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The Next Mrs Russo
I was not looking for a date.
Another questionable relationship was the last thing I needed.
Because trust me, they were all questionable.
But through a series of unfortunate events involving my cat and
his poor decision-making skills, I agreed to a set-up.
Except… the set-up is with the governor.
I am not political girlfriend material.
For one, I’m a little bit crazy.
For two, I have secrets.
But I also have a big crush on the governor.
One little date can’t hurt, right?
Spoiler: it can.
My big crush is going to end in big trouble.
Another questionable relationship was the last thing I needed.
Because trust me, they were all questionable.
But through a series of unfortunate events involving my cat and
his poor decision-making skills, I agreed to a set-up.
Except… the set-up is with the governor.
I am not political girlfriend material.
For one, I’m a little bit crazy.
For two, I have secrets.
But I also have a big crush on the governor.
One little date can’t hurt, right?
Spoiler: it can.
My big crush is going to end in big trouble.
264 pages, ebook
First published June 14, 2021
About the author
Jana Aston
36 books9,525 followersJana Aston likes cats, big coffee cups and books about billionaires who deflower virgins. She wrote her debut novel while fielding customer service calls about electrical bills, and she's ever grateful for the fictional gynecologist in Wrong that readers embraced so much she was able to make working in her pajamas a reality. Jana is the author of 4 books, and all of them have appeared on either the NYT or USA Today bestsellers list, some multiple times. She likes multiples.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 587 reviews
June 22, 2021
4.25 stars
I had such a good time reading this book. It was just what I needed. Something light and fun that would make me laugh out loud. Audrey was such a hoot and Warren was great!
Audrey has just moved from the big city to Albay NY in a house her aunt left her. The house needs a lot of work, but she's running her business out of it for now. She has the incredible job of taking vintage clothing and breathing new life into them. She and her sidekick Miller are starting to get some steady business when one of her customers insists on setting her up with her son.
This customer just happens to be the mother of the governor of New York who Audrey just happens to have a huge crush on. What are the odds, amiright? Audrey is so quirky and awkward in the best way. She made me laugh so much. Warren, the governor isn't quite as care free, but Audrey brings out another side of him with time.
I adored these two together. Watching them fall for each other... sigh. My favorite parts were all the shenanigan's with the pets and the moments that Audrey had with Warren's daughter. I loved so much about this story!
It's been a while since Jana Aston has put out a book and I'm so glad she's back. I enjoy her humor and her romances so much! If you're looking for an entertaining book you won't be able to put down, check out The Next Mrs. Russo.This one had such great characters, banter, and was truly a blast to read!
I had such a good time reading this book. It was just what I needed. Something light and fun that would make me laugh out loud. Audrey was such a hoot and Warren was great!
Audrey has just moved from the big city to Albay NY in a house her aunt left her. The house needs a lot of work, but she's running her business out of it for now. She has the incredible job of taking vintage clothing and breathing new life into them. She and her sidekick Miller are starting to get some steady business when one of her customers insists on setting her up with her son.
This customer just happens to be the mother of the governor of New York who Audrey just happens to have a huge crush on. What are the odds, amiright? Audrey is so quirky and awkward in the best way. She made me laugh so much. Warren, the governor isn't quite as care free, but Audrey brings out another side of him with time.
I adored these two together. Watching them fall for each other... sigh. My favorite parts were all the shenanigan's with the pets and the moments that Audrey had with Warren's daughter. I loved so much about this story!
It's been a while since Jana Aston has put out a book and I'm so glad she's back. I enjoy her humor and her romances so much! If you're looking for an entertaining book you won't be able to put down, check out The Next Mrs. Russo.This one had such great characters, banter, and was truly a blast to read!
June 18, 2021
4.5 Say Yes To The Dress Stars ⭐
The Next Mrs Russo was so worth the wait. I'd forgotten how amusing I find Jana Aston's dialogues and that she always pens my favourite heroines. Adorably disastrous, spirited and endearing. And frankly reading this book made me happy!
Launching a repurposed vintage clothing boutique out of her brownstone home is ingenious. Except a lack of funds could mean ruination. Needing a sale like desperately, Audrey finds herself agreeing to a date setup with the son of a potential customer.
Except where she expected a mama's boy, it was the governer himself Warren Russo. A man she's been crushing on and wants to lick in every way. Too bad it doesn't seem to be reciprocated. Even if she seems to find herself on multiple fake dates with him.
The thing is, crushes are not meant to be met in the real world. He’s just a fictional fantasy. And even fictionally we didn’t have much in common other than really amazing sex.
Warren Russo was a bit of an enigma. He never gave much away, although the hint of smirks had you feeling optimistic. Yet the more she pursues, the further he retreats or so she thinks.
Don’t fall in love with me?
Whatever.
Who even says something like that? As if I was going to fall in love with him. I was offering to make out, not pledging love till death do us part.
Gah, Audrey was my kind of girl, slightly crazy, a little insecure, yet adventurous. You gotta be in it to win it. Warren may have needed a little time to thaw but when he did, it was deliciously naughty. I loved the build up because you couldn't predict when he'd finally concede.
Last words...It's not often a side character almost steals the limelight. Yet Miller is a high schooler who devotes his afternoon's in Audrey's boutique and he was awesome. Considering she threatens to fire him at every turn, his backhanded advice was gold.
“Holy shit, you really are tragic,” Miller murmurs, but loudly enough for me to hear. Before I can so much as shoot a glare in his direction he adds, “Don’t bother firing me, there’s no way I’m missing any of this.”
ARC provided by author in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Next Mrs Russo was so worth the wait. I'd forgotten how amusing I find Jana Aston's dialogues and that she always pens my favourite heroines. Adorably disastrous, spirited and endearing. And frankly reading this book made me happy!
Launching a repurposed vintage clothing boutique out of her brownstone home is ingenious. Except a lack of funds could mean ruination. Needing a sale like desperately, Audrey finds herself agreeing to a date setup with the son of a potential customer.
Except where she expected a mama's boy, it was the governer himself Warren Russo. A man she's been crushing on and wants to lick in every way. Too bad it doesn't seem to be reciprocated. Even if she seems to find herself on multiple fake dates with him.
The thing is, crushes are not meant to be met in the real world. He’s just a fictional fantasy. And even fictionally we didn’t have much in common other than really amazing sex.
Warren Russo was a bit of an enigma. He never gave much away, although the hint of smirks had you feeling optimistic. Yet the more she pursues, the further he retreats or so she thinks.
Don’t fall in love with me?
Whatever.
Who even says something like that? As if I was going to fall in love with him. I was offering to make out, not pledging love till death do us part.
Gah, Audrey was my kind of girl, slightly crazy, a little insecure, yet adventurous. You gotta be in it to win it. Warren may have needed a little time to thaw but when he did, it was deliciously naughty. I loved the build up because you couldn't predict when he'd finally concede.
Last words...It's not often a side character almost steals the limelight. Yet Miller is a high schooler who devotes his afternoon's in Audrey's boutique and he was awesome. Considering she threatens to fire him at every turn, his backhanded advice was gold.
“Holy shit, you really are tragic,” Miller murmurs, but loudly enough for me to hear. Before I can so much as shoot a glare in his direction he adds, “Don’t bother firing me, there’s no way I’m missing any of this.”
ARC provided by author in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 30, 2021
3.5
This was a very low angst, drama free story.
Did it blow me away? Not exactly because I felt like it missed something, some ingredient to make it whole.
The dialogue was definitely great. The monologues that the heroine entertained also top notch. The heroine overall was great, even if everyone poked fun at her nuttiness.
The problem was that the hero had no POV (which is not the deal breaker btw) and I really didn’t get a feel for him. He was a side character in his own story.
BUT overall I enjoyed the story even if it wasn’t what I usually expect from this author.
This was a very low angst, drama free story.
Did it blow me away? Not exactly because I felt like it missed something, some ingredient to make it whole.
The dialogue was definitely great. The monologues that the heroine entertained also top notch. The heroine overall was great, even if everyone poked fun at her nuttiness.
The problem was that the hero had no POV (which is not the deal breaker btw) and I really didn’t get a feel for him. He was a side character in his own story.
BUT overall I enjoyed the story even if it wasn’t what I usually expect from this author.
June 28, 2021
Here is the thing about Miss Aston's work. It has been a while since I picked up her book. When I first read her book, I liked it. The humor is just hilarious. Her story cracked me up.
Since then my taste in books has been revolving. When I picked up The Next Mrs Russo, yes the humor is still there. But ot feels so childish. With all of that pets crawling competing for attention.
The story is standard. The chemistry is not sizzling. Some parts I even think it is a bit ridiculous.
In the future, I might still want to pick up more of her books, with cautious.
3 stars
Since then my taste in books has been revolving. When I picked up The Next Mrs Russo, yes the humor is still there. But ot feels so childish. With all of that pets crawling competing for attention.
The story is standard. The chemistry is not sizzling. Some parts I even think it is a bit ridiculous.
In the future, I might still want to pick up more of her books, with cautious.
3 stars
December 31, 2022
3.5 stars
what an odd (but delightful) read! it needed a little suspension of disbelief on my end to fully buy into the scenario mostly bcs of how low angst/drama-free it was considering the hero was THE governor and i thought things would get messy. but this was an easy breezy fun read with a heroine who was a little insecure and crazy but also adventurous and creative AND an enigmatic (older) hero whom i honestly couldnt tell if he liked the heroine or not most of the time cuz he just always appeared indifferent.
what an odd (but delightful) read! it needed a little suspension of disbelief on my end to fully buy into the scenario mostly bcs of how low angst/drama-free it was considering the hero was THE governor and i thought things would get messy. but this was an easy breezy fun read with a heroine who was a little insecure and crazy but also adventurous and creative AND an enigmatic (older) hero whom i honestly couldnt tell if he liked the heroine or not most of the time cuz he just always appeared indifferent.
July 9, 2021
Miller is why this book gets 2 stars. DNF @50%.
June 22, 2021
4.5 laugh out loud Stars
‘He stares at me for a long moment, studying me as if he finds me fascinating, or crazy. Hard to tell. Finally, he speaks.’ “Don’t fall in love with me. I’m not in the mood.”
If there’s something we’re sure of when we pick up a Jana Aston book, it’s that we’re going to be entertained. We know we’ll laugh, swoon, and be captivated by the characters, because every hero this author writes has off the charts swoon factor, and every heroine has a warm and friendly vibe that draws us to them again and again. And then there’s the heat factor! WOW!
‘He is so into my particular brand of crazy. I don’t know why, but fuck it, I don’t know why I find his stupid press conferences sexy either. Sometimes you just get lucky in reciprocated lust.’
We couldn’t wait to dive into The Next Mrs. Russo. We were in the mood for a rom-com and this book did exactly what it said on the tin. Jana Aston has some of the best comedic timing we’ve read. She seamlessly weaves the emotional, the passionate, and the funny without missing a beat, and we adored this book! When you’re feeling a bit down, this is the book you’ll want to pick up!
‘If this was a real date, he’d be getting a fake phone call about now. I wouldn’t because I still want to make out with him even if it appears we have absolutely nothing in common.’
Twenty-seven-year-old Audrey Gibson has fled her past (what is the secret she’s keeping?) starting a vintage clothing boutique from her newly inherited brownstone in Albany with her cat Gary and her (where did he come from!) assistant Miller. The banter between these two will have you in fits!
Audrey has been crushing on Albany’s Governor (or GILF as Audrey likes to call him)– so imagine her shock when his mother sets them up on a fake date! Audrey has no filter, Warren is measured and composed. A forty-year-old divorcee with a teenage daughter, Warren Russo is seen as aloof and stern, so his mother and campaign manager think a girlfriend will make him softer to his constituents. Audrey just wants her plumbing sorted. In more ways than one, and she wouldn’t mind trying out some of those naughty thoughts she’s been having about the charismatic Governor.
‘We all have our fetishes, Warren governing things is mine. Just yesterday he had a press conference that was sexy as hell.’
A fake dating, age-gap romance between a gruff handsome Governor (or should we say Guv’nor) of the State of New York, and a scatty, sweet vintage clothing designer endeared us from the get-go! The banter was spot on. Warren’s dog Duke stole our hearts, Gary the cat was one amusing arsehole, and Andrey’s ‘non-assistant, the cheeky teenaged Miller, Oh Em Gee…he was a joy and stole the show! Their work/friendship was so much fun!
‘He’s the kind of dog who looks like he could, in the case of an emergency, single-headedly paw the fire alarm, evacuate an entire building and grab a blanket on the way out the door to keep everyone warm while waiting on help to arrive.’
Sweet, sexy, quirky, and delightfully funny. If you want to put a smile on your face, GRAB THIS BOOK! The epilogue was swooooon! Be still our romantic hearts! We just want to send a message to Jana Aston, and that is…Miller needs a book, and Warren’s hot Hollywood brother, James needs a book also! Please give us more Jana…pretty please with sandpaper on top…or is that sugar on top?
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June 1, 2022
Reread: 4.5 stars. Still really love this book. It’s funny - like laugh out loud funny. At least, it was for me. I’ve been wanting to reread since the first time I finished it & it didn’t disappoint.
I see that this book has a lot of mixed reviews, and Idk if it makes a difference, but I listened to the audiobook of this one. The audiobook is really well done, so that maybe impacted my enjoyment of the story. I often wonder how much reading vs listening to a book impacts enjoyment. I know that some audiobooks are so bad that it ruins the story for me. Maybe the opposite can be true. 🤔
Anyways, I definitely recommend the audiobook for this book. It’s such a fun story and I’m sure I’ll revisit it again.
First read: 4.5 stars. I loved this book!! It’s very funny, sweet, has just the right amount of angst for me, some slow burn leading up to some 🔥 sex, and just absolutely wonderful MCs. The side characters were also absolutely the best, and added so much fun to the story. Seriously, this book was just so surprisingly good, I highly recommend it if you’re in the mood for something light and funny.
Safety is good, no major OM/OW drama. No virgins. Hero was married in the past and has a teenage daughter. Age gap, she’s late 20’s and he’s 40.
I see that this book has a lot of mixed reviews, and Idk if it makes a difference, but I listened to the audiobook of this one. The audiobook is really well done, so that maybe impacted my enjoyment of the story. I often wonder how much reading vs listening to a book impacts enjoyment. I know that some audiobooks are so bad that it ruins the story for me. Maybe the opposite can be true. 🤔
Anyways, I definitely recommend the audiobook for this book. It’s such a fun story and I’m sure I’ll revisit it again.
First read: 4.5 stars. I loved this book!! It’s very funny, sweet, has just the right amount of angst for me, some slow burn leading up to some 🔥 sex, and just absolutely wonderful MCs. The side characters were also absolutely the best, and added so much fun to the story. Seriously, this book was just so surprisingly good, I highly recommend it if you’re in the mood for something light and funny.
Safety is good, no major OM/OW drama. No virgins. Hero was married in the past and has a teenage daughter. Age gap, she’s late 20’s and he’s 40.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
It’s upsetting me that I finished this book! I couldn’t stop giggling. Great pick me up!!! Would have loved to see the more vulnerable side to Warren but Audrey more than made up for it! I had A VERY GOOD FEELING about this one!
July 6, 2021
Fun, cute, and entertaining! I an 99% of the time all about a hero in books. However, this author is one of the few that I read specifically for the heroine. I love her heroines. They are usually quirky, a bit crazy, and just fun to read about. They are the kind of women I want to hang out with. Audrey is all of this. She may be a bit more on the nuttier variety, but even that was kind of adorable. Even Warren thinks so. This was just an all around fun read. I really liked her profession and the dog and cat felt like side characters, really good side characters, and while the romance was more in the background, it was still good and made me swoon a bit at the end. I'll definitely be reading this one again.
July 3, 2021
Not the return of Jana Aston I wanted…
I was so sure The Next Mrs Russo was going to be the end of my book slump (finally!) because it had all the elements I like and missed, but… Alas, not the plot I wanted.
I’m so, so sad right now it’s not even funny 😭😭
It’s truly a “it’s me, not you” situation.
The end.
– – –
I knew from the title I wasn’t going to like this, but oh well, a hero with an ex wife doesn’t hurt once in a while, lol, and I had quite some time to accept that. I was okay with it.
Then came the cover and I fcking hated it 💀💀 But again, whatever, I'm never buying the paperback, so I got over that too.
On release day I finally started it and was hooked right away 😻 RIGHT. AWAY. I missed Jana Aston so much 🥺
Until… The age gap.
I know she likes those and I never had a problem with that. (It's my tastes that must have changed).
My limit is about 10 years with some exceptions, so I don’t know why I’m making such a big deal out of 13 years 🤡 but it made me cringe. Hard.
I guess it has to do with the fact that I have the same age as the heroine (27) and I’d never want to date a 40-year-old dude. I can find them hot all right, but dating someone who’s only 7 years younger than my mother? Hell no. (And my mother would probably kill me first, lmao.)
It took me a whole day to get over this sensation of creepiness, I’m not even kidding.
Then, at about 20%, the last thing that made me lose interest completely happened. (And I started to notice every little thing I did not like, sigh.)
It’s not a spoiler because it isn’t a plot twist, a secret or even that big of a deal. (Thank god for that because Jana Aston has already done that sht in the past *cough* Right *cough*).
It’s just facts about the plot that I’m sure some of you would want to know beforehand.
But stop here if you don't want to know.
The hero has also a TEENAGE daughter. She's 14, but apparently he got married at 27? (Which he considers to be a very young age, lol, but strangely enough, it was never mentioned when he got divorced).
And that’s it. After the 20% mark I started to skim through because I didn't care anymore. I couldn’t even enjoy all the cute cat/dog moments, can you believe it?
Apart from that, the heroine was in no way mature enough for their relationship to be believable 🤡
The only time they've all been together, it was like watching the hero with two kids... It was like he wasn’t part of the group.
Of course daughter and girlfriend became bff right away and the former even asked them for a sibling the same freaking day they met for the first time. Suuure.
Ironically, I'm even more annoyed because I got annoyed for nothing 🤡 His kid was basically nonexistent. She showed up at only 60% and only for a couple of chapters. After that she was mentioned maybe twice. This is why I'm not really mad the blurb doesn't mention him being a single dad. It's like he isn't. Sooo, what was the freaking point? Sigh.
Another thing that was really weird was how the heroine had no one. No. One. Just an ex and a dead aunt. But we know nothing about this aunt. And where were her parents? Her adult friends? I'm divided between "how convenient 🙄" and "wtf".
While the main reason behind my 1 star is personal, there were many other things that did not work. I was just lucky enough to skim through them.
If you want, you’ll find more in these in-depth reviews here and here.
As I said, the kid thing wasn't a plot twist, but I'm still keeping my promise from the Right review and this gets 1 star. After all, it wasn't mentioned in the blurb and it ruined the whole mood.
In conclusion, now I’m even less inclined to read. It’s been months and I’m losing hope here 🥺🥺
I was so sure The Next Mrs Russo was going to be the end of my book slump (finally!) because it had all the elements I like and missed, but… Alas, not the plot I wanted.
I’m so, so sad right now it’s not even funny 😭😭
It’s truly a “it’s me, not you” situation.
The end.
– – –
I knew from the title I wasn’t going to like this, but oh well, a hero with an ex wife doesn’t hurt once in a while, lol, and I had quite some time to accept that. I was okay with it.
Then came the cover and I fcking hated it 💀💀 But again, whatever, I'm never buying the paperback, so I got over that too.
On release day I finally started it and was hooked right away 😻 RIGHT. AWAY. I missed Jana Aston so much 🥺
Until… The age gap.
I know she likes those and I never had a problem with that. (It's my tastes that must have changed).
My limit is about 10 years with some exceptions, so I don’t know why I’m making such a big deal out of 13 years 🤡 but it made me cringe. Hard.
I guess it has to do with the fact that I have the same age as the heroine (27) and I’d never want to date a 40-year-old dude. I can find them hot all right, but dating someone who’s only 7 years younger than my mother? Hell no. (And my mother would probably kill me first, lmao.)
It took me a whole day to get over this sensation of creepiness, I’m not even kidding.
Then, at about 20%, the last thing that made me lose interest completely happened. (And I started to notice every little thing I did not like, sigh.)
It’s not a spoiler because it isn’t a plot twist, a secret or even that big of a deal. (Thank god for that because Jana Aston has already done that sht in the past *cough* Right *cough*).
It’s just facts about the plot that I’m sure some of you would want to know beforehand.
But stop here if you don't want to know.
The hero has also a TEENAGE daughter. She's 14, but apparently he got married at 27? (Which he considers to be a very young age, lol, but strangely enough, it was never mentioned when he got divorced).
And that’s it. After the 20% mark I started to skim through because I didn't care anymore. I couldn’t even enjoy all the cute cat/dog moments, can you believe it?
Apart from that, the heroine was in no way mature enough for their relationship to be believable 🤡
The only time they've all been together, it was like watching the hero with two kids... It was like he wasn’t part of the group.
Of course daughter and girlfriend became bff right away and the former even asked them for a sibling the same freaking day they met for the first time. Suuure.
Ironically, I'm even more annoyed because I got annoyed for nothing 🤡 His kid was basically nonexistent. She showed up at only 60% and only for a couple of chapters. After that she was mentioned maybe twice. This is why I'm not really mad the blurb doesn't mention him being a single dad. It's like he isn't. Sooo, what was the freaking point? Sigh.
Another thing that was really weird was how the heroine had no one. No. One. Just an ex and a dead aunt. But we know nothing about this aunt. And where were her parents? Her adult friends? I'm divided between "how convenient 🙄" and "wtf".
While the main reason behind my 1 star is personal, there were many other things that did not work. I was just lucky enough to skim through them.
If you want, you’ll find more in these in-depth reviews here and here.
As I said, the kid thing wasn't a plot twist, but I'm still keeping my promise from the Right review and this gets 1 star. After all, it wasn't mentioned in the blurb and it ruined the whole mood.
In conclusion, now I’m even less inclined to read. It’s been months and I’m losing hope here 🥺🥺
June 29, 2021
I have read and loved all of Jana Aston’s books, but am sorry to say that The Next Mrs. Russo was a miss for me. While the heroine, Audrey, was original, witty, and very endearing, I felt disconnected and that she didn’t have any character growth.
We know very little about her. Did she only come to New York because of the big "secret"? Who was the aunt who left her the house? Did she have any family or friends, other than her one non-employee, Miller, who since he was only in high school, wasn’t really a friend? He was my favorite character in the book by the way, but felt he should be in college as most high schools don't require career internships unless he's enrolled in a technical school.
So many questions. I feel I know more about her cat than her, as he pretty much had a staring role. One day she went for a run and ran into Warren...did she run often? Did he? I wouldn’t know because they didn’t discuss it. It was more awkward brief conversation, and then she was off.
Warren is the Governor of New York and we know very little about him other than he is divorced and has a teenage daughter, Bethany. I loved his meddling mom and her support and interactions with Audrey. I loved his daughter and felt she acted very age appropriate, but Audrey basically connected with her individually at the same level, not the three of them as a potential family. Warren was on the outside looking in, and that made me sad.
Warren opened up a bit, sharing some details of his life, but she basically responded the same way each time, like a teen with a crush, mumbling her internal thoughts out loud. I never mind crazy and actually embrace it and people who are unique, but felt her character was one-dimensional. She had tremendous talent as a fashion designer/seamstress with great vision, and I really loved how she reconstructed and repurposed vintage clothing into something new, but in my opinion, that was her greatest asset.
The Next Mrs. Russo is only told from Audrey’s point of view. I would have loved to know what was going through Warren’s mind. They spoke, but never in-depth as it was mostly her internal dialogue, and it was usually with her talking nonsense. It was funny at first, but I wanted more. I needed more. He went to law school, but when did he learn plumbing? Plumbing is a skilled trade taking over five years to become licensed. Was it just the toilet that was leaking that a handyman can fix, or something more? She lived with him for months because of her plumbing problem, yet the problem was never discussed!
They had sexy times, she was living under his roof after all, but even her trying to communicate during the act was awkward. Again, so many questions. Did they sleep in the same bed? Share breakfast or coffee together? Have any pillow talk where he shared the burdens of his job or his vision? Someone mentioned he may run for President someday, but Warren and Audrey never discussed his future career goals which was very frustrating. He was the GOVERNOR of New York after all. Was she his confidant? She attended a few functions with him and was charming for sure, but I would have loved for her to actually have cared enough to read up or discussed intelligently with him some of the important issues he was addressing and have been more supportive of his career, like he was of her career. I loved that about him.
This book did have many funny moments, and I enjoy the author’s sense of humor without a doubt, but felt these two fell in love quickly, without really knowing each other or having any serious conversations, so their HEA didn’t feel realistic to me and I wasn’t invested. The epilogue was very brief which is a shame because it’s the entire reason I read romance.
We know very little about her. Did she only come to New York because of the big "secret"? Who was the aunt who left her the house? Did she have any family or friends, other than her one non-employee, Miller, who since he was only in high school, wasn’t really a friend? He was my favorite character in the book by the way, but felt he should be in college as most high schools don't require career internships unless he's enrolled in a technical school.
So many questions. I feel I know more about her cat than her, as he pretty much had a staring role. One day she went for a run and ran into Warren...did she run often? Did he? I wouldn’t know because they didn’t discuss it. It was more awkward brief conversation, and then she was off.
Warren is the Governor of New York and we know very little about him other than he is divorced and has a teenage daughter, Bethany. I loved his meddling mom and her support and interactions with Audrey. I loved his daughter and felt she acted very age appropriate, but Audrey basically connected with her individually at the same level, not the three of them as a potential family. Warren was on the outside looking in, and that made me sad.
Warren opened up a bit, sharing some details of his life, but she basically responded the same way each time, like a teen with a crush, mumbling her internal thoughts out loud. I never mind crazy and actually embrace it and people who are unique, but felt her character was one-dimensional. She had tremendous talent as a fashion designer/seamstress with great vision, and I really loved how she reconstructed and repurposed vintage clothing into something new, but in my opinion, that was her greatest asset.
The Next Mrs. Russo is only told from Audrey’s point of view. I would have loved to know what was going through Warren’s mind. They spoke, but never in-depth as it was mostly her internal dialogue, and it was usually with her talking nonsense. It was funny at first, but I wanted more. I needed more. He went to law school, but when did he learn plumbing? Plumbing is a skilled trade taking over five years to become licensed. Was it just the toilet that was leaking that a handyman can fix, or something more? She lived with him for months because of her plumbing problem, yet the problem was never discussed!
They had sexy times, she was living under his roof after all, but even her trying to communicate during the act was awkward. Again, so many questions. Did they sleep in the same bed? Share breakfast or coffee together? Have any pillow talk where he shared the burdens of his job or his vision? Someone mentioned he may run for President someday, but Warren and Audrey never discussed his future career goals which was very frustrating. He was the GOVERNOR of New York after all. Was she his confidant? She attended a few functions with him and was charming for sure, but I would have loved for her to actually have cared enough to read up or discussed intelligently with him some of the important issues he was addressing and have been more supportive of his career, like he was of her career. I loved that about him.
This book did have many funny moments, and I enjoy the author’s sense of humor without a doubt, but felt these two fell in love quickly, without really knowing each other or having any serious conversations, so their HEA didn’t feel realistic to me and I wasn’t invested. The epilogue was very brief which is a shame because it’s the entire reason I read romance.
July 19, 2022
I had the hugest smile on my face for almost the whole time I was reading, I laughed out loud several times. Audrey is a quirky fashion designer living in Albany, NY after she inherited a house and trying to make a business of designing outfits from repurposed fabrics/materials. She's incredibly talented, but has made some mistakes and her confidence has taken a bit of a hit. Her house/business has a lot of structural problems, her only friends are her cat and a teenage not-employee (he was the best and I'd love a story about him too honestly), and she's just agreed to an arranged date with a promising customer's son to help her business. The son turns out to be the governor of NY who Audrey has a huge crush on. This story is written in first person narrative, single POV. No ow/om drama (H is divorced but it's amicable between them), neither are virgins - no details, and bc used.
I loved being in Audrey's head, she's hilarious, sweet, and often uncertain. Sometimes she doesn't filter what she says and it's not always clear how others around her are taking that unfiltered honesty. Warren (H) is one of those people who she's not sure how he's reacting to her. He's naturally more aloof and keeps his reactions buttoned up. As they continue to see each other, first with the arranged date and then in a fake dating type situation, her romantic (and physical) interest in him is like a flashing light and his reserved nature leads to other hilarity until the tension pops and we start getting well written steamy times. The developing romance is swoony. I also loved that Warren's teenage daughter takes an immediate shine to Audrey and their bonding was adorable. We also get adorable and equally as funny animals. One scene especially involving the animals had me choking I was laughing so hard. There is a bit of a bump briefly that's quickly resolved and I'd say this was a low angst read.
Audrey finding her place after her uncertainty is amazing. I loved this book. Best of all, we get an epilogue a couple years out that left me with a wonderful sense of satisfaction in their HEA and with side characters. I'm still smiling about this after I finished it late last night. The humor might not resonate with everyone, but man it worked for me and I would highly recommend this one.
I loved being in Audrey's head, she's hilarious, sweet, and often uncertain. Sometimes she doesn't filter what she says and it's not always clear how others around her are taking that unfiltered honesty. Warren (H) is one of those people who she's not sure how he's reacting to her. He's naturally more aloof and keeps his reactions buttoned up. As they continue to see each other, first with the arranged date and then in a fake dating type situation, her romantic (and physical) interest in him is like a flashing light and his reserved nature leads to other hilarity until the tension pops and we start getting well written steamy times. The developing romance is swoony. I also loved that Warren's teenage daughter takes an immediate shine to Audrey and their bonding was adorable. We also get adorable and equally as funny animals. One scene especially involving the animals had me choking I was laughing so hard. There is a bit of a bump briefly that's quickly resolved and I'd say this was a low angst read.
Audrey finding her place after her uncertainty is amazing. I loved this book. Best of all, we get an epilogue a couple years out that left me with a wonderful sense of satisfaction in their HEA and with side characters. I'm still smiling about this after I finished it late last night. The humor might not resonate with everyone, but man it worked for me and I would highly recommend this one.
August 9, 2021
Jana Aston never fails to entertain me. This book was a great romantic comedy, I loved some of the witty banter and the characters weird humor. Plus I have a sweet spot for older guys.🤡
It's was decent as a comeback Aston wrote better books, If you like sweet rom-com this one will work for you.
It's was decent as a comeback Aston wrote better books, If you like sweet rom-com this one will work for you.
July 13, 2021
A fun read 😃
August 8, 2021
Well… it was funny 🤷🏼♀️
I guess.
I mean, I *think* it was. 😬 I could objectively see that other people would get some big laughs from the h’s antics. As for me? I had the same feeling I get when my 12 year old daughter wants to show me this HILARIOUS tik-tok video, and I’m kinda amused by HER amusement but waiting for the funny part… 👀…and waiting…
See, I’m not really a rom-com fan. In fact I have been known to describe them as “hives-inducing.” HOWEVER, I have adored Jana Aston’s books in the past. Wrong and Good Girl both landed on my 5-star reread list, which is not an easy feat. So I was ready to love this, but it fell flat to me. There was way too much “Com”, and not nearly enough “Rom”. It was a “Com-Rom.” 😅 And kids, I’m not reading for a stand-up comedy routine. I can get that on Netflix. I’m here for the romance, and this just did not cut it.
This was very shallow and a lot ridiculous when it came to the romance and relationship/character development. They go on one date and then the Governor of New York invites her to live with him in the governors mansion. Mind you, they hardly spoke 2 sentences to each other on said date, and the only indication that he *might* like her is a couple lip twitches. We never get to know Warren. We know he’s a divorcee and is a single parent. We know his age. We know his job… and that’s it. He and Audrey hardly spend any time together at all before they are having sex a little past midway. There isn’t any sexual tension to speak of. No lustful glances (except by her)… no seduction. Nothing. Just 2 dates then they’re having sex on his couch, then we get an odd FTB… we don’t know what happened after. Did he carry her to her room? Did she sleep in his bed? Did they pass out in the living room? Only to be discovered by a scandalized housekeeper in the morning?? We don’t know because they orgasm then we awkwardly cut to a scene with Audrey trying to feed a zany chipmunk the next day. 😑
And really, their whole relationship is portrayed that way. Where crucial details and important nuance and just any sort of real interaction and connection took a backseat to *chuckles*. It was like The Audrey and Friends Comedy Show, where Warren the one-dimensional and completely forgettable “hero,��� makes a couple token appearances as a side prop for more “jokes”. There is no conflict. None. The amount of questions I have about almost every aspect of this book… well, it’s not pretty. Disappointingly, this book had no depth to speak of. Which is not very conducive for stirring emotions.
Anyway, this should have been a homerun. I love the single POV. I love the zany girl and the serious guy trope. And typically I love Jana Aston’s humor. This time, though, the humor felt a bit try-hard, and the book just wasn’t romantic (or even all that sexy), which for me is the whole dang point. I was not convinced of the HEA, so in my book, the author did not do her job. 🤷🏼♀️
PS- if you need a sexy jealous/possessive alpha, like me, this isn’t for you. The ONLY time we see even a tiny glimmer of possessiveness is when they’re at dinner with his brother, and Warren tells him, with no tension build-up and no emotion whatsoever, to stop flirting with his date. That��s it. 👎🏻👎🏻
As for the sexy? We’re told that he’s controlling and demanding… and I was so waiting for him to be all sexy and bossy in the bedroom. 😍 Yeah. Never happens. Besides 2 lines of tepid dirty talk, the 2nd (and last 😩) time they have sex, Warren is about as vanilla as they come. He called her “dirty” when she said “don’t stop” during sex. 👀😑 Yes. THAT vanilla. 😩🤣
I guess.
I mean, I *think* it was. 😬 I could objectively see that other people would get some big laughs from the h’s antics. As for me? I had the same feeling I get when my 12 year old daughter wants to show me this HILARIOUS tik-tok video, and I’m kinda amused by HER amusement but waiting for the funny part… 👀…and waiting…
See, I’m not really a rom-com fan. In fact I have been known to describe them as “hives-inducing.” HOWEVER, I have adored Jana Aston’s books in the past. Wrong and Good Girl both landed on my 5-star reread list, which is not an easy feat. So I was ready to love this, but it fell flat to me. There was way too much “Com”, and not nearly enough “Rom”. It was a “Com-Rom.” 😅 And kids, I’m not reading for a stand-up comedy routine. I can get that on Netflix. I’m here for the romance, and this just did not cut it.
This was very shallow and a lot ridiculous when it came to the romance and relationship/character development. They go on one date and then the Governor of New York invites her to live with him in the governors mansion. Mind you, they hardly spoke 2 sentences to each other on said date, and the only indication that he *might* like her is a couple lip twitches. We never get to know Warren. We know he’s a divorcee and is a single parent. We know his age. We know his job… and that’s it. He and Audrey hardly spend any time together at all before they are having sex a little past midway. There isn’t any sexual tension to speak of. No lustful glances (except by her)… no seduction. Nothing. Just 2 dates then they’re having sex on his couch, then we get an odd FTB… we don’t know what happened after. Did he carry her to her room? Did she sleep in his bed? Did they pass out in the living room? Only to be discovered by a scandalized housekeeper in the morning?? We don’t know because they orgasm then we awkwardly cut to a scene with Audrey trying to feed a zany chipmunk the next day. 😑
And really, their whole relationship is portrayed that way. Where crucial details and important nuance and just any sort of real interaction and connection took a backseat to *chuckles*. It was like The Audrey and Friends Comedy Show, where Warren the one-dimensional and completely forgettable “hero,��� makes a couple token appearances as a side prop for more “jokes”. There is no conflict. None. The amount of questions I have about almost every aspect of this book… well, it’s not pretty. Disappointingly, this book had no depth to speak of. Which is not very conducive for stirring emotions.
Anyway, this should have been a homerun. I love the single POV. I love the zany girl and the serious guy trope. And typically I love Jana Aston’s humor. This time, though, the humor felt a bit try-hard, and the book just wasn’t romantic (or even all that sexy), which for me is the whole dang point. I was not convinced of the HEA, so in my book, the author did not do her job. 🤷🏼♀️
PS- if you need a sexy jealous/possessive alpha, like me, this isn’t for you. The ONLY time we see even a tiny glimmer of possessiveness is when they’re at dinner with his brother, and Warren tells him, with no tension build-up and no emotion whatsoever, to stop flirting with his date. That��s it. 👎🏻👎🏻
As for the sexy? We’re told that he’s controlling and demanding… and I was so waiting for him to be all sexy and bossy in the bedroom. 😍 Yeah. Never happens. Besides 2 lines of tepid dirty talk, the 2nd (and last 😩) time they have sex, Warren is about as vanilla as they come. He called her “dirty” when she said “don’t stop” during sex. 👀😑 Yes. THAT vanilla. 😩🤣
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vkXW97
Nook: http://bit.ly/TNMR_BN
Apple: http://bit.ly/TNMR_Apple
Kobo: http://bit.ly/TNMR_Kobo
July 25, 2021
2.5 stars! The heroine was so annoying. She ran away from her problems which any logical sane person wouldn't do because they were LEGAL problems. Also she was such a special snowflake. And our hero was so confusing. I literally thought he didn't care about her for 60% of the book LOL he would not make advances. And all she kept thinking about was having sex with him.
February 9, 2022
4.5 Stars
What an amazing read it was!! ❤
Audrey Gibson is our struggling fashion designer and self-diagnosed lunatic who have allegedly have fled from her previous city and now is settling in her aunt's crumbling brownstone. Then one fine day, one of her customers insists on setting her up with her son. And the son happens to be Warren - our GILF (Governor I’d Like to Fuck) who also is demanding, hard to work with, aloof, arrogant and surly!! Though we never got his POV, but all those almost smirks and smiles.... 💃 He is just chef's kiss!!
And did I not love our Gary and Duke?! (Me cracking again!) They are so much fun!!!!!! Oh, and the drama with the chipmunks! I was there with Warren laughing my ass out!
And Audrey with Miller. And Audrey with Bethany. It was a delight to read! 💖
It made me laugh out loud so many times... that it really made my day. Somehow, I know her brand of crazy is my brand of crazy too. 😶
Oh, and I'm definitely checking out other books by Jana Aston.
What an amazing read it was!! ❤
“You’re insane,” he says, but he uses his hand to cover a smile. And to be fair, he’s not wrong.
“You’re into it though,” I reply, smiling back.
Because he is. He is so into my particular brand of crazy. I don’t know why, but fuck it, I don’t know why I find his stupid press conferences sexy either.
Audrey Gibson is our struggling fashion designer and self-diagnosed lunatic who have allegedly have fled from her previous city and now is settling in her aunt's crumbling brownstone. Then one fine day, one of her customers insists on setting her up with her son. And the son happens to be Warren - our GILF (Governor I’d Like to Fuck) who also is demanding, hard to work with, aloof, arrogant and surly!! Though we never got his POV, but all those almost smirks and smiles.... 💃 He is just chef's kiss!!
I’m sweating for no good reason. And not for nothing, but I could think of a few good reasons for sweating, because they’re still imprinted in my brain from my sex dream.
I groan.
“You okay?” Warren glances at me.
“Yup.” I nod my head. “Stubbed my toe.”
“Without breaking stride?”
“I’m an accomplished stubber.” That made perfect sense.
And did I not love our Gary and Duke?! (Me cracking again!) They are so much fun!!!!!! Oh, and the drama with the chipmunks! I was there with Warren laughing my ass out!
And Audrey with Miller. And Audrey with Bethany. It was a delight to read! 💖
It made me laugh out loud so many times... that it really made my day. Somehow, I know her brand of crazy is my brand of crazy too. 😶
“Yes,” I say against his lips. “Yes, I will marry you. Yes, a thousand times yes!”
“I haven’t actually proposed yet.” He grins, pressing his lips against mine again.
Oh.
“Well.” I shrug. “You will.”
Oh, and I'm definitely checking out other books by Jana Aston.
July 5, 2021
Jana Aston always puts a smile on my face and a giggle along with it. I love her humor and the characters who lack a filter on their crazy comments. The romance was not the hottest she has written but it was a sweet romance.
June 25, 2021
This a great romantic comedy. I feel it was a solid 3.8 stars for me. I loved the witty banter and the pets were the cutest addition. This is a story about starting life over and being worthy of change and growth.
The only little tiny criticism I had was their relationship. It never felt quite solidified. Yet all the signs were there. The book was very entertaining and well researched. Unless Jana you are a closet fashion designer. (laugh)
The only little tiny criticism I had was their relationship. It never felt quite solidified. Yet all the signs were there. The book was very entertaining and well researched. Unless Jana you are a closet fashion designer. (laugh)
August 13, 2021
2.5 stars. It started off well, and looked like quite a promising romcom. Sadly as the book went on, I got more and more disillusioned with Audrey. I liked her flair for revamping vintage fashions, and there were some cute moments in the book. But when it came to
So this one got too ridiculous for me, and the heroine was just too ditzy for me to respect or like. I started to find her tedious, actually. I enjoy a good romcom, but I have to like the characters to enjoy it.
Many seem to love the book however, and have no problem with Audrey. So by all means, try it. You may have more patience with airhead Audrey than I did. If so, enjoy!
So this one got too ridiculous for me, and the heroine was just too ditzy for me to respect or like. I started to find her tedious, actually. I enjoy a good romcom, but I have to like the characters to enjoy it.
Many seem to love the book however, and have no problem with Audrey. So by all means, try it. You may have more patience with airhead Audrey than I did. If so, enjoy!
June 24, 2021
Equal parts sexy and hilarious, yet wholely entertaining — The Next Mrs Russo is a laugh out loud good time!
A huge crush, Quirky heroine, Devious cat, and the setup of all setups. What could go wrong, right?
Here's what I loved:
The heroine is Hilarious! She's talented, funny, and a total goof. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what antics she'd pull next.
The hero is older, aloof, and very well put together. His responses to her were spot on and I could not get enough of them together.
Throw in the pets and this was a raucous good time. I legit laughed out loud from beginning to end.
This funny read really hit the spot! I’m a huge fan of the author’s brand of comedy and was super excited to read this book. I recommended it to readers looking for a laugh out loud fun time!
4.5 stars
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A huge crush, Quirky heroine, Devious cat, and the setup of all setups. What could go wrong, right?
Here's what I loved:
The heroine is Hilarious! She's talented, funny, and a total goof. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what antics she'd pull next.
The hero is older, aloof, and very well put together. His responses to her were spot on and I could not get enough of them together.
Throw in the pets and this was a raucous good time. I legit laughed out loud from beginning to end.
This funny read really hit the spot! I’m a huge fan of the author’s brand of comedy and was super excited to read this book. I recommended it to readers looking for a laugh out loud fun time!
4.5 stars
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
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July 12, 2021
"The Next Mrs Russo" is the story of Audrey and Warren.
Our heroine runs a quirky store, turning vintage designer gowns into modern miracles. A client overhears her dilemma of being unknown, and offers to wear her dress in exchange for a date with her son. Turns out, her son is none another than the governor.. the man the heroine has a crush on!
From her faking weird accents, speaking sans filter, putting her foot in her mouth and cracking very inappropriate jokes - the heroine was a hoot. There is a confused hero, a supportive friend/ assistant, a grumpy cat, a loving dog, a pet psychic, a matchmaking mother along with hot lovemaking, some non drama-drama and a HEA. It was average on romance, but the other elements- especially the humor totally made it a worthwhile read.
Safe
3.5/5
Our heroine runs a quirky store, turning vintage designer gowns into modern miracles. A client overhears her dilemma of being unknown, and offers to wear her dress in exchange for a date with her son. Turns out, her son is none another than the governor.. the man the heroine has a crush on!
From her faking weird accents, speaking sans filter, putting her foot in her mouth and cracking very inappropriate jokes - the heroine was a hoot. There is a confused hero, a supportive friend/ assistant, a grumpy cat, a loving dog, a pet psychic, a matchmaking mother along with hot lovemaking, some non drama-drama and a HEA. It was average on romance, but the other elements- especially the humor totally made it a worthwhile read.
Safe
3.5/5
June 15, 2021
Whenever I pick up a book by Jana Aston, it's like coming home again. Reading new Jana books is legiterally one of my favorite things to do. When I heard she was writing about a sexy Governor, I was super excited!! And I was not let down. Every single character, from the main characters to her assistant Miller to the dog and cat and chipmunk are utter perfection. I adored the little Jana touches like the Farmer's Market flowers and the pet psychic. The H and h have realistic, honest, funny, sexy times and I am here for it!!! Insta top fave for 2021!!!!!
July 11, 2021
Jana Aston definitely knows how to write heroes. Or at least as I enjoy reading them. However, the heroine is one of those annoying people that exhaust me. She is so extra and quirky. Being in her head was overwhelming. Maybe it is a good thing I haven't read this in one sitting.
Overall- ridiculous, but it works.
Overall- ridiculous, but it works.
February 18, 2023
Another great book by Jana Aston
There's nothing like reading a Jana Aston book. I know I'm going to get a fabulously hilarious female main character and a guy who's into her. This book is no exception. Audrey is quirky and funny. We don't really know too much about what Warren is feeling since the entire book is from Audrey's perspective.
Highly recommended!!!
I just hope the next book is about James, Warren's brother.
There's nothing like reading a Jana Aston book. I know I'm going to get a fabulously hilarious female main character and a guy who's into her. This book is no exception. Audrey is quirky and funny. We don't really know too much about what Warren is feeling since the entire book is from Audrey's perspective.
Highly recommended!!!
I just hope the next book is about James, Warren's brother.
June 22, 2021
3.5 stars
October 7, 2021
The Next Mrs Russo no me parecio tan gracioso como imagine, sinceramente, el tipo de humor que suele darle la autora a sus libros no siempre es de mi estilo, a veces me hace reir bastante con las ocurrencias de la protagonista femenina, puesto que suelen tener una personalidad variopinta pero en otras ocasiones me resulta demasiado infantil y forzado como para disfrutarlo, y esta novela esta en el segundo grupo.
La historia no esta mal, en mi opinion es simpatica, sin embargo, creo que le falta mucho para ser de esas lecturas que recuerdas pasado un tiempo. Uno de los mayores fallos es que todo es superficial, la escritora no ahonda ni en la trama ni en los personajes, casi parecen mas personajes secundarios que una pareja principal.
El desenlace tambien lo senti muy brusco, el drama tan tipico de este tipo de romance se da tarde y se soluciona a un ritmo que ni en la Formula 1, ademas, el epilogo es muy impersonal, no me convencio.
Para concluir, The Next Mrs Russo es lo que parece a simple vista : una historia sencilla y que no deja huella. Entretiene y no se hace largo, pero no es el mejor trabajo de Jana Aston.
2.75 Estrellas!
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