Shoulder Season was one of those books that I’m torn about how I feel after finishing. I listened to it and kept finding myself wanting to keep listening, but also sighing in frustration. I have to say I was not a fan of Sherri at all! Every decision she made kept getting worse and worse, and I really didn’t feel like she ever redeemed herself. At least we didn’t see that she did and maybe that’s my problem.
I enjoyed the setting and the characters that we met along the way. It was so interesting to learn more about the Playboy Bunnies and these resorts that were “family friendly”. I had no idea about these or all that went into being a bunny. I did enjoy the story too, I just think I kept waiting for something good to happen. I also feel like the ending just fell flat for me. I was waiting for something more.
This was a great listening experience and I’d highly recommend it on audiobook if you decide to give it a chance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook for an honest review.

PUB DATE 7.6.21  Thank you to @netgalley and Macmillian for the early print and audio copy of 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍. 

As a Wisconsin resident, I was interested in learning more about Lake Geneva Playboy Resort in the early 80's through a historical fiction lens.  I'd describe this book as a coming-of-age story with an introspective literary element. It's well-written with an intriguing storyline and believable characters. 

Our protagonist, Sherri is barely 20, and her journey of self-discovery is not smooth sailing. Her life is a product of her small town upbringing, loss of both parents and the culture of the Playboy Resort. Her naïve and careless approach to her decision making sometimes made it tough to root for her, but it certainly made for a compelling story. 

As a small town Midwesterner myself, I identified with her roots.  Especially the feelings that come with rectifying the community of your childhood as it evolves into something wholly different as an adult. 

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃: Concurrently in print and on audio. 

𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒: All the WI shout-outs. Brandy Old Fashioneds, IL tourists, concerts at Alpine Valley, East Troy. My only gripe is that they would have been drinking Miller not Budweiser :)

3.5 stars. I really did enjoy this book and it was very well-written. A very sweet coming-of-age story. However, I kind of started really disliking the protagonist during her younger years. The other characters in the novel kept telling her how smart she was but rarely did she exhibit any kind of good sense. It wasn't until we meet future Sherri (we get a brief glimpse of her in the beginning) that we see any kind of intelligence.
Sherri Taylor is a small-town girl in Wisconsin. She gets an opportunity to work at a Playboy resort in the area. She quickly becomes the quintessential "Playboy Bunny". Sex, drugs, parties, etc. Sherri abruptly leaves this life behind when tragedy strikes.
Again, a very enjoyable read; I just couldn't sympathize with the main character.

*Thanks to MacMillan and NetGalley for this e-arc.*

A good, although potentially excellent, story about the culture around the Playboy Clubs in the 80s. I think the main problem with the novel is focusing on a single person (Sherri). The best scenes were set at the club, with the other "bunnies," and I think focusing on them as a group - and as individuals within the group - would've been a much more enjoyable read. Sherri was a bit too naive, and bumbled a bit too much, and it would've been nice to see her balanced by other character types, something similar to the Netflix series GLOW. I also felt the ending was bizarre and tacked on, almost like the author decided to just hit fast-forward. It skipped way too much, in my opinion. Overall a decent read, and one I'm glad I chose, but overall a bit of a disappointment.

I received an advanced copy of the ebook from Macmillan Audio through Netgalley.

Shoulder Season
Follow 19 year old Sherry Taylor, Lake Geneva’s newest Playboy Bunny through her first day as a bunny and through her next 40 years. So much takes place and it’s quite a ride. Sherry lives through weigh ins, living with mean (and nice) bunnies, sex, drugs, a love triangle, and you’ll have to pick up this book on July 6th, 2021 when it releases to find out how a death gets thrown in the mix.

This was my first book by Christina Clancy. I really enjoyed it! The characters were likable and their stories were believable. I got frustrated with Sherry a few times for decisions she made along her path to discovery, but I was rooting for her to find her way too. I did not see that twist at the end coming! I liked how this book ended overall. The narration was great on audio for my fellow audio book lovers. Make sure to pick up this book when it releases!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to access an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review!

Sherri Taylor spent most of her high school years caring for her sick mother. When she died Sherri had no idea what the future would hold. College wasn’t an option so when her best friend announced she was going to interview at the Playboy Resort in nearby Lake Geneva, Sherri went with her on a whim. That interview set the course for her life. Sherri’s story is that of a small town girl moving into a fast paced life style. Bunny culture was a world apart from the first 18 years of her life. A naive, innocent and trusting girl, newly orphaned, finds a new family with her co-workers and staff at the resort. Shoulder Season is a look back at the devil-may-care early 1980s. It’s a coming-of-age story that kept me turning the pages. I loved the local Wisconsin mentions as well as pop-culture references. I appreciate that Christina Clancy neatly wrapped up her story with a where-are-they-now ending.

Narrator Karissa Vacker did a fabulous job with the narration – especially the perfect pronunciation of the names of various Wisconsin towns! I’ve listened to several books narrated by Vacker and, as with Shoulder Season, her performance is always top notch.

I really enjoyed Shoulder Season.
Sherri navigates Wisconsin, alone in a small town in the 1980s, trying to figure out her life!
This book shows what its like finding romance, trying to be independent, and finding your own life! While dealing with heartbreak and being alone!

WoW!!!! This story tore me apart but at the same time was full of hope!
The writing was so well done. And I couldn't have enjoyed this book anymore than I already did!
This book shows a brave woman making brave decisions! I was rooting for her every step of the way!

The narrator just simply amazing! It flowed beautifully and a breeze to listen to!

Thank You NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this amazing story!

The story was honest to a fault. It revealed all the raw energy of a insecure, struggling young girl. This girl will grow and be hurt and hurt people in return. And life will still go on. It had all the nuances of someone not finding happiness. But that’s what life is all about, isn’t it? We don’t see the best things that are right in front of us. We’re not happy in the moment, because we are chasing a fictional thing.
This made me feel sad and sick. Scared and crazy. I even had to take a break from it. I felt so many things. But mostly I was shocked about the ending! Wow!!
This isn’t a happy light story, but a realistic one.
This was my second book by Christina Clancy and she can really write a colorful story. I highly recommend listening to this for anyone who loves realistic fiction. This audiobook was narrated by Karissa Vacker and she was great!
Thanks to Macmillan Audio via Netgalley.