Not a Side Chick

About This Audiobook

Meet Eddy Wheeler, a woman who just wanted to return her library books before a disastrous evening—only to walk in on her parents in a scenario so cringe-worthy, it should come with a trigger warning. Lani Lynn Vale delivers a contemporary romance that thrives on chaos and family dysfunction, where the protagonist’s bad day spirals into a full-blown identity crisis. The humor is dark, the stakes feel personal, and the emotional beats land with a punch. The audiobook’s dual narration by Janine Granda and Tor Thom amplifies the story’s raw energy, with Granda’s fiery delivery perfect for Eddy’s sarcastic wit and Thom’s smoldering tones grounding the more heated moments. The chemistry between the narrators mirrors the book’s push-and-pull romance, making it feel like a performance you’re invested in, not just listening to."

"review": "As someone who’s spent years suffering through audiobooks with flat narration, *Not a Side Chick* was a revelation. Janine Granda’s performance of Eddy is a masterclass in sassy, no-nonsense energy—she nails the protagonist’s voice with razor-sharp timing, whether Eddy’s seething in frustration or melting under sheer absurdity. Tor Thom, voicing the love interest, brings a gritty charm that makes even the cheesiest lines believable. The production quality is top-tier, with seamless transitions that keep the pacing tight despite the story’s over-the-top premise. That said, the audiobook’s greatest strength—its unfiltered chaos—might not resonate with readers who prefer subtler romances. The plot occasionally leans into melodrama, and the ending wraps up a bit too neatly for the level of dysfunction on display. Still, if you’re after a romance that’s equal parts laugh-out-loud and emotionally engaging, this is a standout. The narrators make it feel like a guilty-pleasure binge you can’t pause—even when you should.