I am delighted to share this unbiased review for Smoother Than Spumoni, by Marilyn Barr.
BLURB
Susie Larkin is a dolphin shifter and heir to the humble Larkin’s Dairy Dip on Seagrass Island, FL. Pedaling ice cream from bicycle carts on the beach is just a stepping-stone for this future CEO of a frozen confection empire—or so she hopes.
Frank Paulino Jr. receives his first taste of freedom from Strawberry, KY in a summer internship at Bart’s Oyster bar. His pasta creations save the restaurant when red tide poisons the fresh fish of the bay, making him the most popular werewolf on Seagrass island.
Frank and Susie uncover a conspiracy that threatens not only the wildlife of the area, but also their lives. Can these two shifters put their ambitions aside long enough to give their relationship a chance, or will Frank pay the ultimate price to protect Susie and the island she loves?
UNIVERSAL BUY LINK
https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/6d883a68-d766-11eb-92b4-0f32c89b9c50
LOVE LIST
- I loved that my first dive into a world of shifters broadened my list of enjoyable genres.
- I loved how Susie’s experience transforming from human to dolphin and back again leapt off the page.
- I loved the small town, Florida beach setting. This was a perfect read to welcome summer.
- I loved how the author’s vivid details bring this world to life. The descriptions of food will leave readers craving a long list of menu items.
- I loved how the author evoked both the thrill and sweetness of first love. Readers can expect more than tagging along with Susie as she navigates decisions, danger, and dreams. The excitement and uncertainty of being a young adult comes flooding in as we experience Susie’s journey through her eyes.
- I loved that Susie puts her future first. She is a strong heroine with goals and wants a partner in life to share achievements with.
- I loved the bit of mystery interjected into the storyline.
- I loved that this book is part of the Strawberry Shifters series. Readers will definitely want to revisit these characters and their world.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Smoother Than Spumoni is an enjoyable story that will drop readers into a world of shifters and young love. Although this was the perfect book to kick off my summer reading list, the story will please readers year-round. Vivid details bring this small town, Florida beach setting to life. The descriptions of food will leave readers craving a long list of menu items.
The author expertly evokes both the thrill and sweetness of first love. Readers can expect more than tagging along with Susie as she navigates decisions, danger, and dreams. The excitement and uncertainty of being a young adult comes flooding in as we experience Susie’s journey through her eyes.
Susie is a strong heroine with goals and wants a partner in life to share achievements with. The bit of mystery interjected into the storyline is an added bonus. I’m so glad this story is part of the Strawberry Shifters series. Readers will definitely want to revisit these characters and their world.
Jill Piscitello 