Carole´s Monday: Better than a box of chocolate

Author: Emily March

Narrator: Andi Arndt & Jason Clarke

Title: Better than a Box of Chocolates

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story, Novella, Chick Lit

Format: Audiobook

Published: February 3, 2022

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Valentine’s Day has always meant trouble for wedding photographer Ali Lovejoy. All her worst romantic disasters have happened on V-Day, so she’s made a habit of hiding out at home in her pj’s until it’s over. But when her best friend begs her do an engagement photoshoot on the dreaded holiday, Ali reluctantly agrees and travels to the quaint Colorado mountain town of Eternity Springs to help her bestie.

While scouting romantic locations for the shoot, Ali is stunned to encounter a naked man skinny dipping in the hot springs. After the most awkward meeting of her life, she eventually agrees to a Valentine’s date with the sinfully delicious stranger. Is she destined for a fresh new disaster - or will she finally find real love?

Review:

Randomly saw this in Audible and had to check it out esp since it is the season of luuuurrrve. 

Ali Lovejoy hates Valentine's Day because it always meant trouble for her. She has made a habit of hiding out at home in her pjs until it is over. When her BFF begs her to do an engagement photoshoot on the big V Day...she has to say yes. While scouting romantic locations in the quaint Colorado town, she stumbles upon a naked man skinny dipping in the hot springs. After the most awkward meeting of her life, she eventually agrees to Valentine's date with the stranger. 

This was an adorable novella! Two folks who hate V Day come together and have an ironic date on the big day....and of course they fall in love. Very cute. Not a crazy amount of drama and angst which was nice. They talk a lot and they don't jump each other's bones within a page or two. Very sweet and there was some comedy too. 

I did find it a little ridiculous how okay Ali was after being told by his grandma that they were soulmates and would marry by next V Day. I feel that should have freaked her out more. She was a tiny bit but not enough to be realistic. She hadn't even had a date with him yet!! 

Honestly, I think it would have been even better as a full-length novel. I would've loved to spend more time with them. And honestly...learn more about the town. It is small and he has a big family. His grandma can tell the future....how fun is that??? I would've liked to see the rest of his cousins/sibs fall in love too. What a missed opportunity! This could've been a fun family series.

For the narration, we had two different ones. One for Ali's and one for Max. They worked nicely together. I've heard both before so it was a nice surprise to hear them again. 

In the end, this was very sweet, funny, short, and slightly unrealistic This is the perfect V Day read to listen to while you eat some chocolate. The characters and town deserve a series and longer novels. Maybe someday? I'll give this 3 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):

- #10 for Audiobook challenge