Reading

April 2021 // Reading Wrap-Up

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hello Book Lovers,
In the month of April, I read 4 books total. I am happy with that number, since I did take a small week-long reading break during the month. I feel like most of the books I have read haven’t amazed me. I don’t feel like I am a hash book rater at all, still a lot of the books have simply been 3 star reads for me. Also, I want to note that whatever I rate about doesn’t mean it is at all bad. Book ratings are all personal opinions.

If I’m Being Honest by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley: 5.0/5.0 Stars
Incredible! I was going to dnf this book, but I am glad I stuck with it. It is a new favorite of mine.

Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston: 3.5/5.0 Stars
This is a cute contemporary retelling, but not standout in my opinion.

They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman: 3.0/5.0 Stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn’t love it, didn’t hate. It was okay.

Time Of Our Lives by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley: 3.0/5.0 stars
Of course, I had to pick up another book by this author duo. Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a let down.

As always I will be doing reviews for each book, so that I can share my complete thoughts on them. I was very happy to have read a five-star read, but I feel as though the rest of the books put me in a small reading slump at the end of the month. Let me know about the books you read in April, and leave me your book recommendations in the comments. If you want to support me give this post a like, share and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Review: Admission by Julie Buxbaum

- Bunny Leave a comment

Title: Admission
Author: Julie Buxbaum
Published: 2020
Rating: 3.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: It’s good to be Chloe Wynn Berringer–at least, it was, until the FBI came knocking on her front door, guns at the ready, and her future went up in smoke. Now her mother is under arrest in a massive college admissions bribery scandal. Chloe, too, might be facing charges, and even time behind bars. The public is furious, the press is rabid, and the US attorney is out for blood.
Source: GoodReads

When I saw this book on display at my local Wal-Mart I thought the concept was very intriguing. I, like many people, have heard about the college admissions scandal that rocked the media back in 2019. When the events of the scandal unfolded I knew that it was only a matter of time before their was some form of fiction about the affair. However, a YA book wasn’t my first thought. I went into this book with very low expectations, and knowing it would be very cliché.

The characters in the book don’t have much depth to them, and we are seeing the entire misconduct through the eyes of the main protagonist, Chloe. There were many jabs and similarities to the original scandal, which was fun to see. A good subject that the book touched on was how people are so quick to turn their backs on one another. Chloe’s friends and crush didn’t think twice before writing her off as a liar and cheater. They never once asked to hear her side of the story. What her family did was wrong nobody is denying that fact. However, their lack of loyalty to their so-called friend said a lot about them. I think it was a very honest portrait of friendship.

“I think about all the things money can and cannot buy.”

I did get slightly annoyed with many of the characters and how clueless they acted. It was as if they thought everyone got into college this way. In a majority of the book Chloe played dumb, which was frustrating but proved that she was not ready for college. The overall ending message about throwing money at your problems was very real. The author made it clear that yes money can buy you a lot even admissions to college, but that doesn’t make it right. Just because you can have something doesn’t mean you should. Most things in life should be earned, and not taken.

I am glad that I picked this book up, but it isn’t anything to write home about. I probably won’t read it again, still it was a very fast easy read. I would be interested to see a TV movie version of this book. If you have read this book please leave me your thoughts in the comments below. Also, follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The DNF Tag

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hello Book Lovers,
I have been thinking about DNFing books a lot lately, because it is something that I struggle with doing. I always want to give a book a fair chance even if I am not enjoying it. I know that is a problem since I read for fun, but I still feel guilty putting a book down. I wanted to see others opinions on this topic, and came across this tag. I thought it was a cool idea, so of course I had to do it for you guys.

I have only DNF a handful of books in my years of reading. It isn’t something I would say that I do regularly, but I am not against it.

Nope! I don’t consider a book read unless I 100% finish it. I think that would be unfair to not only the author, but others that read the whole book. Also, I feel like counting it toward my reading for that month is slightly cheating.

For me, I would say yes. I have some books that I’ve been reading for months, or have put down, but plan on coming back to it within, most likely, a year. I think the main difference is that when you DNF a book you don’t see yourself ever giving it another shot, or at least not for 5 years.

Hmm…I am not sure there are any popular books I have given up on. However, one book that was well rated in the book community that I couldn’t get through was My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick. This is a YA contemporary, which is my favorite genre, still I loathed the book. I found the writing slow and the relationship was very instant lovely. I DNF’ed the book when I was about 60% of the way done, and I have no regrets.

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks! I was on a huge Sparks kick for a while, and read many of his most popular books. I didn’t like many of them with The Notebook being my least favorite. Nevertheless, Dear John was the one that still annoys me like no other. I found the book super boring and just not my cup of tea. I was not a fan of the characters, or the plot. I did not enjoy the ending, and can’t understand why I put myself through that book. Fun fact, I have a signed copy of this book, so lucky me.

I have not attempted to read a DNF, but I won’t write-off the idea. I hope that it would be successful for me. Although, I am not sure I want to give some books a second chance.

I don’t usually buy books I haven’t read, so I don’t typically have the issue of getting rid of DNF’ed books. I will either get the e-book or audiobook from the library. If I do get a book I don’t like I either gift or donate it.

It isn’t really about the title for me, but more of the genre. I try to stick with my favorite genres so I have a better chance of enjoying the book. However, this year I am pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, which means I might be DNFing more books. This doesn’t scare me though, since we never know if we like something if we don’t give it a shot.

I hope that you liked this interesting tag about DNF books. I would love to get your thoughts on this topic. I tag anyone reading this post, and feel free to leave a comment letting me know if you did the tag. I think it is cool to learn others take on different bookish issues. As always you can share and like this post, and follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Review: The Thousandth Floor By Katharine McGee

- Bunny 2 Comments

Title: The Thousandth Floor
Author: Katharine McGee
Published: 2016
Rating: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: Amid breathtaking advancement and high-tech luxury, five teenagers struggle to find their place at the top of the world. But when you’re this high up, there’s nowhere to go but down.
Source: GoodReads

The first description I got of this book was a sci-fi Gossip Girl, and being a GG lover I knew that I had to pick it up. However, I found the book to be a futuristic version of Pretty Little Lairs. The book is the first in a trilogy that follows multiple characters that live in the same apartment building. Although, they do not all come from élite families all of their stories intertwine, and they all have their own secrets.

I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put the book down. There was so many twist and turns that kept me engage. The characters were very well written, and I wanted everyone to get a happy ending even though I knew that wasn’t possible. I did think something were a little cringe worthy, but I do think that the books covered the more taboo talks well. The story deals with incest, obsession, drugs and social class.

“I believe in happiness. I’m just not sure love will actually get you there.”

The ending was probably the most shocking part of all. I did not see it coming one bit, and was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was sad, dark and fascinating. I know that a lot of people aren’t a fan of this book, but I adored it. It was my first science fiction novel, and I am glad that I decided to give it a chance.

I tried not to give too much away in this review, so I hope that I didn’t spoil anything. I would love for you to share this post with your bookworm friends. Please like the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Review: The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston

- Bunny Leave a comment

Title: The Princess and the Fangirl
Author: Ashley Poston
Published: 2019
Rating: 3.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible.
Source: GoodReads

This book is part of a companion series, Once Upon a Con, where each book follows different characters, but all the books connect. This story is a “Prince and the Pauper” retelling, which is one of my favorite stories. However, the book didn’t live up to my expectations. I didn’t enjoy the characters from this book nearly as much as the first, and the plot wasn’t as interesting.

Now this story is less of a love story, unlike book one, and more of a self-discovery plot, which could have contributed to my dislike of the book. Nevertheless, the over all plot wasn’t excited and the main characters weren’t very enjoyable to read about. I feel that the writing and story was a bit sloppy and not full fleshed out. I did like the side characters that were introduce, and seeing the characters from the first book was a nice treat.

“I am a nobody, but I’m a nobody who wants to leave the world a little brighter than when she arrived.”

Honestly, my favorite part of this book was the love story that developed between one of the main characters. It was a very real and sweet bond they created that turn into more. Also, I think it was an unexpected LGBT romance that was very well written. Overall, the book was pretty cheesy at time and did let me down, since it read more like a middle grade than young adult. However, I will probably be picking up the next book in the series, since it was decent read just not one that I would recommend often.

I do have a review up on Geekerella by Ashley Poston that you can check out as well. Please like and share this post with all your book loving friends. Don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

March 2021 Reading Wrap-Up

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hello Book Lovers,
It is March wrap-up time! I had a pretty good reading month in March, and feel as though I rediscovered my love of books. I read 5 books last month, and I am happy with that total. I am trying not to put as much pressure on myself to read, and I think that has helped a lot.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling: 5/5 Stars
I am doing my first read through of this series please don’t yell at me. I loved this book even more than the first and found it very funny.

The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston: 3.5/5 Stars
This book was very mediocre, and not favorite. I didn’t love it or hate it, but it was a little disappointing.

Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab: 4/5 Stars
I started this trilogy a while ago, and remember the first book being slightly creepy. However, the ghost story in this one pulled at my heart-strings. I did still really enjoy it.

Admission by Julie Buxbaum: 4/5 Stars
This wasn’t on my tbr for the month, but I am glad I picked it up. I feel like it is an underrated newer release, and I am glad I read it.

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee: 4/5 Stars
Wow, Wow! Need I say more?

I want to let you guys know that I will be doing full reviews on some of these book, so please check back for those. Let me know what you read least month in the comments. Please like this post, and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

5 Books That Intimidate Me

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hello Book Lovers,
There are many books that I would love to read, but I am super intimidated by them. I know that the title of this post is a dead giveaway about the topic, so I will jump right into the books that intimate me for one reason or another.

The Diviners by Libba Bray: I know that this is a historical, paranormal fantasy set in the 1920s. I have heard nothing, but good things about this duology since the early days of book blogging. I think the premise sounds amazing and unlike anything I have read before. However, this book is a commitment. I think it is over 500 pages, which is very daunting.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass: This book series is being adapted for television, which is pretty exciting. I have wanted to read this book for a while, and the prospect of a live-action version makes me want to pick it up even more. That being said, Maas books have such a huge following, and though this is a “Beauty and the Beast” retelling, which I love, still I’m scared of being disappointed

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik: All I know is that this is a dark academia, whatever that means, and new adult fantasy. I don’t usually go for books like this, still I heard someone describe the plot and it had me hooked. I would like to step outside of my reading comfort zone with this book, still I know that it is a long read. What can I say big books scary me.

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik:

For some reason Novik books are very intimidating to me. I know that this is an adult fantasy retelling, but I cannot remember the fairytale it is based on. I do remember thinking that the book sounded unlike anything I have read before, and for that reason made it onto my must read list. However, I am scared of big fantasy that aren’t in the young adult genre. I fear that it won’t be my style and could lead to a dnf, which I hate.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians:

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan: I talked about wanting to start this series and the companion series, The Heroes of Olympus, in my Taylor Swift book tag. I on the entire collection of Percy Jackson, still I cannot bring myself to start it. The reason being there’s a lot of books in the series. Also, as in true book fashion the books get longer as the series goes on, à la Harry Potter.

I hope that I am not the only one that has this running list. I do want to brave this list, yet truly I am not in any hurry. I would love if you gave this post a like and shared it with other bookworms. Please feel free to follow my blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

April 2021 TBR

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hello Book Lovers,
It is monthly tbr time once again! I am happy that it is finally April, because March seemed to last forever. I have a pretty ambitious tbr planned for this month, but I am ready for the challenge. I do have a few books rolling over from March that I will be continuing, still most of them I haven’t started at all.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyers: My husband and I started the audiobook at the beginning of March. I was using this for the Tis The Damn Readathon prompt of “Book with a Film Adaption.” We are only 13% into it, but I don’t mind it taking a bit. However, I would like to make it more of a priority this month.

10 Truths And A Dare by Ashley Elston: I was using this for the Tis The Damn Readathon as well. I believe it was for the “5 Star Prediction” prompt. I got approved for the arc on Netgalley, and have been reading the e-book. I am enjoying it a lot, but just haven’t had a lot of time to dedicate to it. I really want to dive more into it, because I enjoy Ashley Elston’s writing.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill: This is a middle grade book about a witch and a human girl she raised from a baby after giving her magical powers. Honestly, I don’t know much about it besides it being a favorite among readers. I tried starting it once before and didn’t get very far into it. I am hoping I will actually finish it this time around. I don’t think I read enough last time to form any distinct thoughts.

If I’m Being Honest by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley: I have no idea why, but this book as been on my radar recently. I have read one other book by this duo before and didn’t love it, still this one seems more up my alley. It is supposed to give you that teen rom-com feel. I don’t know much about it except that it is about a high-school girl who is known as a b*tch, so she tries to change her image to get a guy. Although, I could be completely wrong.

There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins: In 2018, I dnf this book because I couldn’t get into it. The writing felt off and the plot was slow-moving. Nevertheless, I am in the mood for a thriller and I here that Netflix is turning this into a film. I decided I would give the book a second chance before the movie adaption is released. From what I have gathered about the plot it is like The CW version of the Scream movies. If that makes any sense at all.

My Plain Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows: I love this trio of authors. I read their first collaboration “My Lady Jane,” and to my surprise I loved it. I don’t know anything about this book, but I have heard that it is a Jane Eyre retelling. I am not familiar with the original story, still I am looking forward to reading their take on it.

Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston: I have been on a Once Upon a Con kick lately. I am excited to finish this series of companion novels. I have a review up on the first book Geekerella and will be doing a review of the second very soon. I think that this is the last book in this world, which is bittersweet. Not sure about the plot, but I think it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling, which I am here for!

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson: This will be my first Matson read. Yep, it is shocking that someone who loves contemporaries I haven’t read any of her books. Once again, I have no clue what the book is about just that it is a contemporary following a girl and I think she somehow becomes a dog walker. I really have no idea.

I might try to tackle some other arcs, or perhaps throw in a mood read. I am enjoying reading a lot these days, so I hope my want to read stays with me in April. Let me know what is on your tbr in the comments? I would love if you liked and shared this post. You can follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Review: Geekerella by Ashley Poston

- Bunny Leave a comment

Title: Geekerella
Author: Ashley Poston
Published: 2017
Rating: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield,

the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.
Source: GoodReads

When I picked up this book I didn’t know much about it besides that it was a Cinderella retelling. I am not the biggest Cinderella fan, but I had heard good things about this book. Also, I am a sucker for retellings of all kinds. This is the first in a series of companion books, which means each book follows different characters that are connected. I was obsessed with this story from the start and couldn’t put it down, which makes for a great reading.

I liked reading about Elle and how she felt out-of-place within her family after her father’s death. She wasn’t a brat or negative despite her circumstances. I understand that she had a hard time letting people in since she has been hurt before. It was nice to see her passion for Starfield and the connection she had with it because of her parents. Also, Her being a blogger made me smile.

“Look to the stars. Aim. Ignite.”

The love interest of Darien was great, and he was probably my favorite character. He was so naïve and kind, yet charming at the same time. He didn’t let his fame consume him and had his own personal struggles. It found his text messaging relationship with Elle very cute, because they got to know each other on a deeper level. Honestly, it reminded me a little of how I met my husband, thank you Tumblr.

I enjoyed the side characters in the book as well, and I liked the friendship that blossomed between Elle and her co-worker, Sage. The story showed that people shouldn’t be judge by who they are, and we are never really alone even if it feels that way sometimes.

I wouldn’t call this one of my new favorite books, but I did enjoy it and looking forward to reading the author’s other works. Let me know if you are have read this book and your rating in the comments below. Please support my blog by liking and sharing this post. As always you can follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Mid-Month Reading Update

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hello bookish friends.
This is a quick little mid-month reading, watching and listening update.I thought it would be fun to let you know how my reading has been going. Also, I thought I would throw in what I have been watching and listening too lately. I plan to do this type of post each month, so I hope you guys like it.

Reading
I have read three books this month, which isn’t bad in my opinion. I am hoping to finish two more books before the end of the month. I know my original goal was 9 books, still I am very happy with how my reading is going. I am sticking to my monthly tbr as well.

Movies
Netflix’s Prom The Musical (8.0/10.00 Stars): This was such a cute and fun musical. It is based on a Broadway musical, and stars some amazing actors. All the songs were great, yet my favorites has to be “Love Thy Neighbor.”

The Live Action Tom and Jerry Movie (4.0/10.0 Stars): I have never been a Tom and Jerry fan, so I might not be the target audience for this movie. I can appreciate the modern day take on the classic cartoon, but I felt it lack something. It was slow at times and not very funny.

Legally Blonde (9.0/10.0 Stars): Yep! We watched this 2000s gem. It was a good time and I fell in love with this movie all over again. Need I say more.

Valley Girl (5.0/10.0 Stars): This movie was a 2020 release, and is a musical with a Romeo and Juliet type plot. The songs where covers of classic 80s hits, still the over all story was a bit mundane. However, despite my low rating I would watch this movie again. Yeah I am strange.

TV
Me and my husband are making our way through a few shows right now. Below are the shows we are watching and the episode we are on.
Avatar the Last Airbender (Season 1, Episode 3)
Fringe (Season 1, Episode 1)
Nip/Tuck (Season 1, Episode 3)
House MD (Season 1, Episode 6)
Gilmore Girls (Season 3, Episode 8)
Pretty Little Liars (Season 1, Episode 1)

Listening
I have only been listening to the Prom: The Musical soundtrack and Willow by Taylor Swift. I need some knew music recommendations.

There is my mid-month update! Let me know what you have been reading, watching and listening too. Please support my book blog by liking and sharing this post. You can follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny