A Very Friendly Valentine's Day

By: Kayley Loring

Narrated by: Connor Crais, Mackenzie Cartwright, Dane Anderson

Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

Eddie: Cancel your dinky-little roomette on the train. I’m booking us two of the big bedroom suites. 

Birdie: I’ll cancel it after you’ve booked the other sleeper rooms. And reimburse you. 

Eddie: Don’t worry about it. Just cancel your tickets. I got this. Round trip. I’m on the Amtrak website right now. 

Birdie: You don’t have to leave NYC when I do! You’ll hardly be able to spend any time with your Instagram girlfriend who you've never met! 

Eddie: It’s fine. She’ll be fine with it. Cancel your tickets. 

Birdie: You aren’t going to stop texting me until I’ve canceled them, are you?

Eddie: Damn right I’m not. Just do it. You can thank me later....

Eddie: Um. Did you cancel your tickets? 

Birdie: Yes, Edward. I canceled them. 

Eddie: Okay, because it turns out they only had one family bedroom from LA to Chicago. But the good news is I booked it for us. It’s the biggest room they had. The bad news is I booked it for us. And it’s the only sleeper room they have left now. 

Eddie: In related news, there was also only one room left from Chicago to New York. 

Eddie: Hands up if you’re excited! *man raising hand emoji*

Birdie: I am so mad at you right now....

Birdie: I’ve compiled a list of ground rules re: shared train bedroom. Check your email; please read carefully; and refer to it again on the ninth of February. Thank you. 

Eddie: *nerd face emoji* Received. I have some notes. 

This audiobook has dual narration, with portions that are duet-style.

©2021 Kayley Loring (P)2021 Kayley Loring

A love letter to us all

This book was flippity floppity fantastic. Books like this are proof that no matter what she says, Kayley Loring loves us. This book was just full of happiness and whimsy. I both read the novel and listened to the audiobook. Both are great but the audio really adds a lot to this story. Connor Crais, Mackenzie Cartwright and Dane Anderson brought all these characters to life with amazing performances.
Connor as Eddie made you fall in love with this character. The Romeo monologue would make a Shakespeare fan out of anyone. He had to also deliver lines in Irish, British and Boston accents, sometimes in the same scene. It was ducking brilliant.
Mackenzie as Birdie has the best comedic timing and delivery, Kayley Loring writes the most witty banter and inner monologues and Mackenzie is perfection. And we get a bit more of Piper for everyone who loved her in Bossy Christmas.
Dane Anderson with the small role as Gavin the train conductor was very fun and entertaining, he has a great voice you will quickly love and hopefully we will hear more from him soon.
This friends to lovers story is funny, with clever dialogue, hot sexy times, and low angst. It’s rom com perfection from beginning to end. If you get the audio you’ll listen more than once

A HUMOROUS HEARTWARMING FIVE STAR ROM/COM

First of all, a standing ovation for the wonderful narration (.. especially Connor’s swoon-worthy Irish and British accents that were glimpsed not enough times 💕) they both brought the characters, the giggles, the sizzles and the sexy ‘n sweet to life. Warm loving characters who thought they knew each other so well - but were hiding the most important thing. It’s a fun, lite, addictive and very entertaining friend-to-lovers romance.. and the banter, humor, pace, flow and narrative is why KL will always be a ‘one click’ author for me.. and I’m sure a lot of other fans too.

Worth a credit? Definitely.. duck this and you’ll have missed a ducking good ducklicious listen.. shoulders shaking hands over mouth chuckling emoji.

One of my favorite audiobooks of 2021! 5+ stars!

Ah, Kayley Loing seriously knows the way to my heart. My introduction to her writing was by way of one of her audiobooks, and I swear, every single one I've had the pleasure of listening since then has been a standout. Her latest one, A Very Friendly Valentine's Day, arrived on, you guessed it, Valentine's Day, and I happily allowed myself to fall in love with this story all over again, only this time, with the added bonus of having the fab duo of Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright narrating.

Edward Cannavale and Birdie Beckett have been the best of friends for the past six years. From the moment they sat next to each other in American Lit, they simply clicked. They know one another better than almost anyone else who was close to them, and they equally cherish the friendship that they share. Which is why having not-so-platonic thoughts about each other is a no-no. Why risk it, right? But one froner and many dirty fantasies later, Birdie is beginning to realize that there's no escaping her feelings for Eddie. And now that they're stuck on a train to New York together, there's no escaping Eddie and his not-too-thought-out plan to woo the one girl who sees and knows him most. Friends forever or friends who could have forever?

Oh, audiobook, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.... From the writing to the narration and everything in between, this was, hands down, one of the most irresistibly endearing audiobooks my ears have had the privilege of listening to. I didn't just love Birdie and Eddie's story--I FLOVED IT! These two main characters were such standouts, holding their own and being noteworthy as individuals, but when they were together, it was pure magic. I was absolutely enthralled listening to this wonderfully penned romance from Kayley Loring and she's obviously hit the jackpot with the pairing of Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright because these two weren't merely telling a story. Nope, they became Eddie and Birdie and I felt as if they were sharing their story with me, making this one of the best friends-to-lovers romance audiobooks I've ever listened to, hands down. I'm highly recommending this to anyone who loves listening to romance on audio. Five-plus stars and then some!

Connor Crais made me swoon.

I'm sure lots of people will go into detail about the actual story. I'm here for the absolutely magnificent performance of the Romeo balcony scene monologue. I am telling you that as I listened to Connor Crais perform Romeo's words, my jaw dropped open and I listened in stunned silence. In all my years, I've never heard Romeo's words delivered with such passion and true feeling of love. Usually they sound trite and ridiculous, but not when Connor performed them. I'm so glad I own this audiobook so I can listen to it again. It was truly beautiful.

Swoon-worthy Rom-Com, and WOWZA those narrators!

OVERALL: My first experience with Kayley Loring was A Very Bossy Christmas, and I loved it. It was one of my favorite books from 2020. When I heard this book was being released, I was incredibly excited. Connor Crais has easily taken the top spot of “narrator crush” for me, and Loring writes a fantastically funny, sexy, and romantic book.

STORYLINE: After a very long span of angsty, overly dramatic books, I needed a palate cleanse, so I started immersing myself into sweet romances (some rom/coms, some not). This is one of those sweet, yet also hilarious, books. I think I laughed just as many times as I said “awwww” out loud. I love stories that continue with characters we’ve seen in previous books, and I was excited to see where this took Eddie Cannavale’s tale. The train as the vehicle (no pun intended) for their romantic journey was fantastic. I loved the use of it, and it worked really well.

CHARACTERS: Eddie is such a swoon-worthy character! He’s definitely top “book boyfriend” material! He is utterly charming, and so easy to fall in love with! I love his banter with his brothers/cousins. It was hilarious in the first book, and the fun continued in the second book. Birdie is such a relatable character for me. She’s a little nerdy, incredibly witty, loves the show Sherlock, and is involved in the arts. Both characters are so honest and communicative and loving. Their chemistry together was off the charts, and I love their repartee via text/phone and then in person! After finishing the book though, I want two books 1) centered around Billy “Boston” O’Sullivan and 2) featuring Gavin the conductor! I loved these two characters!!

NARRATION: The narration is top notch. I’ve mentioned it previously in this review, but Connor Crais has taken over the crown of my favorite male narrator. He is a MASTER of accents. I am perpetually amazed by the accents he delivers. He is consistent, and every one of his accents (including his natural voice) is incredibly sexy to listen to. His Irish accent is seriously one of the sexiest things I've ever heard (I'd ask for it too, Birdie!). I now seek out any books he narrates. I now seek out any books he narrates. His singing is also fantastic and should be included in every audiobook. Mackenzie Cartwright is fantastic. She is simply fantastic. She pulls you into stories and has this way of pulling you into the story fully. Now for Dane Anderson…. As Gavin the conductor of their “love train,” he was a real delight. His first line made me stop what I was doing, and I literally said, "Hooooooooly shit." What. A. Voice. Damn. I cannot wait to listen to more of him! He has perfect delivery, and he was one of my favorite characters in the entire book. I need a book about Gavin and Michelle next!

Friends to Lovers PERFECTION!

Gahhh! This book! I am not a big friends to lovers fan. There’s often so much of a slow burn that I get bored or just frustrated and am like just get together already! But this friends to lovers was NONE OF THAT! Kayley Loring gifted us with the funniest, sweetest, sexiest friends to lovers I’ve ever listened to. A Very Friendly Valentine is perfection and a solid new favorite of mine.

I adore the Cannavale family to the nth degree, it is such a fun family to read about. Eddie and Birdie’s story was everything I wanted it to be and more. Eddie being the hot AF actor and Birdie being the nerdy girl who met each other in college they placed each other in the friend zone end never stepped outside of it. But when they do OH LAWD these two ignite in passion! But the thing is they don’t let any of that weirdness in that sleeping with your best friend brings into their hearts. Eddie wouldn’t have it. He knew instantly she was his and he didn’t let Birdie fight it, it was so swoon worthy! In the midst of all this sexiness you have a plethora of laughter, all the warm and fuzzies of two best friends diving head first into love and genuinely a freaking fantastic story.

Connor Crais and McKenzie Cartwright’s narration was nothing short of superb! And the singing! And the accents! And the Piper reappearance! It is just every single thing you could ever want in a feel good romance. And I mean everything. I want to continue to ramble about what made this book so good but just go find out for yourself instead!

Rom-Com satisfaction guaranteed

Kayley Loring once again proves that she is the Queen of Rom-Coms in "A Very Friendly Valentine's Day." She knows how to make a story charming, lighthearted, and most importantly funny. In her books, the characters have a visible purpose who believably belong together. Birdie and Eddie are no expectation.

Birdie may be the most empathic heroine Kayley Loring has written, but she is also the most complete. She is unapologetically a "nerd," but better said she's a highly intelligent woman which makes her interests/hobbies unique. However, unlike in typical story arcs, the hero doesn't belittle those interests or try to change her. It's one of the many qualities that makes Eddie an ideal romantic hero.

For audiobook listeners, we know that Kayley writes with narrators in mind and it once again shows in this story. Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright shine in Kayley's books because they are not only able to bring the funny but the charm as well.

I will say that even though it's great to be exposed to new narrators in the audiobook community, the conductor scenes with the featured narrator came across as dry and uninspiring, but the role is small enough where it won't ruin the listening experience.

At the end of the day, the Connor/Mackenzie duo is like Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan where you can witness them fall in love over and over again no matter what stories they tell.

A very sweet friends to lovers romance

I loved the story of Eddie and Birdy!
Nothing like a good forced proximity situation to make friends see things in a different way!
As in all Kayley Loring's books, you will find the romance, the steam and the funny!
Highly recommend!

I have a smile on my face!!

Wow!!

Every single time I listen to an audio book of Kayley Loring my heart is full and I’m smiling ear to ear and can we talk about Mr. Connor Crais voice..... swoon!
Specially those Shakespeare monologues, seriously this man has a voice like no other and Mackenzie Cartwright complemented him so good, they both did this characters justice.
The banter was flirty, hilarious and the love that Eddie and Birdy felt for each other shined through.
Loved the story and the characters.
This was such an amazing audio just in time for the Valentine’s festivities.

Highly recommend it!!

Very Friendly Indeed

I loved this! I really enjoyed A Very Bossy Christmas by this author so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this story. The Cannavale Family is so funny. Eddie and Birdie together are so cute. Plenty of humor and steamy scenes as well. The narrators are great and really bring the story to life. Highly recommend!

Loved the narration and fun story

Fun story with a nice storyline and HEA - the kind of lighthearted book that I needed!

Also love the narrators - they always do a great job 😊

A very swoony valentines story

What more could you want, a fun filled swoony story. This is such a fun packed story. With some lovely tender moments. Both narrators did a great job❤️❤️

Hilarious story and fantastic narration.

I’m never sad about listening to Kayley’s audiobooks and I’ve come to associate the lovely Mackenzie Cartwright with all the hilarious female characters Kayley writes. That woman has the best comedic timing and sarcasm. Love her! Connor is of course smooth as smooth peanut butter and embodies Eddie perfectly. This narrator pairing is a winning combo and with Kayley driving the writing, you just can’t go wrong.

I love that the majority of this book takes place on a cross country train. Birdie and Eddie are best friends and she is booked to take the train from LA to NYC because she’s scared to fly and her mate Eddie decides to keep her company. They embark on a journey that not only takes them cross country but into each other’s hearts.

As you can expect from all of Kayley’s books, there were snort laughing moments and drink spitting moments too. I love her ability to mix the feels with the hilarity. There is of course steam and plenty of funny and drunk voice messages.

If you need a laugh, grab this one, just be ready to make a mess with your drink!

Fun story, low angst, great narration

This was a fun and entertaining story. It was definitely written with audio in mind and I’d highly recommend the audio version.

Laugh-love-steam

Even before the cover reveal, I was sold. Kayley Loring–a promise of fun and feelings. Friends to lovers–that’s my favorite trope. Then the cover–pretty eye candy. I feared I would be disappointed. I wasn’t. At all. Kayley Loring delivers.

Birdie and Eddie were awesome as friends, and they became perfect as lovers. They really love and respect each other. But they also make fun of each other, though it’s just teasing. Their text conversations, which take up a good part of the book, are hilarious.

There were a lot of pop culture references, but also ‘serious’ culture references, so there’s a little something for everyone. Also, it’s very low angst. So, if you’re looking for a fun moment with a book, you’ll enjoy the laugh-love-steam of this perfect little gem.

The female narrator was excellent as always. I loved the male narrator’s voice–it sounded the right age too–but I felt he didn’t do the steamy parts justice. It was still quite a good audiobook, it just didn’t offer me anything more than the ebook.

A Very Friendly Valentine's Day

I loved this book! Kayley Loring is a new author to me. This was a laugh out loud kind of book. I am going to be checking out more of her books. This was such and easy and enjoyable listen! Connor and Mackenzie did an amazing job narrating. Dane was great as the conductor.

fun and cute romcom

Kayley Loring is a new author to me and wasn't sure what to expect but everyone was saying how great this series is and the narrators are fantastic soooo. I really enjoyed it. Eddie and Birdie were very cute together and it was a fun romance. This was an opposites attract, hot actor falls for his best friend (the stereotype nerd girl).

The narration was fabulous - dual with a bit of duet when reading messages back and forth between the characters which was so much better than hearing the name before who was texting. Then special guest narrator, Dane Anderson, as the funny train conductor - I would love to hear his voice for entire audios (yummy).

Absolutely wonderful 💞🥰💞🥰

Funny, witty, sweet, charming...all the fabulous adjectives for both the story of Birdie and Eddie and the superb narration of Mackenzie Cartwright and Connor Crais 💞❤️🥰❤️💞🥰❤️💞🥰

Lovely

This is just a sweet, fun romance.
A very easy listen.

Narrators were excellent.
Very enjoyable.

Everything I want in a friend's to lovers romance.

Yet another hilariously funny book from Kayley Loring. I just can't recommend this book highly enough. There is zero angst and just a great ride all around.
The male narrators voice is so delicious, just beware that at certain points you may actually swoon so make sure you have someone around to catch you!