Author: 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

Two 5 Star Predictions // Reading Vlog

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Hello Friends,
This is my 5 star predictions reading vlog! In this video, I read two thriller books and see if they live up to my expectations. I had a ton of fun reading these books and telling you with me throughout my days. I put a lot of hard work into this video, and I hope that you enjoy it.

Instagram: @books.with.bunny

Twitter: @bookswithbunny

The Valentine’s Day Book Tag

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Hi Friends,
I know that I’m a day late, but in honor of Valentine’s Day I wanted to do a V-Day inspired book tag. This one was created by Epic Reads on YouTube. I found it to be the perfect a short and sweet book tag.

First Book Crush?
My first book crust was probably Holden Caulfield from ‘The Catcher In The Rye’. He was just broody, with a lot of issues. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a damaged guy that I can help heal. Also, he reminded me a lot of my husband (I have a type, I guess?), so that could be another reason that I fell for him.

What book would you want as your Valentine?
I haven’t read this book in years, but I’m going with ‘Anna and the French Kiss’ by Stephanie Perkins. All I remember is that this is a cute YA contemporary that takes place in Paris. I know that I loved romance and characters in the book. Honestly, I need to give it a reread.

Candy Hearts or Chocolate?
Probably chocolate! But, I would pick Nerds gummy clusters over either of these. I’m a for sure a gummy candy kind of girl. Still, I can appreciate a good piece of chocolate every now and again. Especially on Valentine’s Day.

What book would you gift to your true love?
I’m actually gifting a book to my hubby this Valentine’s Day. The book is ‘Warcross’ by Marie Lu, because I think it’s a book he’d really enjoy. However, another book I’d gift to my love would be ‘Five Feet Apart’ by Mikki Daughtry, Rachael Lippincott, and Tobias Iaconis, since it’s a beautiful star-crossed lovers type story.
Related Post: Five Feet Apart // Book Review

Favorite Rom-com?
I have way too many to name, but my top five (yes five), are probably ‘The DUFF’, ‘He’s Just Not That Into To You’, ‘A Cinderella Story’, ‘13 Going On 30’, and ‘Valentine’s Day’. But, the list could seriously go on. Out of all of them I’d have to say that ‘A Cinderella Story’ is my favorite.

Best Valentine’s Day gift you ever received (or want to receive)?
The best I’ve ever received was a Bunny bookmark made by my amazing husband. He’s such a sweetheart. Honestly, my favorite gift is a sweet little note written for me by my love. I’m so cheesy, and I embrace that fact.

Favorite thing about Valentine’s Day (if you love it) OR favorite thing to do on Valentine’s Day (if you hate it)?
I really don’t mind Valentine’s Day, because with life being so hectic, we sometimes forget to show our love. It gives us the opportunity to take a day to just share our appreciation for our loved ones, whether that be a spouse, partner, parent, sibling, or even friend. I think people have gotten this misconception that the holiday is only for couples, but really it’s about spreading and sharing love. And, that doesn’t solely apply to couples. Sorry, I’ll get off my soapbox now.

My favorite thing to do on Valentine’s Day is to get all cozy in bed, with my husband, and watch a bunch of rom-coms, and read a YA contemporary.

There you have the Valentine’s Day Book tag! I’d love to know your answers to these questions, so leave them in the comments. Or, let me know if you’ve done this tag on your blog, and I’ll give it a read.

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

Karen M. McManus // Book Ranking

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you know that Karen M. McManus is on of my favorite YA thriller authors. Well, I have read all her releases thus far and wanted to do a ranking of them. Keep in mind that this is just my personal ranking of her books.

