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Neanderthal Seeks Human

Book 1 in the series:Knitting in the City

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Who Would Like This Book:

This one's a quirky, laugh-out-loud contemporary romance starring Janie, a genius with a penchant for blurting out bizarre trivia, and a mysterious, quietly swoony hero in Quinn. Fans of smart, nerdy heroines, found family vibes (hello, knitting club!), and slow-burn office romance will find plenty to enjoy. If you ever wished Bridget Jones was obsessed with fun facts and surrounded by supportive girlfriends, you'll love the energy here. The book also appeals to those wanting a romance where characters genuinely grow and friendships shine.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you're easily frustrated by awkward heroines (Janie goes full-on 'adorkable' and sometimes misses the obvious), or if you prefer your romances steamy and low on quirk, this might not be a perfect fit. Some readers found the writing a bit rough around the edges - over-reliant on Janie's trivia habit, occasional pacing issues, and a hero who can veer into overprotective territory. The lack of Quinn’s POV for most of the book and some contrived situations also bothered a few fans of more traditional storytelling. If you dislike when the main character seems unfocused on major life events or want deep dives into side characters, you might be a tad underwhelmed.

Overall, 'Neanderthal Seeks Human' is a fun, witty, brainy rom-com that celebrates being different. Not without its flaws, but perfect for readers who love smart humor, quirky characters, and feel-good romance with a strong female friend group.

About:

Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid is a romantic comedy that follows the quirky and socially awkward Janie Morris who, after losing her boyfriend, job, and apartment in a single day, finds herself entangled with the mysterious and handsome Quinn Sullivan. The story revolves around their unconventional relationship, filled with humor, quirky characters, and unexpected twists. Penny Reid's writing style is described as smart, funny, and engaging, with a touch of wackiness that keeps the readers entertained and emotionally invested in the journey of Janie and Quinn.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, showcasing a mix of humor, quirks, and personal growth, particularly within the friendship group.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines humor, quirky narrative, and engaging dialogue, presenting a fresh and entertaining reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot highlights the journey of a quirky heroine navigating unexpected life changes and the ensuing romantic entanglements with her equally unique love interest.

Setting:

The setting features a contemporary urban landscape that serves as a backdrop for personal and professional interactions.

Pacing:

The pacing offers a slow build in romance, mixing comedic and serious moments, though some readers found it uneven.
Sitting on the toilet, I started to panic when I noticed the graveyard of empty toilet paper rolls. The brown cylinders had ostensibly been placed vertically to form a half oval on top of the flat shi...

Notes:

The main character, Janie, wants to be an architect but ends up working as an accountant.
Janie experiences a series of unfortunate events, losing her boyfriend, job, and apartment all in one day.
Quinn, the security guard, is known as Sir Handsome McHotpants.
The book has a funny and quirky writing style with Janie's character often blurting out random facts.
There are significant themes of self-acceptance and personal agency throughout the story.
The narrative is primarily from Janie's point of view, but the epilogue includes Quinn's perspective as well.
The book offers comedic moments, including a scene where Janie and her knitting group face unexpected trouble involving thugs.
Penny Reid's writing aims to blend humor with romantic elements, targeting a more intelligent brand of romance.
The series this book starts, Knitting in the City, revolves around a group of supportive female friends.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are mentions of infidelity and possible triggering situations related to body image and self-esteem.

Has Romance?

Yes, the romance between Janie and Quinn is central to the story.

From The Publisher:

This is a full-length, 110k word novel and is the first book in the Knitting in the City series. There are three things you need to know about Janie Morris: 1) She is incapable of engaging in a conversation without volunteering TMTI (Too Much Trivial Information), especially when she is unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her more than Quinn Sullivan, and 3) She doesn't know how to knit. After losing her boyfriend, apartment, and job in the same day, Janie Morris can't help wondering what new torment fate has in store. To her utter mortification, Quinn Sullivan- aka Sir McHotpants- witnesses it all then keeps turning up like a pair of shoes you lust after but can't afford. The last thing she expects is for Quinn- the focus of her slightly, albeit harmless, stalkerish tendencies- to make her an offer she can't refuse.

Ratings (62)

Incredible (8)
Loved It (26)
Liked It (18)
It Was OK (5)
Did Not Like (5)

Reader Stats (109):

Read It (60)
Want To Read (27)
Did Not Finish (6)
Not Interested (16)

About the Author:

Penny Reid is a Wallstreet Journal and USA today bestselling author of odd romantic comedies. She's also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought hijacker.

 
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