Nerdplay by Annabel Chase (Oct 2, 2025) Thank you, @simonmaverickaudio for the free advanced listening copy! #simonmaverickaudio
Cricket Abernathy is the third generation owner of a camp in the Poconos which welcomes kids throughout the summer. However, under Cricket’s ownership, she’s added a special two-week adult “nerd camp” to start the season and those who loyally attend each year have become some of her best friends. Keeping the camp financially solvent is definitely a challenge but it is in Cricket’s DNA and she’d never let go of it.
But Charles Owen Frederick Thorpe IV, Esquire (seriously, that’s his name) has a client who wants that land and his promotion to partner hinges on him closing the deal. Cricket has said no and won’t discuss it, so he does the only thing he can think of to continue to make his case – he registers for nerd camp. Which is how Charles and his Gucci loafers find themselves playing Lord of the Rings ring toss, foam arrow battles, video games, and every nerdy thing under the sun. The thing is, while Charles is snooping around trying to figure out an angle to get her to sell, he’s also having the best time. And Cricket is serving up some hard truths that make him question his priorities.
The way I laughed all the way through this book – it is absolutely NERD-TASTIC! The found family of the campers and tender way that Cricket helps everyone build confidence in themselves, how Charlie’s life is shaken to the core by two weeks of self-discovery, and how a terrifying Chucky doll, a flying Sugar Glider, a yorkie named Chewey bring a little magic everywhere. From heartfelt moments to hilarious hijinks it is such a fun ride. If you love found family, opposites-attract chemistry, and a dose of delightful chaos, this one will win you over.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Anderson Foster do a great job in the dual narration of this dual POV book and pull of the humor and warmly embraced dorkiness of this book. You’re definitely going to want to grab this one on audio! (10h)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🔥 Spice: Closed Door
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