For The Ones You Love // Book Recommendations

Hi Friends,
I posted a bookish holiday gift guide to help those that who were struggling to find a gift for a reader. However, in that post, you probably noticed that I didn’t mention many books. I thought it would be fun to do a different kind of gift guide this time around, so I’m going to recommend some books for certain people in your life, such as your parents, kids, etc.


Biography: My mom is a huge audiobook biography reader. Especially if the author reads it themselves. She has read a ton of them, such as ‘Talking as Fast as I Can’ by Lauren Graham and ‘Home’ by Julie Andrews. So, if your mom or grandmother is anything like mine, than a memoir is the perfect gift option. The current bio on my mom’s radar is ‘Will’ by Will Smith, which is a 2021 memoir release. Another great choice would be ‘Open Book’ by Jessica Simpson, which mom says is an interesting read.

‘The Honey-Don’t List’ by Christina Lauren: Now, I don’t know if my mom would like this book, but after seeing the the synopsis, I instantly thought it was a great read for a mom. This book is about master home renovators, couple Melissa and Rusty Tripp, who secretly despise each other. It is up to their assistant Carey and engineer James to keep their career ruining secret under lock and key for just a few more weeks. Don’t all moms and grandmothers watch HGTV? I have heard nothing but great things about Christina Lauren books, and this sounds like a cute romance read. Also, I get ‘America’s Sweethearts’ vibes from it, which is kind of weird.


‘Ready Player One’ by Ernest Cline: Guys love video games, at least the ones in my life do. This book follows Wade Watts, who plays a worldwide virtual reality game in hopes of discovering an Easter egg. Once found, he will inherit the game creator’s fortune. There is a movie adaption as well, which I believe was well received.

‘Daisy Jones and The Six’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This might seem like an odd suggestion, but it is perfect for the music loving guy in your life. The book documents the history of one of the biggest bands in the seventies, ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’. I know that my husband would 100% enjoy this book, since he is a music addict. Also, I have heard that the audiobook version is the way to go with this book.


‘The Hating Game’ by Sally Thorne: This is another book being adapted to film, and it’s very popular among the adult romance crowd. I am not big into adult romances, but I know that one of my sisters loves to read them. I went for this one, because I have heard a lot of positive things about it. And, who doesn’t love a good enemies-to-lovers romance. However, I have heard that it is a little problematic, so keep that in mind.

‘Fool Me Twice’ by Carrie Aarons: I think any young adult contemporary reader would thoroughly enjoy this book. The plot follows a college freshman who is out to finish off her late best friend’s bucket list. The final and most important task on the list is to get revenge on Lincoln Kolb. He is the jerk that dumped her best friend supposedly due to her cancer diagnosis. So, to honor the wish of her best friend, she is out to make this seemingly cold-hearted boy fall head-over-heels for her, than break his heart. Anyone else thinking of ‘John Tucker Must Die’ after hearing this plot, or is it just me?


‘Percy Jackson & the Olympians’ by Rick Riordan: This is a Greek mythology book series about a boy whose life is turned upside down when he learns that he is the son of a god. Any kid, boy or girl, is probably going to want to follow this adventure series. There are even a lot of adults that call this their favorite book series of all time.

‘The Isle of the Lost’ by Melissa de la Cruz: This fairy-tale reimagining book series might seem more for girls, but I think boys would enjoy it as well. In the first book, we learn the backstory of villains, meet villain kids, and search for the Dragon’s Eye. The book follows Mal, daughter of Maleficent, Jay, son of Jafar, Evie, daughter of the Evil Queen, and Carlos, son of Cruella de Vil. Fun fact, the Disney Channel ‘Descendants’ films where based on these books.

There you go, some fun holiday gift book recommendations for specific people in your life. Let me know in the comments what books you’ll be gifting this holiday season. Also, you can give me a gift by following my bookish blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

On The Fence | Book Review

Title: On The Fence
Author: Kasie West
Published: 2014
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary

 



With three older brothers, Charlotte Reynolds, aka Charlie, has always been more comfortable calling the shots on a basketball court than flirting with the opposite sex. So when her police officer dad demands she get a summer job to pay for the latest in a long line of speeding tickets. She’s more than a little surprised to find herself working at a chichi boutique. And going out with a boy who has never seen her tear it up in a pickup game. Charlie seeks late-night refuge in her backyard, talking out her problems with her neighbor and honorary fourth brother, Braden. Sitting back-to-back against the fence that separates them. Braden may know her better than anyone. But there’s a secret Charlie’s keeping that even he hasn’t figured out—she’s fallen for him. Hard. She knows what it means to go for the win. But if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.
Source: Google Books


If you are in the mood for a fluffy, cute YA contemporary then this is the book for you. I am slowly working my way through Kasie West books, and wanted to pick up one of her older works. The story follows a teenage girl who has always been one of the guys. She is a sports-loving tomboy. And, the only girl in a household of men. She has a close relationship with her brothers and long-time neighbor.

I enjoyed the family relationship immensely. Although, they weren’t a huge focus in the story, her brothers were a great side characters. You could see the love they had for each other. As for the romance part, this is a sweet friends-to-lovers story that I wasn’t able to put down. Charlie was a very relatable female protagonist. She was blunt, imperfect and put up strong front. But she was willing to try new things like modeling and makeup. I liked how she didn’t judge people, because they were different from her.

“Bedazzled? What the heck was a bedazzle?”

The book wasn’t all Xs and Os, but talked about loss as well. The author did a great job handling the topic of grief without making it the whole focus of the book. Charlie made mistakes weaving a web of lies. But her decision to own up to her deception showed growth and maturity. There was a slight twist in the book, while predictable it showed how we protect the ones we love from pain. The book talks a bit about mental health, bipolar in general, if I’m remembering correctly. There is no secret that this is a love story about personal growth. Still I wish that mental health struggles was discussed more.

All in all, this is the type of contemporary I adore. From the plot, to the writing style and characters, I was head-over-heels. It was a quick read for me and one of my favorite West novels. If you are a fan of YA friends-to-lover romances than you might want to give this a read. Side note, it gets bonus points for helping me get out of a reading slump.

If you love book reviews and other bookish content you should probably follow the blog. It helps me if you like and share these post. Also, it makes me smile.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Review: Geekerella by Ashley Poston

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

Most Anticipated Spring 2021 Book Releases

Hello bookish friends,
I am always looking for new book releases to add to my wish list. This post is going to be about the spring book releases I am most excited for this year. I know that the books on this list are solely YA contemporaries, but what can I say it is my favorite genre. There are other books being released this spring that I am looking forward too, yet I thought I would narrow the list down to six books only.

The Secret Recipe For Moving On by Karen Bishcher (March 23rd): This is a YA debut about breaking up, making new friends and moving on. I think that this is going to be a really quick, fluffy contemporary. It is going to be a very classic traditional story that I am going to love. It is always hard when it comes to debut authors, because I don’t have much to go on when it comes to their writing style, still I have high hopes for this book.

 

Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau (April 6th): This book is compared to All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han, which is an all time favorite of mine. However, I get serious Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins vibes from this. The story is set in Paris and follows an American ballerina. If I am correct, she falls for a charming french boy while attending an elite summer ballet program. For some reason, story centered around ballerinas have been very in lately, and I am not mad about it. Now I am not sure if this will be a five star read for me, but I do really want to pick it up.

What’s Not to Love by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka (April 20th): Yay! I am so excited for this book that I could scream. I have only read one other book from this duo, yet I want to get to their others before this release. Their newest book is a young adult contemporary enemies-to-lovers story. I am a huge hate to love fan, so this is right up my alley. The book is set in high school, which means there is bound to be a lot of drama, romance and possibly some heartbreak.

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli (April 20th): I am not the biggest fan of Becky Albertalli writing, yet this story intrigues me. Most of the contemporaries I read are mere love story, don’t get me wrong I love that aspect, but every now and again it is good to change it up. This book follows two long time best friends that have always been there for one another. Although, things get complicated when they both start crushing on the same guy. Not only will this set their friendship, but it could also ruin it. I am all for more contemporaries about best friends, and hopefully they remember “Hoes of Bros.”

Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson (May 4th): I have never picked up a Matson book, ever! This is shocking since I am a lover of all YA contemporaries, and she is like the queen of that genre. I guess I am very intimated by peoples love for her books. This new release might be my first taste of her writing. It takes place in New York City, which is a great backdrop if I do say so myself. To best friends, Kat and Stevie, perfect night in the Big Apple gets derailed when they are forced to come face to face with exes, family drama, their friendship and future. After reading the synopsis a lot seems to be going on in this book, but I am ready for it.

Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey (May 18th): This is a “You Got Mail” type of retail that seems so cute. The main characters both own competing bookshops and most likely fall for one another. Yep. This is another enemies-to-lovers story. What can I say I am an addict. I have heard that this book has some trigger warnings for child abandonment and absent parents, so keep that in mind when going into the story. From what I can tell this is going to be the type of book you either love or hate, so I am interested to see where I fall.

There you have the book releases I am most excited for this spring. I promise to try and an add some fantasy picks in my summer and fall 2021 book releases post. Also, keep in mind that there are other books coming out in the next three months that I will be adding to my tbr as well. Let me know in the comments what books you cannot wait to buy this month. You can comment if you want me to do a review on any of these books once I have heard them. Please like and share this post with all your book loving friends.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny