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Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words
Listening Length: 6 hours and 15 minutes
Cowritten by USA Today best-selling author Tara Sivec and award-winning narrator Andi Arndt, a hysterically funny, heartfelt romance about starting over and taking chances.
Nothing good ever comes from drinking a box of wine alone. So when I decided to entertain my drunken self by setting up some hand-me-down podcasting equipment and reading the steamy parts from romance novels, I never thought anyone would actually listen. The fact that I admitted my huge crush on my sexy next door neighbor made the whole thing even more mortifying. But sometimes life surprises you, and that’s how my podcast, Heidi’s Discount Erotica, was born.
Now I, Heidi Larsen, a sweet former kindergarten teacher in Waconia, Minnesota, lead a scandalous double life reading erotic novels to the listening world. And with each episode, I find myself embracing my new alter ego more and more. Now I’m starting to feel more comfortable in my own skin and do things I never would have dreamed of - like kissing my neighbor.
Look out, Waconia, because Heidi’s on the loose! She’s in your ears, in your hearts, and down your pants...wait, that didn’t sound as good as it did in my head. Well, you get the picture, don’tcha know!
Cowritten by USA Today best-selling author Tara Sivec and award-winning narrator Andi Arndt, a hysterically funny, heartfelt romance about starting over and taking chances.
Nothing good ever comes from drinking a box of wine alone. So when I decided to entertain my drunken self by setting up some hand-me-down podcasting equipment and reading the steamy parts from romance novels, I never thought anyone would actually listen. The fact that I admitted my huge crush on my sexy next door neighbor made the whole thing even more mortifying. But sometimes life surprises you, and that’s how my podcast, Heidi’s Discount Erotica, was born.
Now I, Heidi Larsen, a sweet former kindergarten teacher in Waconia, Minnesota, lead a scandalous double life reading erotic novels to the listening world. And with each episode, I find myself embracing my new alter ego more and more. Now I’m starting to feel more comfortable in my own skin and do things I never would have dreamed of - like kissing my neighbor.
Look out, Waconia, because Heidi’s on the loose! She’s in your ears, in your hearts, and down your pants...wait, that didn’t sound as good as it did in my head. Well, you get the picture, don’tcha know!
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 3, 2019
About the author
Tara Sivec
66 books10.3k followersTara Sivec is a USA Today best-selling author, wife, mother, chauffeur, maid, short-order cook, baby-sitter, and sarcasm expert. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children and looks forward to the day when all three of them become adults and move out.
After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She writes in a wide range of genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2014.
In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she'll do and naps she'll take when she ever gets spare time.
After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She writes in a wide range of genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2014.
In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she'll do and naps she'll take when she ever gets spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,801 reviews
December 26, 2019
This was precious. The ending was a little contrived, but I had such a blast reading this that I didn't even care. Also, I desperately want some casserole now???????
September 11, 2019
4 stars
Tara Sivec's humor and Andi Arndt's narration... you know when I heard these two were co-writing a book and Andi was narrating I had to check it out right away. I'm so glad I did. It was sweet, cute, sexy, and down right hilarious!
Heidi Larsen is a former kindergarten teacher and her town's sweetheart. After getting laid off from her job, she finds something new. An administrative assistant job in a studio. Sounds great, right? This is a studio that produces audiobooks. Audiobooks that are mostly erotica and/or romance. It's something that Heidi becomes uncomfortable with almost immediately. After her first day, she takes home some spare equipment and after a box of wine, records her first ever podcast. It is a hoot.
Heidi talks about her life, her inexperience, and most importantly, her crush on her next door neighbor, Brent. While working at this studio, she makes friends with some of her co-workers and starts to come out of her shell. She uses the podcast to help as well. 'Heidi's Discount Erotica' features Heidi narrating some books- some of the steamier scenes to get her more comfortable.
This book was a bit over the top, but I was okay with that. It was so much fun to listen to. I laughed out loud so many times and I cheered for Heidi as she started to come out of her shell. I loved watching her with Brent, seeing her take charge and be more comfortable in her own skin. Also, every scene with her parents was just hilarious. This was one of the funniest things I've read in some time. Andi Arndt does an amazing job narrating, as always, and I was impressed with her writing skills as well. She and Tara Sivec collaborated on this seamlessly.
If you're looking for a book that will make you smile, laugh out loud, and is a bit ridiculous in the best way possible, pick up Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words. It was highly entertaining and a blast to listen to!
Tara Sivec's humor and Andi Arndt's narration... you know when I heard these two were co-writing a book and Andi was narrating I had to check it out right away. I'm so glad I did. It was sweet, cute, sexy, and down right hilarious!
Heidi Larsen is a former kindergarten teacher and her town's sweetheart. After getting laid off from her job, she finds something new. An administrative assistant job in a studio. Sounds great, right? This is a studio that produces audiobooks. Audiobooks that are mostly erotica and/or romance. It's something that Heidi becomes uncomfortable with almost immediately. After her first day, she takes home some spare equipment and after a box of wine, records her first ever podcast. It is a hoot.
Heidi talks about her life, her inexperience, and most importantly, her crush on her next door neighbor, Brent. While working at this studio, she makes friends with some of her co-workers and starts to come out of her shell. She uses the podcast to help as well. 'Heidi's Discount Erotica' features Heidi narrating some books- some of the steamier scenes to get her more comfortable.
This book was a bit over the top, but I was okay with that. It was so much fun to listen to. I laughed out loud so many times and I cheered for Heidi as she started to come out of her shell. I loved watching her with Brent, seeing her take charge and be more comfortable in her own skin. Also, every scene with her parents was just hilarious. This was one of the funniest things I've read in some time. Andi Arndt does an amazing job narrating, as always, and I was impressed with her writing skills as well. She and Tara Sivec collaborated on this seamlessly.
If you're looking for a book that will make you smile, laugh out loud, and is a bit ridiculous in the best way possible, pick up Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words. It was highly entertaining and a blast to listen to!
September 5, 2020
If I had to sum up this book with one word it would be cringe. So goddamn cringey. I’m also super disappointed because I remember Tara Sivec’s Seduction and Snacks as one of the funniest books I’ve ever read, and had high hopes for this one. Also, I wouldn’t even consider this romance since there was barely any focus on the romantic relationship and more on Heidi’s personal growth, if you can even call it that.
It would probably take me all day to write down everything I hated about this book, but I’ll list a few:
1. The heroine is painfully immature and reserved. When I picked up this book I expected to find a heroine who discovers romance novels for the first time, not a sexually repressed 25 year old woman who is so offended by the “dirty” parts in a romance novel that she can’t even hear them spoken out loud or speak them herself. In fact she's so offended that she considers quitting her job on the first day when she realizes the company she works at records romance audiobooks. Really?????
2. The book is RIDICULOUS. I wish I had read this in ebook format because I’d have all the ridiculous parts highlighted. But here are some examples off the top of my head: after spending one day at her job listening to an excerpt from a romance novel she’s convinced that her mind has been corrupted and that she’s going to end up on the street as a prostitute (I’m sorry, what????), the first time she gave the hero a bj she had a romance novel open to a similar scene so she could follow instructions, her parents walk in on her and the hero tied up in her bed, she overhears the hero playing Fortnite and immediately thinks he’s into weird sex kinks…
3. She records a podcast while drunk and accidentally posts in online. How exactly does that happen? Then every other podcast is just literally 2-3 minutes of her struggling to read "dirty" scenes and giggling like a 12 year old, and I’m supposed to believe that this became a popular podcast. Okay.
4. Her mom and her aunt are super annoying, but not as annoying as our heroine herself. Heidi goes off on tangents and starts babbling just as much as her mom. Sorry it’s not cute or quirky. Sadly though, I could relate to her struggles with being an only child and having parents who don’t understand boundaries.
5. Andi Arndt, the best female narrator in my opinion, sounds horrible in this. Maybe it’s the Minnesota accent and all the uff daa and oh gees that had me rolling my eyes, but it was so over the top. I kept thinking her narration and tone sounded just like Mandy Moore (whom I adore) in Tangled minus the accent, but that just goes to show how painfully naïve I thought Heidi was.
