Intimidating TBR // Book Tag

Hi Friends,
I saw this tag BookTubber LiterallyLo channel, and wanted to do it for myself. I feel like most readers always have some intimidating books on their TBR, and I am no exception. As always, let’s jump right into the questions.


For me that would be ‘Long May She Reign’ by Rhiannon Thomas. I bought this book on a whim. Truthfully, it was a cover buy. I read about 40%, but for some reason I put it down and picked the book up again. I might eventually like to finish it, still it could go either way.

I would have to say ‘It’ by Stephen King since it is extremely long. I’d like to see what the hype is all about, and I have seen both versions of the movie. However, the audiobook being 45 hours is quite intimidating.


I don’t really get this question, because it should be obvious that you can’t read a sequel without reading the first book in the series. I guess some series I would like to start, and at least get to the sequel this year are ‘The Hawthorne Legacy’ by Jennifer Lynn Barnes and ‘Meg and Jo’ (The March Sisters #1) by Virginia Kantra.


Emma Lord’s ‘When You Get the Chance’ that came out in January 2022. It is a Young Adult Mama Mia style retelling. I mostly listen to audiobooks using the Libby app, but with it being a newer release there is a long wait to read it.


This question is easy for me to answer ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ by Casey McQuiston. I read ‘One Last Stop’ by Casey McQuiston, which was a pretty disappointing read. I have heard great things about this book, yet I don’t want to be disappointed again.


The third book in the ‘The Thousandth Floor’ series ‘The Towering Sky’ by Katharine McGee. I fell into a slight reading slump after the second book, so I have been hesitant to pick up the last book in the trilogy.


Honestly, I could say Stephen King’s ‘It’ again, yet I think I shouldn’t repeat answers. So, I will go with ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ by Sarah J. Maas, because not only is the first book pretty big but the books get longer as the series progresses. Also, I kind of think that SJM is overrated.


I am not normally a cover buyer, but I am guilty of doing it every once in a while. My most recent cover buy was ‘We Are the Wildcats’ by Siobhan Vivian. Now I’m unsure if other will find this cover all to enticing, yet I find the cover pretty. The sad part is I am unsure whether I’m going to actually enjoy the book, since it isn’t a story I would typically gravitate too.


It would 100% be ‘The Love Hypothesis’ by Ali Hazelwood. This book is probably one of the most raved about books of 2021, and it is still getting attention to date. However, I am just starting to read more adult romances so I am so scared that I am not going to love the book as much as others. The hype is super intimidating making me not want to risk giving it a chance.

I want to tag so awesome book bloggers! I would like to see Becky’s Book Blog, The Midnight Book Blog and Comfort Reads do this tag. Don’t forget to give my blog a follow because it honestly makes my day. As well as reading your comments.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Friday Reads #3

Hi Friends,
It’s time for another Friday reads post. In these posts I will share what I plan on reading throughout the weekend. I usually have some ambitions reading plans especially since I am 4 books behind in my reading goal.



“Fans of I Was Here by Gayle Forman and Far from the Tree by Robin Benway will be floored by this heartbreaking yet uplifting teen novel about a grieving girl who follows a mysterious list across the country after her older sister’s death.”



“What’s better than one deliciously cozy, swoon-worthy holiday story? Four of them, from some of today’s bestselling authors.”



“Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. A modern classic, this stunning debut marked #1 bestselling author John Green’s arrival as a groundbreaking new voice in contemporary fiction.”



“In this New York Times bestselling sequel to Kerri Maniscalco’s haunting #1 debut Stalking Jack the Ripper, bizarre murders are discovered in the castle of Prince Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Dracula. Could it be a copycat killer . . . or has the depraved prince been brought back to life?”



“From the author of You Must Not Miss comes a haunting contemporary horror novel that explores themes of mental illness, rage, and grief, twisted with spine-chilling elements of Stephen King and Agatha Christie.”


Yep, I most likely will not get to all these books but I am sure as hell going to try. I have been wanting to get some of these books for a while, and what better time than the present. Let me know what you are reading this weekend in the comments. And, give my blog a follow to get notifications for all my bookish posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

I Wish Was A Movie // Thriller Books

Hi Friends,
I love books as much as the next reader, but sometimes I read a book that I wish had been a movie instead. This might sound odd since there are movie adaptions of books. However, if I read the book before seeing the movie I cannot help but compare the two. And, usually the book wins. These are some thriller/horror books that I’ve read and haven’t read that I would preferr being a film.

The Violent Season by Sara Walters: I was lucky enough to get approved for an audiobook ARC copy from Netgalley. Unfortunately, I got 30% of the way through it and had to DNF the book. There wasn’t anything particularly horrible about the plot or characters. But the whole time I was listening to it I could only imagine it as a film. The plot was a bit all over the place, so I think seeing it would have been easier seeing the story play out on screen.

Wilder Girls by Rory Power: This is a feminist retelling of ‘Lord Of The Flies’ by William Golding. It is a sapphic horror that is said to be pretty dark at times. The plot follows a group of girls that must quarantine inside their school due to a deadly toxicson. This straight up seems like a thriller film. It’s like ‘The Faculty’ meets the Hulu Original series ‘Freakish’. I would totally watch this movie, but I’m not necessarily inclined to read the book.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson: I can already see these books as Netflix original movies. I started the first book, but put it down before even making a dent in the story. The pacing was slow and didn’t grip me. I think that if these books were films or a mini series the drawn-out plot wouldn’t be so bad. Granted I didn’t get very far into story before setting it aside, so it could get better. However, I still think the this book series would be perfect to adapt for film or TV.

There you have the three books I would chose to be films over books. I want to note that these author are all incredible, which their work proves. It isn’t so much the writing, but the plot that screams movie. Before you go do all the fun things like, share and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Caraval // Book Review

Author: Stephanie Garber
Published: 2016
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy
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Synopsis
Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over. But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.


This book was interesting from the get go, and the plot never slowed down. The whole idea behind a magical carnival was awesome, since I find books that revolve around carnivals to be fascinating. Although, I haven’t read any other carnival books, so my opinion might change in the future.

The main character, Scarlett, was always second guessing herself, and was afraid to break rules. This was understandable, given her horrible home life. However, I found Scarlett likable, and didn’t mind her more annoying traits. I could, however, see how some people wouldn’t be a fan of her. Her sister, Tella, on the other hand, was a bit reckless and immature. Still I understood her desire to want a better life for herself and her sister. I think she was a lot stronger and smarter than the book actually showed.

The book kept you guessing at every turn, and you never knew who to trust. At one point, I thought I had everything figured out. But then something happens, and now I have know idea what to expect next. I am generally more inclined to like books when the plot isn’t so predictable, which I feel is true of most readers.

The world building was outstanding. The author made Caraval come to live, and made me feel like I was playing the game along with the characters. The author didn’t spend a lot of time describing this magic carnival, but the little details told about the world were enough to make me wish it was real.

I found the book to have an underlying sisterhood/relationship theme, but it was more of a background element. The book was dark and whimsical, and I think the touch of whimsy made the book not feel so long. The story also strives to prove that everyone has an agenda, and that everything comes with a price.

“Hope is a powerful thing. Some say it’s a different breed of magic altogether.”

Control, and being controlled, were a big part of the book. It seemed most people were out to control Scarlett – even Tella. I didn’t like how Tella tried to get Scarlett to do things she was against, because she wanted to protect her sister. Sure, Tella was doing it out of love. Still, it felt underhanded. By the end, I felt pretty bad for Scarlett. And speaking of the ending, there was a minor cliffhanger that has me intrigued. I’m curious to see what comes next!

Despite all the good things I had to say about the story, it didn’t quite make it to 5 stars. I will say that Julian, the love interest, was a highlight of the book, because he was very swoon-worthy.

There are a few trigger warning for the book, but I wouldn’t worry too much about them. First and foremost, this is a fantasy book so it doesn’t really focus on heavy topics. However, you can visit the books page on Book Trigger Warnings if you would like. Don’t forget to give my blog a follow, because it makes me smile.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Friday Reads #2

Hi Friends,
I am doing another Friday reads post. This weekend, my reading plans aren’t too crazy, since I feel a reading slump coming on. I only have two books that I hope to finish.

The Ivies by Alexa Donne
I have been in a mystery-thriller mood, so I wanted to pick up one on my owned TBR. This is a private school murder mystery about a group of girls that would do anything to get into the college of their choice.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
I need to finish this book! Like, badly. Me and my husband have been reading this book slowly since last year. I would really like to finally finish it, and move on to the second book in the series.

Fool Me Twice by Carrie Aarons
This is a book that has been on my TBR for a while, and I started it a few days ago. I haven’t gotten too far into it, so I would like to make it to the 50% mark by the weekend’s end.

Those are all my reading plans for the next couple of days. In the comments, tell me what you are currently reading. Also, don’t go before following the blog, which keeps you notified on all my new posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Radio Silence // Book Review

Author: Alice Oseman
Published: 2016
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary/Mental Health
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Synopsis
Engaging with themes of identity, diversity and the freedom to choose, Radio Silence is a tour de force by the most exciting writer of her generation.


This book gave me ‘Catcher in the Rye’ vibes, since both stories don’t have a ‘true’ plot to them; it’s more of an important message. The whole point of the book was about finding yourself, doing what you love, and not conforming to others’ opinions of you. Life isn’t about making other people happy, but making yourself happy.

The characters were enjoyable to read about. And, there wasn’t a true romance plot, which is different than most YA contemporaries out there. It showcased friendship, and how guys and girls can be just friends. The book featured hardship and conflict, something that we all go through.

There were funny moments that made me laugh out loud. Other times it was sad, and making me feel empathy for the characters. Their emotions were raw and real. The plot wasn’t particularly fast paced, but the slower moving story helped to get the message across better.

“Hello. I hope somebody is listening.”

The underlying theme of everyone wants different things in life was amazing. There was such an element of truth within the story that the author captured well. Even when you think you know your life plan, it might not be as straightforward as you believe it to be. Following your heart is sometimes more important than what others expect from you.

There was a lot of focus on college, and if it is the only path in life. As someone that doesn’t have college degree, I know that school isn’t for everyone. At least it wasn’t for me. I want to mention the trigger warnings in this book, since I want other readers to know what to expect before going into the story. There is the death of a pet, suicidal thoughts, depression, and emotional abuse by a family member.

This book was a whirlwind of emotions, and a powerful story. I think it is best suited for older YA readers, who may understand the point of the story better. Please leave me your thoughts in the comments below. And it would make me smile if you shared and liked this post. Following the blog would make that smile even bigger!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

To Be Read // March 2022

Hi Friends,
It is TBR time again, but this month is going to be a little bit different. I was debating on doing the ‘Tis The Damn’ readathon, which is a Taylor Swift inspired readathon. This was the first readathon I participated in when I started my blog, back in March of 2021. However, I would like to do more mood reading. This isn’t to say that I going to stop doing TBR’s, but the way I do them will change. I have come up with three bookish categories. I will only be talking about the books I hope to read from each of them. The rest of the month I will mood read.

Previous TBR: This is a book that I have put on a TBR from the previous year of the current month. Not sure if that makes any sense. But, since we are in March 2022, it would be a book from my March 2021 TBR.


Fall in love with the addictive, suspenseful love story between a teenage girl and a vampire with the book that sparked a “literary phenomenon” and redefined romance for a generation (New York Times).


Next In A Series: This one is pretty self explanatory, but I have a lot of series that I need to finish.


Perfect for fans of Kiera Cass and Anna Godbersen, and with all the drama, romance, and hidden secrets from The Thousandth Floor and The Dazzling Heights, this explosive finale will not disappoint.


Owned TBR: I am really working on reading the books I already own, which is good since I have a lot of options.


From the author of I Believe in a Thing Called Love, a laugh-out-loud story of love, new friendships, and one unique food truck.


I have a list of other books I’d like to read this month. Most of them are YA thrillers and contemporaries. You can follow me on GoodReads and Twitter to stay up to date on what I am reading. And you can follow the blog to see my reviews of the books as I read them.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Reading Helps // Coping With Mental Health

Hi Friends,
I have stated before, or at least I believe have, that I suffer from mental health disorders. Well, lately, my mental health hasn’t been the best. I have my highs and lows, and this has definitely been a low month. However, reading has always been a solid coping mechanism for me. So, I wanted to share some ways that reading helps me, and might help you, cope with mental health struggles.

#1. Clears Your Mind
Honestly, reading completely takes your mind off your problems. When you are reading a high fantasy, you aren’t thinking about your everyday struggles. When you are falling in love with the boy next door, you aren’t worrying about the days to come. A good story captivates you, and everything else falls away.

#2. Problem Solving
Reading could possibly solve your problems. You may actually read a book about a character dealing with similar issues, or pick up a self-help book. Advice type books might not be your thing, but they can be useful when dealing with mental health. Books can give you clarity, or a new way to look at something, which is important.

#3. You’re Not Alone
Books featuring characters with mental illnesses are very beneficial, especially if the characters are facing the same diagnosis as you. Simply reading about somebody that is struggling with a disorder can be comforting. You don’t feel so alone, because you can relate to the character in one way or another.

#4. There’s No Competition
This might seem like a weird reason, but pretty much everything we do, or I do, feels like a competition. We see people online, or friends and family, doing these things that make us feel like we aren’t doing enough. Essentially, people are always competing against each other. But you aren’t going to compete with a book character. You can feel at ease and pressure-free.

#5. Happiness
The number one reason that books can help you with your mental health is because they make you happy. If you don’t enjoy reading, then none of the other tips are going to work. You have to read because it brings you joy, if everything else is to fall into place. Honestly, how could reading not ignite happiness?

I must admit that when my mental health is bad, reading doesn’t always do it for me. But, I try to remember these tips during the low periods, and keep reading. Please leave me a comment to brighten my day. And, like always, I ask that you follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Winter Book Haul // 2022 #1

Hi Friends,
It is finally time for me to share my first book haul of 2022! My husband has been horrible, and amazing, at feeding into my book addiction. However, I did purchase a good chunk of these books with a gift card I received for Christmas. I usually don’t buy this many books over a two month period, but apparently retail therapy has become my thing. Hopefully, I will have more self control in the coming months, but can one ever have too many books.

Little Women by Louisa May: The timeless tale of four sisters – Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth – experiencing both hardship and adventure in Civil War New England. Though the March family may be poor, their lives are rich with colour, as they play games, put on wild theatricals, make new friends, argue, grapple with their vices, learn from their mistakes, nurse each other through sickness and disappointments, and get into all sorts of trouble.

The Accident Season by Moira Fowley Doyle: For fans of We Were Liars and The Ocean at the End of the Lane comes a haunting magically realistic debut about a family caught between a violent history, a taboo romance, and the mysteries lurking in their own backyard.

Bunnicula: Harold the dog and Chester the cat must find out the truth about the newest pet in the Monroe household—a suspicious-looking bunny with unusual habits…and fangs! Could this innocent-seeming rabbit actually be a vampire?

The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green: Unforgivable betrayals, devious motives, and forbidden love collide in the first installment of internationally bestselling author Sally Green’s epic new fantasy series, perfect for Game of Thrones fans.

My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life by Rachel Cohn: My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life is about learning what it is to be a family, and finding the inner strength to be yourself, even in the most extreme circumstances.

Together We Caught Fire by Eva V. Gibson: A forbidden attraction grows even more complicated when the guy Lane Jamison has crushed on for years suddenly becomes her step-brother in this sexy and gorgeously written debut novel about the lines between love, desire, and obsession.

It’s a Whole Spiel: Love, Latkes, and Other Jewish Stories by Various Authors: Get ready to fall in love, experience heartbreak, and discover the true meaning of identity in this poignant collection of short stories about Jewish teens, including entries by David Levithan, Nova Ren Suma, and more!

Layoverland by Gabby Noone: From debut author Gabby Noone comes a darkly hilarious and heartfelt twist on the afterlife about finding second chances, first loves, and new friendships in the most unlikely places.

It Sounded Better in My Head by Nina Kenwood: A compulsively readable love letter to teenage romance in all of its awkward glory, perfect for fans To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Emergency Contact.

Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning: With lovable characters and a charming quarterback love interest, Throw Like a Girl will have readers swooning from the very first page.

We Are the Wildcats by Siobhan Vivian: A toxic coach finds himself outplayed by the high school girls on his team in this deeply suspenseful novel, which unspools over twenty-four hours through six diverse perspectives.

River of Dreams by Jan Nash: Draped in themes of first love and family, secrets and malevolence, and swirling through an exhilarating dream world full of danger, violence, and love, Jan Nash’s exciting debut is a high-stakes adventure full of suspense, romance, and magic, perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Supernatural.

The Best Laid Plans by Cameron Lund: High school senior Keely Collins takes on firsts, lasts, and everything in between in this sweet, sex-positive rom-com for fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston: Cinderella goes to the con in this fandom-fueled twist on the classic fairy tale romance.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood: When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur: The book is divided into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose. Deals with a different pain. Heals a different heartache.

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur: Divided into five chapters and illustrated by kaur, the sun and her flowers is a journey of wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming. A celebration of love in all its forms.

Malice by Heather Walter: Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who, in an act of vengeance, cursed a line of princesses to die. A curse that could only be broken by true love’s kiss. You’ve heard this before, haven’t you? The handsome prince. The happily ever after. Utter nonsense.

By Your Side by Kasie West: An irresistible story from Kasie West that explores the timeless question: What do you do when you fall for the person you least expect?

Maybe This Time by Kasie West: Beloved author Kasie West brings her signature witty banter and rom-com fun to a bold, fresh format. Think Four Weddings and a Funeral for YA.

Seven Dirty Secrets by Natalie D. Richards: I know seven dirty secrets: One caused the fall. One did nothing. One saw it all. One didn’t care. One used their head. One played the hero. One was left for dead.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys: Master storyteller Ruta Sepetys once again shines light into one of history’s darkest corners in this epic, heart-wrenching novel about identity, unforgettable love, repercussions of war, and the hidden violence of silence—inspired by the true postwar struggles of Spain.

Cupcake by Cookie O’Gorman: This new swoon-worthy, feel-good #OwnVoices YA romance from the author of Adorkable celebrates body positivity in all its forms, as well as lifting each other up every day.

Beauty and the Beast by Editors of Studio Fun International: This fresh retelling of Beauty and the Beast follows the story of the classic animated film and includes paintings, sketches, and concept art from the original Disney Studio artists

Happy Dreams, Little Bunny by Leah Hong: This stunningly illustrated debut is The Runaway Bunny for a new generation—a captivating flight of fancy that also helps children lull themselves into dreamland.

This book haul was surprisingly bigger than I originally thought it would be. Sorry not sorry. I would love to know what books you have recently bought or pre-ordered. Also, did you know following my blog really helps it grow? By following you will get notified about all my posts, which I work so hard on. You won’t want to miss any of my upcoming bookish posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Club and Read Alongs // February 2022 Update


Hi Friends,
I have so many announcements coming at you. One of them I still can’t say, but I will be announcing it next month. The first is that I am going to be starting a book club! I have been wanting to do this for a while. I don’t know if anyone will actually join in, but I thought I would give it a shot. There will be a GoodReads page for the group, and it will be the ‘Hop It To Reading’ Book Club.

On the GoodReads page, we can discuss the book, and possibly set a date for a live discussion of the book. I will post a poll for us to pick the book for each month. The first poll is up now! I also might do reading sprints once a week on my Twitter (@bookswithbunny). I really hope some of you will join in on the book club.

Next, I want to host a Vampire Academy read-along, or maybe a buddy read. There is a VA series coming out soon, so I would like to read the books. I know that many people have already read this series, but if you haven’t, or are planning to reread it, please join in the read-along!

Those are all the updates I have for you guys this month. Please check back in March for my other exciting announcement! If you want to buy me a coffee or donate to my blog you can visit my Ko-Fi. All your support means the world to me!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny