Reading

Mid-Year Book Freakout // Book Tag

- Bunny 3 Comments

Hi Friends,
Honestly, I cannot believe we are halfway through the year. It feels like just yesterday we were still dealing with the mess that was last year, and setting goals for 2021. I am happy that this year is turning out to be much brighter than the previous. And I have been reading more books than ever. I am going to be doing the “Mid-Year Book Freakout” tag. This is a book tag that was created a couple of years ago that has question about how your reading year has been going thus far.

Best Book You’ve Read So Far This Year?
Out of all the books I’ve read so far my favorite two are You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson and If I’m Being Honest by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley. I gave both of these books five stars and have reviewed them as well.

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far This Year?
Sadly, right now I have only read one sequel, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J.K. Rowling. I had never read the entire HP series before, so in 2019, I decided it was time to see what all the hype was about. Although the author is not my favorite person, to say the least, I still wanted to continue reading the books.

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet, But Want To?
I am sure there are a ton, but one that comes to mind is Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales. It was released in March, and is, Leah On The Offbeat meet To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. It has a bisexual main character and what seems like a complicated romance. For me, this book could either be a two-star read or five-star, so I am nervous to pick it up.

Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half Of The Year?
I had to do a little research for this question, and a book that caught my eye was Kendare Blake’s “All These Bodies”. I don’t know if it’s the fact that it reminds me of the Freeform series Cruel Summer, or that I am dipping my toes into the thriller side of reading. But I am interested in picking this book up as soon as it is released, on September 16. The story takes place in 1958—correct me if I’m wrong, and is about a serial killer that drains the blood from his victims. But when the Carlson family is murdered, the lead suspect is Marie Hale, who was found at the seen covered in blood. Does that not sound creepy and gripping?

Time Of Our LivesBiggest Disappointment?
I hate raging on books, but there are some that haven’t lived up to my expectations. The biggest disappointment for me was Time Of Our Lives by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka. To say my that I had high-hopes for this book is an understatement. I was very frustrated with the book, and it was a major letdown for me.

Biggest Surprise?
The Thousandth Floor (The Thousandth Floor #1) by Katharine McGee automatically comes to mind. I am not a sci-fi fantasy reader normally, but this book was amazing. I loved most of the characters, and all the plot twists and turns. I hope that the rest of the series falls in the first books footsteps and surprises me as well.

Favorite New Author (Debut Or New To You)?
This year I have read a few new-to-me authors, but I wouldn’t say any of them have become a favorite. I have liked some more than others, yet I haven’t discovered a new instant-read author.

Newest Fictional Crush?
I am a happily married woman and love my husband dearly. But I do occasionally find some fictional characters very charming. Funny enough, my newest fictional crush is from a one of my disappointing reads of the year. I fell head-over-heels for the awkward, nerdy wordsmith that is Fitz Holton in “Time Of Our Lives.” He was sweet, smart and innocent, and he always put his family first. What girl can resist a guy like that?

Newest Favorite Character?
Is it bad to say I don’t have one. I have read many books with great characters this year, but none of them stand out to me as a favorite.

Book That Made You Cry?
100% Tunnel of Bones (Cassidy Blake #2) by Victoria Schwab, which might be a strange answer. For some reason this story book my heart. This series falls a young girl who can see ghosts, and along with her ghost best friend, Jacob, they help other spirits to move on. This book was a tad spine-chilling, but what pulled at my heart strings was the tragedy of the ghosts death. It was hard for me to read, and I shed some tears.

Book That Made You Happy?
Geekerella by Ashley Poston, since it was your typically lighthearted YA contemporary. The story was sweet and simple, as was the romance. I thought Ashley Poston did a fantastic job turning the classic story of Cinderella and turning it into a modern-day teen romance.

The Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought So Far This Year (Or Received)?
I haven’t bought or received any books so far this year. I do love the cover of House Of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland. I wouldn’t say it describes the book plot as at all, but it is a very spring and summer cover with an unusual element.

What Books Do You Need To Read By The End Of The Year?
I don’t think there are any books that I have to read before the years end. But I have a lot of books that I would love to get to read. I want to finish some of the series I have started, and some hyped books I never got a chance to pick up. I would be happy to finish the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins that I started back in 2018.

This tag is a fun way to catch you up on my reading before the end of the year. I will likely be doing this tag in the years to follow. If you do this tag, please let me know in the comments below. Also, you can leave me a comment letting me know how your 2021 reading is going. Please support my blog by liking and sharing this post, or following the blog via email.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

To Be Read // June 2021

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Hello Book Lovers,
Today I am doing my very late June TBR post! I was looking forward to this month of reading, but unfortunately I fell into a bad reading slump at the end of last month. I am hoping to kick start my reading soon, since June is my birthday month after all. I was unsure of what I wanted to read, but I think I have a few good titles to pick from here.

What’s Not to Love by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley: This is the duo’s fourth book release, and is an enemies to lovers story. I don’t know too much about the plot except that it follows to high-school rivals that must work together to plan the year reunion of a previous class.

Sunkissed by Kasie West: I no absolutely nothing about this book, but that is fine with me. I am a huge Kasie West, and she can do no wrong in my book. I was very happy to find out she was releasing a new YA contemporary, and cannot wait ti dive into this read.

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler: This is a new to me author, and the book title is giving me Demi Lavoto vibes. The book is about self-discovery and new love. I believe it has LGBT+ representation, which I love to see in YA books.

Off The Record by Camryn Garrett: This is a recent add to my tbr, and I am excited to pick it up. The book is about an aspiring teen journalist that gets the story of a lifetime. It is targeted as Almost Famous meets the “Me Too” movement. I have never seen Almost Famous, but it is one of my husbands favorite films. I am looking to forward to seeing how this book unfolds.

The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed: I might be most excited to pick this title up. The plot sounds amazing and something I haven’t ever read about. It is historical fiction and YA contemporary combines, which is intriguing. The story takes place in 1992 during the Rodney King riots. It is a coming-of-age novel, and 1992 just so happens to be my birth year.

Those are all the books on my June tbr, and I am hoping to read a lot in this next week. I have been doing surprisingly good with my reading this year, and I don’t want to loose that momentum. Let me know what your reading plans for June are, and please support my blog by liking and sharing this post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

What’s On My Netgalley Shelf?

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Hello Book Lovers,
In this post, I am going to share my Netgalley library. I have a lot of ARCs I need to get to, so I thought it might be fun to share the books I’ve been approved for. I will give a small rundown of the book, and why I requested it for review.

The Everything I Have Lost by Sylvia Zeleny (May 11th): This is a coming-of-age young adult story about 12-year-old Julia who is struggling to deal with life in Juarez, Mexico and her fathers sudden disappearance. Zeleny is a bilingual author from Mexico, and I love it when others can write from personal experience. Also, I thought that this story was different from traditional YA novels, since the lead is younger and just beginning her teen years. This is sure to be a very emotional story.

A Chorus Rises: A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow (June 01st): The story follows a teen influencer that has the perfect life. She posses fame, beauty and is a Eloko. This means that she has a melody that nobody can resit. However, her life takes a turn for the worse when she gets canceled for exposing a Siren to the world. I love the mix of contemporary and fantasy in a very unique way. I haven’t read a lot of magical realism, so I am looking forward to try a new genre.

The Stars of Whistling Ridge by Cindy Baldwin (June 15th): A middle grade novel about magic, a curse town and finding a place to call home. I have never been drawn to middle grade stories, but this one sounded adorable. Honestly, I feel like this could be the plot of a Disney movie. I just know that it is going to take me on a magical journey, and tug at my heartstrings.

My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows (June 22nd): This is the first book in a new series by these talented authors. They are best known for their Lady Janies series that contained of three book each a retelling of a fame Jane (Lady Jane Grey, Jane Eyre and Calamity Jane). In this new series of books we will be following Marys starting with Mary is the queen of Scots. I have only read the first book in the Janies series, My Lady Jane. However, I absolutely loved it. I was very happy to get this ARCs since this story takes place in the same world as My Lady Jane.

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier (Aug 10th): This is a graphic novel that deals with social pressure, friendship and cheerleading with trans and queer representation. I am not a huge graphic novel fan, but I think that this will be a new favorite of mine. Truth be told, I am a total fangirl for cheerleading stories. I have seen all the Bring It On films and was obsessed with the short-lived Hellcats series. Also, you know I love me some diverse characters.

The Endless Skies by Shannon Price (Aug 17): An epic fantasy about a hidden city home of the Leonodai warriors. Seventeen-year-old Rowan is ready to become a Leonodai until a deadly disease plagues the city’s children. Soon Rowan discovers secrets that could change her future and everything she once dreamed. I have made it no secret that I don’t read a lot of fantasy. Although, I was very intrigued by not only the plot, but that this was a standalone. This book gives me classic YA fantasy book feels, which I am loving. As well, as the fact that I don’t have to worry about adding another series to my tbr.

I hope that you guys enjoyed taking a sneak-peak at my Netgalley library. Let me know if any of these books peaked your interest. Don’t forget to follow the blog, since I will be doing reviews on these books and more.
Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

April 2021 // Reading Wrap-Up

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hello Book Lovers,
In the month of April, I read 4 books total. I am happy with that number, since I did take a small week-long reading break during the month. I feel like most of the books I have read haven’t amazed me. I don’t feel like I am a hash book rater at all, still a lot of the books have simply been 3 star reads for me. Also, I want to note that whatever I rate about doesn’t mean it is at all bad. Book ratings are all personal opinions.

If I’m Being Honest by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley: 5.0/5.0 Stars
Incredible! I was going to dnf this book, but I am glad I stuck with it. It is a new favorite of mine.

Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston: 3.5/5.0 Stars
This is a cute contemporary retelling, but not standout in my opinion.

They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman: 3.0/5.0 Stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn’t love it, didn’t hate. It was okay.

Time Of Our Lives by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley: 3.0/5.0 stars
Of course, I had to pick up another book by this author duo. Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a let down.

As always I will be doing reviews for each book, so that I can share my complete thoughts on them. I was very happy to have read a five-star read, but I feel as though the rest of the books put me in a small reading slump at the end of the month. Let me know about the books you read in April, and leave me your book recommendations in the comments. If you want to support me give this post a like, share and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Review: Admission by Julie Buxbaum

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Title: Admission
Author: Julie Buxbaum
Published: 2020
Rating: 3.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: It’s good to be Chloe Wynn Berringer–at least, it was, until the FBI came knocking on her front door, guns at the ready, and her future went up in smoke. Now her mother is under arrest in a massive college admissions bribery scandal. Chloe, too, might be facing charges, and even time behind bars. The public is furious, the press is rabid, and the US attorney is out for blood.
Source: GoodReads

When I saw this book on display at my local Wal-Mart I thought the concept was very intriguing. I, like many people, have heard about the college admissions scandal that rocked the media back in 2019. When the events of the scandal unfolded I knew that it was only a matter of time before their was some form of fiction about the affair. However, a YA book wasn’t my first thought. I went into this book with very low expectations, and knowing it would be very cliché.

The characters in the book don’t have much depth to them, and we are seeing the entire misconduct through the eyes of the main protagonist, Chloe. There were many jabs and similarities to the original scandal, which was fun to see. A good subject that the book touched on was how people are so quick to turn their backs on one another. Chloe’s friends and crush didn’t think twice before writing her off as a liar and cheater. They never once asked to hear her side of the story. What her family did was wrong nobody is denying that fact. However, their lack of loyalty to their so-called friend said a lot about them. I think it was a very honest portrait of friendship.

“I think about all the things money can and cannot buy.”

I did get slightly annoyed with many of the characters and how clueless they acted. It was as if they thought everyone got into college this way. In a majority of the book Chloe played dumb, which was frustrating but proved that she was not ready for college. The overall ending message about throwing money at your problems was very real. The author made it clear that yes money can buy you a lot even admissions to college, but that doesn’t make it right. Just because you can have something doesn’t mean you should. Most things in life should be earned, and not taken.

I am glad that I picked this book up, but it isn’t anything to write home about. I probably won’t read it again, still it was a very fast easy read. I would be interested to see a TV movie version of this book. If you have read this book please leave me your thoughts in the comments below. Also, follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The DNF Tag

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Hello Book Lovers,
I have been thinking about DNFing books a lot lately, because it is something that I struggle with doing. I always want to give a book a fair chance even if I am not enjoying it. I know that is a problem since I read for fun, but I still feel guilty putting a book down. I wanted to see others opinions on this topic, and came across this tag. I thought it was a cool idea, so of course I had to do it for you guys.

I have only DNF a handful of books in my years of reading. It isn’t something I would say that I do regularly, but I am not against it.

Nope! I don’t consider a book read unless I 100% finish it. I think that would be unfair to not only the author, but others that read the whole book. Also, I feel like counting it toward my reading for that month is slightly cheating.

For me, I would say yes. I have some books that I’ve been reading for months, or have put down, but plan on coming back to it within, most likely, a year. I think the main difference is that when you DNF a book you don’t see yourself ever giving it another shot, or at least not for 5 years.

Hmm…I am not sure there are any popular books I have given up on. However, one book that was well rated in the book community that I couldn’t get through was My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick. This is a YA contemporary, which is my favorite genre, still I loathed the book. I found the writing slow and the relationship was very instant lovely. I DNF’ed the book when I was about 60% of the way done, and I have no regrets.

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks! I was on a huge Sparks kick for a while, and read many of his most popular books. I didn’t like many of them with The Notebook being my least favorite. Nevertheless, Dear John was the one that still annoys me like no other. I found the book super boring and just not my cup of tea. I was not a fan of the characters, or the plot. I did not enjoy the ending, and can’t understand why I put myself through that book. Fun fact, I have a signed copy of this book, so lucky me.

I have not attempted to read a DNF, but I won’t write-off the idea. I hope that it would be successful for me. Although, I am not sure I want to give some books a second chance.

I don’t usually buy books I haven’t read, so I don’t typically have the issue of getting rid of DNF’ed books. I will either get the e-book or audiobook from the library. If I do get a book I don’t like I either gift or donate it.

It isn’t really about the title for me, but more of the genre. I try to stick with my favorite genres so I have a better chance of enjoying the book. However, this year I am pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, which means I might be DNFing more books. This doesn’t scare me though, since we never know if we like something if we don’t give it a shot.

I hope that you liked this interesting tag about DNF books. I would love to get your thoughts on this topic. I tag anyone reading this post, and feel free to leave a comment letting me know if you did the tag. I think it is cool to learn others take on different bookish issues. As always you can share and like this post, and follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Review: The Thousandth Floor By Katharine McGee

- Bunny 2 Comments

Title: The Thousandth Floor
Author: Katharine McGee
Published: 2016
Rating: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: Amid breathtaking advancement and high-tech luxury, five teenagers struggle to find their place at the top of the world. But when you’re this high up, there’s nowhere to go but down.
Source: GoodReads

The first description I got of this book was a sci-fi Gossip Girl, and being a GG lover I knew that I had to pick it up. However, I found the book to be a futuristic version of Pretty Little Lairs. The book is the first in a trilogy that follows multiple characters that live in the same apartment building. Although, they do not all come from élite families all of their stories intertwine, and they all have their own secrets.

I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put the book down. There was so many twist and turns that kept me engage. The characters were very well written, and I wanted everyone to get a happy ending even though I knew that wasn’t possible. I did think something were a little cringe worthy, but I do think that the books covered the more taboo talks well. The story deals with incest, obsession, drugs and social class.

“I believe in happiness. I’m just not sure love will actually get you there.”

The ending was probably the most shocking part of all. I did not see it coming one bit, and was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was sad, dark and fascinating. I know that a lot of people aren’t a fan of this book, but I adored it. It was my first science fiction novel, and I am glad that I decided to give it a chance.

I tried not to give too much away in this review, so I hope that I didn’t spoil anything. I would love for you to share this post with your bookworm friends. Please like the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Review: The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston

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Title: The Princess and the Fangirl
Author: Ashley Poston
Published: 2019
Rating: 3.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible.
Source: GoodReads

This book is part of a companion series, Once Upon a Con, where each book follows different characters, but all the books connect. This story is a “Prince and the Pauper” retelling, which is one of my favorite stories. However, the book didn’t live up to my expectations. I didn’t enjoy the characters from this book nearly as much as the first, and the plot wasn’t as interesting.

Now this story is less of a love story, unlike book one, and more of a self-discovery plot, which could have contributed to my dislike of the book. Nevertheless, the over all plot wasn’t excited and the main characters weren’t very enjoyable to read about. I feel that the writing and story was a bit sloppy and not full fleshed out. I did like the side characters that were introduce, and seeing the characters from the first book was a nice treat.

“I am a nobody, but I’m a nobody who wants to leave the world a little brighter than when she arrived.”

Honestly, my favorite part of this book was the love story that developed between one of the main characters. It was a very real and sweet bond they created that turn into more. Also, I think it was an unexpected LGBT romance that was very well written. Overall, the book was pretty cheesy at time and did let me down, since it read more like a middle grade than young adult. However, I will probably be picking up the next book in the series, since it was decent read just not one that I would recommend often.

I do have a review up on Geekerella by Ashley Poston that you can check out as well. Please like and share this post with all your book loving friends. Don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

March 2021 Reading Wrap-Up

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Hello Book Lovers,
It is March wrap-up time! I had a pretty good reading month in March, and feel as though I rediscovered my love of books. I read 5 books last month, and I am happy with that total. I am trying not to put as much pressure on myself to read, and I think that has helped a lot.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling: 5/5 Stars
I am doing my first read through of this series please don’t yell at me. I loved this book even more than the first and found it very funny.

The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston: 3.5/5 Stars
This book was very mediocre, and not favorite. I didn’t love it or hate it, but it was a little disappointing.

Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab: 4/5 Stars
I started this trilogy a while ago, and remember the first book being slightly creepy. However, the ghost story in this one pulled at my heart-strings. I did still really enjoy it.

Admission by Julie Buxbaum: 4/5 Stars
This wasn’t on my tbr for the month, but I am glad I picked it up. I feel like it is an underrated newer release, and I am glad I read it.

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee: 4/5 Stars
Wow, Wow! Need I say more?

I want to let you guys know that I will be doing full reviews on some of these book, so please check back for those. Let me know what you read least month in the comments. Please like this post, and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

5 Books That Intimidate Me

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Hello Book Lovers,
There are many books that I would love to read, but I am super intimidated by them. I know that the title of this post is a dead giveaway about the topic, so I will jump right into the books that intimate me for one reason or another.

The Diviners by Libba Bray: I know that this is a historical, paranormal fantasy set in the 1920s. I have heard nothing, but good things about this duology since the early days of book blogging. I think the premise sounds amazing and unlike anything I have read before. However, this book is a commitment. I think it is over 500 pages, which is very daunting.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass: This book series is being adapted for television, which is pretty exciting. I have wanted to read this book for a while, and the prospect of a live-action version makes me want to pick it up even more. That being said, Maas books have such a huge following, and though this is a “Beauty and the Beast” retelling, which I love, still I’m scared of being disappointed

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik: All I know is that this is a dark academia, whatever that means, and new adult fantasy. I don’t usually go for books like this, still I heard someone describe the plot and it had me hooked. I would like to step outside of my reading comfort zone with this book, still I know that it is a long read. What can I say big books scary me.

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik:

For some reason Novik books are very intimidating to me. I know that this is an adult fantasy retelling, but I cannot remember the fairytale it is based on. I do remember thinking that the book sounded unlike anything I have read before, and for that reason made it onto my must read list. However, I am scared of big fantasy that aren’t in the young adult genre. I fear that it won’t be my style and could lead to a dnf, which I hate.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians:

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan: I talked about wanting to start this series and the companion series, The Heroes of Olympus, in my Taylor Swift book tag. I on the entire collection of Percy Jackson, still I cannot bring myself to start it. The reason being there’s a lot of books in the series. Also, as in true book fashion the books get longer as the series goes on, à la Harry Potter.

I hope that I am not the only one that has this running list. I do want to brave this list, yet truly I am not in any hurry. I would love if you gave this post a like and shared it with other bookworms. Please feel free to follow my blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny