Frisky Connections

The Frisky Bean

By: Michelle Mars

Narrated by: Emma Wilder, Joe Arden

She was being a good friend.

Shira Abramson wanted to grab a coffee with her BFF Keren, but when Keren couldn’t make it, she agreed to fill that time slot with someone from the dating app her friend helped to develop. She was game. A dating blogger dates, so why not?

He was being a good CEO.

Aaron Sanders was proud of his team for the job they did on Immedia-Date. Still, what kind of start-up CEO doesn’t test their product themselves? A simple plan turned into the date of his life.

Being together might just be their Hanukkah miracle.

Neither come clean about their occupations for #reasons, but eight dates leave them falling hard. Will the truth destroy what they feel, or will their light burn longer than they could have ever predicted?

This story was previously published in the anthology Eight Kisses.

©2019 Michelle Mars (P)2023 Michelle Mars

Brings a smile to my face!

I love Michelle Mars and her style of writing! This book is not only romantic, but the humor had me laughing out loud throughout the story all while feeling the deep emotional pull to my heart. Summer is co-owner of the Frisky Bean, a coffee shop and bakery. A creative baker, she creates delicious treats with her best friend. Quirky and fun, she has a smile on her face and when Jason comes in to place an order, there is an immediate attraction. Jason is an agent to the stars has popped in to grab some pastries for one of his clients and now he can't get her out of his mind. This instalove story grabbed me from the start. The naming of the treats had me laughing, the undeniable chemistry between Jason and Summer had me yearning and the conflict of Jason's feelings had me frustrated! All the things that create that feeling of I need to know how it all turns out!!! I also loved that Mars incorporated the relevance of getting therapy. So many shy away from this and for this story it truly proves how much it can help. This is a fabulous story and I can't wait to see what she has in store next.

And to enhance this story even more, Joe Arden and Emma Wilder bring it to life! There is nothing I can say about these two that has not already been said. Arden is fantastic as Jason, bringing out his feelings and also holding back! He is a master of emotions. Wilder comes in with all the quirks that make Summer. From her frustration at cooking to her love of baking, she has each perception down to a T. I loved their collaboration and enjoyed the narration.

So adorable!

This novella was adorable set up for the series! As always Emma and Joe hit it out the park! Regardless of what genre they do, it is always so good! This story was so cute and great introduction to some of the characters. I loved the bakery frisky bean! So fun and such a great idea! Excited to do the series!

Perfect holiday insta-love, zero angst story

Story: 8/10
Spice: 1/5
Spice Hierarchy: Open Door
Shira and Aaron try out a new dating app that matches based on interests but also proximity for even just a quick date (not a hook-up variety). They meet at the Frisky Bean, a sexy themed coffee shop with the most amazing names for the treats. Both are instantly attracted to each other and agree to more dates. 8 to be precise. Just like Chanukah.

This was a perfect novella. I loved the audio and humor in the story. My only complaint was wanting more 😩. Now I will be adding the next story to my TBR. Zero angst, insta-love, holiday connections.

Joe Arden and Emma Wilder did a great job bringing Aaron and Shira to live. It was a quick narration, only taking 40 minutes for me, I listen between 1.7x and 2x. I could see myself doing a quick re-listen to get into the holiday spirit.

Sweet and short

This is a sweet and short novella. Due to the shortness I missed hearing about the dates the couple went on so kinda miss out that but overall a sweet story. The narration is good.

Lovely Hanukkah romance!

All the cuteness of a Hanukkah miracle insta-love romance, a sexy themed coffee shop and dating app connection. Shira and Aaron are adorable and perfect for each other. Joe Arden and Emma Wilder’s narrations made it a sweet, fun palate cleansing novella especially since there is zero ansgt. Looking forward to the rest of the series