The Art of Awkward Affection

A Romantic Comedy

By: Alina Jacobs

Narrated by: Avery Reid, Lee Samuels

Length: 14 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

I admit it was me who shouted, “Looking good, hot stuff!” at Mr. Richmond this morning, but I didn’t mean it like that.
Yes, Mrs. HR Lady, I know how it looks. Believe me, I am totally anti-catcalling, but that’s not what that was. Honest. I was paying him a compliment!
That’s kind of what I do: I’m a proud, small-town Floridian, and Manhattan is craving some Florida sunshine—nothing like a sincere compliment to turn those New York frowns upside down!

Grayson Richmond needs some positivity.
Have you seen how grumpy he is?
Sure, he’s the big boss, but I’m always at his house, so we’re kind of, well, not friends, that would be awkward, but like....
Okay, so no, I didn’t actually meet him until today. I only go to his penthouse to drop off the dry cleaning....

Wait, I’m sorry, he felt threatened? Are you kidding me?
I’m dead broke, my fashion style is Disney adult, and I’m five feet tall when I stand up straight. People constantly stop me and ask me if I lost my mommy. I’m 23 and look like I’m 12.
Grayson is six foot five, one of the richest men in Manhattan, and literally owns multiple city blocks and two of the tallest skyscrapers in the city, which is, by the way, totally a phallic calling card.

Yes, I understand that Mr. Richmond takes these matters very seriously.
No, I’m not making a mockery of this company or of him.
Yes, I will return to my duties as Mr. Richmond’s lowly assistant of the assistant to the secretary.
No, I’m not being snarky. Believe me, my credit card debt and I are very happy to have this job.

Also, I hate to ask, but Mr. Richmond didn’t say anything about the notes of positive affirmation in his underwear drawer, did he?
It wasn’t anything awkward like “I want to bang you.” Because, you know, I don’t want to. Not at all.
Is he hot? Washboard abs, that jaw, those hands—phff yeah! After all, my momma didn’t raise no liar. But I’m not going to like, tell him, because that would be weird.

Wait, what? He wants to see me in his office? Now? Like now now? Gulp!

This is an enemies-to-lovers, grumpy New York billionaire boss versus Florida-sunshine assistant, stand-alone romantic comedy! If you like cupcakes, sparkly stickers, and hot guys in suits whose rigid routines get a hilarious shake-up, this book is for you! Happily ever after guaranteed!

©2023 Adair Lakes, LLC (P)2023 Adair Lakes, LLC

Still the most toxic characters

I read this as an ebook and though it makes me laugh and swoon, these two are still toxic AF. That said, the audiobook helped me learn to say names I did not know and the female voice artist did flawless character voices that were positively hilarious. Omg I laughed so hard. And my husband enjoyed the narrated spice because dudes.

Loved it

Alina Jacobs stories are always interesting and hilarious but something about this first Richmond Brothers story really grabbed me. I can’t wait for more!

Surprisingly Good!

I didn’t realize when I started that this was an almost 15 hour book! I have to say that it’s worth every moment! I didn’t even want to fast forward during any part because it’s just full of substance! I just really enjoyed the writing and the dialogue- nothing cheesy at all! The storyline is excellent as well. And the narration is (of course!)fantastic- uh Lee Samuels? Yes please!! The female narrator was also awesome.

I have nothing but praise for this one. The only thing I’d say is that the background of the MMC gets dark about halfway through, and it puts a real dent in the comedic aspect of this book for quite awhile. But again, there’s just so much substance in this book that it’s definitely balanced.

Tinkerbell meets Grumpy

Laugh out loud hilarious!

I can't tell you how many times I guffawed in surprise and delight while listening to this audio. Lexi is just so much, I couldn't help it! 😅 She unabashedly loves all things Disney and glitter and doesn't let her move to NY with its brash inhabitants dull her inner Tinkerbell. The FMC was totally relatable— she’s an optimist who refuses to change how she wants to see the world and has no problem finding joy in complimenting strangers and spreading joy. I thought her interests made for a strong contrast to Grayson’s introduction and added better complexity to later events. He’s got a darker, more troubled past, and she helps the sun break through his clouds.

🎧 Now… initially I was a little put off with the narrator’s voice for Lexi, but as I got to know the character, she just felt right. [Avery Reid 🤝 Lexi] Reid did an awesome job when Lexi was agitated and made the nickname of Squeaky believable… without being obnoxious about it, haha.

Overall a win and one I’d recommend to my besties! Great opposites-attract, enemies-to-lovers,Grumpy/Sunshine read! ⛅️🤗

3/4- 🌶️

Billionaire, Grumpy/Sunshine, dirty talking spice!

Billionaire/Assistant, Grumpy/Sunshine, childhood trauma, so much comedy, and of course lots of dirty-talking spice!

This book is amazeballs! I just gobbled it up. It is a romantic comedy but there is a dark backstory to the MC. It just gives you more heart. I definitely laughed out loud at points. Now I am just mad I have to wait for the next book!! I can't wait to read the rest of the brother's stories and see them get their HEA.

*Warning* There are sensitive subjects in this book. They are about the MC's childhood and how it affects him today. So if you are triggered easily then this might not be for you. If you aren't as easily triggered don't think that this is not a romantic comedy, because it is. It is just that the MC has a heavy load to bear because of his childhood. It made me feel so much more for him in my heart. When he got a HEA it made me so happy

This book is the first in the series and can be read as a complete stand-alone. You will get some fun little Easter eggs though if you have read some of the other series. But they are just minor, so if you haven't read the books you won't miss anything. But if you have the Easter eggs will give you quite a giggle.

I listened to the audiobook of this, and loved it! I think that hearing the voices gives you so much more as a reader. You really can feel the emotions. These narrators were top-notch.

if you love Alina Jacobs, you will love this book

I just found her as an author a little over a year ago and I have been binging through her books. This was definitely in my top five. I love Lexi. She’s such a cute character and you cannot fall in love with Grayson I really enjoyed this book. I really hope we’re going to get more books about Grayson’s brothers!