The Honey Pot Plot (Rocky Start #3): A Chaotic Farewell I Didn’t Want to End
As a devoted fan of madcap stories that blend suspense with humor, I was beyond excited to dive into The Honey Pot Plot, the third and final installment of the Rocky Start series by the brilliant author duo Cris Dukehart and Eric G. Dove. If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I revel in tales of chaos wrapped in cozy small-town charm. This series has delivered just that from the very beginning, and this latest adventure was no exception—while also giving me serious anxiety about bidding farewell to this wildly entertaining world.
From the get-go, the chaotic nature of Rocky Start is as exhilarating as ever. Max, still out on the Appalachian Trail perfecting his emotionally-repressed wilderness man vibe, finds himself dodging assassination attempts like it’s an Olympic sport. Meanwhile, Rose—our fierce and delightful heroine—is running around her town dealing with everything from scummy suitors eyeing her inheritance to a friend’s near-miss at death. Let’s just say, this place needs a new realtor—and maybe a superhero or two!
The plot thickens with layers of assassination attempts, Russian mercenaries, and a treasure hunt that’s equal parts ridiculous and thrilling. The sheer number of double-crosses might send your head spinning, but that’s part of the charm. Trust issues abound—how any of these characters manage to rely on one another is bafflingly beautiful.
Max and Rose remain a standout duo, their chemistry crackling like the best kind of fireworks. While Max embodies the emotionally-stunted yet incredibly competent hero we can’t help but root for, Rose is a force of nature, ready to defend her own with the nearest utensil—salad fork or otherwise. I found myself laughing and nodding in agreement at her fierce protectiveness, which makes her journey all the more compelling. Memorable moments abound when she casually refers to her emotional chaos while strategizing over how to deal with yet another existential threat.
The overarching theme of found family, wrapped in a layer of quirky charm, makes every characterization shine. Special mentions go to Betty, who remains iconic; Maggs the dog, whose intellect is commendable; and Poppy’s surprisingly touching romance subplot that is woven brilliantly into the larger narrative. And let’s not forget Fernanda and Dolly the llamas—they deserve their own spinoff immediately!
Narration-wise, Dukehart and Dove nail it once again. Their perfect balance of humor, tension, and emotional nuance made the audiobook an absolute delight. Honestly, it feels as though these characters were crafted to be heard aloud, resonating deeply due to their authentic delivery.
Admittedly, the plot did get a bit tangled with its multitude of moving parts, but honestly, that’s what made the journey electrifying. I found myself hooked right up until the last page. If this truly is the grand finale, then it’s a wildly satisfying, slightly unhinged conclusion. But if the authors ever decide to surprise us with a book four? I’m all in.
Overall, I’d recommend The Honey Pot Plot to anyone who relishes lighthearted mysteries peppered with friendship, hilarity, and just a dash of life-or-death stakes. While it may spin off into chaos, it’s a chaos I gladly immerse myself in—an addiction I’ve cherished. This book left me feeling grateful for the wild ride, and I can only hope my time with these characters isn’t over just yet.
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