Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words by Tara Sivec & Andi Arndt
Narrated by Andi Arndt
Publisher: Audible Original
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Date Read: September 5, 2019
Length: 6 hours 15 minutes
Source: Publisher
★★★★☆
Cowritten by USA Today best-selling author Tara Sivec and award-winning narrator Andi Arndt, a hysterically funny, heartfelt romance – created specifically for the audio format!
Nothing good ever comes from drinking a box of wine alone. So when I decided to entertain my drunken self by setting up some hand-me-down podcasting equipment and reading the steamy parts from romance novels, I never thought anyone would actually listen. The fact that I admitted my huge crush on my sexy next door neighbor made the whole thing even more mortifying. But sometimes life surprises you, and that’s how my podcast, Heidi’s Discount Erotica, was born.
Now I, Heidi Larsen, a sweet former kindergarten teacher in Waconia, Minnesota, lead a scandalous double life reading erotic novels to the listening world. And with each episode, I find myself embracing my new alter ego more and more. Now I’m starting to feel more comfortable in my own skin and do things I never would have dreamed of – like kissing my neighbor.Look out, Waconia, because Heidi’s on the loose! She’s in your ears, in your hearts, and down your pants…wait, that didn’t sound as good as it did in my head. Well, you get the picture, don’tcha know!
Oh my gosh, this book was so much fun! This book caught my eye when I saw the cover prior to its release. It sounded like a funny story so I was somewhat interested. When I noticed that Andi Arndt narrated and co-authored the book, I knew that I would have to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. I am not sure what I expected but there was a certain magic to this book. It is safe to say that I enjoyed the time that I spent with this book.
I like funny books. I like them a whole lot but I rarely find myself actually laughing. I might crack a grin or feel amused but full out laughter rarely happens. It happened with this book. I had a really hard time controlling myself at work while I was listening. I expected some humor in this book but I did not expect full-out laughter-inducing magic.
Heidi is in need of a new job since she just lost her position as a kindergarten teacher. She is able to find a position a local studio but she isn’t quite ready for the type of books being recorded in this studio. Heidi ends up with some equipment that the studio is giving away, opens a box of wine, and the next thing you know she has her own podcast, Heidi’s Discount Erotica. Heidi uses her podcast to try to come out of her shell a bit and try to make things happen with her sexy next-door neighbor.
I liked Heidi a lot. She is smart and funny. She shows a lot of growth during this story and it was fun to watch it happen. Her mom was a bit over the top but I thought that her character not only added to the humor but helped to demonstrate how her life has been up until this point. It was fun to see Heidi’s relationship with her mom grow during the book as well.
The story did lose a little steam for me during the second half and especially towards the end. The big conflict between Heidi and Brent didn’t seem like a big deal to me at all. Heidi’s reaction was completely over the top. I enjoyed the whole book but the first half was a bit more enjoyable for me.
Andi Arndt nailed the narration. I think that one of the reasons this book was as funny as it was is because of her performance. I thought she did a great job with all of the character voices and I thought that her drunk Heidi was amazing. I definitely think that this is a story best experienced through audio.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This story was funny, original, and completely entertaining. I hope to see more from Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt very soon.
I received a copy of this audiobook from Audible Originals.
About the Authors
Tara Sivec is a USA Today best-selling author, wife, mother, chauffeur, maid, short-order cook, baby-sitter, and sarcasm expert. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children and looks forward to the day when they all three of them become adults and move out. After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader’s Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted as Best Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader’s Choice Awards for 2014. In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she’ll do and naps she’ll take when she ever gets spare time.Tara Sivec’s Links: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
Andi Arndt is an audiobook narrator and producer with a growing catalog of titles in a variety of genres, both fiction and non-fiction.
Everyone sees to be loving this one. I am glad to hear you had a good time with it. Great review.
that sounds really fun, and the cover is kinda catchy too! I wouldn't mind reading this
This book sounds hilarious! Also, Tara Sivec? YESSS. I didn't know Andy Arndt writes, too!
Excellent review! I agree that the conflict was over the top but many aspects were over the top. Heidi wasn't hurt and no longer sure of Brent's reasons, but her reaction was unnecessary. Adult conversation would have worked but in the heat of the moment. Thank goodness Brent was the steady guy he was. I just loved this and the laughter it brought me was worth everything.
Anne – Books of My Heart
Yes, I love it when the funny parts actually make me laugh. I had no idea that Andi Arndt actually co-wrote this one. Cool!
Oh this one defintely sounds fun! I should try it!
Sivec is usually funny, so I am not surprised to hear this was fun. The premise is quite amusing, and though it lost some steam, it sounds like it was still worth a listen to me.
I've come across many good reviews for this one. Sounds so fun!
I have only listened to one Andi, but I really want more
This whole premise already has me smiling. Of a kindergarten teacher who reads erotica novels… and then the fact that you mention it continues to be funny in your review!! That makes me want to try this one.
This does sound fun! If only her podcast were real. Haha. I will have to give this one a try for sure.