LGBTQ

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

The Honey Witch | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Having struggled to fit in, Marigold Claude readily embraces becoming the Isle of Innisfree’s new head Honey Witch. But her magic comes at a price. Skeptical Lottie’s arrival makes Marigold determined to prove magic, sparking unexpected feelings. Facing dark magic, Marigold protects her home. By doing this, she might lose her magic and her heart.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hQg9Ui

My Rating

This book has a slow pace, but it’s cozy and fantastical. The magic, the story, and the characters were all wonderful. If you don’t like character-driven stories, you might not like this book. Marigold never fit in with her family, until she found out she’s a honey witch! Marigold inherits her grandma’s job as head honey witch, but also a curse—no true love for her!

We see Marigold adapt to island life in her grandmother’s house, using honey magic, befriending people, and confronting her solitude as the story progresses. The story shows that romantic love isn’t everything, but having someone who truly loves and commits to you is special. A major plot point revolves around the important theme of soulmates.

When Marigold meets the frosty Lottie, who doesn’t believe in magic, sparks fly. I loved watching their friendship grow. I liked how the book showed Lottie wasn’t as tough as she seemed, and Marigold really looked out for her.

“It is better to be lost in a beautiful daydream than trapped in a dim reality.”

The author’s creation of honey and ash magic was excellent, and I enjoyed learning about the different honeys. But I wanted more ash magic in the story! Plus, some parts, like those magical creatures (I think they were spirits?), were kinda confusing. I was a little fuzzy on how the witches spotted them. It needed more explanation.

The ending was great, but the last few chapters felt rushed. The book was all cozy fantasy until the end, when things got crazy serious. I expected a more exciting conclusion, even with the intensity of the final chapters. Things got intense really fast, but it all worked out quickly, too. I wanted a more epic magic battle at the end.

Overall, the book was pretty entertaining. The sapphic romance and magic system were highlights for me. The writing was excellent, and I nearly gave it a 4-star rating. Though I enjoyed the story, I doubt it will stay with me or be something I reread. Regarding spiciness, I would give it a rating of 1 to 1.5 out of 5.

Have you heard of this book? Let me know in the comments! The book community hasn’t talked about it much, from what I’ve seen. Give this post a like and share before you go. Follow the blog so you don’t miss any new posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Nightmare Before Kissmas | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Nicholas “Coal” Claus, heir to Christmas, finds himself stuck in a PR-driven holiday spectacle, including an arranged marriage to Iris, the Easter Princess. Things spiral when Coal’s mysterious one-night fling, Hex, the Prince of Halloween, becomes his rival in a competition for her hand. Amid chaos, forbidden chemistry, and holiday drama.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4ihyH0p

My Rating

I had high hopes for this book, especially since people compared it to Red, White & Royal Blue and The Nightmare Before Christmas. While I haven’t read Red, White & Royal Blue, this felt like how I imagine that book would be. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much of a The Nightmare Before Christmas vibe—it’s more of a reimagining than a retelling.

The story is a fun M/M romance with a bit of a marriage-of-convenience twist (but not with who you’d expect). The main trope is forced proximity, which was enjoyable, but I struggled with the main character, Coal, the Prince of Christmas. He’s supposed to be rebellious and carefree, but he came off more as a sensitive prankster. The author seemed to want him to be emotionally closed-off, but he didn’t come across that way to me at all.

On the other hand, I really liked Hex, the Prince of Halloween. He’s serious but has a playful side that made him really interesting. Honestly, I think the story would’ve worked better from his point of view—or, even better, a dual perspective. Coal’s narration didn’t quite do it for me, and I think seeing Hex’s side would’ve added more depth to the romance.

“Ah-ah, no arguing, Christmas Prince. You are the one who sought me out for Halloween’s undeniable better qualities.”

One part I really loved was Coal’s relationship with his brother Kris and their friend Iris. The sibling dynamic between the three of them was one of my favorite parts of the book. I do wish we got to know Iris a bit better, but the three of them shared such great moments. Honestly, their friendship and banter was probably my favorite aspect of the book. It even topped the romance for me.

As for the plot—it was fine but nothing special. It felt a bit too long in places, and I was hoping for a more standout story. That said, the world-building was really well done. The author took the essence of The Nightmare Before Christmas and made it their own, which I thought was very creative. However, keep in mind that it might not give you those nostalgic Nightmare Before Christmas feelings.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it didn’t wow me either. I wanted more from the characters, the story, and especially the banter. And yes, if you’ve read any of my book reviews before, you know that me wanting more banter is a crazy thing to say. Still, if you’re looking for a queer holiday romance with a fantasy setting, it’s worth checking out. Just don’t go in with too many expectations either way.

In the comments, let me know if you watch The Nightmare Before Christmas at Halloween or Christmas. Don’t forget to hit the follow button so you can stay updated on book reviews and other bookish posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
In the spooky town of Maple Hollow, apothecary witch Jordyn accidentally conjures the ghost of her ex-girlfriend. The snarky specter haunts her until she finds new love. Enter Harlow, the new girl in town, who’s just trying to survive working in her sister’s cafe. As romance brews between them, Jordyn’s ghostly ex threatens to ruin it all.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3ANfBOx

My Rating

I want to give a big thank you to the authors for granting me an eARC of this book. The first chapter dives right into the story, which I usually love, but I felt this book needed a prologue or an intro chapter. Still, I knew from the start that I was going to enjoy the story and its characters.

The book is told from dual perspectives: Jordan, who is haunted by the ghost of her ex-girlfriend, and Harlow, a new resident of Maple Hollow. Both girls are very likable, though somewhat similar. I never found myself preferring one perspective over the other, and I was sold on their relationship from their first interaction.

I loved the Halloweentown vibes in this book. Maple Hollow is literally a town where supernatural beings live, and the concept is amazing—it’s a place I’d want to visit and maybe even live in. I enjoyed seeing the different supernatural creatures interacting with each other and humans.

“We’re all different here. Maybe you just needed a little more magic in your life.”

While I loved the main characters and the town, the side characters were also likable, especially Harlow and her sister Willow. Their relationship felt real, like true sisters who love each other but sometimes lash out at one another. Willow cherished her life in this unique town, so she was hesitant about Harlow moving in with her, but she did love her sister. However, she could be a bit stuck in her ways and harsh at times.

This is a magical queer romance at its core, made even more complicated by the ghost of Jordan’s ex-girlfriend lingering around. However, I appreciated that the story was more than just a cute paranormal romance. The mystery plot was intriguing, and I wanted to find out what really happened to Jordan’s ex.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot, characters, and setting. While the ending wasn’t surprising, as I had a sense of where the story was heading, I could still see myself picking up more books by the authors. However, I felt the book was missing something extra to make it truly outstanding, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless. Thanks again to the authors for the ARC!

In the comments, let me know if you watch Halloweentown every fall. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other book lovers, and give my blog a follow before you go!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

She Drives Me Crazy // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
After an embarrassing loss to her ex-girlfriend in their first basketball game, seventeen-year-old Scottie Zajac gets into a fender bender with her nemesis, Irene Abraham, head cheerleader. Irene’s car needs repairs, forcing them to carpool and endure a rocky relationship. Scottie then bribes Irene into a fake-dating scheme to get back at her toxic ex and climb the social ladder. The scheme threatens to reveal real feelings between Scottie and Irene.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4e7ppSQ

My Rating

Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. It’s one of those books that just didn’t leave a lasting impression. Maybe it’s because it’s a YA contemporary, and sometimes they tend to blur together in my mind, but I don’t remember much about the story itself.

I do know that this is a queer romance with an enemies-to-lovers twist. However, I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two main female characters. You could also call it a forced proximity romance, since they (reluctantly) have to drive to school together, and there is a bit of fake dating involved as well, so this book incorporates a lot of very popular tropes.

One aspect I did enjoy was how the story highlights that not all cheerleaders are just pretty faces, and that cheerleading is tough work and a real sport. It also touches on the disparity in attention and recognition between women’s and men’s sports, with one of the main characters being a female basketball player.

“People break our hearts, but they create more room in them first, and that room makes it possible for us to become more ourselves.”

The personal struggles of the main characters were far more interesting than their romance, as far as I’m concerned. Scottie is dealing with a breakup, and coming to terms with the less-than-great aspects of her past relationship. Meanwhile, Irene is grappling with her sexuality, and the fallout from a toxic friendship that played with her emotions.

Overall, the romance was cute, and it’s a quick read if you’re looking for a light queer contemporary romance. But the developing love story wasn’t the most compelling part of the story. I wouldn’t say this is a must-read, and it’s definitely not a book I’ll remember in the future. This is pretty obvious since my memory of the plot is already fading.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. You can listen to this audiobook on Everand, and if you use my link (click here), you can get a free trial. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. Your continued support means a lot to me, so please hit the follow button before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Some Girls Do // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Morgan, an elite track athlete, is forced to transfer high schools late in her senior year after it turns out being queer is against her private Catholic school’s code of conduct. There, she meets Ruby, who has two hobbies: tinkering with her baby blue 1970 Ford Torino and competing in local beauty pageants, the latter to live out the dreams of her overbearing mother. The two are drawn to each other and can’t deny their growing feelings.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3urFYH4

My Rating

This is a really cute, young adult, queer romance with a lot of depth to it. I honestly wouldn’t call this a light or fluffy female/female romance, because it does cover a lot of heavy topics. That being said, I really enjoyed the story. I didn’t expect it to be so hard hitting, but I really loved the way the author went with the plot.

In the book, Morgan, a new transfer student and star athlete, meets Ruby, who is a beauty pageant queen that happens to love working on cars. Their first meeting isn’t exactly a meet-cute, but they quickly form a friendship that leads to something more. The only problem is: Morgan is openly gay, but Ruby is still trying to figure things out.

Now, I did find that Morgan was a little bit too intense, and wasn’t quite understanding when it came to Ruby’s situation. However, knowing about her path, and why she had to transfer schools, it’s understandable that she wasn’t willing to hide who she was.

“So what if she’s a mess? Maybe we all are. But what if she’s meant to be my mess, and I’m meant to be hers?”

On the other hand, I really felt for Ruby in this book. She didn’t know how she was going to pay for college. She was forced to be a beauty queen, so that her mother could live vicariously through her. And she was truly afraid that no one would accept her as bisexual.

The book was really about self discovery, and how nobody can force you to do anything you’re not ready to do. In the end, all we can do is support and be there for each other. I really loved Morgan and Ruby’s relationship, and also what they learned from each other throughout the book.

Overall, this is a really good read, and the writing was impeccable. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a fast-paced book, since books with heavy subjects seem to take longer, but I still enjoyed it. And, although this book deals with some heavier topics, it is still a contemporary romance at its core.

If you have read this book, leave me a comment telling your thoughts on it. As always, you can like and share this post with others. Before you go, remember you can get post notifications by following my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Yerba Buena // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
The debut adult novel by the bestselling and award-winning YA author Nina LaCour, following two women on a star-crossed journey toward each other. At once exquisite and expansive, astonishing in its humanity and heart, Yerba Buena is a testament to the healing qualities of a shared meal, a perfectly crafted drink, a space we claim for ourselves. Nina LaCour’s adult debut novel is a love story for our time.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3SjMSpG

My Rating

This is a beautifully written story that is more than just a love story. The plot hits on some heavy topics and is really the journey of self discovery. The two main characters, Emilie and Sara, are far from perfect, but even through all their hardships in life, they continue to try to be better, and do better.

Their connection is so strong that the universe keeps bringing them back to each other. It really is a story about what commitment, and letting someone in truly means. The book focuses on the girls’ journey, not only together, but apart as well. We follow their lives, and learn a lot about them.

I wouldn’t say that one of the girls lives was more interesting than the other. However, I did find that Sara’s story was a bit more unsettling, since she was a runaway at sixteen. While Emilie still struggles, her journey was more about finding her path.

“So this was how it felt- to be dealt a blow, to pause, to keep going in spite of it. Not to start over but to continue.”

The two girls make a lot of mistakes throughout the book, and as a reader, the story felt very real. I am sure there are many people that can connect with both girls in one way or another. Although, I didn’t have a personal connection with them, I enjoyed the plot tremendously, which I was surprised about.

I am not someone that generally gravitates towards literary fiction, so my fondness for the book came as a shock to me. However, the book was very well written, and it was very fast read. I didn’t want to put it down, which is high praise coming from me! And, the fact that this is Nina LaCour’s adult debut amazes me.

Overall, the book showcases how we can sometimes meet the right person at the wrong time. And, if things are meant to be, we will find our way back to each other. It perfectly displays the ups and downs of all types of relationships, from family to romantic. I would definitely recommend this to readers who are just getting into the literary fiction genre.

In the comments let me know your thoughts on this book. Would you recommend other books by this author?  Don’t forget to like and share this post. As always, you can follow the blog to get notified whenever there is a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny