Sapphic

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Astrid Parker is determined to turn the Everwood Inn renovation, set to be featured on Innside America, into a career-making success. She didn’t expect to clash with the lead carpenter, Jordan, over her designs. The showrunners encourage the on-screen tension. But as they grow closer, Astrid begins to question what success really means—and whether she even wants the life she’s been chasing.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Zooo2W

My Rating

This is the second book in the Bright Falls series, and I was so excited to get Astrid’s story after loving her in Delilah Greene Doesn’t Care. Astrid, Delilah’s stepsister, is exactly the kind of grumpy character with a heart of gold that I adore. In this book, she’s trying to save her interior design career by managing the remodel of the Everwood Inn, which is not only her biggest project yet but also the focus of a home renovation show called Innside America.

Astrid’s drive to be perfect because failure isn’t an option really stood out, and I loved watching her character grow and discover her sexuality. It’s such a refreshing take to see an adult character experiencing a sexual awakening since, let’s be honest, those realizations can happen at any age.

Jordan, Astrid’s love interest, is a carpenter and the granddaughter of the Everwood Inn’s owner. Their frenemies-to-lovers romance was super adorable and felt so real. Jordan’s messy life and struggle to rebuild after her ex-wife left added depth to her character, and I really enjoyed seeing her find her strength and stand up for herself. And, her and Astrid’s connection felt very authentic and heartfelt.

“Happiness was about purpose, it was about self-awareness and acceptance.”

The pacing of this book was just right. The romance wasn’t exactly a slow burn, but it didn’t happen instantly either. It felt like such a natural progression, and I was fully entertained watching their relationship develop. Another thing I loved was the strong friendship dynamics. Astrid’s relationship with her stepsister Delilah has grown so much since the first book, and we also get to see more of Astrid’s bond with her best friends Claire and Iris. Plus, Jordan’s brother brought a great sibling energy to the story that added that extra something to the book.

Overall, I couldn’t put this book down, it was such a quick, enjoyable read. The characters were likable, and the love story had me fully invested. I genuinely wanted everything to work out for Astrid and Jordan, and the book delivered. Just a heads-up for anyone who would rather avoid spicy scenes—like the first book, this is definitely an open-door romance. If spice isn’t your thing, you might want to skip those chapters or look them up first.

In the comments, let me know if you have started this romance companion series yet. Did you enjoy Astrid and Jordan’s story? Before you go, consider sharing and liking this post. Also, you can sign up for my mailing list. It’s completely free and helps my blog grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care | Book Review

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About The Book
For Delilah Green, Bright Falls is full of unhappy memories and somewhere she never planned to return. However, a large paycheck convinces her to photograph her stepsister Astrid’s wedding. Once home, Delilah sees Astrid’s friend Claire as an opportunity for revenge and fun. As wedding events bring them together, real feelings unexpectedly ignite.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4kqzPzt

My Rating

This sapphic romance follows the connection between Delilah and single-mom Claire, who also happens to be one of Delilah’s stepsister’s best friends. From the start, Delilah presents herself as strong and emotionally untouchable. She really gives off that “I don’t give a damn” energy. But as the story goes on, it was so satisfying to see those hard layers start to crack and her vulnerability peek through. That character growth was one of the most rewarding parts of the book for me.

That said, Delilah wasn’t always the most self-aware character. She had a tendency to view situations only from her perspective, rarely stopping to think about how her actions affected those around her. But considering her backstory of losing both parents, and always feeling like an outsider with her stepmother and stepsister, it made sense. It didn’t excuse her behavior, but it added a layer of understanding to it.

Claire’s character was a lovely balance to Delilah’s guardedness. She was so sweet and genuine, and her love for her daughter and friends really stood out. Her dynamic with her daughter’s father added another layer to her story, and while I do wish we’d seen her warm up to him a little more, I also get that you can’t undo years of hurt overnight. Their complicated history felt real and honest.

“If eyes were the window into the soul, Delilah’s had long been shuttered.”

I absolutely adored the relationship between Claire and Delilah. They were so cute together, and the chemistry was undeniable from the start. Watching them both open up was honestly such a joy. Delilah found a home in someone, and Claire learned to trust again. I’m not usually a fan of the third act breakup trope, but it worked here. Their relationship being a secret added believable tension, and it made sense when things came to a head.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters, the romance, and the writing. It was such a satisfying, emotional, and entertaining read all-around. Oh, and let’s not forget the spice because yes, this one is open-door, and it brings the heat! The spicy moments were very present and very well done, but if that’s not your thing, this might not be the book for you.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve started the Bright Falls series. Also, giving this post a like and sharing it would really help my blog grow. And consider signing up for my mailing list so you never miss a new post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Lucky List // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

SynopsisEmily’s always been lucky. Well, technically her mum was the lucky one, and since she died, Emily’s started to feel like her luck’s run out. So when Emily finds her mum’s senior-year bucket list, she finds twelve ways to feel close to her again. But if she wants to check everything off, she’ll need help – help in the form of Blake. As Blake and Emily work through the list, the girls’ bond deepens. Emily is starting to feel lucky again, but she’s faced with the question: can she accept this new part of herself, the part her mum never even knew existed?

This isn’t a story that captured me right from the start, but I could tell that it would only get better. The main character, Emily, is going through a lot. She’s still coping with the passing of her mother., and trying to understand her feelings about grief, while trying to fix a mistake she made because of that grief.

Emily embarks on this journey to complete this list she found in her mother’s stuff. The author made a story about grief, into a story about self discovery. It made the subject not quite so heavy, but without glossing over the struggles of losing someone.

In the book, Emily starts bonding with the new girl, Blake. As they get closer, their feelings for each being to grow. The female/female romance was simple and sweet. Their relationship developed organically, and wasn’t rushed. Blake never pressured Emily into anything, and only wanted her to be happy.

Self love was a big part of the story, as quite a few of Emily’s decisions were based on what she thought her mother wanted for her. But the bucket list, of sorts, really did help her realize that sometimes you have to let heart take charge.

There was some focus on how we all grieve differently, but I wasn’t too found of the aspect. Emily’s dad was quick to “erase” his wife from their lives and move on. However, it was explained,that to him, her memory is what was more important. Her clothes and other things were just a reminder of what was lost.

“We’re all lucky,not because every thing works out, but we get to wake up in the morning and take chances and make mistakes and keep trying not to.”

I understand and respect the writer’s decisions to add that with in the story, but it made me angry all the same. However, it is true that once you are gone, you don’t leave things behind. Just people. As long as they don’t forget you, then you will always be with them.

Nevertheless, the story was well done, but slow at parts. I was hoping for more from it, which left me a bit disappointed. As for the the writing style, it was reminiscent of Sarah Dessen, who isn’t necessarily a writer I enjoy reading. I liked the way this story played out, so the writing didn’t bother me that much.

Overall, the plot was wrapped up with a nice little bow, and even with the topic of grief, there wasn’t too many heartbreaking moments. I would, of course, still recommend you go into the book knowing that loss is a major plot point of the story. Most of the book centers around the aftermath of losing a loved one.

In the comments, give me your thoughts on the book. Or, let me know if you have it on your TBR. As always, follow my blog, because it really brightens my day!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny