Author Christina Funera pens another FANTASTIC whirlwind contemporary romance novel!
You can find more on author Christina Funera down below my book tease!
Book Rating: 5 cups of coffee
This book made me want to hop on the next plane to Italy (if only)!
Christina Funera delivers a modern day contemporary romance that doesn't hesititate to throw us into the relatable struggle of trying to find a job that pays the bills, and doesn't suck the soul out of your skull.
Easier said than done, especially for our protagonist, Amanda.
While Amanda has a supportive best friend, Melissa, her best friend also doesn't hesistate to dole out some tough love for our protagonist who is at her wits end with her condescending boss.
“If you want something in life, go grab and take it! Don’t sit around and wait for it to happen!” Melissa forces my attention
Funera Chapter 1: Blame
While this may come across as a bit harsh, Melissa knows her best friend, and this spurs Amanda on to take the reins of her own life, something that can be so hard to do when you feel like you've run out of options.
Funera does a great job painting a picture of what our protagonist feels in regards to this new sense of empowerment. Especially when it comes to pursuing her dream of going to Italy to teach, and approaching the new, handsome stranger in the cafe.
“Maybe I’m moving too fast, maybe this is all too much to think about right now, maybe it will all come to me at one time, I don’t really know, but this will happen for me!”[Amanda said]
Funera Chapter 1: Blame
As fortold Amanda doesn't get one, but two opportunities of a lifetime, but they conflict!
Amanda sees the man from across the cafe, and what I love about Funera's story is that she pursues him! It is so refereshing to see a female main character be the one to take point, and to see her thoughts and feelings about how she feels about pursuing him.
“I am going crazy, crazy over this guy that I have no idea of who he even is.” I’m starting to get upset....
Funera chapter 2: Brief Encounter
I didn't expect for our protagonist to meet our doting, handsome love interest so early into the book, but I'm so glad we did!
Funera writes a compelling love interest who not only shows an interest in Amanda's interest and her well-being, but she also doesn't make him some perfect, untouchable man either. In fact, he is courteous and outgoing.
He asks, “Do you mind if I have a seat here?” Shockingly my lips said “Please do!”
Just the relatable way that Funera writes dialogue is also refreshing. A lot of times in life. we catch ourselves saying things that we didn't even intend to say!
Yet of course, just like in life, when it rains it pours, and sometimes that means terrible things, and sometimes that means two great conflicting things happening at once.
Because once she meets the man of her dreams, she finally gets the job in Italy.
“Should I tell him that I’ve decided to take a job in Italy?”...I decided to tell him some other time.
Fumero Chapter 4: Moving to Italy.
As we see here, Amanda is hesitant to tell Antonio about her new job opportunity in Italy.
We can all understand why, we all have been in a position in a budding relationship where we are hesistant to tell that person something important about ourselves. Especially something important that would jeopardize their new relationship, but would benefit them.
I could relate to this because in many romantic movies and stories, the woman must choose between her career and her love, and so many times, the woman has to put her career on hold, or change it altogether for her love interest.
And when she finally musters the courage to tell him, his response doesn't give her a lot of reassurance.
“I’m moving to Italy!” I said…..Antonio became silent, he didn't say anything after mentioning it to him.
Funera Chapter 5: The moment of Truth
When he brushes off her announcement, many would fear the worst, and overthink what could possibly happen between them.
Yet, Fumero again delivers another twist. We expect there to be a conflict here, that the love interest may dissuade her from taking her new job in Italy, or perhaps just keep avoiding the topic and just 'live in the moment'. However, Fumero carefully crafts a love interest that supports our main charcter, Amanda in her dream job.
When she is struck with nerves about confronting her abusive boss about quitting her excecutive assistant job, he tells her this:
“You gotta do what you gotta do. This is your life, no one else’s.”
Funera Chapter 6: Wrong or Right
He of course includes himself with this statement. He supports her going out to achieve her dream, and even helps her navigate the confusing process of getting a passport expedited. (As an expat myself, this sometimes is NOT an easy feat) and she is of course above and beyond appreciative.
I am just above and beyond impressed with the maturity and the love that is given to the characters in this story.
Additionally, it's a story that fills me with hope for the future in a time when we are innundated with so many horrible stories on the news, coupled with mounting struggles in our own daily lives.
This grounded, yet whimsical story of one woman believing in herself and trusting someone else who is worthy of her trust is like a warm embrace on a chilly day.
“Trust me. I will get us there, you don’t need to worry about anything.”
Funera Chapter 7: We Made Love
Yet of course, things are not smooth as silk. A shadowy figure, named Devin, picks and pesters our main character at the height of when she she is about to get everything she ever dreamed of acheiving.
My phone was ringing off the hook, then I decided to shut my ringer off for a while. I’m not sure why Devin keeps calling me.
Funera Chapter 10: He Asked me the Question
I cannot gush enough about how filled with happines and excitement this romance novel made me feel!
Fumero gives us levity, light, and fun in a time where we all so so desprately need some, and I AM HERE FOR IT.
I still have so many questions though.
What will happen when Amanda goes to Italy?
Who is Antonio really, and how is it that he is able to help her so much?
Just what is Devin up to?
How will Amanda navigate a new job in a new country, with her budding relationship with Antonio, along with Devin's scheming?
Pause your Netflix Binge and start reading 'Her Billionaire: The Executive' on either Webnovel, Dreame, or iReader.
Now, what you've all been waiting for, the exclusive interview with Author Christina Funera!
1) Which part of your book was the most fun to write?
The part of my book that was the most fun was when I had to come up with the twist about Antonio’s x-wife
2) What do you find is the most difficult part of being an indie author?
I find it the most difficult to find new audiences.
3) What piece of advice do you have for indie authors looking to either self-publish or to try to strike out on their own?
My advice to any author is to keep at it and don’t give up.
About the Author:
I live in New Castle, Pennsylvania. I’ve always loved to write. Since I was 13 years old. I have a bachelors degree in English/Creative writing with a concentration in Screenwriting. I also do background acting and I worked on set of four movies. I love to write for my audience. When I see they love my books, they inspire me to write more.
Author Christina Funera is also working on launching a new novel soon titled
Royally: Submitting to My CEO which will be released soon!
Thank you for reading, and as always, Embrace the Paper Hurricane!