Related Post: You’ll Be The Death Of Me // Book Review

Related Post: The Cousins // Book Review

Related Post: One Of Us Is Next // Book Review

Related Post: One Of Us Is Lying // Book Review

Related Post: Two Can Keep A Secret // Book Review

There you have my ranking of all Karen M. McManus books from my number one favorite to least favorite. But, as I mentioned early this is my own personal opinion and might not be everyone’s ranking. To read more posts like this one follow my blog to get post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Maybe This Time // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment


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

Friday Reads #12

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Hi Fridays,
I haven’t done a Friday reads post in a while, so I thought I was long over do for one. This Friday and weekend I will be trying to knock out quite a few books on my February TBR.
Related Post: February 2023 // To Be Read

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
This is a YA mystery that I’m 50% into. I’m pretty confident that I can finish it before the weekends over.

Furyborn by Claire Legrand
I’m like 3% in this book and probably won’t finish it this weekend. But, I’m hoping to make a good dent in it.

Jo & Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz
Now, I haven’t even started this book, however if all goes as planned I will pick it up this weekend. It seems like a book that I can finish in a day, which is great.

In the comments, let me know what you will be reading today and over the weekend. Please like this post and share it with others. If you’re a book lover like me support my blog by giving it a follow.

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

5 Star Predictions #4 // 2023

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I can’t remember the last time I did a 5 star predictions post, so I thought it was about time for one. These are some books that I think I’m going to love (if I ever get around to reading them). Honestly, I’m not sure how good I am at reading my 5 star predictions. I have 6 books on this list, with 3 of them being older titles, and 3 of them being new releases.

The Headmaster’s List by Melissa de la Cruz
This book is being released at the end of February and is Melissa de la Cruz first YA thriller. It is compared to ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’, but it’s also giving me ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ vibes. I’m a fan of all three of those, so I know this is going to be an amazing read. I’ll be surprised if this isn’t a 5 star read.
Related Post: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder // Book Review

Seven Percent of Ro Devereux by Ellen O’Clover
In this YA contemporary, coming out in May, we get a fake dating meets ex-best friends to lovers story. I haven’t really read many ex-best friends second chance romance books, but that probably because friends-to-lovers and second chance romances aren’t my favorite tropes. Still, I love fake dating and the fact that the story has to do with a MASH inspired app sounds amazing. If the story is done right and as cute as I’m thinking it will be then it will for sure be a 5 star book.

One Of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus
This book will be released in August and I can not wait! Honestly, I’d love to have an ARC of the audiobook right now. This is the conclusion to her ‘One Of Us Is Lying’ series, which I loved. I did only give book one and two 4 stars, but I have high hopes this one will be a 5 star read.
Related Post: One Of Us Is Lying // Book Review
Related Post: One Of Us Is Next // Book Review

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
I don’t know much about this story, but I have a feeling it’s going to be a slow paced story. And, that the writing will be very lyrical. Does that make any sense? I’m not sure why I’m thinking this will be a 5 star read, but something is telling me that I’m really going to enjoy this story.

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
I’m a big fan of Kiersten White’s writing style. There’s just something about her books that draw me in. I’ve been wanting to pick this book up for a long time now and just love the idea behind it. It’s King Arthur fantasy retelling, which doesn’t seem like something I’d typically gravitate to, but I think Kiersten White’s storytelling will make this a 5 star book.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
I’ve actually started this book already, but haven’t gotten that far into it. I feel like if I really dedicate some time to it, I’d love the story. It’s a heartbreaking YA Contemporary about a boy with bipolar disorder and a girl dealing with the loss of her sister. Heartbreaking contemporaries usually get 5 stars from me.

There you have my 5 star predictions! I’m sure I can think of more, and hopefully I’ll find some other 5 star reads this year. Because I’m really wanting a good reading year. Before you go, show your love for my blog by hitting the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

New In My Etsy Shop // Toss-Up Tuesday

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I believe I’ve mentioned before that I run a bookish etsy shop. I sell mugs, tumblrs and soon shirts. I wanted to show off some if my new releases.

You can visit my Etsy shop here and right now I am offering free shipping. Please let me know what you think of my new releases in the comments below.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny