Book Review: The Hopping Hippos

Posted on  27/10/2023 16:42:54

The Hopping Hippos by Tirza Schaefer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading several books by Tirza Schaefer, it's no big secret that I adore her writing. And I didn't want to miss this novella here.

The Hopping Hippos has all those qualities I love in a good romance, with a little extra special something. A unique and irresistible Tirza Schaefer charm, that has set her on my list of all-time favourite authors. A certain feel good vibe that manages to be laugh out loud fun, smoking hot sexy and spiritual at the same time, and leaves readers with a smile on their face and warmth in their heart after turning the last page. That kind of special something which makes me want to read everything she writes, even if it's on toilet paper.


But back to this novella, because I digress.
It is the story of Janice, a middle aged woman with grown up daughters, who suddenly finds herself the personal assistant aka 'glorified babysitter' of a famous rock band called The Hopping Hippos. Great pay, especially since Janice needed the money, but a big catch. No one else wanted the job.
Of course everyone expects Janice to quit fast, especially the cocky self-assured rockstars. None of the previous PAs lasted anyway. As it turns out however, underestimating the 'hot Mama' is not something the badboys should do. And I swear I burst out laughing seeing 5 bulky, inked, badass guys behave like teenagers in front of a school director when faced with diminutive Janice, and doing what she asked because they couldn't really figure out how to NOT do it.

This is how their story starts, but I won't tell you more about it, since I don't want to spoil. So I'm going to be a tease instead and tell you what to expect.

A nicely layered why choose RH rockstar romance, with a great plot and a lot of depth, especially considering the shorter page count.
The fun moments are guaranteed to make you chuckle, if not even laugh out loud.
The characters are all wonderfully written and beautifully fleshed out, each of them with their individual voice.
The smut... A super hot mix of sweet and wild, hard and gentle, all around respectful yet totally arousing... Hot hot smut. - Somebody call the fire department because those scenes are fire!!
But the best part of it all was the feeling leaping from the page, accompanied by a great insight into human nature and nicely complemented by a light note of spirituality that manages to impart a subtle feel good vibe without being preachy.

I loved Janice. So genuine and sexy and determined. And I loved her effect on the notoriously wild badboys of the rock band. They did come a long way from the 'shitty bastards' we first get to meet. Apart from Riot of course. The new guy who didn't fit in. He was totally awesome. My favourite of them all.
And I must tip my hat for the way different themes were gently entwined within this romance. From racism to prejudice, mental health and drug abuse, to inclusivity, acceptance and love in it's purest form, this tale has it all and more.

Tirza Schaefer's books are soulful romances touching readers' hearts just like a big warm hug. An off the charts hot 'warm hug' that is. :D
And this novella here is just perfect if you'd like to get a feel for her books.

But you don't have to take my word for it.
Just give it a try.

Happy reading everyone

May you 'feel loved, wanted and seen.'

Check out this book and more of Tirza Schaefer over at: https://www.tirzaschaefer.com/