Book Reviews

Foxglove // Book Review

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About The Book
A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous palace nearby. Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from wrongful imprisonment. But the more time they spend with him, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate’s past.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3sSCDQ2

My Rating

If you are looking for a romantasy book series, then this is a perfect read. Since this is the sequel to ‘Belladonna, ’ I am going to try and not spoil too much of the first book. However, this review may contain a few spoilers. The sequel beings right where the first book left off with the duke having been murdered, and Elijah Hawthorne being accused of that murder.

We are immediately introduced to Fate, who is apparently the brother of Death. For years, Fate has been searching for the love of his life, which happens to be Life. He believes that Signa is a reincarnation of Life. However, Signa is hopeless in love and devoted to death. Therefore, in addition to trying to clear Elijah’s name, she deals with Fate trying to win her heart and keep her away from her love, Death.

This time, we also get Blythe’s pov, which I loved. She quickly became my favorite character throughout the book. She is determined to prove her father’s innocence and is still curious about her brother’s disappearance. And let me just say the enemies-to-potential lovers vibe that her and Fate were giving was amazing. I ship them even more than I do Death and Signa, but what can I say I am all about enemies-to-lovers relationships.

The book was so well written, and you got sucked into the story in the first chapter. I could not put the book down and had to know what was going to happen next. I love the magical elements of this book and the fact that we learned more about Signa’s parents. In the first book, she was just discovering her powers, but in this one, she really owns them.

“You may have reign over the dead and dying, but let’s not forget that it’s my hand that controls the fates of the living.”

As mentioned earlier, Blythe was a force of nature in the book. She was smart and cunning, which is a part of her personality that we had not seen before. It made me happy that the author chose to include her perspective in this book, especially since she was important to the plot of the first book. However, it is great that this is a fantasy romance that follows two smart, strong, and magical female characters.

The end was incredible and welldone. It set up the third book perfectly, and now, I cannot wait for it to be released. However, I did see exactly where the plot was going in the first few chapters of the book. However, I am not made about that since I was really hoping for that outcome and I am glad that the author went the route she did.

Overall, this series hooked me, and I think my love for it will continue to grow. If you are not a fantasy reader or do not like romance, you will probably not love the series. However, I still think that this is a wonderful gothic fantasy with romance. However, it could have used a bit more spice, but this is just my opinion.

In the comments, let me know which book you liked better ‘Belladonna‘ or ‘Foxglove.’ Do not forget to share and like this post. Before you leave, please feel free to support my blog by hitting the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Best Friend’s Exorcism // Book Review

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About The Book
High school sophomores Abby and Gretchen have been best friends since fourth grade. But after an evening of skinny-dipping goes disastrously wrong, Gretchen begins to act different. Abby’s investigation leads her to some startling discoveries—and by the time their story reaches its terrifying conclusion, the fate of Abby and Gretchen will be determined by a single question: Is their friendship powerful enough to beat the devil?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3PBjH1m

My Rating

If a graphic, campy thriller with humor is your thing, then this book is probably for you. The story follows high school student Abby, who believes that her long-time best friend, Gretchen, is possessed by a demon. The story is told in a biographical way, with Abby recounting the whole thing to us. Since the book is set in the late 80s, early 90s there are many fun nineties references.

Grady Hendrix ensured that the classic 90s vibes were present throughout the entire book. There was even a throwback to the classic Mickey Mouse phone, which I did have growing up. We learned a lot about the girls’ friendship, but we learned less about Gretchen than we did Abby. The plot was very character-driven, with Abby being the voice of the story. Through her eyes, we get to see how Gretchen was changing  – and how weird things had become.

Personally, I didn’t find the plot all that interesting. It was middle of the road on horror front, since I think the author was trying to go for that cheesy 80s horror movie style. Unfortunately, the storyline did not work for me. Alternatively, I might just not be a fan of Hendrix’s writing style.

“It’s April 1988 and the world belongs to them.”

There are many trigger warnings in the book that one should be aware of, for example, date rape and animal death. Also, I have seen people mention some more graphic scenes in the book being a little unsettling, so if you are squeamish, keep that in mind.

Overall, this was not a book that kept me up at night. I did not find it scary or unsettling one bit. Still, I loved the underlying message that friendship comes with its ups and downs, but true friendships does exist, as rare as it may be. Everyone deserves someone who is willing to preform an exorcism on them if needed.

In the comments, let me know if you have read this book or seen the movie adaptation. Do not forget to follow the blog to obtain post-notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Summer Of Broken Rules // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments


About The Book
Meredith’s family’s annual game of assassin at Martha’s Vineyard during a summer wedding is the perfect chance to honor her sister’s legacy, and finally join the world again. But when Meredith forms an assassin alliance with a cute groomsman, she finds herself getting distracted. And as the week progresses, she realizes she’s not only at risk of losing the game, but also her heart.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/45KQ8jl

My Rating

This book was everything I wanted in a summertime young adult contemporary. The story follows Meredith, who returns to Martha’s Vineyard for the first time since her sister, Claire’s, death. Meredith and her family are there for her cousin’s wedding. But, things get complicated when Meredith connects with one of the groomsmen, Witt.

I loved the plot, because not only were we watching as Meredith and Witt fell for each other over the course of a week, the majority of the plot was about the characters engaging in a game of assassin. It was such an easy to read summertime story.

Although, the romance was super cute, it was a little insta-lovey. Can you really fall in love with someone in just a week? I am typically a hater when it comes to instant romance plots, yet this one didn’t bother me as much. I liked both Meredith and Witt’s personalities. Also, the romance really worked for me.

One of my favorite things about the book was how the author handled the grief aspect. Yes, loss and grief was a part of the story but there weren’t a ton of sad moments, and it felt more like a summer romance, than someone trying to get over a loss. I liked how the grief aspect was more subtle, and not an overwhelming part of the plot.

“Our time together was unraveling like a ribbon.”

Meredith went through a lot of character development throughout the book. It was interesting to see her character grow and change in just a week. I think it shows that everyday we can open our eyes to things we didn’t realize about ourselves, and what we want.

Of course there was a romance conflict close to the end of the book. But, the author didn’t make it cheesy, and it was resolved very maturely. Personally, I didn’t find the characters to actually be immature at all, which I found refreshing in a young adult book.

Overall, I had a great time reading this book, and recommend it as a great summer read. The ending was nice, and I liked how we got an epilogue. I’m for sure interested in reading more by K.L. Walther in the near future.

In the comments, let me know one of your favorite summer romances. Don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified for more book reviews like this one.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

One Of Us Is Back // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
The third time’s a charm. First the Bayview Four had to prove they weren’t killers. Then a new generation outwitted a vengeful copycat. Now the entire Bayview Crew is back home for the summer, and everyone is trying to move on. Only, this is Bayview, and life is never that simple. The global phenomenon returns with the third book in the One of Us Is Lying series, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen M. McManus.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3PbUOsS

My Rating

This is the third, and final, installment of Karen M. McManus’s ‘One Of Us’ series. Keep in mind that this review might spoil something’s in the first two books. In this book, we follow the perspectives of Addy, Nate, and Phoebe. I loved being back with the Bayview crew, because these characters are incredibly likable.

In the first book, we had a whodunit type of murder/mystery plot. The next book had a deadly truth or dare situation. However, I’m not really sure I can explain the plot of this book, because there really wasn’t much of one.

The author was trying to create a plot that brought everything full circle and connected all three books. However, I think that she lost sight of making a really engaging story. The plot just kind of lacked, and fell short for me. It wasn’t as intense or gripping as the first two books.

This isn’t to say that the book is bad, because I was interested in the story, but that could just be for my love of these characters. I did find the book to be fast paced and McManus’s writing is wonderful – as always. I was just hoping for more.

“But we all know how Simon felt about secrets, right? They have to come out eventually.”

The way on which everything was tied together wasn’t my favorite. It felt very random. As a horror movie fan, I love when sequels are tied into the first movie, making things come full circle. But, only if it’s done right. The first three Scream movies did that perfectly, yet the ‘Happy Death Day’ films took a really weird route in the second movie. But, I digress.

Overall, the plot just didn’t leave me shocked, and there really wasn’t any sort of major twist. I do like that the author went back to the ‘secrets are powerful’ message, as it was a recurring theme throughout the entire series. Nonetheless, it was a decent conclusion to the trilogy, and I will continue to support Karen M. McManus. Also, thank you for giving us more Knox and Phoebe!

In the comments, let me know which ‘One Of Us’ book is your favorite. My personal favorite is ‘One Of Us Is Next’, because I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it. If you enjoyed this book, please hit the follow button, because it really helps my blog grow!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Only One Left // Book Review

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About The Book
At seventeen, Lenora Hope hung her sister with a rope. Stabbed her father with a knife. Took her mother’s happy life. “It wasn’t me,” Lenora said. But she’s the only one not dead. A woman who takes a job caring for elderly invalid Lenora Hope, who was accused decades ago of murdering her parents and younger sister. She slowly unravels the truth behind the Hope murders and a missing nurse.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3QNKAzP

My Rating

This book was phenomenal! The story follows a home-health aide, Kit McDeere, as she must become the new caretaker for Lenora Hope, an elderly woman who was suspected of a Lizzie Borden type of murder back in the 1920s. The plot itself sounds amazing, and the writing was fantastic. The book kept me interested every step of the way.

However, this isn’t going to be one of those fast paced type of thrillers. The story is fairly slow moving, but I didn’t mind that at all. I was so invested in this mystery that I couldn’t put the book down! Like the main character, I kept going back and forth on what really happened all those years ago.

I will say that my only con with this book was Kit. She isn’t a horrible main character, but I found her to be not the most sensible person. Honestly, she kept saying she couldn’t trust anyone, but was totally willing to share everything she thought she knew with anyone. That got on my nerves at times.

“She’s capable of so little yet accused of so much, and I remain torn between wanting to protect her and the urge to suspect her.”

But, the twists in this book were amazing. There weren’t a ton of shocking moments, and a more skilled detective probably could have figured things out before the big reveal. I was just happy to be a long for the ride, and loved every twist and turn. The ending was done so well, and one of my guesses did turn out to be correct.

Overall, I loved how invested the story kept me, and the chapters flew by. This is one of those rainy night reads that you could probably finish in a day or two. The plot, characters, and mystery are just that good. This book will hopefully keep you as intrigued as it kept me, right up until the end.

In the comments, let me know if you believe the story of Lizzie Borden. Don’t forget to share this post with other book lovers. Feel free to help my blog grow by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Lying In The Deep // Book Review

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About The Book
A juicy mystery of jealousy, love, and betrayal set on a Semester at Sea-inspired cruise ship, with a diverse cast of delightfully suspicious characters who’ll leave you guessing with every jaw-dropping twist. [In this new murder mystery by Diana Urban find out what happens when a semester at sea turns deadly.] Perfect for readers of Natasha Preston, E. Lockhart, and Karen McManus!
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3QLiVQb

My Rating

This book frustrated me to no end. I was hoping for a fun, fast-paced YA thriller book, but that isn’t what I got at all. In the book, we follow Jade as she is doing a semester on a cruise ship. And, if you were a teenager in the 2000s you’re probably having ‘The Suite Life on Deck’ flashbacks.

However, Jade’s semester abroad turns sour when she discovers her ex-best friend and ex-boyfriend, who are now a couple, are also aboard the cruise ship. Honestly, I couldn’t figure out if this was a petty high school breakup story or a thriller. For about, 60% of the book Jade is wining about her backstabbing best friend and pining for her ex. And every time she’d try and confront them, she’d wimp out and than start whining again.

I thought there would be more suspense and mystery, and less high school drama. Although, since they’re in high school, I should have figured they’d act like they’re in high school. Still, the writing just felt very immature and the characters were juvenile. But, being in my 30s, I can admit that I am not really the intended audience for the book.

“No better trash can for a murderer than the entire ocean.”

The book didn’t pick up until around the last 75% of the book, and that’s when I felt like the story was actually getting somewhere. But, everything started happening so quickly. It felt like nothing at all was happening, and then, suddenly, a bunch of shit goes down. What was even the point of the first half of the book?

However, once the plot picked up, it was really enjoyable. I didn’t see the twist coming, which I liked. But, the characters were really the downfall for me. I disliked pretty much all of them. Still, there was one character, Jade’s love interest, that I did like, and he called Jade out on her pettiness and whining, which was called for.

Overall, the writing and plot weren’t for me at all. Maybe, I’ve just grown out of young adult, but I think that the real issue is that I didn’t know that the book was a retelling of “Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie. Correction – I have heard people say that it’s a YA “Death on the Nile” retelling, but I don’t know if that’s true. Nevertheless, I’ve heard that “Death on the Nile” has similarly slow moving, nothing’s happening type of plot.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR. If it is, take it from me and skip it. Personally, I would have had a better time watching ‘The Suite Life on Deck’. However, if you did enjoy the book, leave a comment letting others know why. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more bookish posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Twilight // Book Review

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About The Book
Isabella Swan’s move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Isabella’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3qdEr5r

My Rating

This book is for all the vampire and love triangle fans out there. In the book, we follow Bella as she moves to Forks to live with her dad. There she forms a small friend group, and meets Jacob Black, the son of her dad’s best friend. However, Bella feels connection growing between her and the mysterious Edward Cullen. The two keep seem to be drawn together, and everyone knows the Cullen family are very interesting.

If you want a slow paced vampire book with some slow-burn romance, then this is the book for you. It is the first book in the Twilight saga, and typically first book in series do need a lot of world building. However, I found this book to be way too long. I felt like there was so much that we could have cut out and the outcome would have been the same. Being 500 pages long was completely unnecessary.

As for the characters, we didn’t get to really know anyone but Bella. Yet, we did learn a little about Edward and his family. Although, I think as the books progress we will get more information on the other characters and learn more about them. As for Bella, she was a very bland character with not much personality. She was bit boring and just average, which I assume is why Edward was so drawn to her.

“Death is Peaceful, Life is Harder.”

The story, as a whole, was very engaging. I found myself drawn in, and wanting to pick it up. I’m always down for a good vampire story, and if you know anything about this saga, soon we will have werewolves introduced as well. The ending was really fasted paced, and picked up, even though I felt like Bella did make some pretty dumb choices.

Now let’s talk about the writing. This book gets a lot of hate for being write like a fan fiction, which I think is disrespectful to fanfics, since some of them are actually written very well. I didn’t find the writing to be horrible, but it didn’t grip me like I wanted it to. It was very mediocre writing. There wasn’t anything special about it that helped make the story come to life.

Overall, it has the basics of a great story, and I’m excited to see where the next book goes. Still, I can understand why people say that this book has a stalker love trope kind of vibe. A few years back, that used to be a big no-no, but now in the age of dark romance and bully romance I can bet that some people are into the stalker trope.

In the comments, let me know when you first read the Twilight books. Don’t forget to hit the follow button, so that you get notified whenever there’s a new post like this one.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Séance Tea Party // Mini Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
Lora wants to stay a kid forever, and she’ll do anything to make that happen including befriending Alexa, the ghost who haunts her house. Lora and Alexa are thrilled to meet kindred spirits and they become best friends but unfortunately, not everything can last forever. Reimena Yee brings to life a story about growing up, childhood, and what it means to let go. A middle-grade graphic novel about growing up that’s perfect for fans of Ghosts and Making Friends.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3QuJRDt

My Rating

This graphic novel has become one of my favorites! It’s a touching ghost story, but it also has elements about growing up, and changing. The book is a quick read that is great for the fall season, but isn’t a scary ghost story. I found it to be a very heartwarming middle-grade read.

The story follows Lora, who is struggling with her fading friend group. She meets Alexa, a young ghost around her age that is haunting her house. They form a bond and become the best of friends. But, as readers we know that ghosts always have to move on. Still, Lore and Alexa were great characters, and the side characters, though few, were also very likable.

“To childhood, and growing up, and growing old, and magic – whatever age we are.”

I loved the writing, story, and artwork. It is such a beautiful story, and I think that is reflected really well in the art style. I loved watching Alexa and Lora create this friendship, but it was sad to see Lora grow and change while Alexa stayed the same. And, don’t get me started on the ending.

Overall, this book is so cute and sad. I’m not going to lie, I sobbed at the ending of this book. The thing is, you can tell how the story is going to end, because it only makes sense. But, that doesn’t make it any less heart breaking. Nevertheless, the story as a whole was wonderful, and such a quick read.

In the comments, tell me your favorite ghost graphic novel. Don’t forget to share this post with other bookish people. And, if you want to stay up to date with my blog, hit the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Wicked Ones // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
 The only version of Lady Tremaine that Drizella and Anastasia know is a bitter and cruel head of house. Anastasia and Drizella have promised themselves―and each other―that they’ll be different. They’ll find love, see the world, and never let their hearts go cold. Robin Benway explores the complex sibling rivalry between the two wicked stepsisters from Cinderella that turned them into the characters we know today.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Yzd5n3

My Rating

I went into this thinking we were going to get a completely new twist on the ugly stepsisters from Cinderella. I thought that perhaps they’ll get a happy ending type story, so something along the lines of a Twisted Tales book. But, I hadn’t read the description full, and that was my mistake. Because in this book we follow Anastasia and Drizella and discover how they became the wicked stepsister we know today.

It was very interesting to be following two characters that aren’t very well liked or even talked about in the Disney Princess world. All most of us know about them is that they are stuck-up, self-centered and cruel to Cinderella. So, getting to know them was actually pretty fun. Anastasia is the young sister with a desire for romance. While Drizella has a passion for learning, especially love of science.

I was pretty shocked with how cruel Lady Tremaine was in the story. We all know she’s evil but she was outright manipulative and nasty to her own daughters. Her coldness was a big factor in the story, with Anastasia finding the love she longed for in a boy. While Drizella found a mother figure that encouraged her interest in science.

“Because after all, Anastasia and Drizella are just the two ugly stepsisters, nothing more.”

In the story, we do get the whole Prince’s ball aspect, which interesting. Since this is more like a prequel to Cinderella, I wouldn’t have expected the ball to be included. However, I guess we must just assume that the following year Prince Charming throws another ball to find a wife.

The writing style was wonderful, and it was a quick read. I couldn’t put it down, and felt like the author did a wonderful job bringing the story and characters to life. I liked the little nods she added to the original story, such as the origin behind Prince Charming’s name. And, even showing how Lucifer became the family’s beloved pet.

Overall, the book was very well-done, but if I had to describe it in one word, I would say it’s sad. There were so many times throughout the book that I cried my eyes out. Normally, I wouldn’t think a Disney retelling would make sob, but this one proved me wrong. However, she did a fantastic job getting me to feel bad for to characters that are known to be pretty wicked, making you wonder if maybe they aren’t so ugly on the inside.

In the comments, let me know if you are a fan of Disney retellings. Before you go, share this post with others, and give it a like. Also, make my day by giving my book blog a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Stand-In // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Gracie Reed’s barely holding it all together. But when a mysterious SUV pulls up beside her, revealing Chinese cinema’s golden couple Wei Fangli and Sam Yao, Gracie’s world is turned on its head. Fangli so desperately needs her help. Readers will delight in this glamourous, swoon worthy enemies-to-lovers romance that is as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3QoG5f0

My Rating

This is a fun romantic comedy with the ‘The Prince and the Pauper’ trope. In the book, we follow Gracie balancing an uncomfortable work situation, getting her mom into a top-notch nursing home, and trying to create the best planner app. But, her life is flipped upside down when she gets approached by Chinese star Wei Fangli, and her supposed boyfriend Sam Yao, and asked to be her stand-in.

Now this isn’t a doppelganger story, because throughout the book- it is mentioned that the two don’t look completely alike. However, with the right makeup, clothing and lighting- they look almost identical. And, I loved every second of this book – because this is one of my favorite plot devices.

Gracie is a very shy and non-confrontational person, so she rarely, if ever, stands up for herself or goes after what she wants. I am not a fan of characters that are pushovers, but I did love seeing Gracie’s character development throughout the book. Even though the ending was a little too far fetched and happily-ever-after for my liking.

“No one else can be you. No one else can tell your story like you. You are unique. So write the movie you want to see.”

There were so many great side characters within the story, such as the love interest, Sam. You could almost call this a grumpy/sunshine romance, since Sam was much more serious than Gracie, but they did help bring out a different side of each other. Gracie was able to speak her mind to Sam. And, he let her show him how to be a regular person despite his stardom.

Although she wasn’t shown much, Wei was another great character. Her storyline was a nice addition to the plot. This is, first and foremost, a full romance plot, but mental health does play a role as well. Struggles with depression and anxiety are talked about throughout the story. I appreciate how the author let it be known that it’s okay to seek help and get on medication.

Overall, the writing was phenomenal, and really kept me interested. However, I did find that the book was a bit long, and slow at times. But that ending was amazing! I didn’t see it coming, yet it worked well and wrapped everything together. Looking back on it, however, there was a lot of foreshadowing, so one could probably figure out the twist.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR. Don’t forget to hit the follow button to get post notifications. Every week you can find new bookish posts on the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny