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Work for It #7
Smart Move
Ivy Lunden is Team Keep Things Casual…
I am Toby Azumah’s opposite in every way. I’m a pessimist; he’s an optimist. I’m into art; he’s into sports. Still, I’m highly entertained by our flirtationship.
When he finally talks me into a date, everything goes wrong. Chaos descends on my orderly life when my mother falls and needs nearly round-the-clock care. Add in my nosy neighbor, and my peace of mind has been turned inside out.
When Toby, Mr. Best-Case Scenario himself, offers to help, I’m skeptical. A relationship with him would only make things more chaotic, right? Or maybe Toby is the real deal, and giving him a chance is a smart move after all.
Toby Azumah is Team Happily Ever After…
I’ve wanted to take the mysterious, beautiful Ivy Lunden to dinner ever since we met, and I’m confident she just needs a little time to warm up to the idea of us. But nothing goes according to my daydreams.
Despite a no-show date, some flirty texts, and the fierce ways she protects herself and her mom, I see through the chaos and smoke to the real Ivy. The Ivy she rarely shows to the world.
How can I convince her I’m making the smart move and playing for keeps?
‘Smart Move’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #7 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
I am Toby Azumah’s opposite in every way. I’m a pessimist; he’s an optimist. I’m into art; he’s into sports. Still, I’m highly entertained by our flirtationship.
When he finally talks me into a date, everything goes wrong. Chaos descends on my orderly life when my mother falls and needs nearly round-the-clock care. Add in my nosy neighbor, and my peace of mind has been turned inside out.
When Toby, Mr. Best-Case Scenario himself, offers to help, I’m skeptical. A relationship with him would only make things more chaotic, right? Or maybe Toby is the real deal, and giving him a chance is a smart move after all.
Toby Azumah is Team Happily Ever After…
I’ve wanted to take the mysterious, beautiful Ivy Lunden to dinner ever since we met, and I’m confident she just needs a little time to warm up to the idea of us. But nothing goes according to my daydreams.
Despite a no-show date, some flirty texts, and the fierce ways she protects herself and her mom, I see through the chaos and smoke to the real Ivy. The Ivy she rarely shows to the world.
How can I convince her I’m making the smart move and playing for keeps?
‘Smart Move’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #7 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2023
108 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Pennington
4 books75 followersAmanda Pennington is an indie author who lives outside Louisville, Kentucky with her husband in their fixer-upper house. She spends her days working as an editor and her nights writing quirky, closed-door romantic comedies. When she’s not writing feel-good novels, Amanda loves traveling, running, and reading anything within reach. She regularly shares about her current reads and works in progress:
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May 23, 2023
★★Live in KU★★
Happy Release Day to Amanda Pennington! Smart Move is a grumpy sunshine sweet romance over in the Work For It series AND it's up on Kindle Unlimited for your reading enjoyment ❤
★★Grab your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3XPjatd
Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/41hroxh
Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/3Kt3wAN
Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/3Z6K9SR
Audiobook: Coming this summer!
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
Ivy Lunden is Team Keep Things Casual…
I am Toby Azumah’s opposite in every way. I’m a pessimist; he’s an optimist. I’m into art; he’s into sports. Still, I’m highly entertained by our flirtationship.
When he finally talks me into a date, everything goes wrong. Chaos descends on my orderly life when my mother falls and needs nearly round-the-clock care. Add in my nosy neighbor, and my peace of mind has been turned inside out.
When Toby, Mr. Best-Case Scenario himself, offers to help, I’m skeptical. A relationship with him would only make things more chaotic, right? Or maybe Toby is the real deal, and giving him a chance is a smart move after all.
Toby Azumah is Team Happily Ever After…
I’ve wanted to take the mysterious, beautiful Ivy Lunden to dinner ever since we met, and I’m confident she just needs a little time to warm up to the idea of us. But nothing goes according to my daydreams.
Despite a no-show date, some flirty texts, and the fierce ways she protects herself and her mom, I see through the chaos and smoke to the real Ivy. The Ivy she rarely shows to the world.
How can I convince her I’m making the smart move and playing for keeps?
‘Smart Move’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #7 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Want to read
May 18, 2023★★Live in KU★★
Happy Release Day to Amanda C. Pennington! 'Smart Move' is now live in Kindle Unlimited for your reading pleasure ❤
★★Grab your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3XPjatd
Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/41hroxh
Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/3Kt3wAN
Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/3Z6K9SR
Audiobook: Coming this summer!
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
Ivy Lunden is Team Keep Things Casual…
I am Toby Azumah’s opposite in every way. I’m a pessimist; he’s an optimist. I’m into art; he’s into sports. Still, I’m highly entertained by our flirtationship.
When he finally talks me into a date, everything goes wrong. Chaos descends on my orderly life when my mother falls and needs nearly round-the-clock care. Add in my nosy neighbor, and my peace of mind has been turned inside out.
When Toby, Mr. Best-Case Scenario himself, offers to help, I’m skeptical. A relationship with him would only make things more chaotic, right? Or maybe Toby is the real deal, and giving him a chance is a smart move after all.
Toby Azumah is Team Happily Ever After…
I’ve wanted to take the mysterious, beautiful Ivy Lunden to dinner ever since we met, and I’m confident she just needs a little time to warm up to the idea of us. But nothing goes according to my daydreams.
Despite a no-show date, some flirty texts, and the fierce ways she protects herself and her mom, I see through the chaos and smoke to the real Ivy. The Ivy she rarely shows to the world.
How can I convince her I’m making the smart move and playing for keeps?
‘Smart Move’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #7 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
June 2, 2023
4.5 stars!
At first this story hit me a little close what with both my parents having been in the hospital only a month ago, and me wondering if I was going to have to do something like have my mom move in with me. But as I love in this type of book, or any book really, the banter between our two main characters was wonderful. I do really love when the female is the grumpy and the guy is the sunshine sometimes, because I feel like I’d probably be the grumpy person in a relationship, so I totally got most of her sarcasm.
I did love how both characters really dealt with things realistically. Other than one part towards the end, there wasn’t really of the over-reacting and pushing the other away that annoys me in stories. And I think honestly that is most realistic. As the story went along I got to feeling better about the mom moving in with her and enjoying just the craziness it brought. Although I totally understood Ivy’s frustration with someone in “her space” and needing her alone time.
Ivy’s art sounded so neat that I wished I could actually see it! Of course I loved seeing her friends Mel and Cam that we met in the first book by this author, Book Smart, and getting their romance kind of in bits and pieces from an outside point of view. I also really liked the fact that she had synesthesia. I have a really good friend with a little bit different form of synesthesia, so I always enjoy reading more about that.
My only negatives were that it seemed a bit long at times for me, and at times Toby’s overly sunshine self was a little bit annoying to me, but I guess as I mentioned above that I would be more of the grumpy person, that probably makes sense. I loved him other than that! Another great story from this author, and I hope to read more from her in the future!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
At first this story hit me a little close what with both my parents having been in the hospital only a month ago, and me wondering if I was going to have to do something like have my mom move in with me. But as I love in this type of book, or any book really, the banter between our two main characters was wonderful. I do really love when the female is the grumpy and the guy is the sunshine sometimes, because I feel like I’d probably be the grumpy person in a relationship, so I totally got most of her sarcasm.
I did love how both characters really dealt with things realistically. Other than one part towards the end, there wasn’t really of the over-reacting and pushing the other away that annoys me in stories. And I think honestly that is most realistic. As the story went along I got to feeling better about the mom moving in with her and enjoying just the craziness it brought. Although I totally understood Ivy’s frustration with someone in “her space” and needing her alone time.
Ivy’s art sounded so neat that I wished I could actually see it! Of course I loved seeing her friends Mel and Cam that we met in the first book by this author, Book Smart, and getting their romance kind of in bits and pieces from an outside point of view. I also really liked the fact that she had synesthesia. I have a really good friend with a little bit different form of synesthesia, so I always enjoy reading more about that.
My only negatives were that it seemed a bit long at times for me, and at times Toby’s overly sunshine self was a little bit annoying to me, but I guess as I mentioned above that I would be more of the grumpy person, that probably makes sense. I loved him other than that! Another great story from this author, and I hope to read more from her in the future!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
May 19, 2023
Oh, my swoony heart! Amanda Pennington continues her sweet & slow burn sub-series with another smash! Smart Move is a hallmark-style romance with two captivating main characters and zany ancillary characters. As a card-carrying smut reader, I don’t read a lot of FTB or closed-door romance. But if Amanda writes it, I’m going to read it! Amanda’s characters are diverse, complex, and oh-so-dreamy! I found Ivy fascinating and Toby was everything Cameron (in Book Smart) set him up to be and much, much more! The way Ivy experiences the world with synesthesia was riveting. Amanda’s vivid imagery conveyed Ivy’s perspective beautifully. Toby is a gentleman, passionate romantic, and heart melting cinnamon roll. I loved Cameron and Mel’s significance as Ivy’s best friends in this story. The juxtaposition of Toby’s large, boisterous family with rich traditions and Ivy’s small family, was an endearing contrast. I loved the way Toby’s brothers warmed to her so easily. It makes my heart so happy when friend groups overlap in romance series and this was one of the best examples of fate intervening and bringing people together. Ivy’s mom spiked my anxiety at times, but I really enjoyed her arc. Ivy’s journey back to her natural talent and the inspirational part Toby played in it were genuine & soul-stirring. What began as a flirtatious encounter, evolved into a touching love story. If you like a charismatic & sunshiney hero and a grumpy, yet kindhearted heroine, Smart Move should be your next sweet read.
May 15, 2023
This story is BEAUTIFUL!
Ivy Lunden is an artist. She’s neurodivergent, and struggles with being a caretaker to her aging mother. Toby Azumah is the man who is determined to prove to Ivy that it’s okay to depend on other people by being the ultimate book boyfriend.
Smart Move is full of beautifully written emotions that hit me right in my feels. I love the expertly crafted storyline, all the details were flawless. Amanda Pennington wanted to do Ivy Justice and I think she went above and beyond any and all expectations.
More review to come at LitBuzz on its release date 5/18!
Ivy Lunden is an artist. She’s neurodivergent, and struggles with being a caretaker to her aging mother. Toby Azumah is the man who is determined to prove to Ivy that it’s okay to depend on other people by being the ultimate book boyfriend.
Smart Move is full of beautifully written emotions that hit me right in my feels. I love the expertly crafted storyline, all the details were flawless. Amanda Pennington wanted to do Ivy Justice and I think she went above and beyond any and all expectations.
More review to come at LitBuzz on its release date 5/18!
June 4, 2023
This is an adorable story with great characters the author has developed over two books. I so enjoyed getting to know Ivy better. The writing is quick to read, easy to follow, and the quick witted humor induced several LOL moments. Just a happy, feel good book.
May 27, 2023
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Smartypants Romance, all opinons are my own.
This like the other books in the series reads as a standalone. I do recommend reading Book Smart first if you want to get to know Mel and Cameron better as some of the events that take place in this book happen simultaneously. It isn't necessary to understand Ivy and what is happening in this book though.
Much like with Book Smart, if you are looking for a super steamy romance and something NSFW this isn't going to be for you. This is pretty clean and sweet. There are several mentions of intimacy and physical acts but it all happens off page behind closed doors. If you are into cleaner romance and something that is totally safe for work this is going to be perfect for you.
This follows Ivy and Toby who couldn't be more different, which is what makes their flirtationship so fun. Ivy doesn't really like her job working at the registration office at the local university, but it pays the bills. She would much rather be painting, but she's been lacking inspiration for quite some time. She is stressed by life, work, and being part time care-taker for her aging mother. Toby on the other hand loves being a physical therapist and helping people. He looks forward to seeing Ivy every time he has to register for continuing education credits, and he is determined to get her to go on a date with him. He is also determined to help her mom get back on her feet after a fall leaves her with a broken ankle.
This was an awesome look at how someone with neurodivergence navigates the world and how hard being a full or part time care-taker for an aging parent is on a person. As a parent it is hard keeping my own two kids alive and they constantly need me, so I can only imaging how hard it is taking care of an adult. I think the author did a great job showing how stressful it is taking care of another human being. It is hard to ask for help and I'm glad Ivy had a support system in place with Cam and Mel, and she slowly let Toby into her circle. Her romance with Toby was slow burn but it developed nicely and they had good chemistry. Toby was kind and patient and willing to admit when he was wrong or had made a mistake or overstepped. They had good banter and conversations about their fears and concerns.
Overall this was a good read with some heavy topics.
This like the other books in the series reads as a standalone. I do recommend reading Book Smart first if you want to get to know Mel and Cameron better as some of the events that take place in this book happen simultaneously. It isn't necessary to understand Ivy and what is happening in this book though.
Much like with Book Smart, if you are looking for a super steamy romance and something NSFW this isn't going to be for you. This is pretty clean and sweet. There are several mentions of intimacy and physical acts but it all happens off page behind closed doors. If you are into cleaner romance and something that is totally safe for work this is going to be perfect for you.
This follows Ivy and Toby who couldn't be more different, which is what makes their flirtationship so fun. Ivy doesn't really like her job working at the registration office at the local university, but it pays the bills. She would much rather be painting, but she's been lacking inspiration for quite some time. She is stressed by life, work, and being part time care-taker for her aging mother. Toby on the other hand loves being a physical therapist and helping people. He looks forward to seeing Ivy every time he has to register for continuing education credits, and he is determined to get her to go on a date with him. He is also determined to help her mom get back on her feet after a fall leaves her with a broken ankle.
This was an awesome look at how someone with neurodivergence navigates the world and how hard being a full or part time care-taker for an aging parent is on a person. As a parent it is hard keeping my own two kids alive and they constantly need me, so I can only imaging how hard it is taking care of an adult. I think the author did a great job showing how stressful it is taking care of another human being. It is hard to ask for help and I'm glad Ivy had a support system in place with Cam and Mel, and she slowly let Toby into her circle. Her romance with Toby was slow burn but it developed nicely and they had good chemistry. Toby was kind and patient and willing to admit when he was wrong or had made a mistake or overstepped. They had good banter and conversations about their fears and concerns.
Overall this was a good read with some heavy topics.
July 18, 2023
Laugh out loud, straight from your gut type of book
May 30, 2023
Fair warning, I tend to ADORE when the grumpy in a grumpy/sunshine story is the lady. Something about an eternally wary lady who armors herself with scowls and biting remarks and a man who is eternally optimistic appeals to me. Ivy and Toby are pure YESSSSS in my book.
First off, Ivy. She's burnt out (both creatively and professionally), overwhelmed, and has a hard time asking for anything from anybody. She thinks she's content with her solitude. She's uses the silence she's greeted with when she's home to decompress (not a bad thing) and she's sort of settled into this existence where there's only work, her mom, and her cat and she thinks she's okay with it.
Then her mom gets injured and ends up moving in with her and suddenly she's dealing with being a caretaker (on top of having a full-time job). It's a big mental adjustment only made palatable by the idea that this living situation is temporary and soon things will go back to normal. In fact, the only bright spot in Ivy's days is Toby and his sunny outlook on life.
The way he lights up when he sees her goes a long way toward making Ivy's days a little better.
Circumstances have Toby doing rehab on Ivy's mom's injury at Ivy's house and he genuinely loves being able to spend time with Ivy while helping her mom. He's funny and smart and very, very kind. Probably his biggest flaw is how he dives in with both feet when he finds something he likes. In this case, he knows Ivy is the one for him. Since he's aware of how overwhelming his propensity for going full steam ahead can be, he does his level best to go slow and let her come to terms with them as a couple in her head before he scares her off.
Family dynamics, a guarded lady with the soul of an artist, and a man who tries his hardest to make everything around him better. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
First off, Ivy. She's burnt out (both creatively and professionally), overwhelmed, and has a hard time asking for anything from anybody. She thinks she's content with her solitude. She's uses the silence she's greeted with when she's home to decompress (not a bad thing) and she's sort of settled into this existence where there's only work, her mom, and her cat and she thinks she's okay with it.
Then her mom gets injured and ends up moving in with her and suddenly she's dealing with being a caretaker (on top of having a full-time job). It's a big mental adjustment only made palatable by the idea that this living situation is temporary and soon things will go back to normal. In fact, the only bright spot in Ivy's days is Toby and his sunny outlook on life.
The way he lights up when he sees her goes a long way toward making Ivy's days a little better.
Circumstances have Toby doing rehab on Ivy's mom's injury at Ivy's house and he genuinely loves being able to spend time with Ivy while helping her mom. He's funny and smart and very, very kind. Probably his biggest flaw is how he dives in with both feet when he finds something he likes. In this case, he knows Ivy is the one for him. Since he's aware of how overwhelming his propensity for going full steam ahead can be, he does his level best to go slow and let her come to terms with them as a couple in her head before he scares her off.
Family dynamics, a guarded lady with the soul of an artist, and a man who tries his hardest to make everything around him better. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 23, 2023
Depth and Sweet Love
I loved this book! The characters had a depth that’s hard to capture in some romcoms, and their patience with one another was so sweet. I liked that it was grumpy sunshine, with the gal as the grump. Very good read!!
I loved this book! The characters had a depth that’s hard to capture in some romcoms, and their patience with one another was so sweet. I liked that it was grumpy sunshine, with the gal as the grump. Very good read!!
May 26, 2023
Flirty extrovert optimist hero. Introvert pessimist heroine. Neurodivergent heroine - she has synesthesia: every sound produces colors in her mind. No 3rd act break up. Text threads. Opposites Attract. Dual POV.
What a fun story. Ivy's synesthesia was very interesting! I've never heard of anything like it. I can see it being both overwhelming and beautiful.
Toby was great. He's my favorite kind of hero. Super fun and flirty, charming 😏🥰 They're good for each other!
Definitely recommend!
💕 Romantic Content Rating: 3 (heavier kissing) there is implied intimacy, and later mentions of sex but just kisses on page.
🗨 Quotes:
“Come on. What’s the best that could happen?”
“I think the phrase is, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’”
“I only believe in the best.”
“All we get now are texts and memes and GIFs. I want a man to be so enamored with me that he writes me a forty-page letter. Is that too much to ask?”
“You won’t want to be just friends with me?”
Toby stepped closer. “Maybe this makes me an uncompromising jerk, but I’m not a masochist, so, no, I don’t want to be just friends with you.”
I wouldn’t have believed it if it weren’t for the way he was looking at me right now. I cleared my throat. “It’s always all or nothing with you, isn’t it?”
He didn’t hesitate. “All or nothing.”
What a fun story. Ivy's synesthesia was very interesting! I've never heard of anything like it. I can see it being both overwhelming and beautiful.
Toby was great. He's my favorite kind of hero. Super fun and flirty, charming 😏🥰 They're good for each other!
Definitely recommend!
💕 Romantic Content Rating: 3 (heavier kissing) there is implied intimacy, and later mentions of sex but just kisses on page.
🗨 Quotes:
“Come on. What’s the best that could happen?”
“I think the phrase is, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’”
“I only believe in the best.”
“All we get now are texts and memes and GIFs. I want a man to be so enamored with me that he writes me a forty-page letter. Is that too much to ask?”
“You won’t want to be just friends with me?”
Toby stepped closer. “Maybe this makes me an uncompromising jerk, but I’m not a masochist, so, no, I don’t want to be just friends with you.”
I wouldn’t have believed it if it weren’t for the way he was looking at me right now. I cleared my throat. “It’s always all or nothing with you, isn’t it?”
He didn’t hesitate. “All or nothing.”
May 29, 2023
This book is the reason i want goodreads to have half stars. It isnt a 3 but it isnt a 4.
I will be honest I struggled with this one.
The mom parts were overwhelming for me. If you don't have mom issues you will probably make it through fine.
For me I really hit a wall everytime Ivy's mom was even mentioned.
I really loved Ivy and Toby. Their dynamics were really interesting which is always exciting to read. I also loved the friend group.
But unfortunately for me (and I am sure this is a me thing) the rest was very painful to get through. I just couldn't with Ivy's mom and Phyllis was equally as bad once they teamed up.
I really enjoyed Amanda's writing, but this one just isn't for me.
Please do give it a try, I really feel like my difficulty with this one is all me and my mom issues.
Thank you to Amanda Pennington for the ARC.
I will be honest I struggled with this one.
The mom parts were overwhelming for me. If you don't have mom issues you will probably make it through fine.
For me I really hit a wall everytime Ivy's mom was even mentioned.
I really loved Ivy and Toby. Their dynamics were really interesting which is always exciting to read. I also loved the friend group.
But unfortunately for me (and I am sure this is a me thing) the rest was very painful to get through. I just couldn't with Ivy's mom and Phyllis was equally as bad once they teamed up.
I really enjoyed Amanda's writing, but this one just isn't for me.
Please do give it a try, I really feel like my difficulty with this one is all me and my mom issues.
Thank you to Amanda Pennington for the ARC.
June 3, 2023
4.5 stars
Smart Move was a fantastic story and I enjoyed reading it so much!
Amanda's writing and storytelling are excellent and she did such a nice job with the relationship and character development.
I loved Ivy and Toby from the very first chapter. They were both interesting characters and it was great having the dual POV to get inside their heads. From the banter during their first meeting, it is easy to see the chemistry they share. Their story is emotional, sweet, swoony, and I didn't want to put it down. I cannot recommend this one enough!
Thank you to Smartypants Romance and the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CtAqGq1rlZs/
Smart Move was a fantastic story and I enjoyed reading it so much!
Amanda's writing and storytelling are excellent and she did such a nice job with the relationship and character development.
I loved Ivy and Toby from the very first chapter. They were both interesting characters and it was great having the dual POV to get inside their heads. From the banter during their first meeting, it is easy to see the chemistry they share. Their story is emotional, sweet, swoony, and I didn't want to put it down. I cannot recommend this one enough!
Thank you to Smartypants Romance and the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CtAqGq1rlZs/
May 8, 2023
What a great read! This was my first book by Pennington and I can tell that she puts a great deal of time into her characters and her story. There was just so much feeling and character growth. It could not have turned out better.
Ivy just had my heart right away. She had baggage and was cautious but let herself thaw slowly. Toby was…patient. He was caring and tried to be all the things. It sometimes tripped him up, but he owned up to his mistakes.
And Irene and Phyllis!! What a hoot those two were! They definitely added the comic relief to this story.
I received the ARC from the author, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ivy just had my heart right away. She had baggage and was cautious but let herself thaw slowly. Toby was…patient. He was caring and tried to be all the things. It sometimes tripped him up, but he owned up to his mistakes.
And Irene and Phyllis!! What a hoot those two were! They definitely added the comic relief to this story.
I received the ARC from the author, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 28, 2023
This was sweet and nice, but a bit enh. It was strong on character, but low on plot.
I love rom-coms, romance novels, and love stories. So I read a lot of them. This is great fun for me, but it means that my personal "market" is oversaturated. It will take a truly great romance to get more than three stars. In case you are interested:
Relyn's personal rom-com & romance novel rating system
5 stars - This book is excellent. It stands out from the hundreds of other love stories I've read, and I loved it.
4 stars - Oh, I really, really liked this one.
3 stars - This was a good, entertaining book and I'm glad I read it.
2 stars - Meh - boring, or overdone, or in some other way just not a good fit for me
1 star - This one stunk.
I love rom-coms, romance novels, and love stories. So I read a lot of them. This is great fun for me, but it means that my personal "market" is oversaturated. It will take a truly great romance to get more than three stars. In case you are interested:
Relyn's personal rom-com & romance novel rating system
5 stars - This book is excellent. It stands out from the hundreds of other love stories I've read, and I loved it.
4 stars - Oh, I really, really liked this one.
3 stars - This was a good, entertaining book and I'm glad I read it.
2 stars - Meh - boring, or overdone, or in some other way just not a good fit for me
1 star - This one stunk.
June 12, 2023
so good!
I’m giving a clean romance 4 stars?!?!?! Yes. This book is so well written and full of beautiful emotions, real friendship and character growth. There were many places in this story that I prepared myself for disappointment - the big misunderstanding, manipulation, lack of communication etc. It never came! This is why I love reading Smartypants Romance. I come for the romance, I stay for the well written stories. Looking forward to more in all of the worlds!
I’m giving a clean romance 4 stars?!?!?! Yes. This book is so well written and full of beautiful emotions, real friendship and character growth. There were many places in this story that I prepared myself for disappointment - the big misunderstanding, manipulation, lack of communication etc. It never came! This is why I love reading Smartypants Romance. I come for the romance, I stay for the well written stories. Looking forward to more in all of the worlds!
Read
June 29, 2023A Surprisingly Sweet Read
I loved this book - Ivy and Toby were the perfect mesh of opposites who have more in common than they realize, who also balance each other out. I also enjoy a good grumpy sunshine trope where the lady is the grump. Usually I get annoyed when romances are strictly closed door, but I don't think opening that door would have added more to the storyline. Definitely a great read and I will definitely be reading more of Amanda Pennington 's work.
I loved this book - Ivy and Toby were the perfect mesh of opposites who have more in common than they realize, who also balance each other out. I also enjoy a good grumpy sunshine trope where the lady is the grump. Usually I get annoyed when romances are strictly closed door, but I don't think opening that door would have added more to the storyline. Definitely a great read and I will definitely be reading more of Amanda Pennington 's work.
May 22, 2023
Loved this grumpy sunshine romance
After meeting Ivy and Toby in Book Smart, I’ve been looking forward to reading their story and it did not disappoint. I always like it when the woman is the grumpy one. It was so fun to watch Toby’s bright optimism work on her. It was also nice to get a glimpse of Mel and Cameron as a couple. Fun characters and great writing made this a fun read.
After meeting Ivy and Toby in Book Smart, I’ve been looking forward to reading their story and it did not disappoint. I always like it when the woman is the grumpy one. It was so fun to watch Toby’s bright optimism work on her. It was also nice to get a glimpse of Mel and Cameron as a couple. Fun characters and great writing made this a fun read.
July 23, 2023
Opposites attract
She's the grumpy, he's the sunshine. And then there are a whole lot of friends, relatives, neighbours and work colleagues who absolutely need to have their say on the relationship that is slowly slowly blooming between Toby and Ivy.
Trigger warning for anyone who has recently lost a parent. I sobbed. But there were some happy warm feelings too.
She's the grumpy, he's the sunshine. And then there are a whole lot of friends, relatives, neighbours and work colleagues who absolutely need to have their say on the relationship that is slowly slowly blooming between Toby and Ivy.
Trigger warning for anyone who has recently lost a parent. I sobbed. But there were some happy warm feelings too.
September 4, 2023
I was bored. And details I did not need. Saying I just looked at my watch would have been enough instead of telling me it was a Garmin watch. Unless it is significant to the story, I don’t care for fillers.
April 13, 2025
10/10 (iykyk) I read rom-coms to give my brain a serotonin-filled boost between heavier reading…and that’s exactly what this book was. A sweet, adorable rom-com that you should read. Like, now. Go get a copy. Read. Your brain and heart will thank me later. 🥰
July 29, 2023
I enjoyed this story. It was a squeaky, clean romance that was more on the mellow side. It was definitely better than the previous book she'd written in the seires.
There isn't a bunch of conflict between the two main characters, though there is a lot of resistance on the heroine's side in the first half. But there was a lot of conflict between the heroine and her mother. Ivy's mother actually drove me kinda crazy. I couldn't believe the gall of her sometimes.
I loved the hero. Toby was wonderful! He made the rest of the story worth it. I didn't like the prickly heroine much in the beginning, but she grew on me as she came out of her shell.
I liked Ivy's art side and that she had an art career before. I wished that more of the story revolved around her art. I was happy to see her revive her career in the end.
There isn't a bunch of conflict between the two main characters, though there is a lot of resistance on the heroine's side in the first half. But there was a lot of conflict between the heroine and her mother. Ivy's mother actually drove me kinda crazy. I couldn't believe the gall of her sometimes.
I loved the hero. Toby was wonderful! He made the rest of the story worth it. I didn't like the prickly heroine much in the beginning, but she grew on me as she came out of her shell.
I liked Ivy's art side and that she had an art career before. I wished that more of the story revolved around her art. I was happy to see her revive her career in the end.
September 21, 2023
Smart Characters, Smart Plot, Smart Book!
Book 7 in the Smartypants Romance "Work for It" series, Smart Move does not disappoint! Instead, it delivers a fascinating love story between a woman who doesn't want to depend on a man for wholeness and a man whose job as a physical therapist is to make people whole. She's the grump, he's the sunshine, and we get to come along for the ride.
Ivy Lunden, daughter of an unmarried fortysomething woman who smothers her adult daughter and causes her non-stop guilt as she ages and Ivy sees both of their independence disappearing, is a former artist who lost her inspiration and hasn't painted in years; instead she works in the registrar's office at the same college where Cameron and Mel, from Book Smart (book 3), work. She dates bad prospects she meets online and lets them live down to her low expectations, leaving her after a one-night stand. She also has synesthesia, which interprets sounds as color. She's unprepared for the man who enters the registrar's office with a rainbow voice just as she loses a battle with the office printer.
Tobias "Toby" Azuma, a native of Kenya, wants to register for continuing ed classes in physical therapy, but he's surprised by the ink-stained blonde wearing red lipstick and a harried expression. He disarms her (mostly) with his straightforward , humorous personality, and they begin texting. When Ivy's mother falls and breaks her ankle, Ivy knows which physical therapist to call!
Toby works well with Ivy's mother, but his robotic boss recites discouraging statistics in her mother's hearing at their first session, and Ivy lays into Toby for doing nothing. She decides that she can be her mother's physical therapist herself. They don't need to depend on a man who won't stand up to his boss to be more considerate of patients' feelings!
This resolution lasts until Toby shows up at Ivy's house and talks his way into at-home sessions. Watching him work with her mother, Ivy allows Toby to work his way into her heart as well; her walls start to wear away.
The neighbor, Phyllis, begins spending time with Ivy's mother, and they get into trouble together, ordering pellet guns online to keep the other neighbors' dogs quiet and bickering over their reality TV shows. Ivy's mom irritates her daughter by rearranging her kitchen, but she really oversteps when Phyllis teaches her how to track Ivy's cell phone and they crash Ivy's first date with Toby. Ivy tells her mom and Phyllis that she's tired of their interference and bans Phyllis from her house, a ban Toby persuades her to lift for her mother's sake. The two old ladies behave slightly better after that.
Toby suspects that Ivy's mom has balance issues, but he doesn't tell Ivy because he doesn't want to burden her. That backfires when her mom falls again, and Toby, who's an all-or-nothing guy, thinks Ivy won't want him after he "betrayed her trust" by not telling her about his suspicion. Ivy isn't one to wallow, however (and the lack of wallowing earned the book five stars instantly); she decides he's worth fighting for.
Toby doesn't wallow either (the book retains its five stars!) but instead launches Mission Win Ivy Back, not realizing that he never lost her. The resulting conversation ends in a mutual declaration of love and looks like a happy ending.
But the best is yet to come! Ivy has been sketching ideas on napkins and receipts, gaining inspiration from her brighter life. She starts painting again, and her return to the art world is a raging success! She remembers her house as it used to be--a quiet haven from the tangle of dull colors at work, with blackout shades--and contrasts it with her current house, a place of sunshine and laughter and love and brilliant color. A home.
Amanda Pennington delivers a couple it feels good to root for, a pair of elderly foils who provide laughs and bittersweet moments, a plot twist that I, at least, didn't see coming, and an ending that is not only happy but very satisfying! Highly recommended.
Book 7 in the Smartypants Romance "Work for It" series, Smart Move does not disappoint! Instead, it delivers a fascinating love story between a woman who doesn't want to depend on a man for wholeness and a man whose job as a physical therapist is to make people whole. She's the grump, he's the sunshine, and we get to come along for the ride.
Ivy Lunden, daughter of an unmarried fortysomething woman who smothers her adult daughter and causes her non-stop guilt as she ages and Ivy sees both of their independence disappearing, is a former artist who lost her inspiration and hasn't painted in years; instead she works in the registrar's office at the same college where Cameron and Mel, from Book Smart (book 3), work. She dates bad prospects she meets online and lets them live down to her low expectations, leaving her after a one-night stand. She also has synesthesia, which interprets sounds as color. She's unprepared for the man who enters the registrar's office with a rainbow voice just as she loses a battle with the office printer.
Tobias "Toby" Azuma, a native of Kenya, wants to register for continuing ed classes in physical therapy, but he's surprised by the ink-stained blonde wearing red lipstick and a harried expression. He disarms her (mostly) with his straightforward , humorous personality, and they begin texting. When Ivy's mother falls and breaks her ankle, Ivy knows which physical therapist to call!
Toby works well with Ivy's mother, but his robotic boss recites discouraging statistics in her mother's hearing at their first session, and Ivy lays into Toby for doing nothing. She decides that she can be her mother's physical therapist herself. They don't need to depend on a man who won't stand up to his boss to be more considerate of patients' feelings!
This resolution lasts until Toby shows up at Ivy's house and talks his way into at-home sessions. Watching him work with her mother, Ivy allows Toby to work his way into her heart as well; her walls start to wear away.
The neighbor, Phyllis, begins spending time with Ivy's mother, and they get into trouble together, ordering pellet guns online to keep the other neighbors' dogs quiet and bickering over their reality TV shows. Ivy's mom irritates her daughter by rearranging her kitchen, but she really oversteps when Phyllis teaches her how to track Ivy's cell phone and they crash Ivy's first date with Toby. Ivy tells her mom and Phyllis that she's tired of their interference and bans Phyllis from her house, a ban Toby persuades her to lift for her mother's sake. The two old ladies behave slightly better after that.
Toby suspects that Ivy's mom has balance issues, but he doesn't tell Ivy because he doesn't want to burden her. That backfires when her mom falls again, and Toby, who's an all-or-nothing guy, thinks Ivy won't want him after he "betrayed her trust" by not telling her about his suspicion. Ivy isn't one to wallow, however (and the lack of wallowing earned the book five stars instantly); she decides he's worth fighting for.
Toby doesn't wallow either (the book retains its five stars!) but instead launches Mission Win Ivy Back, not realizing that he never lost her. The resulting conversation ends in a mutual declaration of love and looks like a happy ending.
But the best is yet to come! Ivy has been sketching ideas on napkins and receipts, gaining inspiration from her brighter life. She starts painting again, and her return to the art world is a raging success! She remembers her house as it used to be--a quiet haven from the tangle of dull colors at work, with blackout shades--and contrasts it with her current house, a place of sunshine and laughter and love and brilliant color. A home.
Amanda Pennington delivers a couple it feels good to root for, a pair of elderly foils who provide laughs and bittersweet moments, a plot twist that I, at least, didn't see coming, and an ending that is not only happy but very satisfying! Highly recommended.
May 17, 2023
Ivy spends her time either caring for her mother or working. While she loves painting, she’s struggling artists’ block and is altogether overwhelmed. She needs change but doesn’t know where or how to start. Ivy and Toby meet in the registration office when he goes to sign up for a “continuing education” course. Toby is immediately smitten but it takes a bit of convincing before Ivy gives into his charm and agrees to a date. When Ivy’s mother has an accident, resulting in even more stress, Toby steps up to help in any way he can.
Smart Move is the seventh book in the Work For It series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend Book Smart (book 3) first. The MCs from that book are heavily featured in this book. This is a closed-door romance.
This was my most anticipated book out of the Spring releases from Smartypants Romance. Amanda Pennington did not disappoint. I am always cautious when an MC is described as neurodivergent but the author did a fantastic job. I was not previously familiar with all that synesthesia entails but the explanations provided and the character’s own thoughts and actions provide vivid and realistic detail. I appreciate the research and sensitivity that went into writing Ivy.
I adore Toby. While he may have come on a little strong in the beginning, I guess he can’t help how charming he is. He and Ivy found each other at just the right time. They needed each other and learned to communicate at each other’s pace.
I’m glad we got to see more of Mel and Cameron. They are the very best friends anyone could ask for and I hope to see more of this whole friend group in future books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Smart Move is the seventh book in the Work For It series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend Book Smart (book 3) first. The MCs from that book are heavily featured in this book. This is a closed-door romance.
This was my most anticipated book out of the Spring releases from Smartypants Romance. Amanda Pennington did not disappoint. I am always cautious when an MC is described as neurodivergent but the author did a fantastic job. I was not previously familiar with all that synesthesia entails but the explanations provided and the character’s own thoughts and actions provide vivid and realistic detail. I appreciate the research and sensitivity that went into writing Ivy.
I adore Toby. While he may have come on a little strong in the beginning, I guess he can’t help how charming he is. He and Ivy found each other at just the right time. They needed each other and learned to communicate at each other’s pace.
I’m glad we got to see more of Mel and Cameron. They are the very best friends anyone could ask for and I hope to see more of this whole friend group in future books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 30, 2023
“𝙈𝙮 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙗𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚.”
What’s better than grumpy/sunshine?! Reverse grumpy/sunshine! Grumpy heroines are my favorite and Ivy didn’t disappoint! She was so stuck in her ways and determined to stay there. It was enjoyable to see Toby shake things up for her! Toby was a walking ray of sunshine. It was hard not to smile whenever he showed up on page. He was endlessly flirtatious, but only had eyes for Ivy. I love how he made his mind up about her early on and was persistent while still being respectful of of who Ivy was. Their “rate your day” game was so much fun. They really got to know each other and become friends before jumping into a relationship and this just made the slow burn even better!
I really appreciated learning about synesthesia through Ivy’s eyes. I thought it was so beautiful that she found her outlet through art. I was so glad that she rekindled her love for art as she grew throughout the story. Her character growth was my absolute favorite. Realizing that she didn’t have to rely only on herself to do everything really helped Ivy to open up to Toby as well as other important relationships in her life. Admittedly, I did struggle at times with her relationship with her mom, but I do love the way it ended up. Irena and Phyllis were crazy but hilarious together!! Mel and Cam were such amazing friends and the way they always showed up for Ivy warmed my heart. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading more by Amanda Pennington!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own.
What’s better than grumpy/sunshine?! Reverse grumpy/sunshine! Grumpy heroines are my favorite and Ivy didn’t disappoint! She was so stuck in her ways and determined to stay there. It was enjoyable to see Toby shake things up for her! Toby was a walking ray of sunshine. It was hard not to smile whenever he showed up on page. He was endlessly flirtatious, but only had eyes for Ivy. I love how he made his mind up about her early on and was persistent while still being respectful of of who Ivy was. Their “rate your day” game was so much fun. They really got to know each other and become friends before jumping into a relationship and this just made the slow burn even better!
I really appreciated learning about synesthesia through Ivy’s eyes. I thought it was so beautiful that she found her outlet through art. I was so glad that she rekindled her love for art as she grew throughout the story. Her character growth was my absolute favorite. Realizing that she didn’t have to rely only on herself to do everything really helped Ivy to open up to Toby as well as other important relationships in her life. Admittedly, I did struggle at times with her relationship with her mom, but I do love the way it ended up. Irena and Phyllis were crazy but hilarious together!! Mel and Cam were such amazing friends and the way they always showed up for Ivy warmed my heart. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading more by Amanda Pennington!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own.
August 14, 2023
I absolutely adored Ivy and Toby and I was completely besotted with this story.
Ivy, a failed artist with synesthesia--someone who sees sounds as colors--has given up on love and has contented herself to live a mostly quiet and solitary life until one day her world is turned upside down. An accident forces Ivy's hand and soon her quiet haven of a home is full of noise and chaos as her mother and her neighbor join forces to destroy every semblance of normalcy Ivy thought she had.
Toby, the eternal optimist and epitome sunshine personality has decided that he's not letting Ivy get away. After months of pining and anticipating their semi-annual greeting at the Registrar's office he's going to make a move. But will Ivy let him?
Ivy and Toby were opposites in so many ways but the growth Ivy went through was possibly one of my favorite character arcs I've read in a long time. What mattered most to her was a constant but how Toby affected and ultimately changed her view of the world around her was my absolute favorite! Toby was so patient and understanding but he wasn't the only one bringing something to the relationship. I think this give and take between the two of them is why I loved them so much.
This is a closed door Rom-Com.
Thank you so much to the author, Amanda Pennington, for the eARC. This review is a reflection of my own thoughts.
Grab your copy TODAY!
Signed Paperbacks: https://bit.ly/3p5MpMX
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3XPjatd
Ivy, a failed artist with synesthesia--someone who sees sounds as colors--has given up on love and has contented herself to live a mostly quiet and solitary life until one day her world is turned upside down. An accident forces Ivy's hand and soon her quiet haven of a home is full of noise and chaos as her mother and her neighbor join forces to destroy every semblance of normalcy Ivy thought she had.
Toby, the eternal optimist and epitome sunshine personality has decided that he's not letting Ivy get away. After months of pining and anticipating their semi-annual greeting at the Registrar's office he's going to make a move. But will Ivy let him?
Ivy and Toby were opposites in so many ways but the growth Ivy went through was possibly one of my favorite character arcs I've read in a long time. What mattered most to her was a constant but how Toby affected and ultimately changed her view of the world around her was my absolute favorite! Toby was so patient and understanding but he wasn't the only one bringing something to the relationship. I think this give and take between the two of them is why I loved them so much.
This is a closed door Rom-Com.
Thank you so much to the author, Amanda Pennington, for the eARC. This review is a reflection of my own thoughts.
Grab your copy TODAY!
Signed Paperbacks: https://bit.ly/3p5MpMX
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3XPjatd
June 8, 2023
This was another sweet read from this author.
Ivy Lunden and Toby Azumah are total opposites. When they first meet, there's instant attraction on both sides and their banter was infectious. However, Ivy has a lot on her plate and is an eternal pessimist. In contrast, Toby is an eternal optimist and always keen to brighten her day.
I've read a couple of other stories before where one of the main characters had synesthesia, and I loved reading about Ivy's condition, especially the colours she saw when she dealt with Toby. He was beautiful in every way to her. The two of them, through circumstances, began to spend more time together. I enjoyed the growth in their relationship - Ivy's thaw and Toby's patience. I loved the colour that he brought to her grey life. A lovely, wonderful read!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
Ivy Lunden and Toby Azumah are total opposites. When they first meet, there's instant attraction on both sides and their banter was infectious. However, Ivy has a lot on her plate and is an eternal pessimist. In contrast, Toby is an eternal optimist and always keen to brighten her day.
I've read a couple of other stories before where one of the main characters had synesthesia, and I loved reading about Ivy's condition, especially the colours she saw when she dealt with Toby. He was beautiful in every way to her. The two of them, through circumstances, began to spend more time together. I enjoyed the growth in their relationship - Ivy's thaw and Toby's patience. I loved the colour that he brought to her grey life. A lovely, wonderful read!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
May 16, 2023
Another great addition to the Work For It series in The Smartypants Universe. I related to this book so much it’s almost as if Amanda had heard some of my thoughts.
Ivy is done, burned out, hates her job, overwhelmed with the demands of her mom and is in a bit of a depressing state. She has a lot of anger, frustration and negativity regarding the state of her life. She is a fascinating character but she just needs to find her light. One persons voice starts to brighten the flight.
Toby is an amazing man, had a heart of gold. Is as patient as a saint and is determined to get that first date. He is smitten the first time he sees Ivy but takes his time to get that first date.
This is a slow burn that is filled with so many wonderful moments, faithful friends, learning patience and finding your purpose. It’s a really wonderful story that will have you smiling until the last page.
Ivy is done, burned out, hates her job, overwhelmed with the demands of her mom and is in a bit of a depressing state. She has a lot of anger, frustration and negativity regarding the state of her life. She is a fascinating character but she just needs to find her light. One persons voice starts to brighten the flight.
Toby is an amazing man, had a heart of gold. Is as patient as a saint and is determined to get that first date. He is smitten the first time he sees Ivy but takes his time to get that first date.
This is a slow burn that is filled with so many wonderful moments, faithful friends, learning patience and finding your purpose. It’s a really wonderful story that will have you smiling until the last page.
May 31, 2023
This book!! I was excited to read this book when I found out the main character Ivy was an artist. Of course I love Amanda Pennington’s other offering to SPR, so I knew I would enjoy it, but I had no idea there would be so many things that would be so similar to my life. I’m also an artist, who worked as an administrative assistant in a school setting (now retired) and caring for my mom who has had some health issues in her 70’s so I’m living with her now and taking care of her. I’m also introverted similar to Ivy. However I have never had the pleasure of Toby. I really loved his character and how he just seemed like such a genuine, joy filled man who knew what he wanted. I’m not good with words or review writing, but I really enjoyed this story and all the real life issues the characters went through! Applause for this one.
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May 5, 2023Smart Move is a sweet contemporary romance with heart and bursts of humor to offset the heavy themes of caregiving for parents.
Ivy is a neurodiverse artist with an interesting relationship with her mom, a relationship that faces several challenges as the story progresses. But Toby is a stalwart support for Ivy as she navigates these challenges, helping her to process her own emotions as her mom does the same.
CONTENT WARNING for themes of caregiving for parents. This caught me off guard at first, and I struggled with it a bit, because I've been there. It is hard, and there are lots of complicated emotions that come with it.
Ivy is a neurodiverse artist with an interesting relationship with her mom, a relationship that faces several challenges as the story progresses. But Toby is a stalwart support for Ivy as she navigates these challenges, helping her to process her own emotions as her mom does the same.
CONTENT WARNING for themes of caregiving for parents. This caught me off guard at first, and I struggled with it a bit, because I've been there. It is hard, and there are lots of complicated emotions that come with it.
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