Instagram Controls My Reading | Reading Diaries

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

Two 5 Star Predictions // Reading Vlog

Hello Friends,
This is my 5 star predictions reading vlog! In this video, I read two thriller books and see if they live up to my expectations. I had a ton of fun reading these books and telling you with me throughout my days. I put a lot of hard work into this video, and I hope that you enjoy it.

Instagram: @books.with.bunny

Twitter: @bookswithbunny

Returning To Booktube

Hi Friends,
Recently I uploaded my first Booktube video in over a year. The video was a book unhaul and is actually doing pretty well. But, I am still unsure if I want to go back to YouTube. I love creating my blog content, but I did enjoy filming that video. Every now and again, I get the urge to film a reading vlog or haul. Things that are just harder to do in a blog format. However, I feel like YouTube still gives me a bit of anxiety.

On Booktube, people seem to read only the popular books. I like reading all kinds of books not just whatever one else is reading. Also, filming in my house can be a little difficult at times. I did a whole post on ‘Booktube vs Book Blogging‘, and why I prefer book blogging. And, I don’t think my opinion on the talk has really changed all that much. Still, I am stuck on if I should continue trying Booktube again. Or, just stick with my little book blog, since I’m not sure I could keep up with both.

There is always the option of posting reading vlogs on Booktok, which is much smaller than Booktube and less pressure. I’m just very confused at the moment. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Please give me your advice on if I should attempt Booktube again or stick with only book blogging. Don’t forget to follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Merry and Bright 2021 Readathon // Reading Log

Hi Friends,
I decided to do a reading vlog of sorts on the Merry and Bright readathon. Keep in mind that this is my first attempt at a reading vlog, so hopefully you guys in enjoy it. Also, I did a post on my TBR for the readathon that you can read as well.

Day 1: 12/09/2021
Today is the first day of the readathon! I cheated a little bit and started my book last night, but I only got to 12%. The book that I am starting out with is ‘These Violent Delights’ by Chloe Gong. This book is for the prompt ‘The Grinch: Enemies-to-lovers.’ And, I have gotten to 41%, which isn’t bad, if I do say so myself. I was hoping to get to 50% today, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. My mom, my sister and I had to take my Uncle Christmas shopping. We went to some antique stores, and this cute little coffee and fudge shop. I don’t love antiquing, but honestly I can always find something to buy. Shopaholic problems.

Day 2: 12/10/2021
My sister drove into the city for the day to spend some time with the family. We got together and had a girls shopping day. I spent a little too much, but it was fun. We went to two different Targets, then Victoria’s Secret, Hobby Lobby and of course Starbucks. We had lunch at Red Robin, and Jack-In-The-Box for dinner. I also maybe got a book at Target, but it was 20% off. Early Christmas gift to myself. I did get some super cute things from Victoria’s Secret, since they were having a great sale. I had to get a gift there anyways, so I decided to treat myself to some items as well.

The day was draining, but fun. Still, it didn’t leave much time for reading. I am still at 41% of ‘These Violent Delights,’ but luckily I did manage to finish a book. I read ‘The Nutcracker,’ which was for the prompt ‘Last Christmas: Purchased Last Year & Never Read?’ It was a fast read, and I am happy to be able to check it off my TBR.

Day 3: 12/12/2021
I had a pretty relaxing day, so I didn’t get much reading done. I was more focused on writing blog content, since I have the ‘12 Days of Bookmas’ coming up. Still, I did get in a small amount of reading, and got to 61% of ‘These Violent Delights.’ I am enjoying the story a lot more than I anticipated, which is exciting. Other than that, I watched some Christmas movies, worked out, and napped. Don’t judge me.

Day 4: 12/13/2021
I was working a ton on my blog this day, since it was the start of Bookmas. I read only a small bit more of ‘These Violent Delights’, getting to 67%. So, I don’t have much of an update. Also, I had some personal things going on, which made reading not my top priority.

Day 5: 12/14/2021
I finally finished ‘These Violent Delights’! I’m very excited to post my review on it, because I have a lot of thoughts. I will say that it made it on to my top books of the year list. In addition to reading, I worked out and did more blog stuff, which you can probably tell is my normal routine.

Day 6: 12/15/2021
I was going to read another book today, which I could have finished in about an hour. However, I didn’t do any reading since I went out fairly early in the day. I did see some amazing Christmas lights, and will be posting pictures on my Instagram account (@bunnysbookishlife).

In total, I read two books. I was hoping to finish at least 3 books, but that wasn’t the case. Nonetheless, I am still happy that I participated in the readathon. If you took part in the ‘Merry and Bright’ readathon let me know how you did in the comments. As always, like, share, and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny