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Showmancing the Bone: A Warmington Players Novella
Wendy Finegan is a lifelong, self-professed theater nerd. When an unexpected opportunity arises to stage manage a truly awful show featuring a sexy soup maker she has secretly crushed on for years, how can she say no? But there are two rules Wendy absolutely must follow, or else the whole show could fall apart: 1. Never ever set foot onstage, and 2. Do not, under any circumstances give in to a showmance with this sexy soup man. Rule number one certainly won’t be an issue, but rule number two? Rule number two is going to be a big problem.
*This book was originally release as part of the Smartasses Anthology*
*This book was originally release as part of the Smartasses Anthology*
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2022
61 people want to read
About the author
Erin Mallon
592 books706 followersErin 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 18, 2022
Wendy is feeling the impact of having an empty nest after her daughter goes away to college. After spending so much of her time raising her daughter, it’s now time for her focus on the things she loves. She does have other interests though, well more accurately she has one and that is a passion for reading plays. She has a weekly ritual of visiting the library and stocking up her reading pile.
She has no aspirations of being an actor, she can’t think of anything worse than being the centre of attention under the bright lights. Her passion stems from her high school days where she worked at a local theatre. She loves all the attention to detail that goes into a play, in particular all the hard work that goes on in the background.
After a chance meeting with another theatre lover she accepts a job as a stage manager for an upcoming play at the local theatre company. Only thing is, she does not like the script, at all. As she tries to politely back away from the job offer she has a sudden change of heart - once she realises who the lead actor will be she is all in. The guy she was crushing on 10 years ago is not only the lead actor but the owner of the establishment the play will be performed in.
There are so many laugh out loud moments in this story, I haven’t even mentioned the connection to soup yet - you can discover that for yourself. This is a fantastic second chance at love romance and Erin does a stellar job narrating the story she wrote.
She has no aspirations of being an actor, she can’t think of anything worse than being the centre of attention under the bright lights. Her passion stems from her high school days where she worked at a local theatre. She loves all the attention to detail that goes into a play, in particular all the hard work that goes on in the background.
After a chance meeting with another theatre lover she accepts a job as a stage manager for an upcoming play at the local theatre company. Only thing is, she does not like the script, at all. As she tries to politely back away from the job offer she has a sudden change of heart - once she realises who the lead actor will be she is all in. The guy she was crushing on 10 years ago is not only the lead actor but the owner of the establishment the play will be performed in.
There are so many laugh out loud moments in this story, I haven’t even mentioned the connection to soup yet - you can discover that for yourself. This is a fantastic second chance at love romance and Erin does a stellar job narrating the story she wrote.
November 3, 2022
(audiobook) It was funny, it was also insightful and a declaration of love to small and passionate theater companies. Also, the author knows her story and narrates it perfectly. I just wasn’t that drawn to Wendy and Duncan. Probably because it was short.
This novella tells the story of Wendy, a single mom who just sent her daughter to college. Now what to do? A chance encounter with an eccentric librarian, and the subsequent reunion with a past crush, push her to apply for a position in a small theater company.
And that’s pretty much it! Shenanigans ensue–extravagant characters, silly dialogues, incongruous situations, a beta hero, a nerdy heroine, are all usual ingredients for the author’s successful recipe. But maybe this time, it lacks a little seasoning.
Don’t get me wrong, it was nice and sweet and funny, with a touch of sexy and a happily ever after. I just wasn’t much into it, and I fail to understand why exactly. But go for it, you won’t be wasting time listening to this book.
This novella tells the story of Wendy, a single mom who just sent her daughter to college. Now what to do? A chance encounter with an eccentric librarian, and the subsequent reunion with a past crush, push her to apply for a position in a small theater company.
And that’s pretty much it! Shenanigans ensue–extravagant characters, silly dialogues, incongruous situations, a beta hero, a nerdy heroine, are all usual ingredients for the author’s successful recipe. But maybe this time, it lacks a little seasoning.
Don’t get me wrong, it was nice and sweet and funny, with a touch of sexy and a happily ever after. I just wasn’t much into it, and I fail to understand why exactly. But go for it, you won’t be wasting time listening to this book.
November 16, 2022
Is a true delight to listen to. I wasn’t having the best week and I haven been looking for something fun and light. And then I was lucky enough to get to listen to this beauty and it was perfect. I laughed, I smiled, I didn’t want it to end honestly.
These characters have a way of grabbing your attention and not letting it go. We get their backstory and then we are rooting for them throughout this book. Because who doesn’t root for love right?
And now I need to also look up some of the soup mentioned because yum. Also soup for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. How cool is that!
Then we add in the play and you have success. I loved how it all tied in together. How you were not expecting it and yet it worked.
Erin is an amazing narrator, but she is an even more phenomenal writer. I hope she never stops because it is stories like that that just lift someone's day.
These characters have a way of grabbing your attention and not letting it go. We get their backstory and then we are rooting for them throughout this book. Because who doesn’t root for love right?
And now I need to also look up some of the soup mentioned because yum. Also soup for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. How cool is that!
Then we add in the play and you have success. I loved how it all tied in together. How you were not expecting it and yet it worked.
Erin is an amazing narrator, but she is an even more phenomenal writer. I hope she never stops because it is stories like that that just lift someone's day.
November 20, 2022
This was a cute second chance, middle-aged romance novella but if i'm honest I wanted a tad more meat to this story between an actor and the stage manager of an amateur theatre company. Good on audio with a full cast.
November 18, 2022
Another Erin Mallon great read/listen ! This was part of the Smartasses: A Sexy Nerd Rom Com Anthology This is my first novella in this very large "sexy nerd anthology".
I waited for this audio so that I could read & listen. Erin does all the voices. She's great with the male & female voices. I cracked up at Erin's Laurel's voice. Maude is a crack up & Sonny/Maude- hmm, older couple sparks.
First person POV heroine Wendy.
I really enjoy Erin's dry, witty sense of humor. I appreciated the story that is for theater lovers and for those that don't or aren't familiar with what goes on behind the scenes.
Wendy & Duncan have great chemistry. Even though, this is a short novella, they had a very sweet attraction and relationship progression. The puns were so funny.
I loved the ending! Very satisfying. Just before the end... well THAT was perfect- sorry about that you-know-who
I got the audio thru audible. short & sweet
I waited for this audio so that I could read & listen. Erin does all the voices. She's great with the male & female voices. I cracked up at Erin's Laurel's voice. Maude is a crack up & Sonny/Maude- hmm, older couple sparks.
First person POV heroine Wendy.
I really enjoy Erin's dry, witty sense of humor. I appreciated the story that is for theater lovers and for those that don't or aren't familiar with what goes on behind the scenes.
Wendy & Duncan have great chemistry. Even though, this is a short novella, they had a very sweet attraction and relationship progression. The puns were so funny.
I loved the ending! Very satisfying. Just before the end... well THAT was perfect- sorry about that you-know-who
I got the audio thru audible. short & sweet
November 6, 2022
With her daughter now in college Wendy is trying to adjust being by herself so every week she heads to the library to read screenplays so you can immerse herself in her love of theatre. Will there the librarian convinces her to manage the production the amateur theatre company is practicing for.
Duncan is a single father as well whose daughter has also left for college. He owns a restaurant that specializes in soup and he is part of the production. He and Wendy met in the past, but it wasn’t the right time however they now find themselves trying to deny their attraction for each other as the show must go on.
This story was so much fun due to the eccentric characters, witty banter and enchanting romance. The narrator brings out all the humor and personalities of the characters which will have you invested in them and their story.
Duncan is a single father as well whose daughter has also left for college. He owns a restaurant that specializes in soup and he is part of the production. He and Wendy met in the past, but it wasn’t the right time however they now find themselves trying to deny their attraction for each other as the show must go on.
This story was so much fun due to the eccentric characters, witty banter and enchanting romance. The narrator brings out all the humor and personalities of the characters which will have you invested in them and their story.
October 24, 2022
This was such a cute novella (and to be honest, I wished it was a bit longer). Even though it was a short story, you still felt like you got to know the characters and were definitely rooting for them to find their way together.
Erin Mallon is such a talented author and narrator so it's no wonder I loved this story. She was able to give such unique voices to all the characters in this story in such a flawless way. I was engrossed in this story from the moment I hit play and just loved Wendy and Duncan.
This was a great single dad/single mom romance and you just can't help but fall in love with them both.
Erin Mallon is such a talented author and narrator so it's no wonder I loved this story. She was able to give such unique voices to all the characters in this story in such a flawless way. I was engrossed in this story from the moment I hit play and just loved Wendy and Duncan.
This was a great single dad/single mom romance and you just can't help but fall in love with them both.
November 17, 2022
Once again Erin Mallon has written a love story to theatre. It's a fun-filled story chalked full of witty banter and laugh out loud puns; the soup names are so clever.
Erin's storytelling is fantastic and her joy is evident in her narration. I highly recommend listening for a pun time.
Erin's storytelling is fantastic and her joy is evident in her narration. I highly recommend listening for a pun time.
November 20, 2022
a very cute and fast kinda second-chance romance.
December 2, 2022
Review coming soon
November 16, 2022
Showmancing the Bone by Erin Mallon was a sweet, witty, and laugh-out-loud novella that definitely made soup sexy, and put a huge grin on my face! I had the opportunity to read this novella when it was first featured in the Smartasses Anthology. However, hearing Erin bring all these hilarious and clever characters to life was quite an entertaining listening experience for my ears!
Erin’s performance of Wendy, a thirty-six-year-old single mom looking to find a new start after her daughter goes off to college, is one crazy romp of a good time. Along with fantastic writing, Erin also showcases her talented narration skills by voicing sexy soup maker Duncan, along with several other humorous side characters that will have you chuckling throughout the entire audio. Maude and Laurel were both an absolute hoot! (Well done, Erin!)
Overall, I LOVED this novella in audio! If you are a fan of an amusing romcom with a hot soupy hero, a bold sassy stage director, dates in your pajamas, entertaining cereal “killer” menu items, hilarious banter, the theater, a super dramatic actress, late-night phone conversations, snack time, second chances, taking center stage, and a HEA that never tasted sweeter, then you will love Wendy and Duncan’s story. I always look forward to more from Erin Mallon!
Erin’s performance of Wendy, a thirty-six-year-old single mom looking to find a new start after her daughter goes off to college, is one crazy romp of a good time. Along with fantastic writing, Erin also showcases her talented narration skills by voicing sexy soup maker Duncan, along with several other humorous side characters that will have you chuckling throughout the entire audio. Maude and Laurel were both an absolute hoot! (Well done, Erin!)
Overall, I LOVED this novella in audio! If you are a fan of an amusing romcom with a hot soupy hero, a bold sassy stage director, dates in your pajamas, entertaining cereal “killer” menu items, hilarious banter, the theater, a super dramatic actress, late-night phone conversations, snack time, second chances, taking center stage, and a HEA that never tasted sweeter, then you will love Wendy and Duncan’s story. I always look forward to more from Erin Mallon!
October 31, 2022
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
This novella was on point with Erin's witty and fun writing style. She always makes me laugh with the how random her characters can be and all the puns she comes up with. Loved all the witty soup names too, I never would have considered soup sexy but this book proved me wrong ;) As always her audiobook narration is perfection, she takes a fun story and brings it to life in a way that just makes it ever better.
This novella was on point with Erin's witty and fun writing style. She always makes me laugh with the how random her characters can be and all the puns she comes up with. Loved all the witty soup names too, I never would have considered soup sexy but this book proved me wrong ;) As always her audiobook narration is perfection, she takes a fun story and brings it to life in a way that just makes it ever better.
November 16, 2022
I received an ALC for my honest review.
Absolutely adorable! I loved this novella. The story follows two parents of adult children who are trying to figure out their place in the world now that their kids are grown. They both had children young. Duncan is a widower, Wendy has been a single mom from the beginning. They both noticed each other years prior but it wasn't the right time.
They both have a love for community theater and find themselves in the position of being in a local play, which is outside of their comfort zones. Sparks fly!
I loved this and wish there was more to the story! I wasn't ready to say good bye to the characters.
The audiobook is narrated by Erin Mallon, and it's perfect (as usual). She is a fantastic narrator! She had me laughing and tearing up at times. The story is only about 2 hours from start to finish so it's perfect if you are looking for a quick, sweet listen.
5 stars/.5 Spicy Pepper (just a kiss)
Absolutely adorable! I loved this novella. The story follows two parents of adult children who are trying to figure out their place in the world now that their kids are grown. They both had children young. Duncan is a widower, Wendy has been a single mom from the beginning. They both noticed each other years prior but it wasn't the right time.
They both have a love for community theater and find themselves in the position of being in a local play, which is outside of their comfort zones. Sparks fly!
I loved this and wish there was more to the story! I wasn't ready to say good bye to the characters.
The audiobook is narrated by Erin Mallon, and it's perfect (as usual). She is a fantastic narrator! She had me laughing and tearing up at times. The story is only about 2 hours from start to finish so it's perfect if you are looking for a quick, sweet listen.
5 stars/.5 Spicy Pepper (just a kiss)
November 16, 2022
This novella was a super cute love letter to the world of theatre.
This is the love story for the "we've already raised kids" generation. Both the characters had their kids early in life so they're both on the young side of middle age. Life has brought them back together after a few years removed from a situational acquaintance with some heavy unrequited lusting (because they never really talked to each other).
Wendy, lover of theatre, is getting the opportunity to stage manage a dinner theatre production of a community theatre show staged in a restaurant that only serves soup (but does a darn good job of it).
Duncan (aka Sexy Soup Man) is the owner/chef specializing in soup, the leading man of the show and very attracted to Wendy.
But, showmances are for the actors, not for those behind the curtain... or are they?
The only thing I want to change... is I want more of this story and these characters. The sassy older playwrite and actress who bicker in such an amusing way, the young director bringing big show ideas to this out of the box production, the quirky restaurants! I loved this one so much that I want more of it.
This quickie audio is solo narrated by author Erin Mallon and it's so much fun. The various side characters, the quirky nature of their surroundings, the emotional range and growth for this empty nesting single mom... it's a delight. And the tender moments! gah... Duncan is swoony with his romantic gesture.
I requested and was generously provided with an advance copy of the audiobook. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
This is the love story for the "we've already raised kids" generation. Both the characters had their kids early in life so they're both on the young side of middle age. Life has brought them back together after a few years removed from a situational acquaintance with some heavy unrequited lusting (because they never really talked to each other).
Wendy, lover of theatre, is getting the opportunity to stage manage a dinner theatre production of a community theatre show staged in a restaurant that only serves soup (but does a darn good job of it).
Duncan (aka Sexy Soup Man) is the owner/chef specializing in soup, the leading man of the show and very attracted to Wendy.
But, showmances are for the actors, not for those behind the curtain... or are they?
The only thing I want to change... is I want more of this story and these characters. The sassy older playwrite and actress who bicker in such an amusing way, the young director bringing big show ideas to this out of the box production, the quirky restaurants! I loved this one so much that I want more of it.
This quickie audio is solo narrated by author Erin Mallon and it's so much fun. The various side characters, the quirky nature of their surroundings, the emotional range and growth for this empty nesting single mom... it's a delight. And the tender moments! gah... Duncan is swoony with his romantic gesture.
I requested and was generously provided with an advance copy of the audiobook. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 8, 2023
This story did not vibe with me. I tried it for a while and put it down. Came back to it and still didn’t click with it. I finally took it to the dang last chapter to see how it ends.
I love Erin as a narrator in everything she touches, her performance of this book was pleasant I just could not connect with the storyline.
I love Erin as a narrator in everything she touches, her performance of this book was pleasant I just could not connect with the storyline.
October 28, 2022
📚 I've read this book as a part of the Smartasses anthology rom-com, and now I had the absolute pleasure of also listening to the audiobook, and I HAD SO MUCH FUN!
💜 Loving Erin's narration isn't just "loving her narration"; it's admiring the hell out of it!
Because listening to her narrating all of those diverse characters was a delight!
❤️ Reading those characters wasn't the same as listening to Erin voicing each of them and giving the right edge and tone I imagined they had.
But one of my favorite things was listening to Erin narrating Laurel. It made me laugh so hard that I literally went back a few times just to hear her at the first rehearsal saying (singing) her lines!
🍲 This story was so funny and sweet and made me want to eat soup all day. I loved the colorful characters and the sweet love story (not just between Wendy and Duncan, AKA sexy soup man. And I loved that Erin thought of every little comic thing as much as the big funny moments.
🤭 And after laughing with laurel and Maud and with every genius character in this story, Erin's narration in the last scene (of the Souper) gave me actual chills and teary eyes.
I mean, it's a really funny and fun romcom but something in that scene - and the way Erin delivered it - tugged at my heart. 💕
💜 I always loved Erin's work as an author and as a narrator, and I think with each book she's writing and performing her work, she's becoming one of my favorite authors and female narrators!
💜 Loving Erin's narration isn't just "loving her narration"; it's admiring the hell out of it!
Because listening to her narrating all of those diverse characters was a delight!
❤️ Reading those characters wasn't the same as listening to Erin voicing each of them and giving the right edge and tone I imagined they had.
But one of my favorite things was listening to Erin narrating Laurel. It made me laugh so hard that I literally went back a few times just to hear her at the first rehearsal saying (singing) her lines!
🍲 This story was so funny and sweet and made me want to eat soup all day. I loved the colorful characters and the sweet love story (not just between Wendy and Duncan, AKA sexy soup man. And I loved that Erin thought of every little comic thing as much as the big funny moments.
🤭 And after laughing with laurel and Maud and with every genius character in this story, Erin's narration in the last scene (of the Souper) gave me actual chills and teary eyes.
I mean, it's a really funny and fun romcom but something in that scene - and the way Erin delivered it - tugged at my heart. 💕
💜 I always loved Erin's work as an author and as a narrator, and I think with each book she's writing and performing her work, she's becoming one of my favorite authors and female narrators!
November 2, 2022
If you know this author’s work, you know that you’re in for a good time. If this is your first book in the world of Erin Mallon, then you may be pleasantly surprised. She made me hungry; she made me laugh, and she made me want to find the restaurant that became the backdrop for our characters.
With the holiday season upon us, time starts to creep up on, but we still want to get in our reading. This is a story that will be over in a matter of a couple hours. You choose to listen so that you can read and get your work done at the same time. Maybe you want to get off your feet so you can get the written version of her story. Whichever version you have you’ll come away having had a great time.
The author wears many hats and juggles all her roles with ease. I always find it difficult, or near impossible, to not laugh out loud in her presence. She works with some great narrators but in this instance, she shines all on her own. You will notice my review is more about our author than the story itself. It’s easier to talk about an author/narrator you love than to talk about their book without giving anything away – no spoiler alerts here.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
With the holiday season upon us, time starts to creep up on, but we still want to get in our reading. This is a story that will be over in a matter of a couple hours. You choose to listen so that you can read and get your work done at the same time. Maybe you want to get off your feet so you can get the written version of her story. Whichever version you have you’ll come away having had a great time.
The author wears many hats and juggles all her roles with ease. I always find it difficult, or near impossible, to not laugh out loud in her presence. She works with some great narrators but in this instance, she shines all on her own. You will notice my review is more about our author than the story itself. It’s easier to talk about an author/narrator you love than to talk about their book without giving anything away – no spoiler alerts here.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
November 11, 2022
Mmm Mmm Soup-er! “Showmancing the Bone” is a witty and laugh out loud novella that I devoured in one sitting, and I had a smile on my face the whole time I was listening.
Wendy is a self-proclaimed theater nerd and has loved it most of her life. Now an empty nester, she has an opportunity to live out her dream being a stage manager. But the play is something else and she was going to say no but when an attractive soup chef walks back into her life, she can’t say no.
I loved reading this when it was released in an anthology but now having Erin narrate it, it makes it even more special. I love that Wendy and Duncan are older, so they have their later in life happy ending. Erin Mallon is amazing at puns that are hilarious and the names of all the soups had me cracking up and how I will be referring to them from now on. Since it’s a novella, it’s short and sweet, just the perfect amount. Erin solo narrates and does an amazing job of having distinct voices for each character, so you know who’s who. And her male narration is one of the best in the audiobook world.
Wendy is a self-proclaimed theater nerd and has loved it most of her life. Now an empty nester, she has an opportunity to live out her dream being a stage manager. But the play is something else and she was going to say no but when an attractive soup chef walks back into her life, she can’t say no.
I loved reading this when it was released in an anthology but now having Erin narrate it, it makes it even more special. I love that Wendy and Duncan are older, so they have their later in life happy ending. Erin Mallon is amazing at puns that are hilarious and the names of all the soups had me cracking up and how I will be referring to them from now on. Since it’s a novella, it’s short and sweet, just the perfect amount. Erin solo narrates and does an amazing job of having distinct voices for each character, so you know who’s who. And her male narration is one of the best in the audiobook world.
November 7, 2022
"Showmancing the Bone" is the latest novella by Erin Mallon. Wendi Finegan is floundering now that her daughter has gone off to college. At 36, this feels like a second chance but for what? When the opportunity to become a stage manager for a theatre play presents itself, Wendi, a certified theatre nerd, jumps at the chance after finding out who will be the leading man: Duncan, her secret crush! Fate has smiled upon both of them, so it's up to them to take this second chance.
I listened to the audio version of this novella and a permanent smile was etched on my face while I was listening to it. Erin Mallon is a wonderful narrator and storyteller; her comedic timing is great and she's a master at making the characters come alive! There were so many great moments in this novella, and I can honestly say that I developed a new appreciation for soup after hearing such a passionate speech in favor of this neglected dish ;)
I listened to the audio version of this novella and a permanent smile was etched on my face while I was listening to it. Erin Mallon is a wonderful narrator and storyteller; her comedic timing is great and she's a master at making the characters come alive! There were so many great moments in this novella, and I can honestly say that I developed a new appreciation for soup after hearing such a passionate speech in favor of this neglected dish ;)
November 18, 2022
I can't comment on the audio performance. Hearing this performed might raise it up another star. But I didn't listen to it, I just read it, so these are my impressions of the story itself. It's quite a mixed bag of ideas—a restaurant called Slurpin' The Bone where only soup is on the menu. Another called Cereal Killers where only sinisterly named cereals are served and you eat in your pajamas. The soup chef plays the lead role in a bad amateur theater production being staged inside his restaurant (poor man's dinner theater I guess). If it sounds offbeat, that's because it is; and if you like silly humor, you'll like this. The romance is pretty fluffy, mostly PG. There's lots of quirky dialogue and a wide variety of wacky characters. Maude definitely steals the show. She's who I want to be in my old age. At 74 pages it won't take you long to read and it's a fun way to procrastinate.
October 29, 2022
I just finished listening to this new novella written and narrated by Erin Mallon. It was short and sweet and just ridiculous enough to make a really sweet romcom. This story is about two empty-nesters (Wendy Finnegan and the sexy soup-man,) who both became parents very young. They each find themselves redefining themselves at the age of 36 and 41, really making an attempt at romance for the first time in their lives. Add in an absurd play about soup, a theater company full of wacky characters, and a performance in a Soup-Only restaurant called Slurping the Bone, and it is a recipe for a delightfully witty listen. As always, Erin Mallon delivers a entertaining performance as the novella’s narrator. I am finding that her audiobooks keep me coming back for more! I am voluntarily submitting this review after listening to an advanced complementary copy.
November 5, 2022
Wendy Finegan single parent, theatre nerd, and new empty nester. Every Saturday she goes to the public library to borrow plays. There she meets head librarian and local actress who invites her to become the stage manager for the local theatre group. They just lost their venue and are now meeting in a local soup restaurant ‘Slurpin’ the Bone’ whose owner, Duncan, has offered his restaurant as the venue for their new play in return for the main part.
Now soup man, is also a single parent & empty nester. He and Wendy met before when his daughter attended the school where Wendy worked. They reconnect instantly, but Wendy is wary of hurting the show. The stage manager can't date the talent.
This is a fun read, with a quirky cast of characters. The author also narrates, this can sometimes be a disaster but in this case it’s incredible. Erin is an excellent narrator.
Now soup man, is also a single parent & empty nester. He and Wendy met before when his daughter attended the school where Wendy worked. They reconnect instantly, but Wendy is wary of hurting the show. The stage manager can't date the talent.
This is a fun read, with a quirky cast of characters. The author also narrates, this can sometimes be a disaster but in this case it’s incredible. Erin is an excellent narrator.
March 20, 2023
Wendy Finnegan is a theater nerd. She hasn't had much time to dedicate to anything else other than raising her daughter Neen all by herself since she was a teenager. When the opportunity arises for her to be the stage manager of the most awful play ever written (but starred by the sexy soup maker she's been crushing on forever), she says "hell yeah!". And whaddya know, he's been crushing on her too...
This novella was originally published in the Smartasses Anthology. Now in audio format, you get all the fun narrated by the author herself. I'm always in awe as how Erin Mallon has the ability to, in a very short story (the audiobook is around two hours long), give you fleshed out characters and a very satisfying story.
This one is cute, sweet, and a nod to theater nerds everywhere. A must listen!
NOTE: Kudos to Erin’ Mallon’s husband for coming up with the most hilarious soup names ever!
This novella was originally published in the Smartasses Anthology. Now in audio format, you get all the fun narrated by the author herself. I'm always in awe as how Erin Mallon has the ability to, in a very short story (the audiobook is around two hours long), give you fleshed out characters and a very satisfying story.
This one is cute, sweet, and a nod to theater nerds everywhere. A must listen!
NOTE: Kudos to Erin’ Mallon’s husband for coming up with the most hilarious soup names ever!
November 15, 2022
I loved Showmancing the Bone when I read it a few months ago. I didn’t think I could love it more…until I listened to the audiobook. It’s always a treat to hear Erin Mallon narrate her books. This audiobook felt extra special as Erin channeled her love of the stage to portray Wendy’s theater nerd personality. Soup isn’t the only thing heating up for the Warmington Community Players! Wendy is unabashedly quirky, witty, and real. Duncan is a swoon-worthy single dad and irresistibly romantic. Showmancing the Bone is a quick, fun, and sweet listen; every minute is pure joy! This single parent romcom is punny and delightful!
November 16, 2022
I loved this romantic comedy. Erin Mallon’s experience as an actress and playwright added so much fun to this story. The number of punny lines, play on words, clever items in this short story is incredible. This may be a novella, but Erin Mallon did not skimp on creativity and originality. In additon the to comedy, there is a really great love story. Wendy and Duncan were fantastic characters, and even better together. It’s amazing how much Erin was able to work into this novella. I loved it, so entertaining!
And the audio, it was fabulous! Erin Mallon narrating her own work is my favorite! You know every nuance and timing of a line is exactly as it was written. So good!!
And the audio, it was fabulous! Erin Mallon narrating her own work is my favorite! You know every nuance and timing of a line is exactly as it was written. So good!!
November 23, 2022
Anything Erin Mallon writes or narrates is an automatic buy. This story was included in the Smartasses A Sexy Nerd Rom Com Anthology. Now that the run of that is over she’s released this short story alone.
It’s such a sweet, romantic, funny and short story. It’s about a theater lover who joins a theater company and a sexy soup maker who is part of the show. These two people have known each other in the past, but never connected. They moved on, had a family, and now their kids are teens. Single now and feeling the pull to do something for themselves, they find one another again.
My only wish was that it was longer. I loved Wendy and Duncan. Never thought soup would be sexy.
September 13, 2024
I got this free and thank god because it’s awful. About 40% in I thought “this sounds like one of those anthology stories that starts with a silly prompt”. I’m not sure about the prompt, but evidently it was from an anthology which I feel explains some things. Lol
I almost quit at that point but thought I’d give it a few more pages. Yeah, at 61% I’m done.
The MC doesn’t even appear til like a quarter or third through? And then it’s always with lots of other people, so you’re just introduced constantly to new people when there’s supposed to be a romance cooking.
The zany characters are always yelling and are just there to be zany. It gave me a headache. From reading.
I almost quit at that point but thought I’d give it a few more pages. Yeah, at 61% I’m done.
The MC doesn’t even appear til like a quarter or third through? And then it’s always with lots of other people, so you’re just introduced constantly to new people when there’s supposed to be a romance cooking.
The zany characters are always yelling and are just there to be zany. It gave me a headache. From reading.
November 5, 2022
I had so much fun listening to this short and sweet novella by Erin Mallon. Lots of colorful characters, some awful theater, and a heroine that charmed my socks off. Wendy is unsure what her next step should be now that her daughter is off to school. An opportunity to stage manage a small production opens up doors she never knew she needed. Grab some soup and prepare for a fun ride.
As always Ms. Mallon gives an amazing performance in her narration. The comedic timing is flawless and all of the different character voices are amazing.
As always Ms. Mallon gives an amazing performance in her narration. The comedic timing is flawless and all of the different character voices are amazing.
December 5, 2022
Originally available as part of Smartasses: A Sexy Nerd Rom Com Anthology, I'm so glad Erin also released this separately.
Shomancing the Bone is a super-cute-slightly-steamy romcom that's sure to turn any day into a good one... and also probably leave you craving soup. Definitely worth a read and/or listen!
Shomancing the Bone is a super-cute-slightly-steamy romcom that's sure to turn any day into a good one... and also probably leave you craving soup. Definitely worth a read and/or listen!
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