Audiobook Review: Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Narrator: Em Eldridge

Title: Accomplice to the Villain

Series: Assistant to the Villain #3

Genre: Fantasy, Humor, Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: August 5, 2025

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

REWARD OFFERED: Apprentice to The Villain wanted for treason (light), magical property damage (alleged), and one incident involving a weaponized scone (accurate). Frequently seen with a grumpy frog (crowned, judgmental). Answers to “Evie” or “Stop that.”

Evie Sage didn’t mean to become the right-hand woman to the kingdom’s most terrifying villain. One minute, she was applying for an entry-level position that promised “light paperwork and occasional beheadings,” and the next, she was knee-deep in magical mayhem, murder plots, and an entirely inappropriate crush on her brooding, sharp-jawed, walking disaster of a boss.

Now, with a magical prophecy unraveling, assassins showing up in the break room, and a suspicious amount of frogs wearing crowns, Evie has to figure out how to survive her job without setting the kingdom on fire—or her dignity, which is hanging by a very sarcastic thread.

Being evil-adjacent was never part of the five-year plan. But then again…neither was falling for The Villain.

A magical office comedy with grumpy bosses, snarky frogs, and definitely-not-feelings.

Review:

After the conclusion of the last book, I knew I HAD to continue forth when this was released...I had to. The moment I got this from the library I started reading. 

We continue from where we left off with one big difference. No longer is Evie just an assistant....she is now an accomplice to the Villain. She didn't MEAN to become the right-hand woman to the kingdon's most terrifying villain, but that is just how the cookie crumbles. They are all knee-deep in magical mayhem, saving the world of magic, murder plots, a traitor, love, and paperwork. 

So I read the ebooks of the first two books so it was interesting to get my hands on the audio version of this. I really enjoyed her voices! I enjoyed the ebook and the audio so you know it is a good story and good writing when both are acceptable formats. 

Now...I didn't like this AS much as the other two books. Don't get me wrong, I still was entertained and enjoyed the story. I do feel like this was weighed down by side characters. 

Woah, what? I can hear you asking, "Carole...don't you love a good side character?" I do!!! And I was excited to learn more about the other members of the crew HOWEVER, I felt like we spent TOO much time with them and their romances. Omg everyone is sleeping with everyone in this office. Love the drama, but it was TOO much even for me. 

Other than that, I enjoyed it. Lots of chaos. Lots of magic. Lots of humor. Lots of chemistry. Lots of entertaiment to be had. I honestly feel like there is something for everyone in these books. The romance doesn't really too over too much. The fantasy isn't too heavy. The humor isn't overboard. It's nice. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. Not as much as book 1 or 2, but I still liked it. I want a little (teeny bit) bit less of the crew and focus more on our two mains for the next book. 3 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Evie and the frog

Least Favorite Character(s): Evie's parents

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #39

- Library Love #25

Book Review: Bananapants by Penny Reid

Author: Penny Reid

Title: Bananapants

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Humor

Format: ebook

Pages: 392

Published: August 6, 2024

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Estranged childhood friends unexpectedly reunite under bizarre circumstances and bicker their way to love in this bonkers romantic comedy.

Ava Archer misses her best childhood friend most especially during the month of April. Ask any tax attorney, it's a lonely, grueling time of year. Luckily, Ava has just received a surprising and delectably absurd offer from her posh doppelgänger at work. She must pretend to be the aforementioned posh co-worker for one night at an extremely fancy party; a party so fancy, there exists absolutely no chance anyone will recognize her or suspect her ruse...

Desmond (Des) Sullivan is a thief. And not the heart-of-gold kind. He’s the steal-from-the-rich-and-give-to-the-also-rich-so-he-can-get-paid kind. He does, however, have one firm rule never steal what the target can’t afford to lose. After a brutal falling out with his father, Desmond hasn’t returned to Chicago in over ten years. But when a good friend is swindled and something priceless is stolen, Desmond must return home, both as himself and his thieving alter ego. Infiltrate a dangerous secret society of the world's most elite billionaires while leveraging his estranged father’s resources and not blowing his cover? Sure. No problem. Or it wouldn’t be a problem if Ava Archer hadn’t just walked into the room, wearing a ridiculous wig, speaking with a preposterous accent, and pretending (badly) to be someone she’s not.

Review:

I've had my eye on this since it released last year. I like Penny Reid and this seemed like a fun read!

Here we have Ava and Des. The two were childhood friends, but became estranged and stopped talking. Des is trying to infiltrate a dangerous secret society with the world's most elite billionaires. However, when Ava walks in the room with a bad wig and a bad accent.....he has to intervene. Ava was doing just fine pretending to be her posh co-worker. She still doesn't fully understand why her co-worker needs her to do this, but they look a like and Ava needs this. The reunite under these weird circumstances that will lead to adventure and love. If they don't bicker each other to death.

At first...I really enjoyed this. I was loving the banter and bickering. You could tell they cared about each other, but the past has a funny way of messing up the present. 

Also, I loved that we dealt with mental health in such a good way. It never felt like too much and it felt real. 

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut.....after page 100 (ish)....I just....was done. I skimmed my way through the remaining book. I just couldn't care. What is wrong with me??? Everything was set up nice. A good plot and some good characters. But it just didn't connect for me. 

Am I the problem? This is 2 books in a row that I yawned my way to the end. 

Am I in a slump?

Oh no. 

This just wasn't the book for me. 

2 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): eh

Least Favorite Character(s): meh

 Challenge(s):

- TBR #8 (Do the Hustle)

Audiobook Review: One of Those Flings by Lauren Blakely

Author: Lauren Blakely

Narrator: Full cast

Title: One of Those Flings

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short story, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published: August 31, 2020

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Skyler’s breakup survival plan is simple: Swear off men for a year and celebrate her man cleanse with a solo tropical vacation to Hawaii. Snorkeling, sightseeing, zip lining, and leisurely dinners by the sea are just what the doctor ordered to mend her broken heart.

That is, until she meets a hunky adventure tour guide who makes her want to break all her own rules. Handsome, funny, and exciting, Caleb is by far the hottest local attraction. Will a romantic island fling lead to more heartbreak - or a new beginning?

Review:

Weee! Short story!

Here we follow Caleb and Skyler. They both survived a bad break-up and refuse to date for a while. Skyler decides to take a nice vacation to celebrate her 1 year of single-hood. That is.....until she meets Caleb. Caleb is a tour guide and lives life by the rules. 

So this was a full cast of narrators. It is more like a movie that you can't see and it worked well. Simple and fun. 

It was really short and it was fine. I did want more of an epilogue but it is what it is. 

Cute couple. Fun local. And some humor sprinkled in. It was a nice short. 

Thank you Blodeuedd for the recommendation ;) It was fun. 

3 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Skyler and Caleb

- Least Favorite Character(s): no one. 

 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #23

Audiobook Review: Love, Rebooted by Kathy Summers

Author: Kathy Summers

Narrator: Emily Atack & Stuart Martin

Title: Love, Rebooted

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 20, 2025

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

FRIENDS. RIVALS. LOVERS. Liv’s happy with life in her thirties. She has two cats, one BFF, and no boyfriend, which is just how she likes it. Plus, she loves working at a not-for-profit software company where she can be her authentically autistic self. This is her happy ever after.

But when her beloved firm merges with a repulsive rival, Liv finds herself competing with her sort-of-ex for the top job. Sure, Finn had been Liv’s best friend at university, with his nerdy good looks and their shared love of Tolkien, but there was that one night, their song, and … well, she doesn’t like to talk about it. In fact, she hasn’t thought about him since.

Unlike Finn who is delighted to have Liv back in his life. Could this finally be his chance to rescue their friendship after all these years? But he knows it’s only a matter of time until he wins the job and Liv gets laid off. He hates everything about it, but he’s a single dad with a daughter to support, so losing isn’t an option – not even to his soulmate.

But in the close proximity of a cut-throat corporate world, Finn finds himself falling first and soon his priority becomes breaking down Liv’s barriers. As the pair struggle to keep their professional and personal lives separate, Liv starts to think maybe Finn’s suggestion of a friendship reboot isn’t such a bad idea after all… And as for that funny feeling inside… no, that’s nothing. Nothing at all…

Review:

This sounded like a cute second chance story. Plus that cover is adorable!

Here we follow Liv and Finn. The two were university besties, but after an awkward evening....they stop talking. Years later Liv believes her life is perfect but that comes crashing down when her job merges with another company. She finds herself competing with her sort-of-ex and best friend for the same job. Finn, on the other hand, is delighted to have Liv back in his life so that he can finally save their friendship and maybe have more if she's willing. They are forced to work together through this merger and maybe find something more than just being close proximity co-workers. 

This was so refreshing!! Interesting characters and an interesting situation. They were friends but acted like BF/GF in school. After an awkward kiss and misunderstanding in a message...they fell apart. It was cute seeing their remeet-cute moment. Finn is determined to at least be friends again. Sure he wants more, but he'll take what he can. They are two peas in a pod and his life hasn't been the same without her. She wants more too, but she likes her life the way it is....plus she doesn't like messy and complicated relationships.

The two of them were so charming and entertaining. I loved watching them muddle their way through getting over the past, working through work stuff, working for something more. All the while being nerdy and geeky. The shared love of LOTR was adorable. 

There were SO many layers to this romance that I was worried it would be too much, but it all felt....natural and real. Life is muddy and complex. 

The narrators were so charming and I loved their voices. 

All-in-all, I highly enjoyed this one. I loved how muddy and complex everything was. It took forever for them to find their HEA, but it was well deserved. 

5 stars from me. 

- Favorite Character(s): Finn and Liv

- Least Favorite Character(s): Finn's boss

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #20

Audiobook Review: Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors by Molly Harper

Author: Molly Harper
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors

Series: Jane Jameson #4/Half-Moon Hollow #4

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fiction, Fantasy, Humor
Pages: Audiobook
Published: February 28, 2012
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Just as Jane Jameson's unlife seems to be stabilizing, fate sinks its fangs firmly into her butt. Despite her near-phobia of wedding planning, her no-frills nighttime nuptials to her sexy boyfriend, Gabriel, are coming along smoothly. That is, until she turns a fatally wounded teenage acquaintance, and the Council pronounces her responsible for the newborn vamp until he can control his thirst.

Jane's kitchen barely holds enough Faux Type O to satiate the cute teen's appetite and maintain Gabriel's jealous streak at a slow simmer. As if keeping her hyperactive childe from sucking the blood out of the entire neighbourhood isn't enough to deal with, the persnickety ghost of Jane's newly deceased grandma Ruthie has declared war on the fanged residents of River Oaks. Suddenly choosing monogrammed cocktail napkins and a cake she can't even eat seems downright relaxing in comparison.

Tensions inside the house are growing...and outside, a sinister force is aiming a stake straight for the center of Gabriel's heart. Most brides just have to worry about choosing the right dress, but Jane fears that, at this rate, she'll never make it down the aisle for the wedding all nice girls dream of...

Review: 

Been slowly....SLOWLY going through this series. Not because it isn't good, but....you know how it goes. So many books, so little life. 

We are back at it with Jane trying to make her way through her new vamp-y life. Her and Gabriel are starting wedding planning and things seem to be going A-OK. No baddies trying to kill them....she's getting along with the majority of her family.....her friends are happy and safe.....the bookstore is making a profit. Everything comes crashing down when she saves a fatally wounded teenager she knows by turning him. On top of taking care of this newbie vamp, she has to deal with her grandma's ghost wrecking havoc, and someone wanting revenge. Will she and Gabriel make it to the wedding day in one piece?

This is the last of the series! *cries* I love Jane! I'm happy that this isn't the last in this world so that helps my heartache a bit, but will we see Jane again? Who knows (if you know please say yes). 

I actually warmed up to Gabriel here. Weeeee! Do I think Jane can do better? Yes, but maybe I'm a protective mama bear to my Jane. But yes, I've forgiven him and I like him. It's taken 4 books, but I'm here and ready for the wedding. 

I warmed up to Jane's sister too. OMG. I was shocked that she was actually cool and they are friends now.

Grandma Ruthie (slight spoiler if you didn't read the summary) is now a ghost and still a dang B word. Poor Jane.

Honestly....I think this was my favorite book out of all 4. Yes, no think, it was. I really enjoyed this and I never wanted it to end. I loved seeing a lot of strings of story get nicely tied up. The author did leave a little room if she ever wanted to add more to this series, but it was nicely done. I'm curious to see what is going to happen with what Dick did (won't spoil this...it's a twist and surprise). Maybe we'll see that event in a different book in the world. OoooOOooooo

The narrator is fantastic as always. I could listen to her forever. She is great and knows how to really bring these characters to life. Even the dudes!!! She is one of my favorite lady voices. 

All-in-all, the series was a lot of fun. This was my favorite book of the series and I want to re-listen to it someday. Funny, fun, adorable, great. Weeee. 5 stars. 

- Favorite character(s): Jane and Dick

- Least favorite character(s): Grandma Ruthie

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #2

- Romance Reading Challenge #2 (Shirtless Man on cover)

Book Review: The Answer is No by Fredrik Backman

Author: Fredrik Backman

Title: The Answer is No

Genre: Short story, Novella, Humor, Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 68

Expected publication December 1, 2024

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

In a hilarious short story from New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman, the absurdities of modern life cause one man’s solitary world to spin suddenly, and comically, out of control.

Lucas knows the perfect night entails just three things: video games, wine, and pad thai. Peanuts are a must! Other people? Not so much. Why complicate things when he’s happy alone?

Then one day the apartment board, a vexing trio of authority, rings his doorbell. And Lucas’s solitude takes a startling hike. They demand to see his frying pan. Someone left one next to the recycling room overnight, and instead of removing the errant object, as Lucas suggests, they insist on finding the guilty party. But their plan backfires. Colossally.

Review:

When I seen this was available I knew I had to grab it. I had enjoyed a previous book by this author and I love a good novella!

Lucas just wants to be alone. He has the perfect life.......video games, wine, pad thai, and no people. Being alone is great. It is all to come crumbling down thanks to a frying pan. The apartment board is pissed and is on a manhunt. They are on the hunt for the person who left a frying pan next to the recycling room. Somehow Lucas is dragged into the fray. 

This made me want Thai food really, really bad while reading. LOL And maybe a cup of wine. 

Lucas is just a sweet bean. He loves his solitude and quiet. He is truly happy, but it is all destroyed when people keep barging into his life and his apartment over a silly frying pan. Things escalate when more objects start appearing. 

This was funny and frustrating. I could feel Lucas' pain. I would be pissed!!!! Like leave me alone guys. 

The ending was adorable and very fitting. 

All-in-all, this was a little gem. It was a quick, but a entertaining read. 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Entertaining

Book Review: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Title: Assistant to the Villain

Series: Assistant to the Villain #1

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Humor, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 425

Published: August 29, 2023

Where I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

ASSISTANT WANTED : Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem, terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer—naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie .

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain—and his entire nefarious empire—out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.

After all, a good job is hard to find.

Review:

A friend of mine highly suggested this and I had seen a couple of reviews on this and I knew I had to give it a try. 

Here we follow Evie and The Villain. Evie needs a job to support her family and after a mishap...she finds herself with a job as an assistant to the Villain. After a few months of working with him, she is starting to develop a crush on him. But he is evil and does evil things BUT he pays really well. Confliction for sure. The Villain finds that he needs help so he can't resist offering an assistant role to Evie. He now will need her help figuring out who is sabotaging his work. He has plans and he can't have it go up in flames now. So he needs to find the person and ignore his growing feelings for Evie. 

I'll admit.......I struggled HARDCORE at the beginning. It felt like a chore reading this at times. However, after a certain explosive scene, the book finally got it's hooks into me. I didn't want to stop reading. I would find myself reading way past my bedtime. 

Evie was a sweetie and The Villain was evil but there is a heart in that chest still. You especially feel for him and turn to his side when you find out his origin story. F that King!!!! Let the whole kingdom burn!!!!

I'm glad the romance wasn't the central part of the story and there wasn't a lot of spiciness here. There is pining and obvious attraction, but there are things to do and evilness to spread.  

I do wish the worldbuilding was better. I couldn't remember a thing about this fantasy world. Maybe we'll see more in book 2. I want to know more pleasssseeee!

The ending pissed me off. HOW CAN YOU LEAVE ME LIKE THIS? >_> It leaves us with a super cliff-hanger. GAH. 

All-in-all, I did like this. The beginning was ROUGH for me, but I eventually found myself needing to read this late into the night. The characters are all fun. I do want more world-building and I'm not amused with the ending right now. I can't wait to read book 2. 3 stars from me. 

 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Amusing

Challenge(s):

- Library Love #29

Audiobook Review: Battle Royal by Lucy Parker

Author: Lucy Parker

Narrator: Billie Fulford-Brown

Title: Battle Royal

Series: Palace Insiders #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published: August 17, 2021

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Ready…

Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, colorful creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere, the hottest pastry chef in London. When her glittery unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has managed to use her fame to help fulfill her dream of opening a bakery, Sugar Fair. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess.

Set…

Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite baker, the go-to for sweet-toothed A-List celebrities, and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that the irksome Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can’t stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple.

Match…

When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they’re both determined to come out on top.

The bride adores Sylvie’s quirky style. The palace wants Dominic’s classic perfection.

In this royal battle, can there be room for two?

Review:

Found this one randomly while looking for a cover with food on it (yes, yes for a reading challenge not because I'm chonky). This sounded divine so why not?

Here we have Dominic and Sylvie. The two share a love of baking, but everything about them couldn't be more different. Dominic is grumpy and professional. He wants perfection and clean lines. Sylvie is spunky and loves colors and trying new things. The two originally met while Sylvie was a contestant on a baking show and Dominic was a judge. After a...mishap, Dominic voted Sylvie off the show. Sylvie may have lost the crown but she truly made something of herself and her baking skills. Now the two are butted up against each other when Princess Rose is getting married. The bride wants something fun, but the palace wants classic. Can there be room for both?

This was amusing to be sure. 

I liked Sylvie a lot. She is adorable and I would hire her to make my cake! Also, I want her to be my friend!!!! Dominic.........well..............I didn't like him. Once you get his backstory and understand him more, you might warm up to him a bit. I did end up warming up to him by the very end but the whole time I was just rolling my eyes. DON'T GET ME WRONG. I loooove grumpy lads (look at my hubby - he is the King of the Grumps), but Dominic was just plain mean sometimes. He just rubbed me the wrong way. 

Dominic's sister, Pet, was a delight. I wonder if she gets a book? *researches* Yayy! Her's is the next and now I'm super excited! Eeeee! 

I did enjoy the little side stories like Princess Rose and her guy. They were sweet. 

This had some humor, but I wouldn't place this in the humor category. Drama, romance, and a sprinkle of humor. Which fair enough. Sometimes TOO much humor can ruin a nice plot. 

The narrator was good. New to me. Her girl voices started to blend together a bit if I wasn't 100% focused. There were a couple of times I had to rewind because I was confused. Like I thought Pet was talking to Dominic...and then she said something sexy and I was like, "WHAT?" And then I realized Pet left the room and it was Sylvie. 

All-in-all, this was delightful. A sprinkle of humor with some nice characters and a cute romance. I wasn't a fan of Dominic's until the end (Sylvie deserves a King) but my heart did melt a tiny bit for him and I finally understood it. Maybe he'll be better in book 2 when we see him as a side character. ;) I'll give this 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Peachy

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #44

- Library Love #24

- Romance Reading Challenge #24 (Food on cover)

Audiobook Review: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Author: Fredrik Backman

Narrator: Marin Ireland

Title: Anxious People

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published: April 25, 2019

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Looking at real estate isn't usually a life-or-death situation, but an apartment open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes a group of strangers hostage. The captives include a recently retired couple who relentlessly hunt down fixer-uppers to avoid the painful truth that they can't fix up their own marriage. There's a wealthy banker who has been too busy making money to care about anyone else and a young couple who are about to have their first child but can't seem to agree on anything, from where they want to live to how they met in the first place. Add to the mix an eighty-seven-year-old woman who has lived long enough not to be afraid of someone waving a gun in her face, a flustered but still-ready-to-make-a-deal real estate agent, and a mystery man who has locked himself in the apartment's only bathroom, and you've got the worst group of hostages in the world.

Each of them carries a lifetime of grievances, hurts, secrets, and passions that are ready to boil over. None of them is entirely who they appear to be. And all of them—the bank robber included—desperately crave some sort of rescue. As the authorities and the media surround the premises, these reluctant allies will reveal surprising truths about themselves and set in a motion a chain of events so unexpected that even they can hardly explain what happens next.

Humorous, compassionate, and wise, Anxious People is an ingeniously constructed story about the enduring power of friendship, forgiveness, and hope—the things that save us, even in the most anxious of times.

Review:

This was selected for book club and it was new to me. Sounds like something I would be entertained by so I was extra excited. 

Here we find ourselves with a huge cast of characters. These people are being held hostage by a bank robber is not at all good at being a bank robber. The captives include a recently retired couple who are avoiding their issues, a wealthy banker who is having regrets, a young couple about to become parents, an 87 year-old lonely lady, a nervous real estate agent, and a mystery man who locked himself in the bathroom. They all have a lifetime of grievances, hurts, secrets, anxiety, and wanting to be rescued from their lives. As the authorities and media surround the premises these allies will set in a motion a chain of events that can change all of their lives. 

This, just like it's characters, was everywhere. We get to learn about all of these characters and their ties. Even two of the main cops on the scene who are father and son.

There is sadness and humor here. Sometimes the humor was sprinkled on a BIT too much for the situation at hand, but it was nice having the humor because life is like that. There is humor even amongst the sadness. However.....there were times I felt awkward because it was a bit too much. 

Everyone here is an idiot, lovable, but an idiot. It was a bit much at times and YES I get why. 

I really, really enjoyed it even with the idiots and the over-sprinkled humor parts. So many amazing life lessons here. This is a people story overall and I really did enjoy it. I'm curious about the TV show. I'm sure I'll watch it now that enjoyed the book. 

Now, I did end up doing the audiobook. Originally I was going to read the ebook, but something made me click audio instead. The narrator was fantastic. Her array of voices was nice and it felt like the majority of everyone had their own voice. A couple sounded similar, but overall, wonderful performance. 

This is for sure a must-read if you like a good people story with a cast of characters. There is a lot of lessons and some humor mixed in. 

I'll stamp this with 4 stars. As I mentioned....sometimes the humor was a touch heavy in parts. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Witty

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #31

Audiobook Review: The Set Up by Falguni Kothari

Author: Falguni Kothari

Narrator: Soneela Nankani & Vikas Adam

Title: The Set Up

Genre: Novella, Contemporary Romance, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published: February 11, 2021

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

A perfect disaster - or a perfect match? Find out in this heartfelt rom-com novella....

"Just three dates. That's all I'm asking. One boy shares your sense of humor. Another has similar interests and ideals. The third boy has a helpful heart like yours."

When Aditi Gupta comes home late from work as a pediatric resident one night and her grandfather offers this pitch, she reluctantly agrees. She's far too busy with med school to be dating, and besides, she dreams of a love for the ages, like her parents, not an arranged marriage. And yet she finds herself agreeing to three dates because she loves her grandfather. All she has to do is make herself utterly ineligible and problem solved!

And sure enough her first date with the disgustingly handsome and intriguing Krishna Lal goes exactly as planned: not well! But then the second date comes around and Aditi finds that there is more at stake than just three bad dates. Suddenly, her heart is on the line, and maybe her grandfather's, too.

Review:

Randomly found this while looking for something else. I seen the cover and was all "Awww" and then I seen who one of the narrators were and I had ZERO choice but to download this freebie and get started right away. Vikas Adam is a gem!

Here we have Aditi and Krishna who both, reluctantly, agree to go on three blind dates. Jokes on them....all three dates are with each other. The first date goes terribly. There is a lust there, but there is NO way the two of them will get through all three dates with their sanity in tact.

This was cute and adorable and I loved it. 

I LOVED the twist. I won't spoil it, but it was very sweet and added a little extra adorableness to the story. 

Sadly, the ending left me..........feeling teased. I wanted more. I wish there had been an epilogue. This couple does have some things to work through...like the fact that Krishna is meh about marriage. Big flag and hurdle there. We needed more 100%. 

Awwww the narrators are perfection!

In the end, I did like this a lot. Very cute couple. Some humor mixed in just made it better. Oh! And that twist was a cherry-on-top. Loved it. I am bummed that the ending didn't feel complete. We needed an epilogue. Besides that, this was adorable and quick to listen to. Nice for a rainy day.

I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Sweet

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #18

Audiobook Review: Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Author: Lyssa Kay Adams

Narrator: Andrew Eiden

Title: Crazy Stupid Bromance

Series: Bromance Book Club #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Humor, & Fiction

Format: Audiobook

Published:  October 27, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Alexis Carlisle and her cat café, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef’s sexual harassment. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, the last thing Alexis expects is for the woman to claim they’re sisters. Unsure what to do, Alexis turns to the only man she trusts—her best friend, Noah Logan.

Computer genius Noah left his rebellious teenage hacker past behind to become a computer security expert. Now he only uses his old skills for the right cause. But Noah’s got a secret: He’s madly in love with Alexis. When she asks for his help, he wonders if the timing will ever be right to confess his crush.

Noah’s pals in The Bromance Book Club are more than willing to share their beloved “manuals” to help him go from bud to boyfriend. But he must decide if telling the truth is worth risking the best friendship he’s ever had.

Review:

Yayy! With this book I have completed the Reading Romance Challenge! YAYYYYY! *throws confetti* 

Here we follow Alexis and Noah. Alexis and her cat cafe, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef. She was sexually harassed along with so many other women who were just trying to make something of themselves. Alexis has taken this in stride and has become a beacon of moving forward. So many women have come to her to help move forward with their lives. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, Alexis assumes it is another victim, but what this woman claims that she and Alexis are sisters who share a father. Alexis never knew her father! Of course, she turns to her best friend, Noah, for comfort. Noah is a computer genius. He once was an angry teen who loved hacking, but he left that behind and has become a successful computer security expert. Both Noah and Alexis want more, but they don't want to ruin their friendship. Enter in the Bromance Book Club to save the day. 

I will advise at least reading book 2 before diving into this bad boy. In a perfect world, read the first book too. 

Honestly? I'm really, really liking this series. I think this book really cemented that fact. To be honest........I think this is my favorite of the series so far. I have a couple left to get through soooo we shall see. 

Awwwwwwwwwww I loved Alexis (which I knew that from the previous book) and I liked Noah a lot once I got to know him. They are both gems and deserve all the love and all the happiness life can give them!!!!

I loved seeing them be friends and then eventually more. It wasn't an easy change, but once they were open and honest and TALKED they fell into the love mode really easy. Of course, there will be some drama that will test their new love. Past trauma certainly can destroy things. I'm glad that, with their friends and family, they were able to move forward. 

The author did a wonderful job balancing the romance element with all the real feelings and issues and STILL has a nice sprinkle of humor on top of it all. It felt....real. Was everything magically fixed? No. Is everything perfect? No. But love can conquer all. Not just romantic love between Alexis and Noah, but between their families and friends. BEAUtiFUL.

The narrator was amazing. I'm glad he's doing the rest of the series!!!! He is a gem and his voices are in my head. I can't imagine anyone else doing these people.

All-in-all, this was the best of the series so far. I can't WAIT to get started on the next one! The next one is FINALLY Vlad the Russian. Eeek. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #53 for Audiobook challenge

- #25 for Romance Reading Challenge - Animal on the cover (yayy all done)

Book Review: Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper

Author: Molly Harper

Title: Sweet Tea and Sympathy

Series: Southern Eclectic #1

Genre: Chick LIt, Humor, Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 307

Published: November 21, 2017

Where I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

Type-A Margot Cary is the leading event planner for the crème de la crème of Chicago high society. No request is too extravagant for her to execute with trademark perfection. That is, until an unfortunate incident involving a shrimp tower, live flamingos, and a shellfish allergy puts her on the black list of the rich and social and out of a job. With the lights about to be shut off in the trendy condo she can no longer afford, and her savings account dwindling, Margot’s situation is near to desperate.

In steps her birth father’s side of the family (who she’s never met), the McCreadys…the McCreadys of the McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop in small town Georgia—and as luck would have it, they’re looking for an event planner and don’t care about her reputation among the A-list crowd. As Margot tackles small town life—where everyone knows everything about everyone—and builds a relationship with a father who she’d never known, she discovers the comforts that community, a rather large extended family, and a rugged, unpretentious country man can offer...

Review:

I adore this author. Her books are so much fun so I couldn't resist checking this one out!

Margot Cary had it all...she was the leading event planner for Chicago high society. She was good...no great at her job. However, things fall apart after an unfortunate incident involving a shrimp tower, live flamingos, and a shellfish allergy that puts her on the blacklist of the rich...so she is out of a job. With no job, no money, and about to lose her home...she is desperate. In steps in her birth father's side of the family to help. She has never met them. They bring her in to work at their McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop in a small town in Georgia. She accepts, but soon she'll discover small-town life isn't for the weak-hearted and a rugged, unpretentious countryman....

Okay....I did not like Margot. There...I said it. It's been bugging me and feels nice to get it off my chest.

She is just so unlikeable. When she gets there she is just rude and snippy and whiney. Sure she is struggling with the whole losing-her-dream-job thing and being abandoned by her dad. I GET it for sure. I can understand her sadness and pain...but OMG was she a broken record. There were some parts I had to skim over because I couldn't handle her.  

This family literally has been nothing but nice to her. Brought her over, got her a gig, a home, and been very understanding. Literally, everything was just handed to her. Yes, the townsfolk were unsure about her (with reason) at first and judgy. It's a small-tight-knit-town. What did you really expect Margot??????

But yesss Margot just annoyed me. She DOES get a touch better as the story goes on, but it's hard for me to like her even when she got better.  

Man...I wish I had liked Margot more so I could've enjoyed the story more. There are so many people who gushed about this on Goodreads and I'm just the grumpy toad over here. Oh no! I'm turning into Margot!!!!

*mutters to self to think of the things I liked*

Loved the rest of the town and cast though. They were fun. 

I want to read book 2 since it is about Frankie! Loveedddd her! Can't wait. 

Kyle was a hunk. I liked that it was a slow burn and a sweet romance. I loved watching them become friends and then more. I could actually slightly tolerate her then. 

The humor was there still so that was nice. Molly Harper sure does know how to write a cute romance with humor mixed in!

Overall, I had some major issues....mainly just my feelings for Margot....but this had its moments. Between a cute romance and some funny parts, I was able to finish this. I even warmed up SLIGHTLY to Margot by the end. This is a fun town and I can't wait to read book 2 which is about Frankie! 2 stars from me. 

Reading Challenge(s):

- #1 of Romance Reading Challenge (Borrowed from library) - yes, yes I know I posted #2 before this one. Whoops LOL.