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Seven Days In June
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
152 posts | 128 read | 3 reading | 78 to read
Seven days to fall in love, fifteen years to forget and seven days to get it all back again... From the author of The Perfect Find, this is a witty, romantic, and sexy-as-hell new novel of two writers and their second chance at love.
Brooklynite Eva Mercy is a single mom and bestselling erotica writer, who is feeling pressed from all sides. Shane Hall is a reclusive, enigmatic, award-winning literary author who, to everyone's surprise, shows up in New York.
When Shane and Eva meet unexpectedly at a literary event, sparks fly, raising not only their past buried traumas, but the eyebrows of New York's Black literati. What no one knows is that twenty years earlier, teenage Eva and Shane spent one crazy, torrid week madly in love. They may be pretending that everything is fine now, but they can't deny their chemistry-or the fact that they've been secretly writing to each other in their books ever since.
Over the next seven days in the middle of a steamy Brooklyn summer, Eva and Shane reconnect, but Eva's not sure how she can trust the man who broke her heart, and she needs to get him out of New York so that her life can return to normal. But before Shane disappears again, there are a few questions she needs answered. . .
With its keen observations of Black life and the condition of modern motherhood, as well as the consequences of motherless-ness, Seven Days in June is by turns humorous, warm and deeply sensual.
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review
Nessavamusic
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

A beautiful contemporary second chance romance. Full of angst and past trauma, this is not a comfort romance read, but is a great story. A comp author would be Kennedy Ryan, who I would rank above this, but I did enjoy this story. 4.5⭐️ Also a #Roll100 pick done!

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Amor4Libros
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

The writing on this book is beautiful and it made me slow down a little bit to appreciate it fully.

I did have some issues with the story though. Felt like it was dragged out a little at 90% or so. This story is very complex, there are a lot of layers to it and I felt like somewhere along the way the author wanted to do too many things to create a powerful ending.

But it was a good read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Amor4Libros
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Started this without reading the synopsis…🔥 from the start!

In the middle of way too many books (as always), but I‘m enjoying all of them so much!

IndianBookworm Have been meaning to read this for a long time! Waiting for your review!😍 4mo
Amor4Libros @IndianBookworm It‘s coming soon! I‘m 23% in and I‘m obsessed with this book! 😍 4mo
IndianBookworm @Amor4Libros woah! that's good😍 4mo
40 likes3 comments
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shxriel
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
Pickpick

i loved this story. this was a great read

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Idk why, but I just can‘t finish this book. I keep trying and trying. I guess with everything going on I‘ve just been blah… 😑 I hate to dnf books but life is short!

#LitsyLoveReads
#LitsyLove

Read4life Sending love to you and William. 💙💙 If you‘re not feeling it, either DNF or hibernate it. 🐻 #hailthebail 7mo
Littlewolf1 I agree… it took me a while to realize it, but I would rather read something I enjoy rather than something that bores me or makes me miserable. (edited) 7mo
AnnCrystal I agree with Read4life and Littlewolf1. I learned long ago, that forcing oneself to finish reading a book that does not spark an interesting hold...it can be stressful. 🙏🫂💝. 7mo
See All 20 Comments
AmyG I hope things ease for you soon. I say bail. Read something you actually enjoy. 7mo
Bookwormjillk What @AmyG said 7mo
Mimi28 I agree with what everyone said. I am praying for you and your family 🤗🙏🏽🫶🏽😊🩷😉 7mo
Deblovestoread Chiming in. The minutes we get to spend reading are precious, don‘t waste them on struggling to read something just to finish it. Sometimes it‘s just not the right book or just not the right time for that particular book. 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Read4life thank you Lynn 🩷 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Littlewolf1 yeah me too. I read somewhere to subtract your age from 100 and to give a book that amount of pages 📃 I‘m going to try that! That won‘t be many pages at all though 😂 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AnnCrystal no need in more stress! I just always wonder why I don‘t like books other people love! ❤️ 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AmyG thank you Amy 💛 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Mimi28 thanks Michelle 💜 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Deblovestoread thank you friend ❤️🤗 7mo
julieclair Everyone‘s lives are in different seasons. For whatever reason, this may just not be the right season of your life, for this particular book to be right for you right now. Put it back on the shelf for now… it‘s not quitting, it‘s just re-prioritizing your TBR! 😘 7mo
AnnCrystal @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I always believed that every story sparks differently with each reader...if a reader doesn't feel even a small sparkling of interest for a read, it just means the story isn't meant for that reader. Just an idea 📚😉💝. Also agree with julieclair. I've returned to reads that I couldn't read once upon a time, only to discover a treasure. (edited) 7mo
Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I‘ve never heard that😂😀 about subtracting from 100! So I guess that‘s why I like picture books LOL. But seriously…don‘t fret about DNFing. If it‘s not right for you, follow your instinct 🫶🏻🫶🏻 (edited) 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @julieclair so true! Thank you 😊 🩷 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @AnnCrystal thank you 🩷🤗 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs haha! That made me laugh! Thank you friend 🩷 7mo
70 likes20 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Reading in the car at William‘s appointment today. He had a stress test and they wouldn‘t let me go back with him. Home now and sitting on the back porch. We haven‘t heard officially, but his stress test was abnormal. I‘m sure a heart cath will be scheduled. He also has to have another sleep study because his bipap isn‘t working. Please send us some prayers and light 💙🙏🏻

