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Chef’s Kiss | Book Review

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About The Book
Fresh out of college, Ben Cook quickly discovers that finding a writing job isn’t as simple as he’d hoped. Faced with constant rejection and lacking experience, he takes an unexpected opportunity at a restaurant. What starts as a temporary solution soon challenges him with cooking tests and unexpected skills. Ben’s alternative path may exceed his expectations.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3G7m2Pu

My Rating

This is a coming-of-age graphic novel featuring a queer main character. Ben Cook, who recently graduated from college with an English degree, hopes to become a writer. But as time goes on, he realizes that a degree alone doesn’t always cut it in the real world.

Throughout the book, Ben struggles as he watches his friends and roommates land solid jobs. One even goes back to school for another degree. Feeling like he’s falling behind, he leans into his love of cooking and takes a job on the kitchen staff at a restaurant. That’s when he starts to realize he might actually love cooking even more than writing.

I love how this story explores the ups and downs of life after college and how plans can change. Two of Ben’s friends end up using their degrees the way they hoped, while another becomes a lifelong student, hesitant to leave the safety of school.

“That’s me. Cook the writer.”

Ben’s journey and dreams shift as the story unfolds. Even though he still loves writing and his parents and friends encourage him not to give up on it, he starts carving out a new path. He learns that the plans we make for ourselves don’t have to be permanent and that sometimes a new dream can take you by surprise.

There’s a sweet romance subplot between Ben and one of the head chefs at the restaurant, but it’s not the main focus. The heart of the book is about self-discovery, embracing change, and growing up. It’s meaningful without being heavy and still manages to be cute, fun, and easy to read.

Overall, the artwork is beautiful and the writing flows really well. I loved the characters and their strong friendships. The romance is adorable, and the pun that Ben’s last name is Cook was a funny little addition to the story. It’s a quick, satisfying read, perfect for anyone fresh out of college and still figuring things out.

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Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date | Book Review

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About The Book
Iris Kelly is a romance author with no interest in love and a serious case of writer’s block. After a disastrous one-night stand, she tries out for a local queer play and runs into her hookup, Stevie. When Stevie asks Iris to pretend to be her girlfriend to save face, Iris agrees, seeing a chance to fuel her novel. But as they grow closer, both women must decide if they’re ready to take a chance on love.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4mYXZ65

My Rating

This is the third and final book in the Bright Falls series, and as someone who adored the first two, I went into this one with high hopes. The story follows Iris, one of Astrid Parker’s closest friends—a bold, proudly bisexual artist turned author who has always made it clear she doesn’t want kids or marriage. I was excited to finally get Iris’s story, especially since she’s been such a vibrant presence in the previous books. Unfortunately, I didn’t love this romance quite as much as the others, but I still appreciated getting a deeper look at Iris as a character.

The story begins when Iris has an almost one-night stand with Stevie, a community theater actress who is basically her opposite in every way. Stevie is anxious, unsure of herself, and nowhere near as bold as Iris. But soon after their disastrous night together, the two end up cast in the same play and agree to a fake relationship that, of course, starts to feel a little too real.

I’ll be honest, I don’t usually love the “one of them is a writer” storyline because it’s starting to feel a little overdone. That said, I still enjoyed it here because Ashley Herring Blake’s writing is just that good. I also really liked Stevie as a character and appreciated that she had her own circle of friends outside of the main cast.

“Romance was nothing but brain chemicals and some pretty words, a nice setting. That’s all it was. A fiction brains told to hearts.”

One thing I really loved about this book was how much emotional depth it had. Iris, despite her confident exterior, is dealing with loneliness and pressure from her well-meaning but pushy family. Her character arc felt heartfelt and relatable, especially as she watched her close friends settle down and started feeling like the odd one out. Stevie’s growth was just as compelling. I enjoyed watching her learn to speak up for herself and make it clear that she wasn’t weak or in need of constant protection.

Even though this was the most emotional book in the series for me, I have to admit the pacing felt a little slow at times. It just didn’t stick with me quite like Delilah’s or Astrid’s stories did. But the ending? Absolutely perfect. It brought all the characters’ journeys to a close in a way that felt warm, satisfying, and full of hope. It was exactly what I wanted from the final book in a series.

Overall, if you’re in the mood for a heartfelt story about finding love, learning to be vulnerable, and letting go of fear, this one is worth picking up. Just a heads up: like the first two books, this is very much an open-door romance, so expect a few steamy scenes. If that’s not your thing, you might want to pass on this series or avoid those scenes.

If you enjoyed this review, please take a moment to like, comment, and share this post because it really helps spread the word about my blog. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book or any recommendations you have for me. And if you want to stay up to date with all my latest reviews and bookish content, be sure to sign up for my mailing list.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Astrid Parker is determined to turn the Everwood Inn renovation, set to be featured on Innside America, into a career-making success. She didn’t expect to clash with the lead carpenter, Jordan, over her designs. The showrunners encourage the on-screen tension. But as they grow closer, Astrid begins to question what success really means—and whether she even wants the life she’s been chasing.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Zooo2W

My Rating

This is the second book in the Bright Falls series, and I was so excited to get Astrid’s story after loving her in Delilah Greene Doesn’t Care. Astrid, Delilah’s stepsister, is exactly the kind of grumpy character with a heart of gold that I adore. In this book, she’s trying to save her interior design career by managing the remodel of the Everwood Inn, which is not only her biggest project yet but also the focus of a home renovation show called Innside America.

Astrid’s drive to be perfect because failure isn’t an option really stood out, and I loved watching her character grow and discover her sexuality. It’s such a refreshing take to see an adult character experiencing a sexual awakening since, let’s be honest, those realizations can happen at any age.

Jordan, Astrid’s love interest, is a carpenter and the granddaughter of the Everwood Inn’s owner. Their frenemies-to-lovers romance was super adorable and felt so real. Jordan’s messy life and struggle to rebuild after her ex-wife left added depth to her character, and I really enjoyed seeing her find her strength and stand up for herself. And, her and Astrid’s connection felt very authentic and heartfelt.

“Happiness was about purpose, it was about self-awareness and acceptance.”

The pacing of this book was just right. The romance wasn’t exactly a slow burn, but it didn’t happen instantly either. It felt like such a natural progression, and I was fully entertained watching their relationship develop. Another thing I loved was the strong friendship dynamics. Astrid’s relationship with her stepsister Delilah has grown so much since the first book, and we also get to see more of Astrid’s bond with her best friends Claire and Iris. Plus, Jordan’s brother brought a great sibling energy to the story that added that extra something to the book.

Overall, I couldn’t put this book down, it was such a quick, enjoyable read. The characters were likable, and the love story had me fully invested. I genuinely wanted everything to work out for Astrid and Jordan, and the book delivered. Just a heads-up for anyone who would rather avoid spicy scenes—like the first book, this is definitely an open-door romance. If spice isn’t your thing, you might want to skip those chapters or look them up first.

In the comments, let me know if you have started this romance companion series yet. Did you enjoy Astrid and Jordan’s story? Before you go, consider sharing and liking this post. Also, you can sign up for my mailing list. It’s completely free and helps my blog grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care | Book Review

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About The Book
For Delilah Green, Bright Falls is full of unhappy memories and somewhere she never planned to return. However, a large paycheck convinces her to photograph her stepsister Astrid’s wedding. Once home, Delilah sees Astrid’s friend Claire as an opportunity for revenge and fun. As wedding events bring them together, real feelings unexpectedly ignite.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4kqzPzt

My Rating

This sapphic romance follows the connection between Delilah and single-mom Claire, who also happens to be one of Delilah’s stepsister’s best friends. From the start, Delilah presents herself as strong and emotionally untouchable. She really gives off that “I don’t give a damn” energy. But as the story goes on, it was so satisfying to see those hard layers start to crack and her vulnerability peek through. That character growth was one of the most rewarding parts of the book for me.

That said, Delilah wasn’t always the most self-aware character. She had a tendency to view situations only from her perspective, rarely stopping to think about how her actions affected those around her. But considering her backstory of losing both parents, and always feeling like an outsider with her stepmother and stepsister, it made sense. It didn’t excuse her behavior, but it added a layer of understanding to it.

Claire’s character was a lovely balance to Delilah’s guardedness. She was so sweet and genuine, and her love for her daughter and friends really stood out. Her dynamic with her daughter’s father added another layer to her story, and while I do wish we’d seen her warm up to him a little more, I also get that you can’t undo years of hurt overnight. Their complicated history felt real and honest.

“If eyes were the window into the soul, Delilah’s had long been shuttered.”

I absolutely adored the relationship between Claire and Delilah. They were so cute together, and the chemistry was undeniable from the start. Watching them both open up was honestly such a joy. Delilah found a home in someone, and Claire learned to trust again. I’m not usually a fan of the third act breakup trope, but it worked here. Their relationship being a secret added believable tension, and it made sense when things came to a head.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters, the romance, and the writing. It was such a satisfying, emotional, and entertaining read all-around. Oh, and let’s not forget the spice because yes, this one is open-door, and it brings the heat! The spicy moments were very present and very well done, but if that’s not your thing, this might not be the book for you.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve started the Bright Falls series. Also, giving this post a like and sharing it would really help my blog grow. And consider signing up for my mailing list so you never miss a new post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Sally’s Lament | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Despite loving Halloween Town, Sally feels trapped and longs for more. She learns that Jack, the Pumpkin King, shares her desire for change, and they vow to reshape their fates together. Guided by a vision, Sally discovers the festive Christmas Town, but she grows suspicious of its overly perfect appearance. Dark secrets threaten Christmas Town, and Sally must save it before it’s too late.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/43wUmeq

My Rating

This book is part of the Disney Twisted Tales series, where each story takes a Disney classic we all know and love and reimagines it. In this one, we get a full story set in The Nightmare Before Christmas universe. But this time, Sally finds Christmas Town instead of Jack. Honestly, it was such a fun ride. I never know what I’m going to get with a retelling, but I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

I really enjoyed the concept of Sally being the one to discover Christmas Town, especially because it wasn’t as holly jolly as it is in the movie. There’s no kidnapping Santa, and the direction of the story is quite different from the classic film. But it still manages to be just as fun and interesting. That said, I’ve read other books that follow Sally, like Long Live The Pumpkin Queen, and I’m still not sure if I truly enjoy her character. In the movie, we only know a little about her thoughts and her feelings for Jack. The more I read from her perspective, the more I feel like she just isn’t a character who fully intrigues me.

I will say that I loved the version of Christmas Town in this book. There was something a little sinister going on there that added an extra layer to the story. I also really liked the friend Sally made along the way and how quickly she picked up on the fact that Christmas Town wasn’t as perfect as it seemed. It was also funny that she didn’t realize just how different the town was from Halloween Town. Being in a new place really made her appreciate her home more.

“She found herself staring straight into the eyes of Jack Skellington.”

But honestly, the highlight of the book for me was Jack. His character felt very true to the movie. I loved his confidence and the way he spoke his mind a little too much, not always realizing he might want to blend in. It felt so very Jack, especially since in Halloween Town he’s the Pumpkin King and naturally stands out. I enjoyed watching him and Sally go on this journey together, helping the people of Christmas Town and growing closer along the way.

Overall, this is a solid read for teens and adults. It’s a quick book with a cool twist on a classic Disney film. My all-time favorite part was the ending. I cried, which isn’t saying much since books make me cry pretty easily, but still. The final moment was just so sweet, I think even readers who don’t usually cry at books might tear up. But don’t worry, they’ll be happy tears. If you’re looking for something that feels like Christmas, I definitely recommend giving this one a read.

I’d say that if you’re interested in the book, you should give the audiobook a listen on Everand, as the narration really helps bring the story to life. If you enjoy retellings and book reviews, please consider signing up for my mailing list before you go. And if you could leave a comment, like, and share this post with others, that would be amazing!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

All The Stars And Teeth | Book Review

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About The Book
Princess Amora spent her life training to become the High Animancer, the only one capable of wielding soul magic. However, when she fails to properly demonstrate her powers, she flees her kingdom and joins forces with the rogue pirate Bastian. Together they must restore Bastian’s magic and prove Amora’s worth. But dangerous creatures and dark magic threaten Amora’s crown and kingdom.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4kEzNE3

My Rating

If you’re a fan of YA fantasy with magic and mermaids, then this might be the book for you. This is the first book in a YA fantasy duology where we follow Princess Amora, a powerful and determined female lead who is destined to be the master of souls. When she fails to prove to her people that she can control her dangerous magic, she sets off on an epic adventure with Bastian, a pirate, and Ferrick, a healer and her fiancé.

This book is filled with magic, curses, and plenty of twists. I didn’t love Amora’s character, but I didn’t dislike her either. There were times when I liked her, and other times when she came across as a little too harsh, especially toward Ferrick. Since their engagement wasn’t by choice, it felt like she didn’t care much about him or his feelings, which I didn’t love, given that they were supposed to be friends. That said, their argument ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book.

Bastian was definitely a favorite character. I love a good pirate bad boy, and he had that charm and edge that kept things interesting. He and Amora had obvious chemistry that added a touch of romance to the story. I also really enjoyed the addition of Vataea, a mermaid with siren-like magic. She was interesting, likable, and a strong addition to the group. I hope the sequel gives her more development because I want to know more about her.

“I am a monster, and if you stand in my way, I will destroy you.”

The beginning of the story was a little hard to get into. The world and the magic system could be confusing, and it took some time to understand everything. But around the 40% mark, things really picked up. From that point on, the plot moved quickly, the stakes kept rising, and I felt fully hooked. I just had to know what was going to happen next.

I’m a big fan of Adalyn Grace’s writing, and I thought this book was well written. She does a great job bringing the story to life, and I appreciated that the characters didn’t feel overly young or immature. The cliffhanger at the end was amazing. It didn’t make me want to pick up the sequel right away, but I’m definitely curious to see how everything wraps up.

Overall, this was a fun read, and I would recommend it to other readers, especially those who enjoyed the Daughter of the Pirate King series. While there is a romance element, it is not the main focus. I would not call this true romantasy, and it is completely closed door, which I know some readers will prefer.

Let me know in the comments if this book is on your TBR! Don’t forget you can always like and share my posts with other readers. If you’d like to listen to the audiobook or read the ebook, both are available on Everand. Before you go, make sure to sign up for my mailing list so you never miss a new post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

People To Follow | Book Review

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About The Book
In Real Life, the hit reality show, challenges influencers to disconnect for 21 days. Elody, Kira, Logan, and Max see their dream job take a deadly turn when their crew vanishes and they find a body. Isolated, they receive threatening messages from a Sponsor. With their every move watched, this cancellation could be final.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/43kJ0tT

My Rating

Debut novels can be hit or miss, and this one is a bit of both. The writing isn’t bad, but the story felt a bit generic and unoriginal. It’s yet another tale about influencers, and those can get old fast unless they bring something fresh to the table. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t. It’s not that the plot was bad; it just lacked that special spark.

The biggest issue for me was how predictable everything felt. As a thriller fan, I was hoping for more surprises and a plot that would keep me guessing. Instead, the story was so straightforward, I could see where it was going from a mile away. That predictability really dulled the experience and made me lose interest.

Another struggle was the number of character perspectives. It’s tough to juggle so many viewpoints, and in this case, it made the story less engaging. None of the characters stood out as particularly likable or relatable, which made it hard to care about what happened to them. In a thriller, you need someone to root for or at least be intrigued by, but these characters didn’t do it for me.

“YOU’VE BEEN #CANCELED.”

The pacing was another letdown. While it wasn’t painfully slow, it didn’t exactly keep me on the edge of my seat either. The mystery and thriller elements lacked intensity. There were very few shocking moments, but I found myself wishing for more twists and turns. For a genre that thrives on suspense, this one felt pretty tame.

The ending was also a mixed bag. It didn’t shock me, but it didn’t disappoint me either. It was just… okay. For seasoned thriller readers, this probably won’t be the most satisfying read since it lacks the depth and excitement we’re used to. That said, it’s not all bad.

Overall, the island setting gives the book a nice summer vibe, making it a decent pick if you’re looking for something light and easy to get through in a few days. If you’re new to adult thrillers and typically read young adult, this might be a good stepping stone into the genre. The author shows promise, and I’m curious to see what she writes next.

In the comments, let me know your favorite isolated island book or movie. My favorite island-based thriller movie is I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. You can read this book for yourself on Everand and get a free trial by using my link (click here). Don’t forget to follow the blog so you never miss a post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Lightening In Her Hands | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Teal Flores must master her powers, find her mom, and resist Carter Velasquez. To get his inheritance before 30, Carter needs Teal to play his wife. Fake marriage? Check. Living together? Double check! Romantic sparks and some serious drama, courtesy of Teal? Triple check! Perhaps their quest to find Teal’s mother might unexpectedly lead them to true love.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3RSF4LR

My Rating

I loved the first book in this series, so I was very excited to jump into the second installment! The series is about the Flores women, each possessing magical abilities. Sage Flores was the protagonist of the first novel. Following their mother’s departure, she and her two younger sisters were raised by their great-aunt. The first book left me really looking forward to this one, which is all about Teal, the middle sister. She appears cold in the first book, but it’s plain to see she’s got a lot of issues from her childhood and a really toxic ex. She’s also bipolar, and being a bipolar girl myself, I really love books that explore the disorder.

Marriage of convenience and friends-to-lovers are the romance tropes in this book, which made me nervous. But I loved watching Teal fall for someone and open up. Given her last relationship, many of her views and actions regarding relationships were understandable. With that being said, my feelings toward Carter, the love interest, were mixed. I was glad Teal called him out on his behavior and made him understand he should support her.

And seeing Carter understand Teal after she let him in? Yeah, that totally made me root for them. However, this book didn’t change my mind about the friends-to-lovers trope. I still don’t like it very much. Although some books have changed my mind about this trope, this one unfortunately didn’t. But, I thought their relationship was cute, and the love scenes were hot.

“You’re not broken. And you’ve always been my first choice.”

I really loved how they handled Teal’s powers being tied to her emotions. Those of us with bipolar disorder understand the difficulty of managing our emotions. While multiple factors contributed to her inability to control her magic, they all affected her emotions. The author really showed how she struggled with her emotions.

To me, the book’s most captivating aspect was the sisters’ journey of understanding and accepting their mother’s absence. And Teal’s whole emotional journey and finding herself was amazing. I especially loved how much her character grew throughout the book. And the ending was perfect!

Overall, it was good, but not as good as the first one. It was far less engaging than I had expected. No hate, but the plot dragged sometimes, and the romance wasn’t amazing. I really thought it would be a bit more entertaining, still I would recommend. If you like slow-burn stories with magic, friends-to-lovers, and lots of feels, give this book a try.

Check out my review of Witch of Wild Things if you haven’t already! Don’t forget to like and share this post before you go! Remember to subscribe to my mailing list for new post notifications!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

All In | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
A killer’s on the loose in Vegas, leaving no trace and changing their MO every time, so Cassie Hobbes and the Naturals are called in. Each victim has a mysterious number tattoo, and it’s a code the team has to crack. With each clue, the Naturals get closer to the killer, but the risk grows higher. As tensions escalate and the personal cost increases, the team faces deadly challenges and impossible decisions.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4lQ8MPr

My Rating

The Naturals series continues with its third installment, focusing on teens with special abilities working for the FBI. Each teen has a unique skill, with Cassie, the protagonist, being one of the profilers in the group. Together, they are all essential in catching the most dangerous serial killers. I thought this book had a really good storyline. In addition to the captivating mystery, there were also several intriguing subplots. Plus, the Las Vegas setting was amazing.

Even though Cassie’s still the main character, this story’s really about Sloane, the statistics whiz. I’m glad we got more of her backstory, since her role was minimal in the first two books. I think this is the first time we see just how tight-knit this group of teenagers is. The FBI brought them together, but they’re family now.

That mystery was a page-turner; I always love the chapters from the unsub’s point of view. Those chapters aren’t scary, but they’re really cool. I can’t put down the books in this series because they’re so fast-paced and gripping. I also thought Sloane’s backstory was really interesting, but kind of heartbreaking.

“Luckily for us, I’ve never met a bad idea I did not immediately embrace like the dearest of friends.”

There’s a surprising twist in the book about a new development in Cassie’s mom’s case. This crazy twist totally shocked me and left me dying to know what is going to happen next! Unfortunately, my feelings toward Cassie haven’t changed; I’m still not a big fan. I’m always disappointed when I dislike the main character.

The author crafted the mystery in the third book exceptionally well and made it superior to the others in the series. The mystery was so good, I couldn’t guess the unsub’s identity. However, the book wasn’t perfect. There were way too many plots going on at the same time! But, it makes sense. With all the questions from earlier books, the author was probably using this one to connect everything.

Overall, the author’s writing in this series isn’t exceptional, but Criminal Minds and CSI fans will be hooked. For me, this series is a top-tier YA mystery, with each book being a quick and easy read. While the formula is similar for all these books, the plots and characters are engaging.

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Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Spark Of The Everflame | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Healer Diem Bellator dreams of escaping her village, ruled by tyrannical god-offspring. Her mother’s disappearance reveals a dangerous secret, thrusting Diem into a world of royalty. She’s caught in her mother’s mysteries and a civil war. The king’s heir watches Diem closely, while rebels seek her alliance. Diem must navigate love, power, and politics to protect her family and humanity.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4lTsVnN

My Rating

This book went from indie publishing to a traditional publishing deal thanks to its BookTok fame. The story centers on Diem Bellator in a realm ruled by the children of Gods. Despite being a skilled healer who always follows the rules, her family’s life has been disrupted since her mother’s disappearance. In the book, Diem finds out her mom had secrets, and some could be about her. This book has magic, adventure, and a slow-burn romance.

I loved every character, even the ones I didn’t like, because they were all important to the story. But I loved Diem the most! She was a powerful female character, but showed she had soft moments and insecurities. Another thing I loved was her amazing relationship with her brother and how brave she was, always helping others, even if it was dangerous.

The romance in this book is another story altogether! I wouldn’t call this a love triangle, even with two romantic interests, because Diem’s chemistry with one is obvious, and I’m rooting for them. I haven’t read a truly great enemies-to-lovers/he falls first story in a long time, but this one was amazing! Normally I don’t like slow burn romances, but this one worked great.

“It’s not the worst thing to break a little every now and then. It builds character.”

The book was so immersive, I loved it from start to finish. Even though the ending was kinda predictable, it was still shocking and sets up the next book perfectly. My only problem was that the world was a little hard to grasp at first. I needed to reread the first few chapters a couple of times to fully understand the universe. Don’t worry though, as the book progresses and we discover more about the Gods and the world, it becomes easier to understand.

Overall, I gave this a solid five-star rating! I loved that book and will definitely recommend it to others. If you like fantasy books with some romance, give this one a try! If you aren’t a fan of spicy books, you’ll be relieved to know this one is pretty clean. I wouldn’t say that it’s a closed-door romance, but more like a cracked-door romance.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read this book. However, please avoid any spoilers in your comments. Like and share this post so others see it! Join my mailing list before you go so you don’t miss out on new posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny