Adult

The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola // Book Spotlight

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Hi Friends,
I was onced against asked by @BreakevenBooks to participate in the blog tour. This time for ‘The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola’ by Melissa Muldoon. I’m not usually a fan of historical fiction, but this book has me very intrigued.

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3L1yaRd

About The Book

Set in the sixteenth century, The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola tells the story of a woman’s passion for painting and adventure. In a world where women painters had little to no acknowledgment, she was singled out by Michelangelo and Vasari who recognized and praised her talent. Gaining the Milanese elite’s acclaim, she went on to become court painter to Spanish King Philip II and taught his queen to paint. One can’t live such an extraordinary life without having stories to tell, and tell them Sofonisba does to Sir Anthony Van Dyke, who comes to visit her toward the end of her life. During their meeting, she agrees to reveal her secrets but first challenges the younger painter to find the one lie hidden in her tale. In a saga filled with intrigue, jealousy, buried treasure, unrequited love, espionage, and murder, Sofonisba’s story is played out against the backdrop of Italy, Spain, and Sicily. Throughout her life, she encountered talented artists, authoritative dukes, mad princes, religious kings, spying queens, vivacious viscounts, and dashing sea captains—even a Barbary pirate. But of all the people who fell in love with Sofonisba, only one captured her heart. Sofonisba had many secrets, but only she knows the whole truth.

Book Excerpt 

​End of Chapter 2 (Sir Anthony visits Sofonisba toward the end of her long life)

​Anthony stroked his trim beard and regarded her thoughtfully. “You are a most intriguing woman.”
​With a brow raised, she said, “You’d be surprised by the things I know and the places I’ve been.” ​
​“So, the painter has a secret past?” said Van Dyke. “I’d like to know your stories and…” He paused and glanced up when Cecilia re-entered the room.
​Sofonisba watched as the young man warmly regarded the slim young girl and noted Cecilia too was aware of his admiration by the way she self-consciously set the silver tray and teapot on the small table between them. When Anthony reached out a hand to steady one of the cups and accidentally grazed her fingers, the maid giggled, forgetting her station.
​Sofonisba coughed ever so slightly, and Cecilia turned toward her with a bemused expression. Then, coming to her senses as if she realized she was not comporting herself respectably, she hastily curtsied and left the room. ​
​Pouring out the tea, Sofonisba said, “I see you are indeed a rake, sir. And here I thought your attentions were all for me.”
​He raised an eyebrow as he reached for a small biscuit with sugar coating. “Don’t try to change the subject.”
​“Yes, where were we…”
​“I asked if you’d share with me your stories.”
​“Ah, well… I’m sure any tale I had to tell would bore you to tears,” she replied.
​He gestured to the portraits on the far wall. “The many faces of the woman that decorate this room beg to differ. Each portrait has a hidden story that begs to be revealed.”
​“And how would you know?”
​“Need I remind you? I am a painter too. Like you, I am an excellent judge of character—and the eyes never conceal what a person is really feeling or thinking. See that girl in the blue gown?” he asked, indicating the portrait that had captured her attention earlier.
​She looked at him, interested to hear what he had to say.​
​“That young woman possesses such grace and extreme confidence—those are things a man can easily fall in love with. I believe that woman has something to reveal to me. After all, with a paintbrush and a rare talent, she traveled the world, painting for kings and queens…” He observed her keenly. “Signora, you have had a remarkable career. You dared to be different, and I want to know how you managed to accomplish all you did.”
​“Fair enough,” she finally admitted. “Yes, I defied them that I did. I was never one for conventions. I never believed I needed a husband to keep me and be my master. I always thought I’d live a solitary life, never to be bothered by love.”
​“But love found you…”
​“Yes, it did. Several times,” she admitted, gazing over his shoulder at the portrait of the young woman in blue.
​“Tell me about the one you’ve never forgotten.”
​She studied the man before her, then said with a gleam in her eye, “He was a handsome lad, with a head of thick black curls. The kind of man that steals a girl’s heart the moment she lays eyes on him.” She assessed him again, taking in his elegant coat and deerskin breeches. “Kind of like yourself, tesoro, though not in such a dandified manner!”
​Her retort caught him by surprise, and when his shoulders started to shake, he nearly spilled tea on his jacket.
​“Still,” Sofonisba continued, “despite his striking good looks, he was a man of courage, one who dared to dream, took chances, and risked everything to win my heart… then broke it in two.” She was quiet for a moment and then sighed. “You don’t forget the first man you ever loved—especially if you lose him…”
​“There, I knew it! You do have intriguing tales to tell me.”
​“Oh, I admit I have many,” Sofonisba said with a soft laugh. “So… it is my life you wish to hear about, is it? You want to learn the secrets of Sofonisba?”
​“I’m all ears, signora. Please don’t hold back.” He filled his cup and then, looking over the brim, said, “I want to know everything from the beginning. I’m sure it will be quite diverting.”
​“From the beginning… Ehi, you do realize how old I am? That would take more than an hour!”
​“We have all afternoon… Goodness knows, I’ve only just arrived in Italy and have no urgent appointments. Besides, there is no place I’d rather be than in your company.”
​“There you go again with your flattery, sir.” She looked at him askance. “Are you really sure you want to hear the ramblings of an old woman?”
​“Just tell me the titillating parts…”
​Sofonisba eyed him with amusement. “Messer… I am a lady!” Modestly she looked at her hands resting demurely in her lap, but when she glanced up and saw him watching her with a raised eyebrow, she let out a snort. “Well… all right, since you’ve traveled all this way, Anthony, I’ll entertain you with a story.”
​She paused and leaned forward. “But to keep me amused as well, it will be far more enjoyable to play a little game with you…”​
​When he looked at her curiously, Sofonisba said with a chuckle, “Beware, Anthony! I caution you to pay close attention to what I am about to reveal because woven into my words of truth will be one small fabrication.”
​She settled back into her chair, took a sip of tea, then added, “It is up to you, dear signore, to determine fact from fiction. See if you can discover the single lie in all I am about to tell you.”

About The Author

Melissa Muldoon is the author of four novels set in Italy: Dreaming Sophia, Waking Isabella, Eternally Artemisia, and The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola. All four books tell the stories of women and their journeys of self-discovery to find love, uncover hidden truths, and follow their destinies to shape a better future for themselves. She is the managing director of Matta Press. She teaches Italian and curates StudentessaMatta.com, the dual-language website in Italian and English that promotes the Italian language and culture. Melissa has a B.A. in fine arts, art history, and European history from Knox College, a liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, and a master’s degree in art history from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. She studied painting and art history in Florence and ran her own graphic design firm for many years. Melissa illustrated her novels’ cover art and translated her second novel into Italian — Il risveglio di Isabella. Melissa also curates the Art of Loving Italy website and Pinterest site, where you will find companion pictures and visual references for all her novels. Visit MelissaMuldoon.com for more information about Melissa’s books and StudentessaMatta.com for tips to learn and practice Italian at home and in Italy with Melissa.

MelissaMuldoon.com
ArtLovingItaly.com
Pinterest.com/ArtofLovingItaly
StudentessaMatta.com

Before you go, please give this post a like and follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Only One Left | Book Review

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About The Book
At seventeen, Lenora Hope was accused of killing her entire family, though she claimed innocence. But she’s the only one not dead. Now, as an elderly invalid, Lenora’s new caretaker begins uncovering the truth behind the murders and the mystery of a missing nurse.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3QNKAzP

My Rating

This book was phenomenal! The story follows a home health aide, Kit McDeere, as she becomes the new caretaker for Lenora Hope, an elderly woman who was suspected of a Lizzie Borden-type murder back in the 1920s. The plot itself sounds amazing, and the writing was fantastic. The book kept me interested every step of the way.

However, this isn’t one of those fast-paced thrillers. The story is fairly slow-moving, but I didn’t mind that at all. I was so invested in this mystery that I couldn’t put the book down! Like the main character, I kept going back and forth on what really happened all those years ago.

I will say that my only con with this book was Kit. She isn’t a horrible main character, but I found her to be somewhat lacking in common sense. Honestly, she kept saying she couldn’t trust anyone but was totally willing to share everything she thought she knew with anyone. That got on my nerves at times.

“She’s capable of so little yet accused of so much, and I remain torn between wanting to protect her and the urge to suspect her.”

But the twists in this book were amazing. There weren’t many shocking moments, and a more skilled detective could probably have figured things out before the big reveal. I was just happy to be along for the ride and loved every twist and turn. The ending was done so well, and one of my guesses turned out to be correct.

Overall, I loved how invested the story kept me, and the chapters flew by. This is one of those rainy night reads that you could probably finish in a day or two. The plot, characters, and mystery are just that good. This book will hopefully keep you as intrigued as it kept me, right up until the end.

n the comments, let me know if you believe in the story of Lizzie Borden. Don’t forget to spread the word about this post with other book lovers. Help my blog grow by giving it a follow!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Stand-In // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Gracie Reed’s barely holding it all together. But when a mysterious SUV pulls up beside her, revealing Chinese cinema’s golden couple Wei Fangli and Sam Yao, Gracie’s world is turned on its head. Fangli so desperately needs her help. Readers will delight in this glamourous, swoon worthy enemies-to-lovers romance that is as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3QoG5f0

My Rating

This is a fun romantic comedy with the ‘The Prince and the Pauper’ trope. In the book, we follow Gracie balancing an uncomfortable work situation, getting her mom into a top-notch nursing home, and trying to create the best planner app. But, her life is flipped upside down when she gets approached by Chinese star Wei Fangli, and her supposed boyfriend Sam Yao, and asked to be her stand-in.

Now this isn’t a doppelganger story, because throughout the book- it is mentioned that the two don’t look completely alike. However, with the right makeup, clothing and lighting- they look almost identical. And, I loved every second of this book – because this is one of my favorite plot devices.

Gracie is a very shy and non-confrontational person, so she rarely, if ever, stands up for herself or goes after what she wants. I am not a fan of characters that are pushovers, but I did love seeing Gracie’s character development throughout the book. Even though the ending was a little too far fetched and happily-ever-after for my liking.

“No one else can be you. No one else can tell your story like you. You are unique. So write the movie you want to see.”

There were so many great side characters within the story, such as the love interest, Sam. You could almost call this a grumpy/sunshine romance, since Sam was much more serious than Gracie, but they did help bring out a different side of each other. Gracie was able to speak her mind to Sam. And, he let her show him how to be a regular person despite his stardom.

Although she wasn’t shown much, Wei was another great character. Her storyline was a nice addition to the plot. This is, first and foremost, a full romance plot, but mental health does play a role as well. Struggles with depression and anxiety are talked about throughout the story. I appreciate how the author let it be known that it’s okay to seek help and get on medication.

Overall, the writing was phenomenal, and really kept me interested. However, I did find that the book was a bit long, and slow at times. But that ending was amazing! I didn’t see it coming, yet it worked well and wrapped everything together. Looking back on it, however, there was a lot of foreshadowing, so one could probably figure out the twist.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR. Don’t forget to hit the follow button to get post notifications. Every week you can find new bookish posts on the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Friday Reads #18

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
This is the last weekend in July. I have been reading like crazy, and now I am kind of in a reading slump. However, I hope that these books will pull me out of my reading slump.

The Legacies by Jessica Goodman
I am 30% into this YA thriller book and hope to be done with it soon. Right now, I am not loving it, but I am hoping that it will start to pick up.

When In Rome by Sarah Adams
I have been in the mood for a cute rom-com style adult romance. This book has been on my radar for a while and I own it, which is awesome since I am trying to read more books off my physical TBR. Hopefully, I will get to it by the end of the month.

Furyborn by Claire Legrand
This book has been on many Friday reads and TBRs. I just need to finish it! Since I am becoming more of a fantasy girlie, I think that I might finally be able to binge read the last 50% of this book.

In the comments, let me know what you are currently reading. Do not forget to like this post and follow this blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

July 2023 // Book Haul

- Bunny 3 Comments

Hi Friends,
July is coming to an end, so it’s time to share the books that I bought this month. I do have some super exciting pre-orders that haven’t come in yet, but these are the majority of the books that I purchased in July.

The Seven Year Slip: https://amzn.to/3QcTs1C
In The Weeds: https://amzn.to/43JEmEf
The Cheat Sheet: https://amzn.to/44ENv1T
Icebreakers: https://amzn.to/3O7LBjh
The Deal: https://amzn.to/3DtkxGf
The Fine Print: https://amzn.to/478cFaM
Violet Made Of Thorns: https://amzn.to/3q6BDXA
The Prince And The Apocalypse: https://amzn.to/3DwkFoM
Hollow Fires: https://amzn.to/3KgVgDc
The Naturals: https://amzn.to/3Q9IVV9

So, now I have even more books on my physical TBR, but who’s counting, right? Honestly, book buying is just as much as a hobby as reading is for a bookworm. In the comments, let me know which of these books I should make a priority. Don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified about all future posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Rock Paper Scissors | Book Review

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About The Book
 Things have been wrong with Mr and Mrs Wright for a long time. When Adam and Amelia win a weekend away to Scotland, it might be just what their marriage needs. They both know this weekend will make or break their marriage, but they didn’t randomly win this trip. One of them is lying, and someone doesn’t want them to live happily ever after. Ten years of marriage. Ten years of secrets. And an anniversary they will never forget.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3rATkPq

My Rating

I didn’t know what to expect when going into this book, but I had heard that it was a wild ride. In this book, we follow a couple, Adam and Amelia, that wins a trip to Scotland. This trip will either fix or break their already strained marriage. But, the couple soon realize this gateway might not be just for the two of them.

The book has an isolation setting plot, which I have learned that I’m not the biggest fan of. Yet, I think it worked well for the plot. The book is also somewhat of dual timelines. We get letters written to Adam by his wife, for each of their anniversaries. These letters help piece together what has lead their marriage to the breaking point.

Another interesting aspect is that Adam has face blindness. I had never even heard about the illness until this book, and it is very interesting. And, it really added another element to the story that was needed to tie everything together.

For me the plot was super interesting,= and the characters were written well. My biggest complaint is that the book was slow moving. I wanted it to be more fast-paced, and have things progress quicker than they did. But, I think that’s just my preference when reading thrillers.

“If every story had a happy ending, then we’d have no reason to start again.”

There were some twists, and the ending was shocking to say the least. I didn’t actually see the last twist coming at all. Maybe a more skilled thriller or mystery reader would have figured things out, but I was just along for the roller coaster that is this book.

I have heard from other people that Alice Feeney is a very hit-or-miss author, but I think that’s the case for a lot of thriller writers. It really depends on the approach they take with their plot twists and characters. However, the same could be said for pretty much all books.

Overall, I had a good time reading the book, and I’m glad that I finally got around to picking it up. If you like a good plot twist and isolation setting thriller, then I’d give this one a read. I’m for sure going to be reading more by Alice Feeney in the near future.

In the comments, tell me which of Alice Feeney’s books is your favorite. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others! If you enjoy book reviews, then follow the blog to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Anticipated Releases // Summer 2023

- Bunny 3 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today, I’m going to be talking about my summer anticipated book releases! This years has been full of amazing book releases. I cannot wait to read all of these books! I’m hopeful that I will get to at least some of these new releases this summer, because they all sound so good. But, I do want to preface that I only have limited knowledge of what each of these books are about. What can I say, I like to go into books a little blind.


Summer Rental by Rektok Ross (June 13th): This book is tag-lined as Mean Girls meets Scream, which is all I need to know. I believe that it’s a YA thriller about a group of friends trapped on an island with a serial killer. I’m thinking it’s going to be more of a campy thriller, which I can get behind.

The Only One Left by Riley Sager (June 20th): I’ve been wanting to get into Riley Sager books for a while now, and this one sounds amazing. The book takes place in the 80’s, where we’re following Kit. She is a home health aid for Lenora, an old woman that is unable to speak or move anything but her left hand, due to polio. Here’s the kicker, as a teenager Lenora was accused of killing her parents and sister, yet she was never charged with their murders. Soon Kit starts to suspect that Lenora might be more dangerous than she thinks. My interest is piqued!

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston (June 27th): I’m not sure how I feel about this book, because it’s giving off serious ‘The Lake House’ vibes. If you have no clue what I’m talking about, ‘The Lake House’ is a movie starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves, in which they both live in the same house, but in different timelines, and somehow they end up communicating with one another. This book follows what seems to be a similar plot. Although, I didn’t love the movie, I know that Poston’s adult romance ‘The Dead Romantics’ was a big hit last year, so I want to give this book a chance.

Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon (July 4th): I’m actually very excited for this book, because the premise sounds really funny. This is an adult romance following a ghost writer and a C-list actor, who have a less-than-satisfactory one-night stand. Cue some “lessons in satisfaction” and it sounds like a winning plotline to me. I haven’t read anything by this author before, but I’ve heard some good things about her books. Also, who doesn’t like mixing a little pleasure with business every now and again.

Ghosted: A Northanger Abbey by Amanda Quain (July 25th): As you can tell from the title, this is a Northanger Abbey by Jane Austin retelling. It is a young adult story about a high school senior, and there’s a ghost hunting element. That’s pretty much all I know about this book, which, according to GoodReads, has X-Files vibes to it.

One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus (July 25th): Why do I feel like I’ve talked about this book a lot? Probably, because it’s one of my most anticipated releases of the entire year. If you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, then you know that Karen M. McManus is on of my favorite authors! She writes some of the best (at least, in my opinion) young adult mystery thrillers. This is the next, and possibly last, installment book is part of her ‘One of Us is Lying” series, and I could not be any more ready for it.

The Trap by Catherine Ryan Howard (August 1st): This is a psychological thriller set in Ireland. It follows Lucy, who is trying to uncover what happened to her sister Nicki that disappeared a year ago. The book is inspired by a series of still-unsolved disappearances that took places in the 90’s. The fact that there’s a real world element to these books makes the plot even more exciting.

Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine (August 1st): I was stoked to find out that Danielle Valentine was coming out with another horror novel. Last year, I read her book ‘How To Survive Your Murder’ in about a day. It was such a fun, campy, slasher horror book. However, this book is an adult thriller, which I’m typically more of a fan of. I also heard that it is the basis for the next season of American Horror Story. And, as a reader, I have to read the book before watching the show. It’s practically a law.

Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney (August 3rd): I’ve only read ‘Rock Paper Scissors’, which I did really like. But, she is known as the queen of plot twists, so I’m looking forward to picking this book up. The book follows two crimes which, despite happening twenty years apart, are somehow linked. This book is said to have a lot of twists, and let’s face it, the twists are what make a good thriller.

Foxglove by Adalyn Grace (August 22nd): This is the sequel to ‘Belladonna’, which was a fantastic YA fantasy. The first book ended on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Honestly, ‘Belladonna’ shocked me with how good it was, so I’m hoping that the next installment doesn’t let me down. Other than the fact that it’s a sequel, I actually don’t know much about the plot, but I’m okay with that.

There you have my summer 2023 most anticipated book releases. of course there are a ton more releases I want to get to, but these are the ones at the top of my list. In the comments, share your most anticipated book release with me. Don’t forget to hit the follow button before you leave.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Mexican Gothic | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
Something sinister is brewing beneath an isolated mansion in the Mexican countryside, and an ancient evil is about to be exposed. From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes “a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror” (Kirkus Reviews) set in glamorous 1950s Mexico. With callbacks to classics like Rebecca, Jane Eyre and The Haunting of Hill House, Moreno-Garcia proves that she is just as consumed by stories of haunted houses as we are in this new gothic horror with a twist.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3r8he4A

My Rating

I’m not exactly sure how to describe this book, but I will say that it was a gripping read. In the book, we follow Noemi whose family receives a letter from her newly married cousin. A letter requesting help. Noemi is basically sent to rescue her cousin from her new family, but this rescue mission is proving to be more complex than she originally thought it would be.

This book was eerie and gothic inspired. As a main character, Noemi was confident and strong despite other regarding her as just a common socialite and a bit flighty. I liked that not only could she be that high society girl, but she also has a good head on her shoulders. And, let me just say, the sprinkle of romance added into this mainly gothic suspense was very well done and a nice touch.

If you are looking for a fast-paced plot, this book has you covered! Also, I love when books give off movie vibes, which is another thing Silvia Moreno-Garcia perfected with this book. Speaking of Silvia Moreno-Garcia, her writing is fantastic. The book was very easy to get sucked into, and often, that stems from the writing.

“We thought monsters and ghosts were found in books, but they’re real, you know?”

As I mentioned before, the story was super interesting. Which, in a way, shocked me. I had heard good things about this book, but I hadn’t read a lo,t if any, gothic style thrillers, so I was unsure of what to expect. Nevertheless, I found myself unable to put the book down. I will say that the book is far more creepy than it is actually scary, if that makes any sense.

The major con I have with book was that there was a lot going on. I had to go back and reread chapters, because I wasn’t sure what exactly was happening. However, some people might think that’s a good thing, when it comes to a thriller book. Sadly, I’m not one of those people.

Overall, I enjoyed the ride that the book took me on. I was shocked a lot of the time, and despite the fact that ending left me confused, I would still recommend this book to other thriller readers. Also, I don’t know if this is just me, but the ending gave me major ‘The Nun’ movie flashbacks.

In the comments, let me know which of Silvia Moreno-Garcia books I should read and review next. Don’t forget to give my blog a follow so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

One True Loves | Book Review

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About The Book
From the author of Maybe in Another Life—named a People Magazine pick—comes a breathtaking new love story about a woman unexpectedly forced to choose between the husband she has long thought dead and the fiancé who has finally brought her back to life. Who is her one true love? What does it mean to love truly? Emma knows she has to listen to her heart. She’s just not sure what it’s saying.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3MZoR4H

My Rating

When I saw the trailer for the movie adaptation of this book, I knew I was not going to be able to wait and see how things were going to play out. I read the book in a day because I was very invested in the story. However, that isn’t to say that I enjoyed this book one bit. The story follows Emma, whose husband has passed away, but years later finds love again and is engaged. But, here’s the kicker; her husband is alive, and coming back to her.

This book was frustrating because the author took all of the guess work of who she was going to end up with out of the story. I knew where Emma’s heart lived, and I didn’t agree with it. And, the way she went about things in this book was just not right. If you have read this book you know what mean. Let’s just say cheating was a thing in this book, but I’m not even sure it can be called cheating. It was very confusing.

The whole situation was a mess. Because Emma loved her husband but so much time had past that she was an entirely different person than she when they were married. But, could she really marry her fiancé knowing she had been given a second chance with her not-so-departed husband?

“Just because something isn’t meant to last a lifetime doesn’t mean it wasn’t meant to be.”

The book does take the second chance romance trope and flip it on its head. Because, Emma has a second chance not only with her husband, but her new fiancé happens to be an old friend that asked her out back in high school. So, what do you do when you get two second chances at love? Who do you belong with? For me it’s not even a question, but it’s a unique situation one that I can happily say I’ve never been in.

The thing this book had going for it wasn’t the plot, the characters, or even the romance – it was the writing. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing style is very easy to read, bordering on addictive. I can see why so many people adore this author. I am interested in picking up some more of her more popular books, since I’m sure they are just as well written. And, hopefully the plots of those books are more up my alley.

Overall, this book is a super quick one day romance read that deals with grief, second chances, and PTSD. Also, be aware that you might be able to predict the ending early on as I did but I know that doesn’t bother some readers. As for me, I probably won’t be watching the movie adaptation, and I think that kind of says it all.

In the comments, let me know if you are planning on watching the film. Please like and share this post with other readers. And, if you don’t already know, you can get post notifications by following my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

June 2023 // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
I know that I’ve somewhat stopped doing TBR posts, but since June is my birthday month I wanted to do a TBR for the month. I really want to work on getting my physical TBR down, so I had my husband pick five books off my shelf for me to read this month. Also, June is pride month, so of course I have to get in some LGBTQ+ reads. And, as always I have my bookclub book!

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
“A romance ghostwriter who’s lost her motivation after a breakup is haunted by the spirit of her newly departed editor in this whimsical paranormal romance.”

The Stand-In by Lily Chu
“Readers will delight in this glamourous, swoon worthy enemies-to-lovers romance that is as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching.”

When in Rome by Sarah Adams
“Opposites certainly attract for the stranded pop star and small-town baker in this charming slice of romance from the author of the TikTok sensation The Cheat Sheet.”

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
“A world at stake. A quest for the ultimate prize. Are you ready?”

The Guest List by Lucy Foley
“A wedding celebration turns dark and deadly in this deliciously wicked and atmospheric thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie from the New York Times bestselling author of The Hunting Party.”

She Gets the Girl by Alyson Derrick and Rachael Lippincott
“She’s All That meets What If It’s Us in this New York Times bestselling hate-to-love YA romantic comedy from the coauthor of Five Feet Apart Rachael Lippincott and debut writer Alyson Derrick.”

Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan
“In this YA contemporary queer romance from the author of Hot Dog Girl, an openly gay track star falls for a closeted, bisexual teen beauty queen with a penchant for fixing up old cars.”

Blaine for the Win by Robbie Couch
“After being dumped so his boyfriend can pursue more “serious” guys, a teen boy decides to prove he can be serious, too, by running for senior class president in this “clever, fun, original” (BCCB) romp from the author of The Sky Blues.”

Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban
“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.”

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
“A 17-year-old pirate captain intentionally allows herself to get captured by enemy pirates in this thrilling high seas tale.”

Reading Rabbits Book Club Pick:
Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
“As sweet as a macaron from Laduree, this romantic novel set in Paris about an American ballerina and a charming French boy is parfait for fans of American Royals and Netflix’s Emily in Paris.”

There you have my probably overly ambitious June TBR! Also, just a heads up my I have moved my book clubs from Novellic to Fable (Join Here). Don’t forget to leave me a comment letting me know what you’ll be reading next month and hit the follow button to support my blog. Think of giving my blog a follow as your birthday gift to me!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny