Magic

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

September 2024 | To Be Read

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today, I’m sharing my September TBR! Throughout the year, I’ve been changing up how I choose my monthly TBR, but for September, I decided to let some of my favorite book content creators pick my books. I’m nervous about some of their choices, but I hope I enjoy them all.

Witch Of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Legend goes that long ago a Flores woman offended the old gods, and their family was cursed as a result. Now, every woman born to the family has a touch of magic.

In An Instant by Suzanne Redfearn

Heartrending yet ultimately redemptive, In an Instant is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and carrying on…even when it seems impossible.

We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

Get Out meets Parasite in this eerily haunting debut and Reddit hit about two homeowners whose lives are turned upside down when the house’s previous residents unexpectedly visit.

A Touch Of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

From bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair comes a dark and enthralling reimagining of the Hades and Persephone Greek myth.

“Let me worship you,” he said.

She remembered the words she had whispered to him in the back of the limo after La Rose. “You will worship me, and I won’t even have to order you.” His request felt sinful and devious, and she reveled in it.

She answered, “Yes.”

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Icebreaker is a swoonworthy college romance about an ice skater and the hockey captain she hates as they’re forced to share a rink.

A Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

You should never talk to strangers. With his flight delayed, Ted Severson meets Lily Kintner, a magnetic stranger, in an airport bar. In the netherworld of international travel and too many martinis, he confesses his darkest secrets, about his wife’s infidelity and how he wishes her dead. Without missing a beat Lily offers to help him carry out the task.

So, that’s my September TBR, but of course, I’ll try to read more books throughout the month. Also, feel free to follow me on Bookstagram (@Books.With.Bunny) and BookTok (@BooksWithBunny) for more content. If you enjoy TBR posts and bookish content, follow the blog to get updates whenever a new post goes up.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Hacienda | Blog Post

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Years after her father’s execution, Beatriz marries Don Rodolfo Solórzano for the safety of his countryside estate, Hacienda San Isidro. However, the hacienda is far from a sanctuary, as eerie visions and unexplained events plague her. Rodolfo’s sister and the household staff’s odd behaviors deepen Beatriz’s unease. She seeks help from Padre Andrés, a priest with hidden powers, to confront the malevolent force haunting the estate. But the darkness within the hacienda may prove to be her downfall.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3SUy5Ty

My Rating

This book is often compared to Rebecca meets Mexican Gothic. While I haven’t read ‘Rebecca’, I did read ‘Mexican Gothic’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I love haunted house stories, so I had high hopes for this book, and for the most part, it didn’t disappoint.

The story is about Beatriz, a new bride who moves into her husband’s countryside estate, the Hacienda. But she quickly realizes things aren’t quite right at Hacienda San Isidro. She starts hearing voices and even sees a dead body. Honestly, she handled it way better than I would have.

Beatriz is an interesting character. She married a man she barely knew, hoping for a better life, but ended up in a situation that might be even worse than what she left behind. What I liked about the story is that it’s not just told from Beatriz’s point of view. We also get some chapters from Padre Andrés, the young priest she turns to for help. Even though his chapters are fewer, it was interesting to see things, especially the past, from his perspective.

“There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of match against paper, the sharp spark of amber and gold, the small crackle of a wick taking flame.”

You can tell from the description that there’s a bit of a magical element in the story, and the author blends it in really well. It gives the book something unique that makes it stand out among other Gothic haunted house stories. It even gave me *The Conjuring* movie vibes, which I really liked.

The writing is good, but sometimes it felt a bit slow, which made the story drag a little. But I never wanted to put it down, and once I started reading, I needed to know how it would end. Also, the book does mention some heavy and possibly triggering topics, which was a bit unexpected.

Overall, I enjoyed the historical setting, and I didn’t mind that the ending was a bit predictable. My only real complaint is how the romance part ended, though I’m not sure you’d even call it a romance. Still, I’m interested in reading more from this author, and I’d recommend this book to anyone just starting to explore the horror genre.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book in the comments. If you liked this post, please give it a like and share it with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more book-related content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Weyward // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
In 2019, Kate escapes her abusive partner to live in Weyward Cottage, inherited from a mysterious great-aunt. In 1619, Altha awaits trial for murder, desperately fighting accusations of witchcraft. During World War II, Violet is confined to her family’s estate, seeking answers about her mother’s mysterious past. These intertwined stories of Kate, Altha, and Violet span five centuries, highlighting their resilience. “Weyward” is a captivating debut novel about female strength.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4bpemlU

My Rating

I’ll admit, I wasn’t immediately drawn into the story, but there was something about it that kept me intrigued. As I delved deeper, I found myself captivated by the historical elements and witchy vibes. Plus, the way all three characters and timelines were woven together was nothing short of brilliant.

I’ve never been a huge fan of historical fiction, but the book has completely changed my perspective. Turns out, I have a soft spot for stories that blend history with a touch of magical realism. Who knew? I think that the writing really helped me enjoy the genre, and I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author in the future.

Let’s talk characters. Altha, Violet, and Kate—three women from different time periods, each with their own story to tell. While I liked them all, I couldn’t shake the feeling that they lacked distinct personalities. Still, their journeys were compelling enough to keep me turning the pages.

“Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us.”

When it comes to pacing, it’s not what I’d call a fast-moving story. But you know what? That’s okay. The slower pace actually worked in favor of the narrative, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the plot and each character’s story. I was completely invested, despite having a pretty good idea of where the plot was headed.

Now, here’s something I didn’t love so much about the book. While I appreciated the feminist themes woven throughout, I couldn’t help but feel like the portrayal of men was a bit one-sided. Sure, not all men are saints, but lumping them all together felt a tad unfair. It would have been nice to see a broader range of male characters, acknowledging that while some men can be horrible, others can be kind and true of heart.

Overall, this is a beautifully written novel with an intriguing storyline. The ending tied everything up nicely, though I couldn’t shake the feeling that the feminist message was a bit heavy-handed. Still, it’s definitely worth a read, especially if you’re a fan of historical fiction with a magical twist. It’s 100% a girls supporting girls book, which is great, but it also contains a lot of triggering topics, so please check out Trigger Warning Database for a complete list.

Have you read “Weyward”? I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re interested in checking it out, the audiobook is available on Everand—I’ve got a link (click here) for a free trial if you’re interested. Don’t forget to hit that follow button for more bookish content!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Cambridge professor Emily Wilde, an expert on faeries, arrives in Hrafnsvik intending to focus solely on her research. She dislikes socializing and dislikes her academic rival, Wendell Bambleby. However, as she delves into uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones, she finds herself drawn into a mystery involving Wendell and her own heart.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aulH2E

My Rating

This story captivated me right from the start, offering the perfect blend of enchantment and coziness. Despite the story unfolding in the fall and winter, I found myself immersed in its magic, even though I was reading it during spring—a testament to its timeless appeal that transcends seasonal preferences.

Emily, the main character, really intrigued me with her knowledge of mystical creatures, all while struggling to navigate social interactions. Seeing her grow and develop throughout the book was so satisfying—it really added depth to her character.

Emily and Wendell’s growing love story in the book was really nice. At first, they were like work frenemies, but then they became real friends and maybe even more than that. Wendell balanced out Emily’s character well, and it was cool that there was more to him than it seemed at first.

The world in the book feels incredibly real, like stepping into a dream where fairies exist. It’s an escape, perfect for someone like me who loves magic. Yet, amidst the excitement of meeting fairies, there’s a hint of nervousness, as if something mysterious and possibly dangerous hides in the shadows. This adds to the intensity and captivation of the reading experience.

“One doesn’t need magic if one knows enough stories.”

I think the author’s writing was captivating, effortlessly bringing the story to life for me. The inclusion of fairy folklore tales woven throughout the narrative enriched my reading experience. The journal-like format of the book added an extra layer of charm, and I loved how the author was able to immerse me into these characters’ story.

I really liked how the found family element fit into the plot and contributed to Emily’s character development. I think many readers will enjoy that aspect of the story too. Also, the romance didn’t take over the plot; instead, it enhanced it, which I think makes this book perfect for those who want a fantasy with a hint of romance.

Overall, the book truly exceeded my expectations as someone that isn’t typically a cozy fantasy reader. I eagerly anticipate delving into future installments of the series and embarking on more adventures with these captivating characters.

If this book isn’t already on your TBR list, I highly recommend adding it. Don’t forget to like and share this post, and if you enjoy bookish content, consider following the blog for more recommendations and reviews.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

One Dark Window // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
This lush, dark fantasy debut delivers atmospheric world-building, witchy tarot-like magic, and a steamy romantic subthread. It’s a loose reimagination of the English folk ballad “The Highwayman” and reads like a timeless fable. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Naomi Novik, Hannah Whitten, and those that want a little spice in their gothic monster fantasy. For fans of Uprooted and For the Wolf comes a dark, lushly gothic fantasy about a maiden who must unleash the monster within to save her kingdom—but the monster in her head isn’t the only threat lurking.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3TWbvt8

My Rating

Honestly, I was gonna start off this review by giving my brief rundown of the synopsis, but this book has so many elements to it that I can’t actually describe it. There’s a magic tarot card of sorts, a fever that gives you magic, and somewhat of a corrupt kingdom. There’s even this deadly fog which can only be stopped if you collect all the cards, some of which cannot be found. So you can see that it’s a lot to condense into a few sentences.

That brief rundown of plot probably left you confused but as wanting to know more. Right? Well it did for me, because I found the book to be intriguing and like nothing I’ve ever read before. The elements of magic, tarot-like cards, and an amoral King worked well together. The added addition of the fever and fog was fantastic.

The female main characters was honestly a little boring. Her only interesting characteristic was that she had the fever as a child and ended up getting the nightmare from the nightmare card in her head. In addition to her, there were many side characters that I did enjoy, as well as the added comical relief character.

There was a pretty heavy romance sub plot, that I guess was supposed to be enemies to lovers. However, there wasn’t enough angst between the characters for them to seem like genuine enemies. I did enjoy the spicy scenes, but the romance wasn’t my favorite part of the story. Probably because I found myself being somewhat attracted to the nightmare. I have a thing for mysterious bad boys.

“I am the shepherd of shadow. The phantom of the fright. The demon in the daydream.”

The world building was heavy in this book, which is usual for fantasy books although I guess technically this is a romantasy. However, the atmosphere was amazing and the description of the world really brought it to life. Now it’s not a world I’d choose to live in, but it is an amazing fantasy universe.

The writing is what I struggled with more, because it wasn’t as engaging as I would have liked. Although, I was immersed in the story the author wasn’t able to keep my attention. There was just something missing from the book making the chapters feel as though they were dragging on forever.

Overall, I did start to enjoy the book around the 50% mark, so please don’t give up on it if you are considering DNFing it. The ending is amazing, and will leave you shocked. Although, I can see it being one of those books that could easily be forgotten within a few years. So, if you do read it I recommend quickly jumping into the sequel.

In the comments, let me know your thoughts on the book. I could definitely see this becoming a movie one day. Before you go please make my day by giving the blog a quick follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Series I Need To Finish // 2024 Update

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Let’s talk about some book series! Specifically, book series that I need to finish. I have started so many series, but never seem to keep up with them. Seriously though, I’m actually hoping to finish some of these before the end of the year. Now that might be a bit of an ambitious goal, but a girl can dream.


The Babysitters Coven by by Kate M. Williams
I read the first book last year during the fall, and I still need to get to the sequel, ‘For Better or Cursed.’ I believe this trilogy is completed, but I will most likely only be able to pick up the second book before the year ends.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
This is a duology that I actually cannot wait to finish. I gave ‘These Violent Delights’ five stars, so I have high hopes for ‘Our Violent Ends.’ I haven’t heard a lot of people talk about this duology much, but I think it’ll become a favorite of mine.

The Book of Tea by Judy I. Lin
The first book, ‘A Magic Steeped in Poison,’ ended on such a cliffhanger, that I have to read ‘A Venom Dark and Sweet’, soon. The only problem is that the first book was very slow-paced, so I’m worried that the sequel will be as well. However, the plot is super interesting and will keep you intrigued.

The Legendborn Cycle by Tracy Deonn
I just need to bite the bullet and pick up ‘Bloodmarked’, which is the sequel to ‘Legendborn.’ I have heard that it is even better than the first book. For me, this was one of the books that kickstarted my fantasy reading journey. However, these books are chunky, and have a lot of world building. Still, they are fascinating, and I hear that we get a love triangle in book two.

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
This is a series I started this year, and since the first book is fresh in my mind, it would be nice to read the second book soon. I never thought I was a pirate book type of reader, but I’m loving this storyline. I am interested to see where the next book takes us.

Letters Of Enchantment by Rebecca Ross
It is shocking to me that I haven’t picked up the second book in this duology yet, since I loved ‘Divine Rivals’ so much. Honestly, I’m just scared it’s going to put me in a reading slump. However, I am intrigued to see how this love story places out and get back into this world.


The Shepherd King by Rachel Gillig
The first book was a roller coaster. There were times I was loving it, and times where the plot seemed to drag. Still, the duology has such an interesting plot that I need to see how it concludes. I would like to read it soon, because I’m worried I’ll start forgetting the first book.

Stalking Jack The Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
It is embarrassing how long it has been since I’ve read the first book in this series. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to finish these books, but I need to simply binge them. I remember a lot about book one and enjoyed it, so it’s about time to finish the rest of the books.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
I am happy to say that I am well on my way to finishing this series. I have one book in the original series left, but I do have the two novellas and ‘Midnight Sun.’ By no means do I love this series, but I am enjoying it.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This is an older young adult dystopian trilogy that pretty much everyone has read by now. I have yet to read the second and third book, which is such a shame. I am dying to see the new film, but I would like to read the book first. However, that means I need to read the original trilogy first.

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Not going to lie, I didn’t enjoy the first book in this YA trilogy. I understand that it’s on par with ‘The Hunger Games’ for best YA dystopian series, but I wasn’t that big of a fan. Yet, I do hear that the second book is really good. So I am planning on finishing the series this year and maybe read the companion novel, ‘Four,’ as well.

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill
This is a graphic novel series that I should have no problem reading. I have two volumes left to read, and I cannot wait. It is such a cute, cozy fantasy that is very easy to read. I am sure that I will enjoy the last two books as much as I did the first.

Those are some of the series that I am hoping to knock out by year’s end! Before you go, follow the blog, so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Our Crooked Hearts // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
 Ivy and her soon-to-be ex nearly run over a nude young woman standing in the middle of a tree-lined road. It’s only the first in a string of increasingly eerie events and offerings: a dead rabbit in the driveway, a bizarre concoction buried by her mother in the backyard, a box of childhood keepsakes hidden in her parents’ closet safe. Most unsettling of all, corroded recollections of Ivy and her enigmatic mother’s past resurface, with the help of the boy next door.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/46Zvkoi

My Rating

I am still not sure what I think of this book because I found only one-half of the dual-timeline plot fairly interesting. Furthermore, I did not love the characters or the way the story was told. In the first few chapters, we get tossed right into the story – there’s no build up, or getting to know the characters, which I did not really love. I am all for a fast-paced book, but this was too much.

In this book, we follow Ivy, a 17 years old who has a strained relationship with her mother. However, once her mother disappears, weird things start happening, and Ivy starts to wonder if there are pieces of her life that she has forgotten. Ivy as a character was not necessarily bad, but she was a teenager who thought that they knew everything. This was irritating to say the least.

As mentioned, the book has dual timelines, so we have a present timeline following Ivy, coupled with a past timeline following her mother. The past chapters help us learn why this is all happening in the present, which is probably why we do not get much backstory at the beginning of the book. Unfortunately, I enjoyed only the past timeline chapters.

“So. Magic. It is the loneliest thing in the world.”

I would’ve loved the book just to be about the girls in the past, because those chapters were giving me ‘The Craft’ movie vibes, and I loved it. I liked Ivy’s mother in the past because she was very smart and strong. Seeing how all of this came to be, it was really interesting. It was dark and twisty, which is something I did not get from the present storyline with Ivy.

My biggest con in the book is the fact that Ivy, even after everything, did not understand her mother more or why she made the choices she made. Yes, some of the things her mother did were out of line, but Ivy had a hand in her mother making these choices. It annoyed me that she did not give her mother any sort of grace. However, I guess that a teenager for you.

Overall, the book kept me entertained, and the writing style was good. The plot was interesting enough, and I did not want to DNF the book. However, I just feel like this type of witchy story was not my cup of tea, but if you are looking for a dark, young adult, witchy book, then I would recommend you picking this one up.

In the comments, leave me with some more witchy book recommendations. Do not forget to like and share this post with others. And follow the blog to get post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Kiss Curse // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
 The follow-up to Erin Sterling’s New York Times bestselling hit The Ex Hex features fan favorite Gwyn and the spine-tinglingly handsome Wells Penhallow as they battle a new band of witches and their own magical chemistry. When a mysterious new coven of witches come to town and Gwyn’s powers begin fading, she and Wells must work together to figure out just what these new witches want and how to restore Gwyn’s magic before it’s too late.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3rC4pjJ

My Rating

If you are looking for a witchy romcom, with the perfect amount of witty banter and romance, this is a great read for you. This is a companion novel to ‘The Ex Hex’ (also by Erin Sterling) – but this time around, we’re following Gwyn and Wells, instead of Vivi and Rhys.

Gwyn is Vivi’s cousin, and she is a strong, willed, and opinionated witch. Wells is a serious, non-nonsense-type warlock. He is also the brother of Rhys. Rhys, you may remember, was Vivi’s ex-boyfriend from the previous book.

The cute part is how well the pairing works. Gwyn brought out a more laid back side of Wells. I loved how she always teased him. He was able to keep up with her sarcasm, which was awesome. Thus, there was a ton of witty banter throughout the story.

“The best magic is always a little risky, right?”

The book contains some spicy scenes that I loved. There wasn’t a ton of smut, and most of the romance scenes are the ‘fade to black’ type, but the chemistry between the characters made the scenes even better. This is definitely a ‘he falls first’ type of romance.

In addition to the romance, the plot was amazing. I loved the storyline and all the fun magical moments. It gave me the cozy fall vibes that I look for in a witchy romcom. The pacing of the story was good, and I liked how everything was wrapped up.

Overall, this was a ten out of ten read. It is a great frenemies to lovers magical romance. The story is something I think many people will enjoy. I mean it is a witchy story with my favorite trope; no wonder I liked it.

In the comments, let me know if you are a fan of Gwyn and Wells. Do not forget to like and share this post with others. And, hit that follow button before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Ex Hex // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
 Erin Sterling casts a delightful spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong. A small-town witch, Vivienne Jones, is forced to make magic with Rhys Penhallow the man who broke her heart when his return to Graves Glen sets a series of supernatural disasters in motion. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3F3J31J

My Rating

If you’re looking for a cozy, witchy romance, then look no further. This is a second chance romance about a witch and a warlock that must work together to break a curse that has thrown their town into magical chaos.

In the book, we follow Vivienne, who is a college professor and witch. Vivi is the sensible type of girl, and hasn’t really given into her witchy side. I loved her relationship with her family. Her aunt and her cousin are her best friends and support system.

Rhys is Vivi ex-boyfriend and warlock that returns to town on his father orders. He’s very charming, and acts before he thinks. His personality is very go with the flow and I liked the contrast between his more easygoing demeanor and Vivi’s somewhat more methodical personality.

“Never mix vodka and witchcraft.”

I loved how Vivi’s teenage self is coming back to bite her in the book. Because, a harmless joking curse she put on Rhys after their bad breakup is the cause of all the town’s misfortune. I liked seeing Rhys and Vivi work together, and realize how much their past relationship meant to them.

Unfortunately, this was a second chance romance book, and although I liked the characters and the plot, I am not a fan of second chance romances. The fact that Vivi and Rhys were still carrying that baggage for each other, even after 9 years, is ridiculous. Neither of them were in a relationship or have even had any meaningful relationships.

Overall, the writing and storyline saved the book for me. I was completely engaged the entire time reading it, and I loved all the witchy Halloween vibes. The ending was so good, and it instantly put me in the fall mood. So, I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a good fall magical romance.

In the comments, leave me some witchy book recommendations. Don’t forget to share this post with other book lovers. And, as always, follow the blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny