Strung Together

by Kasha Thompson

Letitia Vincent is a puppeteer who has spent the last three years pouring her heart into Jellybean Junction, a beloved but struggling children’s show barely clinging to public funding. She is quirky, creative, and fiercely protective of the show’s mission, Letitia is used to juggling multiple puppets and putting out behind the scene fires, until Rustin Hayes joins the team.

Rustin is a newly hired producer and puppeteer with a sharp mind and frustratingly magnetic presence. Rustin has big ideas for modernizing the show … and no patience for playing it safe. The two clash over everything from production style to funding strategy, but their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, even if their off-screen banter constantly teeters between flirty and infuriating.

As viewership dwindles and the network threatens cancellation Letitia and Rustin must put their differences (and feelings) aside to save the show. But the more time they spend working together, the harder it becomes to ignore the pull behind their creative sparks. Can two passionate performers with clashing visions find common ground before the curtain falls, for good.

Genres: Audiobook

388 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2026

About the author

Kasha Thompson is a contemporary romance writer. She writes authentic love stories that examine the complexity of falling and staying in love.

Upcoming Novel LOVE YOU A LITTLE BIT releases on April 22.

Follow Kasha on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q6EvjR

Visit Kasha's website: https://authorkashathompson.my.canva....

Reviews

[Alyssa Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute.

I loved getting to see something a little different - ie. the world of puppeteers. Some of the characters did fall a little flat for me, and there didn't seem to be any real 'wow' moment in the story.

It was a cozy love story with a unique plot, and that's how I would market this book.

At first it seemed like the characters hated each other, but then the insta-love hit and it didn't really make much sense. As the story went on and the relationship developed, it definitely got better, but to kick it off as enemies but also have the insta-love was a little odd.

I wish we would have gotten to see more of the puppeteer life and what all goes into it. It seemed heavy at first, and then was just brushed off as a "manuscript" idea and the marketing side of the puppet show.

I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a cozy romance story.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Coffee&Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Torn on this one.

The premise is SUPER cute and pulled me in right away: two puppeteers chasing big dreams while trying to save a struggling show is a fun, charming setup. Very 'laying in the bed giggling at this cute novel'. The world is vivid, and I felt like the author had a real affection for these characters and the space they occupy. The story is sweet, especially in how it brings about the emotional investment in something people might otherwise dismiss as a kid's show.

That said, a couple things didn't land hard *for me*.

This is very much a steamy, tension-driven relationship between two people who clearly want each other, but one leans hard into denial and pushes into conflict. At times, the dynamic read younger than I usually read and it made some of the emotional beats feel more contrived-- conflict for conflict's sake. I also found Letitia to be...mmmm...let's just say I would have fired her. I'm just saying! The Puppet revolt and resulting convo with her boss had me shaking my head. I found myself wishing for a little more maturity there.

The breaking-the-fourth-wall moments also didn’t quite work for me in audio. I can see how that might feel playful or clever on the page, but listening to it pulled me out of the story more than it pulled me in. The biggest disconnect for me was tone. The voices and characterizations are perfect for puppeteers-a bright, theatrical energy fits that world, but when the story shifts into more explicit scenes, that same tone doesn’t quite translate. It created a mismatch that my ears/brain did not like. It sounded like the narrators of a children's novel reading Zane.

I don't know how else to describe it!!!

Overall, there’s so much dang charm in this book. I finished it, and loved how it ended.

Readers who love creative-industry romances or quirky, character-driven setups will have a good time with it. I can absolutely see why this book would work for others.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to the author & @honeyblossompress for my gifted e-ARC and ALC‼️

🎬 Two puppeteers.

🎬 A Sesame Street inspired show, Jelly Bean Junction.

🎬 A connection they’ll never forget.

What a fresh and clever rom-com featuring a unique premise . . . We have two puppeteers who are total opposites working together to save a failing children’s show Jelly Bean Junction. What begins as a one-sided rival turns into a steamy romance where the tension may be thick but the attraction is undeniable.

The author does a great job building a relationship between Letitia and Rustin. Their connection felt authentic, the banter was sharp, and the setting carried a nostalgic feel. I honestly didn’t think there should’ve been as much tension between Letty and Russ as it was. She was immediately intimidated by Russ before she knew what plans he had for the show. And with a book cover like this you wouldn’t expect things to heat up the way it did . . . Puppets weren’t the only thing getting stuffed!!!

Overall, I enjoyed the book and the audio brought the story to life for me. I loved the alternating perspectives and getting more insight into Letitia’s personal life it helped explain her constant uncertainty. Russ and Letty were both complex characters and offered a nuanced portrayal of the cool nerd, dyslexia, and an adoptee raised by parents of a different race. The author also explores the importance of preserving platforms created for cultural enrichment. If you’re looking for a workplace romcom where passion and creativity collide read this book.

Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️

[RaeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️He falls First
⭐️workplace Romance
⭐️Unexpectedly Spicy


Now who knew all this was going on, on “Sesame Street”. lol I loved that it was nostalgic and tbh refreshing to get an adult romance book with a different setting! Letitia’s mother- daughter relationship kind of hit home for me and had me in my feelings but it was great to see that in a novel because that’s reality for a lot of women. Rustin, he just gave sexy muppet lol. I loved their flirty banter. I just wanted her to give in the entire novel cause girl you knew you wanted that man. Quit playing! Their chemistry was crazy and I loved the flirty banter! This book flowed so well. I couldn’t put it down. Definitely a 4.5 for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this read! All opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fun atmosphere and the setting of the puppet show. The depth of the characters was very well done. However I feel like the puppet show kinda took a backseat most of the time, and the romance felt a little too quick. They hit it off straight away when they meet. The first sexual encounter at the 25% mark is way too soon, and the sudden dislike didn't really work for me. Over time they do connect genuinely and I certainly could tell why hey like each other and why this relationship works for them. However books with a lot of smut that happens a little too quickly just aren't really for me.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an advance audio copy of this book.

Strung Together by Kasha Thompson is a nostalgic, easygoing yet spicy romance that will make you appreciate the characters who taught you your ABCs and 123s. With a spice level of about 3.5 out of 5, it strikes a solid balance for readers who want both heart and heat.

What pulled me in immediately was the premise. JellyBean Junction, a nonprofit children’s show reminiscent of Sesame Street, is struggling to stay afloat. With the help of a well-known puppeteer, the team pulls out all the stops to save it. Along the way, the romance between Rustin and Letia begins to take shape.

Admittedly, Letia almost made me DNF the audiobook. Her passion for JellyBean Junction makes complete sense given her history with the show and her role in bringing representation to it. However, her behavior throughout much of the story felt frustratingly immature and often hard to connect with. At times, her reactions pulled me out of the story and made it difficult to fully invest in her as a lead. More than once, I wanted to shake her by the shoulders and ask why she was doing all of that. The only reason I kept going was because I was genuinely rooting for JellyBean Junction to succeed.

Rustin, on the other hand, was a refreshing MMC. He stands apart from the typical mold, bringing a more alternative, creative energy that fits his background in theatre and Broadway. His presence helped ground the story and provided a nice contrast to Letia’s intensity.

Their dynamic starts off as a bit of a sparring match, with Letia often pushing back against Rustin’s efforts to help. When their relationship finally shifts into romance, the spice ramps up quickly, though at times it feels like the emotional foundation doesn’t quite keep pace. While Rustin does support Letia, especially when it comes to her family issues and encouraging her talent, those moments feel limited. Because of that, when conflict arises later on, particularly when Rustin shares a project he has been working on, Letia falls back into some of her more immature tendencies. While parts of her reaction feel valid, their relationship doesn’t quite hold up, mostly because it never felt like it was built on much beyond the physical.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, but with a warning about Letia, so my friends don’t side-eye me or start texting question marks later. That said, this is a fun, nostalgic read with enough spice to keep things interesting, especially if you enjoy romance with a unique setting and a touch of childhood throwback.

[Kalise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of an ALC from NetGalley/Dreamscape Media

Kasha Thompson had me in a chokehold with this storyline — and I mean that in the best way possible. Strung Together follows Letitia and Rustin, two puppeteers whose creative clash over saving a struggling children’s show slowly unravels into something undeniably electric. As a girl who grew up on shows like Sesame Street and Between the Lions, the entire Jellybean Junction backdrop had me completely invested from page one. Honestly? I would absolutely watch Jellybean Junction. Someone greenlight this show immediately.
The banter between Letitia and Rustin is the heartbeat of this book. It’s witty, layered, and the kind of push-pull that makes you want to scream at both characters to just figure it out already. Thompson clearly has a gift for that flirty-infuriating chemistry, and the playful tension throughout the story is genuinely fun to read.
My one note — and it’s the only thing keeping this from a full five stars — is that the narration missed the mark for me. The narrator leaned into the lighthearted energy of the banter scenes beautifully, but when the story shifted into spicier territory, that same playful tone followed right along with it. Those intimate moments needed a deeper, more grounded delivery to match the temperature change the story was calling for. The writing was absolutely there; the audio execution just didn’t fully meet it.
To be clear, this is not a knock on Kasha Thompson’s writing. The story is imaginative, heartfelt, and genuinely delightful. The Jellybean Junction world-building gives this romance a unique charm you don’t find often, and the emotional core between Letitia and Rustin is well-earned. This is one of those cases where the audiobook narration didn’t entirely serve the full range of the manuscript — but the story itself? Chef’s kiss.
If you’re a fan of workplace romance, creative lead characters, and a premise that hits your childhood nostalgia button, Strung Together is well worth your time. Just know going in that the audio experience is a bit uneven.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Shamoya Radcliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ALC Review**
Thank you to dreamscape for an advanced listening copy through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
4.25⭐
This story follows the FMC Letitia Vincent, she is a puppeteer for a kids tv show. Letitia uses her platform to show diversity and representation through her puppets and currently highlights the first black puppeteer. Due to her background, she is very passionate about her job and the show. Due to the show depending on public funding and things shifting in the way media gets viewed, the show has been struggling financially and at risk for being cancelled.
Then you have the MMC, Rustin Hayes, very talented young man, worked in theater, and owns a puppet company who was brought in to be the new producer for the show. With the show runners bringing him in, Letitia questions his motives and wasn't receptive of the changes that might come as a result.
This book had a few tropes that I like, workplace romance, a little rival to lovers and dating your higher up/boss. Loved the instant chemistry, tension and banter between them.
The story and career are unique, and I loved how it tackles issues that usually occur in the workplace. The FMC is quirky, was adopted, and also dyslexic. The MMC is a nerd and doesn't usually speak up on what he wants. These two characters clash about which direction the show should go in, and that tension and always in proximity resulted in feelings developing between them.
I will say for me, the banter mixed with the narration read more YA to me. I was surprised when it mentioned the FMC being 27. While I connected with the story early on, I found myself slipping at some parts especially 3/4 through. This is a slow burn to start with the building of the characters, but once they got going, they were steamy and frequent. Overall loved the story and would definitely recommend, especially if you love good banter, unique careers, and creatives. There were also some side characters that I hope will get their love story

[Chalon J · Rating 4 out of 5]

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me for free by the publisher.

Sweet and laugh-out-loud funny, Strung Together is a workplace rom-com that should be at the top of your reading list! Letitia is a talented puppeteer who is working at Jellybean Junction, a Sesame Street-esque children's show. When Rustin, a newly hired producer and puppeteer, joins the team, their connection is instant, but they clash on how to save Jellybean Junction from cancellation. As their connection deepens, they have to decide if their conflicting views will help the show or drive them apart

I loved how Thompson balanced witty banter with sweet moments as you see Letitia and Rustin's connection grow, and it will make you feel all of the feels. The dialogue included Black culture references, nerdy quips, and captured how Letitia and Rustin are the perfect match for each other. The supporting characters at Jellybean Junction were delightfully eccentric and created an engaging backdrop to the romance.

I especially loved digging deeper into Letitia and Rustin as people and how layered their personalities were. Letitia's dyslexia and experiences as a transracial adoptee provided additional texture to her actions and motivations and were included with care. The pressure to remain successful after achieving early success provided additional context for Rustin, and I enjoyed watching him grapple with a challenging situation without an easy solution. Their individual stories elevated their connection, and I didn't want their story to end.

🎧 Audiobook Commentary:
Narrated by Eden Lafon and James Cavenaugh, the audiobook was an enjoyable listening experience. Lafon effortlessly embodied the effervescent energy of Letitia and helped to keep me engaged from beginning to end. Cavenaugh didn't quite match my interpretation of Rustin, and I would have enjoyed more of Rustin's quirkiness vocalized in his performance.

✨ If you are looking for a feel-good romance that will make you laugh, Strung Together should be on your reading list!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

This story surprised me in the sweetest way. Letitia’s quirky, off‑beat energy immediately reminded me of the kind of nerdy charm I live with at home ... that awkward, niche‑interest sweetness that feels familiar and lovable. And the dyslexia representation was handled with so much care.

What really caught me off guard, though, was realizing Letitia was inspired by Megan Piphus Peace, the first Black woman puppeteer on Sesame Street. I didn’t know that going in, so when the vibes started lining up, I had a full emotional flashback. My twin girls used to sing Gabrielle’s “Raise Your Hands Up High” at the top of their lungs, so hearing echoes of that legacy in Letitia made the story feel personal in a way I wasn’t expecting.

Letitia herself is fun, chaotic, kid‑magnetic, and fully committed to her puppet world. Jellybean Junction felt warm and colorful, and the audiobook narrators brought every bit of that to life.

And then there’s Rustin. The way Letitia immediately disliked him!! Yep sexual tension 😂I could feel the tension brewing under every interaction. That “I don’t like you, but something is happening here” energy was strong, and the narrators made it even better. Their chemistry was undeniable long before the spice showed up.

My only hiccup was that Letitia’s maturity level leaned a little young at times. Not enough to take me out completely, but enough that I noticed it. Still, the charm of the premise, the nostalgia, and the heart of the romance carried me through.

Overall, this audiobook was warm, quirky, and full of personality. Even with the moments that didn’t fully land for me, I finished it smiling.

[Kalise · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC review

Kasha Thompson had me in a chokehold with this storyline — and I mean that in the best way possible. Strung Together follows Letitia and Rustin, two puppeteers whose creative clash over saving a struggling children’s show slowly unravels into something undeniably electric. As a girl who grew up on shows like Sesame Street and Between the Lions, the entire Jellybean Junction backdrop had me completely invested from page one. Honestly? I would absolutely watch Jellybean Junction. Someone greenlight this show immediately.
The banter between Letitia and Rustin is the heartbeat of this book. It’s witty, layered, and the kind of push-pull that makes you want to scream at both characters to just figure it out already. Thompson clearly has a gift for that flirty-infuriating chemistry, and the playful tension throughout the story is genuinely fun to read.
My one note — and it’s the only thing keeping this from a full five stars — is that the narration missed the mark for me. The narrator leaned into the lighthearted energy of the banter scenes beautifully, but when the story shifted into spicier territory, that same playful tone followed right along with it. Those intimate moments needed a deeper, more grounded delivery to match the temperature change the story was calling for. The writing was absolutely there; the audio execution just didn’t fully meet it.
To be clear, this is not a knock on Kasha Thompson’s writing. The story is imaginative, heartfelt, and genuinely delightful. The Jellybean Junction world-building gives this romance a unique charm you don’t find often, and the emotional core between Letitia and Rustin is well-earned. This is one of those cases where the audiobook narration didn’t entirely serve the full range of the manuscript — but the story itself? Chef’s kiss.
If you’re a fan of workplace romance, creative lead characters, and a premise that hits your childhood nostalgia button, Strung Together is well worth your time. Just know going in that the audio experience is a bit uneven.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC Review
📚 Book Title: Strung Together
✍🏽Author: Kasha Thompson
🎙️Narrator(s): Eden Lafon & James Cavenaugh
📕 Format: 🎧
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🕑Quick Take:
Letitia Vincent puppeteers her puppet Aaliyah at Jellybean Junction, part of the National Community Network, a public access educational network, is a beloved children’s program that operates on a limited budget with declining viewers. She has loved Jellybean Junction since she was a child and remains protective of its mission.

Rustin Hayes owns an indie puppet studio, Thread Thesbian, a space for animation and puppeteer artists. Like Letitia, he offers support to Jellybean Junction to help ensure its sustainability as a producer and revitalize the show.

Letitia and Rustin clash over creative and funding ideas. How will these two puppeteers manage their creative differences and the rising tension of attraction?

✨ Tropes:
- Rivals to Lovers
- Workplace Romance
- Secret Relationship
- Puppeteer Love

🎭 Narration:
Eden Lafon and James Cavenaugh delivered excellent narration for this novel. I appreciated Eden’s ability to capture Letitia’s awkwardness and straightforwardness.

Uncertainty about the male narrator's racial identity made it difficult to connect with his role as a Black MMC. Still, overall, good performance!

⚠️ Heads Up:
- Developmental Disorder: Dyslexia & ADHD Rep
- Mental health: Anxiety
- Interracial Adoption Rep
- Strained Family Relationship

💭Final Thoughts:
A workplace romance among puppeteer cast members? Sign me up. Overall, I loved the story's concept. It offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of public access television and funding, especially of our cherished childhood shows.

Thanks to Dreamsscape Media for the ALC!

[Latoya (jamaicangirlreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant surprise!

Puppets and Pupperteering in a romance book? Who knew? This was too cute!

Letia is a rising Pupperteer. She's quirky and whimsy and cute and loves what she does but the company she works for is rapidly losing its viewers, her colleagues are losing their jobs and her producers are in damage control mode trying to revive the beloved Jellybean Junction.

Justin is the face of Pupperteering. Like, Tony award winning, we'll known in the industry and has secured a name of his own. So when Jellybean Junction hires him to bring their show back to life, everyone is suspicious, especially Letia, because really, he doesnt need the gig. To complicate this further, Rustin is really sexy!

The two must work together professionally but what we get is insta love! To the point where I had to back up a few minutes to figure out how did we get here so quickly? Rustin and Letia connects and it feels genuine. Their personalities and interests align but the connection doesn't come with some bumps in the road both personally and professionally.

We see Letia work through her feelings about being a Black girl adopted by a white family and we get to see them both work through professional failures and successes to get to where they want to be. I appreciated Rustin's character. Nothing intrigues me more than a man who communicates his feelings well and we get that here. And one last thing y'all. These two get down in this book! Chemistry jumping off the pages in those spicy scenes! Don't sleep on this glasses wearing, Pupperteering, nerdy couple okay?

I really enjoyed this, sweet palate cleanser, cute story and narration well executed.

[Vonetta Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC Review

I was interested in this book because I felt the storyline was very unique especially since you do not hear of that many black puppeteers. Letitia and Rustin did not get off on the right foot at first because she was nervous about bringing this big shot person into their world at Jellybean Junction and didn't really think he would have their interest in mind. After spending time with him working on their scripts/scenes, she realized that he truly did want to help save the show and it meant something to both of them. Of course the more time they spent together the more feelings got involved and they grew into something more than co-workers and friends.

I liked the mix we got in this book between the budding romance with Rustin and Letitia and them working together to try to save Jellybean Junction and that wasn't lost in the grand scheme of things. We also saw that even though Rustin had other things he was doing in his career, he still gave attention to what was happening with Jellybean Junction which showed just how serious he was about saving it and what it meant. When situations occurred later on in the book, Letitia didn't agree with Rustin's game plan and thought he had ulterior motives to begin with which kind of put a wrench in their relationship and although I did feel like she overreacted I also felt he could have talked to her sooner about what he was planning. I found it a little ironic that the thing that brought them together was the thing she helped him figure out when it came to other aspects of his career and I was happy he gave her credit for his success in that aspect. I was also we got to see what happened with Jellybean Junction to which goes back to the nice mix I mentioned above. I will admit, when listening to his audio, the narration of Rustin's character had to grow on me but I was glad it eventually did and it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. Thank you to Dreamscape media for this ALC.

[Morgan Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Honey Blossom Press for the opportunity to read this ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I LOVED the concept—set in the world of children’s TV and puppeteering, which felt so fresh and unique. I especially appreciated the representation of Black puppeteers in children’s programming and the glimpse into a creative field you don’t often see in books.

The rivals-to-lovers dynamic had a strong foundation. Letitia is deeply passionate about the show, but some of her behavior came off a bit harsh at times, which made her harder to connect with. Rustin, on the other hand, is more solution-driven and genuinely trying to keep things afloat, which made their dynamic both tense and, at times, entertaining. Their nerdy, awkward personalities made the banter especially fun.

While I liked the premise and overall story, some of the conflict felt drawn out, which made the emotional payoff a little less satisfying for me.

The audiobook narration was enjoyable—Eden and James (both new-to-me narrators) added a lot of personality and kept me engaged.

If you’ve read Jamaal the IT Guy, you’ll probably vibe with these quirky characters.

Overall, a creative and original story with a fresh setting, even if the character dynamics didn’t always land for me.

[Natasha P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strung Together had a setup that immediately caught my attention. A public children’s show centered on professional puppeteers isn’t something I’d ever really thought about before, and that behind-the-scenes look at Jellybean Junction was easily the most interesting part of the book. There’s something inherently charming about a story that treats creativity and children’s programming as something worth fighting for, and I appreciated that foundation.

That said, the execution didn’t fully land for me. Letitia, in particular, read as surprisingly immature for someone who’s supposedly been holding this show together for years, and that made it harder to fully connect with the emotional stakes. The chemistry with Rustin, though? That part I believed. The creative tension between them felt genuine—even when the pacing dragged.

And that pacing really is the biggest issue here. This story felt like it wanted to be an adorable novella, but instead stretched itself into a slower burn that didn’t always justify the length. Nothing was outright bad, but very little felt urgent either. The narration was fine—serviceable, clear, and easy to follow—but it didn’t add much extra spark to elevate the material.

Overall, this was an okay read with a unique setting and decent chemistry.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


#StrungTogether
#NetGalley

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

🚨 ALC REVIEW ‼️🎧 Strung Together is Kasha Thompson’s newest release. Two Blerds find love and mind blowing sex while working as puppeteers on Jellybean Junction, a beloved children’s program.
Letitia, our FMC is talented, funny, idealistic and not interested in being anyone’s peace.😆 But she believes fiercely in the mission of Jellybean Junction and will do anything to save the show. She’s got some childhood trauma she’s trying to outrun and she certainly wasn’t planning on falling for her kinda famous new boss.
I love my men dripping BDE or so damned awkward that it’s adorable. The MMC, Rustin is definitely the later. Rumor has it that the male Blerds walk softly but carry a big “stick.”😉😮‍💨 Letitia finds that to be true and we love that for her. But he also, falls first and falls hard. He sees her and affirms her in a way no one else ever has. Plus, he eats her off the bone like it’s his full time job and we LOVE that for her. Unfortunately, they can’t agree on the future of Jellybean Junction. Will they let that affect their future?
Strung Together is cute and funny with a lil’ spice. The narration is good and the voices really match the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

[abbiealwaysreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot to love and a few things that didn’t quite work for me.

What I loved:
•The Plot- Two puppeteers who love their work and are proudly and nerdily into their art form.
•A Lovable Cast- A group of puppeteers and tv crew working for public television makes this book so enjoyable throughout.
•Adoption Representation- Letitia is an adoptee and this book discusses some of the difficulties that adoptees face in their day to day lives.
•The Will They Won’t They- The leads in this story have excellent chemistry and you can’t help but root for them to end up together.

What didn’t work *for me*:
•The Third Act Breakup- I’ve accepted that these are helpful for some romance novels but this one happened suddenly then was resolved by writing in a time gap. I didn’t feel like this worked through the core issues that caused their breakup.
•The Workplace Rivalry- Letitia literally leads a revolt against Rustin at work, after they addressed their chemistry. The quick shift didn’t work for me in this story.

Overall, this is a fun story with a lovable cast. If you like a lot of spice, a fun cast of characters, and public television, this may be for you!

[Astreia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Life is like a cream-filled donut. The best part is in the middle." I knew I'd like this couple from that quote and on.

It was refreshing reading a romance book about Black puppeteers! I love the quirkiness of their personalities and found myself smiling quite a bit. The pacing was pretty good. It definitely has spice which kind of surprised me and I don't know why. I almost felt like it didn't need it but it was well done and fine as well. It did feel a bit slow at times but ultimately it was a well told story. Letitia's development was very clear and it was nice watching her evolve in all aspects of her life. She remained confident and that was refreshing to see. She knew who she was. I enjoyed learning about puppetry.

The voice actor for Letitia was perfection! However, I did not enjoy the voice actor for Rustin. It pulled me out of the story. His voice isn't what I would have imagined for Rustin. I looked forward to Letitia's chapters way more. I might have felt differently if it had been in print.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to others. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC.

[K_Clear22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letitia and Rustin are very much alike but not alike. Their witty sense of humor and banter keeps them coming back to each other. At first Letitia is intrigued by the “famous” Rustin, but when she learns that he is the mastermind of changing what her and the crew have worked hard for after all these years; she becomes his number one public enemy.

This book was full of laughs and definitely had a lot of character to it. I LOVE how Kasha had incorporated a career that most readers would have never thought of which are Puppeteers. Even though many of us have watched The Muppets or Sesame Street, to see the concept included in a book was really awesome! Letitia was a firecracker and Rustin was definitely her match. He was straight forward and was willing to admit his feelings for her, while Letitia fought her own for the sake of love saving her job and beloved show JellyBean Junction. What Letitia doesn’t realize is that they both have the same agenda, which is to make sure that JellyBean Junction never leaves tv and is preserved until the end of time. The audio was amazing! It truly painted the characters through the art of voices!

[Edwina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strung Together is a cute and fun workplace romance, but don’t be fooled because there’s plenty of drama behind the scenes of the children’s show Jellybean Junction.

I really loved Letitia. She’s quirky, creative, and her dyslexia is handled in a way that feels real without defining her. Her past struggles with adoption and wanting to belong added a lot of depth. Rustin is the perfect opposite: ambitious and dealing with writer’s block as well as ADHD. I loved his support for Letitia and how he always pours into her. Their banter and chemistry completely carried the story.

The audiobook made the story even better because Eden Lafon really brought Letitia to life and felt true to the character. James Cavanaugh has a pleasant voice, but he didn’t have quite the energy I pictured for Rustin.

Overall, Strung Together is a heartwarming reminder that even when everything feels like it’s falling apart, a little creative spark can pull it all back together.

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

[Carmen Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strung Together is a story about learning to love while still putting yourself back together.

Letitia Vincent is doing her best to keep it together while carrying the weight of her past. When she meets Rustin Hayes, their connection is undeniable, but far from easy.

They both come with emotional baggage, and their relationship is filled with tension, missteps, and growth. The emotions are messy, the characters are flawed, and the growth feels earned, especially for Letitia.

I really enjoyed the FMC narrator, but I struggled a bit with the MMC narrator. I felt like the two voices just didn't blend as well as I hoped they would.

I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys an emotional slow-burn romance that has depth, perfectly imperfect characters, and strong themes of healing and self-discovery.

I received this ALC from NetGalley and Dreamscape in exchange for my honest feedback. I rated this read a 4.5/5.

[Jessica Womble · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had heart 🥹💗

Leticia, the FMC, her resilience, her softness, her determination to chase her dreams despite the weight of her past and outside opinions, it just HIT. I loved watching her navigate healing while still protecting her peace in a world that wasn’t always kind to her.

And Ruston, that man was LOCKED IN. 👀 He knew what he wanted and didn’t fold, even when Leticia had her walls all the way up. The patience, the intention, I love to see it.

Now let’s talk audio real quick, the female narrator absolutely carried and embodied Leticia perfectly. The male narrator didn’t fully match the vibe for me, but it didn’t take away from how much I still enjoyed this story overall.

This book balances softness and heaviness so well, with just the right amount of spice sprinkled in. (Kasha always understands the assignment 🌶️🔥)

If you love:
💼 Workplace romance
💔 Healing FMC
🐢 Slow burn tension
🌶️ A little spice

…then go ahead and add this to your TBR ASAP‼️

[Timitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC and eARC Review

Strung Together was a cute, sweet, steamy and banter filled read that I quite enjoyed. The banter between the main characters, Letitia and Rustin amused me immensely. Eden Lafon and James Cavenaugh did a really good job bringing that playful energy to life. They did a great job overall bringing the story and characters to life. I enjoyed their performances they definitely enhanced the reading experience.

Although I loved this book there were parts of it that I wasn't fond of like the way heroine reacted to the changes the hero proposed I found her actions a bit petty and childish. I really did not care for her at the beginning but she grew on me and by the end I loved her. I loved her quirks and the fact that he was nerdy except between the sheets. They complemented each other well.

All in all it was an awesome read that kept me invested and engrossed.



Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley and Bookfunnel

[Pamela B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! I listened to it with an ALC, and the narrators were absolutely on point. They really brought Letitia and Rustin to life, capturing Letitia’s quirky personality perfectly.

Letitia was just so much fun—quirky, great with kids, obsessed with her puppet, and always ready for a good time. I went in expecting a slow burn, but babyyy… this one was fun from start to finish. These characters were not playing! They were giving the kind of chemistry you’d expect in your favorite spicy reads. They were hunching i this one!

Jellybean Junction gave me Sesame Street vibes, and honestly, I’m a little sad it’s not real because the characters were so colorful and full of life. The romance storyline was engaging, and the pacing was perfect, I never felt like the story dragged. Rustin and Letitia was just so good together.

Even the supporting characters stood out and added so much to the story. I won’t spoil anything, but definitely pick this one up. And if you can listen to it, do that!

[Atoshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC

This was such a cute, easy contemporary romance that I genuinely enjoyed but it didn’t fully sweep me away.
The story had a sweet, feel-good vibe with likable characters and some genuinely adorable moments that made me smile. The chemistry was there, and I appreciated how effortless the connection felt between the main characters. It’s definitely the kind of book you can curl up with and finish in one sitting.
That said, it leaned a little too predictable for me. The plot followed a familiar formula, and while that can be comforting, it didn’t bring anything especially new or memorable to the table. I also wished for a bit more depth either emotionally or in the character development to really make me feel invested.
Overall, it’s a solid, light read if you’re in the mood for something sweet and low-stress, but it didn’t quite leave a lasting impression. ⭐⭐.75

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @Dreamscape_Media and @NetGalley for this ALC.
When I saw a romance about puppeteers I had no idea where this was going to go and was a bit skeptical that it was going to be a bit childish and definitely a fade to black romance but it wasn’t at all. When the spice kicked in from the 20% mark I was worried what the arc of the story was going to be and how Letitia and Rustin navigated that but it ended up being so good! I was holding back tears as I listened in the office so be warned. I also loved the narrators and will definitely be seeking them out in further audiobooks!
Overall this was a cute one and I’ll be reading more Kashas work that’s for sure!

[Bookskee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this audiobook so much!
Narrated by:
Eden Lafon
James Cavenaugh

The fact that Letitia and Rustin are puppeteers was so interesting and refreshing to read and this gave some insight into what making a puppet show entails.

So this is a workplace (rivalry) romance and I enjoyed how it played out.

With a job like theirs these two were naturally so playful and cute together I couldn't keep from smiling and chuckling while listening.

The side characters also contributed to making this a really fun listen.

Topics:
Interracial adoption
Dyslexia
Anxiety

ALC Review with many thanks to netgalley , Author and Dreamscape Media dor the opportunity to listen in advance.

[CT · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and nostalgic read! I loved how it incorporated elements of a childhood show while blending rivals-to-lovers and workplace romance tropes. The dynamic between the characters kept things engaging, and the story flowed really well throughout.

I listened to the ALC, and the narrators did an amazing job bringing the story to life—they definitely elevated the overall experience.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend this one, especially if you enjoy character-driven romances with a touch of nostalgia.

Many thanks to Honey Blossom Press and Kasha Thompson for providing the ALC and ARC!

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Cute

This was such a fun read. Two puppeteers falling in love on the set of a children’s show was a fresh and creative idea. Letitia was so feisty and quirky. I loved how she marched to her own beat no matter what. Rustin had to grow on me. He seemed too uptight at first. Once he started to open up, I really liked him. I loved the couple’s witty banter and sexual chemistry. Blerd love always wins me over. My daughter is a theatre kid, so I appreciated that whimsical vibe throughout the book. It was a joy to watch this courtship blossom with two unique characters and a fun supporting cast.