Under the Influence

Big Love in the Big Easy #2

by Avery Kane

Shay Archer dreamed of a job in journalism, one that would allow her to review bands and sample good food. She got her wish when The Bourbon Street Bugle hired her and set her loose on the Big Easy.
But now she’s at a crossroads.
Grady Dalton has more charm than should be allowed by law but he’s all flirt and no substance. He likes hard news and doesn’t have time for fluff…even if the fluff causes his heart to race.
Now he’s struggling to find his place in a brave new world.
When the newspaper makes a shift, goes for influencer pieces instead of real news, Shay and Grady are left scrambling for their jobs. Then they stumble upon a winning formula by accident. The only problem? It means working together, and on a daily basis.
They’re not friends, but can they stop being enemies? That’s the question of the day.
Shay can’t afford to lose her job. Grady doesn’t like to lose. Together, they make magic…even if they don’t yet realize it.
The clock is ticking. Will they recognize the solution is right in front of them? Or will they lose everything because they can’t see the truth?

Genres: Romance, Rom Com

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2022

Reviews

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

After several heavy hitters, it was time for me to find something a bit lighter and fun -- short and sweet. A new-to-me author offered up something that fit the bill and caught my eye with the adorable cover. At first I thought it was going to be geared towards a younger crowd, but I was wrong which pleased me even more. Filled with tons of laughs and silliness, too, I found this book to be such a cute and lively romp played out in New Orleans where the author captures the authenticity surrounding the dark charm and radiant soul that the Big Easy emanates.

The Bourbon Street Bugle, a dying newspaper, is struggling to keep afloat by going online. Layoffs are imminent and two reporters come up with an idea to keep their names off the terminated list. An office romance with a competitive edge and plenty of sparks and sizzle between two delightful and energetic main characters, Grady Dalton and Shay Archer. There’s an entertaining mix of backup cast with Cally, Shay’s crazy looney-tune BFF and evil Annabelle, Grady’s ex-fling, who keep things lively, wild and a real hoot to boot.

Only one small quibble is the repetition in the details and dialogue between characters were sometimes repeated almost verbatim throughout the book. Nothing that stole my gusto, but worth mentioning.

Wrapped up nicely with a surprise ending that included an Epilogue substantiating a happily-ever-after, too. I will definitely try another of this author's books.

[David Noland · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had somewhat high expectations for this book. In fact, it was on the top of my tbr list for a few years. But not all books can be perfect, so I’ll get on with it.

What was enjoyable about the book:

-The first 10 chapters are very strong and provide the
reader with clear expectations of what could happen.

-Throughout the entirety of the book, the male lead is very respectful and sweet, not at all toxic. But his demeanor also contributes to some problems later in the story.

-Some of the side characters are funny.

Now, onto what really kept this book from being 5 stars.

(Keep in mind, these problems will be mostly subjective, since some may have a different viewpoint).

First off,

-This was NOT an enemies to lovers book. It was a one-sided enemies to lovers book where the female lead finally got over her problems and realized that the male lead didn’t hate her (it was very obvious to everyone he adored her).

-There is no real character growth for the FL or the ML, and since they have nothing to overcome, their characters feel flat and lack chemistry as they rehash the two main inside jokes they have. (It gets repetitive VERY fast, and many a time I caught myself thinking, “Didn’t they already talk about this, and it got resolved?” Apparently not).

-The vocabulary utilized in the book was good enough, but the lack of direction for the characters made the plot struggle, and if the book had ended 5 chapters earlier, there would be no change in the outcome.

I am a self proclaimed book connoisseur and no matter the genre, I will pick it up and give it the old heave ho.

[Jo-Anne Herbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed This Book

I really enjoyed this book & had a few laughs from it. I also liked that it took place in New Orleans, a place
I've visited so am aware of some places mentioned. The characters were interesting.

[Amy Treboni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of parallel writing and storyline when compared to authors book raising the bar. Still enjoyed, but the ending felt a little like a cop out. It was nice to read first person from one voice. I like when each character gets chapters too but this felt different for not going that route

[Janet Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. I wanted something easy going and light.
Like the first one I read by this author, it was very repetitive. But the story was cute enough.
I liked Shay more than moxie in the first book too.
Not a masterpiece but it was entertaining. 3 stars ⭐️

[Marlene M. Oaks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Funny Delightful

I enjoyed this love story set in an unusual plot. The characters were fun to live with for a day. A quick and enjoyable read.

[Jordyn Douglas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like every conversation in this book was the exact same. Very repetitive

[Bethany Omohundro · Rating 5 out of 5]

romance that’s not to sexual

Enjoyed this read! It was romantic and so sweet! The characters are captivating and the humor was great! Would recommend!

[Steph Bowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good romance story, very predictable but enjoyable. I found it ended very abruptly.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good hearted story. Loved the challenges that Shay had to overcome

[Julia Mandeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The “Big Easy” to read and enjoy.

Fun, irreverent,and sexy. Good for a few giggles and “oh my’s” !
Let the good times Roll! Read this book!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This book was extremely predictable and extremely frustrating. The FMC was both “just like the other girls” and “not like the other girls” at the same time. There were way too many references to pop culture that date the book (even though it was published recently). If you’re a very formatting conscious person you will definitely be annoyed at home many paragraphs and dialogues were not written clearly.

Story wise the idea is cute and all, but the details are so annoying and unrealistic that it can pull you out at times. Like calling a 2,000 sq foot cottage small or referring to a 2 carat diamond ring as simple. It feels like the author isn’t aware of real life at times.