Lovebug

Natural History #2

by Erin Mallon

LOVEBUG The Natural History Series Book 2 by Erin Mallon
About the
My name is Mabel, the girl who "wouldn't hurt a fly."
Of course I wouldn't.
I'm an entomologist for goodness' sake. I work in a nature center. Bugs are my jam.
It's the humans in my life who are starting to get me down. I'm used to them calling me sweet and innocent. I can even handle them calling me naive. But when they lie and keep secrets from me? That's when my proverbial pincers want to come out.
Trouble is, I'm not the girl who fights back. Not until a handsome groundskeeper with a dirty mouth and secrets of his own shows up and lights all sorts of fires in me.
In the bug world, the female is always the fiercest. The praying mantis doesn't worry about being a "good girl". Nope, she follows her instincts no matter how crass or crude they may seem to others.
Turns out I could learn a thing or two from her.
I'm not necessarily looking to tear anyone's head off, but after decades of being nice, it's high time for me to return to nature and unleash my wild side.
***
Lovebug is award winning narrator, author and playwright Erin Mallon's second romantic comedy, and the follow-up to Flirtasaurus. There will be three books in total, which all can be read as interconnected standalones. The Natural History Series follows the lives, loves and early careers of young women in science.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com, Workplace Romance, Fiction

286 pages, Paperback

First published February 24, 2021

About the author

Erin Mallon's debut romantic comedy novel, Flirtasaurus releases in July 2020. She is an award-winning narrator of over 450 books and an accomplished playwright and producer in New York City. She has written over 40 plays, which have been produced Off-Broadway and all over the country, including These Walls Can Talk, a raucous theatrical love letter to the romance audiobook community. She lives in a little yellow house on the outskirts of NYC with her husband and Three J's.

Reviews

[Syndi · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

Miss Mallon has been narrating many of my favorite romance books. Although I am not a big fan of her, I thought why not give it a try with Lovebug.

Well... it ws disaster.
I do not get the joke. I do not like the characters with their silly behavior. The plot is minimum. Lovebug focusig more and more on the silly banter.

Moving on....

2 stars

[Books on Stereo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pitch-perfect rom-com and that manages to create a swoon worthy romance with substance.

[maggieandteddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this very funny, very cute love bug story. Well, Mabel loves bugs, but she also has a quirky path to finding love as well.
Mabel is under-estimated by her parents and her, uh big jerk of a boyfriend. I was so anxious for Mabel to kick him to the curb. There is a scene with Mabel and her friends Calliope, Cyndi and Louise.
Mabel is very open about almost everything. She has a little TMI moment about her and Bert. Ewww. Well, it also emphasizes just how much of a jerk Bert is. I wish that he would have less part in this story.
Mabel is only 24, but is already an entomologist. I learned a lot about them while Mabel went on her journey of finding real romance and real love. I found out about the headless praying mantis on the book cover!
Wally and Hazel have such a strong chemistry- right from their first meeting. She disarms his gruffness with her candid openness.
There were a few plot twists that involved her parents. Mabel's parents weren't very supportive or appreciative of Mabel's intellect and talent. Mabel has her ah ha moment- a couple of them.
Mabel is sweet and smart, but she needed to stand up for herself. Spoiler: she does!
Erin did a great job telling this story, AND narrating it- Erin Mallon does ALL of the voices. I pre-ordered the audio & so glad that I did.
I read Flirtasaurus on kindle, but I want to get that audio too. Mabel's friend Calliope is the heroine in that book.
I enjoyed the ending and the epilogue. Be sure to read/listen all the way to the end.
This was perfect timing for this week. Great job Erin!

[Kitty Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Highly recc this fun series!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!! Mabel & Wally absolutely stole my heart! If you liked Flirtasaurus, book 1 in the Natural History Series from Erin Mallon, you are in for a treat with Lovebug!! More fun, more shenanigans, more swoon, & more steam! ! I LOVED IT!! Erin's books just keep getting better, so you better believe I'll be waiting with bated breath for whatever she gives us next!! (Sharkbait... book 3 in the Natural History series!!)

I was fortunate to listen to the audiobook early; I'm so grateful Erin trusted me as an early listener! This audiobook was so much fun! Having an experienced and talented narrator & writer narrate her own book is a rare treat. Erin knows how to deliver the comedic, heart-felt, and poignant story to perfection! Keep giving us smart, witty, funny, and romantic stories, and I'll be here as a listener and a (huge) fan! I wish you all the success with Lovebug and all your future endeavors, Erin!!

Find me on IG @thevocalromancer.

[Anas Attic Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovebug (The National History Series Book 2) by Erin Mallon.
Narrated by Erin Mallon
Romantic Comedy. Second in a related series, but can totally stand alone. 
Last year’s Flirtasaurus by Erin Mallon was one of my favorite books of 2020. I couldn’t wait for Lovebug and I feel so bad that I didn’t review it before now, because if possible, I may have loved it even more.



Erin Mallon has a phenomenal talent for playing quirky women (well let's face it, she has phenomenal talent no matter what she does) and her comedic timing is just perfect, especially when narrating her own words. Lovebug put a non-stop smile on my face and had me giggling like a loon. It also just put me in a fantastic mood. The light, sweet, smart, funny banter was enough to lift anyone’s spirits.

Mabel McGonigle is a 24-year-old entomologist and head counselor of a nature camp. Her awkward and innocent personality make her the perfect camp counselor. She’s a good girl and a people pleaser without a mean bone in her body. Until Wally, the camp groundskeeper with the dirty mouth rubs her the wrong way…and then the right way... if you know what I mean.



Mabel has been with her one and only boyfriend for 6 years and has no idea how much she is missing in life until the gruff groundskeeper, "The Wall", shows her what a real man is. When some truths begin to come out about her fiancee, I love the way Wally (The Wall) helped her grow into herself and gain the confidence to stand up for herself.

“But I didn’t say ‘oh god’ in an emergency way. I said it in a… porny way.”
“A porny way?”
“Yeah. Didn’t you think it sounded porny?”
“Mabel - and I mean this in the most respectful, gentlemanly way possible-I find everything you do to be porny.”

Likes:

•I smiled the entire time.
•I learned a little about bugs and they were fascinating facts, even for this bug hater.
•Visiting with characters from Flirtasaurus (though it’s not necessary to read first, it’s amazing so you should read it!)
•The quirky and sweet innocence of Mabel.
•How much Mabel grew in the book and learned to assert herself.
•I was giggling a ton, laughed a lot, and just felt happy during the whole listen.
•Even though it's goofy it's smart.

Dislikes:
•None! I loved it all.

The Narration:
Erin Mallon is already my favorite narrator for a book like this, but it’s made better by the fact that since she wrote it she knew how it is meant to sound. She voiced every character without you ever wondering who was talking, and her delivery was just perfect.

The Down & Dirty:
Lovebug by Erin Mallon is for sure going on my best of 2021 list. Any book that made me this happy will for sure be on my favorites list. But it wasn’t just the story, it was the story and the delivery. While I’m sure this is a fun, adorable read, listening to it made it a favorite. If you love a smart, sometimes silly, feel-good rom-com, you don't want to miss Lovebug by Erin Mallon. I anxiously await the next in the series!

Rating: 5 stars, 3.5 Heat, 5+ Narration

Purchase Lovebug by Erin Mallon




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Book 3 coming soon!

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[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so excited to read this book as I loved Flirtasaurus by Erin Mallon, I hadn't laughed that much in a long time. When Lovebug was released, I was so excited and the thing I am pleased with was that this book met my expectations and was even more hilarious than the first book in my opinion. I love Erin Mallon's writing as it is quirky, laugh out loud and so quick-witted. I felt right at home reading this book and, in some aspects, I felt like Mabel the main character and just wanted to be her as she wasn't afraid, to be honest, and she was freaking hilarious. The other thing I loved was the main male character Wallace as he was just as funny as Mabel and they were so suited for each other, also the characters in this book have a real genuineness about them and it feels so real. My other reason why I couldn't wait to read this book was that it was set in the location of the Natural History Museum and as a bookish geek myself, I love museums and think that working in one would be an amazing job opportunity, it's just unfortunate that in New Zealand where I live - Museums aren't a priority.
If you are feeling down and need a book to lift your spirits and have you laughing and looking like a madwoman then Lovebug by Erin Mallon is the read for you. If you feel alone in the world due to being like myself a bit of a geek, nerd, or social outcast - then Lovebug by Erin Mallon is the read for you. This series "Natural History Museum" is the perfect remedy for anyone out there who has ever felt like they didn't fit in because they were unique and different. I cannot wait to read more of Erin Mallon's books and hope for more wonderful reads in the Natural History Museum series.

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Lovebug by Erin Mallon left me quite speechless and completely in love with this story! This is book two in the Natural History series, and it just keeps getting better! Erin also narrates her own book as 24 year old, quirky good-girl entomologist Mabel.

Mabel has always been a good girl, and has always done what has been expected of her. That is all about to change because Mabel has simply come to that point in her life where she finally had enough. She knows that it takes her some time to see the bigger better picture, but she eventually gets there. She was never the girl who fought back until now....

Chapter 1 was so funny, and I was instantly hooked! Erin's brilliant writing and talented performance will completely suck you into this story and make you feel every bit a part of Mabel's world. Erin has done her research on bugs, fitting all the facts perfectly with Mabel's personality. (pure genius) This book is full of hilarious antics and laugh-out- loud moments with Mabel and all of her friends. (Calliope is back, and is a hoot!) Erin does a fantastic job of giving Mabel's character real depth when she finds out some eye-opening, emotional truths about her past. Plus, Wally is everything you could hope for and more for Mabel! I adore the way their love story grows and unfolds. Seriously, Wally will make you giggle and swoon!

This book will make your heart super happy and leave a giant, goofy grin on your face! Mabel could seriously be my best gal pal, along with the rest of her friends! I am looking forward to diving back into the Natural History series soon with Louise's story! Shout out to Erin for the amazing backstage pass treat at the end, which gives you some behind the scenes fun facts about the making of Lovebug! This book is worth so much more than 5 stars! Love, love, loved!!

[ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovebug was a quirky and outlandish romcom with great characters and a storyline that wasn't just all laughs. We got a lot of bug facts and a bit of family and relationships and growth in both of those. But it's the laughs and the relationships that stood out and I really enjoyed the book from beginning to end.

"You're horrified!...You've sprouted a herection! Yup, our girl Mabel here has come down with a serious case of claustrobonia-"

While Lovebug is the second book in the Natural History series by Erin Mallon, they are all complete standalones and you don't need to read the first book to enjoy this couple. We did meet Mabel in Flirtasaurus and she left me very curious who she was as a person. She was an odd duck. And this book really goes deeper. Mabel IS a different sort of gal. She's a 24 year old woman that loves her bugs and knows all the facts you could possibly know about them. I actually learned a thing or twelve about them along the story. 😂 But what really shined was watching Mabel grow from beginning to end. From her relationship that she is in for about half the book (oh man, who is this Bert guy? What a douche!!) to the mysterious man known as The Wall that is the groundskeeper where she works. Watching her and The Wall/ Wallace/Wally tip toe around one another and their banter and the awkwardness was so much fun to witness. I thought I was going to get a grumpy man, but he was oh so much more. I'm talking swoon worthy, lovable, amazing man that knew who he was and waited on the sidelines for Mabel to figure stuff out on her own (with a little forceful hand at times).

This is a fun story that had me laughing out loud and enjoying Wally and Mabel. Their banter and chemistry was definitely there and I'm so happy that Mabel realized it and went for it. Their scenes together were just what I needed. Fun and light and they just connected. While I had a few issues with book one, those issues were rectified with this book. I think Erin Mallon had a good balance of dialogue and storyline in Lovebug, so this book stood out more for me. I loved the girlfriends, I loved the couples and I even liked Bert and his mother because Ms Mallon made them so awful. She really got into the heads of her characters and created a great world for them to live in. With Erin being a narrator, I totally heard her voice all throughout the story. I'm definitely going to have to check out the audio too. I just can't get her voice out of my head as Mabel. Without even listening to the audio, I'm saying it will be one to listen to because this story is fun and over the top rom com that is laugh out loud funny.

"Once upon a time, a girl who loved buys and a boy who loved trees discovered that they loved each other...."

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has taken me a few days to get my thoughts together after getting this wonderful book early.
Erin’s voice shines through in her writing, I loved it. Just as much as I loved the first book.
Mabel and Wally are fun and funny. I had a preconceived notion of who I thought Mabel was from book 1 but I was so wrong she is so much more.
I like that she knows herself even when she isn’t always confident in her choices she figures it out. Her love of all things bugs is pretty freaking great. I truly believe she grows the most in this book because she learns that she is a pretty cool lady and people will accept her for herself if given the chance.
Wally is AWESOME! I like that he just liked Mabel for who she is. Wally is probably my favorite character Erin has written so far.
Again the narration is phenomenal as always.

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve been following me for awhile, at least through last year, you know that the first book in this series, basically this author’s debut novel, Flirtasaurus, was my favorite book last year. So as you can guess, I have been so excited for this one! And let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint!

While it didn’t start off with as crazy hilarious of a meet-cute as Flirtasaurus did, when we got to that point, oh my gosh, I was dying laughing. It did start out with some funny suggestions by a real “Italian” on how some things were being pronounced wrong, like minestrone is min-es-tron. (As an Italian I can tell you that is not correct.) But then we got into Mabel describing what someone looked like, in her own thoughts, and I have to say, I am probably that bad at my descriptions. Something I have to work on when I’m writing my own stories. However that amused me because it is so me.

Another thing I loved was that we got some time with Calliope from Flirtasaurus, and some fun with her opinions on names and how they are not sexy. Because, Bert, yeah, not sexy. And the crazy part is that the guy’s full name was Robert. Who chooses Bert from Robert? And then when Wallace, or Wally as Mabel called him, kept “accidentally” calling him Ernie, gah!

So much about Mabel’s awkwardness is so much me. And the positivity thing. I’m not as bad as her, but still, I know I probably come off like that, when I’m not complaining myself. When she would all of a sudden be yelling? I seriously was laughing so hard throughout this book that at one point, one of my dogs who was sitting on my lap as I read, turned around and gave me a look like she wondered what was wrong with me. I wish I had been able to capture her expression with my camera because even thinking about that now gets me laughing again.

So this will probably go down as one of my top books of 2021, and the little tidbit that there will be one more book after this, Sharkbait I think it is called, totally made my night when I finished! Now I have to share some of the parts that made me stop reading because I was laughing so hard. First of all when Calliope talked about the age of 33 being the “Jesus year” because that is what age Jesus was when he all of a sudden became the messiah and did a bunch of miracles, etc. Calliope’s man, Ralph, is one of the girl’s brother, so she called herself a “brotherf***er”. And some quotes (might not be word for word perfect to save time and space):

“I guess my therapist is rubbing off on me.” “You should never let your therapist rub one off on you!”

“Is that a tear?” “No way! It’s just eye sweat!”

“May I have a word with you?” “Which one?” – this one I want to start using myself!

Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Middle book syndrome?

Mabel is so awkward and so naïve.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still chuckling hours after finishing this book. Mabel and Wallace’s story is a complete breath of fresh air. The amount of quirkiness and sheer acceptance between these two is unrivaled. Not to mention the flex showed off by Erin in her narrating skills! She held my attention for the entire book, not once did I feel like I needed any other voice involved.

Mabel is a complete good girl. Like has never defied her parents and is still stuck in a life she isn’t actually happy with because she doesn’t want to cause conflict type of good. So much so that just hearing the term sets her off. Queue meeting Wallace, he’s not overly alpha but that’s because his character doesn’t need to exude his manliness, he just simply is. And he’s exactly the influence Mabel needs to shed her shiny reputation and to stop caring what anyone may think. The amount he helps her out of her shell, wholeheartedly loving her for who she is, is so swoony. He’s there holding her hand the whole way, giving her strength but not pushing, these two are just perfect in their symbiosis. But our girl gets to the point where she doesn’t even need his silent encouragement.

The way Erin intertwines heavier human trials into romcom is uniquely her own. She never ceases to amaze me in how she can present topics that pull your heartstrings so deeply. There are hints along the way but when those feels drop you’re never ready. Lovebug is so much more than just Mabel finding her true voice and listening to it, it’s about living life for you. Never apologizing for who you are or what you love. Both characters embraced what they wanted in life and in that they found each other. I look forward to every idea Erin comes up with, I know that it will be well rounded and original. Every time you get a complete HEA and the contentment of finishing a fantastic story.

[gretareadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovebug is such a loveable book!

I loved Mabel and her quirky personality in Flirtasaurus but her in Lovebug - well she is just even better. She's definitely a girl you want to know and cheer for and be besties with. Pair her up with a guy nicknamed "The Wall" and this book couldn't get any better. Wallace is the perfect match for Mabel with his outspoken thoughts and simple way of life. He grounds her and compliments her so well. I don't know if I could live in a shack but for this guy I'd sure give it a try!

This book had me laughing out loud and has me missing dinners out with my girlfriends where you laugh so hard you're crying. To me it was so much more than a romance book. It is a book where Mabel learns about herself and how to lean on other people. Let's not downplay the steamy moments between this couple though - WOW! Also their word play and banter was just amazing and I know so much bug trivia now! I love when books teach you new things!

Lovebug is a must read and a story I will treasure!

[Alex in Spades · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think that after Flirtasaurus there might be something better, but I was wrong. I adored Mabel and Wally so much. Mabel was such an amazing lady, she was sweet, a bit lost, and just so down to earth and relatable (maybe except for her love to all things bugs *shudders*). I adored her for her positive look on life, and looking for all the good things around her. Also Wally was such a sweet soul, with a not giving a f*ck, healhy attitude. Also this whole story was equally funny and heartfelt, and it was such a feel good read! Erin Mallon surprises me at every turn, she's an amazing writer and narrator, and at this point I'm just so excite with everything she comes up with. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity summer romance between Mabel, an entomologist and Wallace, the curmudgeonly caretaker/secret owner of the property where Mabel is hosting a summer camp.

I loved the banter between the MCs! I loved how terrible Mabel's cheating ex and his mother were with their MLM scam and the way she needed to discover her own self-worth (with a bit of help from the secretly pining male lead).

Swoony and steamy, this was my first book of Erin's and I can't wait to read the others in her Natural History series!! Perfect for fans of authors like Nellie Wilson or Ali Hazelwood and excellent on audio read by the author with a illuminating note at the end about the story behind this story.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and fun read filled with insect humor and fascinating tidbits! Love me some Wally :)

[Smutty Feminist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Mabel's character in Flirtasaurus and was so excited to read her HEA in Lovebug. The book was fun, smart, funny, and had unexpected developments that had me feeling all the feelings. <3 This is hand's down my favorite this Mallon has ever written, which is saying a lot because I've loved everything of hers that I've read. Also, Mallon's narration of every single character was, of course, incredible! Highly recommend!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's the thing ... you either love Erin Mallon's narration, or you don't. And for me, it kind of depends on the story. You would think that hearing an author read their own story would be ideal. After all, they know exactly how the characters should sound. They can emphasize the right parts and add the right amount of richness to their written text. But for some reason, I just couldn't appreciate Erin's narration here. It was a little too ... extra? Something. This is written to be cute and maybe funny too, but I wasn't feeling it, and because I couldn't feel the humor or cuteness I found Erin's voices to be super irritating.

Kudos to Erin Mallon for trying to make women in STEM sexy and fun. I hate to say it, but I couldn't feel all the bug love Erin was spouting in this story. I thought that the main character, Mabel, was ridiculous as she shared facts about insects ad nauseam throughout the book. I thought that Wally's occasional rants about topics to be random and out of place. Like I said ... I wasn't feeling it. But the story was nice enough. I appreciated the romance of it. I wonder if I would have liked it better if I had read it instead of listening to Erin Mallon's enthusiastic narration. I'll give it a generous three stars.

[Katherine "Kj" Joslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute RomCom,! I loved the characters and the story. It is light and funny and I love Mabel (again)'s cheerful, sassy disposition!

I listened to the narration and loved that as well.

[Jasmine | Filthylittlereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want this story to end. Before I was even halfway done I stopped to purchase the paperback. I seriously took my time with listening and dreaded every second I got closer to the end.
When I first met Mabel in Flirtasaurus, it was instant love for me. Her character was one that I knew I would never forget. Mabel is one of those characters who embed themselves into your heart. Love isn’t even a strong enough word for what I feel for this story. Erin Mallon had me crying delightful tears because this story was absolutely ridiculously hilarious and entertaining. Mabel was...well to be honest she is pretty indescribable. Reading her story, I 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓭 for seeing her finally come into her own, speak her mind and made sure people recognized how extraordinary she truly was.
Wally, oh this incredible hunk of a man. When he first walked on to the scene, all I could think of was the chorus to Taylor Swift’s 𝐼 𝒦𝓃𝑒𝓌 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒲𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓊𝒷𝓁𝑒. Like you just knew he was coming to turn Mabel’s world upside down. You know what though? That’s exactly what she needed. I can’t think of a more perfect man for her than Wally. Together these two were pure magic.
One of the impressive things about Erin Mallon and her writing is how she’s able to shed light on important subjects in the midst of you laughing until you’re crying.
Oh and Erin Mallon 𝕟𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘? I mean does it really get any better?? Usually, I miss having the guy’s POV but her narration is so good I don’t even miss it. In fact, I don’t even want it because then it’ll mean less Erin and I just can’t have that.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is full of so many wonderful themes, great characters, warmth, witt and heart that it was a complete winner and oh so much fun! Let's start with Mabel being on a journey of growth, self discovery and of learning to accept herself and seeing the world in her own unique way be such a focal point in this story. We have all been Mabel at some point in our lives and that process of awakening and realization that the world is what you make of it is basically what makes her as a character endearing, relatable and fun to follow. The shenanigans with her band of girlfriends is beyond fun!! I literally laughed so hard at certain moments I peed my pants. Ok, with this said, lets just state that Wallace / Wally is the Hero we have all been praying for and Erin Mallon has so generously given to us. The man is a joy to experience and having him be the support in Mabel's journey is a delight and a definite model for leading men everywhere. Yes, I am fully on board with #TeamWally #Mally #Wabel Whatever shipname we end up with just rest assured Lovebug is the story our heart has longed for after 2020. Filled with joy, emotion, friends & family and the endless pursuit of personal growth and self acceptance, this is the story to kick things up a notch and serve as a symbol that life can only get better. Huge thumbs up!❤🐞

[Caroline F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flip! Erin Mallon is not only a brilliant narrator but also proving herself to be an equally brilliant writer. I thought this story was funny straight off the bat and very well-executed!

"I'm learning that this guy is a walking, talking sensory experience."

Mabel McGonigle is an entomologist. She's super smart, super kind and kinda quirky. In fact, I thought she was absolutely adorable! She's been with the same guy since high school, and her parents are loving and protective. However, the new and disturbingly gorgeous groundskeeper at the arboretum, where she is working for the summer, seems to affect her like no one ever before - including her boyfriend. When some truths start to unravel her orderly life, Mabel begins to realise that being a 'good girl' is not always good for her, and maybe it's time to channel some of her beloved bugs and start living her life on her own terms.

"Talking about you, thinking about you...fantasizing about you. Yes. All of the above."

Honest to God, this book was so much fun! Mabel is such a sweetheart but hilarious in her awkwardness, earnestness and innocence. I loved how she gelled with her girlfriends and their loyalty to her. There were some funny conversations throughout the book with them, especially Calliope (from Flirtasaurus). I was head-over-heels for Wallace Bieber because...how could I not be?! He was swoony as hell with his looks, his cheeky flirtation, and his adoration of Mabel. I loved the way he looked out for her and the way he looked at her. The electric intensity between them was there from the moment they met. The ending left me a puddle on the floor - could that guy be any sweeter?! Mega. Swoon!

Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...

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[Suzi Vanderham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rolling with Laughter in Each Chapter!

Erin Mallon has slayed me once again with her impeccable comedic timing not just in narration (which of course is fantastic as she’s a Queen), but “Lovebug” shows she is developing into a writer of amazing verbal comedic flow. I have never laughed so hard in almost every chapter of a contemporary romance like I did in this one. In fact, I would like to give everyone a safety warning: fluid and this book will end up in potential laughter-spray situations!

However, in a twist I’m beginning to expect from Ms. Mallon, there’s more to the character than just the comedy of the surface situation. Mabel is a 24-year-old coming into that next age of being a fully independent adult after living one very sheltered life. Seeing her develop from “sunshine happy” because it’s expected of her into true happiness is just a joy to read / listen to as Mallon develops this strong female lead. Mabel’s love interests shift from a bumbling, good for nothing momma’s boy to the groundskeeper of the Arboretum where Mabel works in the summer. Ms. Mallon leaves nothing on the table when it comes to Wally being the confident, innuendo providing, stud muffin that is perfectly supportive for our sheltered Mabel.

As stated, Erin Mallon doesn’t just write the book, she also performs the narration in epic comedic glory! Giving each character their own unique voice making a listener clearly understand which person is speaking even in complex multi-character scenes. Pay special attention to when the kids are speaking as Ms. Mallon’s delivery is beyond hysterical and worth every moment she brings them to life. Lovebug is a 5-star read that needs to be added to everyone’s “recovery book list” as the comedy will save you from your latest book hangover.

[Dikshya Pattnaik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm DYING. I'm dying of laughing & swooning and swooning & laughing all over again.
I was impatiently waiting for Mabel's story since book 1 and boy was it worth that wait! Every word & sentence of it. From the first chapter itself.
Mabel's an entomologist, i know so dope. She wouldn't hurt a fly let alone people. She is always underestimated by her everyone, including her parents & her jerk of a boyfriend and his mother.
She's tired of being all innocent & nice & decides to take control of her life, thanks to the multiple interventions by her friends especially Calliope (God i love her so much).
All of this 'nice-ness' comes to a stop when she meets Wallace aka 'The Wall'. Wally ( a cute nickname given to him by Mabel) is indirectly the reason for the bringing out the hidden 'bad girl' in her. She finally dumps her cheater, douche boyfriend & her mother who came with the package deal.
I loved Mabel. What a character she was. A girl who keeps track of number of days she's known someone, a girl who assigns bugs equivalent to humans. There was never a dull moment where she was involved. 24 and already doing wonders with her talent. Her constant cheerfulness, optimistic attitude was refreshing to witness.
Wallace, Wally, The Wall. The new book boyfriend, he's everything. From starting to the end he will have your heart with his flirting, quirkiness, helpfulness, sarcasm & ofcourse his good looks.
I devoured each & every scene with them together, how effortlessly perfect they were for each other.
Apart from the romance, we also get so many hilarious conversations with Mabel & her friends, bizarre family secrets & lots of bug info.

In simple words I LOVED this story of a bug girl falling in love with a tree guy. Do read this Gem.

[Readers Together · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how sometimes you read a book and it is exactly what you need? This is that book for me. I eagerly turned every page (yes, paperback, baby!) and read late into the night. Mabel is the sweetest person ever and it was so brilliant to see her grow. Wally, man, I thought I was in for a grumpy, sexy guy that was going to push my buttons and annoy me—in a, I need more of this way lol. Instead, I got the swooniest guy ever, and I was here for it! He’s going on my top book boyfriends list for sure.

Erin’s writing is captivating and funny—I’m talking laugh out loud hilarious—but it is also heartfelt. There were some underlying things happening or discussed that really had me high-fiving, nodding, and shedding a tear or two.

As a non-bug lover, I wasn’t sure how I was going to do with this book, but I was surprised that not only was I not creeped out but the info on bugs was really interesting in the way it was presented and part of the story. It blended really well with the character and her quirks.

This book hits quite a few tropes. But not in the sense that it’s a huge part of the story but in that something happens and you sit there and think, oooh, that could fall into this trope or that.

This is a must read. In fact, in a day or two, I’m going to listen to the audiobook. That’s how much I loved it. Plus, I gotta hear Erin perform some of these scenes.

Side note: Dearest Mabel, I am with you on the C word. I got you, girlfriend!

[kgagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this hilarious, and heartwarming romance! Mallon has once again written a story that guarantees that I will fall in love with her characters and her signature laugh-out-loud comedic style throughout this book! This is an absolutely delightful story about Mabel, a quirky good-girl entomologist and her burly, sexy co-worker, Wally. Their first meet cute was so awkward and hilarious and it didn't stop there. Mabel was shelter by her parents her whole life. She is extremely intelligent but had little popculture references, add on her positive outlook and a people pleaser which all lent to being taken advantage of by people she loved and trusted. When she meets the cranky, rugged groundskeeper, her whole world turns upside down. She is through being called a naive pollyanna and wants to bring out her inner badgirl, which wasn't easy for her and pretty hilarious. Wally has had his own difficult past. He is looking for a fresh start, and going back to nature. He is instantly drawn to the beautiful, intelligent, young woman with the hopeful curiosity. I loved Mabel and Wally together! Their slow burn relationship was so awkward and hilarious at times and filled with lots of sexual tension. Wally made me swoon as he embrassed her awkward chatter, cherished her, and supported her through a heartbreaking situation. Mabel is so sweet and caring, and I loved her growth from docile to decisive and independent woman. This was so much fun and I laughed out loud, more than once, at their hilarious banter and awkward situations. There is so much to love about this delightful, tender, and steamy romance and is the perfect rom-com to get lost in!

[Rosanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. The first one was too much for me. There was too much of everything that it pretty much annoyed me in the long run.
THIS one is super different!! The author held off a lot in the extra dialogue from the first book. It was funny. It was sexy. It was quirky. The mail character Mabel is such an adult weirdo it’s funny. She’s different. Sweet even.
She’s a full adult that loves to play and talk about bugs. She’s also a camp councillor manager that talks about bugs. Lol
Rumour has it that there is a man that is seen in the woods and he’s weird and people call him The Wall. So of course when she meets him for the first time she makes a fool of herself and bolts. In the end these two hit it off super well.
Loved the story of two weirdos getting together. These two are made for each other.
So many things happen in this book that will have your mouth hanging open in disbelief. Yes it’s that way throughout the whole book!
Read it you’ll like it!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovebug by Erin Mallon is the second book in her Natural History series and it was such a charming and delightful rom-com. I was hooked from the first page and did not want to stop reading. I laughed and smiled the entire time. I loved Mabel. She was the quirky good girl who loves bugs and I just wanted to hug her. I absolutely loved watching her come into her own in her very own way. Wally was just the perfect guy. He was sweet and caring and just so likable. They were amazing together and I just loved when they interacted.

I had so much fun reading Lovebug by Erin Mallon. I laughed so much and loved the characters and their journey so much. I can’t wait to dive into the audiobook. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone but is so worth reading both!

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.

[Callie LaBelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Plotline: 4/5
World-Building: NA
Romance: 4.5/5
Themes: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment Factor: 4/5

Review: I adored this romance. Mabel had such an amazing character arc throughout the story! She learned how to stand up for herself while also keeping her personality. Wally was such a sweetie and I just wanted more and more of him. The twists and turns in this book were wild and I saw virtually none of them! I loved how this wrapped up and I just want more of Mabel and Wally!