Dating the Funny Waitress

Baker Street Romance #4

by Angie Pepper

Peridot “Perry” Langtree is the granddaughter of a famous singer. Perry can’t hold a tune to save her life, but she did inherit her grandmother’s trademark sassy attitude.

Perry works as a waitress at Delilah’s, where she dishes out colorful insults with the lunch specials.

Everyone adores Perry’s sense of humor. Everyone but one person: Crossword Guy.

Crossword Guy comes in every Monday, orders the same basic thing, and ignores Perry’s comedic efforts. He may even hate her.

One day, Crossword Guy finally looks up from his newspaper and notices his funny waitress. He tries to woo her, but he’s got all the wrong moves, plus he’s got a best friend who makes all the right moves.

Now Perry has gone from having zero romantic prospects to having two guys chasing her. Which one will win Perry’s heart?

There are plenty of LOLs and swoon-worthy moments in this sweet and humorous tale of young love.

From USA Today Bestselling author Angela Pepper, writing under her romance name, Angie Pepper.

Genre: Sweet Romantic Comedy

NOTE: This is a new full-length novel based on a story originally published in 2012 under the author’s pen name Dalya Moon. This is not just a second edition, but a new work incorporating new material with elements from the author's previous work.

Genres: Audiobook, Rom Com

ebook

Published April 2, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Angie Pepper (also writing as Angela Pepper and Mimi Strong) lives with her family in the rainy Pacific Northwest, surrounded by spoiled kitties, deer, raccoons, and the biggest woodpeckers you've ever seen.

Reviews

[Cecilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading through a lot of Angie Pepper's books lately and out of the 4 books this has definitely been my favorite so far. The humor was on point. I loved Perry's personality and wit. Her comebacks and jokes made the whole book come together and I loved seeing her develop through the different challenges she faced. This was a very easy book to read. Perfect for when in a reading slump or when you just need a light read.

[Ann Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perry Langtree works as a waitress at Delilah's Diner. As a hobby, she makes Monster dolls from scrap fabrics, left over yarn and other miscellaneous pieces. Her Dad is a city Engineer, her Mother, Jade is a famous singer as is her Grandmother Lily. Perry cannot sing.

Following high school graduation, Perry continues working as a waitress with her best friend Courtney and her restaurant family, Toph, Donny, Rhonda and others. Crossword Guy comes in every Monday for breakfast, sits in the same booth, does crossword puzzles (hence his name), drinks coffee and leaves. Crossword Guy (Marcus) doesn't seem to pay much attention to Perry but they have their own routine established until 1 day Perry changes her hair style, Marcus comes to the Diner on a Wednesday in addition to Monday and notices Perry thinking there is a new waitress - a cute new waitress.

The story follows Perry and Marcus as they spend the year trying to understand what their life is about while navigating the fun known as family. Perry's is pretty dysfunctional with Mom traveling a lot, Dad resenting her making more money than he does. Marcus trying to understand what his future could be as he works around being the son of the most famous weatherman in the region.

This is a good story of growth, learning about self and family, figuring out male/female dynamics and supporting those who are loved.

I am a fan of Angie Pepper writing as Angela Pepper. I love the new stories she's writing and look forward to reading more of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jim Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crosswords, Celebrity Culture and Co-Op Courtship?

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Although this is the 4th book in the Baker Street Clean Romantic Comedy series you can enjoy this as a standalone. No knowledge of prior events or residents are necessary. There are a few quick references and cameos from prior books are made and we learn more about country superstar Lana Langtry's family!


The spotlight falls on an 18 year old diner waitress as she decides on a small change - a hairstyle and the entire trajectory of her life spins out from there. There is a bonafide love triangle at the heart of the story but there are also some wonderful explorations of workplace friendships as well as the life of the family of celebrity.


Angie Pepper is at her best when exploring character relationships of all shapes and sizes and this is a worthy entree, with a generous helping of wit and a soucon of coming of age blended to perfection. It was charming, heartfelt and had enough twists to keep me guessing which is a rarity in Rom Coms.

Tiffany Williams is always a delight and I always know I am going to enjoy the characters she voices and brings to life. Her delivery is so natural that I often feel I am listening to a dramatized novel rather than a reader.

The other books in the series have their charms and are well worth looking into but if this is your introduction then you are in for a treat.

[Lidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:

This is book four in the series of sweet romantic comedies, and I liked it a lot, though I think it's not as much a romance as a comedy...:)

The main character, Perry, is only 18 going on 19, so her romance is still a kind of teenage puppy love, with a chance to grow into something more serious and lasting. And as a character she's a joy to read about; she's sassy but empathetic, she's loyal and caring but also a bit reckless, just like a typical teenager slowly becoming an adult. She's also very responsible, and she carries quite a lot on her shoulders, which most people around her do not even realize...

There are also other nicely written characters - some you'll like more than others, of course; I really liked Perry's dad and Perry's grandma:) They do not appear for long in the book, but they'll stay with you for sure:)

The plot itself is quick, full of great moments, both humorous and touching, and you'll definitely feel relaxed after listening to the last sentence...:)

Narration by Ms Williams definitely adds to the overall happy feel the book has; she does the voicing of particular characters really well, giving them life and showing off their personalities to the best:)

DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Kim Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me by Booksprout to give my honest opinion of Angie Pepper’s latest, Dating the Funny Waitress. In Angie Pepper’s new book, Dating the Funny Waitress, you’ll find that Angie is back to her funny self. I wasn’t crazy about the recent Honey, We Missed Our Honeymoon, but Dating the Funny Waitress has much going for it. The humor was great. Our heroine, Peridot “Perry” Langtree , works at a restaurant known for its snarky waitresses who trash talk the customers and Perry is one of their best. Yes, it was put-down humor and snarky enough to beat the band, but I got a real kick out of it. Actually did a few LOLs for real while reading. She is surrounded by characters both at her home and work. You’ll enjoy watching Perry get to know the quiet Crossword Guy while dealing with home issues and continuing her role of “Funny Waitress,” which she certainly is. Dating the Funny Waitress is a cute story that will be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates dry humor and loves an HEA.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peridot (“Perry”) Langtree, the granddaughter of a famous country singer, is not much of a singer herself but is a sassy lady like her grandmother. She works at a diner and her snappy wit is enjoyed by the customers – except for crossword guy who doesn’t seem to like her or at least pays her no attention. She makes a few changes and changes her interactions with customers. That seems to catch her crush’s attention! But now his friend also is interested, and not nearly as shy as crossword guy. So who will she choose to date, if the question comes up?

This is a story of growing up with all of its struggles to deal with issues that seem enormous but are really just a rite of passage into young adulthood. Grab your copy and enjoy this humorous, fun story. See where Perry’s dating life may take her. If nothing comes of it, at least now she has the guy’s attention and can begin a friendship.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perry was annoying at the beginning of her book with her insults and actions that she thought were sarcastic and funny. I didn’t find her funny at all and I don’t know why anyone would want to eat a place where they make fun of you and make the food sound unappetizing. It would give me indigestion. The older married cook she works with acts like a teenage boy trying to force her into kissing his assistant because their teasing made Toph question his sexuality. Her family is crazy with a wild rocker mother and teenage brother who encourages his friend to try on her bras. Perry has a regular customer Marcus she thinks is boring and calls Crossword Guy, but she gets to know him better after he invites her to his friend’s art show. That friend was over the top taking Perry to an art class where they thought she was the nude model until he agrees to be the model. The story became wilder and crazier at times. I wasn’t sure whether to root for Perry and Marcus to fall for each other or not.

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, perky YA book with Peridot (Perry) as the fun-loving wise-cracking waitress fresh out of high school taking a gap year before deciding on going to college or not and Marcus, the marginally older guy who comes into the restaurant in a set routine to sit and do crossword puzzles on his lunch without seeming to pay attention to anything or anyone around him. That is until Perry changes her appearance one day and he thinks there is a cute new waitress and his interest is suddenly piqued. Too bad he is so shy he makes all the wrong moves while his best friend knows how to make all the right ones. I found this to be a really fun book and it definitely helped that it was written by an author I am familiar with who writes humorous cozy mysteries under the name of Angela Pepper. I hope that Ms. Pepper decides to write more books in this genre since this one was a nice fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Peridot/Perry and her rambunctious family. Her grandmother is a famous country western singer, her mom is a famous rock singer her dad's an engineer and she has a 15-year-old brother. She works at a restaurant called Delilah's as a waitress. They are known for ribbing the customers. When she meets crossword puzzle guy, he seems shy and orders the same thing all the time. When a change in her appearance causes him not to realize who she is, he invites her to a art gallery, only to have his friend Yaro try and steal her away. As the two become friends there are several misunderstandings but happiness ends up prevailing. Love the banter between the kitchen staff.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasant, easy to read novel. This is an enjoyable, easy-to-read. a well-written story about young adults, trying to learn the 'adulting thing', while learning about full-time-work, responsibilities, insecurities, coping with family, not to mention a lot of hormones. Trying to mould her personality and appearance, finally lands Perry the attention she wanted from a regular but very shy customer Marcus, the Crossword guy. Their growing affection and awareness of the expectations produce a pleasant enough witty, humorous storyline. There are growing pains, as nothing in life is easy and Marcus's friend is giving a good run for Marcus's money by trying to win Perry's affections. The tables turned, from no boyfriend to two at once trying to win her, is often the boost a young ego needs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Hickley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perry is 18 and waitressing while she decides what to do with her life ...and if you’ve been reading the others in the series, she’s also Lana Langtree’s daughter and talented in her own right ...although she can’t sing a note. She’s one of the sassy waitresses at Delilah’s (also featured in previous books) and she falls for a customer...or maybe his best friend ... The best bits are about her family, friendships, growing up and the wonderful messing around in the restaurant kitchens. You don’t need to have read the others in the series, but if you have you will also enjoy some cameo appearances from previous characters toward the end,

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Romance! This is the first book I read from this author and I am impressed. This is a bit different from the romance books I normally read, but overall entertaining.

This story is about Perry (waitress) and Marcus (crossword guy). Although his friend also shows interest, this is what is needed to bring this story to the level of what it is. The story is more about Perry and Marcus growing within each other and learning to be friends before their romance. They are both young and born into families that well known, but all it took was a change in hairstyle and going to eat on a different day. Again this book was great, entertaining and full of young love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perry enjoys working at her job, she to put on her version of performances. Perry decides to make a change to herself. She is feeling lighter. She has to wait on the crossword guy, she usually gives him a hard time. Things are different now, she really notices him now. He leaves her a card with his name. Marcus invited her to a show. Perry goes but it doesn't go as planned.

There is so much more fun that happens. You will fall into the story of Perry and Marcus. It is really delightful, fun story. You will want more of these stories from the author. I am looking forward to reading the next one.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romantic story of a young adult dealing with a full time job, family drama, being responsible by helping at home, a crush & hoping to get her first kiss. A coming of age sort of story and with everything life throws at Perry, she manages things well. By day she is witty, snappy, and full of snark at a local diner where the customers are used to be treated rudely and at home she’s the substitute for her mom who is away for work. Well written with emotion and depth for the characters, this is a book where you will laugh out loud.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Angie’s writing. It’s always so light and funny. This book lives up to its name with a very funny waitress named Perry. Her regular customer Marcus, or as she calls him Crossword Guy, finally notices her and they start quite the routine of banter. Marcus shows interest but so does his friend Yaro after meeting her. Marcus is shy and not as outgoing as Yaro so this creates some tension. I liked the sweet build up of their relationship and the ending of this story was a perfect match to this book.

I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and I took a chance on the book. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. It feels like it is aimed towards the very young adult market. Personally, I didn’t feel that the narrative flowed well and much of the dialogue and character behaviour seemed awkward and not particularly realistic .
It's a bit frustrating as I did like the synopsis and the bones are in there to make a reasonable YA book, It needs some serious editing to bring it up to an entertaining level.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perry is a young waitress with a sassy and quick wit who works in a diner. There she meets and greets all types of characters. Perry is only 18 but is smitten with the crossword guy who comes in on Mondays. Crossword guy is smitten with Perry but is very shy around her. Through various fun escapades involving Crossword guy and his dubious friends they are finally able to connect. Fun abounds in this adorable story. A movie star Grandma and a Mom who sings are just some of the characters in this fun read.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a funny romance about coming of age, finding out who you might be and young love. Perry comes by her sass naturally. The one person she cannot reach with it, happens to be her crush. Until things change and then she not only has his attention but that of his friend. I enjoyed their story, it was a little more of young love than I usually read. It still was funny, sweet and a good read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute romance for young adults. It is mostly about two high school graduates trying to figure out being adults and relationships while surrounded by great people and somewhat dysfunctional families. The humor from Perry and the others held the story together and made it worth reading. I loved the idea of a restaurant known for insulting customers in the best way possible. Well written first romance story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dating the Funny Waitress was another great read by Angie Pepper. Peridot "Perry" Langtree is the granddaughter of a famous singer and has a famous mom as well. She can't sing but definitely inherited her grandmother's sassy attitude. Perry is a waitress at Delilah's a colorful restaurant. Crossword Guy is a customer who doesn't seem to like Perry's sense of humor. He comes in every Monday and orders the same thing. On one day he notices his funny waitress and tries to woo her even though it doesn't work. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a few reservations going into this book. A story about people younger than my kids? I wasn't sure that I could relate. But this story caught my interest quickly with snappy dialogue and quirky characters.
There were laugh out loud funny moments and plenty of family angst. Overall, it is a light-hearted fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story describes teenagers at their best - doing hilarious things or having odd behaviour - when things get messed up, and sometimes the grown-ups are worse than them. It´s a beautiful story of growing up, meeting people, finding love, surviving through difficult times all written with flair and humor. Entertaining and easy to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a lot of snarky comments this one is for you. It's continued banter at the diner where you can get anything you want, except what you really want!!! And even that will cost you extra. Add a little love triangle to that, a little jail time and a parental situation. You won't be disappointed if you need some Rom-com in your life

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this re-released and updated coming of age stand-alone. The sassy banter and the hijinx of the diner staff have me concerned for food safety but chuckling often. I have enjoyed Angela Pepper's books and was delighted to learn about her alternate pseudonym of Angie Pepper for romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the four books before this, Angie Pepper writes the perfect mix of laugh-out-loud snark with some serious growing pains. Perry might or might not choose Crossword Guy, once a cute and confident friend of his butts in, but it’s a lot of fun getting to the answer!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed a lot, and sniggered if we are being honest, a lovely fun read , highly recommended light reading for pure enjoyment, looking forward to the next in this series, probably one of the best of its kind, this is a series I can see myself reading over and over again for relaxation, keep up the brilliant writing !

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
A vastly entertaining story with a lovely cast of characters who brought this story to life. I enjoyed reading every minute of this book from the great opening scene to the very end. Nicely done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book from Angie Pepper that I read and I was totally into the book and I could not put it down. I look forward to reading more from Angie. The characters were relatable and there were still quite interesting and there was a lot to them. A great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great well written young love story.  This engaging storyline is full of growth, support, family, humor, struggles, misunderstandings and love. The characters are interesting, well developed and have great supporting cast in a smooth flowing young first love with enjoyable banter and romance.  I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good. You will want to be friends with the main characters because they are done so well you could almost call them real. The story picks up from the start and never slows down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.