Reading

Friday Reads #2

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I am doing another Friday reads post. This weekend, my reading plans aren’t too crazy, since I feel a reading slump coming on. I only have two books that I hope to finish.

The Ivies by Alexa Donne
I have been in a mystery-thriller mood, so I wanted to pick up one on my owned TBR. This is a private school murder mystery about a group of girls that would do anything to get into the college of their choice.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
I need to finish this book! Like, badly. Me and my husband have been reading this book slowly since last year. I would really like to finally finish it, and move on to the second book in the series.

Fool Me Twice by Carrie Aarons
This is a book that has been on my TBR for a while, and I started it a few days ago. I haven’t gotten too far into it, so I would like to make it to the 50% mark by the weekend’s end.

Those are all my reading plans for the next couple of days. In the comments, tell me what you are currently reading. Also, don’t go before following the blog, which keeps you notified on all my new posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

To Be Read // March 2022

- Bunny

Hi Friends,
It is TBR time again, but this month is going to be a little bit different. I was debating on doing the ‘Tis The Damn’ readathon, which is a Taylor Swift inspired readathon. This was the first readathon I participated in when I started my blog, back in March of 2021. However, I would like to do more mood reading. This isn’t to say that I going to stop doing TBR’s, but the way I do them will change. I have come up with three bookish categories. I will only be talking about the books I hope to read from each of them. The rest of the month I will mood read.

Previous TBR: This is a book that I have put on a TBR from the previous year of the current month. Not sure if that makes any sense. But, since we are in March 2022, it would be a book from my March 2021 TBR.


Fall in love with the addictive, suspenseful love story between a teenage girl and a vampire with the book that sparked a “literary phenomenon” and redefined romance for a generation (New York Times).

Next In A Series: This one is pretty self explanatory, but I have a lot of series that I need to finish.


Perfect for fans of Kiera Cass and Anna Godbersen, and with all the drama, romance, and hidden secrets from The Thousandth Floor and The Dazzling Heights, this explosive finale will not disappoint.

Owned TBR: I am really working on reading the books I already own, which is good since I have a lot of options.


From the author of I Believe in a Thing Called Love, a laugh-out-loud story of love, new friendships, and one unique food truck.

I have a list of other books I’d like to read this month. Most of them are YA thrillers and contemporaries. You can follow me on GoodReads and Twitter to stay up to date on what I am reading. And you can follow the blog to see my reviews of the books as I read them.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Reading Helps // Coping With Mental Health

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I have stated before, or at least I believe have, that I suffer from mental health disorders. Well, lately, my mental health hasn’t been the best. I have my highs and lows, and this has definitely been a low month. However, reading has always been a solid coping mechanism for me. So, I wanted to share some ways that reading helps me, and might help you, cope with mental health struggles.

#1. Clears Your Mind
Honestly, reading completely takes your mind off your problems. When you are reading a high fantasy, you aren’t thinking about your everyday struggles. When you are falling in love with the boy next door, you aren’t worrying about the days to come. A good story captivates you, and everything else falls away.

#2. Problem Solving
Reading could possibly solve your problems. You may actually read a book about a character dealing with similar issues, or pick up a self-help book. Advice type books might not be your thing, but they can be useful when dealing with mental health. Books can give you clarity, or a new way to look at something, which is important.

#3. You’re Not Alone
Books featuring characters with mental illnesses are very beneficial, especially if the characters are facing the same diagnosis as you. Simply reading about somebody that is struggling with a disorder can be comforting. You don’t feel so alone, because you can relate to the character in one way or another.

#4. There’s No Competition
This might seem like a weird reason, but pretty much everything we do, or I do, feels like a competition. We see people online, or friends and family, doing these things that make us feel like we aren’t doing enough. Essentially, people are always competing against each other. But you aren’t going to compete with a book character. You can feel at ease and pressure-free.

#5. Happiness
The number one reason that books can help you with your mental health is because they make you happy. If you don’t enjoy reading, then none of the other tips are going to work. You have to read because it brings you joy, if everything else is to fall into place. Honestly, how could reading not ignite happiness?

I must admit that when my mental health is bad, reading doesn’t always do it for me. But, I try to remember these tips during the low periods, and keep reading. Please leave me a comment to brighten my day. And, like always, I ask that you follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Winter Book Haul // 2022 #1

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
It is finally time for me to share my first book haul of 2022! My husband has been horrible, and amazing, at feeding into my book addiction. However, I did purchase a good chunk of these books with a gift card I received for Christmas. I usually don’t buy this many books over a two month period, but apparently retail therapy has become my thing. Hopefully, I will have more self control in the coming months, but can one ever have too many books.

Little Women by Louisa May: The timeless tale of four sisters – Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth – experiencing both hardship and adventure in Civil War New England. Though the March family may be poor, their lives are rich with colour, as they play games, put on wild theatricals, make new friends, argue, grapple with their vices, learn from their mistakes, nurse each other through sickness and disappointments, and get into all sorts of trouble.

The Accident Season by Moira Fowley Doyle: For fans of We Were Liars and The Ocean at the End of the Lane comes a haunting magically realistic debut about a family caught between a violent history, a taboo romance, and the mysteries lurking in their own backyard.

Bunnicula: Harold the dog and Chester the cat must find out the truth about the newest pet in the Monroe household—a suspicious-looking bunny with unusual habits…and fangs! Could this innocent-seeming rabbit actually be a vampire?

The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green: Unforgivable betrayals, devious motives, and forbidden love collide in the first installment of internationally bestselling author Sally Green’s epic new fantasy series, perfect for Game of Thrones fans.

My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life by Rachel Cohn: My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life is about learning what it is to be a family, and finding the inner strength to be yourself, even in the most extreme circumstances.

Together We Caught Fire by Eva V. Gibson: A forbidden attraction grows even more complicated when the guy Lane Jamison has crushed on for years suddenly becomes her step-brother in this sexy and gorgeously written debut novel about the lines between love, desire, and obsession.

It’s a Whole Spiel: Love, Latkes, and Other Jewish Stories by Various Authors: Get ready to fall in love, experience heartbreak, and discover the true meaning of identity in this poignant collection of short stories about Jewish teens, including entries by David Levithan, Nova Ren Suma, and more!

Layoverland by Gabby Noone: From debut author Gabby Noone comes a darkly hilarious and heartfelt twist on the afterlife about finding second chances, first loves, and new friendships in the most unlikely places.

It Sounded Better in My Head by Nina Kenwood: A compulsively readable love letter to teenage romance in all of its awkward glory, perfect for fans To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Emergency Contact.

Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning: With lovable characters and a charming quarterback love interest, Throw Like a Girl will have readers swooning from the very first page.

We Are the Wildcats by Siobhan Vivian: A toxic coach finds himself outplayed by the high school girls on his team in this deeply suspenseful novel, which unspools over twenty-four hours through six diverse perspectives.

River of Dreams by Jan Nash: Draped in themes of first love and family, secrets and malevolence, and swirling through an exhilarating dream world full of danger, violence, and love, Jan Nash’s exciting debut is a high-stakes adventure full of suspense, romance, and magic, perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Supernatural.

The Best Laid Plans by Cameron Lund: High school senior Keely Collins takes on firsts, lasts, and everything in between in this sweet, sex-positive rom-com for fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston: Cinderella goes to the con in this fandom-fueled twist on the classic fairy tale romance.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood: When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur: The book is divided into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose. Deals with a different pain. Heals a different heartache.

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur: Divided into five chapters and illustrated by kaur, the sun and her flowers is a journey of wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming. A celebration of love in all its forms.

Malice by Heather Walter: Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who, in an act of vengeance, cursed a line of princesses to die. A curse that could only be broken by true love’s kiss. You’ve heard this before, haven’t you? The handsome prince. The happily ever after. Utter nonsense.

By Your Side by Kasie West: An irresistible story from Kasie West that explores the timeless question: What do you do when you fall for the person you least expect?

Maybe This Time by Kasie West: Beloved author Kasie West brings her signature witty banter and rom-com fun to a bold, fresh format. Think Four Weddings and a Funeral for YA.

Seven Dirty Secrets by Natalie D. Richards: I know seven dirty secrets: One caused the fall. One did nothing. One saw it all. One didn’t care. One used their head. One played the hero. One was left for dead.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys: Master storyteller Ruta Sepetys once again shines light into one of history’s darkest corners in this epic, heart-wrenching novel about identity, unforgettable love, repercussions of war, and the hidden violence of silence—inspired by the true postwar struggles of Spain.

Cupcake by Cookie O’Gorman: This new swoon-worthy, feel-good #OwnVoices YA romance from the author of Adorkable celebrates body positivity in all its forms, as well as lifting each other up every day.

Beauty and the Beast by Editors of Studio Fun International: This fresh retelling of Beauty and the Beast follows the story of the classic animated film and includes paintings, sketches, and concept art from the original Disney Studio artists

Happy Dreams, Little Bunny by Leah Hong: This stunningly illustrated debut is The Runaway Bunny for a new generation—a captivating flight of fancy that also helps children lull themselves into dreamland.

This book haul was surprisingly bigger than I originally thought it would be. Sorry not sorry. I would love to know what books you have recently bought or pre-ordered. Also, did you know following my blog really helps it grow? By following you will get notified about all my posts, which I work so hard on. You won’t want to miss any of my upcoming bookish posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Club and Read Alongs // February 2022 Update

- Bunny Leave a comment


Hi Friends,
I have so many announcements coming at you. One of them I still can’t say, but I will be announcing it next month. The first is that I am going to be starting a book club! I have been wanting to do this for a while. I don’t know if anyone will actually join in, but I thought I would give it a shot. There will be a GoodReads page for the group, and it will be the ‘Hop It To Reading’ Book Club.

On the GoodReads page, we can discuss the book, and possibly set a date for a live discussion of the book. I will post a poll for us to pick the book for each month. The first poll is up now! I also might do reading sprints once a week on my Twitter (@bookswithbunny). I really hope some of you will join in on the book club.

Next, I want to host a Vampire Academy read-along, or maybe a buddy read. There is a VA series coming out soon, so I would like to read the books. I know that many people have already read this series, but if you haven’t, or are planning to reread it, please join in the read-along!

Those are all the updates I have for you guys this month. Please check back in March for my other exciting announcement! If you want to buy me a coffee or donate to my blog you can visit my Ko-Fi. All your support means the world to me!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Friday Reads #1

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Today, I am doing my first Friday reads post. I might not always have one of these post every week, but I do enjoy sharing my weekend reading plans with you. So, I will be letting you know what I plan on reading throughout the weekend.

Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe
I have about two hours left on the audiobook. I am confident that I can finish it by Friday night.

The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
I have been wanting to read this forever! I have the audiobook and plan on starting it on Saturday.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
In between, Saturday and Sunday I will be trying to finish Twilight with my husband. We are 40% of the way through the first book in the series.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
I will most likely not get to this book until next week, but I still have hopes that I can pick it up before the weekend is over.

Those are all my weekend reading plans. I would love to know what you are currently, or planning on, reading over the next couple of days. Please support the blog by liking and sharing this post. Also, it would mean a lot if you’d follow me. It really helps withmy blog’s growth.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Read More Books // Tips and Tricks

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
In the past, my reading wasn’t where it is today. Here’s a little secret: in 2020, I only managed to read 5 books. In 2014, sadly, I only read only 2 books. Until recently, the most I had ever read in a year was 15 books. However, 2021 was a turning point in my reading. I was able to read 50 books. I thought that I would share some of my tips on how to read more books in a year. Now, this isn’t a guide on how you can read 100 books in a year. And, these tips might not work for you. But they did help me in my effort to read more.

