Rough Around the Hedges

An Uncanny Romance

De: Lish McBride

Narrado por: Stella Hunter, Lance West

Will Murphy spends his down time doing subversive cross-stitch, crafting saucy baked goods for the romance book club he attends with his Nana, and desperately trying to hide the fact that he's been in love with Vanessa Woodbridge for, well, ever. For years, he's been content to wear the best friend label. But suddenly it's starting to chafe, right when Vanessa needs a trusted friend more than ever.

Vanessa Woodbridge wants to be a hedge witch more than anything, but her chances of becoming one are laughable. Her father's pride stands between her and her dream of leaving her barista job behind in favor of crafting helpful potions and magical edibles at Wicked Brews. The Woodbridge patriarch has forbidden her from a career path that is, in his opinion, beneath their magical family legacy. She might not care about his feelings, but without his signature, Vanessa can't sign up for the classes she desperately needs to learn essential hedge witchery.

She's ready to give up, but with Will at her back, she finds the courage to fight for what she wants. She's never been able to count on her dad, but she can count on her best friend. Will's her rock. He would never crumble.

Only Will feels like he's doing exactly that. He's falling apart inside and he's not sure how long he can keep up the façade of the calm, platonic, best friend. But for Vanessa? He'd do anything to help her get her dream...

Even if it costs him the one thing he cherishes most.

Her.

©2023 Lish McBride (P)2025 Lish McBride

Cute and fulfilling

Do you like Practical Magic and feel good movies? How about strong tropes like found family and golden retriever MMCs? If you do, then this is the book for you. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. There’s character development and cute relationships with decent spice thrown in. I could’ve done with a bit more buildup, but I get that’s just how the story developed. Curious to see how the next book plays out- can’t wait for more. The narrators are great too, love the enunciations and different voices. Well worth the listen.

Really wanted to like this

I’ve enjoyed other audiobooks by McBride, and was excited to listen. Unfortunately, almost immediately I was thrown by the male voice. He projected kindness, warmth, and likability, but it just didn’t feel this voice was correct for this character. The story didn’t hold my attention and I found myself flipping to other books often. The depth of the story wasn’t there.