ABOUT THE BOOK
Two broke people. Ridiculous Test Products. = A slow realization that maybe this is love.
Julia’s life plan did NOT include eating ramen for dinner while her car’s check engine light became permanent mood lighting. But after her ex cleaned out their joint account to fund his “fresh start” with her former best friend, here she is: testing a motivational pillow that screams at you.
For $75 cash.
Garrett teaches middle school science and drives a car nicknamed “The Blue Whale.” His financial strategy is “avoid looking at bank statements.” When he shows up to the same focus group wearing a “I’m a Fungi” t-shirt with a picture of a smiling mushroom, neither he nor Julia is looking for love. They’re just looking to make rent.
But somewhere between the pillow that yells at you, the yoga mat that insults your flexibility, and the edible deodorant that should absolutely not exist… something shifts.
It’s not love at first sight. It’s more like “who is this person?” evolving into “oh no, I have feelings” and eventually “we’re engaged with a stolen Bluetooth ring.”
MY REVIEW
What do you get when you mix screaming pillows, ejecting chairs, and edible deodorant? A wild ride in the world of product testing! This quirky backdrop conveniently brings together two broke and unlucky individuals, Julia and Garrett, as they stumble through life and love in a weekly focus group.
Julia is a freelance graphic designer who’s struggling to make ends meet after her ex ditched her for her best friend. Who can blame her for jumping at the chance to earn $75 a week by testing bizarre products in a focus group? I found myself rooting for her from the very first page because we’ve all had moments when the weight of the world feels heavier than usual.
Garrett is an awkward but lovable middle school science teacher. With two messy roommates and an ex who thought he was too “unambitious”, he’s also desperate for some extra cash. His collection of science-themed funny t-shirts is delightful, quirky, and made me chuckle. Watching him actively pursue Julia is just plain heartwarming. His positive vibes are the perfect contrast to Julia’s more cautious nature, and it’s in the hilariously absurd product testing that their chemistry grows.
Of course, what’s a romantic comedy without a little nudge from colorful side characters? Enter Donna, the elder matchmaker of the group, who appears to have an uncanny ability to connect people, whether they want to be or not. Then there’s Brenda, the enthusiastic product moderator whose zeal for promoting outrageous products is both endearing and absurd.
The book is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, and the character-driven narrative is filled with snappy dialogue and short chapters that keep the pages turning. However, I did feel like Julia and Garrett’s romantic dance dragged on a bit longer than necessary as the story progressed. At times, I found myself wishing for a bit more variety in their interactions, but the anticipation of seeing them together in the end kept me invested.
If you’re looking for a light romantic comedy filled with humor, sweet moments, and ridiculous test products, this book is for you. So I recommend picking up this charming story of love found in the most unexpected places.
Thank you to Mr. Fisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Don Fisher has been married to his wife, Megan, for 30 years. They have 2 children and 7 grandchildren. With a passion for storytelling and a love for travel, Don and his wife have spent the past 30 years traveling across the world to countless countries, researching historical locations and the stories that they hold. Don brings a unique perspective to the fast-paced thrillers and fun ROMCOM’s he creates. Don and his wife currently reside in Indiana, and they enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, and spending time with family.
Follow Don on her website, Instagram, and TikTok.
