Bananapants: A Bonkers Romantic Comedy by Penny Reid
Released – 6 August 2024
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Amazon | Paperback
Blurb
Estranged childhood friends unexpectedly reunite under bizarre circumstances and bicker their way to love in this bonkers romantic comedy.
Ava Archer misses her best childhood friend most especially during the month of April. Ask any tax attorney, it’s a lonely, grueling time of year. Luckily, Ava has just received a surprising and delectably absurd offer from her posh doppelgänger at work. She must pretend to be the aforementioned posh co-worker for one night at an extremely fancy party; a party so fancy, there exists absolutely no chance anyone will recognize her or suspect her ruse…
Desmond (Des) Sullivan is a thief. And not the heart-of-gold kind. He’s the steal-from-the-rich-and-give-to-the-also-rich-so-he-can-get-paid kind. He does, however, have one firm rule never steal what the target can’t afford to lose. After a brutal falling out with his father, Desmond hasn’t returned to Chicago in over ten years. But when a good friend is swindled and something priceless is stolen, Desmond must return home, both as himself and his thieving alter ego. Infiltrate a dangerous secret society of the world’s most elite billionaires while leveraging his estranged father’s resources and not blowing his cover? Sure. No problem. Or it wouldn’t be a problem if Ava Archer hadn’t just walked into the room, wearing a ridiculous wig, speaking with a preposterous accent, and pretending (badly) to be someone she’s not.
Bananapants is a full-length, contemporary romantic comedy filled with hijinks and shenanigans. It can be read as a standalone, but the parents of the main characters will be familiar to anyone who has read the Knitting in the City series.
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Review
4.5 “you’ll always be my favorite person” stars!
Ava hasn’t seen Des in 10 years. Not since he ghosted her even though they had been best friends since they were young. It broke Ava’s heart and she is caught off guard when he turns up in her life again when she least expects it.
Des and Ava have a special place in my heart. Their relationship isn’t easy because of the past. Ava never knew why Des left and he’s not excited for her to ever find out. She doesn’t even know why he keeps showing up everywhere but he’s there when she’s put in some scary situations.
There is a lot of push and pull with these two. There was a reason Des stayed away. It’s an honest reason and not one to stir up drama. They go through a lot to be together but they overcome the pain that was left when Des broke both their hearts when he left. There are very real moments that also broke my heart but it was still very much a rom com and the banter between Ava and Des is fantastic. They also turn up the heat but it’s so much more than the sexy times.
I loved hearing about Des’s journey and I loved his support team but also that he knew what he needed to do to gain control of his life. The love these two have and their self-awareness is well written. There’s so much more than to Des than he shows the world. He gives us insight on the struggles someone with Bipolar 1 may go through and he doesn’t let his diagnosis define him. Ava and Des also show us the importance of the unconditional love that they have for each other. Ava accepts Des for everything he is and doesn’t let him push her away again.
On top of a beautiful love story, there’s mystery and some suspense. I had no idea what was going to happen and I couldn’t wait to see how everything unfolded.
Overall, it was a wonderfully enjoyable read that will tug at your heartstrings but will also put a huge smile on your face.
*ARC generously provided by the author*
Check out our AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT for more amazing reads by Penny Reid!