so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Nightbooks | Book Review

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About The Book
A boy named Alex finds himself imprisoned by a witch and must tell her a new scary story every night to survive. As he runs out of stories, Alex desperately searches for a way to escape. This contemporary fantasy by J.A. White blends suspense and creativity, making it perfect for fans of dark yet accessible tales. Budding writers and readers alike will enjoy its clever twists and themes of storytelling.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4e4BqY1

My Rating

This fun, spooky story follows Alex, a boy who a witch tricks into becoming her prisoner. From the start, the plot feels creepy and original, moving at a fast pace that kept me engaged the whole time. Even though it’s a middle-grade book, it’s perfect for anyone craving a spine-chilling read that won’t keep them up at night.

Alex is a really likable main character, especially with his love for storytelling. He feels like a real kid—he loves writing creepy tales but doesn’t enjoy living one out. Alex also struggles with feeling different from other kids and thinks he’s weird, which makes him even more relatable. I rooted for him and his friends to escape, and while there were moments I worried for them, the story overall wasn’t too scary.

“And now I realize—so what if I write scary stories?”

The author keeps the story engaging with creepy twists and a few surprises. While middle grade isn’t a genre I usually read, I tend to enjoy it more when it involves fantasy and horror, and this book didn’t disappoint—it entertained me from start to finish, and I’m glad I picked it up. Don’t worry about the horror label; it’s a tame read, so there’s no need to feel nervous if you’re not into sscary books.

Overall, I recommend this book! I’m excited to watch the movie adaptation because I could easily picture it as a film while reading. As much as I enjoyed the book, I have a feeling I might love the movie even more. If you or a younger reader are looking for a great fall read, it’s perfect for spooky season vibes without being too frightening.

If you’ve read the book or watched the movie, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like this post and share it with fellow readers. You can also listen to the audiobook on Everand, and if you’re interested, grab a free trial using my link [Here]. To stay updated and help support my blog, be sure to hit the follow button so you never miss a post!

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

A Magic Steeped in Poison | Book Review

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About The Book
Desperate to save her sister from a deadly poison, Ning enters a competition to become the kingdom’s top shennong-shi, a master of magical tea-making. The winner gets a favor from the princess, which may be her only chance. But as Ning navigates ruthless competitors, deadly politics, and a mysterious boy with a dangerous secret, she may be the one in the most danger.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3N25DM0

My Rating

In my opinion, this book is a hidden gem in the fantasy world, and I’m excited to see how the duology wraps up. What grabbed me right away was the unique and captivating plot. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before and follows a determined main character on a high-stakes mission to cure her sister from a mysterious poison. The urgency of the quest and all the twists and turns kept me hooked from beginning to end.

As for our main character, Ning, she was likable, though I’ve seen stronger female leads in other books. I felt there wasn’t a ton of character growth throughout the story. That said, her devotion to her sister and willingness to do whatever it takes for her family made her easy to root for.

The writing was excellent. Judy I. Lin’s style is vivid and really pulls you in. While I’m not usually a fan of a lot of world-building, I get that it’s needed for the first book in a fantasy series. The author handled it well, giving a solid base for what’s to come in the next book.

“There is a difference between living the suffering and reading about it.”

Now, let’s talk about the romance subplot. I was really glad it didn’t take over the story but still played an important role. We didn’t get to know the love interest very deeply, but I’m happy it wasn’t one of those insta-love situations. Ning felt a connection to him, but her priority stayed on saving her sister.

The plot twists definitely caught me off guard, and the last few chapters were super fast-paced and full of action. The ending left me completely shocked, and now I have to know what happens next. I have no idea where the story is going from here, but I can’t wait to find out.

Overall, I think this book deserves more attention. It’s got so many things I love in a fantasy series, including a unique plot, likable characters, a well-balanced romance, and an ending that sticks with you. I’d totally recommend it to anyone looking for an underrated fantasy read.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read this book. Don’t forget to like and share this post with fellow book lovers. And if you want to get notified when there’s a new post, follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Tea Dragon Society | Book Review

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About The Book
The Tea Dragon Society trilogy is a heartwarming, magical, and inclusive story by the award-winning author of ‘Princess Princess Ever After’. It follows Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, who discovers a lost tea dragon and is introduced to the enchanting world of tea dragons. She learns the delicate, fading art of tea dragon care from kind tea shop owners Hesekiel and Erik. As Greta grows closer to them and their shy ward, Minette, she sees how the craft of caring for tea dragons brings warmth and meaning to their lives—and her own. This beloved, all-ages trilogy is full of charm and wonder.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4db5b91

My Rating

This graphic novel series charmed me right from the start with its unique concept. The world of tea dragons—small creatures that grow tea leaves from their horns—is both imaginative and heartwarming.

The books are quick and easy to read, making them perfect for a cozy escape. Each volume introduces new characters while keeping the main storyline connected, creating a sense of depth. The final book ties everything together nicely, providing a satisfying conclusion, though I was sad to see the series end.

While the stories may not be the most thrilling or complex, they are undeniably charming and heartwarming. The artwork is stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed illustrations that match the gentle narrative perfectly.

“People seem to live at a different pace now. Tea Dragon tea is a wonderful thing, but it takes a long time to make. Back when everything took a long time, perhaps that didn’t matter.”

Overall, I recommend this series to readers of all ages. It’s a comforting, joyful read that brings happiness with every page. While these books may not stay with me forever, they’re my go-to for cozy, feel-good reading that I will surely be rereading for years to come.

Please let me know in the comments if you’ve read this graphic novel series or heard of it. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. Before you leave, hit the follow button to turn on post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny