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Airhead
The night in 1982 that changed everything…
There is no way I can resist avenging my sister's broken heart by filling her cheating boyfriend's bitchin' DeLorean with extra buttered movie popcorn, a half-melted Snickers, and the contents of one shaken can of Tab.
There's only one six-foot-six-inch problem. It's not The Creep's car. It's Frank "The Airhead" Hartigan’s. Now he wants me to drive him to Harbor City to make up for trashing his ride.
On the outside, I'm all gag me with a spoon, but on the inside? Yeah, not so much. The truth is I haven't stopped thinking about him since that night at Marino's Bar when he rocked my world to the max—something that can't happen again.
Frank Hartigan isn't a guy you fall for if you want to keep your heart in one piece. Waterbury is littered with the broken hearts of the women who forgot that, and I am not about to join their ranks.
Fine. I'll drive him around town, but that's it.
No kisses.
No getting hot and bothered.
No toe-curling anything.
And no matter what happens tonight, my heart—and my panties—will for sure remain untouched.
There is no way I can resist avenging my sister's broken heart by filling her cheating boyfriend's bitchin' DeLorean with extra buttered movie popcorn, a half-melted Snickers, and the contents of one shaken can of Tab.
There's only one six-foot-six-inch problem. It's not The Creep's car. It's Frank "The Airhead" Hartigan’s. Now he wants me to drive him to Harbor City to make up for trashing his ride.
On the outside, I'm all gag me with a spoon, but on the inside? Yeah, not so much. The truth is I haven't stopped thinking about him since that night at Marino's Bar when he rocked my world to the max—something that can't happen again.
Frank Hartigan isn't a guy you fall for if you want to keep your heart in one piece. Waterbury is littered with the broken hearts of the women who forgot that, and I am not about to join their ranks.
Fine. I'll drive him around town, but that's it.
No kisses.
No getting hot and bothered.
No toe-curling anything.
And no matter what happens tonight, my heart—and my panties—will for sure remain untouched.
163 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2025
56 people are currently reading
9874 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
November 17, 2025
Justice for red-haired MMCs
There was so much fun packed into this little novella!
This is the origin story for the Hartigan’s - a family featured in another series by this author. I didn’t know that going in and you definitely don’t need to read this author’s other books to enjoy Airhead. This novella stand on its own, and definitely makes me want to check out more by this author!
This cute little romance is set in the 80s and filled with so many fun pop culture references, I felt like I was transported in time.
What’s to love…
- Opposites attract
- MMC is a firefighter with red-hair 😍
- FMC is a school teacher
- TALL & curvy FMC
- fun, sexy, & spicy
- Grade A banter
- he falls first & harder
Audio Narration: 5/5 I loved the narration! No notes. Great pacing, inflection, voice variation, and pausing!
🌶️ - 2ish explicit scenes, plenty of pining!
4⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the gifted ALC. All opinions are my own.
There was so much fun packed into this little novella!
This is the origin story for the Hartigan’s - a family featured in another series by this author. I didn’t know that going in and you definitely don’t need to read this author’s other books to enjoy Airhead. This novella stand on its own, and definitely makes me want to check out more by this author!
This cute little romance is set in the 80s and filled with so many fun pop culture references, I felt like I was transported in time.
What’s to love…
- Opposites attract
- MMC is a firefighter with red-hair 😍
- FMC is a school teacher
- TALL & curvy FMC
- fun, sexy, & spicy
- Grade A banter
- he falls first & harder
Audio Narration: 5/5 I loved the narration! No notes. Great pacing, inflection, voice variation, and pausing!
🌶️ - 2ish explicit scenes, plenty of pining!
4⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the gifted ALC. All opinions are my own.
March 17, 2025
This was such a fun way to spend an afternoon! The opposites attract trope, the adventure plot, the spice: all in a novella that is well paced and very lighthearted. Plus the 80's was a fun touch too!
Thank you so much to Avery Flynn for my ARC!
4/5
Thank you so much to Avery Flynn for my ARC!
4/5
March 17, 2025
Ohhh this was so freaking cute!! 😍😍
I must admit I hadn't known the Hartigans series before, but this is Avery Flynn which I fell in love with when I first discovered her books. So, obviously I had to read this new book of hers and like her other books this one was the perfect mix of cute, humour, emotional, spicy and golden retriever energy, because Frank Hartigan has it BAD for Katie. #hefallsfirst #hefallsharder
This sweet and short novella made me smile and grin so much - I enjoyed every page! 🩷
Airhead (and Avery Flynn book in general) is a total recommendation from me and I guess I'll have to go ahead and read #TheHartigans now, too. 😋🥰
I must admit I hadn't known the Hartigans series before, but this is Avery Flynn which I fell in love with when I first discovered her books. So, obviously I had to read this new book of hers and like her other books this one was the perfect mix of cute, humour, emotional, spicy and golden retriever energy, because Frank Hartigan has it BAD for Katie. #hefallsfirst #hefallsharder
This sweet and short novella made me smile and grin so much - I enjoyed every page! 🩷
Airhead (and Avery Flynn book in general) is a total recommendation from me and I guess I'll have to go ahead and read #TheHartigans now, too. 😋🥰
June 2, 2025
This was a fun sexy, he falls first and hard romance between Frank, a firefighter and Katie, a small town teacher who has no intention of dating one of her dad's co-workers. I loved that this was set in 1982! All the 80s references were totally rad and nostalgic. There was also tons of spice and emotional depth for such a short read. Great on audio as well narrated by two favs, Savannah Peachwood and Aiden Shaw. Highly recommended for fans of books like Livy Hart's Talk flirty to me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 10, 2025
4.25
novella
spicy
Firefighter
80s romcom
that sucked me in! Ate this one up so fast. A fun read for the summer! Thank you @brilliancepublishing for this ALC.
novella
spicy
Firefighter
80s romcom
that sucked me in! Ate this one up so fast. A fun read for the summer! Thank you @brilliancepublishing for this ALC.
February 28, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.
This book is an absolute blast! All the '80s vibes flare up as we uncover the origins of the Hartigan family - Big Frank and Katie! I have been waiting and waiting for this story - as the Hartigans are my favorite family! I even have a sticker than says I'm in the family group text *wink*
There’s definitely something about the energy and nostalgia of that era that makes everything feel a bit more fun and carefree. The big hair, the movies, THE MUSIC? With that backdrop, how could I not love it? haha Knowing how their love story plays out in the end just made all of the build-up all the sweeter.
Katie’s dad – what a genius move, right?! I mean, setting up an event for them to organize together was pure brilliance. The whole family's got that mix of smarts and strategy with a whole lot of heart. And you find out here that it comes from both the Madigans and the Hartigans!
But that prologue? Be still my heart! Absolute perfection.
This book is an absolute blast! All the '80s vibes flare up as we uncover the origins of the Hartigan family - Big Frank and Katie! I have been waiting and waiting for this story - as the Hartigans are my favorite family! I even have a sticker than says I'm in the family group text *wink*
There’s definitely something about the energy and nostalgia of that era that makes everything feel a bit more fun and carefree. The big hair, the movies, THE MUSIC? With that backdrop, how could I not love it? haha Knowing how their love story plays out in the end just made all of the build-up all the sweeter.
Katie’s dad – what a genius move, right?! I mean, setting up an event for them to organize together was pure brilliance. The whole family's got that mix of smarts and strategy with a whole lot of heart. And you find out here that it comes from both the Madigans and the Hartigans!
But that prologue? Be still my heart! Absolute perfection.
June 17, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
Eighties nostalgia hit me hard in this one. I fondly remember the days of great big hair, aqua net, answering machines and going out to the movies seeing Halloween on the big screen. I had such a good time with going back in time in this book. Since Airhead is the prequel book to The Hartigan's series you can read it with no commitment to the rest of the series and just see if this author is someone who going to work for you.
Katie and Frank have a big family now, but back in the day Katie was determined to stay away from the the handsome firefighter with a bevy of broken hearts in his wake. She knows his reputation and wants no part of being another hook up in a long line. Frank, on the other hand, has changed his ways and the only heart or pants he is looking to get into are Katie's. With a sly move from Katie's dad, he finds his in to team up and plan a retirement party with Katie. This is his chance to make her see he is more than the bathroom walls claim.
This story was so much fun. I understood Katie's reluctance to get involved with Frank, she wanted out of the little town she came from and he is already laying down roots. I could see the undeniable draw between them as Frank is quick to out call Katie on her delays and trying to get out of seeing him in person. She has her reasons and most of them have to do with trying to keep all of her clothing on and not forget they are in public. Frank is smooth and determined to get the girl in the end.
This had so many cute moments and I loved how it brought back so many of my own memories from the 80's which is OMG 40 years ago now. While I think this is going to be more fun for those of us who remember the 80's it will still have some great moments for some of the younger crowd and they can just tag it as historical fiction.
Narration:
Performance: ★★★★★
Character Separation: ★★★★
Diction: ★★★★★
Pacing/Flow: ★★★★★
Sound Effects: None
Savannah Peachy has narrated some of the other books by Avery Flynn and I found her narration to be just as fantastic as in the other books. She presents Avery's book humor well and did a great job with Katie. Aiden Snow...well he is one of my favorite male narrators for romance. His voice is hot and just melts my ears, in a good way, with that deep timber. Together they made the characters pop.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
Eighties nostalgia hit me hard in this one. I fondly remember the days of great big hair, aqua net, answering machines and going out to the movies seeing Halloween on the big screen. I had such a good time with going back in time in this book. Since Airhead is the prequel book to The Hartigan's series you can read it with no commitment to the rest of the series and just see if this author is someone who going to work for you.
Katie and Frank have a big family now, but back in the day Katie was determined to stay away from the the handsome firefighter with a bevy of broken hearts in his wake. She knows his reputation and wants no part of being another hook up in a long line. Frank, on the other hand, has changed his ways and the only heart or pants he is looking to get into are Katie's. With a sly move from Katie's dad, he finds his in to team up and plan a retirement party with Katie. This is his chance to make her see he is more than the bathroom walls claim.
This story was so much fun. I understood Katie's reluctance to get involved with Frank, she wanted out of the little town she came from and he is already laying down roots. I could see the undeniable draw between them as Frank is quick to out call Katie on her delays and trying to get out of seeing him in person. She has her reasons and most of them have to do with trying to keep all of her clothing on and not forget they are in public. Frank is smooth and determined to get the girl in the end.
This had so many cute moments and I loved how it brought back so many of my own memories from the 80's which is OMG 40 years ago now. While I think this is going to be more fun for those of us who remember the 80's it will still have some great moments for some of the younger crowd and they can just tag it as historical fiction.
Narration:
Performance: ★★★★★
Character Separation: ★★★★
Diction: ★★★★★
Pacing/Flow: ★★★★★
Sound Effects: None
Savannah Peachy has narrated some of the other books by Avery Flynn and I found her narration to be just as fantastic as in the other books. She presents Avery's book humor well and did a great job with Katie. Aiden Snow...well he is one of my favorite male narrators for romance. His voice is hot and just melts my ears, in a good way, with that deep timber. Together they made the characters pop.
Listen to a clip: HERE
March 19, 2025
If you're a Hartigan fan and you always wondered how the family got started, this book is for you! Even if you don't know the Hartigan clan and you're a fan of the 80s, this book is for you! And if you just want to read a fun romcom that's a sweet novella, then this one's for you!
It's 1982, and Katie has a problem. Her sister is in love with a smuck who treats her badly, and she can't quit him. So after he's broken her heart again, Katie has decided to get him back. Easy, right? Nope, it's the wrong car. One owned by Frank "The Airhead."
Frank isn't all in his reputation. He has goals and dreams. Ones that are going to keep him at home. Katie? She wants to NOT be at home.
Can two different personalities with two different dreams come together? Or will there be no working out?
This book is so fun. Katie is kick ass and take names type of girl. I always enjoy reading about a girl who's not going to let someone mistreat family. And Frank was such a cinnamon roll.
I need another Hartigan book, stat.
It's 1982, and Katie has a problem. Her sister is in love with a smuck who treats her badly, and she can't quit him. So after he's broken her heart again, Katie has decided to get him back. Easy, right? Nope, it's the wrong car. One owned by Frank "The Airhead."
Frank isn't all in his reputation. He has goals and dreams. Ones that are going to keep him at home. Katie? She wants to NOT be at home.
Can two different personalities with two different dreams come together? Or will there be no working out?
This book is so fun. Katie is kick ass and take names type of girl. I always enjoy reading about a girl who's not going to let someone mistreat family. And Frank was such a cinnamon roll.
I need another Hartigan book, stat.
June 6, 2025
*Audiobook
❤️🧑🏻🚒🅱︎🅾︎🅾︎🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆🧑🏻🚒❤️
𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃
𝐛𝐲
𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐅𝐋𝐘𝐍𝐍
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Pub Date: 03/17/2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
This audiobook was giving allllll of the 1980s retro vibes and that really added another element to the fun.
It was short and sweet. Also, who could resist that cover!?!
The characters won’t throw you all that miscommunication that some romance novels give which is kind of refreshing. Strong FMC goes a long way too, esp with a man that embraces her strength and gives her space when she needs it.
QOTD: Fav 80s or 90s saying or just any old saying you associate with your younger self? Which decade do you think is the best!?!
#airhead #averyflynn #airhead #audiobook #WhatAreYouReading #Goodreads #goodreadschallenge
#romcom #cutereads #nostalgia #nostalgicreads
❤️🧑🏻🚒🅱︎🅾︎🅾︎🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆🧑🏻🚒❤️
𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃
𝐛𝐲
𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐅𝐋𝐘𝐍𝐍
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Pub Date: 03/17/2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
This audiobook was giving allllll of the 1980s retro vibes and that really added another element to the fun.
It was short and sweet. Also, who could resist that cover!?!
The characters won’t throw you all that miscommunication that some romance novels give which is kind of refreshing. Strong FMC goes a long way too, esp with a man that embraces her strength and gives her space when she needs it.
QOTD: Fav 80s or 90s saying or just any old saying you associate with your younger self? Which decade do you think is the best!?!
#airhead #averyflynn #airhead #audiobook #WhatAreYouReading #Goodreads #goodreadschallenge
#romcom #cutereads #nostalgia #nostalgicreads
June 7, 2025
Frank is a firefighter in the small town where Katie is a teacher. She refuses to go out with him at first, but he didn’t give up until she gave in.
I was barely alive in the 80s but I absolutely loved all the vibes! All of the slang like grody, bodacious, and totally bitchin’ were so much fun. This was a short, sweet, sexy novella that I listened to in one sitting!
Two narrators I absolutely love, and always do a fantastic job made this a quick and delightful listen!
ALC review
🎧Dual audio
🎙️Narrators: Savannah Peachwood and Aiden Snow
🚒Firefighter
📓Teacher
🚒He falls first
📓Set in the 1980s
🚒Novella
I was barely alive in the 80s but I absolutely loved all the vibes! All of the slang like grody, bodacious, and totally bitchin’ were so much fun. This was a short, sweet, sexy novella that I listened to in one sitting!
Two narrators I absolutely love, and always do a fantastic job made this a quick and delightful listen!
ALC review
🎧Dual audio
🎙️Narrators: Savannah Peachwood and Aiden Snow
🚒Firefighter
📓Teacher
🚒He falls first
📓Set in the 1980s
🚒Novella
June 10, 2025
A cute and funny book based in 1980s. Firefighter Frank has had a crush Katie since highschool. One night changes everything for them, and it’s such a great ride! I loved this book, and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a nostalgic read that had me smiling and swooning. Highly recommend!
March 27, 2025
5 stars and a top tier book!
This 80s romcom was absolutely delightful, and had me giggling and kicking my feet!!! For some reason I read the entire book with a Jersey accent (I have no idea where it’s actually set), which added to my entertainment. 🤣
Premise: Katie is a schoolteacher who is fighting her attraction to Frank, the local firefighter hunk. He’s been making ‘cow eyes’ at her since high school, but she thinks she’ll just be another notch on his bedpost.
This seems to be a prequel about the parents in a series about siblings, and I’ll read those as well, but I LOVED the fun 80s vibes of this novella. The dialogue in particular was great, it felt very Back to the Future or one of those 80s movies.
This 80s romcom was absolutely delightful, and had me giggling and kicking my feet!!! For some reason I read the entire book with a Jersey accent (I have no idea where it’s actually set), which added to my entertainment. 🤣
Premise: Katie is a schoolteacher who is fighting her attraction to Frank, the local firefighter hunk. He’s been making ‘cow eyes’ at her since high school, but she thinks she’ll just be another notch on his bedpost.
This seems to be a prequel about the parents in a series about siblings, and I’ll read those as well, but I LOVED the fun 80s vibes of this novella. The dialogue in particular was great, it felt very Back to the Future or one of those 80s movies.
March 18, 2025
ARC Read
3.5⭐️
This was such a cute prequel novella. I loved Kate’s sassiness! Frank was adorable. I wish we had gotten a little more of him, but I get it, short book.
I loved all the 80s callouts! They were fun and added such a great level of comedy.
I do wish that there was a little less miscommunication on her part. All her issues would be resolved if she just talked to him. Frank’s “issue” in the story felt a little forced, I honestly didn’t see why he would be called an airhead or anything to substantiate it.
Overall this was such a fun story and a great way to spend a few hours! I really enjoy this world so seeing the start was fun!!
3.5⭐️
This was such a cute prequel novella. I loved Kate’s sassiness! Frank was adorable. I wish we had gotten a little more of him, but I get it, short book.
I loved all the 80s callouts! They were fun and added such a great level of comedy.
I do wish that there was a little less miscommunication on her part. All her issues would be resolved if she just talked to him. Frank’s “issue” in the story felt a little forced, I honestly didn’t see why he would be called an airhead or anything to substantiate it.
Overall this was such a fun story and a great way to spend a few hours! I really enjoy this world so seeing the start was fun!!
April 13, 2025
J'ai découvert et lu cette novella en peu de temps. C'est une histoire assez sympathique mais très classique. Je m'attendais à avoir plus d'action en caserne mais ce ne fut pas le cas. On découvre l'histoire du couple mais ça n'a rien de marquant.
Katie Madigan est une jeune professeur qui ne veut pas se laisser charmer par le séducteur du coin. Elle connaît sa réputation et bien qu'elle soit sous le charme, elle ne va pas accepter ce flirt qui va s'installer entre eux. Elle reste coincée dans les préjugés mais elle finira par apprendre à le connaître. Sa famille n'a pas une très bonne réputation et elle en pâtit un peu. Pourtant, elle fait bien son travail mais elle manque de confiance en elle. Sa jumelle Connie a eu un mauvais tour en amour donc elle ferme son coeur encore plus fort que d'habitude.
Frank travaille à la caserne avec les frères et le père de notre héroïne. Lui aussi n'a pas une belle réputation car on le réduit aux préjugés des pompiers qui n'ont pas un cursus scolaire des plus brillants et qui n'ont rien dans la tête puisqu'ils se jettent tête baissée dans les incendies. Il ne veut pas que Katie soit une conquête de plus et il aura du à le lui prouver. J'ai aimé ce qu'il va faire pour la séduire sans jamais s'imposer. Il agit avec délicatesse et on le sent protecteur.
Bref, une novella sympa, qui a su me convaincre mais sans plus. Je n'ai pas ressenti les étincelles dans les yeux face à ce jeune couple et cela est bien dommage.
Katie Madigan est une jeune professeur qui ne veut pas se laisser charmer par le séducteur du coin. Elle connaît sa réputation et bien qu'elle soit sous le charme, elle ne va pas accepter ce flirt qui va s'installer entre eux. Elle reste coincée dans les préjugés mais elle finira par apprendre à le connaître. Sa famille n'a pas une très bonne réputation et elle en pâtit un peu. Pourtant, elle fait bien son travail mais elle manque de confiance en elle. Sa jumelle Connie a eu un mauvais tour en amour donc elle ferme son coeur encore plus fort que d'habitude.
Frank travaille à la caserne avec les frères et le père de notre héroïne. Lui aussi n'a pas une belle réputation car on le réduit aux préjugés des pompiers qui n'ont pas un cursus scolaire des plus brillants et qui n'ont rien dans la tête puisqu'ils se jettent tête baissée dans les incendies. Il ne veut pas que Katie soit une conquête de plus et il aura du à le lui prouver. J'ai aimé ce qu'il va faire pour la séduire sans jamais s'imposer. Il agit avec délicatesse et on le sent protecteur.
Bref, une novella sympa, qui a su me convaincre mais sans plus. Je n'ai pas ressenti les étincelles dans les yeux face à ce jeune couple et cela est bien dommage.
June 23, 2025
⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Airhead
Author: Avery Flynn
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for my copy of this audiobook! I love Avery Flynn. Also I will devour anything Aiden Snow narrates! This was a short, 80’s themed spicy novella. Katie is determined to avenge her broken hearted sister by vandalizing her exes car. Everything seems perfect until she realizes she attacked the wrong vehicle. Frank, the firefighter, who she has previously shared a moment with is whose car she mistakenly vandalized.. and now she has to make matters right. Loved the 80s theme, and both of the characters. It was the perfect novella that really strikes deep in a short amount of time. Savannah Peachwood, and Aiden Snow really brought this to life!
Airhead
Author: Avery Flynn
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for my copy of this audiobook! I love Avery Flynn. Also I will devour anything Aiden Snow narrates! This was a short, 80’s themed spicy novella. Katie is determined to avenge her broken hearted sister by vandalizing her exes car. Everything seems perfect until she realizes she attacked the wrong vehicle. Frank, the firefighter, who she has previously shared a moment with is whose car she mistakenly vandalized.. and now she has to make matters right. Loved the 80s theme, and both of the characters. It was the perfect novella that really strikes deep in a short amount of time. Savannah Peachwood, and Aiden Snow really brought this to life!
March 18, 2025
Airhead is the Hartigan parents origin story, and it was an entertaining read.
Kate and Frank are great secondary characters in the books about their kids, so I really liked getting to see how their relationship began. They had so much chemistry and great banter. Avery did a nice job with character and relationship development even with the shorter story length. The humor and romance were well balanced and I was hooked from the beginning. It was fun getting all the 80's references, too.
This novella is a must read for anyone who has read any of the Hartigan family books, but I think it works as a standalone too.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Kate and Frank are great secondary characters in the books about their kids, so I really liked getting to see how their relationship began. They had so much chemistry and great banter. Avery did a nice job with character and relationship development even with the shorter story length. The humor and romance were well balanced and I was hooked from the beginning. It was fun getting all the 80's references, too.
This novella is a must read for anyone who has read any of the Hartigan family books, but I think it works as a standalone too.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
June 5, 2025
Ａｕｄｉｏｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Airhead by Avery Flynn is a quick, easy, cute read! This novella is about two sets of twins. The spice was good. The storyline is set in 1982.
The audiobook is dual narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Aiden Snow. They both did a good job; it was easy to listen to and understand. I listened at 2x speed.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Airhead by Avery Flynn is a quick, easy, cute read! This novella is about two sets of twins. The spice was good. The storyline is set in 1982.
The audiobook is dual narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Aiden Snow. They both did a good job; it was easy to listen to and understand. I listened at 2x speed.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
June 13, 2025
Story: 3.5 ⭐️
Steam: 4 🔥
Audio: 5 🎧
This book is super cute if you love the Hartigan family from the rest of Avery’s work! It was cute and knowing their kids lends to a feeling of nostalgia.
As an independent story it was alright. The romance was cute and although I liked the 80s vibe it felt a bit shoved down my throat. I felt like there were constant unnecessary references to the 80s. Again great if you want that nostalgic feel!
The performers did amazing! Definitely a great audiobook!
Steam: 4 🔥
Audio: 5 🎧
This book is super cute if you love the Hartigan family from the rest of Avery’s work! It was cute and knowing their kids lends to a feeling of nostalgia.
As an independent story it was alright. The romance was cute and although I liked the 80s vibe it felt a bit shoved down my throat. I felt like there were constant unnecessary references to the 80s. Again great if you want that nostalgic feel!
The performers did amazing! Definitely a great audiobook!
March 17, 2025
Everything about this book is so much fun.
I love the Hartigans so reading about how they all started was fabulous. Frank & Katie are great!
The fact that it takes place in the 80's, when I was growing up, brings on all of the nostalgia vibes.
Flynn definitely knocked it out of the park with this one.
I love the Hartigans so reading about how they all started was fabulous. Frank & Katie are great!
The fact that it takes place in the 80's, when I was growing up, brings on all of the nostalgia vibes.
Flynn definitely knocked it out of the park with this one.
June 16, 2025
This was a fun novella. What I liked most was that even though it was under 200 pages, it felt like a complete book. I'm also glad it didn't get fluffed with more because it felt well done as is.
My biggest (only?) gripe is that the language used was not in line with the era. Too much of the dialogue read like recent spicy novels and felt very far off of what the language would've been like in 1982. So that kept taking me out of the story.
Otherwise, it was a cute story and it did make me curious about the novels that are attached to this family.
My biggest (only?) gripe is that the language used was not in line with the era. Too much of the dialogue read like recent spicy novels and felt very far off of what the language would've been like in 1982. So that kept taking me out of the story.
Otherwise, it was a cute story and it did make me curious about the novels that are attached to this family.
March 17, 2025
Calling all Hartigan family fans!! This is the story you have been waiting for, Frank Snr and Katie’s meet cute and how they fell in love and it’s so worth the wait. 5 stars doesn’t cover it. I loved this story!
I have wanted their story so bad and asked for it at every opportunity and I’m so happy to say that after inhaling it, I was absolutely not disappointed. This book was ridiculously fun to read from the opening line to the end that had me grinning like a fool and racing back to my bookshelf to re-read all the Hartigan books available.
Who knew that Frank Snr was so cool and that stoic Kate has a rebellious side? I didn’t expect it and that just made this so much more fun to read. Their shenanigans had me laughing, awwing, and feeling more than a little hot while reading and falling completely head over heels for the matriarchs of the Hartigan clan.
Get ready to jump in your Delorean, grab your leg warmers and be transported to the radical 80’s as you get to know my favourite parents ever deeper and as you understand why their kids turned out as they did.
I received a copy of this book for review.
I have wanted their story so bad and asked for it at every opportunity and I’m so happy to say that after inhaling it, I was absolutely not disappointed. This book was ridiculously fun to read from the opening line to the end that had me grinning like a fool and racing back to my bookshelf to re-read all the Hartigan books available.
Who knew that Frank Snr was so cool and that stoic Kate has a rebellious side? I didn’t expect it and that just made this so much more fun to read. Their shenanigans had me laughing, awwing, and feeling more than a little hot while reading and falling completely head over heels for the matriarchs of the Hartigan clan.
Get ready to jump in your Delorean, grab your leg warmers and be transported to the radical 80’s as you get to know my favourite parents ever deeper and as you understand why their kids turned out as they did.
I received a copy of this book for review.
June 6, 2025
*3.5 Stars
This was cute and a lot of fun, especially with the quality and quantity of 80s references!
The reason why I didn’t give this a higher rating is that Katie’s issues with Frank were a bit grating, and you couldn’t help but think, if she had just said to him from the start, “I won’t be another notch on your bedpost”, he would have set her straight and that would be the end of that. I think it’s probably because we know from Frank’s POV that it was never like that for him and it made it more annoying. That being said, Frank was a gem.
I had an audiobook for this read, and the narrators both did a good job, although I was not a fan of Savannah’s attempt at Frank’s voice. Aiden’s narration on the other hand was swoon-worthy!
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing and Avery Flynn for providing a copy of this audiobook. This review is voluntary.
This was cute and a lot of fun, especially with the quality and quantity of 80s references!
The reason why I didn’t give this a higher rating is that Katie’s issues with Frank were a bit grating, and you couldn’t help but think, if she had just said to him from the start, “I won’t be another notch on your bedpost”, he would have set her straight and that would be the end of that. I think it’s probably because we know from Frank’s POV that it was never like that for him and it made it more annoying. That being said, Frank was a gem.
I had an audiobook for this read, and the narrators both did a good job, although I was not a fan of Savannah’s attempt at Frank’s voice. Aiden’s narration on the other hand was swoon-worthy!
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing and Avery Flynn for providing a copy of this audiobook. This review is voluntary.
July 8, 2025
Such a gem!!! Heard this on audiobook, totally recommend if you're looking for a cute novella with some spice here and there.
July 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
November 24, 2025
Fun, fast read! Love a hot firefighter too!
March 28, 2025
4 ✨stars
It was such a cute book. Really short novella of how the Hartigan family start. Short, cute and fun.
It was such a cute book. Really short novella of how the Hartigan family start. Short, cute and fun.
March 4, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on the book.
Iv been a fan of Avery Flynn’s work since the day I purchased Butterface in 2018 (8/8/18 to be specific- thank you Amazon for saving that gem of info lol)
This novella is the perfect origin story for the Hartigan clan and gave me all the feels! Seriously the nostalgia in this book hit hard!
I loved reading the love story of how everyone’s favorite mom met and fell for everyone’s favorite dad. On top of that the blast from the past of all the 80’s and 90’s references had me so giddy. As someone who was born in 1990 I was kicking my feet over the mention of RadioShack, meeting friends at the Sears mall entrance, characters calling one another butthead, and so much more!
If you loved reading the Hartigan kids books then this novella is a must read for you!
Iv been a fan of Avery Flynn’s work since the day I purchased Butterface in 2018 (8/8/18 to be specific- thank you Amazon for saving that gem of info lol)
This novella is the perfect origin story for the Hartigan clan and gave me all the feels! Seriously the nostalgia in this book hit hard!
I loved reading the love story of how everyone’s favorite mom met and fell for everyone’s favorite dad. On top of that the blast from the past of all the 80’s and 90’s references had me so giddy. As someone who was born in 1990 I was kicking my feet over the mention of RadioShack, meeting friends at the Sears mall entrance, characters calling one another butthead, and so much more!
If you loved reading the Hartigan kids books then this novella is a must read for you!
September 2, 2025
how the Hartigans began. a bit heavy on the 80's references like we'd forget..... cute plot and main characters
March 7, 2025
I was lucky enough to be able to get an ARC for Airhead! What a great read! I immediately fell for Frank and was yelling at Katie to get her head together haha
🩵 I loved the banter between the two characters and loved how Frank treated Katie throughout the book and loved watching their Journey.
🩵 I loved the banter between the two characters and loved how Frank treated Katie throughout the book and loved watching their Journey.
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