Sidetracked

The Busy Bean

By: R.L. Kenderson

Narrated by: Tanya Eby, Aiden Snow

"Sometimes, not knowing where you're going will lead you to where you need to be."

Charli: My workplace eliminated my position the same month my relationship ended. With nothing keeping me in Richmond, Virginia, I get in my car and head northeast, unsure of where I'll end up. Until I walk into The Busy Bean Cafe.

With the Help Wanted sign and the quote on the wall meant for me, I know I've found my new home.

Gabe: I gave up my executive job in Boston to come home to help run my family's hardware store and to open my own handcrafted furniture business. I have specific plans for my life. Those plans don't include the coffee shop's new flighty barista even if she is cute as hell.

But when I become Charli's landlord, I find it harder than ever to stay away from her. And soon, I don't want to.

Contains mature themes.

©2021 R. L. Kenderson (P)2022 Tantor

Felt a little rushed

This story felt a little rushed. It didn't seem like I had a good sense of the characters before the inevitable happened. Otherwise I did enjoy it enough to recommend it to others.

Great characters

So overall I really enjoyed this story. The female lead especially. she was extremely down to earth and relatable. The narration was perfect from both narrators. love them both, really made the story! The chemistry was there! My only complaint is that the story felt a bit rushed. i also wish we could have had more time with the main characters and their unexpected situation.

Humor

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the narration so much! I think Aiden Snow’s voice is amazing!! Highly recommend.

More jerky-sunshine than grumpy-sunshine

It’s a good thing this was a fast moving novella because it made it easier to forgive Gabe for being such a jerk (he rallies eventually, although apologies and grand gestures clearly weren’t his strong suit). Charli being sunny, level-headed, and capable also made this a romance to get behind.

For some reason, I thought this was a cozy, but when the few F bombs and spice dropped, I recalibrated. I liked the chemistry, naught bits, and the family elements (Gabe, his brother and their father deal with Alzheimer’s in addition to the family business). It was solid enough for me to seek other works by this author.