RIHOAS Wishlist // Toss-Up Tuesday

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Hi Friends,
In this Toss-Up Tuesday post, I wanted to share a wishlist of mine with you guys. I have been itching to switch up my wardrobe lately, which typically happens during every new year. I’ve been gravitating more towards online clothing stores. When RIHOAS contacted me, I didn’t know much about them, but found their clothing to be super cute. So, I have put together a list of 5 of my favorite items on their site.

The Wine Red Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Velvet Midi Dress ($42.00)
This dress is stunning! I love the off-the-shoulder style, and the color is one of my favorites. It’s sexy, but without being too revealing, which I’m here for.

The Balloon Sleeves Satin Crop Blouse ($30.00)
I’m not so sure how good this top will look on me, but I’d love to have it in my closet. And, out of all three colors the purple is my favorite. I’m typically an all black clothing girl, but something about this top and this color screams, “Buy me!”

The Velvet Buttoned Asymmetric Skort ($33.00)
I’m a fan of skorts! This one is very classy, and great for a date night or party. However, I can see myself dressing it down for everyday wear as well.

The High Waisted Plaid Pleated Skort ($41.00)
Yep, another skort. This one is giving me all the school girl and ‘Clueless’ vibes, and I’m living for it. This item is on my wishlist not only because it’s cute, but it also makes my 90’s girl heart happy.

The Backless Ribbed One-piece Swimsuit ($16.00)
Honestly, I adore this one piece. I’m not usually a fan of plunging necklines, but it works here. And, the color is perfect for summertime.

All of these pieces and pretty much everything on the RIHOAS site makes me feel like these outfits are straight from a historical fiction novel. What more could a book lover ask for? In the comments, let me know which of these pieces is your favorite. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others!

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

23 Books I Want To Read In 2023

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I have seen so many of these “23 Books I Want To Read In 2023” posts, and I love them. Hearing about books other people want to read always interests me. But, I am a mood read for life! Yet, here I am making another TBR post. I really should quit while I’m behind.

Frightmares by Eva V. Gibson
“In a Florida tourist trap, a summer acting job turns into a real-life horror show when a cast member turns up dead—then disappears. This nail-biting story is perfect for fans of Fear Street!”

The Wicked Ones (Dark Ascension, #1) by Robin Benway
“This first book in the new Disney Villains Dark Ascension series by National Book Award-winning author Robin Benway explores the complex sibling rivalry between the two wicked stepsisters from Cinderella that turned them into the characters we know today.”

Bunny by Mona Awad
“The spellbinding new novel from one of our most fearless chroniclers of the female experience, Bunny is a down-the-rabbit-hole tale of loneliness and belonging, friendship and desire, and the fantastic and terrible power of the imagination.”

The Ravens by Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige
“From New York Times best-selling authors Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige comes a thrilling, dark contemporary fantasy about a prestigious sorority of witches and two girls caught up in its world of sinister magic and betrayals.”

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
“A girl confronts Death – and her own deathly powers – in this Gothic-infused, romantic young-adult fantasy.”

The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
“From the author of The Darkest Corners and Little Monsters comes an all-new edge-of-your-seat thriller set in upstate New York about an eerie sequence of seemingly unrelated events that leaves five cheerleaders dead.”

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“From Taylor Jenkins Reid comes an unforgettable and sweeping novel about one classic film actress’ relentless rise to the top – the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.”

Gallant by V.E. Schwab
“Everything casts a shadow. Even the world we live in. And as with every shadow, there is a place where it must touch. A seam, where the shadow meets its source.”

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
“For decades, the friends have kept a secret worth killing for. But now Olivia wants to tell, and Naomi sets out to find out what really happened in the woods—no matter how dangerous the truth turns out to be.”

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky
“New York Times best-selling author Goldy Moldavsky delivers a deliciously twisty YA thriller that’s Scream meets Karen McManus about a mysterious club with an obsession for horror.”

How To Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
“New York Times bestselling author Grady Hendrix takes on the haunted house in a thrilling new novel that explores the way your past—and your family—can haunt you like nothing else.”

Kill Joy by Holly Jackson
“Welcome to the murder mystery party of the year! Fans of the hit series A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will love Pip’s final detective case in this mystery novella from #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Jackson.”

The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther
“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 she forms an alliance with a cute groomsman, she’s at risk of losing both the game . . . and her heart.”

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
“Packed with sharp characters, psychological suspense, and gasp-worthy plot twists, Riley Sager’s The House Across the Lake is the ultimate escapist story . . . no lake house required.”

End of Story by Kylie Scott
“New York Times bestselling sensation Kylie Scott’s sexy, smart and unconventional opposites-attract love story looks at what happens when fate refuses to give up on what’s meant to be.”

The Headmaster’s List by Melissa de la Cruz
“One of Us Is Lying meets Riverdale in The Headmaster’s List, an edge-of-your-seat YA thriller about a fatal car crash and the dangerous lengths one teen will go to uncover the truth about what really happened.”

One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus
“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. When someone from the Bayview Four’s past resurfaces, history begins to repeat itself—and the consequences are deadly.”

She Is A Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
“A House with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic.”

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D Jackson
“New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson ramps up the horror and tackles America’s history and legacy of racism in this suspenseful YA novel following a biracial teenager as her Georgia high school hosts its first integrated prom.”

Borrow My Heart by Kasie West
“When a girl overhears a guy getting verbally destroyed by his friends for being catfished, she jumps in to save the day—and pretends to be his online crush.”

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
“New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives.”

A Wilderness of Stars by Shea Ernshaw
“New York Times bestselling author of Long Live the Pumpkin Queen, an illness cursing the land forces a teen girl astronomer to venture across the wilderness in search of the stars’ message that will, hopefully, save them all.”

The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry
“A pause-resisting debut of suspense about a young couple desperate to have a child of their own – and the unsettling consequences of getting what they always wanted.”

Big Bad by Lily Anderson
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Suicide Squad in this adult dark, rompy novel in which the most beloved villains from Buffy must team up to stop the Slayer from ending their evil universe!”

There you have 23 books that I want to read in 2023! I would be curious to see how many of these books I’ll actually be able to get to by the end of the year. In the comments, let me know what you want to read this year. Also, please support my blog by giving it a follow.

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

Two 5 Star Predictions // Reading Vlog

- Bunny Leave a comment

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

- Bunny Leave a comment

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