Heart Smart

By: Smartypants Romance, Emma Lee Jayne

Narrated by: Natalie Duke, Connor Crais

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Dr. Maximillian Ramsey has a problem....

I’m a jerk. Everyone I know or have ever worked with agrees. “Misanthropic asshole” is the term I hear most often.

I don’t care what other people think, as long as they leave me alone to focus on my research on soil microbiology. Plus, I walk with a cane thanks to a childhood accident. I have scars on my face. And if that isn’t enough to scare people off, my bad attitude and general grumpiness seal the deal. Which is just the way I like it.

Except, I’ve been short listed for one of the most prestigious academic fellowships around. To win it, I’ll have to give a series of speeches. On a stage. With an audience. While being filmed.

Yeah. None of that is going to happen.

Unfortunately, my boss has a plan. He brings in one of the communications lecturers to give me a “make over,” help me write the speeches, and manage my social media.

But the last thing I need is some nosy, bossy, gorgeous woman meddling in my life.

And Holly is the solution....

I’m a mere communications lecturer at a prestigious research university. I’m used to being outclassed and under-educated compared to the PhDs who surround me.

But I’m good at what I do. Brilliant, actually.

When Max’s boss (who happens to be my ex-husband) begs me to help transform this beast of a man into someone worthy of the fellowship, I have my work cut out for me.

It’ll take a lot of badgering, blatant manipulation, and some outright thievery to get Max to cooperate. All of which I handle with the enough professionalism and restraint that should earn me a fancy grant.

What I can’t handle is how unexpectedly attractive I find the stubborn and brilliant man.

This is a battle of wills and wits, and neither is prepared to admit defeat …

Heart Smart is a full-length contemporary romance and can be listened to as a stand-alone. Book 2 in the Work for It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

©2021 Smartypants Romance (P)2021 Smartypants Romance

Love it!!

This book is smart, witty and overall a cute romantic comedy. It gives me an Erin Mallon/Kayley Loring vibe. The banter is hilarious between Holly and Max, both are soo different but complement each other. Emma is anew author for me but I hope we'll get more books from her. Natalie narration was spot on and she was perfect as Holly. Connor was superb as always plus who doesn't looove growly Connor!? 😉

Enjoyed

Sometimes a simple none complicated and engaging story is all you need. This hit all the butterfly check boxes for me. Narration was great as always! Natalie just makes the sass come across in the best of ways. Conner, well he is just an auto download for me!

Beauty and The Grumpy

Dr. Maximilian Ramsey, world renowned expert on "dirt", is a jerk. A genius, but a misanthropic pain in the ass. When he's up for a prestigious fellowship (and a $$$$$ grant for the department), he needs to get prepped for acceptable human interaction and social media presence so the university sends a bossy spitfire to help him be presentable, write speeches and manage social media. She's nosy, bossy, gorgeous and won't stop messing with his life... and his head. 

Holly can't believe what she has to deal with. The guy may be a genius but he definitely is a royal pain in the butt ... and what nice butt! She doesn't care what she'll have to do, but she'll get him "media ready" even if it kills her. It probably will...

What a fun, grumpy-sunshine, sort of a Beauty and the Beast reimagining! We fall for Max completely when we figure out how wonderful he really is. Max has Asperger's and has to walk with a cane due to an accident that killed his parents. He IS an unapologetic jerk but we end loving him anyway! And Holly is such. fun, badass "Smurf". It was great seeing those two find their way to each other. 

It is a rom com but it deals with some heavy stuff. Holly and Max both feel they have inadequacies and they have both been through some heavy losses but it's still a joyful book! I love how they won't be apologetic for who they are. 

Narration: Oh my I LOVE grumpy Connor! And funny grumpy Connor is a delight. Natalie Duke is lovely in this one too. They made chuckle and go "aww" a few times. 

Rep and possible triggers: MMC has Asperger's and uses a cane to help with mobility; FMC has ADHD (read author's notes). Mentions of loss of pregnancy, divorce, death of parents

WORTH EVERY CREDIT!!!!!!

I was looking for something sweet and not to angsty and boy did i find it! this book is absolutely wonderful and make me smile and laugh out loud more times then i could count. It was so sweet and listing to Max and Holy learn to understand each other made me all gooey as they reminded me so much of me and my husband. The author (Emma) did a wonderful job on this book and the narrators were spot on! All in all, this was worth every credit <3

Ready for more!!!

First time listening to a book by this author & she is now one of my favorites!
This book is everything I love; hilarious, witty, fast-paced dialogue (imagine Lorelei Gilmore), with a strong, intelligent, and quirky hero & heroine.
If possible, I would have given this book 10 Stars!
Please produce more audiobooks from this Author!!!!

"Heart Smart" is aptly named!

Great story, great narrators, fast moving, funny and sizzlin' hot!!!! With the cameo mention of Martin Sedecki😘, this will be read again and again and again! 😍

short and sweet

This was a sweet story with likable characters and a plausible story line. I enjoyed it.

It has Heart and Heat!

Set at a prestigious Texas university, this novel's smart; loveable and quirky main characters are seemingly opposites who attract. Their story is witty, funny and sexy, if a bit predictable.

Love it

I really enjoy listening to this book! Natalie and Connor where the best and actually story was too cute and and overly explained.

It was ok...

I thought the story was cute and I was excited to listen to this book, but the guy in the story was borderline aggressive/abusive towards the gal. There were a few moments where I was afraid to hear what happened next - if there was physical abuse, etc. The cover is misleading. I thought this was going to be a gentle read and it really wasn't.

Great romcom with lots of heart ❤

The banter between Holly and Max makes this story so enjoyable. Max is a science research professor who lacks communication skills. So in order to increase the chances of getting a large grant, Holly is called on to help him improve his social skills.
That's when the fun begins because Max is not a willing participant.
Top marks to the narrators for bringing the story to life ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I really recommend this audio book

sweet and funny

love it! sweet and funny. not too much R rates until it gets disgusting like many other romance nowadays
First half a bit boring. could have started the love story earlier