Help Needed

by Olyve Grey

MaKenna Thompson needs help, in more ways than one.

MaKenna has never been “normal”, but after taking over her mom’s hotel, she’s even less in tact with others. That’s okay though, because she has her romance books and her guests who keep her entertained and that’s all she needs. But when she finds the rugged and handsome Avery Fuller sleeping in her lobby, she suddenly wants more from life and Avery is at the top of that list.

Avery Fuller’s life is spinning out of control.

Homeless, a little “shaky”, and grumpy, Avery doesn’t know what to expect from life anymore. And he definitely didn’t expect MaKenna Thompson. He’d fallen asleep in her hotel lobby by accident, but sometimes accidents bring the best surprises. And despite that she thinks skittles count as work equipment and her insistence that the number three is evil, she’s perfect.

Despite his attempts to not fall for her, he knows he’s in over his head, because MaKenna Thompson is meant to be his.


****
"Help Needed" is a quick short story sitting at 17k words.

Genres: Romance, Novella

70 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2024

Reviews

[zoë ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗ · Rating 2 out of 5]

hmmm.

this is one of those KU books i was talking about…. book felt rushed and honestly just a little bit boring. i know it is a short story, but still some more backstory would have been nice. even the sex scene felt rushed and wasn’t as steamy as i hoped it would be.

[Shon]

Well, this was charming. A random ad popped up for this book and I'm glad I clicked it. Quick read, quirky female lead and teddy bear MMC

[Corrine · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was just a quick, fun read. though I've never actually read an Insta love book, I can see why people don't really enjoy it.

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story it was beautifully written and the character development was really want written.

[Lia Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a young woman, Keena, who is running her family's hotel and who sleeps behind the counter at night when she is short-staffed, which is often. She wakes up one day to find a bearded man sleeping on the other side of the counter. She wants to help him and is attracted to him immediately. He is attracted to her as well. The hero, Avery, has a past he'd rather not disclose, so the reader is kept guessing what his secret is and why he is homeless.

One thing about the book, and another reviewer mentioned it, is that at first it read like sweet chicklit romance, then the next thing you know the heroine is cursing saying f---, s--- and other similar language. Still, the heroine was likable which was refreshing considering a few books I've read recently where the heroine was so arrogant, I just couldn't root for her. The thing about Keena is that she didn't sound very attractive--physically--from the descriptions. The instant attraction from the hero's POV was explained in that he was a man who didn't have a type as far as physical appearances go, rather he liked a sweet personality hoping that it would rub off on him, which made sense.

That leads me to the "grumpy" hero who said that he was aware that he looked like a serial killer and his large size made people afraid of him. But to me that didn't quite equate to grumpy. He didn't have grumpy, angry or dark thoughts during his chapters. He just didn't say much. He was moreso silent and monosyllabic than grumpy.

Overall, this was a good quick read focused on the love story without any fillers, fluff, or drama from exes etc. I enjoyed it.

[ThoroughRead · Rating 1 out of 5]

I promise you I can do quirky. In fact, I LOVE quirky; however, I had trouble believing that MaKenna was quirky because she read more like autistic. For instance, Avery is checking a guest in and moves a bag of Skittles. MaKenna comes by and asks if he rearranged her desk. He denies it, and then she finds the Skittles and tells him not to move them. She also makes him reboot the computer every two hours for no reason whatsoever.

Also, MaKenna's personality isn't consistent and is hard to tamp down. One second she's saying "frick" and then saying "fuck" in the same breath.

Avery had ZERO personality, and there was nothing remarkable about him. I wouldn't even consider him a grump, as suggested. He's just a little quiet and reserved.

I didn't feel/see the chemistry between the leads other than them saying they had an instant mutual connection to one another.

The story lacked romance and had an equally unsatisfying and uninspiring epilogue.

Side Note: Destiny's character hit many of the negative stereotypes for Black women: loud and aggressive, to the point where she scared a guest from coming to the dining room for breakfast, and she was scantily dressed in satin pajamas in the lobby and around the food like it was her house. The book could've done without Destiny's character and her sneaky link. IMO.

[CLorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olyve Grey pens another bite sized romance story with her latest book, Help Needed. I have enjoyed all her books, but so far, this one is my favorite. The stories center around the three small towns of Rosewell, Taffin, and Weldham. Readers even get to see where Wyatt (from New Year Rebound) has been sneaking…I hope we get his story soon! Kenna runs the only hotel in Rosewell; she is as kind-hearted as she is quirky. She appears to be neurodivergent and struggles to be true to her authentic self. She discovers Avery taking a nap in her hotel’s lobby and is gracious of his plight. Avery is a veteran, down on his luck. He is not sure if he wants to stay in Rosewell but he knows he is immediately smitten by the delightfully daffy Kenna. Ms. Grey uses the trope of opposites attract (Avery is as grumpy as Kenna is sunny) and a bit of a redemptive arc. Avery does not feel worthy of Kenna given his current situation. This story is perhaps the shortest one so far, but it has such strong emotional resonance that it is easy to relate to the characters and their narratives. I totally look forward to the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://theretiredreader.com/read-for...

[Latrice Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenna is the owner of a small hotel and is pretty much running it 24/7 with a few part time workers. She ends up falling asleep while working the night shift and she wakes the following morning she finds a man sleeping on the ground on the other side of the front desk. Waking him she meets Avery who had come in during the night to get a room but since no one was at the front desk he sat down on the other side of it to wait but ended up falling asleep. He ends up leaving the hotel but staying in town. Kenna finds out that he is looking for a job and she desperately needs to hire someone so when she runs into while out and about she offers him a job. After working together for some time he asks her out on a date where they get to know each other better. Then they go back to the hotel where Kenna finally gets to climb him like a tree!!! The next morning he meets her mother!

This was a cute short story about Kenna and Avery. I really liked that Kenna was 'different' but Avery still liked her!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect read for when i had some time at work, it's such a page turner. I really enjoyed the story, it was cute but also had some spice.

Kenna runs a family run hotel after taking over for her mother, she enjoys running the hotel even if the staff don't seem to stay for long whilst working for her. What will happen when she finds a man asleep in the hotel lobby and slowly becomes interested in him. Can she help him out and also find someone who loves her and her unique quirks.

Avery falls asleep in a hotel lobby after not seeing anyone at the reception desk, not knowing someone was asleep behind the desk. Avery tries to not be as intimidating as he may appear to Kenna. As he begins to realise his feelings he becomes worried he's not good enough for her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help Found

This book is an absolutely beautiful read. From beginning to end. You are told about two people and how they FOUND each.

Avery and Makenna are so real and so wonderfully made for each other. They’re story is SO special, and truth be told, REAL. Their chemistry is definitely a sexy climb…lol…

I’m reminded of how just a simple act of kindness can make someone feel better.

There are so many people who have been living through some real issues, and “Help Needed” is exactly what they need. I’m glad that I’ve had the opportunity to read this book.

I’m SO looking forward to more of Rosewell an her residents.

Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via Bsprout.

[Ljay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Souls like MaKenna (Kenna) keeps the world going! Sometimes a person just needs a break, and its wonderful to think there are people in the world who will give you one. Just because you need one. And some may view that as gullible. That's ok. Kenna had her "icks and ticks" that some found off-putting, but her heart was as big as the world. Simple kindness. Its free. Down on his luck Avery happened to have needed a break at that moment. Things aren't always how they look.

Supporting characters added to the quirkiness of Kenna's world in general.

It was a short, sweet, cute road to love for these two. Icks, ticks and all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kenna is running her family hotel when she finds Avery asleep in their reception area. She assumes he is homeless and doesn't blink an eye at trying to help him out. She had a good heart and seemed to be someone most people should strive to be like. Avery takes a while to tell his story, but it is an all too common one these days. Avery doesn't accept handouts easily and I liked that about him. He did not want anyone to feel burdened by him. I liked how they both just accepted each other for who they were. Her quirks were cute to him and his broodish behavior was no big deal to her. It was a quick, easy read. There were a few errors in grammar and words used, but the plot of the book was good enough to keep me reading.

[J P · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kenna wasn't what I considered quirky. She was neurotic and had OCD. But that's not really being weird in the sense of what that word entails. I can't honestly say I cared for her character one way or another which I know is bad considering she's one of the main characters but I just don't think this book was as good as good as the New Year Rebound. It was as some others mentioned boring in places which is crazy because the book is only 70 pages. I hate to give it a one star but it's really moving. And the author writes a little snippet in the beginning that she writes dark romances under another name. I definitely know who who that is. 😉

[Shell Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute, funny book about two quirky people finding interest in each other. Makenna owns a hotel, and she wakes up one morning with a guest asleep at the front desk, while she was sleep on the other side. Makenna slowly falls in lust with Avery this sexy, hefty mountain man. Avery falls for all her random crazy quirks, cheerfulness, and vibrant personality. Join this bubbly story of one quirky hotel owner and one down on his luck man and how they find love in each other. Enjoy :)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help Needed is a sweet and short spicy novella. Kenna and Avery are such an adorable couple and very relatable. They are wonderful and realistic characters. Both are lonely outsiders who find each other and have an immediate click. The book was funny, romantic, and entertaining. Avery's past as an ex-soldier not finding his place after he was discharged from military service is really touching. Kenna's awkwardness is so sweet, she is so lovely. I can't wait to read more books by this author!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CatMomReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short instalove story, more sweet than steamy with two characters that both have their own quirks and issues but accept each other for who they are.

Right from the start I really liked Kenna, I'll admit I took a bit longer to warm up to Avery but once I did I very much enjoyed their story. It wasn't complex being short, but I did feel their love and respect for each other.

Feel good story, low angst, medium heat. Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quirky hotelier and a grumpy traveler, have an instant attraction to each other when the traveler is awaken from his slumber on the floor of the hotel lobby. When help is required at the hotel, Avery steps in to assist Kenna. But when will they admit to each other, their feelings of attraction? A good quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another banger

When I read the synopsis, I was unprepared for the beginning. My mind envisioned one thing and I was pleasantly surprised by how the author set it up. I love the female lead's personality. We have different tics but I identify with her struggles. The male lead's acceptance of her makes me wish for a real life version of him but not the unemployment part. However, I loved the author's back story for that as well. A definite read.

[Brandi - RomanceStanAccount · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from BookSprout. I enjoyed this short read. MaKenna was so thoughtful and caring. Her quirks and ‘preferences’ were a refreshing touch in her character. Loved the Instalove and protectiveness of her by Avery. Grumpy/Sunshines always make my day. Tropes in this include: Age gap, grumpy/sunshine, instalove, “touch her and die”.

Favorite Quote: “I don’t think I could ever tell you no.”

Favorite Scene In 1-3 Words: Ricky checking out

[lue ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

charming, quick small town romance about a hotel owner that is way too kind and the grumpy man she ends up hiring. i loved this but it was too short to be significant to me, which makes my technically 3.5 rating round down to 3. had so much fun with it tho and would have been a higher rating if it were longer. still, im def going to check out some of this author’s other work bc i really liked this.

[R. O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cute and Cohesive Read

Such a sweet short romance. Usually novellas feel rushed, or haphazard but Grey strings together Kenna and Avery's romance in such a smooth way. The spice was just right for the length of the book. I really enjoyed it, if you like sunshine x rain cloud couples this is the one for you. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the few spelling/grammar errors I spotted. All in all a worthwhile read.

[Markita_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC review, this is my honest opinion*
.
First, this cover is gorgeous. Second, this is a quick, easy novella read. This is my second book by Olyve Grey, and I will continue to read her work.
.
This book is about a hotel owner named Kenna who needs help run the hotel and she meets Avery, who is a man living in his car looking for a job.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read. It had me smiling and laughing out loud. The heroine is sweet and quirky, and the hero is grumpy and stoic. He doesn't stand a chance against her. This book is a good one to read when you need a quick pick me up after a bad day.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried to savor this story. This story is well written and filled with so many hilarious moments that are just too real. The writing was so clear it felt like I was watching a movie. I would recommend this book to a fellow romanticist. 10/10 definitely recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

McKenna and Avery seemed to have been fated to meet. McKenna's kind heart and quirky personality was needed by A very us to help get his life back on track. Their journey in finding and fitting into each other's life and fulfilling their needs for each other. Cute storyline in touching on two lives interacting and how they find more than love.

[Synne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this was the book to get me out of a reading slump. I enjoyed the characters and their story but since it is a novella I did not get very attached. But if you are in a need for a quick read or is in a reading slump then this is perfect.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jazisunray Skillern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story about two totaling different personalities being attracted to and accepting each other. She is a business owner and he a homeless retired military officer. They meet and the rest is a story of manuvering through the attraction.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Jynelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chance encounter

This was refreshing. Weird or quirky isn't a bad thing. Avery and McKenna are those puzzle pieces you don't get until they come together. The connection and them being on the same wave length is wonderful. No games or really fighting it. I wanted more beyond the already wonderful ending. Love doe not take as long as some like to believe.

[lakiesha brissett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet.

I love this book. It is a really sweet and romantic story of unexpected beginnings An interesting middle. It was so interesting to read I actually wanted The author to go into more details or just make it last a little bit longer it's really sweet I love the main female character's personality it just seems so real Overall love the storyline.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this was a great book. I have really enjoyed reading it and getting the chance to read it was a joy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.