Reading

Holiday Book Recommendations // Underrated Reads

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
In my Bookmas day 4 post, I’m going to be talking about some underrated holiday books. I always seem to see book lovers recommending the same old holiday reads, so these are some books that I think deserve more recognition.

What Light by Jay Asher
Honestly, I can’t remember a lot about this story, but I do know that it had a Christmas Tree farm setting. The plot follows a young girl that spends the holiday season helping run her Christmas tree lot in California. Although this is a sweet holiday romance, it’s really a story of forgiveness and redemption. I remember this being a slower read, but it is a great wintertime book.

My New Crush Gave To Me by Shani Petroff
Nobody ever talks about this book, which is crazy to me. This is an enemies-to-lovers Christmas story that is a jolly good time. The book follows Charlotte. who rigs the Secret Santa drawing, so that she draws her crush, Teo’s, name. However, she needs to enlist the help of her crush’s cousin J.D., who she can’t stand, in order to get Teo the perfect gift. This is a fun holiday romance with a fun Secret Santa plot.

Snow In Love by Various Authors
This is a collection of four holiday short stories by different different YA authors. The stories focus on the holiday season, and of course there is romance involved in every story. My personal favorite story was written by Kasie West, but she’s one of my favorite author. So, there’s no surprise I’d enjoy her story most. However, the book as a whole is a pretty decent holiday read.
Related Post: Snow In Love // Book Review

Whiteout by Various Authors
This is another holiday short story collection, which was released in November of 2022. I, myself, have yet to read this book but it sounds amazing. The story takes place in Atlanta, before the Christmas season, and is all about black teen love. I find that this book has flown completely under the radar, yet I can’t wait to give it a read.
Related Post: December 2022 // To Be Read

The Chaos of Standing Still by Jessica Brody
Although this isn’t exactly a Christmas book, it is still a holidays read in my opinion. The book follows a teenage girl trapped at an airport on New Years Eve, which happens to be the day before the anniversary of her best friend’s death. Sure, there is a romance plot, but the main focus is about letting go and the loss that goes along with it. It is a beautifully written and well done story. Also, every reader could use a good sad holiday read right?

There you have some of the holiday books that I think deserve more hype. And yes, they are all YA book recommendations, but that’s my go-to genre. Before you leave, give my little book blog some love by becoming a follower.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

December 2022 // To Be Read

- Bunny 4 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today is the first day of Bookmas 2022! Bookmas was created by Hailey In Bookland, and is essentially where you post a bookish video, or blog post, everyday leading up until Christmas. I decided to start off Bookmas by sharing my December TBR. Since December is the last month of the year my TBR is very ambition. I have so many books that I would like to get to before the end of the year. I might take part in a holiday readathon, but I a not going to officially be joining any readathons this month. So, let’s get straight on to the books that I will be reading!

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3ufEmfD

“Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.”

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3EJLXYQ

“A Jewish twist on the classic Christmas enemies-to-lovers story. With dog walking, fossils, and a relatable main character navigating her first year of university, this one has so much to love. Fans of Hallmark movies will not want to miss this entertaining holiday read.”

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3VD6Ewk

“Gwen Baker finds herself stuck in a Groundhog Day loop on Christmas Day with her family. “

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3gRFFyq

“A laugh-out-loud, opposites attract romance about three of the world’s most beloved C’s: Christmas, Coffee, and Cats.”

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3itzWiA

“Before there was Santa Claus, there was a young boy who believed in the impossible. . . . Lemony Snicket meets Klaus in this cheeky, Christmas classic-in-the-making that sparkles with wit and warmth!”

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3H11hmK

“Dickens’s tale of a miserable miser who transforms into a kind and caring benefactor after three ghosts pay him a visit on Christmas Eve is one of the best-loved works in the English language and a true celebration of the Yuletide spirit.”

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3uxE8AZ

“From international bestselling author Melissa Hill comes an adorable holiday romance about taking chances, falling in love, and trusting destiny. New York City at Christmas and a visit to Tiffany’s is a recipe to sweep a girl off her feet unless fate has other plans.”

Book Club Book
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3ugNLna

“Atlanta is blanketed with snow just before Christmas, but the warmth of young love just might melt the ice in this novel of Black joy, and cozy, sparkling romance—by the same unbeatable team of authors who wrote the New York Times bestseller Blackout!”

Honestly, I’m not sure how many of these books I will actually get to, since the holidays take up a lot of time in December. But, I have high hopes that I will read some great festive books. In the comments, let me know what’s on your December TBR. Don’t forget to hit the follow button before your leave, because it really does help my blog out.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

 

End Of The Year // Book Tag

- Bunny Leave a comment

In this video, I talk about the books that I need to finish before the end of the year as well as the books that I am still waiting to be released.

QUESTIONS
1. Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?
2. Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?
3. Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?
4. What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?
5. Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favourite book of the year?
6. Have you already started making reading plans for next year?

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Twitter: bookswithbunny

Long Live The Pumpkin Queen // Book Review

- Bunny 3 Comments

About The Book
Nightmare Before Christmas fans rejoice! Long Live the Pumpkin Queen picks up where the beloved film left off, with Sally in her new role as the Queen of Halloween Town. This delightful return to The Nightmare Before Christmas universe is sure to appeal to fans old and new.

My Rating

If you are a lover of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’, but have been dying for another story with these characters, then this book is for you. This time around, we follow Sally as she struggles to come to terms with her new role as the Pumpkin Queen.

It was interesting getting to know Sally a bit more. All we learned about her in the movie was that she was in with love with Jack, and created by the Professor. However, through this story, we discover, along with Sally herself, that she is strong, smart, and not simply a creation.

I don’t want spoil too much, but Sally’s discovery of something life changing was kind of cheesy in my opinion. The author literally flips the script on Sally’s whole backstory. So, it takes retelling to the max.

All I can say is that love and family are very important aspects in this story. I liked that the author showed that family is more than blood. Sally, despite her life before Jack, loved her home of Halloweentown. She would do anything for the monsters that lived there.

“I am now Sally Skellington. The Pumpkin Queen. And I’m certain I will never again be as happy as I am right now.”

The book takes our rag doll protagonist on a journey of self discovery, and I liked seeing her come into her own. She makes a great Pumpkin Queen. Also, the addition of the Sandman as an evil character was a nice touch. Especially since the Sandman is such an interesting fantasy character.

The other characters in the book were great! Jack and Zero were so similar to their movie counterparts. Shea Ernshaw captured the essence of Tim Burton’s film perfectly.

Overall, the book isn’t amazing, and something felt kind of ridiculous, yet I loved it! Honestly, if you have any love for ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’, you need this book on your TBR. I would 100% recommend the audiobook, because the voices are nearly identical to the ones in the movie. It takes the reading experience to the next level.

In the comments, let me know your favorite Tim Burton film! Mine has to either be ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ or ‘Corpse Bride’. Don’t forget to follow my blog if you like bookish posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Tropes // The Ones I Dislike

- Bunny 5 Comments

Hi Friends,
You might remember that I did a post talking about my favorite book tropes. Well, for sometime now I have been meaning to do one dedicated to my least favorite tropes. I have 5 book tropes that just don’t work for me, but this isn’t to say I won’t read books containing these tropes. Even though these types of books aren’t my favorites, I am sometimes up for giving them a try. Especially if the book is written by a favorite author of mine.

Single Parents
This is one that I don’t really have a reason for not liking, which seems kind of weird. I read a lot of YA books, and it seems as though one parent always has to be dead or absent. This is also a factor in a lot of Disney Channel movies and shows. I’m looking at you ‘That’s So Raven’ and ‘The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody’. And, don’t even get me started on Disney movies. I just feel like the trope is thrown in there to make us sympathize with the main character. I am not a fan of plot points that are only there so that we feel bad for the MC.

Desperate
I am so done with reading about girls that are extremely desperate to be liked or get a boyfriend. It is annoying to read a book where 50% of the time the protagonist is whining about not having a boyfriend. Or, they’re so resolute for someone to like them that they lie about who they truly are. Let’s get more self-assured female characters that don’t need a man! As Christina Yang said, “He’s very dreamy, but he is not the sun, you are.”

Bad Boy, Good Girls
I know that bad boys make them good girls go bad. You see what I did there? Anyways, what is so appealing about the ‘bad boy’ in books? It seems like every girl that is shy and smart always fall for the dangerous guy. I like a bad boy love story just as much as the next person, but let’s flip the script and do bad girl meets good boy for a change. Girls can be rebels too.

Ordinary Girl
In half the books I read, the protagonist is the average girl. There’s nothing special about her, and she isn’t a raving beauty. Typically, she’s shy, smart, and doesn’t fit in. Think Bella Swan. There are so many other type of personalities out there that should be represented. I would once like to read a book about a girl who has a lot of friends, knows who she is but is still a little weird. Also, why do all ordinary girls have to not wear makeup or have a good fashion sense? This trope is seriously outdated.


Cheating
Nope. No. No way! Thank you, next! Cheating is a trope that I can’t stand in the slightest. If someone cheats on you, then they don’t care about you or your relationship. Even worse, some books that contain cheating end with the couple staying together. In my opinion, cheating is unforgivable. It’s possible that some books make this trope work, but I still won’t be picking up those books.

Those are the main book tropes that I don’t like to read. In the comments, let me know what your least favorite tropes are. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more bookish content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Related Post: Book Tropes // The Ones I Love
Related Post: The Upside Of Falling Book Review

To Be Read // September 2022

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I am so excited to be doing my September TBR, because not only am I premiering my TBR game, but this month is Scary Readathon! If you haven’t heard, Scary Readathon is a Monsters University inspired readathon that will be happening from September 1st – 30th. I am actually one of the hosts for the readathon! My team is ROR! You visit the Readathon’s Twitter for all the information on the readathon, so please go join my team! I will also be hosting reading sprints, and I’ll let you know on Twitter when those will be happening.

This month, to help pick the book I’ll be reading, I have created a TBR game! The game is ‘The Sims Chooses My TBR’ since my husband is a big Sims player. He helped me create this little game, which I am grateful for. I will be choosing 5 books every game, and each book picked has a different prompt on it. I have to choose a book that fits the prompt given.


The first prompt Sims gave me was ‘Under 350 Pages’! Which works perfectly, since one of the Monsters University Prompts is to read a book under 300 pages. So, I decided to go with ‘Coraline’ by Neil Gaiman. I read this book years ago, and decided it was about time to reread it. The next prompt picked was ‘Poll Pick’, and the winner was ‘The Woman In The Library’ by Sulari Gentill.

Next we had ‘Steal A Book’, which is to take a book off of someone else’s September TBR. I stole this book off of Liv’s from Liv’s Library’s TBR, and it is ‘Sorceline’ by Sylvia Douye and Paola Anista. This is a graphic novel, which I don’t typically read, so I’m using it for the Monsters University prompt: “Read a book in a format you don’t usually read”


After that was ‘Husband Pick’, and he picked ‘Recommended For You’ by Laura Silverman. Finally, my Sim picked ‘A Book With Representation’, and luckily, my team’s book for the Monsters University readathon is ‘People Like Us’ by Dana Mele. This book has queer representation, and is set in an educational setting, which is another prompt for the readathon. The next three prompts I will be checking off for the Monsters University readathon are a book with a strong female lead, a YA book and finish a series. I will be reading ‘This Coven Won’t Break’ by Isabel Sterling!


Then, I randomly had Goodreads choose a book for me, and it was ‘The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities’ by Rick Riordan (Editor). This completes the random chosen book and a book I know nothing about prompts. I am marking off another three prompts with ‘The Witches’ by Roald Dahl. The prompts that it fills are a book that features a child as the main character, a TBR vet, and features a person on the cover. Next, I decided to fill the prompts to start a series, and to read a backlist from a favorite author. I went with Kiersten White, because I have been wanting to read more of her books. The book is ‘Wretched Waterpark’, which is the first in the ‘Sinister Summer’ series.

The last two prompts I will be trying to complete for the Monsters University readathon is to read a book with only good or bad reviews, and to read your last purchased book. I got ‘Mooncakes’ by Suzanne Walker, and it is a graphic novel that I have only heard good things about!

There you have my entire September TBR! This TBR is a bit ambitious, since I have a million other books I would like to read this month, but I am trying to stay positive. In the comments, let me know if you are taking part in the Monsters University readathon, and what team you are on. Team ROR is the best!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

24-Hour Horrorathon // To Be Read

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
You might not know, but Ashley from Ashley’s Little Library is hosting the 24-hour Horrorathon. This is a readathon dedicated to reading scary and horror books for a whole 24-hours. The readathon will start on August 26th at 8 est., 7 pm for me, to August 27th at 8 pm est. I have put together quite an ambitious TBR for a 24-hour readathon, but what else is new?


White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson
This is a psychological thriller with ghost and a haunted house. I’ve read a few ghost stories before, but no haunted house ones. I have been wanting pick up this book for a while, so hopefully I can finally get to it.

Took: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn
This book was originally published in 2015, but I think the graphic novel edition I have is a new release. Since it is a graphic novel, it should be fairly easy to fly through. All I know about it is that it’s a middle grade ghost story, in which the main character’s sister goes missing.

Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illustrated by Lisa Sterle
This is another graphic novel, which is supposed to be ‘Pretty Little Liars’ meets ‘Teen Wolf’. I’ve seen both of those shows, and I’m not sure if combining them will work. Nevertheless, I’m intrigued enough to read it and see how it all plays out.

His Hideous Heart by Dahlia Adler (Editor)
This is a collection of retellings, based on Edgar Allan Poe’s most unsettling stories. There are stories from some great young adult authors, and let’s face it, Edgar Allan Poe knows how to do horror. Actually, I started this book a year ago, and never made it very far through it. Horrorathon seems like the perfect time to finish it.

Those are the books that I will be attempting to read for the readathon. But, keep in mind that I will be sleeping for a few hours because I can’t do an all nighter. In the comments, share your Horrorathon TBR, or just some of your favorite scary books. It is spooky season, after all. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more posts like this one.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Friday Reads #11

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
I haven’t done a Friday reads post in a while, so I thought it would be fun to share my weekend reading plans. This weekend the Summer Mixtape Readathon is set to end, which I have been participating in. And, I only have one book left to read for the readathon. Now that’s enough chitchat let’s talk books.


“Nightmare Before Christmas fans rejoice! Long Live the Pumpkin Queen picks up where the beloved film left off, with Sally in her new role as the Queen of Halloween Town. This delightful return to The Nightmare Before Christmas universe is sure to appeal to fans old and new.”


“From the star of MTV’s The Hills and The Hills: New Beginnings, a candid and insightful reflection on aughts tabloid fame, the powerlessness and loss of self in toxic situations, and the life-changing power of even our smallest choices.”


“The instant #1 New York Times bestseller! Stephanie Garber’s limitless imagination takes flight once more in the colorful, mesmerizing, and immersive sequel to the bestselling breakout debut Caraval. A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.”

Although, these are the books I’m planning to read this weekend I am not sure if I will read them all. Especially since I’ve become a mood reader. Honestly, I might just end up reading whatever I’m in the mood for at that moment. In the comments, tell me what you will be reading this weekend. Please support my book blog by giving it a quick follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

To Be Read // August 2022 (ft. Summer Mix-Tape Readathon)

- Bunny 8 Comments

Hi Friends,
It is TBR time once again! Unfortunately, my reading hasn’t been the best this month so I am hoping that August might reignite my passion for reading. I will be doing the Summer Mix-Tape readathon that is taking place from 1st – 14th August. If you want to find out more about the readathon and all the co-hosts, you can watch Lianne (literarydiversions) announcement video.

Before I get into my TBR for the readathon, I want to mention my ‘The Reading Rabbits’ book club pick for August. I have a book club that you can join through the Novellic app. This month we will be reading ‘Hidden Pictures’ by Jason Rekulak, which is slightly out of my comfort zone, since it is an adult thriller. However, I have heard some pretty good things about this book, and it sounds intriguing.

“From Jason Rekulak, Edgar-nominated author of The Impossible Fortress, comes a wildly inventive spin on the classic horror story in Hidden Pictures, a supernatural thriller about a woman working as a nanny for a young boy with strange and disturbing secrets.”

Now on to the readathon prompts!
Here Comes the Sun – read a book with nature on the cover

I decided to go with ‘Lost in the Never Woods’ by Aiden Thomas, because it does have some trees on the cover. That counts as nature, right? This is a middle grade ‘Peter Pan’ retelling, which hasn’t been talked about a lot, so I am curious to see if it is any good.

“When children go missing in the small coastal town of Astoria, people look to Wendy for answers. It’s been five years since Wendy and her two brothers went missing the woods, but when the town’s children start to disappear, the questions surrounding her brothers’ mysterious circumstances are brought back into light.”

Blame It On The Weatherman – read an unseasonal read
I instantly knew that I was going to go for a spooky read when I saw this prompt, and I recently borrowed ‘The Witchery’ by S. Isabelle on Libby. I know nothing about this book, except that it is a YA witchy story, which is all I need to know about it.

“A bewitching debut by S. Isabelle, perfect for fans of Maggie Stiefvater, Zoraida Córdova, and Leigh Bardugo! THE HAUNTING SEASON IS HERE AND THE WOLVES ARE AWAKE.”

Cake By The Ocean – read a book involving food/read a spicy book

I have been wanting to read Elizabeth Acevedo’s book ‘With the Fire on High’ for the longest time. Food is a big focus in the book making it the perfect choice for this prompt. Let’s hope I actually end up reading it this month.

“From the New York Times bestselling author of the National Book Award-winning title The Poet X comes a dazzling novel in prose about a girl with talent, pride, and a drive to feed the soul that keeps her fire burning bright.”

We’re Going To Ibiza – read a book set in another country

Recently, I learned about ‘Hot British Boyfriend’ by Kristy Boyce, and it sounds like a fun YA contemporary. Since August is the last official month of summer, not that the weather will reflect that, I want to read a few more lighthearted YA contemporary reads.

“Ellie embarks on a whirlwind romance, one that takes her on adventures to some of England’s most beautiful places, she still needs to figure out if this is actually the answer to all her problems…and whether the perfect boyfriend is actually the perfect boy for her.”

Mixtape – pick a book based on your favourite summer bop/free choice

First off, my husband seriously hates the phase bop and tells me all the time that I am never going to make bop happen. Anyways, a song that always comes to mind when I think of the summer is ‘Island in the Sun’ by Weezer. Mainly because it was featured in ‘Aquamarine’, one of my favorite summer movies. I decided that a book set on the beach or an island at summer would work perfectly for this prompt. So, I am going with ‘The Girl From The Sea’ by Molly Ostertag, since it is set on a small island.

“In what will prove to be the most important summer of her life so far, Anna learns about love, herself, and the magic that an ordinary summer can bring.”

Those are all the books that I have set to read in August. For the rest of the month I will just be mood reading, which is always fun. In the comments leave me some book recommendations. And, hit that follow button so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,

Bunny

Summertime Madness // Book Tag

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I am back with another book tag! This time I am doing the ‘Summertime Madness Book TAG’ which was created by JakeEatsLife (formerly JakeEatsBooks) on YouTube.

Show a book with a summery cover! i.e. Sun, Beach etc.
I haven’t read this book, but I am hoping to read it before summer ends. The plot gives me hope that it will be a fun summer contemporary with a magical twist. I have high hopes for this book, since I really enjoyed the authors YA thriller’Horrid‘.

Pick one fictional place that would be the perfect destination for your Summer. Vacation!
I wasn’t the biggest fan of this trilogy, but the world was very cool. Yet, I am not sure it counts as a fictional world, since it is simple a dystopian version of the world we live in today. Still the sci-fi elements add to society seems awesome.

You’re about to go on a flight to your Summer Vacation. But you want to read a book that lasts for the whole flight so what novel do you choose?
YA thrillers are always fun and fast reads. This is one that has been on my TBR for quite some time, and it has great reviews. It is 330 pages, which makes me think it is a good flight pick.

You have a case of Summertime Sadness–what happy book do you pick up to shine a smile on your face?
I have probably mentioned this book a ton, but I predict it will be a 5 star read. The premise sound so heartwarming, and YA contemporaries usually make me smile.

 

You’re sitting at the beach all alone…which fictional character would be your beach babe?
Does beach babe mean guy or girl? Well, I am going to say guy but just platonic guy friend. For me, I will go with Cooper from Kasie West’s
‘Love, Life and The List”. He was a good friend to Abby, and seemed like a fun person to hang out with. However, he’s a teenager, so us hanging out might be a bit weird.

To match your ice cream you want an icy cool sidekick! Which fictional sidekick do you pick?
Ravi Singh from the ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ books is an amazing sidekick. He is supportive and funny. And, he’s down to help solve mysteries, which I can get behind.

 

Share the Summertime Happiness! Who do you TAG?
I am going to tag some of my favorite book bloggers! I would love to see Ceri from ‘Read And Review It‘ do this tag, and Mackenzie over at ‘Lit Lemon Books‘.

If you want to leave your answers to the questions in the comments please do so. I love seeing the books that readers associate with each season in this case summer. Remember not to leave before hitting that follow button, because you won’t want to miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny