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Prickle Island Zoo #3
Party Animal
She’s never done love long-term. But will faking it lead to forever?
Finch Lachlan works hard and parties harder. But tired of her siblings judging her fun-loving ways, the head veterinarian at her family’s zoo vows to prove she can make it past the third date. And maybe she can begin with the hottie who just seized her attention with a sizzling kiss.
Chef, Frankie Benedetti, craves a fresh start. But after learning her ex-boyfriend and his new squeeze are spending the summer in the same place, the just-out bisexual panics and locks lips with the first hot woman she can grab. And when she discovers they’re coworkers, Frankie convinces the tattooed vet to enter into a mutually beneficial, make-believe relationship.
Impressing her close-knit clan with displays of commitment, Finch feels the lines blur as the two women grow closer. But Frankie fears their scheme could be the victim of its own success and end with two broken hearts…
Will Finch and Frankie’s playful passion turn into something real?
Party Animal is the sweet and spicy third book in the Prickle Island Zoo romantic comedy series. If you like sapphic heroines, animal antics, and light-hearted reads, then you’ll adore Ali K. Mulford’s funny tale.
Buy Party Animal to have a wild time today!
Finch Lachlan works hard and parties harder. But tired of her siblings judging her fun-loving ways, the head veterinarian at her family’s zoo vows to prove she can make it past the third date. And maybe she can begin with the hottie who just seized her attention with a sizzling kiss.
Chef, Frankie Benedetti, craves a fresh start. But after learning her ex-boyfriend and his new squeeze are spending the summer in the same place, the just-out bisexual panics and locks lips with the first hot woman she can grab. And when she discovers they’re coworkers, Frankie convinces the tattooed vet to enter into a mutually beneficial, make-believe relationship.
Impressing her close-knit clan with displays of commitment, Finch feels the lines blur as the two women grow closer. But Frankie fears their scheme could be the victim of its own success and end with two broken hearts…
Will Finch and Frankie’s playful passion turn into something real?
Party Animal is the sweet and spicy third book in the Prickle Island Zoo romantic comedy series. If you like sapphic heroines, animal antics, and light-hearted reads, then you’ll adore Ali K. Mulford’s funny tale.
Buy Party Animal to have a wild time today!
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2024
20 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Ali K. Mulford
10 books322 followersAlso writes as A.K. Mulford
Ali K. Mulford (also known by their bestselling fantasy pen name A.K. Mulford) is a rom-com author and former wildlife biologist who swapped rehabilitating monkeys for writing novels. A US and NZ citizen, Mulford now lives in Australia rearing two human primates, writing lovable characters, and making ridiculous TikToks (@akmulfordauthor).
Ali K. Mulford (also known by their bestselling fantasy pen name A.K. Mulford) is a rom-com author and former wildlife biologist who swapped rehabilitating monkeys for writing novels. A US and NZ citizen, Mulford now lives in Australia rearing two human primates, writing lovable characters, and making ridiculous TikToks (@akmulfordauthor).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
January 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There are two key things that keep me invested in the Prickle Island Zoo series - the clever use of on-brand-for-zookeeper puns/comments, and the adorable animal companions that are in every story.
Mulford’s writing is always easy to read, with witty dialogue and a clear distinction between the voices of the two main characters who narrate the chapters. ‘Party Animal’ definitely took me on a roller coaster of emotions - it made me want to scream at the characters’ actions, cry along with them and giggle at all the cute scenes and moments. Of course, the animal side characters are always a highlight. In this installment, it was Ron the Flamingo, Jailbreak the Zebra and Cranky the baby Macaw.
Where this book lost points for me was the extent of miscommunication about feelings between Finch and Frankie. For me, both characters took way too long to come clean about how they truly felt and they assumed too quickly about a lot of things, particularly Finch. When they were good though, and the air had been cleared (or before things got complicated), Finch and Frankie were absolutely adorable together. I loved that they helped each other grow as people, without the story simply focusing on their blossoming relationship.
‘Party Animal’ is the third book in the series, and I felt like this one started to feel a bit repetitive. In both the first two books, there were events away from the Zoo that the characters participated in. However, in ‘Party Animal’, everything after the meet cute was on the island at locations previously visited in the other books. This one was much more about self-discovery, which I loved, but there didn’t feel like there was anything new to this installment. It was also much less plot-driven than the first two, as those felt like a good mix of plot/character focus.
Ultimately, this was a cute sapphic romance, with fake dating, self-love journeys and cute animals. What more could you really want in a book anyway? 🌈
Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me an ARC of ‘Party Animal’. All opinions shared in this review are my own.
There are two key things that keep me invested in the Prickle Island Zoo series - the clever use of on-brand-for-zookeeper puns/comments, and the adorable animal companions that are in every story.
Mulford’s writing is always easy to read, with witty dialogue and a clear distinction between the voices of the two main characters who narrate the chapters. ‘Party Animal’ definitely took me on a roller coaster of emotions - it made me want to scream at the characters’ actions, cry along with them and giggle at all the cute scenes and moments. Of course, the animal side characters are always a highlight. In this installment, it was Ron the Flamingo, Jailbreak the Zebra and Cranky the baby Macaw.
Where this book lost points for me was the extent of miscommunication about feelings between Finch and Frankie. For me, both characters took way too long to come clean about how they truly felt and they assumed too quickly about a lot of things, particularly Finch. When they were good though, and the air had been cleared (or before things got complicated), Finch and Frankie were absolutely adorable together. I loved that they helped each other grow as people, without the story simply focusing on their blossoming relationship.
‘Party Animal’ is the third book in the series, and I felt like this one started to feel a bit repetitive. In both the first two books, there were events away from the Zoo that the characters participated in. However, in ‘Party Animal’, everything after the meet cute was on the island at locations previously visited in the other books. This one was much more about self-discovery, which I loved, but there didn’t feel like there was anything new to this installment. It was also much less plot-driven than the first two, as those felt like a good mix of plot/character focus.
Ultimately, this was a cute sapphic romance, with fake dating, self-love journeys and cute animals. What more could you really want in a book anyway? 🌈
Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me an ARC of ‘Party Animal’. All opinions shared in this review are my own.
July 7, 2024
I devoured this in ONE SITTING👏🏻 ITS A GREAT DAY TO LOVE WOMEN. This book was so fun, chaotic and heartwarming - exactly what you can expect from every book in this series. I love this zoo family with my whole heart! Gimme book 4!! 🩷🩷🩷
July 7, 2024
firstly i would like to say a big thank you to Ali for allowing me to ARC read yet another book in this series!
this book was just as amazing as the first two!
Book 3 follows Finch who enters a fake dating relationship with the Zoo’s new chef Frankie which is equally beneficial towards both of them.
this book is sapphic and fake dating?! sign me up immediately. i highly recommend this one!
however there are a few content warnings Ali has listed within the story so please check those before reading because your mental health comes first.
i have listed them below :)
This book contains cheating (not between main couple), internalized fatphobia (healed throughout story), sick and injured animals (non-graphic), attempted domestic violence (not between main couple), brief mention of parent loss, as well as sexually explicit scenes
this book was just as amazing as the first two!
Book 3 follows Finch who enters a fake dating relationship with the Zoo’s new chef Frankie which is equally beneficial towards both of them.
this book is sapphic and fake dating?! sign me up immediately. i highly recommend this one!
however there are a few content warnings Ali has listed within the story so please check those before reading because your mental health comes first.
i have listed them below :)
This book contains cheating (not between main couple), internalized fatphobia (healed throughout story), sick and injured animals (non-graphic), attempted domestic violence (not between main couple), brief mention of parent loss, as well as sexually explicit scenes
July 10, 2024
Fake dating at the zoo? Another great Prickle Island Zoo romance!
July 18, 2024
The loveliest series! 🦩
I love the Prickle Zoo world so so much. These books are seriously like the sweetest warm hug.
I was really excited for Finch’s book because she’s been one of my favs. I thought her story would be really good and I’m happy to say it was!
This one has fake dating and forced proximity which are two of fav tropes! I loved the evolution of Finch and Frankie’s relationship. They were always attracted to each other but they each had issues. They were perfect for each other. I loved them both so much.
✨Mama Lachlan always knows best. ✨
As always the animals in the story are such an amazing added feature. 🦩🦜🐢
This series is worth the read. Every single book! They really show true acceptance of another person. There’s no shaming of anyone for anything. It’s incredible and I love it so much. Do we get a Dove book? Because I’m ready for it 🤍🤍🤍
I love the Prickle Zoo world so so much. These books are seriously like the sweetest warm hug.
I was really excited for Finch’s book because she’s been one of my favs. I thought her story would be really good and I’m happy to say it was!
This one has fake dating and forced proximity which are two of fav tropes! I loved the evolution of Finch and Frankie’s relationship. They were always attracted to each other but they each had issues. They were perfect for each other. I loved them both so much.
✨Mama Lachlan always knows best. ✨
As always the animals in the story are such an amazing added feature. 🦩🦜🐢
This series is worth the read. Every single book! They really show true acceptance of another person. There’s no shaming of anyone for anything. It’s incredible and I love it so much. Do we get a Dove book? Because I’m ready for it 🤍🤍🤍
September 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐, rounded up to 4 ⭐ for GR
Party Animal is the third book in an ongoing series and while it might be beneficial to read the previous books, I can say that you don't need to do it. There were more than enough points about the two previous couples to understand their relationships without having to read those books.
It is a fun contemporary sapphic romance in a zoo setting (on an island somewhere on the US East Coast) but the zoo part (and the island part) is a background thing. I think the only places within the zoo that play a larger part are the vet clinic and the restaurant/café as the couple is a zoo vet and a chef. In the book, we follow Goldfinch "Finch" Lachlan, who works as a vet at her family's zoo and lives for her work while avoiding any long-term relationships like the devil avoids a church, and Francesca "Frankie" Benedetti who is a (pastry) chef who got out of a long-term relationship with Jake who cheated on her. They both get into a fake relationship with each other for different reasons but as they continue with their "play of pretend", the lines begin to blur with each display of commitment.
My only issues with the book were:
- Frankie thought that she is a bisexual woman who just had never been able to explore relationships with women. I wish the author would have let her continue to be bisexual and just get her into a relationship with a woman instead of having her very short "aha" moment where she realises that she isn't bisexual but a lesbian. There aren't many books with bisexual characters in general, so this erase of a bi character irks me.
- The end. The author has a love for epilogue weddings. Unfortunately, she utterly spoils the upcoming book with it and the developments of Hawk's and Lark's relationships (the two siblings from the first two books).
- The fucking third act breakup. God, I hate those. All because of miscommunication in this case.
Party Animal is the third book in an ongoing series and while it might be beneficial to read the previous books, I can say that you don't need to do it. There were more than enough points about the two previous couples to understand their relationships without having to read those books.
It is a fun contemporary sapphic romance in a zoo setting (on an island somewhere on the US East Coast) but the zoo part (and the island part) is a background thing. I think the only places within the zoo that play a larger part are the vet clinic and the restaurant/café as the couple is a zoo vet and a chef. In the book, we follow Goldfinch "Finch" Lachlan, who works as a vet at her family's zoo and lives for her work while avoiding any long-term relationships like the devil avoids a church, and Francesca "Frankie" Benedetti who is a (pastry) chef who got out of a long-term relationship with Jake who cheated on her. They both get into a fake relationship with each other for different reasons but as they continue with their "play of pretend", the lines begin to blur with each display of commitment.
My only issues with the book were:
- Frankie thought that she is a bisexual woman who just had never been able to explore relationships with women. I wish the author would have let her continue to be bisexual and just get her into a relationship with a woman instead of having her very short "aha" moment where she realises that she isn't bisexual but a lesbian. There aren't many books with bisexual characters in general, so this erase of a bi character irks me.
- The end. The author has a love for epilogue weddings. Unfortunately, she utterly spoils the upcoming book with it and the developments of Hawk's and Lark's relationships (the two siblings from the first two books).
- The fucking third act breakup. God, I hate those. All because of miscommunication in this case.
July 7, 2024
Sapphics fake dating while working at a zoo.
As soon as this book landed in my inbox I downloaded it immediately to read the first chapter while eating breakfast. In between running errands and being social I still managed to finish reading this book within 30 hours of receiving the earc.
I immediately fell in love with Frankie and was glad to know she'd be immediately treated like the goddess she is by Finch. We've gotten to know Finch throughout the series from her siblings POV and I'm SO GLAD we finally got to Finch's story (I say finally but she's sibling 3 of 7, I'm just impatient). Seeing Finch come to recognise in herself that as a vet she takes on EVERYTHING and needs to learn to trust others hit a bit too close to home. I could see her burnout coming from a mile away. It was handled really well.
There were SO many lines from Finch that made me blush and giggle as I repeated them aloud to my wife. Speaking of my wife, she now claims she's read the whole book because of how much I talked about it at her.
Aside from the sizzling romance brewing between Finch and Frankie I loved seeing new friendships develop. One of my favourite things was seeing Hannah be so happy within the Lockhlan family, being besties with Dove and befriending Frankie.
This series continues to give me the perfect amount of drama while still keeping everything light and fun. Bring on book 4
I was given a copy by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings as written by the author
-Cheating (not between main couple)
-Internalised fatphobia (healed throughout story)
-Sick and injured animals (non-graphic)
-Attempted domestic violence (not between main couple)
-Brief mention of parent loss
-Sexually explicit scenes
As soon as this book landed in my inbox I downloaded it immediately to read the first chapter while eating breakfast. In between running errands and being social I still managed to finish reading this book within 30 hours of receiving the earc.
I immediately fell in love with Frankie and was glad to know she'd be immediately treated like the goddess she is by Finch. We've gotten to know Finch throughout the series from her siblings POV and I'm SO GLAD we finally got to Finch's story (I say finally but she's sibling 3 of 7, I'm just impatient). Seeing Finch come to recognise in herself that as a vet she takes on EVERYTHING and needs to learn to trust others hit a bit too close to home. I could see her burnout coming from a mile away. It was handled really well.
There were SO many lines from Finch that made me blush and giggle as I repeated them aloud to my wife. Speaking of my wife, she now claims she's read the whole book because of how much I talked about it at her.
Aside from the sizzling romance brewing between Finch and Frankie I loved seeing new friendships develop. One of my favourite things was seeing Hannah be so happy within the Lockhlan family, being besties with Dove and befriending Frankie.
This series continues to give me the perfect amount of drama while still keeping everything light and fun. Bring on book 4
I was given a copy by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings as written by the author
-Cheating (not between main couple)
-Internalised fatphobia (healed throughout story)
-Sick and injured animals (non-graphic)
-Attempted domestic violence (not between main couple)
-Brief mention of parent loss
-Sexually explicit scenes
July 10, 2024
4.75 stars
Super cute, mostly lighthearted fake dating rom com about a chef and a zoo veterinarian.
Finch doesn't do relationships, too busy with her career as a vet for her family's zoo. Frankie, fresh from a breakup, takes a job as chef for said zoo. Finch needs her family off her back, and Frankie wants to make her ex jealous, so the two strike a bargain to pretend to date.
Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
I have been dying for Finch's story since the first book in the series. While this one doesn't have quite the level of banter as the previous two, it's adorable and fun in all the best ways. I loved Frankie's growth and Finch's commitment to the animals. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and this was done so well.
Thanks so much to the author for the opportunity to read and review!
Content warnings: internalized fatphobia (healed throughout), infidelity (not between main couple), attempted domestic abuse (ex), alcohol
Super cute, mostly lighthearted fake dating rom com about a chef and a zoo veterinarian.
Finch doesn't do relationships, too busy with her career as a vet for her family's zoo. Frankie, fresh from a breakup, takes a job as chef for said zoo. Finch needs her family off her back, and Frankie wants to make her ex jealous, so the two strike a bargain to pretend to date.
Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
I have been dying for Finch's story since the first book in the series. While this one doesn't have quite the level of banter as the previous two, it's adorable and fun in all the best ways. I loved Frankie's growth and Finch's commitment to the animals. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and this was done so well.
Thanks so much to the author for the opportunity to read and review!
Content warnings: internalized fatphobia (healed throughout), infidelity (not between main couple), attempted domestic abuse (ex), alcohol
July 17, 2024
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I think Finch & Frankie are my absolute favourite Prickle Island Zoo couple so far.
Their characters gravitated towards each other so naturally right from the very beginning and I loved how that was mostly in the form of Finch rescuing Frankie from awkward situations. Including but not limited to a misunderstanding with a Zebra and several encounters with a Flamingo called Ron!
Getting to see Finch be completely heart eyes for Frankie after vowing she wasn’t the relationship type was really sweet.
Their relationship was the main focus of the plot but I loved the hint of fake dating and teach me tropes that helped to bring them together and strengthen their connection. Watching them both discover things about themselves and realise what they really want from life was so heart warming!
And of course getting to see the whole Lachlan clan again with their hilarious sibling banter just makes me so happy!
This series is so much fun and I can’t wait for the next story.
I think Finch & Frankie are my absolute favourite Prickle Island Zoo couple so far.
Their characters gravitated towards each other so naturally right from the very beginning and I loved how that was mostly in the form of Finch rescuing Frankie from awkward situations. Including but not limited to a misunderstanding with a Zebra and several encounters with a Flamingo called Ron!
Getting to see Finch be completely heart eyes for Frankie after vowing she wasn’t the relationship type was really sweet.
Their relationship was the main focus of the plot but I loved the hint of fake dating and teach me tropes that helped to bring them together and strengthen their connection. Watching them both discover things about themselves and realise what they really want from life was so heart warming!
And of course getting to see the whole Lachlan clan again with their hilarious sibling banter just makes me so happy!
This series is so much fun and I can’t wait for the next story.
July 14, 2024
This book was everything I needed. Sapphic romance, forced proximity, fake dating, plus size FMC & later-in-life realisations of actual sexuality, masc representation, gay panic moments and body positivity and encouragement, plus, returning to Pickle Island Zoo and all its antics is always needed.
Party Animal follows Finch Lachlan, our Pickle Island vet and Frankie, chef extraordinaire while they do a whole lot of pretending their feelings don’t exist. Frankie’s later in life sexuality light bulb moment was incredibly relatable, and so many readers will find the same levels of comfort in these words that I did. Special mention to Ron, the meddlesome flamingo. I loved every minute of this book. I think Finch and Frankie’s story is my favourite of the three books.
Now, where can I get my own Finch?
Party Animal follows Finch Lachlan, our Pickle Island vet and Frankie, chef extraordinaire while they do a whole lot of pretending their feelings don’t exist. Frankie’s later in life sexuality light bulb moment was incredibly relatable, and so many readers will find the same levels of comfort in these words that I did. Special mention to Ron, the meddlesome flamingo. I loved every minute of this book. I think Finch and Frankie’s story is my favourite of the three books.
Now, where can I get my own Finch?
July 4, 2024
Frankie and Finch - oh you two beautiful, insane, brilliant women! The Lachlan family has had my heart firmly in their grasp since I was first introduced to the Prickle Island Zoo. Party Animal just made me love them (and their animals) even more. I love that we get to see this beautiful family grow and find love. And, of course, Ron the flamingo stole the show just like all the other animals Ali has introduced us to. Frankie and Finch are such a great couple and I loved the way they challenged each other to see the beauty in themselves. Finch made Frankie see that she was perfect with every curve and Frankie made Finch realize that she was more than just her job and a fling. I absolutely loved Party Animal!
July 6, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I really loved Finch in the previous two books so I couldn’t wait for her story! :) The banter & chemistry between the two was adorable especially their meet cute 🥰 This one had a little less action to the storyline (the first and second having a bit more higher stakes with the plot) but it was very relaxing and enjoyable. Plus the humor and the fake dating plot made up for it. I can’t wait for book 4! :)
Thank you for the author for this ARC to read & review! :)
I really loved Finch in the previous two books so I couldn’t wait for her story! :) The banter & chemistry between the two was adorable especially their meet cute 🥰 This one had a little less action to the storyline (the first and second having a bit more higher stakes with the plot) but it was very relaxing and enjoyable. Plus the humor and the fake dating plot made up for it. I can’t wait for book 4! :)
Thank you for the author for this ARC to read & review! :)
July 26, 2024
Ali K Mulford does it again!! I am so grateful to the publishers for gifting me a copy to read, all my opinions are my own.
This book is spicy, sweet, adorable, loving... I just love them so much. It really explored sense of personal identity in so many ways but also very lightheartedly. Amazing. Wonderful.
This book is spicy, sweet, adorable, loving... I just love them so much. It really explored sense of personal identity in so many ways but also very lightheartedly. Amazing. Wonderful.
July 9, 2024
Ali seriously, these books are not only amazing but incredibly addictive!! The Lachlan’s are the modern day Bridgerton family!
I was extremely lucky to get an eARC for this book, and no surprise, again I am in love. Book three and every time I read about the Lachlans I am immediately transported to their amazing Prickle Island Zoo and strap in to a great, funny, sexy and heartwarming read.
Finch and Frankie were perfection and I can’t wait for the next sibling.
I was extremely lucky to get an eARC for this book, and no surprise, again I am in love. Book three and every time I read about the Lachlans I am immediately transported to their amazing Prickle Island Zoo and strap in to a great, funny, sexy and heartwarming read.
Finch and Frankie were perfection and I can’t wait for the next sibling.
July 24, 2024
I received this in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏼
Still really loving these series, it’s so fun and easy to read. I love the setting, I love the bridgerton style theme of the family and I love the humour.
I really enjoyed this, and can’t wait for the next one!
Still really loving these series, it’s so fun and easy to read. I love the setting, I love the bridgerton style theme of the family and I love the humour.
I really enjoyed this, and can’t wait for the next one!
July 23, 2024
This series is just so easy to read! I can’t get enough of them. Really liked the characters in this one also and the romance is just so wholesome!
August 1, 2024
I accidentally red the whole book in one sitting I just couldn’t put it down. This made me feel all the feels I love it so much 😭💕
July 18, 2024
Ali K Mulford and the Prickle Island Zoo continue to delight. The characters - both new and old - in this book are wonderful, and the animal antics are hilarious. I loved the romantic storyline and really everything else about this.
June 30, 2024
Another great book by Ali K Mulford!
Book 3 centres on Goldfinch “finch” who enters in a fake relationship with the new chef at the zoo Frankie which is beneficial for both of them as it gets Finches mum of her back and Frankie try’s to make her ex jealous… but hilarious times are ahead when pretend feelings turn real!
Book 3 centres on Goldfinch “finch” who enters in a fake relationship with the new chef at the zoo Frankie which is beneficial for both of them as it gets Finches mum of her back and Frankie try’s to make her ex jealous… but hilarious times are ahead when pretend feelings turn real!
July 28, 2024
5⭐
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'm in love with this series. Every book is unique and yet it feels so familiar. Once again the Lachlan family and their zoo manage to make me feel like I'm coming home. In this book it was finally time for Finch, the vet of the family and the biggest workaholic, to fall in love and she does fall hard. Meet Frankie, the new chef of the Prickle Island zoo and fresh out of a nasty break-up with Jake who's already engaged with someone else. It starts with an emergency kiss, yet passionate, with the first person Frankie could find when she accidentally sees Jake and his new love. Cue one of my favorite tropes: fake-dating!
I just really adore Ali Mulford's romantic comedy series and I can't wait for the next book. Please keep them coming I need another fix already.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'm in love with this series. Every book is unique and yet it feels so familiar. Once again the Lachlan family and their zoo manage to make me feel like I'm coming home. In this book it was finally time for Finch, the vet of the family and the biggest workaholic, to fall in love and she does fall hard. Meet Frankie, the new chef of the Prickle Island zoo and fresh out of a nasty break-up with Jake who's already engaged with someone else. It starts with an emergency kiss, yet passionate, with the first person Frankie could find when she accidentally sees Jake and his new love. Cue one of my favorite tropes: fake-dating!
I just really adore Ali Mulford's romantic comedy series and I can't wait for the next book. Please keep them coming I need another fix already.
August 14, 2024
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING TO ME
- I would like to thank the author for the eARC -
BOOK 3 in the PRICKLE ISLAND ZOO series
Finch is a workaholic, and she has no time for relationship other than one-night-stands with the hottest women she can find. But her siblings and mother want her to settle down, which is when she meets Frankie. Fresh out of a long relationship, Frankie runs into her ex-boyfriend and panics. Her savior: Finch, who pretends to be her girlfriend to prevent her from a very awkward situation. As is turns out, Frankie's new job is at the very same zoo Finch works in. And maybe, playing pretend a little longer can benefit them both... Until real feelings mingle, that is.
After absolutely devouring the first two books, I was beyong excited for this one, especially since it has EVERYTHING I love: a hot vet (I'm a vet student myself), a hot chef (I hate cooking but I love food), fake-dating (one of my fav tropes) and a spicy wlw romance. And it really didn't disappoint. I adored everything in this story, from the first moment our two chaotic women met to the very end. It was gripping, terribly hot and intense, fun and really sweet at the same time. The zoo setting continues to steal my heart and seeing the rest of the Lachlan family again, along with new animal friends is always an absolute delight. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this book because this is what I call perfection, and I cannot wait for the next one.
I RECOMMEND THIS ENTIRE SERIES MORE THAN BREATHING (okay, maybe that's a bit excessive but you get the point).
"I was willing to let her burn me just to be close to her flame."
TW: cheating, internalized fatphobia, attempted domestiv violence, sexually explicit scenes
- I would like to thank the author for the eARC -
BOOK 3 in the PRICKLE ISLAND ZOO series
Finch is a workaholic, and she has no time for relationship other than one-night-stands with the hottest women she can find. But her siblings and mother want her to settle down, which is when she meets Frankie. Fresh out of a long relationship, Frankie runs into her ex-boyfriend and panics. Her savior: Finch, who pretends to be her girlfriend to prevent her from a very awkward situation. As is turns out, Frankie's new job is at the very same zoo Finch works in. And maybe, playing pretend a little longer can benefit them both... Until real feelings mingle, that is.
After absolutely devouring the first two books, I was beyong excited for this one, especially since it has EVERYTHING I love: a hot vet (I'm a vet student myself), a hot chef (I hate cooking but I love food), fake-dating (one of my fav tropes) and a spicy wlw romance. And it really didn't disappoint. I adored everything in this story, from the first moment our two chaotic women met to the very end. It was gripping, terribly hot and intense, fun and really sweet at the same time. The zoo setting continues to steal my heart and seeing the rest of the Lachlan family again, along with new animal friends is always an absolute delight. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this book because this is what I call perfection, and I cannot wait for the next one.
I RECOMMEND THIS ENTIRE SERIES MORE THAN BREATHING (okay, maybe that's a bit excessive but you get the point).
"I was willing to let her burn me just to be close to her flame."
TW: cheating, internalized fatphobia, attempted domestiv violence, sexually explicit scenes
July 26, 2024
I love this series with my whole heart, and most of it is given to Finch! I was SO excited for Finch's book, and I was not disappointed!
I laughed (out loud), fell in love with both FMCs and cried at their happily ever after!
Thank you Ali K. Mulford for writing this series, it's an honor to be on your ARC team. I can't wait to see what the rest of this series has in store!
I laughed (out loud), fell in love with both FMCs and cried at their happily ever after!
Thank you Ali K. Mulford for writing this series, it's an honor to be on your ARC team. I can't wait to see what the rest of this series has in store!
August 14, 2024
Another hysterical story in my favorite zoo! This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series and this one did not disappoint! Sexy, steamy, sapphic love in a fake dating trope surrounded by funny animals? What could possibly go wrong? Read. This. Book!
August 30, 2024
I was able to read this a bit ahead of release schedule due to being on the mailing list for the ARC team, and I could not but this down! I literally had my phone in my hand from like 7:30am when I woke up, checked my email and saw the download link, until like 3pm when I finished it, all in one go!
All of these books made me feel so seen as a neurodiverse, pansexual, genderqueer person, but I genuinely love this book in particular. The characters are not only believably quirky, hilarious, and intellectually awesome, they have real hardships, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation at times like all of us out here raw-dogging reality. I hope that there will be many more books to come in the Prickle Island Series because I need to know what else happens to the rest of the family!
All of these books made me feel so seen as a neurodiverse, pansexual, genderqueer person, but I genuinely love this book in particular. The characters are not only believably quirky, hilarious, and intellectually awesome, they have real hardships, self-esteem issues, and emotional dysregulation at times like all of us out here raw-dogging reality. I hope that there will be many more books to come in the Prickle Island Series because I need to know what else happens to the rest of the family!
September 10, 2024
Goldfinch Lachlan, that is all.
I devoured this book in one sitting! Ali K Mulford knows wtf they are doing when she writes sapphic romance omgggg
I devoured this book in one sitting! Ali K Mulford knows wtf they are doing when she writes sapphic romance omgggg
July 11, 2024
I loved this book! This series is so much fun. A series of romance books set in a zoo?!?! What’s not to love?
July 29, 2024
don't mind me, just waiting on a ferry to go to Prickle Island Zoo
March 25, 2025
“Is guarding your heart really worth it? Is feeling this way really any better than the fear of heartbreak?”
3.75 ⭐
This is the third book in this series and one I have been really looking forward to reading, and it was really sweet but sadly didn't quite hit the mark like the other two books did. I loved Finch in all of the other books, she's a party animal, as the title states, she loves a casual hook up and has hooked up with pretty much every gay woman on Prickle Island. She seemed so fun and carefree in the other books, but in this one we got to see another side to her. She's also the sole vet who runs the hospital at the zoo, work is her life, everything revolves around her veterinary practice, and so she's stressed, overworked and a bit pent up. Our other FMC in this dual POV is Frankie, she just got out of a long term relationship with a man who was cheating on her with a younger, slimmer version of her, so she runs away to Prickle Island after securing a job as a chef at the zoo. The two love interests meet by chance at a restaurant one night and pretend to be dating to shove it in Frankie's exes face, to prove that she has moved on too, but then find out they now work together. For their mutual benefit they agree to keep fake dating so that Finch can keep her mum happy and so that Frankie can get back at her ex.
I love a good fake dating story, and I really enjoyed how this one started off. I was sucked into the story immediately, looking forward to finding out how they handled their situation. The story threw in a bit of forced proximity too, which I always enjoy, and their relationship was developing at just the right pace, right up until about the 60% mark. After that, I think this book felt far too rushed to me, especially when I look back and see that She's A Keeper was over 400 pages and Easy Tiger was over 300 pages, this book just felt so short and underdone in comparison. I felt like a lot of character building was done off page and even the sex scenes felt like they were hurried along. We didn't see any of Frankie's planning for the Gala night, not enough internal monologue of her heartbreak, and I think we could've done with a bit more of a storyline that didn't only revolve around their romance. I could feel just how deep the connection was between Frankie and Finch, but I don't feel like the way it was written did it justice. I wanted to see more deep and meaningful discussions between them, something that truly connected them more than just lust and finding each other attractive. I could see inklings of it but ended up feeling let down by the end. I also really disliked the epilogue, Mulford seems to really enjoy doing an 'a few years later' update at the end of each book which happens beyond where the series, and this one in particular gave a number of spoilers for the rest of the series which upset me a bit.
There was a lot to love though. I loved the way Finch and Frankie complemented each other, Frankie is a bit insecure and jaded by her experiences with a man who never really loved her, thinking sex wasn't actually enjoyable, always making sure she pleased him while none of her pleasure and needs were being met and Finch's confidence was the perfect balm to bring Frankie out of her shell, teaching her to demand what she wants out of life, to love her curvy, bigger body and to find her pleasure. Finch is a workaholic with control issues, throwing herself into work to keep herself from feeling lonely because she doesn't think she has it in her to be in a romantic relationship and Frankie's softness, sweetness and hopelessly romantic attitude worked so well to take that hard edge off Finch's outer shell and show her she is capable of falling in love. Their learn to be loved and learn to give love mixture, their banter and chemistry was so great. The added cute animals is also always appreciated, I loved Ron the flamingo!
Overall, this was an entertaining read and I will definitely be carrying on with this series, but I do wish this book had been given the same care and depth as the previous two book had. I think we needed just a bit more time spent getting to know the characters in a more fully fleshed way, a bit more of Finch's partying antics to add some drama and fun, and some more on page romance scenes that weren't just sex. I can see just below the surface of this book and glimpse the absolutely amazing story this could've been, but in the end it was good, but not great. As always, I love the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent representation, as well as the plus sized rep in this book - these books really are so cosy and safe, and I really appreciate that about a book, especially after some of the violent and serious books I have been reading at the same time.
3.75 ⭐
This is the third book in this series and one I have been really looking forward to reading, and it was really sweet but sadly didn't quite hit the mark like the other two books did. I loved Finch in all of the other books, she's a party animal, as the title states, she loves a casual hook up and has hooked up with pretty much every gay woman on Prickle Island. She seemed so fun and carefree in the other books, but in this one we got to see another side to her. She's also the sole vet who runs the hospital at the zoo, work is her life, everything revolves around her veterinary practice, and so she's stressed, overworked and a bit pent up. Our other FMC in this dual POV is Frankie, she just got out of a long term relationship with a man who was cheating on her with a younger, slimmer version of her, so she runs away to Prickle Island after securing a job as a chef at the zoo. The two love interests meet by chance at a restaurant one night and pretend to be dating to shove it in Frankie's exes face, to prove that she has moved on too, but then find out they now work together. For their mutual benefit they agree to keep fake dating so that Finch can keep her mum happy and so that Frankie can get back at her ex.
I love a good fake dating story, and I really enjoyed how this one started off. I was sucked into the story immediately, looking forward to finding out how they handled their situation. The story threw in a bit of forced proximity too, which I always enjoy, and their relationship was developing at just the right pace, right up until about the 60% mark. After that, I think this book felt far too rushed to me, especially when I look back and see that She's A Keeper was over 400 pages and Easy Tiger was over 300 pages, this book just felt so short and underdone in comparison. I felt like a lot of character building was done off page and even the sex scenes felt like they were hurried along. We didn't see any of Frankie's planning for the Gala night, not enough internal monologue of her heartbreak, and I think we could've done with a bit more of a storyline that didn't only revolve around their romance. I could feel just how deep the connection was between Frankie and Finch, but I don't feel like the way it was written did it justice. I wanted to see more deep and meaningful discussions between them, something that truly connected them more than just lust and finding each other attractive. I could see inklings of it but ended up feeling let down by the end. I also really disliked the epilogue, Mulford seems to really enjoy doing an 'a few years later' update at the end of each book which happens beyond where the series, and this one in particular gave a number of spoilers for the rest of the series which upset me a bit.
There was a lot to love though. I loved the way Finch and Frankie complemented each other, Frankie is a bit insecure and jaded by her experiences with a man who never really loved her, thinking sex wasn't actually enjoyable, always making sure she pleased him while none of her pleasure and needs were being met and Finch's confidence was the perfect balm to bring Frankie out of her shell, teaching her to demand what she wants out of life, to love her curvy, bigger body and to find her pleasure. Finch is a workaholic with control issues, throwing herself into work to keep herself from feeling lonely because she doesn't think she has it in her to be in a romantic relationship and Frankie's softness, sweetness and hopelessly romantic attitude worked so well to take that hard edge off Finch's outer shell and show her she is capable of falling in love. Their learn to be loved and learn to give love mixture, their banter and chemistry was so great. The added cute animals is also always appreciated, I loved Ron the flamingo!
Overall, this was an entertaining read and I will definitely be carrying on with this series, but I do wish this book had been given the same care and depth as the previous two book had. I think we needed just a bit more time spent getting to know the characters in a more fully fleshed way, a bit more of Finch's partying antics to add some drama and fun, and some more on page romance scenes that weren't just sex. I can see just below the surface of this book and glimpse the absolutely amazing story this could've been, but in the end it was good, but not great. As always, I love the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent representation, as well as the plus sized rep in this book - these books really are so cosy and safe, and I really appreciate that about a book, especially after some of the violent and serious books I have been reading at the same time.
July 12, 2024
4 -⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Well if it isn't your knight in shining armor."
"Not the first time I've called her that."
Party Animal is the third instalment in the adorable adult romcom series, Prickle Island Zoo with each book following a different member of the eclectic Lachlan family, who run a zoo in Connecticut.
In this book we follow Finch, who spends her days as sole veterinarian in the zoo and her nights partying hard with no long term entanglements. When she comes across Frankie, the new chef, in dire need of a fake girlfriend she decides to lend a helping hand...and mouth. When this entanglement is brought to light at the zoo, they decide to continue to facade but lines begin to blur as they put on displays of commitment for the close-knit Lacklan clan. Are Frankie and Finch both willing to take this further or will it fall apart?
Can I just say I love coming back to this series every time?
Finch is such a fun and real character that was effortless to dive into. Her commitment and love of her job is infused in her every action but this book is about her realizing she needs to open herself to more. I loved the chaos of her falling in love without realizing she is falling in love. She has a confidence and charisma that works so well with this dynamic.
Frankie is adorable. She is just trying to rebuild herself after her engagement falls apart and while she believed she was bisexual she never really explored relationships with women. She is drawn to Finch and I loved how open and willing she was to play into their fake relationship...she treated it like a real one and I think that comes from how much chemistry there was.
This book does contain spice. I would say 2 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. While there is kissing and casual intimacy in the early parts of the book because of the fake dating, you should expect spice to begin around the 60% mark. There are toys and educational moments (Frankie has been in male only relationships up until this point) between our love birds that were fun and explicit to dive into. I would say there are a few detailed scenes but there are references to the fun as well. I found the spice was well done and highlighted the next stage of their relationship, even if they deny it.
"Men were transactional; women were magical."
The story itself is character driven with just enough tension from outside sources to keep things moving along. You have Frankie turning to Finch for a fake girlfriend when confronted by her ex-fiance which leads them to also pretending in front of the rest of the Lachlan family. Lines are blurred and you see Frankie and Finch grapple with what this is. There are amazing animal moments, some tense moments with animals, and teasers for the next book. We also engaged with previous characters that was such fun - Hawk was perfect as a side character. There is a bit of a typical moment in these kinds of rom coms but I did like how it was resolved as it had a bit of a kick. The epilogue was awesome and I am so excited for the next book!
Overall, if you want a romcom with low stakes, a delightfully adorable sapphic romance, and all the fun animal shenanigans then this is something to add to your TBR!
Thank you to the author for this arc!
"Well if it isn't your knight in shining armor."
"Not the first time I've called her that."
Party Animal is the third instalment in the adorable adult romcom series, Prickle Island Zoo with each book following a different member of the eclectic Lachlan family, who run a zoo in Connecticut.
In this book we follow Finch, who spends her days as sole veterinarian in the zoo and her nights partying hard with no long term entanglements. When she comes across Frankie, the new chef, in dire need of a fake girlfriend she decides to lend a helping hand...and mouth. When this entanglement is brought to light at the zoo, they decide to continue to facade but lines begin to blur as they put on displays of commitment for the close-knit Lacklan clan. Are Frankie and Finch both willing to take this further or will it fall apart?
Can I just say I love coming back to this series every time?
Finch is such a fun and real character that was effortless to dive into. Her commitment and love of her job is infused in her every action but this book is about her realizing she needs to open herself to more. I loved the chaos of her falling in love without realizing she is falling in love. She has a confidence and charisma that works so well with this dynamic.
Frankie is adorable. She is just trying to rebuild herself after her engagement falls apart and while she believed she was bisexual she never really explored relationships with women. She is drawn to Finch and I loved how open and willing she was to play into their fake relationship...she treated it like a real one and I think that comes from how much chemistry there was.
This book does contain spice. I would say 2 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. While there is kissing and casual intimacy in the early parts of the book because of the fake dating, you should expect spice to begin around the 60% mark. There are toys and educational moments (Frankie has been in male only relationships up until this point) between our love birds that were fun and explicit to dive into. I would say there are a few detailed scenes but there are references to the fun as well. I found the spice was well done and highlighted the next stage of their relationship, even if they deny it.
"Men were transactional; women were magical."
The story itself is character driven with just enough tension from outside sources to keep things moving along. You have Frankie turning to Finch for a fake girlfriend when confronted by her ex-fiance which leads them to also pretending in front of the rest of the Lachlan family. Lines are blurred and you see Frankie and Finch grapple with what this is. There are amazing animal moments, some tense moments with animals, and teasers for the next book. We also engaged with previous characters that was such fun - Hawk was perfect as a side character. There is a bit of a typical moment in these kinds of rom coms but I did like how it was resolved as it had a bit of a kick. The epilogue was awesome and I am so excited for the next book!
Overall, if you want a romcom with low stakes, a delightfully adorable sapphic romance, and all the fun animal shenanigans then this is something to add to your TBR!
Thank you to the author for this arc!
July 16, 2024
Party Animal is Finch’s book! I was so excited to read her story after getting to know her in previous books. Finch is the veterinarian at Prickle Island Zoo and incredibly proud of her work. She’s also protective of the animals to the point of burnout. When Finch meets a stunning woman who asks for help to avoid an ex, Finch does not expect to see her again. To her shock, Frankie is the new chef at Prickle Island Zoo. Animal shenanigans, sapphic romance, and sibling chaos ensues.
I devoured Party Animal and literally couldn’t put it down! Finch and Frankie have such a sweet romance. Finch is so protective and used to putting everyone first except herself. I loved the fake-dating aspect. Finch and Frankie are adorable and have sweet moments of connection at the zoo. Finch even teaches Frankie how to swim!
This book is full of joyful chaos from the Lachlan siblings as they continue to run their zoo. It was great to see Hannah and Hawk continuing their romance from book two. Frankie and Finch truly bring out the best in each other. Finch helps Frankie explore her sexuality and demand better for herself. Frankie, with the rest of the Lachlan siblings, show Finch that it’s ok to let go and healthy to do so. I loved all the interesting animal knowledge and mischievous zoo animals. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Readers looking for sapphic love, zookeeper adventures, and lovable characters should check out Party Animal.
Thank you so much to Ali K. Mulford for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I devoured Party Animal and literally couldn’t put it down! Finch and Frankie have such a sweet romance. Finch is so protective and used to putting everyone first except herself. I loved the fake-dating aspect. Finch and Frankie are adorable and have sweet moments of connection at the zoo. Finch even teaches Frankie how to swim!
This book is full of joyful chaos from the Lachlan siblings as they continue to run their zoo. It was great to see Hannah and Hawk continuing their romance from book two. Frankie and Finch truly bring out the best in each other. Finch helps Frankie explore her sexuality and demand better for herself. Frankie, with the rest of the Lachlan siblings, show Finch that it’s ok to let go and healthy to do so. I loved all the interesting animal knowledge and mischievous zoo animals. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Readers looking for sapphic love, zookeeper adventures, and lovable characters should check out Party Animal.
Thank you so much to Ali K. Mulford for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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