Shrunkation: An Adventure Romantic Comedy

by Janine Amesta

This was supposed to be a marriage-saving vacation. But the stakes just got bigger...literally.

Winning a dream vacation to an all-inclusive Cancun resort was supposed to be what Catalina and Trey needed to save a marriage that's on the brink of crumbling into pieces. But a relationship in trouble may be the least of their worries when they’re accidentally shrunk to a miniscule size by the sinister, technology-forward company, Mankind2Mars.

Their vacation turns into a thrilling adventure as their now tiny bodies must learn to navigate in a giant world. They must avoid the perils of being crushed while also escaping the clutches of enormous birds, crabs, and one very grumpy chimpanzee. Catalina and Trey have to work together to travel the vast, beachy landscape in order to find their way back to the resort in hopes the answer to regrowth is there. In doing so, will their love for each other expand even bigger than before?

This action-adventure rom-com is an exciting tale of true love and survival.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 28, 2026

About the author

Janine Amesta has loved reading kissing stories most of her life. She currently resides in Oregon with her husband and their pets, Hitchcock and Pippin. She studied screenwriting in college, but her banter is influenced by the screwball romantic comedies of the 1930's. She's always on the lookout for the perfect line.

Reviews

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delicious romp this is! "Honey I Shrunk the Kids' is the inspiration for this romcom – which is an absolute delight of a romance folly - both ridiculous and heartwarming 💕

Catalina and Trey's marriage is in trouble. Cat holds her grudges tightly and Trey is bewildered by her, even though he is still very much in love. Trey signs them up for a totally dodgy weekend in Cancun (Free! Just attend the seminar!) in the hope that they can reconnect. When they get there, an argument and some romance-reasons means a laser machine shrinks them down to one inch high.

Secondary character Sasha is a key part of the shrinkage action and I loved the chapters from her point of view. I won't name names, but there's a very satirical (and topical) depiction of Sasha's hyper-wealthy megalomanic boss - who luckily gets his comeuppance.

For Cat and Trey, it's one adventure after another as they struggle to survive, and get their marriage back on track. It's steamy and silly and terrific fun. There's a giant empanada, unexpected places to shelter, crabs to negotiate and a hostile chimpanzee. Seagulls are an issue, and they have the steamiest fun on the back on an iguana. Through it all, they see each other's strengths and Cat softens her stance. I adored the joy of it all!

Thank you to Janine Amesta for the ARC - her imagination and sense of the absurd are extraordinary. Opinions are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was ridiculous in the best way. It was so much fun to read! I picked it up without knowing what the premise was and it was hilarious. This is a Honey, I Shrunk the Kids inspired romance with the main characters being a married couple that is having issues at the moment. Trey said something that really upset his wife, Cat, and she is not at all happy with him or able to forgive him (she has some issues being vulnerable or feeling feeling like she is failing when trying to do more than any one person could). In order to try and save his marriage Trey signs up for a dodgy free vacation and actually wins! So off they go....only it does not go as expected.

Oh, this was so much fun. I don't really know what I would do if I were shrunk to inch in size. That would be awful, and it definitely is not easy for them, but I loved seeing their small adventures! All the giant animals and food and all the things!

We also have point of view chapters from Sasha who works for the evil rich guy who owns the company and who made the shrinking tech. I really enjoyed her chapters as well and how it all ended up. I really just enjoyed this one so much once I started I didn't stop until I finished. Such a great read!

Thanks to the author for an advanced copy of this book

[Tracys Book Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shrunknation is a vacation gone wrong with many hilarious adventures for Trey and Cat. This is a story you will want to read, especially if you are in need of a laugh with some romance. And don't forget things that can kill the main characters.

Can this Shrunknation vacation save their marriage, or will it kill them before they can get help? I loved the banter between Trey and Cat and the way he is determined to show her she still loves him. This story is for anyone who needs a laugh and is willing to stretch their imagination. I loved vacationing with Trey, Cat, and their wildlife friends.

I received an ARC of Shrunknation and this is my honest review. All opinions are my own.

If you love marriage in crisis, one sea shell, protective MCs, grumpy/sunshine, and adventure, then Shrunknation is needed on your TBR list.

[RK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the author, I too was a child of the Honey I Shrunk The Kids franchise of movies. I was therefore excited to get to read an advanced copy of Janine Amesta's latest book, Shrunkation.

Usually when I see books billed as "rom-coms" I remain skeptical because one or two jokes in a book does not make a rom-com in my humble opinion. I found myself highlighting lots of hilarious passages in this book.

In addition to humor, this book had it all--action, adventure, sex on an iguana (you just have to read it!)...the works!

I think what I admire the most about Amesta's writing is how clever it is. I love the challenges she put Trey and Cat through in this book both physically and emotionally before finding a way to wrap it up in one big happily ever after.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book.

[Olivia Malo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beggars couldn’t be choosers, and she was on the edge of begging.

What can I say about this book? Funny, sexy, beautifully written. another exquisite story from Janine Amesta.

There are laugh out loud lines,
Traveling by cleavage might sound like a dream to some people, but it wasn’t anything he’d want to do again.

Emotional moments that will tear at your heart,
She turned her head to him, taking him all in, those beautiful blue eyes of her husband, a man who never abandoned her even when she did her best to push him as far away as she could. “I love you, Trey Schuster.”

Spice, and fun, giant (if you're tiny) iguanas who have seen too much, and so much more.

I can't recommend this highly enough for a feelgood read, with the perfect HEA.

[Amber Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟 ARC Review 🌟

I was lucky enough to be part of the ARC team to read this book before its release, and below are my honest thoughts!.


Review: You know how some people (myself included) watch a funny or happy
Movie after watching a scary one? That’s the vibe of this book, the book to read after something that broke you or to get out of a slump. It had me giggling while also saying “AWE 🥹” and “YOU TELL HIM CAT!” It was lighthearted, funny and incredibly adorable. Will definitely be a book I reread and recommend to others (especially if someone is just getting back into reading) loved it 🥰 Did I mention that the bickering is so incredibly relatable? Was I cackling? Yeah, grab this boook and ENJOY

[Jess Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WORLD NEEDS THIS BOOK!

I was feeling pretty dismal about (gestures vaguely at everything) and SHRUNKATION came to save me at just the right time. A marriage in trouble romance with Honey I Shrunk the Kids vibes?? Yes please!

I adored this story about Cat and Trey fighting their way back to each other while they fight their way back to a normal human size. This is the kind of deeply romantic, super steamy, and completely bonkers romcom that just checks every single box for me.

Janine Amesta’s crisp prose and brilliant creativity had me so hooked I couldn’t put this book down. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️

This is such a fun adventure romance and it really puts things in a different perspective (ha!).
But, I really liked how everything was described. Everything would be so different if you were shrunk, and the most mundane things are now dangerous or just ridiculously oversized and Janine nailed the situation.
But man, as if trying to mend your marriage wasn't hard enough when your wife hates you, let's do it while an inch tall on a beach.
9/10 - imagine honey, I shrunk the kids, but on a beach with a second chance romance and some spice.

Thank you to the author for an ARC copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is magical. From the opening pages to the end I feel as though I was entranced; being in Trey and Cat's world was funny and crazy and just overall a wild ride.

After a misunderstanding between Trey and his wife Cat, they both agree to take a vacation in an effort to find their way back to each other. What transpires through their time in Cancun is hilarious, intense, and yet somehow sweet. At just one inch tall, their escapades are just too much fun to experience and I almost wished for more. This has a will they/won't they vibe unlike any other. I loved it!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little adventure filled romance between a married couple on the outs who “win” a free vacation to Cancun. Except, not reading the fine print, they don’t realize they’re part of a science experiment. They find themselves shrunk to miniature size and must learn how to work together to find help. I liked Trey trying to win back his wife’s love and I liked Cat realizing it was ok to lean on Trey.

ARC from author, review all mine.

[Crina Boboc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and delightful book.
I do admit I was slightly skeptical in the beginning, but the more I read, the more fun it felt. I could say this a second chance in a way and I did love to see how Trey and Cat rediscovered their passion and love for one another.
Also, the premise and the idea of being so small felt rather new and intriguing.
If you're in the mood for a fun, lighthearted read, this could be the book for you.

[Nicole Sapriken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hilarious, and super sweet. Such a unique story, and a great view of a married couple having troubles, on top of the whole adventure that they are thrown in to. Such a deep look through their eyes, along with the book being so much fun.

I wish I could see all the pictures! And honestly, I really want to ride an iguana now! I don’t think I will look at sand the same way again either.

Definitely a recommend from me if you are looking for a deep, and fun book.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly laughed and enjoyed this book! Think of it as an adult version of "Honey I Shrunk the Kids". I felt like I was revisiting a childhood favorite through adult eyes. There is some consensual adult spice that is entirely relatable after 20 plus years of marriage myself. I really enjoyed being an advanced reader for this book!