Funny unhinged novella with spice and a lot of ducks! Should I say something else?
This book won't have to worry, it will find its targeted audience…

Rubber Duckie Shifter Next Door by Mia Harlan hardly needs a blurb so you know what it's about. The title's straight to the point, just like Harlan's narration, which pulls up a romance in 100 pages. In case someone wants to know more, though, I will sum it up for you:
Rachel, godmother of her deceased best friend's kids, wants to start a new seated life and be the children's guardian. The kids, though, seemed to hate the idea and are making her life a living hell.
One day, the commotion calls the attention of the neighbor next door: A hot guy duckie-shifter. Just one look, and he knows that she requires his help… and that she is his fated mate.
From that moment on, he will do anything in his power to get Rachel's attention and love.

Why I picked this book? Because it sounded bananas.
At first, I skip it. Even if I love to hear about crazy plots in books, it's not my type of novellas.
But then the book I'm currently reading got a little bit boring … I needed to cheer up. To get the boredom out of me.
This book managed to do it.
Being this short, it took me a brief moment to go through it. I laughed and relaxed… And that's it. It fulfills its promises.

The lore made me reflect on something, though… Life as a Book Shifter would be tough.

The writing itself was fine, however the pacing of this story was completely off. Far too much was taking place in such a short time with little to no explanation behind these magical shifters.

Overall, I probably would not recommend this one and I am kinda mad I wasted my time on it.

Mia Harlan has crafted a delightful and imaginative short read with this one, complete with a spicy scene that strikes just the right balance of heat and humor.

Rachel finds herself in a predicament when she's entrusted with looking after her three godchildren while their grandmother is away on vacation. The only problem? Rachel is not exactly a natural with children. Cue the entrance of her hot next-door neighbor, Sig, who just happens to be a rubber duckie shifter. Despite his unusual secret, Sig lends Rachel a helping hand, and as they grow closer, he grapples with whether to reveal his true identity to her. Will Rachel stick around when she learns the truth about Sig?

This book was an absolute blast from start to finish! Mia Harlan's writing is top-notch, and she expertly manages to pack so much charm and humor into a 100-page short story. Every duck pun had me in stitches, and the spicy romance scene was both steamy and delightfully quirky. I found myself wishing the story wouldn't end—I was having too much fun!

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Author Collective 20, and Mia Harlan for providing such an enjoyable ARC experience.

The premise of this book was unique - a shifter that shifts only into an object they love. Rachel was flighty, had low self esteem, and a lil bit silly. Sig was affable and obsessive about rubber ducks and Rachel — didn’t seem to have much of a personality beyond that. The book was cute enough and flowed well, but I was a little bit bored.

Spice: 3/5 - one scene

Triggers: death of friend (off page), death of parents (side characters, off page)

This book was very cute . Although, at first I was skeptical because I’m usually not a fan of similar stories. However, this short book was very enjoyable. Every page made me interested, I’m a-little sad it wasn’t a bit longer.
Overall; besides some minor issues with the writing (nothing that noticeable unless looking) this book was great!
So I would recommend to anyone looking for a fast fun read ❤️❤️
A huge thank you to NetGalley ,the publishers and Mia Harlen for the opportunity to read an ARC for this book ❤️

Honestly, I don't even ducking know how to describe this but I had a blast. Laughed harder than I probably should have. Quick read and a great time.

I saw this short story and was intrigued to pick it up. The concept seemed silly and the cover looked so cute!
The story follows Rachel and her own self discovery in parenthood, as she adopts her late best friend's children. She is struggling with her task and enlists the help of the handsome neighbor, Sig.

I enjoyed watching Rachel's progression in her confidence, as well as her relationship with Sig. I think Sig was not as dynamic of a character, but was determined to be the best for Sig. Reaper's character was interesting and I would be interested in reading the next one!

This quick read was a nice pick-me=up from the heavier romances I have been reading and I would recommend this to someone looking for a short palette cleanser.
Thank you NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this story.

I would like to thank netgalley and the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Fun!

I had no idea what to expect from this book. Never even thought about a rubber duckie shifter before. It was cute and spicy all at the same time. Also, it is a quick read if you are looking for a palette cleanser.

Title: Rubber Duckie Shifter Next Door
Author: Mia Harlan
Genre: Fantasy romance
Media: ebook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Favorite quote: “Duck a duckity duck!”
Sum of this book in 5 words or less: Oh duck…

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Themes: shifter, adopting kids, death, spice

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Thoughts:

Short summary - Rachel becomes guardian to her friend’s 3 children. The next door neighbor is a rubber duckie shifter.

From his POV there are so many duck puns and duck references and I found myself laughing at it. What’s the point in a book like this if you can’t laugh? Mia nailed it!

Laughter for the reader and some spice scenes? Good mix!

Wow, what a strange story but kind of in the best way. So different than well, anything! it was funny and spicy and somehow relatable! A quick read for a palette cleanse.

Title: Rubber Duckie Shifter Next Door by Mia Harlan
Release Date: May, 17th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars


When Rachel becomes the guardian of her friend's unruly kids, she’s overwhelmed, but then Sig, her quirky neighbor, enters the picture. He owns a water park and has a natural way with kids. Despite his unusual secret—he's a floating bath toy—she can't deny the connection between us. Can she truly fall for a rubber duckie? Only time and plenty of bath time fun will tell.

"Rubber Duckie Shifter Next Door" is a quirky, fun read that delivers exactly what the title promises. Mia Harlan crafts an entertaining short story with a hint of spice, perfect for those seeking a lighthearted and silly enjoyable read. While it may read a bit juvenile at times and feels rushed due to its brevity, it's still a delightful and creative escape.


Thank you to The Publisher Mia Books, The Author Mia Harlan & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

This is an insta love novella so things move very fast. Even though it's a short read, the novella dives into some deep issues, giving us a glimpse into the characters' inner struggles and emotions. It feels like there's enough material here for a full-length novel, but the author picks out the best bits, so we still get a satisfying story with plenty of depth.

By focusing on the most important moments of their relationship, the author manages to capture the essence of their connection without dragging things out. It's a quick read, but it's packed with emotion and authenticity.

I will say I did not know I had issues with the word duckie before this book. It just felt wrong when adults say the words to each other, why can't you just say duck.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

While looking after her friend’s energetic—bordering on rambunctious—kids, Rachel is overwhelmed until her neighbor Sig steps in to help. Sig’s rapport with the kids and easy charm quickly restores order. Upon seeing Rachel over the fence, Sig is immediately lovestruck by her. Could she feel the same? More importantly, how would she react to his unique ability to shapeshift into a rubber duckie?

If you’re looking for a lighthearted, quick read sprinkled with lots of silliness and humor, this may be a good book for you. It contains the classic next-door neighbor romance trope coupled with a unique shapeshifting creature and some spicy scenes to top it off.

Unfortunately, to me, the book was underwhelming as it was too rushed. There were many times while reading this that I felt as if I were listening to an audiobook on x5 speed… And, for the record, I was reading this on the Kindle app, *not* listening to it as an audiobook.

I strongly feel it would have benefited having more chapters to further flesh the undeniable chemistry that Rachel and Sig had while adding some normal quirks and problems new couples face. The fact that the story was over before it had the opportunity to really blossom makes it difficult for me to appropriate a higher rating. I liked the characters, the premise, and the unique and original take on a rubber duckie shapeshifter, I just really wish there had been more meat and potatoes to the overall book.

That aside, it was an easy, entertaining read to the point that I will most definitely read Mia Harlan’s expected sequel about Reaper—which she did an outstanding job setting the scene for that!

I would like to express my profound gratitude to both NetGalley and Mia Harlan (Mia Books) for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own.

“I wasn’t laughing—”
He slams into me again.
“I know you weren’t laughing,” he says, pupils dilated, dark stormy eyes locked on mine.
“Because I was about to make you scream.”
🐤🐤🐤🐤
Can a 70 page romance book be a slow burn, shifter, forced proximity, fated mates, urban fantasy-ish, and a main plot not involving the shifter. I didn’t think so until today.
🐤🐤🐤🐤
Rachel really had her hands full when she decided it was time to be a “responsible adult” and be the guardian of her best friend’s 3 kids. Thankfully the friendly neighbor is great with the kids (and great on the eyes 😏) we are taken on the fast journey of how Rachel balances former free spirit, kids that want nothing to do with her, a hallucination that the sexy neighbor turned into a duck, and her fighting feelings for the duck-man..
🐤🐤🐤🐤
Overall the book was cute, spicy scene hits late and book is more plot/character than just spice. But, it is 100% set up in the epilogue for another shifter book. And since I am excited to read it, I guess this book did its job.
🐤🐤🐤🐤

ARC from Net Galley

Well wasn't that an adorable quick read!

Sig, a rubber duckie shifter that owns a water park, is a great counterpart for constant drifter Rachel. The kids in this story were also very likeable. I thought they were well written!

The dual-POV was really nice. I loved having Sig's POV along with Rachel's. He's a very sweet hero that charmed me throughout the book.

All-in-all, a great Sunday read!

It was definitely a read, that's for sure!
I liked how funny it was while not dipping into the rediculous try-hard funny

This book was such a pleasant surprise. It’s a cute, Instalove story. Also includes a fated mates story line and the potential for additional books to follow. I definitely will be on the lookout for the next book about Reaper. This is short, sweet, and fairly spicy.

I honestly am so baffled by this book. It was funny but not laugh out loud funny, more like the author was making fun of those who like shifter romances.

I enjoyed this. Would probably rate higher if there was more to the story. It kinda dives in to being head over heels because of the fated mates. A slower burn would have been good. Still a fun read though.