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The Fun Aunt: A Small-Town Sunshine Vs Grump Love Story
She’s lost her muse… But this summer she might find it in the unlikeliest of places.
Evie Cormac remembers being passionate about her art but that was before. Before she started working from home and her art space became her office. Before she focused on her career. Before her art got rejected and she stored everything in her closet. It’s been four years since she’s painted and she has no plans to break that streak.
Until her eldest niece requests her assistance with the Senior Class Summer of Service. Now this fun aunt must dust off those creative skills and work with the serious(ly good-looking) Vice Principal, Reid Warner, who is determined to shut the entire program down to cut costs. They form an unlikely team to navigate the summer’s activities and support the senior class. Once he discovers her past as an artist, Reid encourages Evie to open herself back up to her muse.
Will she find her creativity again? Or will she lose her heart in the process?
Evie Cormac remembers being passionate about her art but that was before. Before she started working from home and her art space became her office. Before she focused on her career. Before her art got rejected and she stored everything in her closet. It’s been four years since she’s painted and she has no plans to break that streak.
Until her eldest niece requests her assistance with the Senior Class Summer of Service. Now this fun aunt must dust off those creative skills and work with the serious(ly good-looking) Vice Principal, Reid Warner, who is determined to shut the entire program down to cut costs. They form an unlikely team to navigate the summer’s activities and support the senior class. Once he discovers her past as an artist, Reid encourages Evie to open herself back up to her muse.
Will she find her creativity again? Or will she lose her heart in the process?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2024
2 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 7, 2024
"I wondered, as I pulled the keyboard back into position, if I'd let the job I wasn't really passionate about steal more from me, like I'd let it steal both my creativity and my art".
When I asked this ARC, my sole reasoning was that I had been lucky enough to be an ARC reader for Devon's fantasy book "The Avalon Trials", and I really wanted to try something new from her. What I didn't imagine was that I'd end up on an adventure with a character that looked so much like me (but seven years older).
I think that more than a romance, The Fun Aunt is a book about finding yourself when you feel like you're lost. Evie is such a fun character, and what I felt while I read this book was that she knew exactly how to be everything to everyone, except for herself. And to see Evie's adventure rekindling her passion for art was inspiring, and probably one of the most beautiful things I've ever read.
Can I leave Reid behind? No, I can't. Because I love a sweet boy who lives to make his girl happy — and that's the only way I can describe Reid.
I can't say this book is a slow-burn (because they were up to it on 30% of the book, and I'm not complaining here!), but I loved to see the development of their relationship. What I really loved, though, was how Reid was supportive of her journey of finding herself again (even though I really wanted to see a bit more on the couples painting scene, but as a closed-door spice book, I understand why not).
Evie's family was also a huge part of the book, which was amazing. I think I've got so used to reading toxic families that when I read one that is nurturing, it seems oddly good — and the fact they all embraced Reid immediately warmed my heart even more.
What didn't quite work for me was that some chapters seemed not to have endings. I don't know how to explain it, but it was like we ended in something that deserved way more attention, and instead of going farther into it in the next, Devon just dropped the subject. Maybe it was intentional since the focus was Evie's painting journey, but I'd have loved to see a bit more of some things.
When I asked this ARC, my sole reasoning was that I had been lucky enough to be an ARC reader for Devon's fantasy book "The Avalon Trials", and I really wanted to try something new from her. What I didn't imagine was that I'd end up on an adventure with a character that looked so much like me (but seven years older).
I think that more than a romance, The Fun Aunt is a book about finding yourself when you feel like you're lost. Evie is such a fun character, and what I felt while I read this book was that she knew exactly how to be everything to everyone, except for herself. And to see Evie's adventure rekindling her passion for art was inspiring, and probably one of the most beautiful things I've ever read.
Can I leave Reid behind? No, I can't. Because I love a sweet boy who lives to make his girl happy — and that's the only way I can describe Reid.
I can't say this book is a slow-burn (because they were up to it on 30% of the book, and I'm not complaining here!), but I loved to see the development of their relationship. What I really loved, though, was how Reid was supportive of her journey of finding herself again (even though I really wanted to see a bit more on the couples painting scene, but as a closed-door spice book, I understand why not).
Evie's family was also a huge part of the book, which was amazing. I think I've got so used to reading toxic families that when I read one that is nurturing, it seems oddly good — and the fact they all embraced Reid immediately warmed my heart even more.
What didn't quite work for me was that some chapters seemed not to have endings. I don't know how to explain it, but it was like we ended in something that deserved way more attention, and instead of going farther into it in the next, Devon just dropped the subject. Maybe it was intentional since the focus was Evie's painting journey, but I'd have loved to see a bit more of some things.
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February 7, 2024Evie used to be so passionate about her art; once her work-from-home job took over her life, her art was pushed to the outskirts of her mind (and into her garage, literally). Evie's eldest niece requests that she help with their senior service program during the summer. Initially, Evie is put off by the new vice principal's attitude and his stickler for budgets, wanting to slash elements of the Senior Class Summer of Service program. As Evie gets to know the handsome Reid Warner, she realises he's not as bad as his first impression, and he may even open her heart back up to her art.
Firstly, I am always glad to read a no third act break up romance. Evie and Reid are adults, and they communicate like adults. I didn't have any throw-the-book-across-the-room moments, thank goodness. But they are also insanely sweet with one another, and despite being dubbed the 'fun aunt', Evie is emotionally mature as well.
The storyline with her father was so sad, but I loved the support network that was there for her father and mother during tough times.
And, I enjoyed Evie's path to creating art again. Being a non-artsy person myself, I didn't know her process would be completely relatable to other aspects of my life (being dejected after rejection, having a job that takes over your entire life...). I loved seeing her get back into her work and provide Em with a wonderful piece, starting her art-loving life again!
I am delighted to have read an early copy of The Fun Aunt from Devon & Never & Ever Publishing. This is the second book of Devon's I have read, and I really love her writing and way of communicating feelings in her stories! All opinions are my own.
Firstly, I am always glad to read a no third act break up romance. Evie and Reid are adults, and they communicate like adults. I didn't have any throw-the-book-across-the-room moments, thank goodness. But they are also insanely sweet with one another, and despite being dubbed the 'fun aunt', Evie is emotionally mature as well.
The storyline with her father was so sad, but I loved the support network that was there for her father and mother during tough times.
And, I enjoyed Evie's path to creating art again. Being a non-artsy person myself, I didn't know her process would be completely relatable to other aspects of my life (being dejected after rejection, having a job that takes over your entire life...). I loved seeing her get back into her work and provide Em with a wonderful piece, starting her art-loving life again!
I am delighted to have read an early copy of The Fun Aunt from Devon & Never & Ever Publishing. This is the second book of Devon's I have read, and I really love her writing and way of communicating feelings in her stories! All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2024
The Fun Aunt was such a fun, sweet and nostalgic read for me. I loved that though there was romance in this book, its main focus was on Evie’s relationship with her nieces. But that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t still a fun romantic comedy! I loved the banter between Evie and Reid, and Reid is definitely ultimate husband goals! Who doesn’t love a handsome, dependable, smart and witty MMC?
I did find that once the main characters got together, the end of the book was a bit slow for me. I enjoyed the ending, I think I was just waiting for a bigger event or plot twist if that makes any sense? But I absolutely loved the throwback to the 90s and the theme of returning to do something that you previously loved, even if it’s not perfect. Thanks so much to Devon Thiele for selecting me as an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review.
I did find that once the main characters got together, the end of the book was a bit slow for me. I enjoyed the ending, I think I was just waiting for a bigger event or plot twist if that makes any sense? But I absolutely loved the throwback to the 90s and the theme of returning to do something that you previously loved, even if it’s not perfect. Thanks so much to Devon Thiele for selecting me as an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2024
if you are looking for a fun, cute fast paced contemporary romance with some 90's nostalgia this book is for you. from chapter one this book gave me all the right feels. I love the chemistry between the two mc. I love the relationship between Evie and her family it was definitely relatable and entertaining. Again I have point out how the Author can cultivate you and make you feel you are part of this world from the very beginning. Each interaction between the characters comes across natural instead of cliché. I felt very akin to Evie and her world honestly and I loved this book from start to finish. I can't wait to see what the next book this author puts out. she is turning into one of my favorites very quickly.
August 17, 2024
The Fun Aunt was the perfect summer read! I enjoyed the romance aspect between Reid and Evie. Their banter was the perfect touch!
As an aunt myself, I also enjoyed the relationship between Evie and her nieces. I could relate to Evie a lot in that aspect.
I also found this book to be very descriptive and it was easy for it to come to life as I was reading.
I will definitely be reading this book again as I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to check out more books by this author!
As an aunt myself, I also enjoyed the relationship between Evie and her nieces. I could relate to Evie a lot in that aspect.
I also found this book to be very descriptive and it was easy for it to come to life as I was reading.
I will definitely be reading this book again as I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to check out more books by this author!
May 31, 2024
Another book I couldn't put down, I've already read it twice! The author makes you feel like you are right there in this small town doing whatever it takes for family! Definitely makes you realize never judge someone by your first impression!
March 7, 2024
I really enjoyed reading about Reid and Evie. Their story was more realistic then others stories I have read. Don’t get me wrong, I love why choose, forced proximity, fated mates and even second chances, but sometimes they seem a little too far out there, but not this one. Yes they were put together but their story evolved more naturally with ups and downs like most relationship’s do. I felt a connection with all the characters, having something in common with all of them and feeling like I knew them and how they were feeling. You know it’s a good story when you’re brought in so far that you feel like you’re part of the story right along with those characters you are reading about. Kudos to Devon Thiele and the wonderful writing! Thank you for this opportunity to read such a soul grabbing book. Happy Reading!
February 15, 2024
Thank you to the author and the team at Never and Ever for the early copy of The Fun Aunt to proof and review!
This romance was SO cute and funny! A true romcom- Evie has some lines that had me giggling out loud as I read. I am quickly becoming a huge fan of Devon’s writing- this is my second book of hers that I’ve read and both have been amazing 5 star reads for me.
The witty banter between her and Reid is so much fun! And there are so many sweet and tender moments between them too. They had great on-page chemistry and communication skills that we don’t always see in adult romance novels. This is a “closed door” romance and I’m telling you, the chemistry between them is so good that you won’t even miss the steamy spicy scenes. (The paint scene- IYKYK)
The family dynamics between Evie and her nieces, brother, and parents were so relatable. As someone who comes from a big family and has many nephews and nieces, I found this to be my favorite part of the story! I loved the way Evie was there for Kennedy in a way that only an aunt can be 🩵 they were so sweet together.
The 90s vibes at the end of this book- amazing! I loved it so so much and also felt very old 🤣 it’s fine, it’s fine.
The way that Devon handled the experience of having to work from home and losing a bit of ourselves in the process was very well done. Seeing Reid gently nudge her back into finding her art and finding herself in the process was so sweet and endearing.
There are some TW to be aware of, such as illness of a parent, so please check into those if you need to!
This romance was SO cute and funny! A true romcom- Evie has some lines that had me giggling out loud as I read. I am quickly becoming a huge fan of Devon’s writing- this is my second book of hers that I’ve read and both have been amazing 5 star reads for me.
The witty banter between her and Reid is so much fun! And there are so many sweet and tender moments between them too. They had great on-page chemistry and communication skills that we don’t always see in adult romance novels. This is a “closed door” romance and I’m telling you, the chemistry between them is so good that you won’t even miss the steamy spicy scenes. (The paint scene- IYKYK)
The family dynamics between Evie and her nieces, brother, and parents were so relatable. As someone who comes from a big family and has many nephews and nieces, I found this to be my favorite part of the story! I loved the way Evie was there for Kennedy in a way that only an aunt can be 🩵 they were so sweet together.
The 90s vibes at the end of this book- amazing! I loved it so so much and also felt very old 🤣 it’s fine, it’s fine.
The way that Devon handled the experience of having to work from home and losing a bit of ourselves in the process was very well done. Seeing Reid gently nudge her back into finding her art and finding herself in the process was so sweet and endearing.
There are some TW to be aware of, such as illness of a parent, so please check into those if you need to!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews