Search Results for: book review

Five Survive // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments


About The Book
Red and her friends are on a road trip. When their RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere with no cell service, they soon realize this is no accident. They have been trapped by someone out there in the dark, someone who clearly wants one of them dead.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3ZN2zI9

My Rating

Honestly, I had such high hopes for this book after reading the ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ trilogy (even though I wasn’t a fan of the last book). But, I thought this would be a fast-paced thriller. However, I didn’t find it to be engaging. I’d even say it was a bit boring.

I didn’t like any of the characters, and I hate when authors try to make us feel sympathy for the main character. I kept hoping that the plot would pick up, but I was sadly disappointed.

It didn’t feel like a mystery/thriller at all. I wasn’t excited to pick it up, but I’m not disappointed that I finished it. Although, I would have been better off DNFing it.

I didn’t like being in the main character’s mind at all. She was such a plain, boring, and depressing character. And, I wondered why any of the characters were even friends. I personally wouldn’t have been friends with any of them. Especially Oliver, whom I despised.

“This is turning into Lord of the Fucking Flies. We’re going to end up killing each other, forget about the sniper.”

There were a few twists in the book. Some I saw coming, and others I didn’t. But, the twists weren’t enough to make up for the slow and uninteresting plot. In my opinion, there has to be more to a story than a few good twists.

The book reminded me a lot of ‘The Woods Are Always Watching’ by Stephanie Perkins, which I did DNF. Truthfully, I finished for the author. But sadly, the writing just wasn’t on the same level as her previous trilogy.

I did hear that the author wrote this book in somewhere between 6-8 weeks, and it shows. Perhaps if it wasn’t so rushed and she took more time, the book would have been more developed. However, I’m not sure if more time would have help make the plot more interesting, or the characters more likable.

Overall, if you are looking for an interesting mystery/thriller, look somewhere else. Better yet, just pick up Holly Jackson’s ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ books, because they better showcase the authors talent.
Related Post: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder // Book Review

In the comments, please tell me I’m not alone in my distaste for this book. Don’t forget to like this post, and hit the follow button!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Better Than The Movies // Book Review

- Bunny 5 Comments


About The Book
Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, this “sweet and funny” (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute yet obnoxious neighbor as they scheme to get her noticed by her untouchable crush.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3js9G9h

My Rating

I think every YA contemporary lover should read this book! I seriously can’t think of one negative thing to say about it. I loved the enemies-to-lovers romance. The female main character, Liz, is very likable, and a hopeless romantic. Wes, the male lead, is super swoon-worthy.

I love the plot of these two enemies coming together because Liz needs Wes’ help to get a guy. Something about exchange of services plots always get me. And, the fact that there were romance movie quotes through out the book made it better.

As a main character, Liz was really likable to me. It was sweet that rom-coms, and being a romantic, made her feel closer to her late mom. But it did also show that she was still grieving for her mom. Also, I love that she made playlists for people. It was a small detail, but a very interesting aspect to her character.

Liz and Wes definitely had some great chemistry, and their feeling for each other developed naturally. Honestly, I liked Wes as well, and found him pretty charming. The other side characters were similarly likable, which made the story even more enjoyable.

“Love is patient, love is kind, love means slowly losing your mind.”

Now, there was declaration of love that I found to be cheesy, but still pretty cute, and it did leave me in tears. I think every YA contemporary has to have a little bit of cheesy, which I don’t mind at all.

Not only did I love the romance (like, it was seriously the best part of the entire book), but I also found that Liz’s character development was great. It was nice seeing her become her own person. She realized she can keep her mom’s memory alive without having to be just like her.

Overall, it was wonderfully written, made me laugh and even cry. I’m going to be recommending this book forever. I am for sure going to be rereading this book in years to come. Honestly, like the titles says it is 100% better than any teen romance movie.

In the comments, let me know if you loved this book as much as I did. If you like book reviews, then give this post a like, and follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

We Have Always Lived In The Castle // Book Review

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About The Book
Taking readers deep into a labyrinth of dark neurosis, We Have Always Lived in the Castle is a deliciously unsettling novel about a perverse, isolated, and possibly murderous family and the struggle that ensues when a cousin arrives at their estate.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3ZbX4SW

My Rating

 

This book was weird and confusing, but still intriguing from the get-go. The book gives off Lizzie Borden vibes, and there’s a lot of talk about wishing people were dead.

The story follows 3 family members that lives in a old manor of sorts. These are the 3 surviving members of the family after a ‘accidental’ poisoning took the lives of the rest of the family.

The characters are all very twisted. Hate and anger are both a big part of the story. It really shows that people are cruel. However not all people are evil, but none of us are without sin.

The book is a very fast read and pretty easy to figure out. You can tell where the story was going to go, which isn’t a bad thing. It was a very easy to read book. Yet, I didn’t find the plot particularly spectacular, and the ending wasn’t all too shocking either.

“I’m going to put death in all their food and watch them die.”

There was an overarching message of sisterly love that one might not have suspected. And, I found the ending to be a little bit sad. I didn’t actually expect to feel sorry for these characters, so I’d call it unexpected, at least.

Overall, the book was decent, as was the writing. I felt like I was reading a classic. Think ‘Frankenstein’, but that isn’t necessarily bad thing. I’m not sure this will be a story that appeals to everyone, still I think it is a good story.
Related Post: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein // Book Review

In the comments, let me know your thoughts on the book. Also, tell me if you’ve seen the movie adaptation as well. Don’t forget to hit the follow button, so you never miss a post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Legendary // Book Review

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About The Book
After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3KroBvD

My Rating

This is the sequel to Caraval, which followed Scarlet as she joins the magical game, Caraval, in order to find her sister Tella. But this time, Tella is the leading lady – and boy did I love her.

I found myself a lot like Tella. Not only is she the younger sister, a bit immature, but she’s also stubborn and driven. The story takes place right after the first book, and the writing is just as phenomenal.

I love being in the magical world that is Caraval. However, this time we get to see a more darker side of Caraval, with higher stakes. Just like in the first book, Caraval is filled with lies, misdirection and it messes with your mind.

There were some new characters introduced, all of whom I enjoyed. And, as always, the sister relationship and family was at the forefront of the story. The major plot point of this book is Tella’s desire to find her mother, and we do get to know a lot about her.

“Every story has four parts – the beginning, the middle, the almost ending, and the true ending.”

There were a lot of twist and turns throughout the entire book, which made it go by so fast. However, the story had a lot of components to it, so it was definitely hard to keep track of where the plot was going.

Overall, I would completely recommend this book, and cannot wait to dive into Finale, the final book in this trilogy. Although, I would say that if you are looking to read these books, they are most likely ones you should binge read.

In the comments, let me know if you love the Caraval series! Don’t forget to share and like this post. And, all my bookish friends, give the blog a follow!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Do-Over // Book Review

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About The Book
In this riotous young adult romp for fans of Recommended for You and A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, a teen girl has the worst Valentine’s Day ever—only to relive it over and over again. How many days can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something good starts to come out of these terrible days, what happens when the universe stops doling out do-overs?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3xeOYNy

My Rating

This was one of my highly anticipated releases of 2022, because my love for Lynn Painter’s ‘Better Than The Movies’ book is very strong. In this book, we follow Emilie, who lives the worst Valentine’s Day ever. Well, worst according to a teenage girl. But, in a strange turn of events, she gets stuck in a loop of repeating that terrible Valentine’s Day.

Yes, this is one of those classic ‘Groundhog Day’ retellings. Although, the plot of this book is super predictable, I still found it to be a cute read. And, the writing was, once again, superb.

I had a love/hate relationship with Emilie. There were times that I found her likable and other times I didn’t care much for her character. However, the love interest in the story was great, but I have a thing for the brooding, outcast, sort of bad boy.

The best part of the story was how the relationship between the MC and love interest developed so naturally. You could see their connection growing and them fall for each other. It was very relatable and adorable.

“I fell in love with you on Valentine’s Day, Emilie, but I need more than just seven minutes.”

For me, the outcome of the story was good, and once Emilie started facing things head on, her life changed for the better. Also, I like the addition of Taylor Swift, and I need to get a tattoo that says ‘I had a marvelous time ruining everything!’

However, the thing that hindered my enjoyment of the book was the fact that it gave me tremendous anxiety. Somewhere around the halfway point I dreaded picking the book up, because my anxiety was so high. I have no idea what caused this, but I don’t think it’s an issue that most other readers will have to worry about.

Overall, Lynn Painter has once again released a adorable YA contemporary. Although, it’s not exactly on the same level as ‘Better Than The Movies’. Maybe I’m just not a lover of time loop plots. But, I did love how she didn’t leave the readers hanging, and kind of has an explanation for Emilie’s time loop.

In the comments, tell me if you like the ‘Groundhog Day’ trope in books. And, if you like book reviews, be sure to give the blog a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Maybe This Time // Book Review

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About The Book
One year. Nine events. Nine chances to . . . fall in love? Weddings. Funerals. Barbecues. New Year’s Eve parties. Told over the course of one year and following Sophie from event to event, this delightful novel from master of romantic comedy, Kasie West shows how love can blossom in unexpected places.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Xc2lZv

My Rating

This is an adorable enemies-to-lovers YA contemporary. Kasie West knows how to write a fast-paced, cutesy teen romance. She also must be super sarcastic, since her characters are very quick-witted. This book follows Sophie, who works for an event florist, but wants to be a fashion designer. And Andrew, who is the son of a famous chef.

Although the main character, Sophie, was a bit judgmental, she had good character development. She was struggling with family issues, and didn’t have a good relationship with her mom. I understood her issues with her mom, since she could be a little flaky, and a kind of much, at times. But, she did love her kids.

Sophie tried to have a relationship with her dad, but by the end of the book their relationship was pretty strained. It did frustrate me that she want her dad to do better, yet wasn’t even going to give him a chance to try.

“Now is the time to fail spectacularly. We have our whole lives ahead of us to try again and again.”

She and Andrew were so cute together. And, their relationship from enemies, to frienemies, to something more, was definitely the highlight of the book. However, there was a lot going on in this book besides the romance.

It touched on racism, and the feeling of not belonging. I thought that the book was going the route of you don’t have to leave your home to succeed. That really would have annoyed me, and probably would have hindered my enjoyment of the story. I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to leave your home and see what else is out there. And I was glad Kasie West went the route she did with the story, because it was exactly what I wanted from the plot.

Overall, I loved the message that you should follow your dreams, but never forget where you came from. But, in my opinion, Kasie West writes super-cute romances with likable characters and plots that focus on more than just love.

In the comments, let me know your favorite Kasie West book. If you would like to get notified whenever I post, please follow my blog!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Hot British Boyfriend // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment


About The Book
This enchanting debut teen romance novel, which follows one girl across the Atlantic in a quest to find adventure, love (preferably with a guy with a cute accent), and maybe even herself, is perfect for fans of Kasie West and Stephanie Perkins.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3joJ2hz

My Rating

 

Get ready for a rant review! Typically, I’m not one to drag on books, because everyone’s bookish opinions and tastes are different. However, I cannot write this review without trashing this book, at least some. So please, as with all my reviews, take this with a grain of salt.

This books has to do with a teenage girl that, after suffering public humiliation, jets off to study abroad in the UK with the more elite students in her grade. Honestly, are high students as cruel as they are in movies and books? Because if so, I’m glad I was home schooled.

Ellie is the main protagonist of the story and probably one of the worst main characters ever: First off, she thinks being called Ellie is childish, which is ridiculous. She instantly starts flirting with the first British guy she meets and the lies fly so easily from her lips.

She doesn’t care that she’s not being herself as long as he likes her. So desperate! At one point she was going to get into a car with a literal stranger because he was cute and British. She was that naive and stupid.

Not only is her main priority some guy she just met; she wasn’t serious about the school at all. She didn’t know what she wanted in life, and was in need of some self discovery. Her solution to her problems was to runaway, which was completely immature.

“He brushes my hair from my face and I swear I’m in a romantic comedy. I can almost hear the music swelling.”

As for the side characters, Ellie did form a small friend group early on in the book. I liked her roommate, Sage, a lot. She was smart and driven, and not boy-crazy. Her other friends were good additions to the story as well. However, her crush, Will, was snobby, judgmental, and a jealous jerk.

There is the mention of fairy gardens in the book. I don’t know if they’re a real thing, but they should be. Also, I liked how the book showed that even if you don’t get straight A’s, or are good at school, it doesn’t mean you’re dumb. We are all smart in our own way.

Sadly, that one redeeming plot point didn’t make up for the entire rest of the book. Ellie’s character was way too childish, and her choices were horrible! She would drop her friends for a boy at any given moment. She was so unlikable. I seriously wrote in my notes that Ellie was stupid and annoying, which I think pretty much sums up my feelings regarding her as a person.

Overall, the book felt very young. I read a lot of YA, but the writing and characters were so immature that it drove me insane. While on GoodReads, I came across a review that said this book is irredeemable, and I 100% agree with that assessment.

In the comments, let me know your take on this book. Don’t forget to follow my blog if you are a fan of book reviews. I promise that most of them aren’t this negative.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Mr. Dickens And His Carol // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments


About The Book
Charles Dickens should be looking forward to Christmas. But when his latest book, ‘Martin Chuzzlewit’, is a flop, his publishers give him an ultimatum. Either he writes a Christmas book in a month or they will call in his debts and he could lose everything. Dickens has no choice but to grudgingly accept.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3PUfPXM

My Rating

Going into this book, I thought that it would be similar to the movie ‘The Man Who Invented Christmas’. However, that wasn’t the case. The plot does follow Dickens as he writes the classic Christmas story we have come to love, yet the story isn’t all that enticing.

In the book, we see Charles Dickens being more forced to write a Christmas story. His last books have flopped, causing some financial struggles. We follow a more cold Dickens, who is somewhat of a Scrooge himself. He was judgmental, and his mood changed at the drop of a hat.

I would say that after seeing different portrayals of the author, one might conclude that he is bipolar. Now, I have no proof to this fact, but as someone that is bipolar, I can see a lot of resemblance to how he is described and the disease.

“We are all lost, all broken. Trying desperately to be whole again.”

Unfortunately, I found the story to be very slow, draggy, and boring. This is heartbreaking, because ‘A Christmas Carol’ is my favorite book ever. The story didn’t have the charm of the original “A Christmas Story” that I love, or even the ‘Man Who Invented Christmas’ film (which is coincidentally one of my favorite movies.)

The book isn’t a total loss; it does get pretty interesting at the last 30%. There is a magical realism aspect that I didn’t actually see coming, but my husband did figure out the twist. So, you might be able to predict it. Yet, it was a cool added touch that connected this story back to Dickens’ story.

Overall, the book was decent, if a bit sad. It did send the message that forgiveness will lighten a heavy heart. And as well, that all your problems will seem so small if you focus on the love you have in your life. So it’s still a sweet and Christmasy message. But, it didn’t really make up for the rest of the story as a whole.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. Did you enjoy it? Wanna make me smile? Give my book blog a follow!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

In A Holidaze // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments


About The Book
One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3hNrJpK

My Rating

This book had so much promise, but was ultimately a letdown. This is a fun groundhog’s day story about a twenty-something woman that keeps repeating her holiday week with her family and friends.

The main character, Maelyn, was very unlikable. First off, we only get to know the new version of Mae; the one that she chooses to be after repeating her Christmas a few times. We get mentions of who she use to be, but it feels as though we don’t really know her.

From what I did see, she was judgmental, and it felt that she had a certain idea of what it meant to be an adult. She was in a weird love triangle with two brothers, but it wasn’t really a love triangle. Also, she completely blows off one of the brothers for something that happened in a previous timeline. It makes her out to be a petty friend.

“I ask the universe, simply: Can you show me what will make me happy?”

I found the romance to be kind of out of the blue, while still being the convenient way to go. However, I did think the romance was going to go a more predictable route, which I would have much rather preferred. As for Andrew (as a character), he was pretty judgmental himself and by the end of the book I found him acting all high and mighty to Mae. One fight and he was out.

The Groundhog Day aspect was interesting, yet she didn’t actually redo the Christmas that many times. Also, there was no reason to why she was stuck in the loop. Honestly, you expect me to believe that she got some magic wish to make her Christmas have a happy ending. If that’s the case, I want her fairy godmother.

Overall, the writing style is what kept me reading. The story was very fast paced, and easy to read in a day, which was nice. So, if you’re looking for a quick holiday romance, then you could pick this one up. But, for me, it was a total bust; not something I’d ever read again.

In the comments, leave me some cute holiday book recommendations. Don’t forget to give this post a like, and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Something From Tiffany’s // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment


About The Book
From international bestselling author Melissa Hill comes an adorable holiday romance about taking chances, falling in love, and trusting destiny. New York City at Christmas and a visit to Tiffany’s is a recipe to sweep a girl off her feet unless fate has other plans .
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3BDEvxt

My Rating

From the moment that I saw the trailer for the Amazon Prime original movie adaptation for this book I knew that I had to read it. A little fact about me is that I love Tiffany’s and think that something from Tiffany’s is one of the most romantic gifts you can give a person.

Also, I just want to mention that I think the version of this book I read, listened too on Audible, is the movie tie-in edition. I believe that the actual book is a bit different than the version that audible released.

This book is a fun fast paced story where two men accidentally swap Tiffany’s bags. Gary ends up giving his girlfriend Rachel an engagement ring. While Ethan’s girlfriend gets a charm bracelet. In the book, Ethan tries multiple times to get back his $20000 engagement ring, but his attraction to Rachel makes tell her the truth hard.

I loved all of Rachel and Ethan’s moments, because their chemistry was undeniable. They were so cute together even though they hardly knew each other. Rachel was a very forgiving person and tried to see the best in people especially her boyfriend Gary.

Ethan, a single father, was such a softy. If I spent $20000 on a ring I would have instantly told Rachel the truth, but he could bare to break her heart. As for Gary, I loathed him! He was selfish and toxic.

“Tiffany’s is a very special place filled with magic and romance.”

There wasn’t much too the plot besides the swap, but I was interested in see who things where going to turn out. I enjoyed all the character’s interactions, and their personalities, besides Gary. Also, there was a twist with Ethan’s girlfriend that I didn’t see coming.

My biggest con was the fact that everyone was lying to Rachel. Sure, we all want to protect the people we love but secrets are never the answer. They were willing to let her look like a fool instead of telling her the cold hard truth. I would much rather have someone I love be honest with me than ‘protect’ my feelings.

Overall, this was a cute Christmasy romance. The moral of the story is that everything happens for a reason, which I myself am a big believer of. Also, find someone that can bake you bread or in some cases just buy you some good bread. This book is perfect for Tiffany’s girls like me.

In the comments, tell me if you have ever or would ever like to receive a gift from Tiffany’s. Please like and share this post with others. If you are a fan of book reviews follow my blog so you get notified whenever there is a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny