Hi Friends,
I thought it would be fun to have my Instagram followers pick my reading for a week. I selected two books and made a poll with emojis that represented them. It was kinda strange not being in charge of what I read, but it was fun too!
Book #1: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (Dream Harbor, #2) by Laurie Gilmore
So I started with adult contemporary romance because it’s an easy read. My two options were from different small-town romance series. For ‘The Cinnamon Bun Book Store’, I used book, heart, and doughnut emojis—since, to my disbelief, no cinnamon bun emoji exists! The next option was ‘Beg, Borrow, or Steal,’ represented by teacher, flower, and briefcase emojis. Although it was a close call, ‘The Cinnamon Bun Book Store’ came out on top.
25% Reading Update: This book follows Hazel, who runs the Cinnamon Bun book store. Early on, we find out she’s nearing 30 and feels she’s missed out on her youth. She notices some books in the stores have underlined passages. Noah, the local womanizer and fisherman, implies that this could be a sign for her to live a more exciting life. The plot grabbed me right away, and the writing is awesome. Hazel and Noah’s crushes on each other are no secret. I also really love how it’s a dual POV story.
50% Reading Update: I’m possibly enjoying this book more than the first in the series. I adore Noah and Hazel’s chemistry. Also, the spice is fantastic! However, I have some problems with the plot. I wish they’d just admit they like each other! It’s so obvious, yet they’re clueless.
Final Thoughts (100%): This was a super cute and spicy read! You don’t have to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one. You can definitely read these books out of order, if you ask me. I loved this story even more than the first; I’m excited to read more books in this series.
Book #2: Spark Of The Everflame by Penn Cole
I went with romantasy for the next poll. I put ‘Spark Of The Everflame’ up against ‘The Stars Are Dying’, using fire, sword, and shooting star emojis for one and black moon, broken heart, and star emojis for the other. ‘The Stars Are Dying’ was initially in the lead, but ‘Spark Of The Everflame’ unexpectedly pulled ahead at the last minute.
25% Reading Update: To be frank, the first few chapters are crucial—they establish the world and flesh out the female lead’s backstory, so pay close attention. But I’m immediately captivated! I’m excited to see what happens next! The world’s amazing. I’m getting major Divine Rivals vibes from these godly descendants.
50% Reading Update: I’m completely hooked on this book; it’s going to be a five-star read for sure! The main character is a badass, and I’m loving the enemies-to-lovers thing that’s gonna happen for sure. In my opinion, this romantasy is incredibly easy to read. Despite its complex plot and extensive world-building, the book is incredibly fast-paced and easy to understand.
Final Thoughts (100%): I’m totally addicted! I have no words for how much I loved the story! Seriously, I wanna start the next book now. Although I know the next book in the series is quite long, I hope it will be as gripping and fast-paced as this one.
Book #3: First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
Going into that last poll, I was rooting for a particular book. Spoiler, I didn’t read that book. For ‘First-Time Caller’, I used a clock, the number one, and a heart-eyes emoji. The emojis I used for ‘Funny Feelings’ were a sunflower, a laughing face, and a microphone (she’s a stand-up comedian). To my slight disappointment, ‘First-Time Caller’ surged ahead at the last moment.
25% Reading Update: I started this book with some hesitation, given my less-than-positive experience with the author’s previous novels. However, I thought the start was quite interesting. A single mother’s daughter phones a love radio show to assist her mom in finding love. Plus, the show’s host, the male lead, is cynical about love. It’s another dual POV book, and I’m loving both characters’ perspectives!
50% Reading Update: Two five-star reads consecutively—is that even possible? If not, I’m be breaking all the rules. I’m totally obsessed with the story and characters. I’m flying through this book and getting major Sleepless in Seattle vibes.
Final Thoughts (100%): A thoroughly enjoyable and unputdownable read. I loved the characters’ journeys and how it all wrapped up. And the romance? Totally swoon-worthy!
Given how much I enjoyed these books, maybe I’ll let Instagram pick my next reads more often. Follow me on Insta (@Books.With.Bunny) to participate in posts like this one. Please like this post and comment below if these books are on your TBR. Don’t forget to hit that follow button before you go!
Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny