Book Smart Kate

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 Audiobook: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 Spice: 🌶️

by Jessica Martin – Many thanks to @prhaudio for the free audiobook! I was so excited that Jessica was the guest author at the inaugural meeting of the romance book club at @purplecouchbookshop and even more excited that she created this magical, Shakespeare-loving little town for us to enjoy.

When literary agent and author Miranda Barnes decides to spend the summer in her hometown of Bard’s Rest to finish her past-due novel, her mom ropes her into helping with the centennial Shakespeare festival in her Shakespeare-obsessed hometown. Now, not only is she trying to finish her book, but she is also directing Twelfth Night and dealing with the aggravating set-building veterinarian, Adam. Adam is also in town for the summer, filling in for his father as the town vet while his dad recovers from surgery, and Miranda HATES him. You’d also hate the guy who dumped you on prom night for your sister. But Adam isn’t the monster she’s made him into in her mind. Even her dog is charmed by him. But can she risk opening her heart up to the man who broke it once before?

If you’ve read any of my reviews, you know that I love quirky small towns, animals that play a role in the story, chaotic best friends, and deep family connections. This book has some of my favorite versions of all of these that I’ve ever read. EVER. The book is hilarious – filled with Shakespeare puns. Miranda’s best friend, Ian, is the friend we all deserve, and the three very different sisters provide many comedic moments. But it also deals with a ton of weighty issues – parents facing illness, the hurt siblings do to each other, risking your heart when you know the pain it could open you up to, and owning the totality of your identity. It was a great book, an excellent audiobook, and the first in a 5-book series!