Retelling

5 Star Predictions #5 // 2024

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I have done some 5 star prediction posts in the past, and a lot of the time I do not actually get around to reading those books. However, this time around, I have picked out 10 books that I believe will be read this year. If you are not readers, a five-star is the highest rating a reader will typically give a book, meaning that I predict these books will be new favorites of mine.

The Comeback by Lily Chu
Last year, I read ‘The Stand-In’ by this author, which was a five-star read for me. Therefore, I hope that I will also enjoy this book. I do not particularly know much if anything about the plot, but since I have given this author a high rating, it is a pretty safe bet that I will again.
Related Post: 2023 Lucky 13 // Best Books

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
I have heard a lot of great things about this book and the premise reminds me of ‘The Night Shift’ by Alex Finlay, which I loved. It is an adult thriller that involves a serial killer and possibly a false conviction. I feel that this book will be full of twists and turns, and I cannot wait for it. It sounds like a book that I will love.
Related Post: The Night Shift // Book Review

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
If this is not a five-star book or possibly a favorite book of the year, I will be completely shocked. I am almost certain that I will love this book. Although I did not love my first read by Sarah Adams, this book contains two of my favorite tropes: exchange of services and bad boy, good girl. I know that it is going to be a fun read.

The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
I have been highly anticipating this adult thriller, and I am hoping that I have not built it up too much in my head. The plot follows a blogger and two cold cases, but the awesome things is that Simone St. James thrillers have a paranormal aspect to them. I am a lover of the ‘The Conjuring’ movies, so I am always down for an interesting and fast-paced paranormal thriller.

The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
I am a huge fan of stories with magic and witches, and I have been loving plots that have a historical fiction feel to them. Therefore, this book sounds like it is going to be an engaging read. Henderson is the author of ‘House of Hunger,’ which I found to be such a compelling read. I have no doubt that this book, which I have heard is their most popular, is going to be fantastic.
Related Post: House Of Hunger // Book Review

Maybe Meant to Be by K. L. Walther
This is a contemporary young adult story that sounds like it is going to be a lighthearted romance. The plot follows two teenagers and best friends who everyone believes are destined to fall in love, but they are both interested in different people. This is another author that I have read from and given four stars previously, so I would like to think that their books will keep improving in my opinion.
Related Post: The Summer Of Broken Rules // Book Review

Gilded by Marissa Meyer
This is a YA adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin, which I cannot wait to read. Truthfully, I have not heard many people talking about this book, but as someone who loves a retelling and the story of Rumpelstiltskin, it sounds like something I will devour. I am going into this book completely blind, but with the mindset that it will be an amazing read.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
There are many mixed opinions on this book. You either love it or find it okay. I am all about cozy fantasies lately, so I think that if I was going to rate it a five-star, this would be the year. I have heard that the romance is not the best, but the plot sounds interesting, and I could really see myself having such a good reading experience.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
Unfortunately, I was not a huge fan of ‘Legends and Lattes, ’ since the plot was not as enticing as I would have liked. However, I think it had to do more with the writing style than with the story. Nevertheless, I think this prequel novel will be much more for me. It still has a cozy fantasy feel, but with a more highstake plot. I would love it to be a five-star read for me, yet I am still unsure about it.
Related Post: Legends and Lattes // Book Review

The Deal by Elle Kennedy
I hear that this book not only has the exchange of service trope, but also a spicy hockey romance. Need I say more. This is the first book in a series of companion novels set on the same college campus, and I have heard that all of the books are great. However, this one sounds like it will be my favorite and most likely to be a five-star. The plot sounds great and I am always up for a steamy romance.

In the comments, let me know if you have read any of these books. In addition, share some of your five-star predictions for the year. Do not forget to like and share this blog with other bookworms. If you enjoy my content, please follow the blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

These Books Will Self Destruct // 2024 Challenge

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
Today, I am going to talk about 12 books that I have to read before the end of the year. Okay, I do not have to read these books, but I would like to make a conscious effort to read them. So, to hold myself accountable, if I do not read these books, I will unhaul them next year. Truthfully, I have tried this before and I do not think it went too well for me, so we will see how it goes this time around.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
I have had this book since its release in 2021. Sadly, I never had the desire to pick it up. However, I recently heard one of my favorite BookTubers talk about the synopsis of the third book in this companion book series ‘Love, Theoretically,’ and that book sounds like a potential five-star read for me. So, now, I am very hyped to read this book.

River of Dreams by Jan Nash
I remember getting this book from BookOutlet, and the synopsis sounded original. It is a magical realism young adult novel. However, I have lost interest in the young adult genre. Don’t get me wrong I still read YA books, but I do not find myself gravitating towards them anymore. I would like to at least attempt to read this book because the premise still seems interesting to me.

The Troop by Nick Cutter
This was a completely accidental buy, so I decided that it had to be read this year. All I know is that it’s a ‘Lord Of The Flies’ esc horror novel. However, please do not quote me on this because I could be totally mistaken for the plot. I know that this author is pretty popular in the horror genre, which makes me slightly more eager to read the book.

Cupcake by Cookie O’Gorman
This is a fluffy, lighthearted, young adult contemporary. I know that my teenage and even my early twenties self would have adored this book. However, I am skeptical of reading it. I have had it on my shelf for way to long now simply because I am afraid it might fall into the cheesy side of young adult books for me. Still, I am hoping that I can read it this year and perhaps even enjoy it.

Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon
I have been saying that I was going to read this book for many years. Sadly, it has just been collecting dust on my bookshelf. I believe this is because I am not a huge fan of short story collections. This book contains stories that follow different black teens, but are all interconnected. I am still very interested in the book, and I have heard that it is being adapted into a movie, so I would like to read it before the adaptation is released. Otherwise, I should probably let it go to a new home.

Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury
I bought this book because I had seen a few bookish creators talk about it, but the length of this book absolutely frightens me. It is a young adult paranormal thriller released in early 2023. So it has not been on my TBR for too long, but I feel like if I do not make the effort to read it this year I probably will not ever get around to it.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer
This book was a gift to me years ago when I started getting back into reading. All I know is that this is a Queen of Hearts retelling and a fairly popular book. Honestly, this is one of the oldest books on my shelf, and as a fan of retelling, I do not know why I have not read it yet. I am making this book a major priority this year. However, I will not be terribly disappointed if I have unhaul it.

Hunted by Meagan Spooner
This is another retelling I have had for a long time. I think that I have been hesitant to read this because I have not heard the best things about it. However, it’s a ‘Beauty And The Beast’ inspired retelling, which happens to be my favorite Disney Princess movie. Thruthgully, it is really up in the air when it comes to whether I will actually read it within the next eleven months.

The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
When it comes to reading the book, I am very on the fence because I had picked it up before. Something about the story wasn’t working for me, but I do own another book by this author. I would really like to read this one first, since I have had it longer. In addition, I know that many people enjoy this book. I hope that my second attempt at reading it will be a success.

The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth
I bought this book on a whim because I heard positive things about this authors book ‘The Good Sister.’ I do not know much about the plot, except that it is an adult thriller. This is a book that could most likely stay on my bookshelf unread for years if I do not, I hate to say force, but force myself to read it.

Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega
I should not be left at Barnes and Noble unsupervised because I sometimes buy books in genres that I seldom read. This is the first in a middle series, and if you have been following my blog for quite some time, you know that I do not typically read middle grade. However, I decided that if I do not read it soon, I should just unhaul it and a few other middle grades that I own.

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
As the author of the poetry collection, Convenient Interruptions, you think I would be more inclined to pick up poetry books. Sadly, this is not the case. I own two poetry books by this author, and I would like to read one if not both this year. I believe that this is their best-known release, so I would like to start with it.

In the comments, let me know if there is one or a few books that you have to read in 2024. I don’t know how this challenge is going to go but I like to push myself when it comes to my yearly reading. Don’t forget that it is completely free to follow my blog and helps it grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

12 Letdowns From 2023 // Worst Books

- Bunny 8 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today I’m talking about my worst reads of 2023. Now this year, it is more disappointments than worst books, because 2023 was a fairly good reading year for me. I had mostly 3 and 4 stars, and I don’t consider a 3 star to be a bad book. So, with all that out of the way, let’s jump into my top 10 most disappointing reads of 2023.

Buy Book
I thought that this was going to be such an interesting YA thriller, but it was fairly confusing. I am still not sure of the plot. The book was very weird, and the writing style wasn’t my favorite. And, for a thriller, it wasn’t necessarily a thrilling book. You see what I did there?

Buy Book
Frankly this isn’t a huge disappointment since I didn’t really have high expectations going into this book. I hadn’t heard anything about it, but as someone that grew up watching ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’, I wanted to get similar vibes from the show. But, for a book based on Spike, the character wasn’t very reminiscent of his television counterpart.

Buy Book
This book frustrated me to no end. Besides the writing, it has no redeeming qualities. I wouldn’t even call it a romance story. Well, it might be a romance, but a messy one (that isn’t exactly romantic). Also, anyone can see where the plot is going to go? The ending was crystal clear, making me wonder what the point to the story was. Needless to say, I wasn’t a fan.

Buy Book
I wish that I loved more from this author, but I just can’t seem to enjoy much that I read from her. Although, I can’t seem to stop reading her books either. This plot was very generic, and I’m not a fan of books based on snobby rich kids. This is like Gossip Girl meets Pretty Little Liars, which might appeal to some, but for me it didn’t work at all.

Buy Book
I was so disappointed in this book, because I was hoping for a cute supernatural romance but it was very slow paced and cringy. The storyline wasn’t very engaging, and the characters barely had any chemistry.

Buy Book
I have a love/hate relationship with the Disney Twisted Tales books, but this one was low on the totem pole for me. I didn’t get ‘The Little Mermaid’ vibes, and truthfully, I was barely making it through reading the book. It could be that the ‘What If’ storyline didn’t work for me this time around, but the story wasn’t captivating as other books in this series have been.

Buy Book
In my opinion, this book was not good at all. It completely read like a middle grade, and the story was not compelling at all. I wasn’t a big fan of the characters or the supernatural elements. But the book cover was so pretty that I wished I liked the inside more.

Buy Book
This book sounded so appealing, but it was a struggle to get through it. The magic aspect felt weird in the story, which isn’t good when it’s the basis for the plot. And, it’s never good when you have a dual timeline story but only one of the timelines is actually interesting.

Buy Book
I don’t know if it’s the fact that adult are writing teenagers but the main character in this book was so unrelated and immature. The biggest problem with this book is that it was boring. I know that’s a bit harsh but I can honestly say that I was bored throughout the whole book. That’s not exactly the reading experience I was looking for.

Buy Book
The main character drove me insane throughout the whole book. Also, I like books where things are actually happening. However, I wasn’t aware that this is a ‘Death On The Nile’ retelling, which I have heard struggles with a slow moving plot as well. Still, I cannot in good conscience recommend this book to anyone.

Buy Book
I can’t believe that I even read this book considering I had such a distaste for the first book, ‘So, This Is Christmas,’ in this companion series. Hopefully, this will be the last book because I can’t get behind the characters, the romance or the writing. It feels like I’m reading about two middle schoolers. That’s all I’m going to say.

Buy Book
I cannot begin to tell you how sad I am that this is most disappointing read of 2023. I am still a Holly Jackson fan, but this book was a major flop. It could be that she wrote it fairly quickly, but every part, from the plot to the character, was bad. I know that it might be for some people, but I am not one of those people.

In the comments, let me know what some of your disappointing reads for 2023. Remember that nobody’s reading experience is the same, so if you liked any of these books that is great! They did not work for me. Before you go, please follow my blog, so that it continues to grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Raising The Horseman // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Kat Van Tassel wants nothing to do with Sleepy Hollow’s ghostly history. But when her mother gives her the original Katrina van Tassel’s diary on the two-hundredth anniversary of the Headless Horseman’s haunting, a new legend begins to take shape, weaving together the past and the present in eerie ways.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3uEar4t

My Rating

Honestly, I don’t know what I was expecting out of this book, because even the cover screams “middle grade Headless Horseman retelling”. Although, it is supposed to be young adult I can say that is not how it reads. And if you know me, you know, I’m not typically a fan of the middle grade genre. So it’s not surprising that I didn’t love the story.

In the book, we follow Kat, who is an ancestor of Katerina van Tassel. In her hometown, there’s this legend that the Headless Horseman protects Katerina’s descendants. But, Kat wants more than just to live in Sleepy Hollow forever like Katerina. However, when she’s given Katerina’s diary, she learns a lot more about her and her dreams.

Unfortunately, the characters in this book were basic. There wasn’t much insight into their personalities or motivations. The story lacked any depth in the characters, and there was absolutely no character development whatsoever. The romance aspect was very predictable and insta-lovey, which I am not a fan of.

“Family legend says he always swore it was the Headless Horseman who chased him through the hollow.”

And, don’t even get me started on Kat letting people walk all over her. The book completely brings forth a toxic relationship dynamic, which I was not expecting. However, it does add an interesting layer of complexity to the story, but it left me angry with the protagonist and her choices.

Although, I had issues with the characters, the chapters where we got a glimpse into Katerina’s life through her diary entries were fantastic. This storytelling approach was, for me, the highlight of the entire book. It was enjoyable to read about Katerina’s journey and her character development. I loved how the author showcased that our desires may not always be what we truly want.

Overall, the book fell short of being truly engaging, and the writing style, unfortunately, leans toward juvenile. Still, the story might appeal to a more younger audience looking for a quick read. On a positive note, the book delves into the theme of familial accountability, emphasizing that individuals shouldn’t be solely defined by the actions of their family.

Let me know if this book is on your TBR. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other readers. If you would like to get notified whenever there’s a new post, hit the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Quotes // Thankful Thursday

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
It is time for another Thankful Thursday post. This idea might seem random, but I thought it would be interesting to share book quotes. Now, not just any book quotes, but also those with a strong message. These are quotes that I continuously think about and will forever remember.

Related Post: Legendborn // Book Review

Related Post: The Afterlife Of Holly Chase // Book Review

Related Post: Little Women // Book Review

I am thankful for all of these lovely authors’ books and will never forget these meaningful passages. Let me know, some book quotes that are not only inspiring but have stuck with you. Did you know that I’m on GoodReads? Feel free to add me as a friend. Do not forget to show me love by giving my blog a quick follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Lying In The Deep // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
A juicy mystery of jealousy, love, and betrayal set on a Semester at Sea-inspired cruise ship, with a diverse cast of delightfully suspicious characters who’ll leave you guessing with every jaw-dropping twist. [In this new murder mystery by Diana Urban find out what happens when a semester at sea turns deadly.] Perfect for readers of Natasha Preston, E. Lockhart, and Karen McManus!
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3QLiVQb

My Rating

This book frustrated me to no end. I was hoping for a fun, fast-paced YA thriller book, but that isn’t what I got at all. In the book, we follow Jade as she is doing a semester on a cruise ship. And, if you were a teenager in the 2000s you’re probably having ‘The Suite Life on Deck’ flashbacks.

However, Jade’s semester abroad turns sour when she discovers her ex-best friend and ex-boyfriend, who are now a couple, are also aboard the cruise ship. Honestly, I couldn’t figure out if this was a petty high school breakup story or a thriller. For about, 60% of the book Jade is wining about her backstabbing best friend and pining for her ex. And every time she’d try and confront them, she’d wimp out and than start whining again.

I thought there would be more suspense and mystery, and less high school drama. Although, since they’re in high school, I should have figured they’d act like they’re in high school. Still, the writing just felt very immature and the characters were juvenile. But, being in my 30s, I can admit that I am not really the intended audience for the book.

“No better trash can for a murderer than the entire ocean.”

The book didn’t pick up until around the last 75% of the book, and that’s when I felt like the story was actually getting somewhere. But, everything started happening so quickly. It felt like nothing at all was happening, and then, suddenly, a bunch of shit goes down. What was even the point of the first half of the book?

However, once the plot picked up, it was really enjoyable. I didn’t see the twist coming, which I liked. But, the characters were really the downfall for me. I disliked pretty much all of them. Still, there was one character, Jade’s love interest, that I did like, and he called Jade out on her pettiness and whining, which was called for.

Overall, the writing and plot weren’t for me at all. Maybe, I’ve just grown out of young adult, but I think that the real issue is that I didn’t know that the book was a retelling of “Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie. Correction – I have heard people say that it’s a YA “Death on the Nile” retelling, but I don’t know if that’s true. Nevertheless, I’ve heard that “Death on the Nile” has similarly slow moving, nothing’s happening type of plot.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR. If it is, take it from me and skip it. Personally, I would have had a better time watching ‘The Suite Life on Deck’. However, if you did enjoy the book, leave a comment letting others know why. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more bookish posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Wicked Ones // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
 The only version of Lady Tremaine that Drizella and Anastasia know is a bitter and cruel head of house. Anastasia and Drizella have promised themselves―and each other―that they’ll be different. They’ll find love, see the world, and never let their hearts go cold. Robin Benway explores the complex sibling rivalry between the two wicked stepsisters from Cinderella that turned them into the characters we know today.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Yzd5n3

My Rating

I went into this thinking we were going to get a completely new twist on the ugly stepsisters from Cinderella. I thought that perhaps they’ll get a happy ending type story, so something along the lines of a Twisted Tales book. But, I hadn’t read the description full, and that was my mistake. Because in this book we follow Anastasia and Drizella and discover how they became the wicked stepsister we know today.

It was very interesting to be following two characters that aren’t very well liked or even talked about in the Disney Princess world. All most of us know about them is that they are stuck-up, self-centered and cruel to Cinderella. So, getting to know them was actually pretty fun. Anastasia is the young sister with a desire for romance. While Drizella has a passion for learning, especially love of science.

I was pretty shocked with how cruel Lady Tremaine was in the story. We all know she’s evil but she was outright manipulative and nasty to her own daughters. Her coldness was a big factor in the story, with Anastasia finding the love she longed for in a boy. While Drizella found a mother figure that encouraged her interest in science.

“Because after all, Anastasia and Drizella are just the two ugly stepsisters, nothing more.”

In the story, we do get the whole Prince’s ball aspect, which interesting. Since this is more like a prequel to Cinderella, I wouldn’t have expected the ball to be included. However, I guess we must just assume that the following year Prince Charming throws another ball to find a wife.

The writing style was wonderful, and it was a quick read. I couldn’t put it down, and felt like the author did a wonderful job bringing the story and characters to life. I liked the little nods she added to the original story, such as the origin behind Prince Charming’s name. And, even showing how Lucifer became the family’s beloved pet.

Overall, the book was very well-done, but if I had to describe it in one word, I would say it’s sad. There were so many times throughout the book that I cried my eyes out. Normally, I wouldn’t think a Disney retelling would make sob, but this one proved me wrong. However, she did a fantastic job getting me to feel bad for to characters that are known to be pretty wicked, making you wonder if maybe they aren’t so ugly on the inside.

In the comments, let me know if you are a fan of Disney retellings. Before you go, share this post with others, and give it a like. Also, make my day by giving my book blog a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

23 Books I Want To Read In 2023

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I have seen so many of these “23 Books I Want To Read In 2023” posts, and I love them. Hearing about books other people want to read always interests me. But, I am a mood read for life! Yet, here I am making another TBR post. I really should quit while I’m behind.

Frightmares by Eva V. Gibson
“In a Florida tourist trap, a summer acting job turns into a real-life horror show when a cast member turns up dead—then disappears. This nail-biting story is perfect for fans of Fear Street!”

The Wicked Ones (Dark Ascension, #1) by Robin Benway
“This first book in the new Disney Villains Dark Ascension series by National Book Award-winning author Robin Benway explores the complex sibling rivalry between the two wicked stepsisters from Cinderella that turned them into the characters we know today.”

Bunny by Mona Awad
“The spellbinding new novel from one of our most fearless chroniclers of the female experience, Bunny is a down-the-rabbit-hole tale of loneliness and belonging, friendship and desire, and the fantastic and terrible power of the imagination.”

The Ravens by Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige
“From New York Times best-selling authors Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige comes a thrilling, dark contemporary fantasy about a prestigious sorority of witches and two girls caught up in its world of sinister magic and betrayals.”

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
“A girl confronts Death – and her own deathly powers – in this Gothic-infused, romantic young-adult fantasy.”

The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
“From the author of The Darkest Corners and Little Monsters comes an all-new edge-of-your-seat thriller set in upstate New York about an eerie sequence of seemingly unrelated events that leaves five cheerleaders dead.”

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“From Taylor Jenkins Reid comes an unforgettable and sweeping novel about one classic film actress’ relentless rise to the top – the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.”

Gallant by V.E. Schwab
“Everything casts a shadow. Even the world we live in. And as with every shadow, there is a place where it must touch. A seam, where the shadow meets its source.”

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
“For decades, the friends have kept a secret worth killing for. But now Olivia wants to tell, and Naomi sets out to find out what really happened in the woods—no matter how dangerous the truth turns out to be.”

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky
“New York Times best-selling author Goldy Moldavsky delivers a deliciously twisty YA thriller that’s Scream meets Karen McManus about a mysterious club with an obsession for horror.”

How To Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
“New York Times bestselling author Grady Hendrix takes on the haunted house in a thrilling new novel that explores the way your past—and your family—can haunt you like nothing else.”

Kill Joy by Holly Jackson
“Welcome to the murder mystery party of the year! Fans of the hit series A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will love Pip’s final detective case in this mystery novella from #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Jackson.”

The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther
“Meredith’s family’s annual game of assassin at Martha’s Vineyard during a summer wedding is the perfect chance to honor her sister’s legacy, and finally join the world again. But when she forms an alliance with a cute groomsman, she’s at risk of losing both the game . . . and her heart.”

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
“Packed with sharp characters, psychological suspense, and gasp-worthy plot twists, Riley Sager’s The House Across the Lake is the ultimate escapist story . . . no lake house required.”

End of Story by Kylie Scott
“New York Times bestselling sensation Kylie Scott’s sexy, smart and unconventional opposites-attract love story looks at what happens when fate refuses to give up on what’s meant to be.”

The Headmaster’s List by Melissa de la Cruz
“One of Us Is Lying meets Riverdale in The Headmaster’s List, an edge-of-your-seat YA thriller about a fatal car crash and the dangerous lengths one teen will go to uncover the truth about what really happened.”

One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus
“The global phenomenon returns with the third book in the One of Us Is Lying series, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen M. McManus. When someone from the Bayview Four’s past resurfaces, history begins to repeat itself—and the consequences are deadly.”

She Is A Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
“A House with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic.”

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D Jackson
“New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson ramps up the horror and tackles America’s history and legacy of racism in this suspenseful YA novel following a biracial teenager as her Georgia high school hosts its first integrated prom.”

Borrow My Heart by Kasie West
“When a girl overhears a guy getting verbally destroyed by his friends for being catfished, she jumps in to save the day—and pretends to be his online crush.”

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
“New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives.”

A Wilderness of Stars by Shea Ernshaw
“New York Times bestselling author of Long Live the Pumpkin Queen, an illness cursing the land forces a teen girl astronomer to venture across the wilderness in search of the stars’ message that will, hopefully, save them all.”

The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry
“A pause-resisting debut of suspense about a young couple desperate to have a child of their own – and the unsettling consequences of getting what they always wanted.”

Big Bad by Lily Anderson
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Suicide Squad in this adult dark, rompy novel in which the most beloved villains from Buffy must team up to stop the Slayer from ending their evil universe!”

There you have 23 books that I want to read in 2023! I would be curious to see how many of these books I’ll actually be able to get to by the end of the year. In the comments, let me know what you want to read this year. Also, please support my blog by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

So This Is Love // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Faced with questions of love and loyalty to the kingdom, Cinderella must find a way to stop the villains of past and present . . . before it’s too late. The 9th installment in the New York Times best-selling A TWISTED TALE series asks: What if Cinderella never tried on the glass slipper?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Sm0mjp

My Rating

I was wary going into this book, since I wasn’t sure what to expect from it. However, Cinderella reminds me a lot of my mom, so I have a special place in my heart for her.

Right off the bat, the writing style was wonderful. The author really brought the story to life, as well as adding a lot of interesting little tidbits into the story. Like creating a wonderful backstory behind Cinderella’s name.

In the retelling, the characters hold true to their original personalities. Cinderella is just as sweet, kind, and positive as she has always been. Yet, she is independent, and not a damsel in distress. She fight for herself, which makes sense considering the life she has had.

The evil stepmother and stepsisters didn’t play a huge role in the book, but were, for the most part, similar to the original characters.

However, the evil stepmother was a lot crueler this time around, and really hated Cinderella. In the book, I couldn’t believe the length her evil stepmother would go to get rid of her.

The prince was an okay character, but didn’t have much personality. There was the addition of the Prince’s aunt, which I enjoyed a lot. She was a strong willed women with a hidden soft side. They also gave Cinderella a human friend, however the mice and her dog were still included in the story.

“Women are always waiting on men- let it be the other way around for a change.”

The villain of the story was the king’s advisor, and he was a despicable villain. I despised him throughout the story, so the author did a great job at creating a truly unlikeable villain.

The story is slow moving, but there are many interesting pieces to the plot. Especially the fact that magic is forbidden in the land. That twist added such a cool element to the story, making it more fantastical and less of a simple love story.

Still, the love story side was sweet and romantic. And the notion that not everyone will love you, but that’s okay was also a nice added message to the story. Also, the fact that there was more to their love story, instead of them just living happily ever after, was very realistic.

Overall, the ending was good, and the story was well-executed. It isn’t my favorite retelling, but a good read nonetheless. I would have just preferred a more fast paced plot.

Let me know in the comments if you have read this twisted tale book. And before you go, check out my reviews of some of the other twisted tale books.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

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What Once Was Mine // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
What Once Was Mine is the 12th book in the series. This book is focused on the story of Tangled. Instead of Rapunzel’s mother being given the Sundrop Flower, she is instead given the Moondrop Flower. Needless to say, Rapunzel’s story becomes a much different tale than the one that we all know and love.

My Rating

 

I had a feeling going into this book that I was going to enjoy it, and I wasn’t wrong. The plot was different than I imagined, but that wasn’t a bed thing. Right from the start, I got ‘The Princess Bride’ vibes, because there was a whole storytelling aspect thrown in. If you’ve seen the movie, or read the book, then you will know what I’m talking about.

As for the story, it was very original, yet it still kept the true the essence of the ‘Tangled’ movie. There were (of course) some differences, but they just made the story more interesting. It was truly a new, refreshing take on the story that, as a tangled fan, I found entertaining.

Unlike the movie, Mother Gothel was way more cruel and ruthless. Honestly, I felt bad for Rapunzel, because it was almost as if she was neglected, or even unloved. She was gaslighted, and possible had Stockholm syndrome. I might be overreacting, but Rapunzel and Mother Gothel’s relationship seemed darker in the book, as compared to the movie.

In the book, I found Rapunzel to be a bit annoying and childish at times, yet I can see that being locked in a tower can make you not able to grow up, so to speak. Also, she came off as boy crazy., which was irritating. However, even in the movie, I found her a tad annoying, so I guess the author kept true to her personality. She just isn’t my favorite Disney princess.

There was the addition of some new characters, which I loved. We got a strong female, an older witch, and of course Flynn Rider. Let me say, out of all the Disney princess’ love interests, Flynn is my favorite. He’s cocky, funny, and charming! Who isn’t in love with Flynn Rider?

“The truth about you is all tangled, like your braids, Rapunzel. Bound up unnaturally. It’s time to let it all down, to let it out, let it go.”

Of course, to keep true to the original story, Rapunzel and Flynn end up together, but to me it was an instant love romance. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I like a good insta-love plot, but only if they are done right. However, this one fell short, since I didn’t see a real connection between the two characters. At least, not the same connection they developed in the animated film.

The message within the story was that we must accept and forgive ourselves. And, we must look deep inside us to find what true love means to us. The plot had a lot to do with loving yourself, as well as love in general. It was a simple message that wasn’t shoved in the reader’s face. It existed more in the background, but was there all the same.

Overall, I liked the story, writing, and how everything was wrapped up at the end. However, the plot as a whole is darker than the original story, while still being tween and teen friendly. I would daresay that I liked the book slightly more than the movie, and the movie was good. The book does touch on the topic of cancer, specifically in teenagers, so that may be triggering to some readers.

In the comments, let me know which Disney princess is your favorite. Mine has always been Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Don’t forget to give this post a like and share! If you want to support my blog, and like bookish content like this, you can follow my blog to get post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

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