#LitsyLove

Aims42 Sending prayers for you both during this time 🙏💕 7mo
Ruthiella ❤️❤️❤️ 7mo
IndoorDame ❤️🙏 7mo
See All 28 Comments
LiteraryinPA I‘m thinking of you both, Misty 💗💗 7mo
Deblovestoread Sending all positive vibes your way! 💜 7mo
Cuilin Sending love and light your way 💜💜💜 7mo
TheSpineView Sending prayers and hugs!💞 7mo
Jari-chan Sending strength and prayers your way 🙏❤️ 7mo
Bookwormjillk Oh that‘s a lot Misty. Hang in there 🤗 7mo
quietjenn Sending goodness your way 7mo
curiouserandcurioser @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks sending hugs and prayers❤ love you, friend 7mo
julieclair Prayer said and will continue. 🙏💝 7mo
MaureenMc 🙏💗🙏 7mo
dabbe 💙🩵💙 7mo
jdiehr 🙏🏻💜 7mo
TheBookgeekFrau 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you everyone 🙏🏻❤️ I love my Litsy family ❤️ 7mo
Mimi28 Sending prayers 🙏🏽🫶🏽 and hugs 🤗 7mo
AnnCrystal 🫂🙏💝. 7mo
Lynnsoprano Holding both of you in the light ❤️🤗 7mo
Cupcake12 Thinking of you both and sending positive thoughts and love your way ❤️ 7mo
mrp27 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 7mo
kelli7990 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 7mo
Blueberry 💜 🙏 7mo
Mjm1 So sorry to hear this. Poor guy has had enough. 7mo
Read4life Prayers, love and hugs to you both. 💙💙💙 7mo
CoffeeNBooks Sending positive thoughts and hugs your way! 💜 7mo
66 likes28 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Ohhhh this book!! It‘s bringing back so many memories of a life I lived so long ago… ❤️❤️❤️

TheBookHippie Omg this book… 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @TheBookHippie I am overcome with memories ❤️ 7mo
Bookwormjillk Haha I remember starting this audiobook on the metro and being really glad I had headphones 😝 7mo
56 likes5 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Doing some planting today!! it‘s another beautiful day in MS! The perfect day for it 🌱 🌺🌷🪻

You were right Vanessa @vlwelser !!! The first scene 🫣🤣😳

#LitsyLove

willaful For me, the end of chapter 7. 🤯 7mo
vlwelser I read that so not recently and it still makes me laugh. 7mo
66 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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I‘ve heard great things about this one!

#2ndchanceromance
#SpringSkies

❤️📚❤️

vlwelser The opening scene is epic. You should read the first chapter. But I take no responsibility if you read the entire thing. 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @vlwelser haha! Does that mean it‘s good or bad! 😊 7mo
vlwelser It's good. You might sit there and read the whole book. Other things might not get done. 7mo
See All 6 Comments
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @vlwelser ooohhhh I think I‘ll read it next!! Housecleaning can wait!! 7mo
Eggs Sounds compelling! 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @vlwelser I‘m loving this book! Reminds me of my high school love minus the drugs ❤️ nothing like your first love 💙 7mo
65 likes1 stack add6 comments
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graysonslibrary
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
Pickpick

Wow! This was such a fast and fun read for me. The main characters were both so easy to root for! 4/5 ⭐️

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BookBoggart
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

This book had it all! Breaking generational trauma, soulmates, spice, a strong badass MC, family dynamics. This one was out of my usual reading choice but damn did I ever love it! I've been in a slump ever since. 😅

#booklover #spicy #books #sevendaysofjune #romance #drama #beautiful #blackvoices #lovedit #fivestars

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readwithcori
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

A throw back but one that I still think about today! Absolutely loved reading Seven Days in June when I used to follow along with Reese‘s Book Club and it makes me want to start following along with a book club again for 2024. We shall see 😍🤍

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Chelleo
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧Enjoyed the book. Was a little frustrated with the characters at one point but enjoyed how their stories came to an end (although a bit abruptly). I liked the bookish setting.

vlwelser That opening scene with the gum still makes me laugh. 1y
74 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Chelleo
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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I primarily consume my books via audio books but needed to snag my book club title in print because the hold list is so long.

ErikasMindfulShelf A great book! 1y
72 likes1 stack add1 comment
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shxriel
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams

this is the next book im going to read and im rlly looking forward to it. the story is very interesting and i like the authors style.

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mcctrish
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

This is a heavy light read. I read it for book club and besides the title I‘m not sure why 🤣 it‘s not awful ( better than Colleen Hoover) but it‘s not book club material, altho Reese thinks so, maybe it‘s me ( it does raise an interesting point about black authors being given whitewashed film deals 👎🏻👎🏻 and that it is worth talking about)

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mcctrish
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Fridays are for books and chips ( this a for a bookclub and I‘m seriously wondering why it was chosen 🤣🤣)

MyNamesParadise I got it just because it was a Reese‘s Book Club pick. I haven‘t read it though! 1y
mcctrish @MyNamesParadise the first few chapters/pages were a bit 😳 but it‘s gotten good ( back story, side story, new characters) so I‘m hooked (edited) 1y
MyNamesParadise @mcctrish ohh ok! Good to know! 1y
ErikasMindfulShelf I really liked that one! 1y
57 likes1 stack add4 comments
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RamsFan1963
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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9 days actually, but whatever. I'm ready for the #JoysofJune readathon. My goal is to finish at least two of these books, maybe throw in a graphic novel too.
@Andrew65

Andrew65 Great to have you with us, best of luck 😁 I look forward to hearing about The Templars. 1y
AllDebooks @Andrew65 me too. I have a copy somewhere I've yet to read. 1y
54 likes2 comments
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MicrobeMom
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Book choice #3 for my Fable book club Prof. Stacey‘s TBR. Polls will go live tonight on my fable site (see below) and my Instagram Prof.StaceyTBR.

Stay tuned for the last choice today!

https://fable.co/club/prof-staceys-tbr-book-club-with-stacey-lettini-33812063356...

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Evita
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
Mehso-so

3 out of 5

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jess.edits.books
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

Loved this! The writing is so smart and vibrant and alive. Great banter, chronic illness rep, and an adorable relationship between the main character and her daughter. This is so much more than a romance novel (though it‘s also a romance novel).

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hes7
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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“Seven days to fall in love, 15 years to forget, and seven days to get it all back again...”

#secondchancelove #loveathon #loveathon2023

Clwojick I loved this one. 💗 2y
61 likes1 comment
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LatrelWhite
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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🎧📖 Eva Mercy is a single mom and bestselling erotica writer who is feeling pressed from all sides. Shane Hall is a reclusive, enigmatic, award-winning novelist, who, to everyone‘s surprise, shows up in New York.
When Shane and Eva meet unexpectedly at a literary event, sparks fly, raising not only their buried traumas, but the eyebrows of the Black literati. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

20 likes1 stack add
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Kboltz
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

I hated the first three pages and then loved this book. Did the editor do that? Eva and Shane are well known writers who for a week when they were teens found each other. Their new careers and their new lives take off. Can they fit each other back into letting themselves feel loved? Good read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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ChaoticMissAdventures
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Mehso-so

I am not a big romance reader but have been trying a few this year. I enjoyed the story line and liked the characters of Eve and Shane. But didn't enjoy the way too smart daughter (reading Fraud at 8? Annoying) and did not enjoy Williams writing style. She adds in hyper specific details like Indonesia (via HomeGoods) pillows and Samsung Galaxy phone details that will severely date a book and felt like filler to get her word count up.

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Erin.Elizabeth10
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Mehso-so

For some reason, I just didn‘t click with this one. I definitely liked parts of the plot, but I guess I just didn‘t connect with the characters. I think the mother daughter relationship just didn‘t work for me for some reason. It‘s between a so so and a pick, but I‘m going to say so so. I think it‘s a good book, maybe just not my exact taste.

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SanjanaGhosh
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

"Shane wasn't a thing to outgrow. He'd always fit. No matter how old or young or sophisticated or raw she was. No matter how much time had passed. Shane was inevitable."

Such a satisfying Romance read.

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MsLeah8417
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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BekaReid
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

This book was a great read! Got it from the library on a whim knowing nothing about it beforehand, but it was just the kind of immersive story I needed this weekend.

18 likes1 stack add
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Magpiegem
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

43/22 I don‘t do romance. But today, whilst it hammered with rain and the sun shone… at the same time… I hid away and finally finished this book and it might if changed my mind. I really enjoyed it. There were some perfect one liners and it had just the right level of lovers angst for me. The end maybe felt a little rushed. But overall a great read.

BarbaraBB I enjoyed this one too unexpectedly! 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I love a rainy day 💙 2y
29 likes2 comments
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LoverOfLearning
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Working my way through this audiobook 😍🥰

I can definitely see where the hype is. I'm really enjoying it so far about 40% done.

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Bookalong
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

4☆ (#gifted)
A wonderful novel about mothers, daughters, writers, romance and the complications of life.
SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE was a book I debating reading for a while. But I ended up devouring it! Full of warmth, humor and romance it is the perfect summer read! So if like me you shy away from romantic story lines, trust me shake it up and give this one a go you won't be dissapointed!

Desha I just finished this one and I normally am not much of a romance reader but I too loved this book! 💗 2y
Bookalong @Desha yay!! Yes I never read romance but this was so much more. 2y
Desha I‘m having “book hangover” from this one…I want a sequel 😆! 2y
Bookalong @Desha I'm hoping for a mini series 🤞🏻 2y
Desha Yes!! That would be 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻! 2y
19 likes5 comments
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WorldsOkayestStepMom
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

Took me a while to get into this book, but the second half was amazing! I flew through the last third of the book in one sitting. I liked the story and loved Eva and Shane. Audre got on my nerves a tiny bit, but pulled it out in the end. I especially love that invisible illnesses got some publicity with this novel as I live with them too.

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Magpiegem
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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I‘m making slow progress on this book not because it isn‘t good, but because it‘s hot hot hot and the sea has been calling! I‘ve even been taking my commute to the next village for my favorite coffee shop by paddle board! And I don‘t think the library would appreciate me taking their book for a dip 😂 my current audio book reads have been fairing better. But the weather has broken this morning, it‘s cool out so back to reading I think!

tyoung2058 I use to kayak but tore my shoulders up, been thinking about a paddle board. I miss the water. 2y
marleed Beautiful pic! 2y
Magpiegem @marleed thank you ☺️ 2y
Magpiegem @tyoung2058 I love it and if it‘s a calm (not windy) day it‘s not difficult to get about on. So it might be a good option. I love being on the water 😊 2y
27 likes4 comments
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MaleficentBookDragon
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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I got these 5 books for $11 in the library bookstore. They have half off books through Saturday.
All are on my #TBR already.
#librarybooksale #bookhaul

squirrelbrain Bargains! ❤️ 2y
marleed Score! 2y
wanderinglynn Awesome haul! 2y
See All 7 Comments
Gissy What a bargain! 📚😍🙌 2y
Bookwormjillk Nice!! 2y
PaperbackPrincess19 Wish all libraries do this 🥺 2y
Avanders Hidden pictures! I love good finds at the library bookstores/sales 😁 2y
78 likes7 comments
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RebL
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Excellent Litsy Made Me book, so thanks to everyone who put this in my feed.
~
As a younger teen, I would become totally absorbed in my mom‘s romance books. Reconnecting with that part of me, especially with a smart, modern story like this, seemed as though it could be healing. But, nope. My shriveled heart rejects that plan. Other stories are calling.

21 likes1 stack add
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Magpiegem
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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I‘ve slipped a disc and I‘m not very mobile, which is rubbish BUT it does mean I get to do Some beach reading whilst hubby and toddler look for crabs this morning 😊

So far I‘m finding this book to be smart, witty and very enjoyable. Perfect beach read.

Soubhiville Oh no, I‘m sorry! Hope you recover quickly. 2y
mcctrish Yikes but beach reading is a silver lining 🙏🏻 I do hope recover quickly 2y
Magpiegem Thank you @Soubhiville & @mcctrish 😊 I‘m on lots of drugs now so it‘s feeling much better! But it was quite nice to have an excuse to sit and read 😂 2y
36 likes3 comments
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MysticFaerie
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

4⭐/5⭐

LoverOfLearning I have this book on hold through Libby! Should be listening to it soon!! 2y
10 likes1 comment
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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Mehso-so

Read for the #SummerHeat buddy read, but also because it sounded interesting and showed up on a list of books by a POC about joy and not trauma. Can I be honest? This didn't feel like joy. Sure, it's not tackling Jim Crow-era racism or slavery, but I found that the MCs, Eva and Shane, just had too many demons in all their baggage to really make this feel like joy.
This is a second-chance romance, told in the present, with sections going back ⬇️

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick to their senior year in high school where they spent one tumultuous week together, bonding over their dubious decisions. While I think these characters are interesting, I never found myself truly rooting for them. Eva's 12 year old daughter Audre was a bit too grown up to be believable, but she added a fun element to some conversations. I appreciate that Eva represented for the people who have invisible disabilities, but again, ⬇️

2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick it seemed to add another element against feeling joyous once added to the list of possible trigger warnings in the book. I prefer my romances steamier and more light-hearted, so take this review with a grain of salt and a shot of tequila.

@Cinfhen @BarbaraBB - June #BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks - #ReadHarder Prompt 4 #AnyGenreByPOCAboutJoyAndNotTrauma - #PopSugar Prompt 18 #RomanceByBIPOCAuthor

2y
TheAromaofBooks Romances that say “A Novel“ on them always seem to be more thematic and less romance-y 😂 2y
49 likes1 stack add3 comments
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DMC_run8
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

Great summer read! Sometimes I just want to read about people who are meant to be together against the odds. 4.5⭐️

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BookwormAHN
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Thanks for the tag @MoonWitch94 😺
1- ✔️
2- 🐉🐲👑🤴🏻👸🏼🧚🏻‍♀️🧝🏻‍♂️🧝🏻‍♀️🦄
3- I'm really need the escapism now.
4- cover art
I tag @Christine @booksellerofyourdiscontent @tracey38
#ThoughtfulThursday

wisherwishinguponastar My 2 and 3 match yours! I didn‘t realize how many awesome fantasy emojis there were until this post! 2y
BookwormAHN @booksellerofyourdiscontent I may have missed a few 🧜🏻‍♀️🧙🏼‍♂️🧞‍♀️ 2y
Christine Somehow I missed this, but thank you for the tag! (At least it's now once again Thursday...😆)
1) If I was tagging from recent reads it would be The Lioness - new to me author and I don't do a ton of historical fiction/suspense/thriller.
2) 🤔💭🧑🪞✍️⏳📆👶➡️👵 (does that even come close to depicting memoir/personal essays? 😂)
3) That genre is my fave bc it strengthens empathy skills.
4) Yup, cover art for me as well.
2y
BookwormAHN @Christine I think those emojis work 😺 2y
31 likes4 comments
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KarenUK
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

Yet again, I‘m late to the #buddyread party😂🤦‍♀️but better late than never. I loved reading everyone‘s comments from Sunday!
For a romance to be successful, all I need is 3 simple things to be right…Am I rooting for the couple to be together? Is the chemistry/banter great? And are the supporting characters fun and/or interesting? And this was a yes, yes and yes! An enjoyable read, perfect for summer. #summerheat
#pop2022 #romancebyabipocauthor

squirrelbrain Fab review! 2y
BarbaraBB So true! 2y
Christine I love your criteria! 2y
51 likes3 comments
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britt_brooke
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A romance author and a literary author, both sparked by their tumultuous whirlwind week together as teens, have been writing to one another through their art. This is a very intense story of lost and found love. Eva‘s daughter Audre, a precocious, intelligent 12 year old, was a brilliant addition. And a h/t to Williams for seamlessly weaving in: POC in publishing, positive co-parenting, non-visible disability, and addiction recovery.

Cinfhen Were you part of our #SummerHeat weekend ?? Check out the discussion questions on @BarbaraBB page (edited) 2y
britt_brooke @Cinfhen No, but I‘ll have to check out the discussion. Thanks! 2y
See All 8 Comments
Cinfhen Lots of mixed thoughts on this book but most did love it 2y
BarbaraBB Such a coincidence you read this book just now! 2y
britt_brooke @BarbaraBB I know! I wish I‘d have participated in your read along, but I‘ve been a bit MIA from Litsy lately. I‘m finally getting caught up on reviews. I‘ll def check out your discussion. 💚 2y
BarbaraBB Please do. To me the various points I‘d view in the discussion added so much to the book! 2y
79 likes1 stack add8 comments
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TheLudicReader
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

First of all, thanks to @BarbaraBB and @Cinfhen for hosting a wonderful #summerheat event. I wasn‘t quite as enamoured with the book as many of my fellow readers were, but it was certainly an easy read. You can read my full review at https://theludicreader.com/2022/06/19/seven-days-in-june-tia-williams/

Cinfhen Thanks so much for participating!!! Loved your comments / they really added to our discussion ❣️ (edited) 2y
34 likes2 comments
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BooksNBowls
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

Okay I enjoyed our #summerheat pick. I love a second-chance romance and the MCs being authors and secretly writing about each other for a decade was super intriguing. This author hit on racial issues in the writing community, mental health, living with an invisible illness, and the affects mothers have on their daughters. A lot of themes packed into this novel and intricately woven together to create these complex characters! 4 stars!!

review
Chelsea.Poole
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Pickpick

Loved this! 🔥 There‘s just something about a teenage connection, drifting apart, and then exploring that again years later. That always gets me in the feels! I‘m not a big romance person or reader but Shane and Eva had me feeling alllll mushy…so intense! A great read to kick off the summer!

#SummerHeat #BuddyRead
Thanks for hosting!

Cinfhen I‘m glad you enjoyed this one…jump over to discussion @BarbaraBB page when you get a chance 💗💗💗 2y
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BarbaraBB
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Final question! #summerheat #buddyread

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TheLudicReader I would call those seven high school days ridiculous. I wanted to be all in on their adult relationship but it was hard to really buy into it once I knew that they spend that week drunk and high and/or passed out/asleep. So, they trauma bonded. Can you build a healthy relationship on that? 2y
Cinfhen Yessssss @TheLudicReader this is where the book lost me. It was NEVER romance or love they shared in HS. That was a very unhealthy situation involving tons of questionable activities and decisions. It bothered me that it was written as if they have this “great love” - 2y
TheBookHippie Romantic no. Forming a lasting memory I can believe. I can even believe the attraction then and now. 2y
TheLudicReader @Cinfhen and, really, this book tries to be more than the sum of its parts…but the parts are so clunky that it was just a ultimately a trashy read and, honestly, I didn‘t think that was what I was getting when I started to read. 😢 2y
BarbaraBB They were very vulnerable at the time and harmed by circumstances. I didn‘t think it was romance but - call me a romantic 🥰 - I like to think their trust and mutual respect at the time built a foundation which they both held close for the years to come. When they met again it was clear at once 💕 2y
TrishB I didn‘t think that was romance, dependence and vulnerability maybe but not healthy. 2y
TheBookHippie @BarbaraBB I can believe romance now after having that experience and being attracted to one another then and now again and giving it a go. Life is messy. White horse man saves woman is more far fetched to me than this story. 2y
Cinfhen An attraction, obsession, lasting memory -YES, YES, YES but a great love, romance?!?? NO!! I understand they were both coming from a vulnerable place @BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie and yes, when you‘re 15/16 these events will affect you deep into your adult years. So I guess I was rooting for them 2y
TheBookHippie @Cinfhen I know a couple like this 14 & 16 had kid one, both come from massive trauma -massive, they‘re 30 & 32 now married- a success story. Out of the 314 teen moms I mentored -this is the only one still with her love. 2y
peaKnit I think it was a pivotal moment in their lives and somehow was responsible for their success. I would not call it romance. It was the start of their recovery in some sense, sadly they almost missed one another and it clearly impacted them deeply. 2y
Cinfhen That‘s so sad @TheBookHippie so are you saying massive trauma tears you apart or holds you together?!?! 2y
Cinfhen Ahh, I like your take on the relationship @peaknit “it was the start of their recovery” I can buy that!! 2y
jenniferw88 I agree with @peaknit 2y
DGRachel I agree with @peaknit 💯 here. What they had in high school was definitely not romantic, but I love the idea that it was the impetus for individual healing. I also loved that they didn‘t fix each other. They did the work on their own and could come together as people who had grown. 2y
Megabooks @TrishB 💯💯 agree with you! Same with you @Cinfhen !! 2y
Megabooks @peaknit I can see what you‘re saying. There‘s something to having a history with people going back to childhood or adolescence. There are pivotal moments in growing up that can‘t be recreated with someone you meet at 30. 2y
peaKnit @DGRachel YES, this. That they healed on their own, found success and came back together with a new story to tell, thank you for mentioning that. I think it is really why this relationship could have a future perhaps (in my imagination anyways lol) (edited) 2y
vlwelser Not sure I buy that it was romantic. But something about that bond seemed to change them both for the better. Like the first time they felt cared about or something. Maybe I'm reading into it too much. 2y
DebinHawaii I agree with @peaknit the start of recovery & maybe finding your “person” only to have it ripped away but not romance/romantic. I was more into the present day scenes than the past. 2y
Bookwormjillk My kid just turned 14 so I had trouble with this part honestly. I only half listened 🙈🙉 2y
BookwormAHN As an adult their hs relationship was definitely not romantic but I can see how to extremely screwed up teenagers could consider it one. I did like their relationship now and seeing how they are handling their demons. 2y
AnneCecilie No, I don‘t find their seven days in HS romantic, but I really like @peaknit way of looking at those days. 2y
BooksNBowls When you‘re in a traumatic situation or circumstance with someone I think it‘s easy to confuse love with something else. Like survival, codependency, lust even. They both needed each other right then, for whatever reason. I definitely preferred their adult chemistry and was happy they were managing to have a healthy relationship with each other. 2y
CarolynM My main problem with the book was that it told us there was an almost instant connection between them & that it magically reappeared the minute they set eyes on each other again. I don‘t believe that. I need to be shown the growing connection as the couple get to know each other. 2y
Chelsea.Poole I‘m surprised at myself but I was all in with their early relationship. I think because I had such an impactful first love that was also rocky, it brought up some things for me. Though there was no trauma at home for us, I can imagine that would make those teenage feelings so much more intense. @vlwelser I think you‘re onto something. *Feeling cared for* 2y
Cinfhen I absolutely agree @BooksNBowls @BookwormAHN @AnneCecilie @Chelsea.Poole that such an INTENSE experience as a teen has a much greater impact moving forward and though that relationship wasn‘t healthy it did connect Shane & Eva to each other. I was glad to see them reunited but like @CarolynM it was a bit too insta. I do think their adult relationship felt more stable. 2y
Cinfhen Honestly who hasn‘t fantasized about being reunited with their HS “love”??? 2y
BarbaraBB @BooksNBowls Very well said! 2y
Chelsea.Poole @Cinfhen right!? Though most of us can see our High school/first loves won‘t work out in relationships as adults, it‘s an irresistible idea and why this book worked well, for me at least. 2y
Vansa My replies are all super late!I didn't find their relationship,either in school or as adults romantic at all,really.Unhealthy codependency and lust when they were young,and as adults I have no idea why they're even attracted to each other-the characters really need therapy to figure out why they haven't grown up.Completely agree with @TheLudicReader,it was a trashy read!Badly needed editing.Also,the writer really doesn't like working class people! 2y
Cinfhen I think there‘s a good argument for both sides of this book, between those who loved it and those like @Vansa who had a more difficult accepting Shane & Eva as destined lovers. I feel somewhere in between. Which is why this was a so-so read for me. (Not a book I‘d recommend) 2y
BarbaraBB @Vansa What made you think that? I have forgotten a lot already about the book but can‘t remember she dislikes working class? 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Their week in high school was not romantic. It was a connection (& perhaps attraction) that they both longed for at that time. It may have led to them healing & becoming better versions of themselves, then romanticizing their time together. As adults, I think they've alienated themselves from others & may feel the pull for now, but I don't see this as a full, healthy HEA. @Cinfhen Thanks to FB, I don't need to see my HS love. I'll pass. 😉 2y
Cinfhen Hahaha 🤣 hilarious @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick !!!!!!! I‘m not on FB but I feel like I may need to do some stalking 👀😂🙌🏻 thanks for joining us!!! 2y
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BarbaraBB
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Question 4 of 5. #summerheat #buddyread

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TheLudicReader Nothing. 🙄 2y
Cinfhen Haha @TheLudicReader I agree, it was just another plot device but I think people who suffer from migraines or have other hidden illnesses would probably say the author did a good job of describing that debilitating pain. 2y
TheLudicReader @Cinfhen you know how you can see all the moving parts of something, this book was like that for me. 2y
TheBookHippie I think it was wonderful to see this. It‘s good to see yourself in a book especially something that is so hard to describe to people. I think it helped form who she is and understand her drive. 2y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen I admit I almost felt the pain. But I also agree with @TheLudicReader that it didn‘t add much to the story 2y
Cinfhen I think the author threw A LOT of hot button topics into the pot and just stirred it all up @TheLudicReader @BarbaraBB @TheBookHippie 2y
TrishB I never got the relevance to the story really. But was good to have a character trying to cope with such issues. 2y
peaKnit I think it may have provided a “good reason” to self medicate as a teen which somehow justified the drug use more than just being an addict? Her issues felt possibly like fibromyalgia and possibly added mental health issues as she was an adult and trying to do all of the things she felt she was expected to do. 2y
DGRachel As someone with chronic migraines, I absolutely loved this element to the book. I think the author did an excellent job of showing the struggles of living with a debilitating but invisible illness and she did it respectfully. I appreciated that so much. 2y
TheLudicReader I think I read in the notes that the author herself suffers from debilitating migraines. 2y
vlwelser There was a lot going on in this book. I think the author was also making a point here. But it adds to the character and makes her more real. 2y
DebinHawaii It might have not been necessary but It made me feel for Eva & for Audre. I think it was good for putting a spotlight on chronic pain & invisible disabilities & the fact that we really don‘t know what many people face everyday because we don‘t see it. 2y
Cinfhen That‘s so true @DebinHawaii I never thought about how her invisible disability effected Audre 2y
BookwormAHN Me and my Mother both suffer from migraines. My Mother's are the chronic kind fortunately mind aren't but they are still nasty and made Eva's very relatable. 2y
BooksNBowls I think the purpose was to give Eva more depth, explain why she got so bad off on the drugs. My mom has rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. It has crippled and blinded her. It‘s absolutely awful. I get bad headaches as well, nothing like what she experiences in the story, but I found myself relating to her a lot. Her feelings, her raw thoughts in the midst of an episode. Maybe Tia wanted to make her relatable to the readers. 2y
Chelsea.Poole Yes, @TheLudicReader I believe the author deals with migraines as well. I thought it added more dimension as @vlwelser mentioned. 2y
BarbaraBB @DebinHawaii You are right, and I think it added to their relationship like @BookwormAHN and @BooksNBowls point out too. I didn‘t think of it that way. Thank you all. 2y
Vansa This was the only bit about the book I liked-Im all for more authentic migraine rep.It disproportionately affects women(which might explain the lack of research into treatment),its easy to dismiss but for the sufferer it's terrible.I get migraines too but not as bad as the ones she gets,luckily.However, people are generally sympathetic-in the beginning of the book,why doesn't she just tell her fans she's suffering??Instead of scoffing at them?(1/2 2y
Vansa (2/2)she's so contemptuous of her fans,calling them pathetic silly women,and that's so strange!Why is she so snooty about what she writes? 2y
Cinfhen Good point @Vansa she definitely had a bad attitude towards her fans 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Clearly the invisible illness is one of two driving forces in Eva's life, so her addiction, parenting style, business interactions...it's all affected by that. I appreciated that the author shed some light on an invisible disease since I don't have direct experience with it, but like @Cinfhen said, it feels like too many ingredients in one pot. @Vansa YES! Those silly fans allow her to live a comfortable life & support her daughter. 2y
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BarbaraBB
Seven Days In June | Tia Williams
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Question 3 of 5. #summerheat #buddyread

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jenniferw88 Yes, but I was relieved when she changed directors etc! Should have been produced by poc in the first place! 2y
BarbaraBB @jenniferw88 I was so relieved when she did. I felt for Eva because she didn‘t really have a choice and had to go along with that stupid idea. 2y
TheLudicReader I think she‘d been sold a bill of goods about how the movie wouldn‘t find an audience if it featured poc actors. Geesh, has no one been watching Bridgerton? 2y
TheBookHippie @jenniferw88 I so agree with you. 2y
TheBookHippie I think this happens so often and it‘s so damaging to everyone. 2y
TrishB @TheLudicReader or Hamilton! 2y
peaKnit Sadly. I understand it, and recognize she was also in a tough spot feeling writers block for the future but wanting to provide well for her daughter. She was willing to sacrifice her autonomy for that. I was happy she gained confidence as she allowed herself to be vulnerable with Shane, and ultimately not just place nice. 2y
Cinfhen OMG!! Exactly @TrishB @TheLudicReader @jenniferw88 @TheBookHippie but I can appreciate how badly Eva wanted her book to be turned into a movie that she was willing to whitewash the characters. I‘m sure it‘s very frustrating for POC to have to see so many characters portrayed only one way/ one color. That‘s definitely the beauty of Hamilton and Bridgerton 2y
DGRachel What they all said.⬆️ 😂 (Sorry I‘m late to the party - I took a nap) 2y
Cinfhen Welcome @DGRachel hope you had a good nap 😘 2y
DebinHawaii I agree—I understand & sympathize with the choice that Eva felt she had to make to get her movie made & was glad Cece came through & got it where it needed to be. I think things have gotten slightly better in the whitewashing with Hamilton, Bridgerton & Jordan Peele with his horror movies but it is definitely still a problem. 2y
vlwelser I think the author was definitely making a point here and message definitely received. The whole idea of it was ridiculous. But you also get the other side with the author/artist tempted by a lot of money and what that brings with it. 2y
Bookwormjillk Like so many others I understand, but am glad she ultimately went another way. 2y
BookwormAHN Okay, so I also get why she played nice but I would have lost my 🤬 mind. 2y
AnneCecilie I can understand Eve and her wish to reach as many as possible with the movie and not be seen as niche. But I‘m glad she didn‘t and found people to make the movie that will be true to her books. 2y
BooksNBowls I think since POC don‘t get as many opportunities, people expect them to just be grateful for what they get and many may actually feel like that themselves and compromise to achieve their “dream” still. Like maybe they feel it‘s better than failing completely. Also once Hollywood deems you “difficult to work for” it‘s really hard to recover from that, especially POC. I‘m glad she touched on this controversial topic. 2y
Chelsea.Poole So difficult, and this book does a great job of showing this issue. Of course authors want their work portrayed on screen in the way they originally imagine it but also want to make money and have a hit. It‘s so wrong that the business churns out whitewashed films. But like others have mentioned above, some recent hits have shown that there‘s hope for change. 2y
Cinfhen Again, agreed @BooksNBowls @Chelsea.Poole @AnneCecilie @BookwormAHN @Bookwormjillk @vlwelser @DebinHawaii another example of how this author added depth to the story. It‘s an unfortunate occurrence that up until recently wasn‘t being addressed. Eva was in a tough spot. 2y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen After reading all the comments I realize too there‘s much more depth to the story than I gave it credit for. 2y
vlwelser @BarbaraBB @Cinfhen She covers a lot of ground for a book that's labelled as "romance". I like that she packed all of this stuff into a normal sized book. 2y
vlwelser And thank you 2 for hosting and picking this book that I maybe wouldn't have read otherwise. 2y
Cinfhen Thanks so much for joining us @vlwelser we enjoyed hearing your thoughts and ideas 💕 2y
Vansa @vlwelser you know,that's quite unfair to romance novels,a lot of them have depth,and cover issues.Beverly Jenkins,Jasmine Guillory,or Courtney Milan as well-one of her heroines has a mother who's a political refugee because of her belief in Falun Gong.ive even read Harlequin category romances where the protagonist was an amputee who's leading her life perfectly well.I would actually say that this book is a lot shallower than most romance novels. 2y
Cinfhen I don‘t think @vlwelser was disparaging “romance” novels @Vansa unfortunately romance novels seem to get an unfair rap and I think a lot of us readers were expecting a “lite” read and this book tackled some heavier topics. I‘m glad to hear that romance novels are tackling more serious topics than the old school dime store paperbacks. 2y
BarbaraBB @Vansa I think @Cinfhen is right. We‘ve been talking a lot about the reputation of “romance” without differentiating between the genre. We learned much more about the genre than we thought on forehand. That‘s what @vlwelser is acknowledging. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I understand how Eva could feel beaten into submission to whitewash her characters but I'm so happy she stayed true to herself and her product. Some fandoms are pissed when an actor doesn't have the exact build or eye color of a book character and they really thought that with 14 books in the series, fans weren't going to lose their shit over the whitewashing?! Like @BooksNBowls said, they wanted to toss her a crumb & be happy about it. 2y
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