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Synergy #3
Trip Me Up
A farmboy and a techie meet up on tour. They couldn’t be more different. But together, they’re hotter than an overclocked computer chip.
Nerdy computer scientist Sam didn’t mean to bring her dog to her mother’s stuffy fundraiser. Okay, she may have needed the excuse to get back to her research, but she doesn’t mean for Bilbo Baggins to escape. And she *really* doesn’t count on a sexy lumberjack rescuing him from a socialite’s stiletto heel.
Flannel-wearing fantasy writer Niall is bewitched. The owner of the dog he’s just rescued has a special kind of magic - ethereal beauty plus a brilliant mind. Niall falls faster than a tree in an enchanted forest, especially after his writer’s block disappears.
Thrown together on a joint book tour, it doesn’t take long for Niall and Sam’s red-hot chemistry to ignite. But Sam has a secret, one that’ll rip apart everything Niall values. One that will chop down their budding relationship and might blue-screen her dreams, too.
Trip Me Up is an opposites-attract, road-trip romantic comedy featuring a geeky heroine, a sexy, farmboy writer, and a limelight-stealing dog. It can be read as a standalone and is the third book in the Synergy series.
Nerdy computer scientist Sam didn’t mean to bring her dog to her mother’s stuffy fundraiser. Okay, she may have needed the excuse to get back to her research, but she doesn’t mean for Bilbo Baggins to escape. And she *really* doesn’t count on a sexy lumberjack rescuing him from a socialite’s stiletto heel.
Flannel-wearing fantasy writer Niall is bewitched. The owner of the dog he’s just rescued has a special kind of magic - ethereal beauty plus a brilliant mind. Niall falls faster than a tree in an enchanted forest, especially after his writer’s block disappears.
Thrown together on a joint book tour, it doesn’t take long for Niall and Sam’s red-hot chemistry to ignite. But Sam has a secret, one that’ll rip apart everything Niall values. One that will chop down their budding relationship and might blue-screen her dreams, too.
Trip Me Up is an opposites-attract, road-trip romantic comedy featuring a geeky heroine, a sexy, farmboy writer, and a limelight-stealing dog. It can be read as a standalone and is the third book in the Synergy series.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
306 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
Michelle McCraw
81 books148 followersMichelle McCraw loves reading kissing books and working in tech. One day, she decided to combine her two interests, and now she writes steamy, nerdy contemporary romance that just might make you laugh. Her Synergy workplace romance series features characters who unashamedly love science, engineering, and technology. Her latest series, 40 and Fabulous, features heroines who find passion in the second acts of their lives. Her novels have been finalists in the RWA Vivian Contest, the Contemporary Romance Writers' Stiletto Contest, and the Windy City Romance Writers' Four Seasons Contest.
A native Texan, Michelle has shoveled snow during nor’easters and knows the proper response when someone yells “O-H.” She now calls Georgia home, where she doesn’t miss snow AT ALL. She enjoys reading, traveling, drinking bourbon, and spoiling her extraordinarily ill-behaved but adorable dog.
For updates about her upcoming books and free reads - plus guaranteed puppy pics - subscribe to her newsletter at https://michellemccraw.com/joinme.
A native Texan, Michelle has shoveled snow during nor’easters and knows the proper response when someone yells “O-H.” She now calls Georgia home, where she doesn’t miss snow AT ALL. She enjoys reading, traveling, drinking bourbon, and spoiling her extraordinarily ill-behaved but adorable dog.
For updates about her upcoming books and free reads - plus guaranteed puppy pics - subscribe to her newsletter at https://michellemccraw.com/joinme.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
November 4, 2021
Trip me up is the third book in Synergy series. I received an Arc in exchange for a review. I like both the main characters . Their personalities each had their own. I love and recommend you read the series . Now I haven’t read read book one or two. But fell in love with this book . I can’t wait for book one and two to enjoy as well. Thank you so much
April 11, 2022
Viking Poet!
There's something about a McCraw hero that hits the spot every time—pun intended. Niall is the ultimate book boyfriend. Rough, calloused-hand, Viking physique exterior, with a gooey marshmallow writer's soul inside. Need I say more?
I also adored Samantha! McCraw, as always, does a fantastic job with representation. Apart from loving to read women in STEM, I appreciated how Sam's anxiety was handled with the utmost respect.
And the scene-stealing pup! You can't forget the scene-stealing pup.
I can't recommend this book enough.
There's something about a McCraw hero that hits the spot every time—pun intended. Niall is the ultimate book boyfriend. Rough, calloused-hand, Viking physique exterior, with a gooey marshmallow writer's soul inside. Need I say more?
I also adored Samantha! McCraw, as always, does a fantastic job with representation. Apart from loving to read women in STEM, I appreciated how Sam's anxiety was handled with the utmost respect.
And the scene-stealing pup! You can't forget the scene-stealing pup.
I can't recommend this book enough.
September 14, 2023
I’ll get this out of the way: The book was enjoyable, the writing is fine, and the zing is on the high side of zingness. All that’s great. The problem, however, is it’s just so… convoluted.
I’m not exactly sure I could break down the premise of the plot into a sentence or two, or even a single paragraph. It’s that paper thin on believability. I liked the characters, and the romance was great, but there were numerous times I had to remind myself to, ‘just roll with it.’
Bottom line, it’s a decent romcom but if you proceed with reading it, prepare for some mental gymnastics or magic wand waving.
I’m not exactly sure I could break down the premise of the plot into a sentence or two, or even a single paragraph. It’s that paper thin on believability. I liked the characters, and the romance was great, but there were numerous times I had to remind myself to, ‘just roll with it.’
Bottom line, it’s a decent romcom but if you proceed with reading it, prepare for some mental gymnastics or magic wand waving.
November 25, 2021
I love Michelle McCraw’s writing style – it’s so sensual and evocative without being heavily descriptive. She always chooses the right words to make me feel and I certainly felt lots reading Trip Me Up, book 3 of the Synergy series (which can all be read as stand alones). This was a really cute opposites attract romance, full of her usual brand of unique and realistic characters. I loved Samantha and her geeky, quirky ways and Niall? Swoon! The romance is slow burn but my, does it sizzle when the two ignite! I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Read
August 29, 2023Didn’t Work For Me
Unfortunately I could not get into this book and had to DNF it.
The synopsis didn’t live up to the book itself and time is too precious atm to be stuck reading a book I can’t connect with.
Unfortunately I could not get into this book and had to DNF it.
The synopsis didn’t live up to the book itself and time is too precious atm to be stuck reading a book I can’t connect with.
September 18, 2023
i have a love hate relationship with this book... i loved the idea behind it and niall is dream man fr! but the idea of sam having trauma about photos and then creating a piece of tech that we've seen can multiple things (in the book she makes a book from other work but we know that AI is dangerous for many reasons) and this grated on me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did not finish
July 29, 2025DNF 20%
October 18, 2021
Trip Me Up is the third book in the Synergy Series. I absolutely love this series! We get to know Sam in bits and pieces as a side character in both Work With Me and Friend Me. Sam was not how I anticipated her to be going into this book. She was better!
Sam has been deeply wounded by previous relationship as well as her family's treatment of her afterwards. She feels an instant connection to Niall when they first meet, but her heart is incredibly guarded. Niall is a successful writer with a deep-seated aversion to technology. He carries wounds from his past as well, but he wants to pursue Sam and their connection. Sam has some deep secrets and we get a lot of Sam's guilt warring with her growing feelings for Niall. Both characters grow throughout the story, and they find their way to a lasting love and an HEA that warms the heart.
I missed the banter and lightness with Jackson and Sam from previous books, but I thoroughly loved getting to know Sam on a deeper level.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sam has been deeply wounded by previous relationship as well as her family's treatment of her afterwards. She feels an instant connection to Niall when they first meet, but her heart is incredibly guarded. Niall is a successful writer with a deep-seated aversion to technology. He carries wounds from his past as well, but he wants to pursue Sam and their connection. Sam has some deep secrets and we get a lot of Sam's guilt warring with her growing feelings for Niall. Both characters grow throughout the story, and they find their way to a lasting love and an HEA that warms the heart.
I missed the banter and lightness with Jackson and Sam from previous books, but I thoroughly loved getting to know Sam on a deeper level.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2024
“…[A] puzzle snapping into place.”
Story: 4 ⭐️s
Narration: 5 ⭐️s
The dreamer and the programmer meet in McCraw’s appealing love story. Though this is the third in her Synergy series, it can be read on its own; in fact, this was my first experience with both the series as well as the author, and I had no trouble diving right in. Plus, the breadcrumbs from other books - past and future - make me interested in those other stories. Tropes here include a road trip with forced proximity and an identity under wraps. There’s also an uncomfortable plot line involving the potential when A.I. clashes with creativity and money-hungry tech-corporate types who want to exploit it for gain. Some of those elements definitely struck very close to the current moment, and I appreciated the way McCraw handled it, even as it unsettled.
Sam and Niall were adorable. She’s trying so hard to keep things under wraps, but can’t help be charmed by the dreamy farmboy poet. And though Niall senses she’s hiding something, he can’t resist Sam’s combo of flustered and sexy. Plus there’s her adorable canine companion, Bilbo Baggins, along for the ride. And all together, what reader can resist that? The characters and scenarios are well developed; McCraw is very good at the banter and the pathos, and balances them well with the heat. Yes, these two had engaging romcom moments for the joy, and steamy smexy chemistry, but she also layered their histories and connections so they were fleshed out beyond their romance.
The narration for the audiobook was excellent. Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell were both new-to-me narrators, and both did a fabulous job. Kay shifted seamlessly between Sam’s vulnerability, determination, and adorable awkwardness. I was in the character’s corner from the start and that owed a lot to Kay’s performance. Maxwell made a dreamy Niall, but he also imbued him with a roundness in-keeping with the way McCraw layered his character. Maxwell and Kay were well-matched and I really enjoyed their work. I see that they also narrated the previous two books in the series, and their performances here definitely compel me to go back and have a listen.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book, with engaging MCs and just all around appealing vibes. Definitely worth a listen.
I’m grateful to have received an ALC copy of the audiobook via Home Cooked Books. All opinions expressed are my own.
Story: 4 ⭐️s
Narration: 5 ⭐️s
The dreamer and the programmer meet in McCraw’s appealing love story. Though this is the third in her Synergy series, it can be read on its own; in fact, this was my first experience with both the series as well as the author, and I had no trouble diving right in. Plus, the breadcrumbs from other books - past and future - make me interested in those other stories. Tropes here include a road trip with forced proximity and an identity under wraps. There’s also an uncomfortable plot line involving the potential when A.I. clashes with creativity and money-hungry tech-corporate types who want to exploit it for gain. Some of those elements definitely struck very close to the current moment, and I appreciated the way McCraw handled it, even as it unsettled.
Sam and Niall were adorable. She’s trying so hard to keep things under wraps, but can’t help be charmed by the dreamy farmboy poet. And though Niall senses she’s hiding something, he can’t resist Sam’s combo of flustered and sexy. Plus there’s her adorable canine companion, Bilbo Baggins, along for the ride. And all together, what reader can resist that? The characters and scenarios are well developed; McCraw is very good at the banter and the pathos, and balances them well with the heat. Yes, these two had engaging romcom moments for the joy, and steamy smexy chemistry, but she also layered their histories and connections so they were fleshed out beyond their romance.
The narration for the audiobook was excellent. Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell were both new-to-me narrators, and both did a fabulous job. Kay shifted seamlessly between Sam’s vulnerability, determination, and adorable awkwardness. I was in the character’s corner from the start and that owed a lot to Kay’s performance. Maxwell made a dreamy Niall, but he also imbued him with a roundness in-keeping with the way McCraw layered his character. Maxwell and Kay were well-matched and I really enjoyed their work. I see that they also narrated the previous two books in the series, and their performances here definitely compel me to go back and have a listen.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book, with engaging MCs and just all around appealing vibes. Definitely worth a listen.
I’m grateful to have received an ALC copy of the audiobook via Home Cooked Books. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 9, 2024
A farmboy and a techie meet up on tour… Indeed, they do… and I loved every second!
Trip Me Up is the third book within the Synergy series but can be read as a standalone. It is an opposites-attract, road-trip romantic comedy, that features a geeky heroine and a sexy farmboy writer.
Niall is a small-town farmboy who is also a successful author. Sam is a computer scientist who is almost done with her PHD. They initially meet at Sam’s mum’s fundraiser. They are attracted to each other but get the wrong impression of each other. Because of this, they don’t initially pursue anything. However, they cannot stop thinking about each other after that initial meeting. When Sam “accidentally” writes a very successful book and it’s picked up by Niall’s publisher, they are thrown into a joint book tour and forced to be around each other. During their book tour, it doesn’t take long for Niall and Sam’s fire chemistry to ignite, and for them to fall for each other. But Sam has a secret, one that’s bound to crush Niall and rip apart everything he values. It might mean the end of their budding relationship and might also affect Sam’s PHD dreams as well
I really loved this book. It had two things I love; computer nerdiness and books! 💕 I really enjoyed seeing them fall for each other. I especially loved how sweet and supportive Niall was throughout. They were soo different, yet very similar in their values and what they wanted overall in life. I loved it and them! This book wasn’t just fun and romantic (which it certainly was 🥰), I also enjoyed the conversation that was brought up about the ethics of AI. It really dove into why although AI can seem like an easy harmless thing, there are still cons that can arise from it, and how it can affect everyday people. It was also nice seeing some of the characters from previous books within the series appear here. Overall, this was an entertaining, sweet, and fun read that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Narrated by Stefanie Kay's and Julio Maxwell, I really enjoyed their performances and their portrayal of the characters. They were such a joy to listen to, and they were able to bring the story and its characters to life! Overall, this audiobook was such a delight to listen to, and I highly recommend!
Thanks to the author, Michelle McCraw, and the team at HomeCooked Books for providing me with an advanced audio review copy of this book. All opinions provided in this review are entirely my own.
Trip Me Up is the third book within the Synergy series but can be read as a standalone. It is an opposites-attract, road-trip romantic comedy, that features a geeky heroine and a sexy farmboy writer.
Niall is a small-town farmboy who is also a successful author. Sam is a computer scientist who is almost done with her PHD. They initially meet at Sam’s mum’s fundraiser. They are attracted to each other but get the wrong impression of each other. Because of this, they don’t initially pursue anything. However, they cannot stop thinking about each other after that initial meeting. When Sam “accidentally” writes a very successful book and it’s picked up by Niall’s publisher, they are thrown into a joint book tour and forced to be around each other. During their book tour, it doesn’t take long for Niall and Sam’s fire chemistry to ignite, and for them to fall for each other. But Sam has a secret, one that’s bound to crush Niall and rip apart everything he values. It might mean the end of their budding relationship and might also affect Sam’s PHD dreams as well
I really loved this book. It had two things I love; computer nerdiness and books! 💕 I really enjoyed seeing them fall for each other. I especially loved how sweet and supportive Niall was throughout. They were soo different, yet very similar in their values and what they wanted overall in life. I loved it and them! This book wasn’t just fun and romantic (which it certainly was 🥰), I also enjoyed the conversation that was brought up about the ethics of AI. It really dove into why although AI can seem like an easy harmless thing, there are still cons that can arise from it, and how it can affect everyday people. It was also nice seeing some of the characters from previous books within the series appear here. Overall, this was an entertaining, sweet, and fun read that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Narrated by Stefanie Kay's and Julio Maxwell, I really enjoyed their performances and their portrayal of the characters. They were such a joy to listen to, and they were able to bring the story and its characters to life! Overall, this audiobook was such a delight to listen to, and I highly recommend!
Thanks to the author, Michelle McCraw, and the team at HomeCooked Books for providing me with an advanced audio review copy of this book. All opinions provided in this review are entirely my own.
September 13, 2023
Ah! I can not say enough about this book! It lived rent free in my head and out of my mouth the entire time I was reading it.
First of all Niall is the best book boyfriend maybe ever. If anyone wants to argue, they better come with quotes and references. Niall is wholesome, sexy, smart, inventive, all the good adjectives.
So the story. Sam writes a program for her graduatuon or dissertation or whatever, I'm not smart. It is AI technology and she writes it to be able to write stuff for science. But to help it with english she loads in books. And the AI writes a book accidentally.
One of the books she loads on is by Niall. So his small publishing company takes on her book to sell,makes her sign a NDA, and sends her on a book tour with Niall.
Sam feels like the fake she is from day one, but the powers that be promise to cut all the red tape and get her graduated and settled somewhere working on programming to her hearts content. So she stays quiet. Also the NDA. Poor Sam. They really were mean promising her everything she had been working for if she just lied for the length of the tour.
And of course Niall and Sam are drawn to each other. Sam is his muse. Niall had writer's block and being around her just opened up the flow of words. So even as they grow close, even as they have amazing sex( I did not see the sex scenes coming. I loved how real they were!), she couldn't tell him.
She kept telling him it had to be over when the tour was over. His grandfather said she was carrying secrets.
Course when the truth is revealed it hurts. Everyone. Cause sometimes the truth is like that. And oh gees it just is so good as Sam deals with all that has happened and what she has done.
Are all of Michelle McCraw's books this good? I have to find out! You need to read this one!
First of all Niall is the best book boyfriend maybe ever. If anyone wants to argue, they better come with quotes and references. Niall is wholesome, sexy, smart, inventive, all the good adjectives.
So the story. Sam writes a program for her graduatuon or dissertation or whatever, I'm not smart. It is AI technology and she writes it to be able to write stuff for science. But to help it with english she loads in books. And the AI writes a book accidentally.
One of the books she loads on is by Niall. So his small publishing company takes on her book to sell,makes her sign a NDA, and sends her on a book tour with Niall.
Sam feels like the fake she is from day one, but the powers that be promise to cut all the red tape and get her graduated and settled somewhere working on programming to her hearts content. So she stays quiet. Also the NDA. Poor Sam. They really were mean promising her everything she had been working for if she just lied for the length of the tour.
And of course Niall and Sam are drawn to each other. Sam is his muse. Niall had writer's block and being around her just opened up the flow of words. So even as they grow close, even as they have amazing sex( I did not see the sex scenes coming. I loved how real they were!), she couldn't tell him.
She kept telling him it had to be over when the tour was over. His grandfather said she was carrying secrets.
Course when the truth is revealed it hurts. Everyone. Cause sometimes the truth is like that. And oh gees it just is so good as Sam deals with all that has happened and what she has done.
Are all of Michelle McCraw's books this good? I have to find out! You need to read this one!
July 9, 2024
Trip Me Up
Synergy Office Romance, Book 3
By: Michelle McCraw
Narrated by: Stefanie Kay, Julio Maxwell
First off, I need to say I love Bilbo Baggins, the dog. What a great character he is for stepping in and giving a bit of comic relief during some crazy situations. Crazy? Yes! This book is so much fun, and hits a little too close to home all at the same time. Samantha is working on her masters in computers when her codes for AI accidentally writes a book. Now the college is looking to cash in on the best seller and is sending her on the road to promote the book as her own with another author, Niall. The two have chemistry, but knowing the painstaking work that goes into writing a book, Sam just cannot give in to her feelings knowing she is hiding the horrible truth about her own. Niall is ready for love, but what will he do when he finds out the truth about Sam's story? This is a fun, easy listen, filled with love and passion! The family thread shows just how some values don't match what is truly important. I loved it, not only for the romance, but the story tells a real truth to today's society. It's a great beach listen!
Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell tell this story and they are fantastic together. Each finding the personality that matches their character, the two begin on their push pull course to love. Kay is Sam, and it was easy to feel her emotions. Confusion, frustration and love all pour out of her voice making Sam very easy to relate to. Maxwell is Niall. Needing his muse, he has such passion when it comes to Sam, and hurt when he realizes the truth and Maxwell delivers. These two are wonderful together and made for an enjoyable story.
Synergy Office Romance, Book 3
By: Michelle McCraw
Narrated by: Stefanie Kay, Julio Maxwell
First off, I need to say I love Bilbo Baggins, the dog. What a great character he is for stepping in and giving a bit of comic relief during some crazy situations. Crazy? Yes! This book is so much fun, and hits a little too close to home all at the same time. Samantha is working on her masters in computers when her codes for AI accidentally writes a book. Now the college is looking to cash in on the best seller and is sending her on the road to promote the book as her own with another author, Niall. The two have chemistry, but knowing the painstaking work that goes into writing a book, Sam just cannot give in to her feelings knowing she is hiding the horrible truth about her own. Niall is ready for love, but what will he do when he finds out the truth about Sam's story? This is a fun, easy listen, filled with love and passion! The family thread shows just how some values don't match what is truly important. I loved it, not only for the romance, but the story tells a real truth to today's society. It's a great beach listen!
Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell tell this story and they are fantastic together. Each finding the personality that matches their character, the two begin on their push pull course to love. Kay is Sam, and it was easy to feel her emotions. Confusion, frustration and love all pour out of her voice making Sam very easy to relate to. Maxwell is Niall. Needing his muse, he has such passion when it comes to Sam, and hurt when he realizes the truth and Maxwell delivers. These two are wonderful together and made for an enjoyable story.
November 9, 2021
This is the third book in the Synergy series. You can read it as a standalone but it is connected to the other two books in the series so you'll see those characters in this book. Sam is Jackson's (book one) younger sister. I like Sam from the moment she was first introduce. She's sassy and quirky. I think Niall is a perfect match for her although their road to happiness is a little bumpy. Steamy and Entertaining. Definitely a great addition to this series. Can't wait for book four.
All Sam wants to do is getaway from her mother constantly trying to set her up with men meddling with her life. As soon as she gets her PhD she's gone and can escape it all but she's pulled in to be the face of a book she didn't write. Niall is a fantasy author currently dealing with major writer’s block and a looming deadline for his next book and people counting on him for financial help. Sam has been used and betrayed by men in the past? Niall falls hard for Sam but what happens when her secret comes out? Will they weather the storm?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All Sam wants to do is getaway from her mother constantly trying to set her up with men meddling with her life. As soon as she gets her PhD she's gone and can escape it all but she's pulled in to be the face of a book she didn't write. Niall is a fantasy author currently dealing with major writer’s block and a looming deadline for his next book and people counting on him for financial help. Sam has been used and betrayed by men in the past? Niall falls hard for Sam but what happens when her secret comes out? Will they weather the storm?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the Synergy Office Romance series featuring Niall and Sam's opposites attract story. Niall is a bestselling fantasy author that still works on the family farm he has no use for technology he even writes his books on paper he's that tech resistant. Sam is a dyslexic nerdy grad student who's a coder and while testing the AI she designed to help scientists write their papers it actually writes a novel that gets published to great fanfare. She's then told that she's being sent on a meet and greet tour which she's very nervous about because of her dyslexia how is she going to manage reading chapters of her book in front of people? She packs up all the support she needs in her dog Bilbo Baggins and along with fellow author Niall begin their trip. Niall met Sam at a fundraiser where she captivates him causing him to actually be inspired when he hadn't been in some time. Can they overcome their trust issues and learn to trust each other? Can they have a relationship with Sam keeping secrets? You really need to read this book to see what happens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**Enchanting, Hilarious, and Absolutely Unmissable!**
"Trip Me Up" by Michelle McGraw is an absolute delight from start to finish! This opposites-attract romantic comedy takes readers on a captivating journey with Sam, a nerdy computer scientist, and Niall, a flannel-wearing fantasy writer. Their chemistry is undeniable, their banter is laugh-out-loud funny, and their story is one you'll want to revisit again and again.
Sam's accidental attendance at her mother's fundraiser with her adorable dog Bilbo Baggins sets the stage for an unexpected encounter with the charming and rugged Niall. From the moment Niall rescues Bilbo from a socialite's stiletto, the sparks fly. Their connection only deepens as they embark on a joint book tour, where their contrasting worlds collide in the most delightful ways.
The narration by Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell is nothing short of spectacular. Stefanie Kay brings Sam's brilliant mind and quirky personality to life with perfect nuance, capturing her essence beautifully. Julio Maxwell's portrayal of Niall is equally impressive, infusing the character with warmth and charisma. Together, their performances elevate the story, making the characters feel real and their emotions palpable.
"Trip Me Up" is a masterful blend of humor, romance, and heart. McGraw's writing is sharp and witty, and the plot twists keep you engaged until the very end. The addition of Bilbo Baggins, the scene-stealing dog, adds an extra layer of charm to an already wonderful story.
If you're looking for a feel-good read that will leave you smiling, look no further. "Trip Me Up" is an absolute gem, and the exceptional narration by Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell makes it a must-listen. Highly recommended!
**Enchanting, Hilarious, and Absolutely Unmissable!**
"Trip Me Up" by Michelle McGraw is an absolute delight from start to finish! This opposites-attract romantic comedy takes readers on a captivating journey with Sam, a nerdy computer scientist, and Niall, a flannel-wearing fantasy writer. Their chemistry is undeniable, their banter is laugh-out-loud funny, and their story is one you'll want to revisit again and again.
Sam's accidental attendance at her mother's fundraiser with her adorable dog Bilbo Baggins sets the stage for an unexpected encounter with the charming and rugged Niall. From the moment Niall rescues Bilbo from a socialite's stiletto, the sparks fly. Their connection only deepens as they embark on a joint book tour, where their contrasting worlds collide in the most delightful ways.
The narration by Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell is nothing short of spectacular. Stefanie Kay brings Sam's brilliant mind and quirky personality to life with perfect nuance, capturing her essence beautifully. Julio Maxwell's portrayal of Niall is equally impressive, infusing the character with warmth and charisma. Together, their performances elevate the story, making the characters feel real and their emotions palpable.
"Trip Me Up" is a masterful blend of humor, romance, and heart. McGraw's writing is sharp and witty, and the plot twists keep you engaged until the very end. The addition of Bilbo Baggins, the scene-stealing dog, adds an extra layer of charm to an already wonderful story.
If you're looking for a feel-good read that will leave you smiling, look no further. "Trip Me Up" is an absolute gem, and the exceptional narration by Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell makes it a must-listen. Highly recommended!
January 24, 2025
Cute, cozy, and smart
I honestly enjoyed this book. I picked it up to read between my book club reads, and this was a cute, cozy little romance story that raised a lot of very relevant questions about the use of A.I. in creative spaces.
Sam is an intelligent ball of anxiety with the cutest little dog named Bilbo Baggins. Niall is a farm boy who doesn’t use technology hardly at all. Niall is like a perfect fitting pair of jeans for Sam. He’s kind, supportive, and extremely gentle hearted which works like a balm over Sam’s nerves and trauma. Together, they go on a book tour, but Sam’s book is A.I. generated, while Niall painstakingly writes his fantasy novels longhand. They fall in love, but then Niall discovers Sam’s secret.
I honestly never considered a scenario where A.I. could create a book that was better than, or equally as good as a book written by humans. It raises brilliant questions about just how far we are willing to let A.I. go especially in creative spaces such as art and writing. This book not only gave me a cute, cozy romance, but also helped me realize just how many people could be affected by A.I. infiltrating certain industries.
I honestly enjoyed this book. I picked it up to read between my book club reads, and this was a cute, cozy little romance story that raised a lot of very relevant questions about the use of A.I. in creative spaces.
Sam is an intelligent ball of anxiety with the cutest little dog named Bilbo Baggins. Niall is a farm boy who doesn’t use technology hardly at all. Niall is like a perfect fitting pair of jeans for Sam. He’s kind, supportive, and extremely gentle hearted which works like a balm over Sam’s nerves and trauma. Together, they go on a book tour, but Sam’s book is A.I. generated, while Niall painstakingly writes his fantasy novels longhand. They fall in love, but then Niall discovers Sam’s secret.
I honestly never considered a scenario where A.I. could create a book that was better than, or equally as good as a book written by humans. It raises brilliant questions about just how far we are willing to let A.I. go especially in creative spaces such as art and writing. This book not only gave me a cute, cozy romance, but also helped me realize just how many people could be affected by A.I. infiltrating certain industries.
July 15, 2024
All Sam wants to do is graduate from school and then move away from her matchmaking mother and the upper-class men she keeps trying to set her up with. When her research project takes a turn, she doesn’t see coming she finds herself going on a book tour with Niall, a fellow author. The only problem is that she is developing feelings for him, and she has secret that will destroy everything.
Niall is an author who is promoting his book so that he can financially support his family and their farm. He was smitten by Sam from their first meeting so once he gets over the surprise of finding out they are going on a book tour together he is happy to spend time with her. It isn’t long before he falls in love however there is a lot about her that he doesn’t know.
The narrators did a wonderful job with the story as you could feel how conflicted Sam was about the situation and her feelings for Niall and Niall’s sweet and swoony personality was felt with every interaction. This series has been entertaining and this story is no exception.
Niall is an author who is promoting his book so that he can financially support his family and their farm. He was smitten by Sam from their first meeting so once he gets over the surprise of finding out they are going on a book tour together he is happy to spend time with her. It isn’t long before he falls in love however there is a lot about her that he doesn’t know.
The narrators did a wonderful job with the story as you could feel how conflicted Sam was about the situation and her feelings for Niall and Niall’s sweet and swoony personality was felt with every interaction. This series has been entertaining and this story is no exception.
July 10, 2024
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Trip Me Up is book #3 in the techy romantic series Synergy. Sam is working on her PhD in the computer/coding field, trying to forge her own path and NOT become the socialite her mother would like for her to be. An accidental creation with her Artificial Intelligence (AI) work suddenly puts her on a book tour at the request of her professor. But she has a secret that she cannot share. Also on this tour, the sexy farmer Niall...promoting his latest fantasy novel. These two are opposites in every way, but the attraction is there. Sam has become his muse and words are flying on the pages of his notebooks. He's anti-technology, she's all things techy. We also get the characters from the prior books (Sam is Jackson's sister from book #1) and a teaser for hopefully Cooper's story!
The dual narration is by the same narrators as the prior books. Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell are so great together. 5 prize winning stars!
Trip Me Up is book #3 in the techy romantic series Synergy. Sam is working on her PhD in the computer/coding field, trying to forge her own path and NOT become the socialite her mother would like for her to be. An accidental creation with her Artificial Intelligence (AI) work suddenly puts her on a book tour at the request of her professor. But she has a secret that she cannot share. Also on this tour, the sexy farmer Niall...promoting his latest fantasy novel. These two are opposites in every way, but the attraction is there. Sam has become his muse and words are flying on the pages of his notebooks. He's anti-technology, she's all things techy. We also get the characters from the prior books (Sam is Jackson's sister from book #1) and a teaser for hopefully Cooper's story!
The dual narration is by the same narrators as the prior books. Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell are so great together. 5 prize winning stars!
July 14, 2024
✨ New Review ✨
Title: Trip Me Up
Author: Michelle McCraw
My format: Audiobook 🎧 #ALC
Narrators/Production: Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell
Narration style: Dual
Spice level: 3
Feels: 🥹😂🫠
McCraw’s heroes are always just… -cheff’s kiss- ! She always manages to find the right combo of nerdy and hotty and it really works for me… for both the FMC and MMC.
This is the third in the series, and if you’ve read them in order you have seen bits and pieces of Sam in the previous 2 books but the MMC, Niall is completely new.
Their chemistry was great, and the writing excellent as always.
And the scene-stealing pup! You can't forget the scene-stealing pup.
I am hopeful that the entire series is being recorded to audio, because the last two in the series have my favourite tropes all over them!
Th@nks to: @homecookedbooks_promo for providing this copy.
**These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
Title: Trip Me Up
Author: Michelle McCraw
My format: Audiobook 🎧 #ALC
Narrators/Production: Stefanie Kay and Julio Maxwell
Narration style: Dual
Spice level: 3
Feels: 🥹😂🫠
McCraw’s heroes are always just… -cheff’s kiss- ! She always manages to find the right combo of nerdy and hotty and it really works for me… for both the FMC and MMC.
This is the third in the series, and if you’ve read them in order you have seen bits and pieces of Sam in the previous 2 books but the MMC, Niall is completely new.
Their chemistry was great, and the writing excellent as always.
And the scene-stealing pup! You can't forget the scene-stealing pup.
I am hopeful that the entire series is being recorded to audio, because the last two in the series have my favourite tropes all over them!
Th@nks to: @homecookedbooks_promo for providing this copy.
**These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
July 16, 2024
Opposites attract and boy do they!
I wasn’t aware that this is book 3 of the Synergy Office series and it didn’t matter one bit. I enjoyed this as a standalone. Sam is a programmer and Niall is an author and are sent on a book tour together. They are truly opposites, but their attraction is immediate, and they were really entertaining together. I liked the spin on the traditional opposites attract / forced proximity romcom. It really examines the influence AI can have in our lives and livelihoods.
This is the first book from this author, and I intend to check out others by her. She developed the characters and kept me intrigued from the page 1 until the end. It’s a cute, slightly spicy read with a lot of heart.
The narration was terrific and just emphasized the point that there are just things AI cannot replace. Stephanie Kay and Julio Maxwell are both fairly new narrators to me, and I thought the casting was perfect and I look forward to more from both of these.
I wasn’t aware that this is book 3 of the Synergy Office series and it didn’t matter one bit. I enjoyed this as a standalone. Sam is a programmer and Niall is an author and are sent on a book tour together. They are truly opposites, but their attraction is immediate, and they were really entertaining together. I liked the spin on the traditional opposites attract / forced proximity romcom. It really examines the influence AI can have in our lives and livelihoods.
This is the first book from this author, and I intend to check out others by her. She developed the characters and kept me intrigued from the page 1 until the end. It’s a cute, slightly spicy read with a lot of heart.
The narration was terrific and just emphasized the point that there are just things AI cannot replace. Stephanie Kay and Julio Maxwell are both fairly new narrators to me, and I thought the casting was perfect and I look forward to more from both of these.
August 14, 2025
This is the third book in the Synergy Office Romance series by Michelle McCraw. Sam is a computer science grad student who accidentally writes a fantasy novel using his artificial intelligence project. As a joke, Sam sends the novel to her graduate advisor, and it becomes a bestseller. Sam keeps up the ruse going on a book tour with Niall, a flannel wearing fantasy author. Niall thinks that Sam wrote the novel, and he calls her his muse. Sam takes her dog, Bilbo Baggins with her everywhere she goes. Sam and Niall's bond grows during the book tour, fueled by shared passion, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry. As their connection deepens, the truth becomes harder to reveal the longer she waits, the more she risks her career and love life. This story is packed with humor, heart, heat, heroines, charming farm boy writers, and road trip chaos. I really enjoyed this opposites-attract romance novel.
October 18, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for a review, but this is my real opinion.
I have read a couple of books I liked more than this one, but this one
was great, too. I liked both the main characters; each had their own
personalities, and it did seem like they had nothing much in common
at first, but once they started getting rid of their preconceived assump-
tions about each other, they began to get to know each other, and they
did find things they liked about each other.
This was well-written, and I very much appreciated that it didn't have
a lot of typos and poor grammar. Yes, I can read a book in spite of it
having those things, but it is very distracting when it does, so getting
to read a book that DOESN'T have them these days is a real joy!
Will definitely be reading more of this author's work!
I have read a couple of books I liked more than this one, but this one
was great, too. I liked both the main characters; each had their own
personalities, and it did seem like they had nothing much in common
at first, but once they started getting rid of their preconceived assump-
tions about each other, they began to get to know each other, and they
did find things they liked about each other.
This was well-written, and I very much appreciated that it didn't have
a lot of typos and poor grammar. Yes, I can read a book in spite of it
having those things, but it is very distracting when it does, so getting
to read a book that DOESN'T have them these days is a real joy!
Will definitely be reading more of this author's work!
November 8, 2021
So Fun! Complete Opposites with Explosive Chemistry and Secrets on a Road Trip...
What more could you ask for except for an adorable pup? This book was so much fun - a bit different from the others in the series and although some of the characters repeat it can definitely be read as a standalone. I loved both Sam and Niall who were both comfortable in their identities - she is an introverted programmer "nerd", while he is a tech-adverse "farm-boy dreamer" who writes fantasy fiction in longhand! And they are both keeping secrets - not to mention explosive attraction to each other when thrown together on a book tour. What could go wrong? Or Right? The story that ensues is amazing including their friends and family...Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What more could you ask for except for an adorable pup? This book was so much fun - a bit different from the others in the series and although some of the characters repeat it can definitely be read as a standalone. I loved both Sam and Niall who were both comfortable in their identities - she is an introverted programmer "nerd", while he is a tech-adverse "farm-boy dreamer" who writes fantasy fiction in longhand! And they are both keeping secrets - not to mention explosive attraction to each other when thrown together on a book tour. What could go wrong? Or Right? The story that ensues is amazing including their friends and family...Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2021
Clever Story Line . . .
Samantha is a nerdy, dyslexic grad student who was testing her AI designed to help scientists write their papers. To increase the word vocabulary, she input fantasy novels and the AI wrote its own fantasy novel! The university sent it to a publisher and the book became very popular. Sam is listed as the author and feels like a fraud.
To Sam’s discomfort, she is going on a book-signing tour with a man she met at her family’s fundraiser, fantasy author Niall. His writer’s block disappeared when Sam came around. She is supposed to read a bit from her book, and that panics her with her dyslexia. She also is not permitted to reveal that the AI wrote the book. Will her secrets come out and cause Niall to walk away from their relationship? Will he think she was being dismissive of writers by having an AI create a best-seller?
Samantha is a nerdy, dyslexic grad student who was testing her AI designed to help scientists write their papers. To increase the word vocabulary, she input fantasy novels and the AI wrote its own fantasy novel! The university sent it to a publisher and the book became very popular. Sam is listed as the author and feels like a fraud.
To Sam’s discomfort, she is going on a book-signing tour with a man she met at her family’s fundraiser, fantasy author Niall. His writer’s block disappeared when Sam came around. She is supposed to read a bit from her book, and that panics her with her dyslexia. She also is not permitted to reveal that the AI wrote the book. Will her secrets come out and cause Niall to walk away from their relationship? Will he think she was being dismissive of writers by having an AI create a best-seller?
September 28, 2023
Really cute, well written and edited. It only very occasionally felt a little over the top cheesy with some of the language these characters were spouting. And typically it came from a fantasy author so it wasn't completely out of the realm of possibility. I would've liked a little more spice/steam (once they have sex the first time the future escapades are all just a closed door reference( but I did appreciate what was there. My only real problem came in the final act. There is a chapter that takes place at the university involving her brother that is... highly unrealistic. And leads to a slightly odd ending in that the FMC is in a predicament that is downplayed to the extreme. It had to lose a star for that since it's a different significant plot point. Overall, however, I would recommend this one to most who like this genre.
October 27, 2021
Of the three books in McCraw’s Synergy series, Trip Me up is my favorite so far. It’s a delightful, opposites-attract romance between Niall, a tech-averse farmboy who’s written a bestselling fantasy series and Sam, a techie grad student who’s created a groundbreaking work of literary science fiction. Although both characters had some serious trust issues, I liked the way they gradually opened up to each other while on a book tour together. They were both so likable that I found myself rooting for their romance to work out despite their differences. The fact that Sam was hiding a major secret added to the growing tension and made me turn the pages that much faster. A really enjoyable read, at turns heartwarming and funny, with a nice dose of steam.
November 9, 2021
Sam is a graduate student doing research who happens to write a program that happens to write a novel. Her school publishes it and it needs an author so they indicate her and it is in that stead, as an author that she meets Niall who actually is an author. They are the opposites that attract. A computer nerd with dyslexia who has a hard time reading goes on a book tour with a man from farm country who likes to write. But you know what they say about secrets, and who authored the book is a heck of a secret. Will they be able to work through their differences and this issue and come out on the write (right) side of things?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2024
Trip Me Up is the third book in the Synergy series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Niall and Sam had mutual attraction to each other when they met, but they didn’t act on it. But when they end up running into each other again and spending a LOT of time together on a book tour, they can’t deny the chemistry between them.
Niall was so sweet, and he was very understanding with Sam. I loved how he cared for her and her dog.
I liked the representation of having women in STEM
— Sam was so intelligent! She had anxiety, and she had her stipulations when it came to the book tour. But she did manage to stand up for herself, for what’s “right” in the end, despite the consequences.
This was an angsty read, but I loved seeing the two characters get to know each other and fall in love.
Audio:
Narrators: Stephanie Kay and Julio Maxwell
Narration Style: Dual
These two did a great job bringing the story and characters to life. I think I enjoyed the story more because of the narration.
Niall and Sam had mutual attraction to each other when they met, but they didn’t act on it. But when they end up running into each other again and spending a LOT of time together on a book tour, they can’t deny the chemistry between them.
Niall was so sweet, and he was very understanding with Sam. I loved how he cared for her and her dog.
I liked the representation of having women in STEM
— Sam was so intelligent! She had anxiety, and she had her stipulations when it came to the book tour. But she did manage to stand up for herself, for what’s “right” in the end, despite the consequences.
This was an angsty read, but I loved seeing the two characters get to know each other and fall in love.
Audio:
Narrators: Stephanie Kay and Julio Maxwell
Narration Style: Dual
These two did a great job bringing the story and characters to life. I think I enjoyed the story more because of the narration.
July 11, 2024
Put in an impossible situation, to lie to everyone she cares about or risk being sued and not getting her doctorate degree- Sam is struggling on how to handle her latest situation. Niall is falling head over heels for her but how will he feel when he finds out the truth?
Oof. This story had me in a chokehold because I wanted to see how Sam would finally confront her “problem”. AI is truly becoming an issue in real life and to see it being portrayed in a book was kind of neat. It was also fun to be back in the synergy world and have maybe a tid bit of what is to come in the next book.
Julio Maxwell and Stefanie Kay are back again for book 3 in the series. As always they do an amazing job and are a joy to listen to.
Oof. This story had me in a chokehold because I wanted to see how Sam would finally confront her “problem”. AI is truly becoming an issue in real life and to see it being portrayed in a book was kind of neat. It was also fun to be back in the synergy world and have maybe a tid bit of what is to come in the next book.
Julio Maxwell and Stefanie Kay are back again for book 3 in the series. As always they do an amazing job and are a joy to listen to.
July 14, 2024
This is book 3 in McCraw's Synergy series that can be read / listened to as a standalone. Our main characters are Sam and Niall who are beautifully narrated by the talents of Julio Maxwell and Stefanie Kay. These characters are great, and I love the balance of sweet and steam McCraw delivers. The storyline is captivating and flows smoothly. McCraw and our narrators deliver in such a way that you can't help but feel transported into the story itself. A fun, easy listen that is sure to delight. I loved it and can't wait to read / listen to more!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.
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