Engaging Review: Call Me Anytime (The Protectors Book 1)
When I first stumbled upon Call Me Anytime by Max Monroe, I admit I was drawn in by the title and the intriguing premise. A romantic suspense with a comedic twist? Count me in! Little did I know, this book would not only entertain me but leave me with laughter-induced tears and a heart thoroughly invested in its characters. I’m thrilled to share my thoughts, especially since I had the pleasure of diving into this narrative via an e-ARC courtesy of Brilliance Audio and NetGalley. Here’s a peek into my listening experience!
Themes & Characters: A Hilarious Balance of Comedy and Heart
At the heart of Call Me Anytime is Hannah, a quirky FMC (female main character) who juggles her life as a “smex phone” worker (a delightful detail that had me giggling from the start) while managing the heavy responsibility of being her mother’s primary caregiver as she battles Alzheimer’s. This duality—between light-hearted comedic moments and deeper, more poignant themes—creates a compelling narrative. I found myself relating to Hannah’s struggles, especially during the mindset shifts she faces while trying to maintain her unique job and supporting her family.
Enter Dom, the charming officer wrapped up in a police investigation that inadvertently involves Hannah. Their journey from strangers to steadfast allies is delightful; Dom is sweet, caring, and fiercely protective, making their developing romance all the more exciting. This was my first encounter with Max Monroe, and her skillful plotting and character arcs have left me eager to explore her previous works—there’s no doubt I’ll be diving into her backlist!
Narration & Writing Style: A Joy to Experience
What elevated my experience even further was the dual narration—an absolute delight. Both narrators brought the characters to life, capturing the humor and emotional nuances perfectly. Listening at 1.5–2x speed was a breeze, and honestly, I could have continued longer without feeling overwhelmed. The crisp and clear deliveries added an extra layer of vibrancy to the storyline, really making those awkward yet hilarious phone calls pop.
Max Monroe’s writing style is engaging and light, yet it incorporates heavier moments seamlessly. The humorous elements, particularly Hannah’s fairytale-themed phone calls (the memorable “cockadoodle doo” line had me laughing out loud!), were delightful, but they didn’t overshadow the deeper story threads. I appreciated how the balance between comedy and drama was executed so thoughtfully.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Book?
While I did manage to guess the twist regarding the mystery aspect of the plot, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. The combination of suspense, humor, romance, and those charming moments in a honky tonk bar made this a delightful read that I would wholeheartedly recommend. Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, mysteries, or poignant family dramas, Call Me Anytime offers something for everyone.
This book left me with a warm heart and a smile on my face, which is undoubtedly the mark of a good read. If you’re like me and appreciate a bit of laughter intertwined with romance, look no further! I can’t wait to jump into Monroe’s other titles—it feels like I’ve discovered a new favorite author, and I know I won’t be disappointed. Happy reading!
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