Bananapants by Penny Reid Published by Cipher-Naught on August 6, 2024
Pages: 392
Format: ARC
Genres: Romance, Romantic Comedy
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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.
“No life is ‘such a tragedy’ that joy is not possible.” That note from the author perfectly sums up Bananapants. Humor and love are woven into the serious subject of mental illness, resulting in a heartwarming romantic comedy that left me smiling from ear to ear.
Ava and Desmond are former childhood best friends who were inseparable until Desmond abruptly and inexplicably left town at age 15 and ended their friendship. Now he’s back on a cloak and dagger mission to take down a bad guy, keep the girl he left behind safe, and win her heart in the process.
As someone intimately familiar with the complexities of mental health in general and bi-polar disorder in particular, I can vouch for the authenticity of Desmond’s symptoms and his behavior. Perhaps he’s an unconventional leading male love interest, but I adored his raw vulnerability, humor, courage, and convictions. I don’t think enough words exist to adequately convey how amazing Desmond is. Ava is perfectly suited for him—wicked smart, loyal, and compassionate. Their love story is one for the ages.
Desmond’s heartbreaking estrangement from his dad as well as the palpable yearning between him and Ava had me feeling emotional. However, my spirits were lifted by Desmond’s meddlesome and hilarious handler, as well as the couple’s supportive family members.
This book resonated with me on so many levels. What a satisfying read.
Recommended for fans of:
Undercover agents
Mental health
Friends to lovers
Taxes?
I received a complimentary copy to voluntarily read. Opinions are my own.
About Penny Reid
Penny Reid is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. When she’s not immersed in penning smart romances, Penny works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.
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