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Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up
Total opposites. Totally irresistible.
Mickey Chambers is an expert at analyzing modern literature. But when it comes to figuring out her own story, she’s feeling a little lost. At thirty-three, she’s an adjunct instructor with a meager summer class schedule and too many medical bills, courtesy of her chronic illness. Picking up a bartending gig seems perfect. Sure, Mickey’s never done this before, but the gorgeous, grumpy bar owner, Diego Acosta, might be the perfect man to teach the teacher…if he wasn’t so stressed.
Diego is worried he’s running his late wife’s bar into the ground. Add the pressures of returning to college part-time at forty-two, and it’s no wonder he’s making rash decisions. Like hiring the sunny, sexy woman who looks more at home in a library than slinging beers to rowdy barflies, and who turns out to be teaching his online writing course, a complication neither was expecting…
It’s not long before Mickey starts reenergizing The Saloon with cocktails, karaoke and an optimism even Diego can’t ignore. They need to fight their feelings if they want to keep things professional, but all it takes is one sip, one kiss, to shake both their worlds forever…
Mickey Chambers is an expert at analyzing modern literature. But when it comes to figuring out her own story, she’s feeling a little lost. At thirty-three, she’s an adjunct instructor with a meager summer class schedule and too many medical bills, courtesy of her chronic illness. Picking up a bartending gig seems perfect. Sure, Mickey’s never done this before, but the gorgeous, grumpy bar owner, Diego Acosta, might be the perfect man to teach the teacher…if he wasn’t so stressed.
Diego is worried he’s running his late wife’s bar into the ground. Add the pressures of returning to college part-time at forty-two, and it’s no wonder he’s making rash decisions. Like hiring the sunny, sexy woman who looks more at home in a library than slinging beers to rowdy barflies, and who turns out to be teaching his online writing course, a complication neither was expecting…
It’s not long before Mickey starts reenergizing The Saloon with cocktails, karaoke and an optimism even Diego can’t ignore. They need to fight their feelings if they want to keep things professional, but all it takes is one sip, one kiss, to shake both their worlds forever…
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2023
133 people are currently reading
10304 people want to read
About the author
Charish Reid
10 books456 followersWhen Charish Reid isn’t writing romance, she’s watching 1970’s disaster films, reading romance, and hastily preparing lectures for tomorrow’s class. She is a traveling chatterbox with ADHD who enjoys talking to new people in new places. In Bangkok, Charish saw a Thai royal princess in a shopping mall. In Helsinki, she karaoked Alanis Morissette. And in Galway, she found inspiration for her first novel. Charish currently lives in Sweden with her husband and teaches Rhetoric.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 615 reviews
January 26, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
- This is such a cute and fluffy read!! It was really fun and quick to read. If you’re looking for something not too deep and something to make you happy during the winter months, this is a great book for that! So fun!
- The pacing of the book was a bit fast and gave insta love to me since their feelings grew so quickly within only a few weeks. I wish the timeline had been drawn out just a tad more and there was a little more yearning between the characters
- I love how the characters were in an older age group that you see in a lot of romances. The fact that the fmc is in her 30s and the mmc is in his 40s was really refreshing to see. I also loved the portrayal of a non traditional student because you don’t see that often either! It was so refreshing.
- This is such a cute and fluffy read!! It was really fun and quick to read. If you’re looking for something not too deep and something to make you happy during the winter months, this is a great book for that! So fun!
- The pacing of the book was a bit fast and gave insta love to me since their feelings grew so quickly within only a few weeks. I wish the timeline had been drawn out just a tad more and there was a little more yearning between the characters
- I love how the characters were in an older age group that you see in a lot of romances. The fact that the fmc is in her 30s and the mmc is in his 40s was really refreshing to see. I also loved the portrayal of a non traditional student because you don’t see that often either! It was so refreshing.
September 18, 2023
New favorite author added to the list bc damn this was incredibly funny, sexy, and so perfectly written 🥹
I didn’t know I needed this book but after having read it…I’m wondering how I existed before it 🥲
It really gives the vibes of the movies Larry Crowne and The Rewrite if you’ve ever seen them and I didn’t know I was craving that kind of adult going back to college in a cozy small town vibe but I MAJORLY was. I just want to cuddle these cupcakes endlessly bc this was so fricken warm and soft.
He owns a local bar, she’s teaching an online college course, she gets a job at the bar and then realizes he’s her student! He’s in his 40s and she’s in her 30s and it was such a fun and refreshing way to handle the power dynamics of boss/professor bc they were both in one position of power. Also he wears secret glasses and she’s majorly a fan (sameeee).
