Young Adult

Birthday // Book Tag

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Hi Friends,
It’s my birthday! I thought it would be fun to do a birthday-inspired book tag. This is the ‘Birthday’ book tag that I found on YouTube. I don’t know who the original creator is, but the video I watched was from Lindsey From BFCG.


This one was hard, but I chose ‘What Once Was Mine’ by Liz Braswell. Most of the Twisted Tales books I’ve read seem somewhat mediocre and unoriginal, but this one was pretty good. I enjoyed the new spin on the Tangled story.
Related Post: What Once Was Mine // Book Review


There’s a 2024 release I’ve talked about endlessly, so instead, I’ll mention ‘Spectacular’ by Stephanie Garber. It’s a novella set in the Caraval world, coming out later this year.
Related Post: Caraval // Book Review


‘Weyward’ by Emilia Hart took me by surprise this year. The premise sounded interesting, but I had heard mixed reviews. However, I really enjoyed the story and its witchy aspects.
Related Post: Weyward // Book Review


‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ by Holly Jackson! When I first read it in 2021, it was incredibly hyped and still is today. The entire trilogy, especially the first two books, is definitely worth the hype.
Related Post: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder // Book Review


Honestly, I don’t have a specific book for this. I don’t annotate my books, so I don’t always remember beautiful quotes. I just remember my favorite ones, but no single book stands out.


My husband reminded me of a book that fits this question perfectly: ‘The Golden Compass‘ by Philip Pullman. I received beautiful editions of the entire series for my birthday when I was a teenager. However, I only read the first two books in the trilogy and don’t think I fully understood or appreciated the story then. I was relatively new to reading, and this probably wasn’t the best fantasy series to start with. I think I’d enjoy them much more today.


2013 was probably one of the toughest years of my life, but it was also the year I read ‘Delirium‘ by Lauren Oliver. This book helped me discover audiobooks, which changed my reading experience forever.

In the comments, please send me some love by leaving birthday wishes. If you want to check out my book wishlist, click here, but you are under no obligation to send a gift. However, your continued support means the world to me, and the best birthday gift would be if you followed the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

A Game Most Foul | Book Review

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About The Book
At Ashford College’s writing seminar in London, Jules Montgomery battles hearing loss and writer’s block. When a fellow student vanishes, Jules joins forces with new friends Percy and Suruthi to investigate. With unexpected help from a man claiming to be Sherlock Holmes, they uncover intertwined mysteries that blur the line between reality and fiction.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/45ImL1T

My Rating

First, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for granting me access to an audiobook ALC of “A Game Most Foul” by Alison Gervais. Going into this book, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The premise of a young adult mystery with a Sherlock Holmes twist intrigued me, as I usually enjoy YA mysteries. However, I have mixed feelings about this one.

Let’s start with what I liked. The main character, Jules, is attending a writing workshop in the UK for the summer. Jules has tinnitus and uses hearing aids, which is a refreshing and important representation that’s rarely seen in books. The setting in London is always a plus for me; mysteries set there always seem more enjoyable to me. The plot about a missing classmate initially caught my interest, and I liked the small friend group Jules formed throughout the story.

However, the negatives outweighed the positives for me. Despite the intriguing premise, I found it hard to connect with Jules. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why, but her intense interest in her classmate’s disappearance felt unnatural and a bit over-the-top. Additionally, the romance subplot seemed unnecessary and added little to the main story.

“There’s a story somewhere in my brain, maybe a mystery or a thriller, needing to be written.”

II didn’t expect Sherlock and Watson’s inclusion to be done the way it was. The supernatural element, while somewhat well executed, surprised me and didn’t fit smoothly with the story. I enjoyed Sherlock’s character as it stayed true to the original portrayal. However, I found the other characters less likable, especially the teenagers, who seemed to be trying too hard to act grown-up. They didn’t feel realistic as teenagers; it was obvious that an adult was writing them.

My main problem was with the writing style. It seemed better suited for younger readers than for young adults. Maybe it’s just me getting older or having different tastes, but it made it hard for me to stay engaged in the story. Still, I have to give credit for the ending—it tied things up neatly, even though by then, I wasn’t as invested in the plot.

Overall, while the book has its moments and brings some valuable representation to the table, I just didn’t find the story compelling. It might be more appealing to younger readers or those new to YA mysteries, but it didn’t keep me fully engaged. Thanks again to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for letting me listen to the ALC.

Please comment if you’re an older reader who still enjoys YA books. And don’t forget to like, share, and follow the blog before you go!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Camp Foxenwood Readathon // To Be Read

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today, I’m sharing my July TBR! Well, sort of. This isn’t just my July TBR but a combination of the rest of June, July, and a little bit of August. I’m part of Alexandra Roselyn’s Patreon, and every season she hosts a Readathon for her subscribers. The summer Readathon is camp-inspired and runs from June 17th to August 5th. There are multiple cabins and bingo boards to choose from, making it a fun event. I’m going to try to complete the horror bingo board because it’s one of my favorite genres, and I’m in desperate need of Summerween! I’m aiming to read a different book for each prompt.

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When I saw this prompt, I immediately thought of this book. It doesn’t directly follow best friends, but the story revolves around a main character who thought she killed her best friend years ago. Now, a true crime podcast is trying to uncover what really happened. In my opinion, it fits the prompt perfectly.

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I’ve heard mixed reviews about this book, but I’m a big fan of Kiersten White’s writing. It has a paranormal monster element, which makes it suitable for this prompt.
Related Post: Mister Magic // Book Review

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This is a paranormal historical fiction horror with gothic vibes that I can’t wait to read. It’s a recent purchase, and I’m excited to dive into it.

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This is the third book in the Housemaid series. The first book was amazing, but the second was just okay. I’m hoping this one will be a pleasant surprise.

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I’ve been wanting to read this book for years. It’s a young adult horror novel that is supposedly a retelling of ‘Carrie’ by Stephen King, which sounds great to me.
Related Post: White Smoke // Book Review

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This manga literally has “summer” in the title, so it fits the prompt. It’s a LGBTQ+ horror manga about best friends Yoshiki and Hikaru. When Hikaru returns from a trip, Yoshiki starts to suspect that this person who looks like his best friend isn’t really Hikaru.

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I’m nervous about this one because I’ve read two other books by this author that I didn’t really like. However, I love haunted house and ghost stories. This book involves siblings going through their parents’ stuff and trying to sell their childhood home after their parents’ death, with some family secrets involved. A review described it as “Annabelle meets Child’s Play,” which intrigues me even more.
Related Post: The Final Girls Support Group // Book Review

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This 2024 release has a plot that sounds like it’s straight out of a horror movie or a supernatural episode. I’m excited to read it and hope it will be my first 5-star rating for this author.
Related Post: The Sundown Motel // Book Review

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This young adult horror book takes place on an island with a film crew and a creepy curse. It seems like a quick and engaging summer horror read, and I have high expectations for it.

That’s my Camp Foxenwood Readathon TBR! If you aren’t a member of Lexi’s Patreon, I highly recommend joining. I’ll be posting another July TBR soon, featuring my TBR game. Hit the follow button to get a notification when that post goes live.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Reappearance Of Rachel Price // Book Review

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About The Book
Eighteen-year-old Bel has lived in the shadow of her mother Rachel’s mysterious disappearance 16 years ago, of which she has no memory. Rachel, presumed dead, resurfaces during a true crime documentary, claiming an unbelievable tale. Unsure of its truth, Bel questions Rachel’s motives and the potential danger she poses. With cameras rolling, Bel embarks on a quest to uncover why Rachel returned and the secrets she may harbor.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Rtgz89

My Rating

This book had me hooked from start to finish. The complex plot and unexpected twists kept me intrigued until the very end. Imagine your mom showing up after sixteen years – would you trust her? That’s the dilemma facing Bel, the main character, as she navigates who to believe and trust. It’s a gripping story that kept me on the edge of my seat.

One thing I loved about this book is how it keeps you guessing the whole time. Every chapter brings new surprises, making me wonder what’s going to happen next. I did get a bit frustrated with Bel since she always has her guard up and finds it hard to trust others, but the story is so gripping that it kept me interested with its compelling mystery.

The fact that there’s a documentary being made about Rachel’s disappearance and sudden return adds a really interesting twist to the story. It gives a whole new perspective on what’s happening, and I found it super captivating. Some might think it’s not needed, but for me, it made the mystery even more exciting.

“Making people leave her before they chose to go anyway. Same result in the end, because everybody left eventually, but it hurt less. That was what life was, choosing the way that hurt less.”

The book includes a bit of romance, but it’s mostly about Bel growing and learning to connect with someone. It’s not the main focus, so it doesn’t dominate the plot. However, it does add depth to her character and makes the story more meaningful. Personally, I enjoyed Bel’s love interest, Ash, even though he’s not the main character. Their differences made their relationship really enjoyable.

Jackson’s talent as a writer truly stands out in this book, with plenty of unexpected twists and a jaw-dropping ending that left me—and will surely leave other readers—stunned. While it might not surpass her earlier works, this book is a thrilling mystery that showcases Jackson’s knack for crafting engaging and emotionally resonant stories.

Overall, there were times when the story slowed down and the pacing wasn’t quite right, but the book ends with a deeply satisfying and intense conclusion. It has all the elements I look for in a great YA thriller – mystery, suspense, and plenty of emotionally powerful moments. If you love books that keep you captivated until the very last page, this one is definitely worth picking up.

In the comments, let me know if you have read this book. Don’t forget that you can like and share this post with other readers. Show your support for my blog by giving it a follow.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

2024 Mid-Year Book Freakout // Book Tag

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Each year on my book blog, I do the Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag, and 2024 is no exception. I’m excited to discuss the first half of my reading year with all of you.

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Although my favorite might change, right now, it’s ‘Happy Place’ by Emily Henry. This romance novel is an emotional rollercoaster.

Related Post: These Violent Delights // Book Review

I haven’t read many sequels yet, but I finished ‘Our Violent Ends’ by Chloe Gong, the second book in the ‘These Violent Delights’ duology. It was amazing! I loved the plot, characters, and ending.

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I’m really looking forward to reading ‘A Fate Inked in Blood’ by Danielle L. Jensen. It was a Book of the Month pick for me, and it sounds like an amazing fantasy. I’ve been in a romantasy mood lately, so this one is high on my TBR for the year.

Related Post: Belladonna // Book Review

I can’t wait to read ‘Wisteria’ by Adalyn Grace, the final book in the ‘Belladonna’ series. I’m eager to see how everything wraps up, but I’ll have to wait until August 2024 for its release.

Related Post: Practice Makes Perfect // Book Review

‘Practice Makes Perfect’ by Sarah Adams was a letdown. I had high hopes because of its exchange-of-services plot, but it didn’t meet my expectations.

Related Post: Daisy Jones And The Six // Book Review

‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid surprised me. In my opinion, it’s a historical fiction novel in with a documentary aspect about a 70s rock band. It’s not my usual genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Related Post: Divine Rivals // Book Review

It’s hard to choose, but I’ll go with Rebecca Ross, the author of the ‘Letter Of Enchantments’ duology. Her lyrical writing style is beautiful.

Related Post: Ruthless Vows // Book Review

Speaking of the ‘Letters Of Enchantments’ duology, I have a huge crush on Rowan. He’s kind, intelligent, and has a way with words.

Related Post: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia Of Faeries // Book Review

Wendell from ‘Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia Of Faeries’ by Heather Fawcett is my pick. He’s charming, cocky, and funny. I loved his character and his relationship with Emily.

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Aside from the previously mentioned ‘Happy Place,’ which had me sobbing throughout, ‘The Reappearance Of Rachel Price’ by Holly Jackson had me in tears by the end.

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The “Tea Dragon” graphic novel series by K. O’Neil always makes me happy. They’re cute, quick reads with lovable characters and beautiful illustrations.

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I’ve spent too much on pretty books this year, but “Five Broken Blades” by Mai Corland stands out. It has stunning, detailed edges. I hope the story inside is just as beautiful.


There are many books I’d like to read before the year ends, but two of my highest priority reads are “Two Twisted Crowns” by Rachel Gillig and “Breaking Dawn” by Stephenie Meyer. I really want to finish these series.

In the comments, let me know your answers to these questions. If you’d like to listen to the audiobooks of some of these titles, you can sign up for a free trial of Everand using my link (click here). Are you a blogger? Then I challenge you to do this tag. Don’t forget to hit the follow button so you never miss a post.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Powerless | Book Review

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About The Book
In the kingdom of Ilya, only empowered Elites are allowed to stay, while the powerless Ordinaries face exile. Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary posing as a Psychic, is thrust into the deadly Purging Trials after saving the prince. To survive, she must conceal her lack of powers while navigating the Trials and her growing feelings for the prince.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/459LXhv

My Rating

This book starts off a fantasy series on a solid note with its strong plot, but it may not captivate every reader. I appreciate Roberts’ efforts in crafting the world and characters, which is typical for a fantasy series debut. However, I personally felt that the pacing fell short, and I found myself craving a faster-paced story with more excitement and action.

One of the book’s strong points is its magic system, which gives off a YA fantasy vibe reminiscent of popular series like “Divergent” or “The Hunger Games.” The main character, Paedyn, stands out as a powerful female lead, confidently strong-willed thanks to her background of survival. And then there’s Kai, the male lead, who strikes a likable balance between toughness and kindness, making for some really engaging interactions between them.

The story mainly revolves around Paedyn and Kai, so the side characters don’t really play a significant role in the plot. However, I found Kitt, Kai’s brother and the future king, to be intriguing. Even though he’s not a major character, I enjoyed the moments between him and Kai, as well as the scene with Paedyn and him. I’m looking forward to learning more about him as the series progresses.

As for Paedyn and Kai’s romance, it follows the classic rivals-to-lovers theme, and I thought it was executed quite well. Nevertheless, I can understand if some readers find it a bit slow-paced, especially if they prefer their romantic plots to move along more quickly. As someone who openly dislikes slow-burn romance, this one really got on my nerves. However, I have to give credit where it’s due—the banter between Kai and Paedyn was spot on. Still, it didn’t quite make up for the overly drawn-out slow burn.

“If I am to be her enemy, I want it to be because she loathes herself for wanting me.”

For me, the plot falls short of delivering any groundbreaking revelations, which left me feeling disconnected from the story’s twists and turns. While I wasn’t deeply attached to the characters, the ending did stir up a mix of emotions, making me curious about where the series is headed next.

The author’s writing style heavily leans into the YA genre, which isn’t something I love, as I’ve been gravitating towards more adult fantasies these days. Additionally, the book’s length feels excessive, lacking consistent engagement throughout its 400 pages. I feel that if it had been a bit shorter, I might have enjoyed the story more.

Overall, the book didn’t hold my attention from start to finish, which is something I always hope for, especially in a fantasy series. However, its solid foundation and intriguing characters still give me enough reason to keep going with the series. I’m curious to see where the characters will go from here and how the story will unfold.

Share your thoughts on this book in the comments below! Don’t forget to hit the follow button so you never miss a post. Also, you can listen to the audiobook of ‘Powerless’ on Everand and get a free trial of the subscription service by using my link (click here).

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Jo and Laurie // Book Review

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About The Book
In 1869 Concord, Massachusetts, Jo’s first novel becomes a bestseller, and she’s pressured to write a sequel. Seeking inspiration, she travels to New York with Laurie, enjoying museums, operas, and a reading by Charles Dickens. Laurie proposes, but Jo, valuing her independence, declines and Laurie leaves heartbroken for college. He returns with a new girlfriend, prompting Jo to confront her true feelings or risk losing him forever.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3UZ7jtf

My Rating

This book is a retelling that transforms classic characters from Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’ from friends to lovers. The twist on the Jo and Laurie story is likely to be a favorite for many readers, even though I am personally not a Laurie fan.

I wouldn’t say that he’s a horrible character, because I actually enjoyed Laurie’s relationship with Jo and her sisters. However, I felt that he came on a bit strong in the book and didn’t want to take no for an answer. Despite my distaste for him, the author kept him pretty true to character.

But the star of this adaptation was Jo. I’m a huge Jo March fan, even though she can be a bit intense for some people. It was as if the authors plucked the character right out of the original story. They were able to capture her essence so well that even in this new story, she still felt like the Jo we know and love.

“He wanted adventure. Passion. He wanted Jo.”

The book was very well written and an easy read. That being said, I found that the writing style did not match my personal taste. The story’s slow pace and plot failed to fully engage me, but I can see how it might captivate others, especially teens, who are the target audience for the book.

The ending is tailored for those who always wished to see Jo and Laurie together. I think it brings a sense of satisfaction to their story, providing a type of closure that some people might not have gotten from the original book. Many people love a good friends-to-lovers story, but unfortunately, I never really saw Jo and Laurie as more than friends.

Overall, in my opinion, Jo and Laurie were at their best as friends, but this retelling takes them on a different romantic journey. It was interesting to see how the authors took these two characters and gave their relationship a whole new ending while still keeping their characters true to the original story. In the end, I must admit it’s a fun book, offering a fresh perspective on beloved characters.

In the comments, let me know if you always thought that Jo and Laurie should have ended up together. Don’t forget that I have new bookish blog posts every week. If you never want to miss a post, follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

With And Without You // Book Review

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About The Book
High school seniors Siena and Patrick, dubbed Couple Most Likely to Marry, face a dilemma as college approaches. Siena questions whether staying together is right for their future, but before she can voice her concerns, Patrick announces his family’s move to Austin. Despite the distance, their relationship evolves during visits throughout the school year, leading Siena to rediscover her love for Patrick.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3R3Pg4a

My Rating

I adored this book and found it to be an absolutely charming young adult love story. Initially, I gave it 4 stars, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it deserved 5 stars. This surprised me since I don’t usually rate this author duo’s books so highly.

The story follows high school student Siena, who feels defined by her long-term relationship with Patrick. She decides it’s time to end the relationship, but when Patrick reveals he’s moving, she ultimately agrees to try long distance. Siena hopes this will give her the opportunity to grow without losing Patrick.

I am team Patrick all the way! He was kind, understanding, and confident. However, Siena was probably the only downside of the book. She spent too much time debating whether to end her relationship, which became a bit annoying.

“The distance doesn’t matter. It doesn’t define our relationship, because we’ll always have this—being together—eventually. It’s more like a Temporarily Distant Relationship.”

Even so, I enjoyed the storyline. As a former long-distance relationship (LDR) girlfriend, I know how challenging they can be. It was nice to see both characters grow individually and reignite the spark in their relationship. I loved how the plot focused on the lack of communication, which is often what ends a relationship.

The ending was perfect! Honestly, there were some moments I didn’t see coming, which I loved. Normally, a young adult contemporary doesn’t have many surprises, so it was an added bonus to see the authors take the road less traveled.

Overall, I will probably continue to read this author duo’s young adult books. This is a solid contemporary that will make you laugh, cry, and smile. It is now one of my favorite young adult reads, and I will be recommending it to other YA contemporary readers. Hopefully, I will continue to find more gems like this within the genre.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve ever been in a long-distance relationship. Don’t forget to support my blog by getting post notifications. All you have to do is hit the follow button.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

The Eras Tour // Book Tag

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
I’ve been enjoying Taylor Swift’s album “The Tortured Poets Department,” which was released on April 19th. So, I’ve decided to do a Taylor Swift book tag. It’s called “The Eras Tour” Book Tag, created by Words About Words and inspired by Taylor’s awesome Eras Tour.


This was an easy pick because the only book that made me really anxious while reading was “The Do-Over” by Lynn Painter. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great YA romcom, but for some reason, it made my anxiety levels shoot up.
Related Post: The Do-Over // Book Review


I owe my love of reading to ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants‘ books by Ann Brashares. As a huge Gilmore Girls fan, when I found out that Alexis Bledel, who played Rory on the show, was starring in the movie adaptation of the first book, I decided to read the book first. The rest, as they say, is history.


Picking just one thriller is tough since I read a lot of them. But “The Family Game” by Catherine Steadman stood out for me in 2023. It’s a really intriguing thriller with a plot that keeps you hooked.
Related Post: The Family Game // Book Review


Could Life be considered a villain? In “Foxglove” by Adlynn Grace, we encounter Life, the brother of Signa’s love interest, Death. While he isn’t malicious, he’ll stop at nothing to keep Signa away from Death for specific reasons. So, in my opinion, he played somewhat of a ‘villain’ role in the book, though he wasn’t necessarily evil.
Related Post: Foxglove // Book Review


I think “House Of Hunger” by Alexis Henderson deserves more attention. It’s got a really interesting story and the writing is fantastic. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, but I’m really glad I did.
Related Post: House Of Hunger // Book Review


I frequently read books with multiple points of view, particularly when it comes to romances and fantasies. One of my favorites is the Letters Of Enchantments duology. The first book, ‘Divine Rivals,’ is excellent, and ‘Ruthless Vows‘ provided a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Related Post: Divine Rivals // Book Review


I’m not certain if this is my favorite mythical world, but I recently read “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries,” and the world within it is fascinating. It’s a great cozy fantasy set in a world full of mystical creatures.
Related Post: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries // Book Review


After reading ‘The Love Hypothesis‘ by Ali Hazelwood, I can certainly understand why people enjoy her romance novels. It was a delightful grumpy-sunshine romance with STEM elements.


As an emotional person, many books have completely devastated me. However, one book that affected me in the worst way, and for which I wanted justice for the characters, was “Good Girl, Bad Blood” by Holly Jackson. This book broke me in ways I can’t explain.
Related Post: Good Girl, Bad Blood // Book Review


One of the very first books I ever binged was “P.S. I Still Love You” by Jenny Han. I remember staying up until about 2 a.m. reading this book. It is still my favorite book in the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” trilogy.


There are so many books being released this year that I can’t wait for, but my most anticipated release is “Wisteria” by Adalyn Grace. I will definitely be reading this the minute it is released.
Related Post: Belladonna // Book Review

Please let me know in the comments your favorite Taylor Swift album. Don’t forget to share and like this post with other readers. Also, remember to follow the blog so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

From Cover To Closet (A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder) // Toss-Up Tuesday

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
It’s been ages since I’ve done a fashion post, so I thought it was about time to bring them back. This time, I drew inspiration from the ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ trilogy. I’ve created three different looks, each inspired by one of the book covers from the main trilogy. There is a novella, but I wanted to focus this post on the main three books.

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4dNVnTO
Related Post: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder // Book Review

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aC2Fra
Related Post: Good Girl, Bad Blood // Book Review

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3ULSlH7
Related Post: As Good As Dead // Book Review

In the comments, let me know what other types of fashion posts you’d like to see. If you’re a fan of bookish content like reviews, tags, and the occasional fashion and beauty posts, please follow the blog to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny