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The Quarter Year Crisis // Book Tag

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
I have been seeing ‘The Quarter Year Crisis’ book tag making its way around the bookish community. This tag is similar to the ‘Mid-Year Book Freakout‘ tag. Since I love doing the mid-year tag I decided that it would be fun to do the quarter year one as well. The tag was created by Booktuber Roisin’s Reading, and I recommend you check out her channel.

How many books have you read so far?

I have only read 21 books, which I think is pretty good. I have never actually read more than two books a month, so I am proud of myself for reading more than I every thought I could in a month.

Have you already found a book you think might be a 2022 favorite?

I am not going to lie, but most of the books I have read thus far have been 3 star reads. However, ‘You’ll Be the Death of Me‘ by Karen M. McManus will most likely make it on to my favorites of the year list. This doesn’t really come as a surprise, since her book ‘One Of Us Is Lying‘ was a 2021 favorite of mine.

What was your favorite book you read that wasn’t quite five stars?

Probably, going to have to go with ‘Radio Silence‘ by Alice Oseman, yes she is author of the widely popular graphic novel series ‘Heartstopper‘. This book was really good and the message was amazing. I gave the book 4.5 stars, so it was just barely a 5 star read for me. If you want more of my thoughts on the book you can read my review of it.

Any 1 star books / least favorite book of the year?

I have had a few disappointing reads in the past few months, but the one that stands out the most is ‘You’ve Reached Sam‘ by Dustin Thao. I have also done a review of this book, so I don’t want to talk to much about it. But, this book was such a letdown.

Most read genre so far?

100% contemporary! This doesn’t come as a shock since YA contemporary has always been my most read genre. Yet, I think as the year progresses YA horrors and thrillers might beat out contemporary books.

A book that surprised you?

This would have to be ‘Horrid‘ by Katrina Leno. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting going into this book, but I really enjoyed it. For some reason I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

Book that’s come out in 2022 already that you want to read but haven’t yet?

This is an easy one for me, but that would be ‘Blaine for the Win‘ by Robbie Couch. Technically the book was released on April 12th, yet the audiobook isn’t out until May 10th. As most of you know, I am an audiobook addict which is why I have already pre-ordered my copy of the audiobook. I cannot wait to dive into this book.

One goal you’ve made that you’re succeeding at?

This isn’t a bookish goal, but a blogging one. In my 2022 goal post I talked about how I wanted to broaden my blog content. I think that I have been doing pretty good on posting some lifestyle content in addition to bookish posts. I do ‘Toss-Up Tuesday‘, which is when I usually post my non-book content. I have been liking doing those posts and hope to make them more of a regular things.

One goal you made that you need to focus on?

This is a bookish goal, and it is to read the books that I own. I have been very inconsistent with reading from my bookshelves. There are so many new releases that I want to get to that I forget to read the books I already own. I hope to make my owned TBR more of a priority as the year goes on.

New to you Booktubers/bookstagrammers/booktokers for 2022 that you recommend?

I have just started Booktok so I don’t really have any recommendations there (unless you count myself @bookswithbunny). I do have a bookstagram, but don’t really have any account recommendations since I mainly going on Instagram to see cute comics. As for Booktube, I recommend Julie Janis Books and LiterallyLo. They always make great bookish content.

I hope that you enjoyed this tag. If you like this kind of tag, follow my blog so you don’t miss out on when I post my ‘Mid-Year Book Freakout’ tag. I want to tag all my fellow book bloggers, so leave a comment letting me know if you do the tag.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Convenient Interruptions // Available Now

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Hi Friends,
Happy release day! My first ever poetry book, Convenient Interruptions, is officially released. As of now, it is available for purchase exclusively on Amazon, in both e-book and paperback. I have worked long and hard on this boo, and any support you can give me would fill my heart with joy! The book community is absolutely amazing, and I am so lucky to be a part of it. If you happen to buy the book, please let me know in the comments. I want to hear all of your thoughts on the book, because I think everyone can relate to it in one way or another. The book is also available to read on Kindle Unlimited, so if you have a subscription, please go and read it!

I appreciate every one of you, and this wouldn’t have been possible without my fellow book lovers. Amazon and blog reviews are always welcomed, and they really help spread the word about the book. Leave a comment letting me know if you have published, or are going to be publishing, a book. Let’s support each other!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

To Be Read // Spring 2022

- Bunny 8 Comments


Hi Friends,
I mentioned how I was switching up the way I do my TBR posts, so I thought it might be fun to do a seasonal TBR instead. Spring hasn’t really started in my state, since the days have been going from 60 degrees to almost 90 degrees. Anyways, these are some of the of books that I would like to read during the spring. I could have a lot more on this list, but I tried to be relatively realistic.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
This seems like the perfect spring read! After watching a reading vlog featuring this book, I am even more excited to pick it up. I only watched the first half of the video, because it was filled with spoilers. I want to be surprised while reading it, so I have now been trying to stay away from reviews or videos talking about the book.

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
This is the last Karen M. McManus release that I have yet to read. She is probably my favorite YA thriller author, and I am excited to read another one of her books. All her books have been top-tire YA thrillers for me, and I have heard some great things about this story. I am not too familiar with the plot of this book, but I don’t mind going into her books blind.

They’ll Never Catch Us by Jessica Goodman
I didn’t care for this author’s first thriller novel, ‘They Wish They Were Us’,  But, I wanted to give her a second chance. This one follows two sisters, and has a more intriguing mystery. I haven’t heard anything about this book, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It seems like Goodman is still a pretty unknown author, and I enjoy reading more underrated books from time to time.

Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
I am dying to continue on with the ‘Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ series. The characters and mystery of the first book was so good that I have pretty high hopes for the rest of the series. This is the second book in the trilogy, and is bound to be amazing. These mystery thrillers are fast paced, so I am pretty sure it will be a quick read.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
This book has been on my radar for a while now, since it is an extremely popular YA trilogy. I get ‘Knives Out’ vibes from the plot, yet I have never seen that movie, so I don’t know how right I am. This is supposed to be a mystery thriller, but from what I have heard it leans more towards the mystery genre.

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Kasie West is my favorite young adult contemporary author, so I had to put one of her books on my spring TBR. I have been slowly making my way through her back-list titles. This is one of her first book releases, and I’m sure it will have me swooning. I typically give her books between a 4 or 5 star rating, which is why I always get excited to pick up her books.

Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning
I own this book both physically, and on audiobook, which makes it a high priority read for me. I haven’t read anything from this author, nor heard anything about this book. The plot interest me, but it isn’t the type of story that I would normally read. However, the book does have just under a 4 star rating, so I am keeping my hopes high.

Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie
This book wasn’t one that I originally wanted to pick up, but I have heard good things about it. People have mentioned that the story has a lot of diversity. However, I am still on the fence about it, because I have heard it is a bit slower pace. I plan to go into it with an open mind and hope for the best.

Cupcake by Cookie O’Gorman
I am really excited for this book, because it sounds like a great read for me. This is a super cute contemporary that I predict to be at least a 4 star read. I luckily found this book on a whim, since the book community hasn’t mentioned it. Nevertheless, I want to pick this one up fairly soon. Also, it has plus size representation, which is always a bonus.

Seven Dirty Secrets by Natalie D. Richards
I have been wanting to read something from this author for a while. Despite not having heard that great of things about her books I still find the premise of her thrillers to be very interesting. I could be completely wrong with this ending up to be a disappointment, but I have to read it to find out.

If you haven’t noticed, I have become really into YA thrillers lately. But ya contemporaries will still always find their way on to my TBRs. Let me know in the comments what you will be reading this spring. Also, don’t forget to give my blog a follow.

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

5 Star Predictions #3 // 2022

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
I thought it was time to guess some 5 star reads. I picked 5 books that I believe will be highly rated books for me. All of the books are young adult books, because that is what I primarily read. Weirdly enough, my last five star predictions post included some 2022 releases. This time I will be including some 2022 releases as well as previously released books.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord (January 2020)
I have seen mixed reviews on this book, but I have a feeling that I’d love it. It is a YA enemies-to-lovers that includes food and Twitter. You all know that I am a sucker for a cute YA contemporary.

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky (April 2021)
Don’t know why I am predicting this to be five stars. If nothing else, it has to do with the fact that Mary Shelley interests me. The premise is very intriguing, and it is bound to have a lot of twists.


You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus (November 2021)
This is described as a dark ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. Three friends’ ditch day turns scary, when things go fatally wrong. I am always in the mood for a good YA thriller, and Karen McManus books usually rank pretty high for me.

Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West (May 2022)
This one might be a letdown, since West’s last book release, Sunkissed, was a big disappointment. Still, I normally always rate her books around 5 stars. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will be another amazing book from her.

I Guess I Live Here Now by Claire Ahn (May 2022)
This one is giving me Katharine McGee’s ‘American Royals’ meets ‘The Princess Diaries’ vibes. This book takes places in Korea, and is a ‘found family’ story, which isn’t typically something I gravitate to. But I hear it includes a lot of family drama and hidden secrets, which is something I do love.

I am not sure how accurate these predictions will turn out to be, but I am hoping for the best. Check back for my reviews on each book (if I actually read them) to see my final rating and thoughts. Better yet, follow the blog to get post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The January Book Tag

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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

12 In 2022 // Yearly TBR

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Hi Friends,
I knew that I wanted to do some kind of 2022 TBR, but I decided not to include any new releases. Of course, I will be reading many 2021 and 2022 releases throughout the year, but I wanted to do more of a backlist TBR for the year. If you read my resolutions post, then you know that one of my bookish goals is to read more older titles. I want to read all the books that came out years ago that I have forgotten about. So, here are the 12 books I would like to read this year. Also, keep in mind that I am counting a book series as one book.

Divergent by Veronica Roth: I have heard a lot of mixed things about this series. But, I really want to read it this year. My husband read the entire trilogy, and we’ve seen the first two movies. I would like to read all the books, and possibly the companion novel ‘Four.’

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: I started this series a while ago, but never finished it. I attempted book two, ‘Catching Fire,’ but I put it down and never picked it back up. Now I think it’s time to see if all the hype about the series is true. I have seen the final two movies in the film adaptations, weirdly enough, so I kind of have an idea on how the books end.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: In 2020, I got the boxed-set for Christmas. Last year, I started the first book on audio, but I loaned it from the library, and had to return it before I was finished. I would like to at least read two or more books in this vampire romance series.

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian:

I haven’t read a Jenny Han book in a minute. I would love to see what this trilogy is all about. It is the only Jenny Han series that I have yet to read, yet my opinions on her books have been fairly mixed. I hope that I enjoy this one as much as I did the ‘To All The Boys’ trilogy.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi: I have heard nothing but good things about this book, and love the premise of it. This book follows a Muslim-American teenage girl. Although, I was born in American, I was raised Muslim. Today, I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself Muslim, but it was a big part of my upbringing. We don’t get a lot of Persian and Muslim representation in books, so I’m excited to read a book that deals with a character that I can relate too.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo: I have been very intrigued by this author since I discovered that she writes some books in verse. I am trying to learn more about this type of writing, because it is something I am very interested in. Now I don’t know much about this story, except that people love it. I would also like to read ‘With The Fire On High’ from her as well.

Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali: This is a Muslim teen romance that sounds very sweet and wholesome. I have had this on my overall TBR for a while, but never got around to it. However, I would love to pick it up this year if only because I just learned that the female character is named Zayneb. Fun fact that is my older sister’s name just spelled slightly different.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord: I am shocked that I haven’t read this yet. It is an adorable YA contemporary that I know I am going to love. I need to read this as soon as possible, because I love all things cute and contemporary. Honestly, I haven’t seen one negative review of this book.

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland: I used to be in love with this book cover, because it is so different. But then I found out the plot, and knew it was going to be a crazy read. It has sister and mystery elements, with maybe a touch of horror. I haven’t seen too many people reviewing it, so I will be going into it with an open mind.

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig: I am going to be honest, but this book sounds an awful lot like the one before. However, I have been wanting to read it since it was released two years ago. It is supposedly a ‘Twelve Dancing Princess’ retelling with a dark twist. I have become a big fan of horror and thriller books, and this one sounds pretty good.

American Royals by Katharine McGee: I cannot explain why I desperately want to read the series. Everyone in my life knows that me and royal plots don’t mix. But for some reason I am dying to jump into this trilogy. I have heard that the first book is great, but the second book falls flat. All I know is that this book has a cute romance and drama, and I am here for it.

Lore by Alexandra Bracken: This book was very hyped, leading up it’s release in January 2021. After the book came out, I noticed the hype died down quite a bit. There have been a lot of mixed reviews, with some recommending the book. Others, not so much. It is a YA Greek Gods story, that, despite the polarized opinions, I would still like to read.

I am going to stop myself here, so that this post isn’t novel length. Let me know any of the books on your yearly TBR in the comments. Don’t forget to follow my blog before you go to get notifications on all my new content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Books That Missed The Mark // 2021 Disappointments

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
I talked about my favorite books of 2021, but I thought it was time I mentioned some of the books I didn’t love. These books are ones that I didn’t really enjoy, but keep in mind that this is only my opinion. Also, I will link any reviews I have for each book.

Sunkissed by Kasie West
This was probably my biggest disappointment, because Kasie West is an auto read author for me. I usually love all her books, but this one was infuriating to say the least.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
This book bored and annoyed me. The concept of a, sort of, time travel romance seemed so cool. Yet, I didn’t connect with the story or writing. Also, I wasn’t a fan of the ending at all.

The Final Girls Support Group by Grady Hendrix
I heard how great this book was for months, but to me it wasn’t worth the hype. However, that could be due to the fact that I am not a big adult book reader. Still, I think it had more to do with the plot than anything.

So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen
Ugh, this book was such a let down. Honestly, I hate that I have to talk about it since I kind of ranted in my review. It was a major disappointment, enough said.

The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo
I can’t fault this one too much for being on the list, since I was just excepting something different from the plot. There isn’t necessarily a problem with the book itself. Although, from the title one naturally assumes it will be a cute holiday swap story but sadly it isn’t.

Time Of Our Lives by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley
This is another book that I couldn’t stand. Truthfully, I don’t have anything good to say about this book, which is very unfortunate. The plot fell flat and the female love interest was extremely unlikable.

What’s Not To Love by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley
Yep, there are two books from this author duo on this list. The plot promises an enemies to lovers YA contemporary, which is only half true. The romance was very random and instant lovey. And, don’t even get me started on are female lead.

I am going to end this list here. After looking at all the books I read in 2021 I realize there are more I could add to this list. I guess my reading year 2021 wasn’t the best at all. Nevertheless, these are just my opinions and not every book is intended for every reader. Please tell me if you enjoyed any of these books in the comments. Don’t forget to follow the blog, share and like this post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Books With Bunny

To Be Read // January 2022

- Bunny 3 Comments

Hi Friends,
It is a new month, which means a new TBR! I decided to have my husband pick my TBR for January. To make it easy, I just had him chose five books off my GoodReads ‘Want To Read’ shelve. So what books did he end up picking?

“From author Kelly Quindlen comes a poignant and deeply relatable story about friendship, self-acceptance, and what it means to be a Real Teenager. Late to the Party is an ode to late bloomers and wallflowers everywhere.”

I didn’t remember the plot for this book, or why I added it to my TBR, but it seems like a contemporary about self-confidence and breaking out of your shell. Not sure I am still interested in it, but as you can see I am going to be reading it.

“Boarding school has never been more dangerous. What if your roommate is a murderer? Or what if he’s being framed and only you can save him?”

I have been into YA thrillers lately, so I am happy that he ended picking this book. It is also a book I own, and I have been wanting to read from my shelf more this year.

“Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance.”

Apparently, he wants me to start a new series this year. I have only read ‘Stalking Jack The Ripper’ by Kerri Maniscalco, but I found her writing to be very atmospheric, which added to the reading experience. I am excited to see where this series takes me.

“Frances Janvier spends most of her time studying. Everyone knows Aled Last as that quiet boy who gets straight A’ s. You probably think that they are going to fall in love or something. Since he is a boy and she is a girl. They don’t. They make a podcast.”

The synopsis baffles me completely. I am very curious to see why so many people love this book.

“In this “raw and well-crafted romance” (Kirkus Reviews), Bea learns that some things just can’t be controlled.”

This is another book that I just so happen to own. He picked this one because of my love for contemporaries and my OCD. But, I am not mad about it.

Those are the books that I have on my TBR for the month. However, if I somehow manage to get to all of them before the end of the month, I might end up doing some mood reading. Let me know the books on your January TBR in the comments.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Favorite Books Of 2021 // The Best Of The Best

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Hi Friends,
The time has finally come to talk about my favorite books of 2021! I managed to read a lot of books this year. Well, a lot for me. And while I wouldn’t classify my reading year as amazing, some of the books that were top-tier reads. I decided to start at number 11 and work my way down to number 1. Also, I have a review up for, almost, all the books on this list, so if you want to know my in-depth thoughts on any of them, please read my reviews.

1 Number PNG1 Number PNGThe Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee
This is, I believe, the first young adult sci-fi that I have ever read. The premise and character intrigued me, and the ending left me wanting to continue on with the story. I think it was a good way to easy myself into the fantasy genre. It was a cool read that managed to squeak its way on to this list.

1 Number PNG0 Number PNG Legendborn by by Tracy Deonn
I wasn’t to thrilled to pick this book up, since it is a YA fantasy story. If you have read my blog for any length of time than you know me and fantasy aren’t the best of friends. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, and the twist ending was fascinating. I am curious to see where the story will go from here. Overall, the excitement I got from listening to the story was why it got the number 10 spot.

9 Number PNGUndead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson
This is actually a book that I started back a year (or so) ago. But, I put it down and never picked it back up. That is, not until this year. I don’t know why I wasn’t engaged in the story the first time around, because I thought the plot worked well! There were also a lot of funny moments throughout the book. I would love to read more from this author, since her writing style was simple and effective. It isn’t the best book of all time, but I enjoyed it enough for it to become a favorite of 2021.

8 Number PNGOne Of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
I read many YA thrillers this year, and many of them were great reads. However, this book was a roller coaster ride, without being too crazy. Truthfully, I felt like I was reading a Lifetime mystery movie, which I am not mad about. I love Lifetime and Hallmark movies, so I think that is one of the reason I enjoyed the book. But the ending is what really too this book to the next level for me. Some might call it predictable; I call it shocking. Which is probably why Karen M. McManus has become a new favorite author of mine, and this book is one of my favorites for the year.

7 Number PNGYou Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Lucky number seven! This YA contemporary was cute, but not in a cheesy way. I liked how the story played out, and the female-female romance was very sweet. The main character, Liz, was relatable, and by the end of the book, began to stand up for herself. She had a lot going on at home, but handled it with so much strength, while hiding her anxiety. I think it is important to remember that we are the lead character of our lives, not a supporting role, which Liz eventually realized as well.

6 Number PNGOn The Fence by Kasie West
I love me some Kasie West, but I hadn’t picked up any of her older work until 2021. This is your classic best friends to lovers story, which is always a favorite of mine. Who am I kidding, Kasie West’s name on the cover usually means it’ll be a favorite for me. I liked the romance aspect, and that the main character was the typical pretty girl. There was also a mental health plot that was interesting, as well. It was a simple story, and it made me happy so number six it is.

5 Number PNGThe Afterlife Of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand
This was a reread for me, but this year it became one of my favorite books. Hence it being in my top 5 books of the year. Not sure, what head space I was in the first time I read it, but now it has officially become a yearly holiday read for me. It is a YA retelling of ‘A Christmas Carol’ with a unique twist. I think that just about anyone who knows the classic story would surely get a kick out of this book.

4 Number PNGToy Makers Apprentice by Sherri L. Smith
This is one of the last books that I read in 2021, and I am glad I discovered it. It is a middle-grade ‘The Nutcracker’ retelling that jumps right into the story from the get go. The plot is captivating, and I couldn’t put it down. It is such an original take on the classic story, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I don’t know why more people aren’t raving about this book. It was very close to being higher on this list, but I read other books that were a little bit better.

3 Number PNGThese Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
This is a book that is getting a lot of buzz, so obviously I had to read it. The book is a take on Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliette’ set in Shanghai. After reading the book, I completely understand the hype. At first, I was a little confused. But once the story got going, it was, in a word, amazing. I don’t know how the author took Shakespeare’s classic story and turned it upside down while still making that connection to the original. I loved it! And evidently, others do too. And, to think I almost forgot to add it to my favorite books of the year. What was I thinking?

2 Number PNGIf I’m Being Honest by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley
I think it is funny that this book made the list, since I was so close to DNFing it. Nevertheless, this book has become a contemporary favorite of mine. The main character was blunt and confident, but learned to be a better person, all on her own. She thought that she had to “tame” herself to get a guy. But really, she need to be better for herself, and nobody else. As said by Dr. Seuss, “Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”

1 Number PNGFive Feet Apart by Mikki Daughtry, Rachael Lippincott, & Tobias Iaconis
I don’t know if anyone expected this to be my top book of the year, because I sure didn’t. I think I mentioned this in my review for the book, but this story broke me. The plot is incredible and heartbreaking all at once. Your emotions will be all over the place while reading the book, which was probably the authors intention. I am going to warn you that the ending will make you cry, and probably break you as well. In my opinion, it is a love story that everyone should read.

Those are all my favorite books of 2021, and I am excited to see what will make the list next year. Let me know your favorite books of the year, and don’t forget to check out my reviews on the these books.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny