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He’s the plot twist she didn’t hear coming.

Becoming a book narrator was never my goal. But if your deep voice tempts romance listeners to swoon and throw their proverbial panties at you, plans change.

When an unexpected chain of events rockets my easy-going and chill life in a completely different direction, I tackle it like I do everything—with humor, wit, and a little bit of my “Hawk Weaver” charm.

That’s not a hardship, though. It means establishing a friendship with erotic romance author, Donna Moreno. She’s a game changer. In all the best ways.

~
As an over-thirty single woman who writes erotica for a living, you would think I spend my days fighting off every handsome, dirty-mouthed billionaire in a twenty-mile radius. I don’t. Sure, I have a checklist for my ideal man who I write in my books. I just haven’t found “the one” in the real world.

Todd Chimolski may not check all the boxes on my current list, but there’s something to be said for a friend who makes you laugh and puts on a suit to make all your fantasies come true. Hearing him bring the words I’ve written to life is nothing short of an eargasm, and that’s a box I didn’t know I needed checked.

What happens when the woman who writes sexy romance and the man who narrates it build a friendship that quickly turns to more?

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2019

90 people are currently reading
389 people want to read

About the author

M.E. Carter

51 books1,070 followers

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5 stars
157 (47%)
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46 (14%)
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12 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Megan | A Page to Turn.
661 reviews21 followers
January 30, 2019
Todd and Donna make me smile - a pair I wouldn't necessarily would of matched, but they are perfectly imperfect! I adore their flirty comments, comical banter, and sweet moments. I think when Todd meets Mr. Tuddles for the first time was one of my favorite moments ever in a book! I just loved his reaction, and it was so true to his character.

Both of these characters drive this story home - it's an unlikely couple, trying to see how things work in the real world. They are both vivacious and fun characters, and I love seeing them overcome the small hurdles placed in front of them. Overall, a fun, quick, few hour read that just left my smiling and so happy.
Profile Image for Aly.
29 reviews
January 27, 2019
This right here is THE quintessential romcom! Andrea Johnston and ME Carter are a fantastic writing duo and I can’t wait to read whatever comes next.

Donna is an erotic romance author looking for inspiration. Todd is a real estate mogul with a side job narrating novels for their mutual friend Adeline Snow (of Switch Stance). Both are hilarious, sweet, and witty characters.

This is one of those books that absolutely flies by - perfect for cuddling up on the couch to read in one sitting!
Profile Image for Norelle.
497 reviews73 followers
February 28, 2019
Vispār jau mierīgi varētu būt 3,5, bet man vienalga. Sen man nebija tā patiesi patikusi vieglā, romantiskā grāmata.

''Readers are absolutely fascinating creatures. All they talk about is plot lines and character issues. Someone even started crying when discussing the unexpected death of her favorite male lead.''

Erotisko romānu autore un vīrietis, kurš ierunā šos romānus audio grāmatu formātam. Viņš ierunā tikai savas labākās draudzenes(kura ir Donnas draudzene, arī rakstniece) izdotās grāmatas, jo viņam ir savs bizness un labs darbs ikdienā.
Anyway, es lielākoties vieglajām, romantiskajām sieviešu grāmatām metu līkumu, jo mani galīgi nesaista lasīt par nevainīgajām, pelēkajām pārsliņām, kas pinas savās kājās un orgasmē no tā vien, ka atrodas vienā telpā ar (alfa) VĪRIETI.
Donna nav šāda pārsliņa. Donnai ir mazliet pāri 30. Viņai ir karjera, nauda, pārliecība un viņa nav nevainīgā dura.
Savukārt Tods ir that weird friend - valkā dīvainus kreklus, ir ar humora izjūtu bez filtra, pēc skata nav gluži modelis(viņš saka, ka viņam is face for the radio :D), bet viņš ir gudrs, ar labu sirdi, savu karjeru utt.
Vārdu sakot, abi tēli ir pārsteidzoši patīkami. + tā interesantā kombinācija rakstniecei ar sexy grāmatu ierunātāju.... :)

Protams, šī ir klišejiska grāmata un visi zin jau sākumā, ka šie abi saies kopā.
Taču detaļās, šī ir lasāma grāmata. Kā jau teicu - abi tēli ir pārsteidzoši patīkami un patstāvīgi. Sižetā nav stulbu pārpratumu, kur Donna tikai beigās uzzin, ka viņš ir tas slavenais grāmatu ierunātājs. Nope. Donna jau ātri vien saliek 1+1 un saprot šo lietu.
Grāmatā nav porno vai seksa aprakstu. Ir skaidrs, ka viņiem ir sekss,bet tas netiek aprakstīts. Taču, labi tiek aprakstīta pievilkšanās abu starpā :)
+vēl tā grāmatnieku vide - rakstnieku/fanu konvencija, ar grāmatu parakstīšanu, izdevēju vēlme izdot tikai konkrēta sižeta darbus, jo that sells un jaunus horizontus labāk nemeklēt utt.

Kopumā man ļoti patika. Viegli, ātri lasāma :)
Profile Image for Joy Novel Thoughts.
573 reviews70 followers
February 6, 2019
Oh my goodness. Ear Candy was so freaking delightful, a friends to lovers romance that will have you grinning from ear to ear and laughing out loud, literally.

After reading Switch Stance last year I was begging for this story. I just knew that Todd and Donna were meant to be, destined, star-crossed lovers (not really, but go with it), they were peanut butter and jelly. They were obviously each others lobsters and I needed their story more than anything.

After months of waiting, Andrea Johnston and M.E. Carter FINALLY delivered and gave my exactly what I wanted. They more than provided, because as much as I enjoyed Switch Stance, I couldn't put Ear Candy down!

Todd is downright charming! He's quirky, caring, giving and sexy and he doesn't even know it. There is just something about a beta that I love. He's not a jerk he's and a bad boy. He's just that boy next door that you grew up having a crush on.

Donna, is a woman who struggles with who she is and balancing who the world expects her to be. Relatable, amiright? I relished watching her own herself and take risks when she was scared of what would happen.

My favorite part of this series is getting to be inside of author's heads. Although, we are basically in their head every time we read, we actually get to see things from their perspective in Ear Candy and it's fascinating.

Ear Candy is sweet as can be and watching Donna and Todd from friends to lovers will have you swooning all day.
Profile Image for Rach.
171 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2019
When I read anything by M.E. Carter or Andrea Johnston, I know I'm going to enjoy it, so for the two of them to join together and write another romcom meant I HAD to read it. I wish I had their writing talent so that I could write a review worthy of their books, specifically "Ear Candy", book 2 of the Charitable Endeavors series. Todd is easily one of my favorite "heroes" EVER written. His humor and sharp, quick wit along with his kindness and generosity make him extremely attractive. He's hysterical. I think most of the highlights that I made were from Todd's POV because he made me laugh so often. Donna is a strong, intelligent woman that will karate chop you if you scare her, but she's also likable and can dish it out as well as she takes it. She's relatable, but also made me envious of her witty banter and confidence. On the outside, at least from both of their POVs, they never would have worked. But you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, right? Once they actually get to know one another, their relationship is seamless. Carter and Johnston absolutely nail romcom, not once being too over-the-top, too cheesy, or too dramatic. They know how to write subtlety and small gestures. I'm claiming Todd and adding him to my list of favorite Book Boyfriends.
Profile Image for McKinnze.
101 reviews9 followers
February 3, 2019
Ear Candy was a pleasant surprise for me. I knew that I would enjoy it, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. It's a simple, slow burn romance, but the characters made it a fast paced, fun, and endearing novel.

I came into this book being really excited to see how Donna and Todd's story played out, and ME Carter and Andrea Johnston definitely did it justice. I absolutely loved both characters. Donna was my favorite kind of heroine: a strong, independent and confident female who isn't afraid to go after what she wants in life. And Todd, although not your typical hero in a romance novel, was more my type than any alpha billionaire ever has been. I think that's why I connected so well with his character. I fell in love with his humor and wit. And I can't deny the fact that I'm totally sitting here wishing that I could hear him talk in real life.

So if you're looking for a slow burn romcom with witty banter and unique characters, then you've found your book! Just be prepared to laugh, swoon and smile from ear to ear while you're reading. And I'll just be over here crossing my fingers for a third book in the series. I can't wait to see what the authors come up with next!
Profile Image for Victoria L. James.
Author 21 books528 followers
February 3, 2019
Johnston and Carter have an obvious connection when it comes to writing a story together. Ear Candy flows effortlessly, and I couldn’t tell one author’s writing from the other’s.

What I loved most about this story was the behind the scenes look into the book world. The author signing at the beginning of the book had me in stitches. **insert laughing man face here** Authors, readers, and bloggers galore had me smiling like crazy.

But the biggest star of the show for me was, without a doubt, Todd. He completely stole it! And what I loved even more was how real he was. A story where the guy wasn’t a 6-foot tall stud with a penis the size of the Eiffel Tower! FINALLY. Yet he was still totally swoon worthy. The kind of guy I would go for in real life. He was relatable, sarcastic but sweet, and he had me smiling and laughing the whole way through.

I loved Todd, and I loved the journey Donna and he took to find their happiness.
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,942 reviews23 followers
February 8, 2019
This story was laugh out funny with witty characters and an addictive storyline. These two authors did a great job with Todd and Donna that I felt as though I was eavesdropping in on their story. I would love to see more of these characters in the future and definitely more collaborations as well. This is one love story that you will not want to miss.

Merged review:

Addictive read

This story was laugh out funny with witty characters and an addictive storyline. These two authors did a great job with Todd and Donna that I felt as though I was eavesdropping in on their story. I would love to see more of these characters in the future and definitely more collaborations as well. This is one love story that you will not want to miss.
Profile Image for Melenareads .
3,291 reviews79 followers
February 11, 2019
Ear Candy was such a fun read! I love, too, that a portion of the profits from each book in the Charitable Endeavors series goes to a charity.

In the first book in the series we met Donna, a romance author, and Todd, who works in real estate but narrates a friend's audio books on the side. This time they are thrown together when Donna's friend can't make it to their girls weekend which she planned at Todd's cabin. Their mutual friend Aggi was the heroine of the first book in the series.

The plot is reminiscent of a rom com movie with a lot of humor and sweet moments. I especially loved the descriptions of the funny shirts Todd wears.

I also really enjoyed the little bits of Donna's writing process that were sprinkled throughout the book. Especially Todd's confusion when she says she is following a plot bunny.

If you are looking for a quick read with a lot of laughter and banter, I recommend picking up a copy today!

Thank you to the authors for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for ravishing_reads_ Rachel.
299 reviews12 followers
February 8, 2019
Oh man!! Did I enjoy this one!! The quick banter and funny lines made this read smooth and enjoyable. I adore Todd. He is BEYOND funny. His whole good natured heart was swoon worthy. Seeing how he wasn’t boost full at all his success made his character that much more love-able!
And Donna. Well she’s a knock out. Being so bold in her career moves and going straight for what she wanted with Todd. Just LOVED!!!
I really liked the way these two authors gave us insight into an author’s life. Seeing that really is helpful. I always want to know more about authors and what they have to go through. This book highlights that.
Overall this book is a good one!!!! Laughter. Love. Just a nice good romance novel.
Oh and ps I now want a chalet. Or even a cabin for that matter lol
252 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2019
Brilliant

I love this book! I love Todd! And I need to learn how to whistle. I had enjoyed switch stance so much, so it’s not really surprising that the second book in the series is sheer brilliance, but it is very unexpected in the best possible way. A hero who is kinda normal, but also totally weird, whose inner thoughts are totally relatable and zany, and a heroine who is dynamic and cool and confused but not ditsy. Everything from the characters to the writing to the cat .. it’s all so well put together,I just had to laugh out loud at several points. Can’t wait for whatever is next in the series.
Profile Image for Nikki.
248 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2020
This book was smart, funny, and absolutely charming. Since this book is about an author and an audiobook narrator, I listened to the audiobook version and it was delightful! The narrators for this book were PERFECT and completely embodies the characters they were reading. Can not recommend this book/audiobook enough!!!! ❤️
Profile Image for Andrea Britton.
2,098 reviews43 followers
February 11, 2019
I loved this story! I loved these two characters so much.

Donna and Todd were so damn cute. Todd was a hoot and I loved that he wasn’t a model type so to say and that even though he was a businessman he wasn’t a suit. He was funny and so down to earth and sensitive. Watching these two fall was so amazing. I loved the story line.

This is the second book I’ve read with these two authors and I can’t wait for more from them.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Louise.
383 reviews
August 24, 2020
This book was such a pleasure to read. It hit all the right notes for me as it was funny, sweet and sexy. I loved getting to know Todd and Donna and watch the progression of their relationship as you get to read from both points of view so you know what they feel and think.

This to me is how romantic comedy novels should be written and I can't wait to read more from both authors.
Profile Image for LLS.
921 reviews21 followers
February 8, 2019
This was another solid offering in the Charitable Endeavors series! I love reading about the behind the scenes book world. This book has an author and a narrator had the main characters. Todd's sense of humor and his caring about others made this story for me.

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Excellent job ❤️
732 reviews
February 11, 2019
Cute Story!

I enjoyed this cute story! I was excited to discover there was definitely more to Todd than being the goofy best friend. Alternately, Donna was not just the serious hard core professional she portrays. Their accidental weekend is filled with fun, laughter and a blooming friendship. Of course Aggie and Spencer were adorable as ever in this story too!
Profile Image for Stefanie.
1,177 reviews
February 8, 2019
Great collaboration!

Another great collaboration from two fantastic authors. Todd was quirky but kind and genuine. Loved his interactions with Bill. They were very funny. Liked all the surprises with Donna and Todd. The aha moment at the end was terrific.
Profile Image for Michele Allen.
36 reviews
March 1, 2019
Loved it!

Book 2 in this series did not disappoint! This was a very sweet story and made me laugh several times. I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Pam.
330 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2019
Awesome read

OMG! Andrea Johnston & ME Carter do NOT disappoint with this collaboration! LOVE IT! Can't wait to eve what happens next!
Profile Image for Stephanie Smith.
99 reviews
April 4, 2019
Super fun romance! (Spoiler alert)

I really enjoyed this book! The banter between the characters had me rolling with laughter! Todd is definitely a new book boyfriend for me! Hes so quirky but has such a good heart and I love his outlook on life! I loved the dynamic between Donna and Todd as well! They worked so well together, and come on... I mean the bird whistling - Such a fun and different aspect to their story! Highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a good romance!
Profile Image for Andrea Guy.
1,482 reviews67 followers
January 30, 2019
Andrea Johnston is the reason I started reading romance again after a long slump.

Why?

Because her characters are real. B

By the time you finish reading the book, you'll feel like every character is a good friend.

This series, that she co-authors with M.E. Carter is beyond fabulous.

If you are a lover of romance novels, you can't let this book pass you by, or Switch Stance for that matter. Its a romance with a little peek inside the writing world.

This is Donna's story. Donna writes hot erotic romance with sexy billionaire heroes, but she longs to write a sweet small town romance a'la the Hallmark channel.

Todd is a whole lot more than he seems, being Aggie/Addie's bff and narrator, under the name Hawk Weaver.

Todd is the hero girls like me squee! about. I love that he's quirky and not traditionally handsome. I love his fashion sense, his sense of humor and his love of deviled eggs. Really, I just love everything about Todd. He's the sweet guy that you HAVE to fall in love with.

Donna is a former lawyer and she's got it all together, while still being "Normal." She's smart, sassy and well...Mr. Tuddles the cat is just...AHHHH.

These two are opposites, but they fit and the friendship that builds between them, as sparks fly really makes this a book worth reading.

Oh and you get to spend some time with Aggie and Spencer from Switch Stance too, which is a huge bonus. For those that read that book, you'll get to see how their relationship is progressing too.

Bonus!

I'm so full of warm, fuzzy feelings right now.
Profile Image for Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read).
1,071 reviews13 followers
March 7, 2019
I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.

We get another "insider's view" with this book. Donna is trying to branch out with her writing and take more risks. Todd, aka Hawk Weaver, is a narrator who currently only works for his best friend Aggi. He likes to keep his identity a secret, but after attending a signing with Aggi, Donna (who absolutely LOVES Hawk Weaver) figures out who he really is. Donna finds herself very intrigued by him and before she knows it, she is learning A LOT more about Todd.

After Aggi convinces Donna to get away for a writing retreat, Donna finds herself alone in a cabin the woods. Okay, well she's not alone as Todd is there. The two end up spending time together an Donna realizes that Todd is nothing like she thought. Let's just say she that she should have never judged a book by it's cover.

I loved everything about this book. I found myself smiling like an idiot for most of it because it just made me so happy! Donna and Todd had great chemistry and I absolutely LOVED the banter between the two of them. I've said it before and I will say it again, good banter can be used as a form of foreplay and it definitely was in this book.
Profile Image for Randa Knight.
Author 4 books58 followers
February 7, 2019
Thanks for Andrea Johnston for an ARC of this book. As the norm, it doesn't disappoint. I laughed so hard my sides hurt. The things Todd said and wore...completely hilarious. The pineapple and jingle balls t-shirts are hilarious. 

Donna Moreno was a lawyer until she left it to be an erotic romance writer full time. Now at the ripe age of thirty she is ready to find her "one" complete with a list of characteristics. She vents these frustrations to fellow author Aggi or as the world knows her Adeline Snow, best friends with Todd. 

A case of writer's block brings her to a cabin in Idaho where she can find inspiration. But she's not alone.

Todd Chimolski works in real estate  but also helps out his best friend in his free time. One of those hobbies is narrating Adeline Snow's romance novels. From the moment, he laid eyes on Donna Moreno; he was instantly attracted. He also knows that he's not the handsome gorgeous guy that Aggi and Donna write about. He's an average guy. He helps out people when he can, but he also makes a boat ton of money in his real estate company. Todd shows Donna what small town life is about. 

Todd makes Donna laugh like no one has ever done before. But is he enough for her?

How can they overcome their differences to be together?
Profile Image for Mary Dean.
747 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2019
Another great release from these two talented authors! If you loved Switched Stance, you will fall so hard for Ear Candy. We originally met Donna, an erotica author, and Todd, the goofy man starting to dive into being an audio narrative, as Aggi's close friends. Well now we have a story staring them. They start off as just knowing each other through Aggi. Then they get stuck in a cabin, I mean chalet, together for a night and sparks start. Even if they can't see it. Side note, that is my favorite scenario. Stuck in a cabin together due to weather. Yes, please! Anyways, that's all the information you are getting out of me. Read this book. Now! I can't scream that enough. I love every minute of it. It had me laughing so hard my husband asked if I was okay. And let's talk about swoon worthy. Donna is a boss woman for sure. Independent and a risk taker. Todd is hilarious with the biggest heart ever. What's not to love?! This story has something for everyone to relate to: Authors, bloggers, romance readers... What makes it even better is it's written for a great cause. I can't wait to see what these authors come up with next!
Profile Image for Kayla Busch.
347 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2019
This is such a feel good romance! I really enjoyed every second of Donna and Todd's story. This story is a classic opposites attract romance. You have Donna, who is a romance writer and loves the finer things in life and then you have Todd, who is a business owner and loves the simple life and helping those in need. On paper you would think these two have nothing in common but as they spend more time together, they develop a bond and it quickly turns into an attraction that neither of them can ignore. This book made me laugh out loud numerous times, smile from ear to ear and swoon so hard. There are so many moments that stand out to me in this book. I laughed so hard at Donna's karate moves, Todd's aversion to cats and all of the one-liners in the book. I swooned over Todd looking out for the people in his town that he cares about, agreeing to narrate Donna's book, the whistling and how sweet and caring he was. This novel puts you in a feel good mood and is so enjoyable to read. I highly recommend Donna and Todd's story!
220 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2019
Donna Moreno, best-selling romance author is struggling. If her love life was as successful as her author life, she would be happy. Finding the right man to check all the boxes has left her very skeptical that any true happiness might eventually find its way to her.

Todd Chimolski lives a simplistic, conservative life. Helping his best friend Adeline Snow has catapulted him into a life he hadn’t expected. Being attracted to a gorgeous woman isn’t doing him any good, she’s far out of his league.

This is the second book in this series of inter-connected stand alones written by this duo. There are sweet moments, sexy moments and funny ones, too. I have read and loved books by both of these authors and am looking for to their next venture.

One of my favorite things about both of these characters was the vulnerabilities they internalized while trying to remain their confidences. Todd’s soft spot is taking care of those in his circle.

Don’t hesitate—buy this book!
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 29 books660 followers
Read
January 11, 2019
Todd and Donna are coming to your Kindle in February!!! This laugh out loud romantic comedy will have you falling in love one eargasm at a time!

As with all Charitable Endeavors Series releases, 50% of the first month's proceeds will be donated to charity. We have designated as our charity for this release, The Guardians Foundation. TGF assists veterans in the state of Idaho and parts of Washington with shelter, emergency and unexpected expenses, transportation, education and job opportunities, and an outdoor sportsmanship program
You can learn more here:
www.theguardiansfoundation.org

Add to Goodreads here: http://bit.ly/EarCandy_GR
Want to help promote the release? Sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/RKr9hUTA6xe5WizT2

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Profile Image for Debbie.
2,300 reviews71 followers
February 3, 2019
Todd & Donna might be my favorite book couple ever!

She's a beauty in stilletos & pencil skirts who writes erotica, but at home she wears comfy clothes, a bun and has the strangest looking cat. He's a quirky real estate mogul by day who voices audio books for his friend in his closet at night.

Unlikely? YES! Perfect together? Also yes.

I loved Donna's dating chronicles with alpha males. Todd's quirky clothing and his humor make you instantly love him. And then you find out the story behind his quirky clothes, and your heart melts a little.

Watching them dance around their feelings for each is amusing and you can't help but cheer them on. Their banter. Their humor. Their one liners. Somehow it all works.

A fun romcom that reminds you that beauty is more than what you see with your eyes! Another home run by this fun duo.
Profile Image for Danielle Spellbound Stories.
822 reviews417 followers
May 11, 2019
Andrea Johnston and M.E. Carter followed up Switch Stance with another outstanding story. Ear Candy is the sweet, sexy funromance you're looking for! I smiled repeated reading Todd and Donna’s banter as it was comical but also paired well with sweet and flirty moments. Ear Candy is dual pov and easy to jump into. The story moves along fast and before you know it you’ve read all the way through to The End and I have to say this was a wonderful way to spend a few hours. The romance was easy and fun, the story had me chuckling and even though Todd and Donna were an unlikely pair, it was their implausibility that made them so perfect for one another and made me love them more! I LOVE the collaborations from M.E. Carter and Andrea Johnston and no joke, I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!!!
Profile Image for Misty.
611 reviews13 followers
February 8, 2019
I'm not going to go into too much with this review because I think the books can speak for themselves in this series. Good authors and good reading all for good causes. What more could you ask for?

These books are fun, light-hearted reads and are perfect when you need a feel good story. Not a lot of drama or angst, just fun and romance. Ear Candy was no different. Todd is perfect, if not a little quirky. Donna is a fun heroine who doesn't take things too seriously.

The best part of this book is the fun they poke at the stigma surrounding romance readers.

"Romance readers. Am I right?"

Pick these up if you just want to feel good and have some chuckles. These authors hit that mark right in the bulls-eye.
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