Reading Time
One of the biggest tips is to set aside a time to read. If we can be on our phone for hours, or watch a two hour movie, then one can certainly read for an hour a day. Pick the best reading time for you, and give yourself a goal of reading for 30 minutes or an hour.

Finish The Chapter
This is something I do often. I will pick a chapter that I want to get to and won’t stop reading until I reach it. It’s like a little competition with yourself, and once you reach your goal chapter, you get a feeling of accomplishment.

Audiobooks
I think this is a no-brainer when it comes to reading more. These days, I solely read audiobooks and I am not embarrassed by that fact. This has improved my finished book count and reading experience significantly. There are many audiobook services to choose from; even libraries offer audiobooks.

DNF
I am trying to get better at this, but DNFing can be very beneficial. Continuing to read a book you don’t like can put you in a reading slump that could last for weeks, or even months. This can hinder your reading a lot. You shouldn’t be ashamed to put down a book that you aren’t into. Reading should be fun, not a chore.

Book Clubs and Readathons
Something else that helped my reading grow was participating in readathons. One of my first posts happened to be a TBR for a ‘Taylor Swift’ inspired readathon. Joining that event kicked off an amazing year of reading. Book Clubs are another great option, since it will motivate you to read at least one book a month in order to engage with other book club participants.

I am pretty sure those are all the things that helped me step up my reading game. Leave any tips you might have in the comments below.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

3 Things That Help Me Cope // Anxiety and Depression

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Today I wanted to talk about, I guess, a more serious topic – anxiety and depression. I suffer from both of those, along with other mental illnesses. Most days it can be a struggle. I know that a vast majority of people have anxiety in some way, and there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ way to ease one’s anxiety. But, I thought I’d share the things that help me when my anxiety and depression are running wild.

Reading
This is probably an obvious one, but reading helps me get out of my own mind. I get to follow characters lives and escape the real world, if only, for a little while. Another great thing about reading is that there is something for everyone. Whether you enjoy mysteries or fantasy, or even a cute romance there a tons of genres to choose from that could help free you mind and keep you calm.

A Hug
For me, a hug from someone I love always helps. It might seem like the simplest of things, but when ever I’m feeling sad or anxious, I know that a hug from my husband will help get me through until the feeling passes. Sometimes all you need is to be embraced by a person that loves and cares for you and your happiness.

Exercise
Let’s be honest, nobody really likes working out. Yet, it can be beneficial for not only staying healthy, but while struggling with anxiety and depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which make you happy. After a workout, you will feel energized, stronger, and (hopefully) happier. If nothing else, you will get such a burn and be so exhausted that you forget all about your anxiety and depression.

These are the 3 things that have helped me when dealing with my mental health. Another tip, as taboo as it might be, therapy and medication can really help. Taking care of your mental health is important, and you shouldn’t be afraid to seek help. Don’t let the judgement of others stop you from doing what is best for you and your health.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

If You Could Only Read One // Coffee Break

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Which author would you choose if you could only read one for the rest of your days? Which standalone? Book series? I saw Kathryn Books do this post, and it seemed like so much fun. So, I thought that I would do it too! Essentially, I will be sharing with you the author, standalone, and book series I would choose to only read forever.

Author
I don’t know if this comes as a surprise, but it would be Kasie West. Her YA contemporaries are adorable, and I typically enjoy all her books. She is a great author, who I don’t think gets enough hype.

Standalone
Yep, I talk about this book way too much. But, I would be lying if I picked any other book. I couldn’t imagine not being able to read ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens. As you know by now, it is my favorite book ever.

Series
This one might seem random, but I loved these books when I was younger. It was the book series that got me into reading. So, even though I haven’t read the books in years, I would hate not being able to reread this series.

Interestingly enough, I didn’t have to think too hard about my answers. However, I am glad that I get to read any book I can, and am not limited to only certain books or authors. Leave me a comment with your answers. Don’t forget to like and share this post. And, follow my blog for more bookish and lifestyle content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The January Book Tag

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Today I’m going to do a tag that I saw in my YouTube subscriptions. It is call ‘January Book Tag’ and was created by ‘Jan Agaton’ on YouTube. However, the person I saw do the tag was ‘MyThicPages’ on YouTube as well.

What was the last (& first, if you remember) book you read last year?
I did have to check my GoodReads account for this question, but apparently the first book I read was ‘Geekerella’ by Ashley Poston. The last book was ‘The Toymakers Apprentice’ by Sherri L. Smith.

What is your first read this year?
I started the year off by reading ‘Late To The Party’ by Kelly Quindlen. It wasn’t the best book to kickstart my reading year, but it could have been worse.


Share 3 of your reading goals this year.
I have a whole post up on my bookish (and more) goals for 2022. Nevertheless, some are to read more of my owned books, to finish some series, to get around to more backlist titles. Honestly, most of these goals sound pretty simple, so hopefully I accomplish them.

Share 3 of your most anticipated titles.
‘Blaine For The Win’ by Robbie Couch (April 2022): The plot of this book makes me predict that it will be a funny and cute YA contemporary. The story is about a high school boy that wants to prove he’s serious to win back his ex. Anyone else getting ‘Legally Blonde’ vibes? Also, the name Blaine always makes me think of Glee, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

‘I Kissed Shara Wheeler’ by Casey McQuiston (May 2022): This is a surprising pick for two reasons. The first being that I wasn’t a fan of ‘One Last Stop’ by Casey McQuiston, which I read in 2021. Still, I’d like to give her a second chance. The second reason being that the plot is similar to ‘Paper Towns’ by John Green, which I hated. But for some reason I am very interested in picking this book up.

‘Nothing More to Tell’ by Karen M. McManus (August 2022): I know nothing about this book, but I would probably read any book Karen McManus releases. Her YA thrillers are always interesting. Even if the plot is slow moving, there is just something that I love about her books.

Which goals did you reach/not reach last year?
I managed to not only reach my GoodReads goal for the year, but I surpassed it. As for a goal I didn’t reach, I kept saying I was going to finish some book series, but instead I started new book series. So that was a big fail.

Are there 2022 releases you’ve heard of that you have no desire to read?
‘House Of Sky And Breath’ by Sarah J. Mass (February 2022): I never got into all the hype surrounding this author. Especially because she is a bit of a problematic author. Also, I have no desire to read a series with some seriously chunky books.

‘Belladonna’ by Adalyn Grace (August 2022): I have heard some good things about Adalyn Grace books, but this series just seems weird to me. Maybe I need the plot more simplified, but after reading the synopsis, I am confused. I still have no idea what this book is about. I wish that I cared enough to read this, because the title brings back so many memories for me. I played the role of ‘Belladonna’ in my college’s production of “Sleeping Beauty.”

What are some reading habits you want to change this year, if any?
I don’t really have any habits that I would like to change. I have been pretty happy with how I read.

Are there any adaptations you’re excited about?
I did have to look up some adaptations to answer this question, since I don’t typically stay up to date with book adaptation releases. Still, I am looking forward to the adaptations of ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ by Taylor Jeinks Reed, ‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah, and ‘Death on the Nile’ by Agatha Christie. I actually haven’t read any of these books, so I would like to do that before seeing the adaptations.

Favourite bookish memory of last year?
Starting my book blog! I am so happy that I decided to start my blog and share my love of books with all of you! Also, early last year I participated in the ‘Tis The Damn Season’ Taylor Swift readathon created by a bunch of wonderful BookTubers. That was my first readathon of the year, and it really gave me a desire to read more.

Carryovers from last year that you still plan on finishing?
For sure the ‘Caraval’ trilogy by Stephanie Garber. I have been wanting to read these books for what seems like forever. I also need to read the entire ‘Twilight’ series by Stephanie Meyer, since I started the first book last year.

Those were all the questions, and I want to tag all of you to do this as well! It was a nice tag to kick off a new year of reading. Please give my post a like and share. And, if you would be so kind, follow my blog as well to get notified whenever I post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny