No Strings

A Novel

By: Lucy Bexley

Narrated by: Abby Craden

Tangled Up in You

Fun is the one thing Elsie Webb takes seriously. Though she'd be having a lot more of it if Haelstrom Media paid her enough to actually get out of debt. She's determined to hold out on contract negotiations for her kids' television show Fangley Heights until she gets what she deserves. There's only one problem, the head of the network just died and left her future more uncertain than ever.

Forty-eight hours and one funeral—that's all Jones Haelstrom has to get through before she can return to her life in LA that's as ordered and sparse as an IKEA showroom. When she steps in as CEO of her father's media company, Elsie Webb is her first problem to deal with. Elsie ends up challenging Jones in ways she never could have predicted, starting with an attraction neither can avoid.

As their attraction teeters on the edge of something more both agree to keep it casual. A no-strings agreement and disclosure to HR should be enough to keep things between Jones and Elsie from getting tangled, right?

Contains mature themes.

©2022 Lucy Bexley (P)2022 Tantor

Sometimes its nice for the stakes to be low...

I've dropped a few books recently for being too fraught and angsty, So its nice to find a story that while it still has serious moments and moments of conflict between Elsie and Jones, it never strays too deep into it them before coming back. I'm also tired of formulaic "2nd act break up/3rd act make up" story beats. So whenever I find a book or an author who manages to write a story Im very happy.
Do I even need to say that Abby Craden is amazing? Because she is.

No Fangs Barred

Elsie Webb created Fangley Heights while in college and had been to naive in the deal. Barely making it in New York she is holding out on signing a new contract. Jones Halstead is home for her fathers funeral and has to temporarily step in as CEO and her brother’s caregiver when his mother goes to a spa and disappears from contact. Her entire world is turned upside down by Emily and a young child. A laugh out loud story of love and Fangley, the Vampire puppet. The awesome Abby Craden narration is priceless.

Mixed

I liked most of the book. however I had a hard time with Elsie acting like a 12 year old at times. I like the humor, truly some LOL moments. However talking to 5-6 years about gender fluidity and 'open' relationships was a bit uncomfortable, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Abby Craden was FABULOUS!!!

Very cute!

Didn’t read the synopsis and thought it was about a vampire haha but was pleasantly surprised! Would recommend! I always love Abby Craden’s performances.

I loved everything about this audiobook!

It's fun without being silly, sweet without being saccharine and deceptively deep without being heavy. The main characters Elsie Webb and Jones Haelstrom are interesting, admirable, occasionally imperfect and so likable (puppeteer Elsie especially so!) The story is well written and edited. The secondary characters are strong - including Avery, the non-binary best friend and occasional conscience of Elsie. I appreciated their relationship and interactions. There's also a great kid in Jones' little brother Bentley, who worms his way into our hearts just as he does his big sister's and Elsie's.

While I really enjoyed Must Love Silence, I felt like this was a book that Bexley was born to write. Her humor, compassion and intelligence is on full display and I found myself smiling throughout. Elsie and Jones' chemistry is palpable and sexy, and while there is something of an age gap, it never felt unbelievable.

Narrator Abby Craden worked her magic on the audio and obviously had a blast narrating this. It was such a joy to listen to!
I one thousand percent recommend this book! Especially for those looking for something a little lighter and feel-good, but with substance.