6. I found myself wishing I could hear the hero’s POV. I constantly wondered how he felt about dating a woman with the emotional maturity of a 12 year old.
7.
I'm genuinely so surprised to see all the raving reviews, but to each his own I guess.
It would probably take me all day to write down everything I hated about this book, but I’ll list a few:
1. The heroine is painfully immature and reserved. When I picked up this book I expected to find a heroine who discovers romance novels for the first time, not a sexually repressed 25 year old woman who is so offended by the “dirty” parts in a romance novel that she can’t even hear them spoken out loud or speak them herself. In fact she's so offended that she considers quitting her job on the first day when she realizes the company she works at records romance audiobooks. Really?????
2. The book is RIDICULOUS. I wish I had read this in ebook format because I’d have all the ridiculous parts highlighted. But here are some examples off the top of my head: after spending one day at her job listening to an excerpt from a romance novel she’s convinced that her mind has been corrupted and that she’s going to end up on the street as a prostitute (I’m sorry, what????), the first time she gave the hero a bj she had a romance novel open to a similar scene so she could follow instructions, her parents walk in on her and the hero tied up in her bed, she overhears the hero playing Fortnite and immediately thinks he’s into weird sex kinks…
3. She records a podcast while drunk and accidentally posts in online. How exactly does that happen? Then every other podcast is just literally 2-3 minutes of her struggling to read "dirty" scenes and giggling like a 12 year old, and I’m supposed to believe that this became a popular podcast. Okay.
4. Her mom and her aunt are super annoying, but not as annoying as our heroine herself. Heidi goes off on tangents and starts babbling just as much as her mom. Sorry it’s not cute or quirky. Sadly though, I could relate to her struggles with being an only child and having parents who don’t understand boundaries.
5. Andi Arndt, the best female narrator in my opinion, sounds horrible in this. Maybe it’s the Minnesota accent and all the uff daa and oh gees that had me rolling my eyes, but it was so over the top. I kept thinking her narration and tone sounded just like Mandy Moore (whom I adore) in Tangled minus the accent, but that just goes to show how painfully naïve I thought Heidi was.
6. I found myself wishing I could hear the hero’s POV. I constantly wondered how he felt about dating a woman with the emotional maturity of a 12 year old.
7.
I'm genuinely so surprised to see all the raving reviews, but to each his own I guess.
December 13, 2020
3.5 Stars
Had to read this cause it was co-authored by one of my favorite female narrators. Idk how people who collaborate on books do their thing (the distribution of work and such), but it must be said that Andi Arndt’s writing skill is just as impeccable as her audiobooking prowess. Color me impressed. Props to y’all!
Not to say that this book is groundbreaking, but it is very much a firecracker. By that I mean, the whole thing is ridiculous, but it is also absolutely hilarious. And in times like today, you need as much of that as you can get. I listened to the audio, which was also narrated by Arndt, and it was a delight.
Heidi is this quirky, shy, clumsy heroine in her mid twenties. It was fun seeing her sort of coming into herself and finding her passion, career wise. I had to admit that this book is more about Heidi navigating through her new job, her newfound self, and her love life than it is about her and the love interest’s romance. If you know what I mean?
Meanwhile, the hero Brent is a nice guy. And lowkey kinda boring cause we don’t really know much about him aside from being the hot sexy (sometimes helpful) next door neighbor. Didn’t catch any alpha vibe. He’s a gentleman basically. He indulges Heidi in her little sex experiments. Their interactions are awkward but in a cute, adorable, and funny way.
The romance is pretty standard (like you can pretty much tell from the start how it’ll all go down) and the ending a little contrived, but overall it’s just a lovely sweetener for this book. I adored the side characters as well. They were a real treat, especially Heidi’s mom and aunt. For me personally, the winning point is Heidi’s podcast and the audiobook rep.
It was my first time reading a character who worked in the audiobook industry. I’m an audiobook fanatic. It was cool seeing a little bit of what went behind the production of one. It honestly had me seriously rethinking my career choice and if I should find a job in an audiobook company. That would be dope.
(Read as an Audiobook)
Had to read this cause it was co-authored by one of my favorite female narrators. Idk how people who collaborate on books do their thing (the distribution of work and such), but it must be said that Andi Arndt’s writing skill is just as impeccable as her audiobooking prowess. Color me impressed. Props to y’all!
Not to say that this book is groundbreaking, but it is very much a firecracker. By that I mean, the whole thing is ridiculous, but it is also absolutely hilarious. And in times like today, you need as much of that as you can get. I listened to the audio, which was also narrated by Arndt, and it was a delight.
Heidi is this quirky, shy, clumsy heroine in her mid twenties. It was fun seeing her sort of coming into herself and finding her passion, career wise. I had to admit that this book is more about Heidi navigating through her new job, her newfound self, and her love life than it is about her and the love interest’s romance. If you know what I mean?
Meanwhile, the hero Brent is a nice guy. And lowkey kinda boring cause we don’t really know much about him aside from being the hot sexy (sometimes helpful) next door neighbor. Didn’t catch any alpha vibe. He’s a gentleman basically. He indulges Heidi in her little sex experiments. Their interactions are awkward but in a cute, adorable, and funny way.
The romance is pretty standard (like you can pretty much tell from the start how it’ll all go down) and the ending a little contrived, but overall it’s just a lovely sweetener for this book. I adored the side characters as well. They were a real treat, especially Heidi’s mom and aunt. For me personally, the winning point is Heidi’s podcast and the audiobook rep.
It was my first time reading a character who worked in the audiobook industry. I’m an audiobook fanatic. It was cool seeing a little bit of what went behind the production of one. It honestly had me seriously rethinking my career choice and if I should find a job in an audiobook company. That would be dope.
(Read as an Audiobook)
September 7, 2019
I really needed this...
I haven't laughed that hard in a long time...ON THE TRAIN...OUT LOUD! Seriously, my fellow passengers must think I'm an absolute loon. You can pass off the odd smirk and even a big smile once in a while, but full-on busting out laughing, not so much. I just couldn't help myself, though. Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words was OTT silly but so bloody good. I beg you Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt, please, do it again and again and again. If this is what happens when a very talented author works together with an outstanding voice actor, well, I'm a fan.
I started listening to this audio on the way to work and by the time I arrived, I was desperate to share my good fortune of finding this little treasure. Two of my workmates asked what was making me smile and I then proceeded to tell them about the heroine, Heidi. Heidi, who previously loved Amish love stories with fade to black intimate scenes, finds herself working at a place that records erotic romances. Oh my lordy, my work colleagues chuckled. I think they were chuckling at me more that the storyline because I couldn't explain without bursting out laughing as I explained. You might guess from this, I'm not very good at sharing jokes. ;-)
I wasn't sure what I was going to be getting when I downloaded Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words, to be honest. I didn't read the blurb properly because somehow I got the impression that it was going to be like a podcast. I was even wondering whether it was going to be a romance. Imagine my surprise and delight when I realised my mistake. It was definitely romantic and extremely funny.
Now, some might say that this story was a little OTT and highly unlikely that Heidi could be so naive, and at first, I had to agree. After a little while, I came to realise it was all Heidi's mum's fault. She protected Heidi from all the bad things in life. This had me thinking about my kids and how I might be doing them a disservice by protecting them from disappointment. Resilience, unfortunately, needs to be learnt. Sure, I want to protect them from heartache but how are they to learn to pick yourself up again if they've never had to. I guess I'll have to learn to pick their battles. ;-)
So, if you're looking for a good laugh and want to be thoroughly entertained by a fantastic story that is brilliantly narrated, you can't go by Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words. The characters were original, the hero was sigh-worthy and Heidi's mum an absolute CRACK UP! I really do hope that Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt decide to do more in the future.
I haven't laughed that hard in a long time...ON THE TRAIN...OUT LOUD! Seriously, my fellow passengers must think I'm an absolute loon. You can pass off the odd smirk and even a big smile once in a while, but full-on busting out laughing, not so much. I just couldn't help myself, though. Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words was OTT silly but so bloody good. I beg you Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt, please, do it again and again and again. If this is what happens when a very talented author works together with an outstanding voice actor, well, I'm a fan.
I started listening to this audio on the way to work and by the time I arrived, I was desperate to share my good fortune of finding this little treasure. Two of my workmates asked what was making me smile and I then proceeded to tell them about the heroine, Heidi. Heidi, who previously loved Amish love stories with fade to black intimate scenes, finds herself working at a place that records erotic romances. Oh my lordy, my work colleagues chuckled. I think they were chuckling at me more that the storyline because I couldn't explain without bursting out laughing as I explained. You might guess from this, I'm not very good at sharing jokes. ;-)
I wasn't sure what I was going to be getting when I downloaded Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words, to be honest. I didn't read the blurb properly because somehow I got the impression that it was going to be like a podcast. I was even wondering whether it was going to be a romance. Imagine my surprise and delight when I realised my mistake. It was definitely romantic and extremely funny.
Now, some might say that this story was a little OTT and highly unlikely that Heidi could be so naive, and at first, I had to agree. After a little while, I came to realise it was all Heidi's mum's fault. She protected Heidi from all the bad things in life. This had me thinking about my kids and how I might be doing them a disservice by protecting them from disappointment. Resilience, unfortunately, needs to be learnt. Sure, I want to protect them from heartache but how are they to learn to pick yourself up again if they've never had to. I guess I'll have to learn to pick their battles. ;-)
So, if you're looking for a good laugh and want to be thoroughly entertained by a fantastic story that is brilliantly narrated, you can't go by Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words. The characters were original, the hero was sigh-worthy and Heidi's mum an absolute CRACK UP! I really do hope that Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt decide to do more in the future.
September 29, 2019
TITLE: HEIDI'S GUIDE TO FOUR LETTER WORDS
AUTHOR: Andi Arndt, Tara Sivec
RELEASE DATE: September 3, 2019
GENRE: RomCom
TROPES/THEMES: Small Town Romance
NARRATORS: Andi Arndt
LENGTH: 6 hrs and 15 mins
RATING: 5 Stars
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
I'm in love with this author duo! Andi Arndt is well known for her audio narration but who would have guessed that she can write? Since this is about a podcast, audiobooks and romance novels in general I suppose both authors drew from their vast experience.
It tells the story about how a shy young woman becomes empowered by reading erotica out loud on a podcast and how she becomes bolder and braver with each episode. Which makes her go over to her neighbor, who she has had a crush on for a long while and finally dares to ask him out.
Heidi was such an endearingly quirky, adorkably awkward young woman, a little prudish but in a cute way, who finally found the courage to be herself and fall in love with the person she is. And along with her Brent, the sexy neighbor, falls in love with her too. He is one of the good guys and it was really cute to see how he accepted every single quirk about her, how he thought she was the greatest thing since sliced bread.
The things Heidi says and does are so freaking hilarious that I was in stitches. Was it a little slapstick-y? Hell yeah but I couldn't wipe that smile off my face the entire time. I hope we get more stories by Andi Arndt, who was more than qualified to bring Heidi's endearing personality to life, and Tara Sivec. They definitely created something special. If you love lighthearted, laugh-out-loud funny rom-coms with characters that are easy to love I can't recommend HEIDI'S GUIDE TO FOUR LETTER WORDS enough!
September 23, 2019
This is possibly the funniest book I've ever, er, listened to. Since the narrator co-wrote it, I suspect that it isn't an accident that the narration perfectly fits the characters to pull off some hilarious scenes. And without compromising the characters or story.
This turns out to be more chick-lit than romance as the story is mainly about Heidi growing into herself once her career as a teacher tanks. I loved spending time with her on the journey of self-discovery and I enjoyed the growth and the people she meets and the relationships she makes along the way. And I particularly liked the developments in her relationship with her parents.
It's not perfect. There's a late-story romance trope that blows in and feels gratuitous. If you're interested, . I resented the intrusion as it felt unnatural and manufactured. It doesn't help that Heidi regresses for a bit and seems to lose all her previous growth. She recovers and I like the ending, but I hated everybody and everything about the book for a while, there.
I laughed out loud so much and thoroughly enjoyed so much of this story that I've chosen to just ignore the manufactured trope shenanigans and give this all five stars anyway. That may be over-generous, but seriously, funniest book evar!
A note about Audiobook: It should be no surprise that Andi Arndt nails the accent and attitudes of the people she wrote about. It's a bold move having her so involved in the writing and I think it paid off very well in this instance. I didn't think there was so much humor to be mined from Minnesotans being Minnesotans, but that just goes to show ya.
A note about (bad) language: A central theme to the story is words used for sex and sex, uh, bits. So there's lots of what the adults in charge of my upbringing might call "language". It's not crude, even when it's bits that normally would be, but that's all situational and stuff. Still, if "language" is going to disturb, then you might want to steer clear.
A note about Steamy: There's explicit sex, but I forget how much. This was only the middle of my steam tolerance, though that's because a lot of what might count for steam wasn't played for steam. So just know that there isn't a ton of earnest sexy bits, but much of the story is about Heidi figuring out where her boundaries really are so others might count more steam than I did.
This turns out to be more chick-lit than romance as the story is mainly about Heidi growing into herself once her career as a teacher tanks. I loved spending time with her on the journey of self-discovery and I enjoyed the growth and the people she meets and the relationships she makes along the way. And I particularly liked the developments in her relationship with her parents.
It's not perfect. There's a late-story romance trope that blows in and feels gratuitous. If you're interested, . I resented the intrusion as it felt unnatural and manufactured. It doesn't help that Heidi regresses for a bit and seems to lose all her previous growth. She recovers and I like the ending, but I hated everybody and everything about the book for a while, there.
I laughed out loud so much and thoroughly enjoyed so much of this story that I've chosen to just ignore the manufactured trope shenanigans and give this all five stars anyway. That may be over-generous, but seriously, funniest book evar!
A note about Audiobook: It should be no surprise that Andi Arndt nails the accent and attitudes of the people she wrote about. It's a bold move having her so involved in the writing and I think it paid off very well in this instance. I didn't think there was so much humor to be mined from Minnesotans being Minnesotans, but that just goes to show ya.
A note about (bad) language: A central theme to the story is words used for sex and sex, uh, bits. So there's lots of what the adults in charge of my upbringing might call "language". It's not crude, even when it's bits that normally would be, but that's all situational and stuff. Still, if "language" is going to disturb, then you might want to steer clear.
A note about Steamy: There's explicit sex, but I forget how much. This was only the middle of my steam tolerance, though that's because a lot of what might count for steam wasn't played for steam. So just know that there isn't a ton of earnest sexy bits, but much of the story is about Heidi figuring out where her boundaries really are so others might count more steam than I did.
February 28, 2020
This book reminds me so much of Meghan Quinn and Jana Aston. Quirky, fun, sweet and weird. Weird in a good way. This is my first audio book by Miss Sivec. I am not disappoint. I think she writes it for all of the audio book narrators. Especially romance genre.
Heidi is fired from her boring job as kinder garden teacher. Then she had this idea to start podcast about steamy romance. And it is hilarious. To be honest, listening about podcast, I done my research how to start podcast. And Bran is additional bonus. We do not get his POV but he is this nice, sweet, polite sexy hot handsome neighbor. Well with that neighbor, I start anything to get his attention.
It is a very fun read to start my nightmare weekend. I enjoy this book very much.
4 stars
Heidi is fired from her boring job as kinder garden teacher. Then she had this idea to start podcast about steamy romance. And it is hilarious. To be honest, listening about podcast, I done my research how to start podcast. And Bran is additional bonus. We do not get his POV but he is this nice, sweet, polite sexy hot handsome neighbor. Well with that neighbor, I start anything to get his attention.
It is a very fun read to start my nightmare weekend. I enjoy this book very much.
4 stars
September 4, 2019
The perfect blend of feels and giggles, this heartwarming, sexy, and at times hysterically funny tale of a darling former kindergarten teacher blossoming from a shy, sexually repressed wallflower into a confident young woman in charge of her own life and desires, is the ultimate feel-good Romantic Comedy. The story unfolds both through a first-person point of view, as well as a hilarious podcast where the heroine slowly breaks through her own inhibitions by reading steamy passages from erotic novels, engaging the listener from the get-go. Every sentence carries Tara Sivec’s sparkling wit and signature style of comedic chaos, while every scene is designed to showcase oh-so perfectly Andi Arndt’s dynamic narration and undeniable acting chops, turning this sweet, laugh-out-loud romance into an unforgettable listening experience.
May 4, 2020
I signed up for a free month of Audible Escape solely to listen to this one as an Audio book. If this is something you think would be your jam, I highly recommend you listen to this. Some of this book has a podcast element in it, and Andi Arndt is a wonderful narrator!
Heidi Larsen is a former Kindergarten teacher, and she absolutely does not want to teach anymore. She finds a new job at a place that makes Audio Books for erotic novels. She is so awkward, quirky, and sheltered. After taking home some old podcast equipment from her job, she starts her own Podcast called "Heidi's Discount Erotica" after a drunken night at home alone. Her podcast consists of her ramblings about her neighbor crush and reading parts of erotic novels, although she's unable to say half the stuff out loud and substitutes them with other words. With each episode she gets a little more comfortable and confident. I think this book is all about accepting change, taking chances, and feeling confident in one's skin.
I started out loving this book and found it absolutely hilarious. Heidi's family is a hoot. At around 75 percent through I changed my rating from a 5 star to a 4 star. It just started to get a little old. All in all... I really enjoyed it though!
Heidi Larsen is a former Kindergarten teacher, and she absolutely does not want to teach anymore. She finds a new job at a place that makes Audio Books for erotic novels. She is so awkward, quirky, and sheltered. After taking home some old podcast equipment from her job, she starts her own Podcast called "Heidi's Discount Erotica" after a drunken night at home alone. Her podcast consists of her ramblings about her neighbor crush and reading parts of erotic novels, although she's unable to say half the stuff out loud and substitutes them with other words. With each episode she gets a little more comfortable and confident. I think this book is all about accepting change, taking chances, and feeling confident in one's skin.
I started out loving this book and found it absolutely hilarious. Heidi's family is a hoot. At around 75 percent through I changed my rating from a 5 star to a 4 star. It just started to get a little old. All in all... I really enjoyed it though!
September 25, 2019
First, Andi Arndt is a brilliant narrator. I love her voice and she really brings the story to life. I’m a big fan. As for the story itself? It was very funny in some parts, adorably cute in others and awkwardly embarrassing in the rest. I do struggle a bit with the embarrassing parts. Some of the scenes are just really far fetched, but that was the point. Overall, very funny!
August 21, 2020
4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
this was just a delight and fun to read! it's the first romance that didn't bother me with its short pages and oddly by the end of it, it felt just perfect and wholesome.
I read while listening to the audiobook and let me tell you the audio was gloriouuuss. i laughed, cackled and cringed so many times at all the embarrassing moments that took place in this book.
Our heroine, Heidi was just so innocent, pure, kind, adorable, and quirky while our Hero, Brent was undeniably a sweet considerate hunk throughout the entire book -- i just loved reading about them together and how Heidi navigated through finding herself. OHh and also her parentsss (so cuuute ugh)
In other words, the entire book is just CUTE AF
this was just a delight and fun to read! it's the first romance that didn't bother me with its short pages and oddly by the end of it, it felt just perfect and wholesome.
I read while listening to the audiobook and let me tell you the audio was gloriouuuss. i laughed, cackled and cringed so many times at all the embarrassing moments that took place in this book.
Our heroine, Heidi was just so innocent, pure, kind, adorable, and quirky while our Hero, Brent was undeniably a sweet considerate hunk throughout the entire book -- i just loved reading about them together and how Heidi navigated through finding herself. OHh and also her parentsss (so cuuute ugh)
In other words, the entire book is just CUTE AF
September 4, 2019
This adorkable, funny, naughty, sexy, laugh out loud RomCom kept me up into the wee hours giggling into my pillow.
The story takes place in Waconia, Minnesota and tells the story of Heidi Larsen, a sweet kindergarten teacher who dresses in unicorn smock dresses and whose mother covered her ears whenever someone said a naughty word. She doesn’t curse, reads Amish romances and has the hots for her neighbor. She is also miserable.
When she loses her job as a kindergarten teacher due to budget cuts she decides to make a change. The first order of business is a new job as the receptionist at an audio studio. Her she discovers they narrate steamy romances!
Hand-me down podcast equipment, the blues, a box of wine and a steamy novel lead to the birth of Heidi’s Discount Erotica podcast where she bares her soul…. and the transformation of Heidi begins.
I loved this audio. Heidi was hilarious as were secondary characters like her parents..oh my lord her parents! But alas, spoilers darling. I think we will all see our mums in there somewhere! The romance was awkward, sweet, genuine and oh so hot.
The whole story had a genuineness to it. One can’t help but root for Heidi. Go Heidi! Filled with growth, morals, personal discovery, and life lessons it made me smile.
I cannot forget to mention Andi Arndt's narration. From her Minnesota accent to the hilarious podcasts she brought Heidi to life bringing a whole new level of fun and sexy-adorkableness to this story. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The story takes place in Waconia, Minnesota and tells the story of Heidi Larsen, a sweet kindergarten teacher who dresses in unicorn smock dresses and whose mother covered her ears whenever someone said a naughty word. She doesn’t curse, reads Amish romances and has the hots for her neighbor. She is also miserable.
When she loses her job as a kindergarten teacher due to budget cuts she decides to make a change. The first order of business is a new job as the receptionist at an audio studio. Her she discovers they narrate steamy romances!
Hand-me down podcast equipment, the blues, a box of wine and a steamy novel lead to the birth of Heidi’s Discount Erotica podcast where she bares her soul…. and the transformation of Heidi begins.
I loved this audio. Heidi was hilarious as were secondary characters like her parents..oh my lord her parents! But alas, spoilers darling. I think we will all see our mums in there somewhere! The romance was awkward, sweet, genuine and oh so hot.
The whole story had a genuineness to it. One can’t help but root for Heidi. Go Heidi! Filled with growth, morals, personal discovery, and life lessons it made me smile.
I cannot forget to mention Andi Arndt's narration. From her Minnesota accent to the hilarious podcasts she brought Heidi to life bringing a whole new level of fun and sexy-adorkableness to this story. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 4, 2019
Heidi is LIVE!!!! Grab your copy today: http://bit.ly/HeidisGuide
March 27, 2021
My boobs are making him nervous. Oh, maybe this is why he hasn’t made a move on me yet. He’s got boob nerves! Nope. He’s got tit nerves. Yeah, that’s the good stuff. Tits.
I-
I've been writing this review in my head since about 40 pages in, and let me just say.... I HATED THIS BOOK.
Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words follows Heidi, a 25 WOMAN who can't even say words like cock and sex and orgasm because she's a good chUrcH GoINg chRisTIAN who's a huge prude and acts like a 13 year old. She gets drunk one night and records a podcast that's like, 4 minutes long, TOPS, and at the advice of some new friends, starts reading erotica every week to her somehow vastly growing audience in order to ~get out of her shell~ and become more confident. Oh, and also to ask out her HOT, STUDLY, ADONIS-esque neighbour, Brent.
I couldn't suspend my disbelief for this one, folks. I could tell the authors were trying REALLY hard to be funny, and it did. not. work. Every single character was 1-dimensional. Heidi's doting mother was a literal caricature; invasive, doesn't know boundaries, gossipy, can't manage technology cause she's ~old-fashioned~, and her father was the basic, silent, gotta-fix-this-creaky-step, glare-at-the-boyfriend type. I never saw the appeal of Brent cause all Heidi ever said about him was that he was HOT. And nice. And a huge DORK. And he was so pERfeCT because he loved her childish outfits and her rambling and the way she says fern instead of penis. Like, Brent, just say you want to date a 15 year old.
And Heidi. My god. Look, I know there are real people out there who get nervous talking to others. I know there are people who don't like to swear or talk about explicit things. I know there are people who like to dress in fun outfits! But my friends.... well, I'll just share some quotes so you can see for yourselves.
“But you’re more better and good-lookinger!” I quickly reassure him.
Oh my God, I was a teacher! That sentence is a travesty to the entire English language!
here's the authors trying to make Heidi ~quirky~
“Do you think wine gets sad if you don’t drink it? I mean, I know it doesn’t have feelings. That’s just ridiculous... What if that box of wine is in my fridge, crying? It’s so cold and dark in there, and it doesn’t understand why I’ve abandoned it.”
Here she is acting like a freshman giving her first handy behind the bleachers, not knowing how to take off Brent's pants even though, surely, she doesn't ONLY wear dresses and knows how to take off a pair of jeans?
Okay, let’s get this party started. First step, blow gently on his penis. Wait. That can’t be right. That can’t be the first step. I haven’t even taken his penis out yet! Where are the directions on how to take it out? ... Eeeeew, I have to spit on my hand to do this? That seems very unsanitary. Also, I still don’t see the directions for taking it out! Why are we skipping steps here, people?
That's just the tip of the iceberg, but I'm lazy and I really don't want to have to read through this book again to find more quotes.
Don't even get me started on the conflict! I'll put this under spoilers in case some poor soul actually still wants to read this, but
TL;DR This book is v bad, has barely any plot, a shit ton of "woke" feminism in that Heidi is trying to tAKe CHArGE of her own sexuality and get out of her comfort zone, and the most boring characters I've read in a long time.
Also, for being a book about an EROTIC PODCAST, the smut isn't even that good.
I-
I've been writing this review in my head since about 40 pages in, and let me just say.... I HATED THIS BOOK.
Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words follows Heidi, a 25 WOMAN who can't even say words like cock and sex and orgasm because she's a good chUrcH GoINg chRisTIAN who's a huge prude and acts like a 13 year old. She gets drunk one night and records a podcast that's like, 4 minutes long, TOPS, and at the advice of some new friends, starts reading erotica every week to her somehow vastly growing audience in order to ~get out of her shell~ and become more confident. Oh, and also to ask out her HOT, STUDLY, ADONIS-esque neighbour, Brent.
I couldn't suspend my disbelief for this one, folks. I could tell the authors were trying REALLY hard to be funny, and it did. not. work. Every single character was 1-dimensional. Heidi's doting mother was a literal caricature; invasive, doesn't know boundaries, gossipy, can't manage technology cause she's ~old-fashioned~, and her father was the basic, silent, gotta-fix-this-creaky-step, glare-at-the-boyfriend type. I never saw the appeal of Brent cause all Heidi ever said about him was that he was HOT. And nice. And a huge DORK. And he was so pERfeCT because he loved her childish outfits and her rambling and the way she says fern instead of penis. Like, Brent, just say you want to date a 15 year old.
And Heidi. My god. Look, I know there are real people out there who get nervous talking to others. I know there are people who don't like to swear or talk about explicit things. I know there are people who like to dress in fun outfits! But my friends.... well, I'll just share some quotes so you can see for yourselves.
“But you’re more better and good-lookinger!” I quickly reassure him.
Oh my God, I was a teacher! That sentence is a travesty to the entire English language!
here's the authors trying to make Heidi ~quirky~
“Do you think wine gets sad if you don’t drink it? I mean, I know it doesn’t have feelings. That’s just ridiculous... What if that box of wine is in my fridge, crying? It’s so cold and dark in there, and it doesn’t understand why I’ve abandoned it.”
Here she is acting like a freshman giving her first handy behind the bleachers, not knowing how to take off Brent's pants even though, surely, she doesn't ONLY wear dresses and knows how to take off a pair of jeans?
Okay, let’s get this party started. First step, blow gently on his penis. Wait. That can’t be right. That can’t be the first step. I haven’t even taken his penis out yet! Where are the directions on how to take it out? ... Eeeeew, I have to spit on my hand to do this? That seems very unsanitary. Also, I still don’t see the directions for taking it out! Why are we skipping steps here, people?
That's just the tip of the iceberg, but I'm lazy and I really don't want to have to read through this book again to find more quotes.
Don't even get me started on the conflict! I'll put this under spoilers in case some poor soul actually still wants to read this, but
TL;DR This book is v bad, has barely any plot, a shit ton of "woke" feminism in that Heidi is trying to tAKe CHArGE of her own sexuality and get out of her comfort zone, and the most boring characters I've read in a long time.
Also, for being a book about an EROTIC PODCAST, the smut isn't even that good.
November 17, 2022
Tbh ,I thought it wouldn't be that good. It's quite funny. Weak on the Romance though.
Things I liked:
🧡 The Premise: Refreshing and funny.
🧡 The growth of the lead: She really finds confidence throughout the timeline of the book.
Things I wasn't impressed with:
⚫ The lack of memorable side characters: Yup, don't remember'em much.
⚫ Close to no romance: This maybe me but I think it would've been nicer if we had a proper romance plot in the book.
Things I liked:
🧡 The Premise: Refreshing and funny.
🧡 The growth of the lead: She really finds confidence throughout the timeline of the book.
Things I wasn't impressed with:
⚫ The lack of memorable side characters: Yup, don't remember'em much.
⚫ Close to no romance: This maybe me but I think it would've been nicer if we had a proper romance plot in the book.
September 15, 2019
Beyond 5 Whoopdidoo Stars
Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt teamed up to write this delightful story and it is narrated brilliantly by Andi. I snapped this up on Audible and found every excuse available to do jobs round the house just so I could keep listening.
Heidi Larson is a 25yr old woman who is let go from her Kindergarten Teacher post and in searching for a new job ends up working in admin for a company that records audible books....specifically erotic romance. To say Heidi has led a sheltered life is an understatement but it's an endearing innocence. She isn't a virgin but she has never really experienced life or people outside of her hometown. Waconia. For the record, I want to live in Waconia - it sounds like a riot.
Heidi ends up podcasting excerpts of erotic novels. It is hilarious. I was laughing so hard - the way the book is written and how Andi Arndt delivers it is pure comedic genius.
All the time the podcasting is happening, Heidi is lusting / crushing over her gorgeous next door neighbour Brent. Slowly her confidence grows and she develops her relationship with him. Both Heidi and Brent are so likeable.
The secondary characters are some of the best I have ever read. The small town setting made me wish I was there and the humour made my day brighter. The story goes at a good pace and there really isn't too much angst - this book does not need angst , it's got enough sparkle and fun to endear it to the reader.
Finally - I have to say this - I actually cheered and fist pumped when this book absolutely owned the people who criticise / berate the romance genre. They do it kindly & with class but I bet every romance reader that reads/ listens to this book will identify with the way people make assumptions about our community. Well played Tara and Andi.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No.
Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt teamed up to write this delightful story and it is narrated brilliantly by Andi. I snapped this up on Audible and found every excuse available to do jobs round the house just so I could keep listening.
Heidi Larson is a 25yr old woman who is let go from her Kindergarten Teacher post and in searching for a new job ends up working in admin for a company that records audible books....specifically erotic romance. To say Heidi has led a sheltered life is an understatement but it's an endearing innocence. She isn't a virgin but she has never really experienced life or people outside of her hometown. Waconia. For the record, I want to live in Waconia - it sounds like a riot.
Heidi ends up podcasting excerpts of erotic novels. It is hilarious. I was laughing so hard - the way the book is written and how Andi Arndt delivers it is pure comedic genius.
All the time the podcasting is happening, Heidi is lusting / crushing over her gorgeous next door neighbour Brent. Slowly her confidence grows and she develops her relationship with him. Both Heidi and Brent are so likeable.
The secondary characters are some of the best I have ever read. The small town setting made me wish I was there and the humour made my day brighter. The story goes at a good pace and there really isn't too much angst - this book does not need angst , it's got enough sparkle and fun to endear it to the reader.
Finally - I have to say this - I actually cheered and fist pumped when this book absolutely owned the people who criticise / berate the romance genre. They do it kindly & with class but I bet every romance reader that reads/ listens to this book will identify with the way people make assumptions about our community. Well played Tara and Andi.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No.
December 5, 2022
4.5⭐️. RTC.
December 17, 2019
Release Date: December 3, 2019
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Romantic Comedy
Tara Sivec has been one of my favorite authors for a long time. After reading her HILARIOUS novel, SEDUCTION & SNACKS I became an instant fan and haven't stopped reading her books since. It’s the laugh out loud and relatable moments that suck me in and I honestly can’t get enough. If you’re a romcom fan and haven’t had the chance to read Tara's work you’re missing out! Trust me on this.
Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words was first produced as an audiobook and later released as an eBook and paperback. While I do have the audiobook, my review is referring to the print copy. I will be going back to have a listen though as I need to HEAR Heidi as she tells us all the words that felt dirty and shameful to her PRIOR to her awakening (let me tell, the books descriptions are HILARIOUS). I can only imagine how funnier it is in audio.
That being said, this is a ROMANCE so of course there is a love story involved. Heidi and her neighbor Brent take center stage here and watching their relationship evolve is adorable. Notice how I didn’t say “cute”. I loved how Brent took it slowly with Heidi while Heidi was on a mission for love (in more ways than one). The two complement each other nicely and I loved their blossoming relationship. At the end of the book there is a little bit of drama (I sighed because I felt it was a little silly) but being the romance that it is, it resolves. What a SWEET ENDING TOO!
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it to all romcom fans! You can never go wrong with a Tara Sivec book and most of them contain some of the best humor around (I say most because she has a few serious books as well).
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Romantic Comedy
Tara Sivec has been one of my favorite authors for a long time. After reading her HILARIOUS novel, SEDUCTION & SNACKS I became an instant fan and haven't stopped reading her books since. It’s the laugh out loud and relatable moments that suck me in and I honestly can’t get enough. If you’re a romcom fan and haven’t had the chance to read Tara's work you’re missing out! Trust me on this.
Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words was first produced as an audiobook and later released as an eBook and paperback. While I do have the audiobook, my review is referring to the print copy. I will be going back to have a listen though as I need to HEAR Heidi as she tells us all the words that felt dirty and shameful to her PRIOR to her awakening (let me tell, the books descriptions are HILARIOUS). I can only imagine how funnier it is in audio.
That being said, this is a ROMANCE so of course there is a love story involved. Heidi and her neighbor Brent take center stage here and watching their relationship evolve is adorable. Notice how I didn’t say “cute”. I loved how Brent took it slowly with Heidi while Heidi was on a mission for love (in more ways than one). The two complement each other nicely and I loved their blossoming relationship. At the end of the book there is a little bit of drama (I sighed because I felt it was a little silly) but being the romance that it is, it resolves. What a SWEET ENDING TOO!
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it to all romcom fans! You can never go wrong with a Tara Sivec book and most of them contain some of the best humor around (I say most because she has a few serious books as well).
September 10, 2019
Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words by Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt
Narrated by Andi Arndt
Romantic Comedy available in Audio First
5++++ Stars
Uff-da! I know the Tara Sivec/Andi Arndt collaboration would be good, but I honestly had no idea how good! Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words is the first book I ever listened to once, then went right back and listened again. Then while writing this review and transcribing the quotes, I ended up listening for a third time!
“Dick Taste in my palm, sleazy sleazy, he bent your dong”
Tara Sivec has been one of my favorite authors since 2012. Andi Arndt has become one of my favorite narrators especially for romantic comedy. But I’ve not heard her do full-on comedy, and I usually prefer her playing older heroines. But let me tell you, she NAILED it! I normally separate my story review from the narration, but in Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words the narration was such a huge part of the story that I can’t imagine you’d get the full effect just reading it.
Heidi was so charmingly naive and innocent. A kindergarten teacher in Minnesota that was recently laid off, Heidi’s idea of a romance novel is Amish romance, and she blushes at the sound of sexy words, forget about saying them! She’s not a virgin, but she gets completely tongue-tied around her sexy neighbor.
"The kind of fire that makes me want to ask him to touch my butt. Oh my god, I feel so scandalous."
In order to get more comfortable saying sexy stuff so she doesn’t fall into bushes around her neighbor, Heidi starts a podcast where she tries to read sexy scenes in books. A box of Franzia wine later, “Heidi’s Discount Erotica” (Doot do doo!) was born.
Brent was so perfect. He was sweet, kind of shy, and perfect for Heidi.
“I said yes to a date with the original Heidi. The adorable, funny, beautiful Heidi, who measures so far above everyone else without even trying.”…"If you did any of this for me, it’s not necessary. I like you just the way you are.”
Besides Heidi and Brent, there were some amazing side characters, but Heidi’s mom was my favorite EVER, especially the way Andi Arndt acted her.
“Chocolate sauce was on sale at the grocery store the other day and you know I can’t pass up a good sale. It was buy one get one free!
Anyhoo, Heidi’s father now has a blister on his peepee and he’s very sensitive about it!”
Likes:
•I have never laughed so hard at an audiobook.
•The actual podcasts were so much fun!
•The book would be great to read, but the narration took it from great to AMAZING. (See below)
•I laughed a lot, but there was also some emotion involved. It wasn’t all silly fun.
•The Minnesota humor. I have a friend from there who sounds just like this! She listened and thought it was hysterical!
•It’s the first time I listened to an audiobook again immediately after finishing.
Dislikes:
•Absolutely NOTHING.
The Narration:
Wow. Andi Arndt really outdid herself here! I think that acting out a character that she created gave it that something extra-special that Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words had. Her Minnesota accent was so funny, and I loved the way she didn’t overuse it, using it in only actual dialog. And Heidi’s mom! OMG I am laughing thinking about it. While I usually prefer Andi narrating slightly more mature characters, she sounded so young with her MN accent that she couldn’t have been more perfect for Heidi. The second time I listened I sped it up to 1.5 and it made it even funnier!
The Down & Dirty:
Tara Sivec has always been my favorite romcom author. I was a little worried that having another person who has never written before co-write with my favorite author might take something away from that Tara magic. But nooooooo, Andi completely enhanced it! Her ideas, her Minnesota background, and especially her narration, combined with Tara’s hysterical sense of humor, and we have Romantic Comedy GOLD. While I think it would be funny to read, Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words was MADE for audio, so I highly suggest you give it a try! You can sign up for a free audible book or it’s free in the Audible Escape Package. Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words is the funniest audiobook I've ever heard, so grab a hot dish and a box of Franzia and be ready to laugh your butt off, don'tcha know?
Rating 5+++ Stars. Heat 4, Narration 5+++
Purchase Heidi's Guide to Four Letter Words by Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt
Available in Audible first. Free in the Audible Escape Package
Available 12/3
Visit anasattic.com for daily sales, freebies, reviews and recommendations.
June 17, 2022
An entertaining story with some really hilarious moments. When a book brings a smile to my lips and even a laugh it automatically gets more than three stars from me!
December 30, 2020
***Second time listing and my rating this time was 3.5 it was good and fun again. I enjoyed the book club discussion we had for it.***
What a fun book, I love who easy it was to listen to. I was smiling or laughing the whole way through.
The fact that Heidi is so adorkable is relatable, I can’t even with her. She really is a great character and the growth she has from the beginning of the book to the end is something I love with my stories.
Brent steals the show too in his own way but really this was all Heidi in all the very best ways. I really needed something light and fun after a few pretty heavy books and this hit the spot.
I am a fan of Tara Sivec’s she always seems to make me laugh, I enjoy Andi’s narration most of the time so these two together I was a little leery on that is just me being honest. But I loved the writing the style and the way the book comes off.
The narration and the Minnesota accent was spot on. I really did enjoy every aspect of this book. I hope we see more from both the narrator and the authors.
What a fun book, I love who easy it was to listen to. I was smiling or laughing the whole way through.
The fact that Heidi is so adorkable is relatable, I can’t even with her. She really is a great character and the growth she has from the beginning of the book to the end is something I love with my stories.
Brent steals the show too in his own way but really this was all Heidi in all the very best ways. I really needed something light and fun after a few pretty heavy books and this hit the spot.
I am a fan of Tara Sivec’s she always seems to make me laugh, I enjoy Andi’s narration most of the time so these two together I was a little leery on that is just me being honest. But I loved the writing the style and the way the book comes off.
The narration and the Minnesota accent was spot on. I really did enjoy every aspect of this book. I hope we see more from both the narrator and the authors.
October 20, 2019
I really liked the premise of this story, but the main character was so awkward it was cringe worthy! I’m sure there are 25 year olds in real life who are equally innocent and awkward, but I’ve never met any, so it didn’t ring realistic to me in that sense.
That said, I adore Andi Arndt as a narrator, and have listened to several books she’s narrated, many of which have steamy scenes, so it was fun to listen to her in character fumbling to say “naughty” words!
That said, I adore Andi Arndt as a narrator, and have listened to several books she’s narrated, many of which have steamy scenes, so it was fun to listen to her in character fumbling to say “naughty” words!
September 6, 2019
3.5 stars. rounding up for all the laughs.
March 29, 2022
Bir kaç gündür takriben 20-25 kitabın konusuna bakmışımdır.Çoğunu ilk bölümünden bırakmış, kiminin konusunu dahi okumaya katlanamamışımdır.Okumak istiyorum, ama merak edip listeme aldığım kitaplara bile elim gitmiyor.Öyle bir zamanda ısrarla karşıma çıktı Heidi...
Konusu gereği de zaten ilgi çekiciydi.Neden olmasın diye başladığım serüven keyifle bitti. Sevdim.🤩Eğlenceli bir kurguydu. Heidi duymasın ama karakterler de tatlıydı. Yüzeysel ve detaylara takılmadan düşünürsem başlarda sık sık da güldüm. İyi geldi bu ruh halime.🙈
Heidi yaşamını ebevenlerini memnun etmek, iyi bir evlat ve birey olmak üzerine kurmuş.İlla ki örnek insan olayım derdinde değil.Sadece sorun çıkaran bir tip değil.Annesi gibi anaokulu öğretmeni olmak başta doğal bir süreçtir.Ama zamanla bu mesleğin onu mutlu eden
bir iş olmadığını keşfeder. Okulunda ki kesintiler sağolsun, işine son verilir.Artık önünde ne yapmak istediğini düşünmek için vakit vardır. İşgüzar ve her sorununu çözmeye niyetli bir anne ile seçimler yapmak biraz zordur ama denemeye de kararlıdır. Annesini negatif
tanıtmamalı.Sadece Heidi'nin de söylediği gibi...Büyükannesi, annesini nasıl yetiştirdiyse, onu da öyle büyütmüştür.Bu konuda konuştukları bir sahne var, ve insanı ciddi anlamda sorgulamaya yöneltiyor. Ama bunu şimdilik geçelim ve eğlenceli kısımlara geçelim.
Heidi değişim için ilk adımı farklı bir alanda iş bularak atar. Eden Media'da asistan olarak görev alacaktır.Ne ters gidebilir ki? Heidi'nin tabiriyle dirty romanceları seslendiren bir şirkette işe girmiştir.Yüzü kızarmadan bir dinletiye şahit olması imkansız.😁
Okuması cidden neyse de bazı kelimeleri seslendirme konusunda bende berbatım.Aynı derecede olmasa da ağzım terbiyelidir benim. Kullanacağım en kötü kelime Pislik! ve Nalet! gibi kelimelerdir.Ama bunun konuyla bir alakası yok.😅
Heidi bir yandan kendini geliştirmek, bir yandan muhteşem derecede seksi,yakışıklı komşusu ile iki kelimeden fazla sohbet etmek ister.Tercihen kendini utandırmadan, dili tutulmadan.Ve aslında mümkünse sohbetten daha fazlası olursa çok daha iyi.Komşumuz Brent'i ilk
etaplarda anlık sahnelerle görsekte, ortaya çıktıktan sonrası çooook güzeldi. Adam tam benim sevdiğim tür.Nezaket sahibi, hoşgörülü, ve gerçek olamayacak kadar iyi...Tüm odun karakterlere inat, fikir yapısı ve anlayışı kalbimi çaldı.😘Heidi'nin Brent ile ilk
randevusunda ki sahne...Belki basit sözler, belki değinmeye bile gerek olmayan bir sahne ama...Benim gözümde çok büyüyen bir diyalogtu.😍
Well, I said yes to a date with the original Heidi. The adorable, funny, beautiful Heidi who measures so far above everyone else without even trying. If you did all of this for you, then I’m fully on board. We’ll toss that bookshelf in the back of my truck and have a great evening. But if you did any of this for me, it’s not necessary. I like you just the way you are.”
Aslında söylenecek çok şey vardı.İlk bölümler çok güldüm.Küçük kasaba tarzı bir yaşantı ve herkesin birbirini tanıması...Renkli ve samimi karakterlerin olması.Değinilen bazı ara noktalar...Bende güzel bir etki bıraktı.Ah asıl olay Heidi'nin sarhoşken başlattığı podcastler tabi... İşleniş kısmı belki biraz daha etkileyici olabilirdi ama yine de kötü değildi. Zaten 200 sayfa bile değil. Bazı şeyleri göz ardı etmek gerek.🙈
Ah ve baktım göremedim.Jameson ve Aubrey'in bir hikayesi vardır umarım.Olmaması inkansız!!!
Konusu gereği de zaten ilgi çekiciydi.Neden olmasın diye başladığım serüven keyifle bitti. Sevdim.🤩Eğlenceli bir kurguydu. Heidi duymasın ama karakterler de tatlıydı. Yüzeysel ve detaylara takılmadan düşünürsem başlarda sık sık da güldüm. İyi geldi bu ruh halime.🙈
Heidi yaşamını ebevenlerini memnun etmek, iyi bir evlat ve birey olmak üzerine kurmuş.İlla ki örnek insan olayım derdinde değil.Sadece sorun çıkaran bir tip değil.Annesi gibi anaokulu öğretmeni olmak başta doğal bir süreçtir.Ama zamanla bu mesleğin onu mutlu eden
bir iş olmadığını keşfeder. Okulunda ki kesintiler sağolsun, işine son verilir.Artık önünde ne yapmak istediğini düşünmek için vakit vardır. İşgüzar ve her sorununu çözmeye niyetli bir anne ile seçimler yapmak biraz zordur ama denemeye de kararlıdır. Annesini negatif
tanıtmamalı.Sadece Heidi'nin de söylediği gibi...Büyükannesi, annesini nasıl yetiştirdiyse, onu da öyle büyütmüştür.Bu konuda konuştukları bir sahne var, ve insanı ciddi anlamda sorgulamaya yöneltiyor. Ama bunu şimdilik geçelim ve eğlenceli kısımlara geçelim.
Heidi değişim için ilk adımı farklı bir alanda iş bularak atar. Eden Media'da asistan olarak görev alacaktır.Ne ters gidebilir ki? Heidi'nin tabiriyle dirty romanceları seslendiren bir şirkette işe girmiştir.Yüzü kızarmadan bir dinletiye şahit olması imkansız.😁
Okuması cidden neyse de bazı kelimeleri seslendirme konusunda bende berbatım.Aynı derecede olmasa da ağzım terbiyelidir benim. Kullanacağım en kötü kelime Pislik! ve Nalet! gibi kelimelerdir.Ama bunun konuyla bir alakası yok.😅
Heidi bir yandan kendini geliştirmek, bir yandan muhteşem derecede seksi,yakışıklı komşusu ile iki kelimeden fazla sohbet etmek ister.Tercihen kendini utandırmadan, dili tutulmadan.Ve aslında mümkünse sohbetten daha fazlası olursa çok daha iyi.Komşumuz Brent'i ilk
etaplarda anlık sahnelerle görsekte, ortaya çıktıktan sonrası çooook güzeldi. Adam tam benim sevdiğim tür.Nezaket sahibi, hoşgörülü, ve gerçek olamayacak kadar iyi...Tüm odun karakterlere inat, fikir yapısı ve anlayışı kalbimi çaldı.😘Heidi'nin Brent ile ilk
randevusunda ki sahne...Belki basit sözler, belki değinmeye bile gerek olmayan bir sahne ama...Benim gözümde çok büyüyen bir diyalogtu.😍
Well, I said yes to a date with the original Heidi. The adorable, funny, beautiful Heidi who measures so far above everyone else without even trying. If you did all of this for you, then I’m fully on board. We’ll toss that bookshelf in the back of my truck and have a great evening. But if you did any of this for me, it’s not necessary. I like you just the way you are.”
Aslında söylenecek çok şey vardı.İlk bölümler çok güldüm.Küçük kasaba tarzı bir yaşantı ve herkesin birbirini tanıması...Renkli ve samimi karakterlerin olması.Değinilen bazı ara noktalar...Bende güzel bir etki bıraktı.Ah asıl olay Heidi'nin sarhoşken başlattığı podcastler tabi... İşleniş kısmı belki biraz daha etkileyici olabilirdi ama yine de kötü değildi. Zaten 200 sayfa bile değil. Bazı şeyleri göz ardı etmek gerek.🙈
Ah ve baktım göremedim.Jameson ve Aubrey'in bir hikayesi vardır umarım.Olmaması inkansız!!!
January 27, 2020
Yas. My first one star of the year!! I was getting a bit confused as to why I hadn’t found a terrible book yet to vent my annoyance at and blow off some steam.
Seems like I spoke too soon.
The book was simply just... irritating. Like a pesky stain on your white blouse that doesn’t ever come off. And never will. I just wanted the non existent plot line to end before it even started.
I’m speaking from my personal preferences here. I enjoy reading books that put me on the edge and have a brilliant, agonising slow burn to them. I do not enjoy giddy boy next door crushes and meaningless plot lines that never seem to end. Frankly, I’ve had my fair share of those books in the past.
Heidi, this one just wasn’t for me love.
Seems like I spoke too soon.
The book was simply just... irritating. Like a pesky stain on your white blouse that doesn’t ever come off. And never will. I just wanted the non existent plot line to end before it even started.
I’m speaking from my personal preferences here. I enjoy reading books that put me on the edge and have a brilliant, agonising slow burn to them. I do not enjoy giddy boy next door crushes and meaningless plot lines that never seem to end. Frankly, I’ve had my fair share of those books in the past.
Heidi, this one just wasn’t for me love.
January 6, 2020
טרה סיוויק מאכזבת אותי.
סיפורה של היידי, בחורה שפוטרה מעבודתה כמורה לחינוך ילדים והחלה לעבוד באולפן הקלטות ספרי אירוטיקה.
היידי נדלקת על השכן שלה ברנט ובמקביל מתעדת את מאווייה וחייה בפודקאסט אותו היא מעלה לבלוג. אט אט היידי צוברת ביטחון וקשריה עם ברנט מתהדקים.
סיפור שיכל להיות הרבה יותר ממה שהוא. הדמות של היידי לא שיעשעה אותי. גם התמימות שלה נראתה לי מעושה ולא אמיתית.
החלק האחרון של הספר היה בעיניי הזוי, לא תפור כמו שצריך ומאכזב.
סיפורה של היידי, בחורה שפוטרה מעבודתה כמורה לחינוך ילדים והחלה לעבוד באולפן הקלטות ספרי אירוטיקה.
היידי נדלקת על השכן שלה ברנט ובמקביל מתעדת את מאווייה וחייה בפודקאסט אותו היא מעלה לבלוג. אט אט היידי צוברת ביטחון וקשריה עם ברנט מתהדקים.
סיפור שיכל להיות הרבה יותר ממה שהוא. הדמות של היידי לא שיעשעה אותי. גם התמימות שלה נראתה לי מעושה ולא אמיתית.
החלק האחרון של הספר היה בעיניי הזוי, לא תפור כמו שצריך ומאכזב.
December 4, 2022
3 1/2 to 4 stars
September 9, 2019
4.5/5 Such a fun listen, hilarious and the narration was amazing!
September 11, 2019
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
Oh my gosh, this book was so much fun! This book caught my eye when I saw the cover prior to its release. It sounded like a funny story so I was somewhat interested. When I noticed that Andi Arndt narrated and co-authored the book, I knew that I would have to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. I am not sure what I expected but there was a certain magic to this book. It is safe to say that I enjoyed the time that I spent with this book.
I like funny books. I like them a whole lot but I rarely find myself actually laughing. I might crack a grin or feel amused but full out laughter rarely happens. It happened with this book. I had a really hard time controlling myself at work while I was listening. I expected some humor in this book but I did not expect full-out laughter-inducing magic.
Heidi is in need of a new job since she just lost her position as a kindergarten teacher. She is able to find a position a local studio but she isn't quite ready for the type of books being recorded in this studio. Heidi ends up with some equipment that the studio is giving away, opens a box of wine, and the next thing you know she has her own podcast, Heidi's Discount Erotica. Heidi uses her podcast to try to come out of her shell a bit and try to make things happen with her sexy next-door neighbor.
I liked Heidi a lot. She is smart and funny. She shows a lot of growth during this story and it was fun to watch it happen. Her mom was a bit over the top but I thought that her character not only added to the humor but helped to demonstrate how her life has been up until this point. It was fun to see Heidi's relationship with her mom grow during the book as well.
The story did lose a little steam for me during the second half and especially towards the end. The big conflict between Heidi and Brent didn't seem like a big deal to me at all. Heidi's reaction was completely over the top. I enjoyed the whole book but the first half was a bit more enjoyable for me.
Andi Arndt nailed the narration. I think that one of the reasons this book was as funny as it was is because of her performance. I thought she did a great job with all of the character voices and I thought that her drunk Heidi was amazing. I definitely think that this is a story best experienced through audio.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This story was funny, original, and completely entertaining. I hope to see more from Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt very soon.
I received a copy of this audiobook from Audible Originals.
Initial Thoughts
This was fun! I couldn't help but laugh my way through this book. Heidi was a lot of fun and it was great watching her grow throughout this story. The story was over the top at times but I didn't care because I was having so much fun. The book did lose a little steam for me before it came to an end but I still enjoyed it overall. Andi Arndt did a great job with the narration and I really feel like this is a book that has to be listened to in order to be fully enjoyed.
Oh my gosh, this book was so much fun! This book caught my eye when I saw the cover prior to its release. It sounded like a funny story so I was somewhat interested. When I noticed that Andi Arndt narrated and co-authored the book, I knew that I would have to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. I am not sure what I expected but there was a certain magic to this book. It is safe to say that I enjoyed the time that I spent with this book.
I like funny books. I like them a whole lot but I rarely find myself actually laughing. I might crack a grin or feel amused but full out laughter rarely happens. It happened with this book. I had a really hard time controlling myself at work while I was listening. I expected some humor in this book but I did not expect full-out laughter-inducing magic.
Heidi is in need of a new job since she just lost her position as a kindergarten teacher. She is able to find a position a local studio but she isn't quite ready for the type of books being recorded in this studio. Heidi ends up with some equipment that the studio is giving away, opens a box of wine, and the next thing you know she has her own podcast, Heidi's Discount Erotica. Heidi uses her podcast to try to come out of her shell a bit and try to make things happen with her sexy next-door neighbor.
I liked Heidi a lot. She is smart and funny. She shows a lot of growth during this story and it was fun to watch it happen. Her mom was a bit over the top but I thought that her character not only added to the humor but helped to demonstrate how her life has been up until this point. It was fun to see Heidi's relationship with her mom grow during the book as well.
The story did lose a little steam for me during the second half and especially towards the end. The big conflict between Heidi and Brent didn't seem like a big deal to me at all. Heidi's reaction was completely over the top. I enjoyed the whole book but the first half was a bit more enjoyable for me.
Andi Arndt nailed the narration. I think that one of the reasons this book was as funny as it was is because of her performance. I thought she did a great job with all of the character voices and I thought that her drunk Heidi was amazing. I definitely think that this is a story best experienced through audio.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This story was funny, original, and completely entertaining. I hope to see more from Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt very soon.
I received a copy of this audiobook from Audible Originals.
Initial Thoughts
This was fun! I couldn't help but laugh my way through this book. Heidi was a lot of fun and it was great watching her grow throughout this story. The story was over the top at times but I didn't care because I was having so much fun. The book did lose a little steam for me before it came to an end but I still enjoyed it overall. Andi Arndt did a great job with the narration and I really feel like this is a book that has to be listened to in order to be fully enjoyed.
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