All Fired Up is a highly entertaining romantic comedy that has two people who decide to stay as nothing more than friends. Of course, even the best laid plans can change. All Fired Up is the first book I’ve read from Dylan Newton and it publishes on May 17.
From The Publisher:
As a successful book publicist, Imani Lewis works night and day to promote her authors. It’s her dream job, but she’s become a total workaholic. So when her grandmother invites her to stay for the summer as she recovers from surgery, Imani happily agrees. But being back in the same small town as her one-night stand may not be quite the relaxing break she envisioned…
Zander Matthews wakes up every day determined to enjoy the present because he knows from his time in the Marines that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. But he’s never gotten over the beautiful woman who blew through town a year ago, then disappeared. And he doesn’t want to be hurt again. So they agree to a deal: he’ll help Imani fix up her grandmother’s house as long as they stay firmly in the friend zone.
Whether it’s repairing tiles in his ceramics studio, dodging nosy neighbors, or soothing the most obnoxious parrot ever, Zander never fails to make Imani laugh. And soon their friendly banter is turning ever flirtier. But since Imani’s stay is temporary and Zander can’t be tied to anything beyond the most tenuous plans, will she be able to handle it when things get all fired up?
Audiobook Review:
All Fired Up is a fun, engaging romantic comedy. The characters are highly likeable and relatable. It was interesting to read how the two protagonists, who have polar opposite views on how they live their lives, eventually get together.
Our experiences in life mould us into who we are today. Imani is a book publicist and workaholic striving to excel in the business world. Zander is more laid back, creates ceramics and lives one day at a time. It was interesting to watch these two find that they have more in common than what initially meets the eye.
Imani has come to town to support her beloved Grandmother, about to have double knee replacement surgeries. Imani takes on the task of cleaning and repairing her Grandmother’s home, preparing it for her return home. She’s also in town for the wedding of her best friend who is marrying Zander’s brother.
Despite the fact this is a romantic comedy, there are some serious topics discussed in the book including PTSD, insomnia, depression, and survivor’s guilt. These issues are handled with sensitivity by the author and provide greater insight into these characters.
I listened to the audiobook version of All Fired Up which was narrated by Emma Love and Max Lloyd-Jones. Their performances were excellent, full of expression and enthusiasm and easy to listen to. I recommend this version of the book to those that appreciate this format.
Providing all the feel-good of a summer with family, friends and falling in love, All Fired Up is a light-hearted, slightly steamy contemporary romance novel that I recommend to those readers who enjoy this genre.
What I Liked:
- The relatable, likeable characters
- The evolution of the relationship between Imani and Zander
- The inclusion of serious topics presented in a sensitive manner.
My Rating:
★★★★☆
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to Hachette Audio, Forever Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
In A New York Minute by Kate Spencer
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
readandreviewit
Great review Jodie! I love a good rom com but what I love even more is when there’s some serious topics in there too as well as likeable characters, and this sounds like it hits the mark! Thank you so much for sharing.
thathappyreader
Thank you! I couldn’t agree more!
Amanda Kay
Great review, Jodie! I’ve been seeing this book around and this review really clarifies what it’s about! Thank you!
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading and commenting Amanda!
Jaya Avendel
This sounds like an excellently-paced book! I love the sounds of the characters, and that there are some sensitive topics handled with care and taste makes this read sound like a balanced book as well. 🙂
thathappyreader
It is a well-balanced book Jaya! Thanks for reading and commenting.☺️
Lauren
This sounds like a read that I would enjoy reading. Thank you for sharing a detailed review.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl x
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading and commenting Lauren!
Fadima Mooneira
This book sounds like a lovely read. And romantic comedy is definitely my genre. Thank you for sharing.
thathappyreader
Thank you for reading Fadima!
Wendy Williams
Nice review, Jodie. I don’t have this one, but it sure looks good.
thathappyreader
Thank you Wendy!
According to Chren
This time of year has us in the mood for more romcoms. Thanks for sharing!
thathappyreader
It is such a fun genre! Thank you for reading!
Her Digital Coffee
I’m looking for a feel-good summer book and this is perfect. I’m happy to hear that the characters are likeable and that there’s also comedy in here. Thank you for sharing your review and for the recommendation!
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading! I hope that you enjoy this book !
ellegracedeveson
This is such a great, in-depth review, thank you so much for sharing it with us. I’m loving the sound of this book and everything it entails. I’m not always a romance kinda person but I do love the sound of their relationship growing! I’ll be checking this out for sure! Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
thathappyreader
Thank you Elle!
The Sunday Post #7: Bring on the Summer Vibes - That Happy Reader
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