✨ Workplace romance
🍸 Small town
✨ Going back to college
🍸 Steamy & sexy
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
🍸 Age Gap
✨ Chronic illness rep
🍸 Boss x Employee
✨ Student x Teacher
🍸 Secret glasses
I didn’t know I needed this book but after having read it…I’m wondering how I existed before it 🥲
It really gives the vibes of the movies Larry Crowne and The Rewrite if you’ve ever seen them and I didn’t know I was craving that kind of adult going back to college in a cozy small town vibe but I MAJORLY was. I just want to cuddle these cupcakes endlessly bc this was so fricken warm and soft.
He owns a local bar, she’s teaching an online college course, she gets a job at the bar and then realizes he’s her student! He’s in his 40s and she’s in her 30s and it was such a fun and refreshing way to handle the power dynamics of boss/professor bc they were both in one position of power. Also he wears secret glasses and she’s majorly a fan (sameeee).
✨ Workplace romance
🍸 Small town
✨ Going back to college
🍸 Steamy & sexy
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
🍸 Age Gap
✨ Chronic illness rep
🍸 Boss x Employee
✨ Student x Teacher
🍸 Secret glasses
February 19, 2025
a very charming read.
April 17, 2024
5 ⭐️
The sweetest book! It was light, funny, charming and all that good stuff!!
Mickey was true sunshine. The author got the grumpy sunshine dynamic so right! Like it was genuine and you couldn’t help fall in love with Mickey. It wasn’t cringey, and she didn’t come across stupid, instead she was a genuinely kind soul that you wanted to love. I thought the storyline of her hyperthyroidism was unique and added some substance to her character.
Diego🥹😭. He’d been through so much and his character was written so beautifully. All those vulnerable moments of him being insecure about starting school at 42 really added to his character. I love how he got several moments to talk about his late wife. It wasn’t brushed over and was handled sweetly.
Their whole relationship was SWOONWORTHY. Like there’s no other way to describe it…I just swooned 🫠 it was the perfect blend of cute and spicy (DIEGOOO 🥵🥵). And I really enjoyed that the characters were older.
It’s going into my favourites shelf!
The sweetest book! It was light, funny, charming and all that good stuff!!
Mickey was true sunshine. The author got the grumpy sunshine dynamic so right! Like it was genuine and you couldn’t help fall in love with Mickey. It wasn’t cringey, and she didn’t come across stupid, instead she was a genuinely kind soul that you wanted to love. I thought the storyline of her hyperthyroidism was unique and added some substance to her character.
Diego🥹😭. He’d been through so much and his character was written so beautifully. All those vulnerable moments of him being insecure about starting school at 42 really added to his character. I love how he got several moments to talk about his late wife. It wasn’t brushed over and was handled sweetly.
Their whole relationship was SWOONWORTHY. Like there’s no other way to describe it…I just swooned 🫠 it was the perfect blend of cute and spicy (DIEGOOO 🥵🥵). And I really enjoyed that the characters were older.
It’s going into my favourites shelf!
May 14, 2023
❤️ the older characters and Diego. That man has a deliciously dirty mouth!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoyed this story because it features people that are a little bit older than what we see a lot in contemporary romance. It also allows the author a little bit more development in the characters because they have more experience in life. There's a bit more depth to them whether we’re talking pride, passion, work ethic, friendship, or even romance.
I love the female lead, Mickey. She has a lot of backbone and a positive attitude. I love the fact that she was willing and eager to do whatever it took to support herself.
The balance between her and the other main character was fabulous. I love the snark and sarcasm laced with humor and appreciation. Plus, Diego had a deliciously dirty mouth and knew how to spice it up.
I’ve never read this author before, but I fell for her writing style and the flow of her story. Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up was a surprising story that proved to be intelligent, witty, fun, romantic, spicy, and bold. It’s a wonderful story that you’ll connect with on many levels!
* copy received for review consideration
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/mickey-chamb...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoyed this story because it features people that are a little bit older than what we see a lot in contemporary romance. It also allows the author a little bit more development in the characters because they have more experience in life. There's a bit more depth to them whether we’re talking pride, passion, work ethic, friendship, or even romance.
I love the female lead, Mickey. She has a lot of backbone and a positive attitude. I love the fact that she was willing and eager to do whatever it took to support herself.
The balance between her and the other main character was fabulous. I love the snark and sarcasm laced with humor and appreciation. Plus, Diego had a deliciously dirty mouth and knew how to spice it up.
I’ve never read this author before, but I fell for her writing style and the flow of her story. Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up was a surprising story that proved to be intelligent, witty, fun, romantic, spicy, and bold. It’s a wonderful story that you’ll connect with on many levels!
* copy received for review consideration
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/mickey-chamb...
May 28, 2023
Mickey Chambers is the sunshine everyone needs in their life. She was encouraging, likable, but also didn't take crap. I loved how the author talked about having chronic illness the balance of living while having to manage the burden of costs, shifting symptoms, and loved ones who hover. So, while it was apart of the plot, it didn't take over the larger storyline. Can we talk about Mr. Acosta? What a refreshing grump? I think I like a grump with a dirty mouth 🤭 My heart hurt that 5 years later, he was still grieving his ex-wife's death. He didn't forget her even though he was falling for Mickey, btw he never referred to her as his ex-wife, and Mickey never corrected him.
The power dynamic here was a line that I'm sure some people won't like. I do think it got a bit messy, but in this case, the 3rd act breakup made sense. It wasn't really a breakup in the traditional sense but was a smart decision because of the possible consequences. As an adjunct professor (which I thought read realistically), I was worried for Mickey the entire time.
The Saloon family was such a great community, and I hope we get a series. There's so much to tell there!!!!
CN: spousal and parental death (cancer), fainting spells, parent in the hospital, caregiver stress, chronic illness, anxiety, medical bills stress, medical trauma (doctors not believing symptoms), income insecurity/teacher exploitation, power dynamics
Thank to Carina Press for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
My rating is 4.5 but rounded up.
The power dynamic here was a line that I'm sure some people won't like. I do think it got a bit messy, but in this case, the 3rd act breakup made sense. It wasn't really a breakup in the traditional sense but was a smart decision because of the possible consequences. As an adjunct professor (which I thought read realistically), I was worried for Mickey the entire time.
The Saloon family was such a great community, and I hope we get a series. There's so much to tell there!!!!
CN: spousal and parental death (cancer), fainting spells, parent in the hospital, caregiver stress, chronic illness, anxiety, medical bills stress, medical trauma (doctors not believing symptoms), income insecurity/teacher exploitation, power dynamics
Thank to Carina Press for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
My rating is 4.5 but rounded up.
January 25, 2024
OMGGGG this book was SO CUTE! I swear, I was just giggling and kicking my feet and loving every single second of it. This was my first time reading Charish Reid and I will definitely be picking up more of her books for when I'm in the mood to just be snuggly and cozy with a good, sweet, fun rom com.
The characters in this story were SUPERB. Not just the main characters, Mickey and Diego, WHO I ADORE, but also all the side characters. I loved Cleo, the bestie, and Ramon and Irene and Jeannie and Ollie and everyone at the bar. It felt very "found family" and I adored that!
There is amazing chronic illness and grief representation in this book, but without it being ALL that character is about. Mickey and Diego were so rich and layered and their stories were so easy to fall into. I also SO appreciated the older characters! They had trauma, but their trauma wasn't their entire life. They understood each other because they've both LIVED. There was no big miscommunication or self-destruction. It was just so well-written and lovely!
Highly recommend this book. It's fast paced, cute as heck, and sure to make you smile!
The characters in this story were SUPERB. Not just the main characters, Mickey and Diego, WHO I ADORE, but also all the side characters. I loved Cleo, the bestie, and Ramon and Irene and Jeannie and Ollie and everyone at the bar. It felt very "found family" and I adored that!
There is amazing chronic illness and grief representation in this book, but without it being ALL that character is about. Mickey and Diego were so rich and layered and their stories were so easy to fall into. I also SO appreciated the older characters! They had trauma, but their trauma wasn't their entire life. They understood each other because they've both LIVED. There was no big miscommunication or self-destruction. It was just so well-written and lovely!
Highly recommend this book. It's fast paced, cute as heck, and sure to make you smile!
August 1, 2023
4.5 stars
This book was just more than I expected. I don't think the title does it enough justice. What a refreshing audiobook. Marissa Hampton nailed these characters. Her voice captured the heroine's strength and positivity. I loved Mickey Chambers for her spirit, her tenacity and her independence. There was a maturity about her that was fun to observe. I also enjoyed the Diego Acosta as well. He was grumpy but it was part of his grieving process and the need to protect himself from being hurt in love. The whole Saloon family was a hoot. What a fun place to work with people who care about each other.
This story was written in such a way that the reader was treated to the characters growth as struggling individuals to passionate community minded individuals. Mickey and Diego had an electric connection that made their passion very steamy. This was some grown and sexy ish!
Thank you Charish Reid for writing a story that didn't feel silly or childish in anyway.
Tropes: grumpy-sunshine; office romance; student teacher
This book was just more than I expected. I don't think the title does it enough justice. What a refreshing audiobook. Marissa Hampton nailed these characters. Her voice captured the heroine's strength and positivity. I loved Mickey Chambers for her spirit, her tenacity and her independence. There was a maturity about her that was fun to observe. I also enjoyed the Diego Acosta as well. He was grumpy but it was part of his grieving process and the need to protect himself from being hurt in love. The whole Saloon family was a hoot. What a fun place to work with people who care about each other.
This story was written in such a way that the reader was treated to the characters growth as struggling individuals to passionate community minded individuals. Mickey and Diego had an electric connection that made their passion very steamy. This was some grown and sexy ish!
Thank you Charish Reid for writing a story that didn't feel silly or childish in anyway.
Tropes: grumpy-sunshine; office romance; student teacher
January 6, 2024
This contemporary romance worked for me. 33-year-old heroine and 41-year-old hero with normal jobs and problems who are just super hot for each other. It was also mostly set in a bar they both worked in, and that was very fun. I was into this one.
January 6, 2025
3.5/5⭐
This was such a cute and sweet grumpy sunshine romance,. I really enjoyed the fmc and the chronic illness rep and all her struggles. The MMC took a bit of warming up but I understood him and his grief. I questioned the professor/boss relationship aspect because a professor dating her student is not that great lol but they had great chemistry along with tension and steam was great. The characters were real and overall it was so cute!
Tropes/themes:
* Contemporary romance
* Plus size FMC
* Chronic illness rep(hyperthyroidism)
* He's her boss and she's he's adjunct teacher
* Black FMC
* Interracial romance
This was such a cute and sweet grumpy sunshine romance,. I really enjoyed the fmc and the chronic illness rep and all her struggles. The MMC took a bit of warming up but I understood him and his grief. I questioned the professor/boss relationship aspect because a professor dating her student is not that great lol but they had great chemistry along with tension and steam was great. The characters were real and overall it was so cute!
Tropes/themes:
* Contemporary romance
* Plus size FMC
* Chronic illness rep(hyperthyroidism)
* He's her boss and she's he's adjunct teacher
* Black FMC
* Interracial romance
June 1, 2023
I really loved this book so much, a super fun way to explore the student // professor dynamic within bounds that are not taboo. I loved seeing Mickey learn how to bartend and to bring her sunshine to the gloom that has pervaded it since the loss of the hero's wife.
Professional review:
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Professional review:
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August 6, 2023
*4.5 stars
Read for our Chronically Courageous Book Club
After the live show discussion, the link will be posted here: https://youtube.com/live/wX5CO9vaC9g?...
REP: hyperthyroidism
TROPES: writer (Mickey is the teacher of Diego's writing course), boss/employee (at the bar), great banter, grumpy sunshine, has a mouth on him, older couple, student/teacher, summer read, teacher
Read for our Chronically Courageous Book Club
After the live show discussion, the link will be posted here: https://youtube.com/live/wX5CO9vaC9g?...
REP: hyperthyroidism
TROPES: writer (Mickey is the teacher of Diego's writing course), boss/employee (at the bar), great banter, grumpy sunshine, has a mouth on him, older couple, student/teacher, summer read, teacher
July 12, 2024
this was cute butttttt it felt too insta love for me ://. the fact that they kissed so early on with absolutely zero tension or buildup … it felt like it came out of nowhere! i wish this book was longer to have more depth for their relationship.
that being said i did enjoy diego’s journey through school again (it was so cute seeing him happy about his grades) and i loved the little family the bar has with all the workers!
that being said i did enjoy diego’s journey through school again (it was so cute seeing him happy about his grades) and i loved the little family the bar has with all the workers!
May 30, 2023
Fans of grumpy/sunshine stories will find plenty to love in this story of a teacher who has to get a side job at a bar just to make ends meet. Mickey is an adjunct teacher making pennies, unable to get enough classes to afford her thyroid medication. When searching for another job, on a whim, she applies for a job at a bar. She gets the job, where her boss is Diego, the grumpy widower who just so happens to be a student in her summer class. In both situations, the power dynamic is skewed, but they just can't seem to stay away from each other.
I understand that everyone has different experiences, but I know quite a few people (including my husband and mother) who have this thyroid condition and it's nothing like this at all. They take a pill every day and get their levels checked once a year and they're totally fine. And if they miss a pill, it's no big deal at all. Also, the cost of the meds is under $5 a month. Of course, that's with insurance. But even without that, it's about $15 a month. 🤷♀️ Anyway, other than that, there just wasn't much of a story here. There wasn't a lot of tension. The only disagreement happens late and it's quickly solved. This was just...boring.
I understand that everyone has different experiences, but I know quite a few people (including my husband and mother) who have this thyroid condition and it's nothing like this at all. They take a pill every day and get their levels checked once a year and they're totally fine. And if they miss a pill, it's no big deal at all. Also, the cost of the meds is under $5 a month. Of course, that's with insurance. But even without that, it's about $15 a month. 🤷♀️ Anyway, other than that, there just wasn't much of a story here. There wasn't a lot of tension. The only disagreement happens late and it's quickly solved. This was just...boring.
August 15, 2023
MCSiU charmed me, what can I say? I always enjoy a blue-collar romance and Reid wrung some good sexual tension out of Mickey and Diego's doubly forbidden love scenarios. Very insta-love very insta-horny, but not in a way that seemed trite. The cultural references struck the right chords, too.
Diego is Luke Danes if he slayed. Love a man who WORKS! I truly think Diego is the most well-rendered grumpy character I've ever read. Reid truly made him more than his crunchy exterior, and I enjoyed getting to know him at his most insecure (worrying about his grades, which was adorable) and his most self-assured (begging Mickey to let him eat). He's a big softie who had just been mired in grief and guilt and stagnation that he couldn't see his way out, not broody just to brood. I loved seeing how being with Mickey illuminated his life and softened his approach to others, not just his LI. I think a lot of romances forget that part!
Mickey, I wanna be her friend so bad. A lot of sunshine-y character can become cloying as you spend enough time with them, but Mickey read as genuine through and through.
Would definitely read from this author again!
Diego is Luke Danes if he slayed. Love a man who WORKS! I truly think Diego is the most well-rendered grumpy character I've ever read. Reid truly made him more than his crunchy exterior, and I enjoyed getting to know him at his most insecure (worrying about his grades, which was adorable) and his most self-assured (begging Mickey to let him eat). He's a big softie who had just been mired in grief and guilt and stagnation that he couldn't see his way out, not broody just to brood. I loved seeing how being with Mickey illuminated his life and softened his approach to others, not just his LI. I think a lot of romances forget that part!
Mickey, I wanna be her friend so bad. A lot of sunshine-y character can become cloying as you spend enough time with them, but Mickey read as genuine through and through.
Would definitely read from this author again!
October 18, 2023
4.5 i loved this book so much 💝💝💝 such a feel good story
August 10, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! 😍😍 Charish Reid, who is a NTMA, understood the assignment and delivered beautifully 👌🏾.
Mickey finds herself in a precarious position and her problem solving efforts lead her to Diego who is also in the process of reigniting his life after being derailed by a series of events. The title was very appropriate, because she marched to the beat of her own drum, in a refreshing, endearing and even inspiring way.
Diego was drawn to Mickey’s infectious energy and demeanor, heck I found myself captivated by her too. 😂. Their attraction was palpable and I appreciated the ability to see what attracted them to one another, beyond the obvious.
The author did a great job of exploring their depth and development, so their road to HEA felt like a natural evolution.
If you’re into RomComs with depth (and even if you’re not 😊). Consider giving this book a try. 🥰. I’m looking forward to exploring more of Charish Reid’s catalog.
Mickey finds herself in a precarious position and her problem solving efforts lead her to Diego who is also in the process of reigniting his life after being derailed by a series of events. The title was very appropriate, because she marched to the beat of her own drum, in a refreshing, endearing and even inspiring way.
Diego was drawn to Mickey’s infectious energy and demeanor, heck I found myself captivated by her too. 😂. Their attraction was palpable and I appreciated the ability to see what attracted them to one another, beyond the obvious.
The author did a great job of exploring their depth and development, so their road to HEA felt like a natural evolution.
If you’re into RomComs with depth (and even if you’re not 😊). Consider giving this book a try. 🥰. I’m looking forward to exploring more of Charish Reid’s catalog.
September 8, 2023
*4.25-4.5 stars*
Charish Reid is definitely one of my favorite romance authors. I really appreciated the chronic illness and fat rep. Mickey and Diego were perfect together, love how he worshipped her.
I felt at times the grumpy/sunshine trope was a little too strong, but otherwise a very sweet and fun read.
Charish Reid is definitely one of my favorite romance authors. I really appreciated the chronic illness and fat rep. Mickey and Diego were perfect together, love how he worshipped her.
I felt at times the grumpy/sunshine trope was a little too strong, but otherwise a very sweet and fun read.
September 25, 2023
Super sweet! I think I might kind of be in the minority of think that this was good, but not *amazing*. I really enjoyed both Mickey and Diego (and the whole cast of characters), but this just didn’t blow me away.
January 1, 2024
I didn't expect to finish my first audiobook of the year in one day, but I enjoyed this so much that it flew by! I thought it was really funny how it combined the boss x employee and teacher x student tropes, in a way that really balanced the book out.
August 24, 2024
I enjoyed this rom-com. It was nice to see a book where the lead characters were dating in the 30's and 40's and for Diego dating again after a loss. Due to this he was a little green if you will and didn't quite know how to express his feelings towards Mickey; however with her characteristics she was able to get it out of him and bring him out of his shell. That being said, I found it a little annoying with the back and forth on the should we shouldn't we aspect of it especially after he finally did tell her that he basically wanted her. Like yes there were reasons why they prob shouldn't get together but at the same time they were grown adults.
Once Mickey and Diego did get together I felt like she complemented him well. She brought out a friendlier side to him that he was able to show to his customers and she brought ideas into the Saloon that allowed him to bring in more and different clientele which he was looking for so she was good for him and good for business. I thought it was cute how they were trying to hide their relationship from the other workers in the Saloon but they already knew they had something going on so when it came out they were happy for them. Overall I enjoyed the story.
Once Mickey and Diego did get together I felt like she complemented him well. She brought out a friendlier side to him that he was able to show to his customers and she brought ideas into the Saloon that allowed him to bring in more and different clientele which he was looking for so she was good for him and good for business. I thought it was cute how they were trying to hide their relationship from the other workers in the Saloon but they already knew they had something going on so when it came out they were happy for them. Overall I enjoyed the story.
dnf
October 8, 2023DNF at 20%.
WARNING: I am about to rant
Authors.Do.Your.Research
🤦🏾 There is not such a thing as an “adjunct instructor”; the name is solely “adjunct professor.”
🤦🏾 Do not mock associate profs (or any other level -- assistant, tenured, or full) to make your point when you have no clue how our lives are.
“While associate professors could use their summers for scholarship and traveling to conferences, adjuncts scrambled to find all the classes they could to make ends meet” → we work our asses off during the year (after spending 5 years paid peanuts 🥜 to get our PhDs). And conferences aren’t fun (we’re stuck with a crazy jetlag in a hotel for 5 days, which often include weekends).
🤦🏾 And do not even get me started with the representation of hyperthyroidism, 1/2 my family suffers from it, and seriously, it’s not like that.
I do not usually rate DNFs because often they just do not do it for me, BUT I do not excuse mis-rep ✌🏼
Authors.Do.Your.Fucking.Research 🤬
WARNING: I am about to rant
Authors.Do.Your.Research
🤦🏾 There is not such a thing as an “adjunct instructor”; the name is solely “adjunct professor.”
🤦🏾 Do not mock associate profs (or any other level -- assistant, tenured, or full) to make your point when you have no clue how our lives are.
“While associate professors could use their summers for scholarship and traveling to conferences, adjuncts scrambled to find all the classes they could to make ends meet” → we work our asses off during the year (after spending 5 years paid peanuts 🥜 to get our PhDs). And conferences aren’t fun (we’re stuck with a crazy jetlag in a hotel for 5 days, which often include weekends).
🤦🏾 And do not even get me started with the representation of hyperthyroidism, 1/2 my family suffers from it, and seriously, it’s not like that.
I do not usually rate DNFs because often they just do not do it for me, BUT I do not excuse mis-rep ✌🏼
Authors.Do.Your.Fucking.Research 🤬
January 30, 2024
4.5⭐️- I was pleasantly surprised with this story. It was witty, flirty, and had a good message. I 100% fell in love with Diego’s character, a non traditional student who is a widow and business owner who has a second chance at love! 💗 Mickey was just what he needed and vice versa.
Swoon worthy story!
Swoon worthy story!
June 23, 2025
This was so delightful!!!!
November 20, 2023
So fun
This was super cute, with some unexpected heat and so much personality. I loved the new spin on the forbidden trope - while the older, grumpy hero (42) is the sunshine heroine's new boss, she (33) is his new college professor. That means any kind of entanglement between them is EXTRA off-limits, but it also means that it kinda/sorta smoothed out the power imbalance while also making it ten times worse. Which was all kinds of fun, lol. I also really liked that it was banter-filled and playful one minute and heartfelt the next. Our hero is a widower, and his wife is a big part of the story. I've never read a romance where the love interest's deceased spouse was embraced in his newfound relationship in such a way, and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. Mostly good? I ended up enjoying this a whole lot, and only small things hold me back from calling it 5 stars.
The story follows Mickey, a woman who works as an adjunct professor (essentially a part-timer whose income relies on being assigned enough courses to teach). Mickey has some expensive medications for her thyroid issues that mean she needs to stay employed, so she takes a job working at a bar. Mickey feels immediate chemistry with her grumpy new boss, Diego, but discovering that he's one of her new students makes that complicated. Diego hasn't been attracted to a woman since his wife passed away, but Mickey is such a ray of sunshine in his life that it's impossible to ignore the way she brightens his days. As the two struggle with their growing feelings and the forbidden nature of their relationship, they have to find the right balance in their dynamic.
There are so many great things going on in this story that I barely minded that it was in third person POV. Obviously, I would've preferred first, but that's personal preference. I felt the chemistry between Mickey and Diego right away, and I was immediately intrigued by the forbidden aspect. It's definitely instalust/instalove for these two, which was a little much at times but clear to see. Considering Mickey is the first woman Diego has been attracted to since his wife, it was surprising how quickly he got caught up. I loved Diego though - he's this kind, loving man who has had a lot of loss in his life, and he's just finding his footing again. I liked that he was unsure and insecure at times as he tried to navigate all of the changes. Mickey was a great character as well, so bubbly and almost larger than life. I loved that she was plus-size and yet she was confident with her body and it wasn't a constant topic of conversation. I will say that I'm not so sure about the representation of her thyroid issues. Everyone's experience is different, sure, but I have a few people in my family with similar health concerns, and Mickey's symptoms seemed over the top. Also, the medications are usually very cheap, so the whole premise felt a little rocky to me. This was pretty strong for me overall, but smaller issues like that kept taking me out of the story. It's not a long book, and yet it took longer for me to get through than it probably should've. So I can't quite call this one 5 stars, but I had a great time reading it.
Audio note: The audio is excellent! I mostly read first person POV, so it's unusual for me to listen to a dual perspective audiobook with a single narrator. However, Marissa Hampton did a fantastic job. She embodied Mickey's upbeat personality perfectly and even had a bit of a southern accent, which brought the character to life. She performed Diego's lines well, so no complaints there. The runtime (about 8 hours) made it ideal for bingeing in a single day, and the (mostly) lighthearted vibes made it a solid workday listen. There's definitely some spice throughout and it was more descriptive than I anticipated (not a complaint), so keep that in mind if listening at work. But I enjoyed the audiobook a whole lot, and I think the format made it easier for me to handle the third person POV.
This was super cute, with some unexpected heat and so much personality. I loved the new spin on the forbidden trope - while the older, grumpy hero (42) is the sunshine heroine's new boss, she (33) is his new college professor. That means any kind of entanglement between them is EXTRA off-limits, but it also means that it kinda/sorta smoothed out the power imbalance while also making it ten times worse. Which was all kinds of fun, lol. I also really liked that it was banter-filled and playful one minute and heartfelt the next. Our hero is a widower, and his wife is a big part of the story. I've never read a romance where the love interest's deceased spouse was embraced in his newfound relationship in such a way, and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. Mostly good? I ended up enjoying this a whole lot, and only small things hold me back from calling it 5 stars.
The story follows Mickey, a woman who works as an adjunct professor (essentially a part-timer whose income relies on being assigned enough courses to teach). Mickey has some expensive medications for her thyroid issues that mean she needs to stay employed, so she takes a job working at a bar. Mickey feels immediate chemistry with her grumpy new boss, Diego, but discovering that he's one of her new students makes that complicated. Diego hasn't been attracted to a woman since his wife passed away, but Mickey is such a ray of sunshine in his life that it's impossible to ignore the way she brightens his days. As the two struggle with their growing feelings and the forbidden nature of their relationship, they have to find the right balance in their dynamic.
There are so many great things going on in this story that I barely minded that it was in third person POV. Obviously, I would've preferred first, but that's personal preference. I felt the chemistry between Mickey and Diego right away, and I was immediately intrigued by the forbidden aspect. It's definitely instalust/instalove for these two, which was a little much at times but clear to see. Considering Mickey is the first woman Diego has been attracted to since his wife, it was surprising how quickly he got caught up. I loved Diego though - he's this kind, loving man who has had a lot of loss in his life, and he's just finding his footing again. I liked that he was unsure and insecure at times as he tried to navigate all of the changes. Mickey was a great character as well, so bubbly and almost larger than life. I loved that she was plus-size and yet she was confident with her body and it wasn't a constant topic of conversation. I will say that I'm not so sure about the representation of her thyroid issues. Everyone's experience is different, sure, but I have a few people in my family with similar health concerns, and Mickey's symptoms seemed over the top. Also, the medications are usually very cheap, so the whole premise felt a little rocky to me. This was pretty strong for me overall, but smaller issues like that kept taking me out of the story. It's not a long book, and yet it took longer for me to get through than it probably should've. So I can't quite call this one 5 stars, but I had a great time reading it.
Audio note: The audio is excellent! I mostly read first person POV, so it's unusual for me to listen to a dual perspective audiobook with a single narrator. However, Marissa Hampton did a fantastic job. She embodied Mickey's upbeat personality perfectly and even had a bit of a southern accent, which brought the character to life. She performed Diego's lines well, so no complaints there. The runtime (about 8 hours) made it ideal for bingeing in a single day, and the (mostly) lighthearted vibes made it a solid workday listen. There's definitely some spice throughout and it was more descriptive than I anticipated (not a complaint), so keep that in mind if listening at work. But I enjoyed the audiobook a whole lot, and I think the format made it easier for me to handle the third person POV.
July 22, 2023
I REALLY enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine, workplace slow burn with good chronic illness (hypertension) rep! Mickey is an adjunct English Professor looking to make some extra money to help pay for her meds and Diego is a widower who ends up being both her new boss AND her new student.
Together these two have great chemistry as Mickey's bright cheery nature starts to wear down Diego's natural defenses. Spicy with great emotional depth and well done on audio too narrated by Marissa Hampton.
Recommended for fans of authors like Talia Hibbert or Alyssa Cole. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This was my first book by Charish Reid and I'm excited to read more of what she writes next!
Together these two have great chemistry as Mickey's bright cheery nature starts to wear down Diego's natural defenses. Spicy with great emotional depth and well done on audio too narrated by Marissa Hampton.
Recommended for fans of authors like Talia Hibbert or Alyssa Cole. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This was my first book by Charish Reid and I'm excited to read more of what she writes next!
August 11, 2023
OK, this is solid writing. I wish I could give it a 3.5. Not rounding up to 4 because my experience with the heroines health issue had me rolling my eyes and asking questions the entire time.
Mickey suffers from hyperthyroidism. The much lesser known cousin to the more common hypOthyroidism. Its absolute hell and it can be life threatening if left untreated. The heat intolerance, sweating, constant bloodwork, etc were familiar hallmarks for me. Her insistance that it was something she just had to live with was not. NO surgery isn't for everyone and not a perfect solution. But for her level of symptoms, the longevity of her condition? Most doctors would have insisted by this point. Medication isn't intended as a long term solution for this disease. So the fact that she and her parents were so scarred by her history with it and it continues to impact her day to day life to this degree made no sense. Also, (spoiler coming) missing ONE dose should not have the type of affect that she experienced. Its all about reaching the almight therapeutic levels in the bloodstream so this bothered me a lot.
Other than THAT, I enjoyed it. I was irritated that she seemed so ambivalent when speaking with Diego at times. When being introspective, it was like she had a clear path and was fully aware of her feelings and what she wanted to do. But as soon as he would open up, she became unsure and shut down. Ticked me off because this is one of those rare novels where the guy ends up being up front about his feelings before the woman and is quick to apologize when he gets out of line. Which also brings me to the fact that one of the two issues they had was a blowup over something she took WAY out of proportion in my opinion.
Overall-good read, entertaining and just mildly annoying at times.
Mickey suffers from hyperthyroidism. The much lesser known cousin to the more common hypOthyroidism. Its absolute hell and it can be life threatening if left untreated. The heat intolerance, sweating, constant bloodwork, etc were familiar hallmarks for me. Her insistance that it was something she just had to live with was not. NO surgery isn't for everyone and not a perfect solution. But for her level of symptoms, the longevity of her condition? Most doctors would have insisted by this point. Medication isn't intended as a long term solution for this disease. So the fact that she and her parents were so scarred by her history with it and it continues to impact her day to day life to this degree made no sense. Also, (spoiler coming) missing ONE dose should not have the type of affect that she experienced. Its all about reaching the almight therapeutic levels in the bloodstream so this bothered me a lot.
Other than THAT, I enjoyed it. I was irritated that she seemed so ambivalent when speaking with Diego at times. When being introspective, it was like she had a clear path and was fully aware of her feelings and what she wanted to do. But as soon as he would open up, she became unsure and shut down. Ticked me off because this is one of those rare novels where the guy ends up being up front about his feelings before the woman and is quick to apologize when he gets out of line. Which also brings me to the fact that one of the two issues they had was a blowup over something she took WAY out of proportion in my opinion.
Overall-good read, entertaining and just mildly annoying at times.
August 23, 2023
seriously the best grumpy sunshine i have EVER read. i loved this book so so so much omg. mickey is my girl diego is my MAN. i wanna work at a bar now. i have no business doing that. but i feel an urge lol
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