Fantasy

Instagram Controls My Reading | Reading Diaries

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
I thought it would be fun to have my Instagram followers pick my reading for a week. I selected two books and made a poll with emojis that represented them. It was kinda strange not being in charge of what I read, but it was fun too!

Book #1: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (Dream Harbor, #2) by Laurie Gilmore

So I started with adult contemporary romance because it’s an easy read. My two options were from different small-town romance series. For ‘The Cinnamon Bun Book Store’, I used book, heart, and doughnut emojis—since, to my disbelief, no cinnamon bun emoji exists! The next option was ‘Beg, Borrow, or Steal,’ represented by teacher, flower, and briefcase emojis. Although it was a close call, ‘The Cinnamon Bun Book Store’ came out on top.

25% Reading Update: This book follows Hazel, who runs the Cinnamon Bun book store. Early on, we find out she’s nearing 30 and feels she’s missed out on her youth. She notices some books in the stores have underlined passages. Noah, the local womanizer and fisherman, implies that this could be a sign for her to live a more exciting life. The plot grabbed me right away, and the writing is awesome. Hazel and Noah’s crushes on each other are no secret. I also really love how it’s a dual POV story.

50% Reading Update: I’m possibly enjoying this book more than the first in the series. I adore Noah and Hazel’s chemistry. Also, the spice is fantastic! However, I have some problems with the plot. I wish they’d just admit they like each other! It’s so obvious, yet they’re clueless.

Final Thoughts (100%): This was a super cute and spicy read! You don’t have to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one. You can definitely read these books out of order, if you ask me. I loved this story even more than the first; I’m excited to read more books in this series.

Book #2: Spark Of The Everflame by Penn Cole

I went with romantasy for the next poll. I put ‘Spark Of The Everflame’ up against ‘The Stars Are Dying’, using fire, sword, and shooting star emojis for one and black moon, broken heart, and star emojis for the other. ‘The Stars Are Dying’ was initially in the lead, but ‘Spark Of The Everflame’ unexpectedly pulled ahead at the last minute.

25% Reading Update: To be frank, the first few chapters are crucial—they establish the world and flesh out the female lead’s backstory, so pay close attention. But I’m immediately captivated! I’m excited to see what happens next! The world’s amazing. I’m getting major Divine Rivals vibes from these godly descendants.

50% Reading Update: I’m completely hooked on this book; it’s going to be a five-star read for sure! The main character is a badass, and I’m loving the enemies-to-lovers thing that’s gonna happen for sure. In my opinion, this romantasy is incredibly easy to read. Despite its complex plot and extensive world-building, the book is incredibly fast-paced and easy to understand.

Final Thoughts (100%): I’m totally addicted! I have no words for how much I loved the story! Seriously, I wanna start the next book now. Although I know the next book in the series is quite long, I hope it will be as gripping and fast-paced as this one.

Book #3: First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

Going into that last poll, I was rooting for a particular book. Spoiler, I didn’t read that book. For ‘First-Time Caller’, I used a clock, the number one, and a heart-eyes emoji. The emojis I used for ‘Funny Feelings’ were a sunflower, a laughing face, and a microphone (she’s a stand-up comedian). To my slight disappointment, ‘First-Time Caller’ surged ahead at the last moment.

25% Reading Update: I started this book with some hesitation, given my less-than-positive experience with the author’s previous novels. However, I thought the start was quite interesting. A single mother’s daughter phones a love radio show to assist her mom in finding love. Plus, the show’s host, the male lead, is cynical about love. It’s another dual POV book, and I’m loving both characters’ perspectives!

50% Reading Update: Two five-star reads consecutively—is that even possible? If not, I’m be breaking all the rules. I’m totally obsessed with the story and characters. I’m flying through this book and getting major Sleepless in Seattle vibes.

Final Thoughts (100%): A thoroughly enjoyable and unputdownable read. I loved the characters’ journeys and how it all wrapped up. And the romance? Totally swoon-worthy!

Given how much I enjoyed these books, maybe I’ll let Instagram pick my next reads more often. Follow me on Insta (@Books.With.Bunny) to participate in posts like this one. Please like this post and comment below if these books are on your TBR. Don’t forget to hit that follow button before you go!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Honey Witch | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Having struggled to fit in, Marigold Claude readily embraces becoming the Isle of Innisfree’s new head Honey Witch. But her magic comes at a price. Skeptical Lottie’s arrival makes Marigold determined to prove magic, sparking unexpected feelings. Facing dark magic, Marigold protects her home. By doing this, she might lose her magic and her heart.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hQg9Ui

My Rating

This book has a slow pace, but it’s cozy and fantastical. The magic, the story, and the characters were all wonderful. If you don’t like character-driven stories, you might not like this book. Marigold never fit in with her family, until she found out she’s a honey witch! Marigold inherits her grandma’s job as head honey witch, but also a curse—no true love for her!

We see Marigold adapt to island life in her grandmother’s house, using honey magic, befriending people, and confronting her solitude as the story progresses. The story shows that romantic love isn’t everything, but having someone who truly loves and commits to you is special. A major plot point revolves around the important theme of soulmates.

When Marigold meets the frosty Lottie, who doesn’t believe in magic, sparks fly. I loved watching their friendship grow. I liked how the book showed Lottie wasn’t as tough as she seemed, and Marigold really looked out for her.

“It is better to be lost in a beautiful daydream than trapped in a dim reality.”

The author’s creation of honey and ash magic was excellent, and I enjoyed learning about the different honeys. But I wanted more ash magic in the story! Plus, some parts, like those magical creatures (I think they were spirits?), were kinda confusing. I was a little fuzzy on how the witches spotted them. It needed more explanation.

The ending was great, but the last few chapters felt rushed. The book was all cozy fantasy until the end, when things got crazy serious. I expected a more exciting conclusion, even with the intensity of the final chapters. Things got intense really fast, but it all worked out quickly, too. I wanted a more epic magic battle at the end.

Overall, the book was pretty entertaining. The sapphic romance and magic system were highlights for me. The writing was excellent, and I nearly gave it a 4-star rating. Though I enjoyed the story, I doubt it will stay with me or be something I reread. Regarding spiciness, I would give it a rating of 1 to 1.5 out of 5.

Have you heard of this book? Let me know in the comments! The book community hasn’t talked about it much, from what I’ve seen. Give this post a like and share before you go. Follow the blog so you don’t miss any new posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Be My Valentine | Book Recommendations

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Hi Friends,
I wanted to share some book recommendations perfect for Valentine’s Day! However, I didn’t want these recs to be filled with only romance books because I know that there are so many types of readers. Some people might only read mystery/thrillers while others prefer fantasy, which is why I create this list with many readers in mind.

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

I think this mystery thriller would be a fun Valentine’s Day read. The story follows a woman whose husband stands accused of murdering his lover. Her role now is to defend her husband in court, literally acting as his attorney in the case brought against him. I’ve only read one of this author’s books, and although I wasn’t crazy about it, I’ve heard great things about this one. There’s also a film adaptation in progress, and a sequel book coming soon.

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

To be completely honest, I wasn’t a fan of this book. However, it’s a great Valentine’s Day read if you want something emotional with a happy-ish ending. Emma, in the book, ends up marrying her high school sweetheart Jesse. Following Jesse’s unexpected death, Emma returns home and eventually begins a relationship with a former friend. But then, surprise—Jess is alive and wants Emma back, except Emma’s moved on. This book is a total emotional rollercoaster!
Related Post: One True Loves | Book Review

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter

This romcom has a unique twist: the FMC is cynical about love and relationships. To rescue people from terrible marriages, Sophie and Max become a wedding-objecting pair. If you’re a girl who likes witty banter and quick, not-too-mushy romances, you’ll love this book. It’s a friends-to-lovers story with some steamy scenes—if you’re okay with that, it’s a good read!
Related Post: Happily Never After | Book Review

Lonely Hearts Day by Kasie West

This quick YA novella takes place on Valentine’s Day. Scarlett’s not anti-Valentine’s Day, but she’d rather celebrate being single. So, enlisting the help of her longtime best friend, Jack, she hosts a party for all the single students at their high school. However, the undeniable spark between Jack and Scarlett complicates her independent, single identity. This sounds like the perfect lighthearted teen romance to me!

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

I think the book title practically shouts “fairytale romance”. This young adult romantasy novel, the first in a trilogy, continues the story of the Prince of Hearts from the Caraval series. This book promises an incredible romance intertwined with a fascinating fantasy story! If you’re looking for a fantasy romance this Valentine’s Day, this book is for you.
Related Post: Caraval | Book Review

I hope you found a Valentine’s Day read among those recommendations! Drop your fave romance novel in the comments! Spread the love, share and like this post! Hit the follow button to stay updated on new posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Shadows Between Us | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Alessandra has always been overlooked, but she’s ready to change that with a bold plan—woo the Shadow King, marry him, and then kill him to take his kingdom. However, as she works to make the king hers, she discovers she’s not the only one trying to kill him. While keeping him alive long enough to become his queen, Alessandra must fight not to lose her heart along the way.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3CpgfmI

My Rating

From the very first chapters, this book grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. It’s the first in a standalone interconnected romantasy duology, and the story kept me hooked the whole way through. The author has a real talent for pulling readers in from start to finish! The characters are likable, and while the world-building isn’t overly detailed, it’s still immersive and easy to get lost in.

The story revolves around Alessandra, a strong and intriguing female protagonist. At first, she comes off as cold and calculated, but she undergoes significant development throughout the book. Her growth adds depth to her actions and motivations. Seeing her evolve from someone driven by a single, ruthless goal into a more compassionate, selfless, and empathetic person was a real highlight of the story.

The relationship between Alessandra and the Shadow King is one of the most enjoyable parts of the book. Their connection feels natural and keeps you engaged. Their interactions are filled with chemistry and just the right amount of tension. The moments of sexual tension are especially well-written, making their relationship even more exciting to follow.

The plot moves quickly, which isn’t always the case with YA fantasy, especially when the story is so character-driven. However, it blends romance, mystery, and adventure really well. I was equally invested in both the romance and the overall plot. The author does a great job of balancing the different plot elements, keeping me completely engaged and excited to see what would happen next.

“A woman is not defined by what she does or doesn’t do in the bedroom.”

While the conclusion felt a little rushed and predictable, it still wrapped things up nicely. The quick ending didn’t take away from my enjoyment, though I would’ve liked a bit more depth in those final moments. That said, Tricia Levenseller’s writing is still great, and she does an excellent job creating engaging stories and memorable characters.

Overall, as someone who’s started moving away from YA, I found this to be a refreshing and entertaining read. The author’s take on the romantasy genre was captivating and fast-paced, making it a great starting point for anyone new to the genre. I’m definitely excited to read the sequel. Plus, this is a closed-door romantasy, so if you’re not into explicit scenes, this book is a safe pick.

In the comments, let me know your favorite romantasy books or what you look for in a great fantasy romance! I love stories with strong character development and a balance of romance and adventure. Don’t forget to like this post and share it with fellow book lovers. Before you go, if you could give the blog a follow, it would really help it grow and keep you up-to-date with all the latest reviews and bookish content!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

February 2025 | To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
I can’t believe it’s TBR time again! My reading in January started off so slow, but by the end of the month, I had fallen back in love with books. My two-week reading hiatus was partly due to the post-holiday slump but mostly because of my sudden urge to rewatch Grey’s Anatomy. What can I say? I’m dark and twisty!

That said, I still managed to read some great books in January, and I’m excited to use my prompt cards again to help pick my February TBR. This time, I decided to pick eight prompt cards—because why not have a bigger TBR for a short month? I really am a genius.

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And there you have it—the books on my February TBR! If I’m being completely honest, most of these are books I’ve been putting off for a while. Still, I think I can get through all of them since romances are usually pretty easy reads for me.

Let me know in the comments, what books are you planning to read in February? And if you’re not already following the blog, you should totally do that so you never miss a new post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

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