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Heartfelt, Hilarious, and Homebrewed
4.5 out of 5 stars
Robin Alexander’s Patty’s Potent Potion, narrated by Lori Prince, is a heartwarming and humorous audiobook that blends romance, personal growth, and small-town charm seamlessly. The story follows Shawna Haydel, who, as a lovestruck teenager, once attempted a love potion to win the heart of her friend Ashton Guidry. Decades later, Ashton returns to town, stepping back into Shawna’s world. Now a mother to a teenage daughter, Shawna finds herself reconnecting with Ashton, who has taken a job as a biology teacher and reluctant color guard coach at Jet’s school. What unfolds is a touching journey of rekindled connection, self-discovery, and second chances.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its deeply developed characters. Alexander crafts a cast that feels like close friends by the end of the book. Shawna is a relatable protagonist, balancing motherhood, work, and emotional baggage, while her daughter Jet adds youthful energy and wit. Shawna’s mother and outspoken grandmother provide some of the book’s most hilarious moments. Their interactions feel authentic, making their struggles and triumphs all the more engaging.
The novel’s core revolves around the budding romance between Ashton and Shawna. This sweet love story of rekindled friendship evolving into something deeper is full of chemistry, with moments ranging from tender to steamy. Alexander masterfully paces their relationship, keeping readers hooked on their growing connection.
The humor and dialogue shine throughout, making the story feel effortlessly engaging. Conversations between Shawna and her parents, daughter, and Ashton are filled with warmth, sarcasm, and authenticity. Whether it’s a heartfelt moment or a snarky comeback, Alexander captures the rhythm of real-life exchanges, adding to the book’s charm.
Beyond the romance, the novel explores raising a teenager, coming out in a town that knew you as a child, and the whimsical mystery of the childhood love potion—was it magic, or just fate? The focus on color guard as a central theme is a refreshing twist, offering vivid descriptions and an accurate portrayal of the sport, setting it apart from more common sports tropes.
Because the novel is so character-driven, the plot moves at a measured pace. While it may feel slow at first, this ultimately works in its favor. Rather than relying on high drama or supernatural twists, the story leans into the authenticity of real relationships, proving that love stories don’t need extravagant plots to be compelling—just genuine emotion and well-drawn characters.
Lori Prince’s narration is stellar. She differentiates each character with distinct voices, from sarcastic teenagers to grumpy grandmothers and inebriated friends, capturing the full emotional range and making it easy to get lost in the audiobook.
Overall, Patty’s Potent Potion is a delightful listen filled with humor, heart, and characters that stay with you long after the final chapter. Cozy at times and steamy at others, the book covers a wide range of emotions, making it feel like leaving behind a group of friends. With Alexander’s skillful storytelling and Prince’s captivating narration, this audiobook is a must for anyone seeking a character-driven romance that blends laughter with heartfelt moments.
Book Description:
When Shawna Haydel was 16 years old, she dropped Ashton Guidry’s name into a potion that would supposedly make Ashton fall in love with her. She knew it was silly, but she clung to one irrational thread of hope their friend Patty’s concoction would grant her heart’s desire. Shawna’s hopes were dashed when Ashton packed up her things and went away to college completely unaware of Shawna’s feelings.
Twenty-three years after Patty’s potion was brewed, Ashton returns to her hometown. She finds time has changed a lot, including Shawna. Ashton has done quite a bit of changing, too, and sees Shawna in a whole new light. Perhaps Patty’s potion was potent after all.
In this romantic comedy, Robin Alexander has cooked up a humorous tale about enduring love and friendship.
Contains mature themes.
Patty’s Potent Potion by Robin Alexander
Narrator: Lori Prince
Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
Published by Tantor Audio on March 14th 2022
Genres: LesFic/Sapphic Fiction, RomCom
Format: Audiobook
Also by this author: The Summer of Our Discontent., Blissfully Blindsided, The Lure of White Oak Lake, Rusty Logic
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