Magic

Spark Of The Everflame | Book Review

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About The Book
Healer Diem Bellator dreams of escaping her village, ruled by tyrannical god-offspring. Her mother’s disappearance reveals a dangerous secret, thrusting Diem into a world of royalty. She’s caught in her mother’s mysteries and a civil war. The king’s heir watches Diem closely, while rebels seek her alliance. Diem must navigate love, power, and politics to protect her family and humanity.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4lTsVnN

My Rating

This book went from indie publishing to a traditional publishing deal thanks to its BookTok fame. The story centers on Diem Bellator in a realm ruled by the children of Gods. Despite being a skilled healer who always follows the rules, her family’s life has been disrupted since her mother’s disappearance. In the book, Diem finds out her mom had secrets, and some could be about her. This book has magic, adventure, and a slow-burn romance.

I loved every character, even the ones I didn’t like, because they were all important to the story. But I loved Diem the most! She was a powerful female character, but showed she had soft moments and insecurities. Another thing I loved was her amazing relationship with her brother and how brave she was, always helping others, even if it was dangerous.

The romance in this book is another story altogether! I wouldn’t call this a love triangle, even with two romantic interests, because Diem’s chemistry with one is obvious, and I’m rooting for them. I haven’t read a truly great enemies-to-lovers/he falls first story in a long time, but this one was amazing! Normally I don’t like slow burn romances, but this one worked great.

“It’s not the worst thing to break a little every now and then. It builds character.”

The book was so immersive, I loved it from start to finish. Even though the ending was kinda predictable, it was still shocking and sets up the next book perfectly. My only problem was that the world was a little hard to grasp at first. I needed to reread the first few chapters a couple of times to fully understand the universe. Don’t worry though, as the book progresses and we discover more about the Gods and the world, it becomes easier to understand.

Overall, I gave this a solid five-star rating! I loved that book and will definitely recommend it to others. If you like fantasy books with some romance, give this one a try! If you aren’t a fan of spicy books, you’ll be relieved to know this one is pretty clean. I wouldn’t say that it’s a closed-door romance, but more like a cracked-door romance.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read this book. However, please avoid any spoilers in your comments. Like and share this post so others see it! Join my mailing list before you go so you don’t miss out on new posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Labyrinth Of Lost And Found | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Eleven-year-old Benjamiah prefers science and logic over magic. Then a magic doll pulls him into another world. The realm is filled with mysterious magi and a Minotaur. Benjamiah joins Elizabella to solve her brother’s disappearance. The journey is dangerous, and soon they must escape the labyrinth or risk being lost forever.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4je4fE8

My Rating

I found this story imaginative and amazing. I’m not usually a fan of middle-grade books, but this one was awesome. The characters, plot, and world were all fantastic. There’s so much to this story, it’s hard to even explain. The book’s about Benjamiah Creek, a young boy who ends up in the magical land of Wreathenwold. He’s soon off on a wild, crazy adventure across the land with Elizabeth, who’s determined to find her brother, no matter what.

The characters Benjamiah and Elizabeth were likeable and well-developed. While their youth showed throughout the story, they never seemed immature. They were determined and strong, formed an incredible friendship. I adored seeing their relationship deepen as they embarked on a crazy adventure together.

I’m being completely serious when I say this plot was intense. Throughout the entire book, I found myself emotionally invested in the two characters. I really wanted things to go well for them, but sometimes it felt like they were always unlucky. I got so emotional listening to the audiobook that I had to pause it. Didn’t see that coming!

“Love is the very highest form of courage.”

The ending was so good; I wanted more! That author did an amazing job of creating this magical world. It wasn’t a perfect ending, but it answered a lot, particularly how Benjamiah wound up in Wreathenwold.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book! But, it might not be for younger readers. I’m an adult, and I still found parts of the story confusing because of its complexity. I would classify it as more of an upper middle-grade book. Though it’s long for a middle-grade novel, I’m still deeply invested in this series. I am so excited to read the sequel and discover what new adventure awaits these characters.

Do you have this book on your TBR? Let me know in the comments! Show your support by liking and sharing this post. Check out the audiobook on Everand! My link (click here) gets you a free trial. Don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list to help support my blog!

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

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

Witch Of Wild Things | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

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

Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
In the spooky town of Maple Hollow, apothecary witch Jordyn accidentally conjures the ghost of her ex-girlfriend. The snarky specter haunts her until she finds new love. Enter Harlow, the new girl in town, who’s just trying to survive working in her sister’s cafe. As romance brews between them, Jordyn’s ghostly ex threatens to ruin it all.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3ANfBOx

My Rating

I want to give a big thank you to the authors for granting me an eARC of this book. The first chapter dives right into the story, which I usually love, but I felt this book needed a prologue or an intro chapter. Still, I knew from the start that I was going to enjoy the story and its characters.

The book is told from dual perspectives: Jordan, who is haunted by the ghost of her ex-girlfriend, and Harlow, a new resident of Maple Hollow. Both girls are very likable, though somewhat similar. I never found myself preferring one perspective over the other, and I was sold on their relationship from their first interaction.

I loved the Halloweentown vibes in this book. Maple Hollow is literally a town where supernatural beings live, and the concept is amazing—it’s a place I’d want to visit and maybe even live in. I enjoyed seeing the different supernatural creatures interacting with each other and humans.

“We’re all different here. Maybe you just needed a little more magic in your life.”

While I loved the main characters and the town, the side characters were also likable, especially Harlow and her sister Willow. Their relationship felt real, like true sisters who love each other but sometimes lash out at one another. Willow cherished her life in this unique town, so she was hesitant about Harlow moving in with her, but she did love her sister. However, she could be a bit stuck in her ways and harsh at times.

This is a magical queer romance at its core, made even more complicated by the ghost of Jordan’s ex-girlfriend lingering around. However, I appreciated that the story was more than just a cute paranormal romance. The mystery plot was intriguing, and I wanted to find out what really happened to Jordan’s ex.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot, characters, and setting. While the ending wasn’t surprising, as I had a sense of where the story was heading, I could still see myself picking up more books by the authors. However, I felt the book was missing something extra to make it truly outstanding, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless. Thanks again to the authors for the ARC!

In the comments, let me know if you watch Halloweentown every fall. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other book lovers, and give my blog a follow 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

The Hacienda | Blog Post

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Years after her father’s execution, Beatriz marries Don Rodolfo Solórzano for the safety of his countryside estate, Hacienda San Isidro. However, the hacienda is far from a sanctuary, as eerie visions and unexplained events plague her. Rodolfo’s sister and the household staff’s odd behaviors deepen Beatriz’s unease. She seeks help from Padre Andrés, a priest with hidden powers, to confront the malevolent force haunting the estate. But the darkness within the hacienda may prove to be her downfall.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3SUy5Ty

My Rating

This book is often compared to Rebecca meets Mexican Gothic. While I haven’t read ‘Rebecca’, I did read ‘Mexican Gothic’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I love haunted house stories, so I had high hopes for this book, and for the most part, it didn’t disappoint.

The story is about Beatriz, a new bride who moves into her husband’s countryside estate, the Hacienda. But she quickly realizes things aren’t quite right at Hacienda San Isidro. She starts hearing voices and even sees a dead body. Honestly, she handled it way better than I would have.

Beatriz is an interesting character. She married a man she barely knew, hoping for a better life, but ended up in a situation that might be even worse than what she left behind. What I liked about the story is that it’s not just told from Beatriz’s point of view. We also get some chapters from Padre Andrés, the young priest she turns to for help. Even though his chapters are fewer, it was interesting to see things, especially the past, from his perspective.

“There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of match against paper, the sharp spark of amber and gold, the small crackle of a wick taking flame.”

You can tell from the description that there’s a bit of a magical element in the story, and the author blends it in really well. It gives the book something unique that makes it stand out among other Gothic haunted house stories. It even gave me *The Conjuring* movie vibes, which I really liked.

The writing is good, but sometimes it felt a bit slow, which made the story drag a little. But I never wanted to put it down, and once I started reading, I needed to know how it would end. Also, the book does mention some heavy and possibly triggering topics, which was a bit unexpected.

Overall, I enjoyed the historical setting, and I didn’t mind that the ending was a bit predictable. My only real complaint is how the romance part ended, though I’m not sure you’d even call it a romance. Still, I’m interested in reading more from this author, and I’d recommend this book to anyone just starting to explore the horror genre.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book in the comments. If you liked this post, please give it a like and share it with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more book-related content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Weyward | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

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

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Cambridge professor Emily Wilde, an expert on faeries, arrives in Hrafnsvik intending to focus solely on her research. She dislikes socializing and dislikes her academic rival, Wendell Bambleby. However, as she delves into uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones, she finds herself drawn into a mystery involving Wendell and her own heart.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aulH2E

My Rating

This story pulled me in right from the start with its cozy, magical vibe. Even though it’s set in the fall and winter, I was completely into it, even while reading in the middle of spring—a sign that it’s great no matter the season.

I really liked Emily, the main character. She knows a lot about mystical creatures but isn’t great with people, which made her interesting to follow. Watching her grow throughout the book was super satisfying and made her character feel more real.

And I loved the slow-burn romance between Emily and Wendell. They started off as work rivals but slowly became friends—and maybe something more. Wendell was a good balance to Emily’s quirks, and I enjoyed finding out there was more to him than met the eye.

The world in this book feels so real, like stepping into a dream where fairies truly exist. It’s the perfect escape for someone like me who loves all things magical. But even with the thrill of meeting fairies, there’s a slight sense of unease, like something mysterious—and maybe even dangerous—lurks in the shadows. It makes the whole reading experience even more intense and captivating.

“One doesn’t need magic if one knows enough stories.”

I found the author’s writing captivating—it really brought the story to life for me. The way fairy folklore was woven into the narrative made the experience even richer. I also loved the journal-like format; it added a unique charm and made me feel more connected to the characters’ journey.

The found family aspect was a great fit for the plot and added depth to Emily’s character development. I think many readers will appreciate that part of the story. Plus, the romance didn’t overshadow everything else; it complemented the plot nicely, making this a great pick for anyone who wants a fantasy with just a touch of romance.

Overall, this book went above and beyond my expectations, especially since I’m not usually into cozy fantasy. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment and go on more adventures with these wonderful characters.

If this book isn’t already on your TBR list, I highly recommend adding it. Don’t forget to like and share this post, and if you enjoy bookish content, consider following the blog for more recommendations and reviews.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny