Thanks to NetGalley for this arc.
DNF
Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. It may be my fault as there are few contemporary books I love, but I wanted to give this one a shot. The main character felt almost too flawed in that I felt frustrated by her actions at times. All of the characters were imperfect which made this book feel more authentic. The comedy aspect was interesting however was not captivating enough for me to continue.

I really enjoyed Andi Osho's debut novel, and this was on a pretty similar level.

You can really see her experience as a comedian come through in the book. It's well written, and it's got the same humour as I have come to know and love from Andi. I also enjoyed how prominent Abi's career is in the book, and she isn't portrayed as just Will's partner, trying to get approval from his children.

Andi herself narrates the audiobook, which really gives extra depth to the characters. Her narration is also boosted by her career as an actor and comedian, and she adds great life to the story.

This was surprisingly easy to listen to, I have always struggled with listening to audiobooks and I think this has now changed my mind! Great narration and liked the storyline.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

I enjoyed listening to this book. The reader was great to listen to and the storyline was really good. I've recommended to friends who also enjoy audio books

i really enjoyed listening to this story. it works very well as an audiobook and the narrator really brings the characters to life. i would happily recomend this book to others and have infact purchased a physical copy to gift to a friend.

I really liked this, and loved the audio version, I've heard Andi's comedy before and there were some points in this where her narration sounded like she was reading an essay, so emotive and I forgot I was listening to a book and it felt like she was telling me an anecdote.

I felt that having the author narrate as the true emotion and inflections come through, it also helped because Andi was able to do the accents of the lead family.

Being a step-mum I really loved the premise of this, how a child free woman starts a relationship with a man with children and how that dynamic works when you suddenly have to factor other people in your relationship. What's really good is that Abi's career is very prominent in the book and I liked that she wasn't one dimensional and wasn't defined by her relationship.

Another great part about the audio book is that at then end Andi answers some questions that she's had about her, her books and advice for aspiring comedians.

A great read.

I enjoyed this book. I thought Abby was funny and relatable. The relationship was more realistic that in lots of books. I also really liked the narrator, easy to listen to and it had a good flow.

I really enjoyed Tough Crowd, it was a fun and fast paced romcom about Abi as she navigates life on the comedy circuit around her new partner and his children. The narrator was great and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Tough Crowd is about aspiring comedian Abi trying her best to advance in her dreams while not giving up on her new relationship. It is fun, witty and emotional.

The writing is sharp and sparkly like you would expect from a successful British comedian such as Andi Osho. At times it felt like this book was just a very long gig and that I was just waiting for the next punchline. Our main character Abi is charming, relatable and very engaging to read, and the side characters are very charismatic and equally relatable. The plot, while a bit predictable, does not fail to keep the reader entertained and wanting for more. Even the third act conflict, which I normally despise, was crafted such that not only it made sense but it also felt necessary in order for Abi to get both growth and closure to her long standing trauma.

Of course I must also mention that the audiobook for Tough Crowd is narrated by the author herself! And she does such an amazing job at it! Andi Osho has a long career as a comedian, actress and TV presenter and it really shows in how her narration manages to grip you from the very beginning and doesn’t let you go until the very end.

Overall, Tough Crowd was an absolute joy to listen to and I cannot wait to pick up more of Andi Osho’s books!

Thank you very much to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for providing me an Audio-ARC!

Entertaining an audience at a stand up gig is hard, but can she achieve the impossible: winning over her boyfriend’s two daughters?

What I really loved about this book was the stand up comic role for the protagonist - and how her insecurities as a comedian and her struggles in her personal relationships overlapped. It gave the book so much more substance than the average rom-com and I’d definitely watch the movie if it was made into a film! The one thing missing for me was that the plot was a bit predictable and tied up in a bow a bit too neatly at the end, so some of the raw realism I enjoyed in the character relationships (especially with Abi and her mother) felt like it was resolved a little too easily. I’m interested in seeing what this author comes up with next, and would recommend this read for rom-com lovers and anyone looking for upbeat, easy listening. Huge thanks to the author, Andy Osho, and publisher, HarperCollins, for this advance review copy. Views my own. 4*

This just was not for me sadly and I really wanted it to be. The funny parts just didn't make me chuckle and it felt a little 'woe me'. Good writing though.

If you’re looking for a seriously fun, laugh out loud read then I’ve got you covered with this one! When your main character is a stand up comedian, you know you’re in for a good time, but throw in a disastrous new “stepkid” situation (almost) and you also have ALL the drama!

I really enjoyed this and genuinely was laughing along to myself most of the time as I listened to the audiobook - other people might think Abi’s too much, but I thought she was just right and a totally loveable character. It was also so refreshing to see a story from the point of view of the supposedly “evil” stepmother, and to realise that most of the time there’s nothing wrong with them!

As well as all the fun of the comedy circuit though, I really felt for Abi anytime she spent time with her mum who has no respect for careers in the creative realm and constantly makes Abi feel small. Relatable much?! I think everyone will recognise something of themselves in this story, and I would definitely recommend picking it up if you need something uplifting!

Tough Crowd is a romantic comedy about stand up comedian Abi, whose constantly told shes 'too much'. She's trying find her way in making comedy a career. As well as juggle her new relationship with Will, and his two daughters...

The thing i enjoyed the most about this book was the growth of Abi's character. Throughout the book she learns how to navigate her own family dynamic, as well as that of her new relationship. Something I feel like many readers will relate to.

The author is a comedian and this book also had some really interesting insight into the comedy circuit which I really liked!

I listened to this on audiobook which was wonderfully narrated by the author, who brought so much wit and personality to the character.

All in all, a great feel good romantic comedy!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Tough Crowd by Andi Osho is such a delight to listen to. It’s brilliantly narrated by Andi Osho.

Abi, office worker by day and stand-up by night is such a great character. I defy anyone not to be bowled over by her.

She meets the man of her dreams, Will. But this is not a straightforward love story because he comes with two daughters in tow, Elle and Esme, whom he didn’t declare at the start of the relationship.

On top of that complication is Abi’s family. Her mother doesn’t really understand Abi’s life choices and takes the opportunity to share her concerns at every turn. She might be doing it out of love and concern, but when you want to pursue your dream you just want a bit of support.

I loved the stand-up in the book - it sounded so real and there were so many laugh out loud moment. I saw Andi Osho perform stand-up back in the day, so it was a treat to her reading the audiobook and it felt like I was getting a stand-up show included!

Friends and family are important in Tough Crowd. Even though there may be bust-ups, coming back together is really important. That theme runs through the book. Abi has her comedy family, her sister and mother and father and then her new family - Will, Esme and Elle (and Kat their mother). Despite misunderstandings and fallouts, when the chips are down, they are there for each other. The way it should be.

Huge thanks to the publishers, HarperCollins UK Audio, and NetGalley for making this audio-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Regardless of your career path, I'm sure everyone can relate to the feeling of being too much or not enough. We've all had family or friends who haven't supported our dreams in the way we'd like. That's what makes this book so relatable.

The themes in the book could quite easily be heavy but the hefty sprinkling of jokes throughout make this a really light and fun read. There are some parts which made me laugh out loud too!

If you're looking for a cute romance book to pick your spirits up, I'd definitely recommend reading Tough Crowd - perhaps a fantastic book to pack in your case read whilst on your summer holidays!
Overall it's a wonderfully uplifting and feel-good book.

Tough Crowd by Andi Osho
(Narrated by Andi Osho)

It is not TOO MUCH! Never enough for this great cozy book.

Abi is a comedian and somehow her life is a joke. She has been always told she's too much. "Too much" is just like her nickname. Until she meets Will, Will makes her believe in relationship again.

Will is not alone. He has two children from his previous relationship. Now Abi has TOO MUCH to deal with. She has to learn how to be a stepmother if she has decided to carry on with Will.

Tough Crowd tells a sweet, fun and relaxing story. It is about mum & daughter relationship, love relationship and step-parenting. I love the Abi as the main character. She is charming and funny. Her jokes are amazing and which make me laugh.

Another thing I like is the narrator (also the author). The voice, intonation, pace and pronunciation are just fabulous. Andi is a true comedian and wonderful narrator. She makes all the characters alive. I was so into the story when I was listening to her voice. Perfect!

Format: Audiobook (11h20m)
Pub date: July 20, 2023

Really nice book! I have listened to the audiobook and it's great that the author narrated the book herself. At the end, there is even a Q&A of frequent questions that she receives about this story, which was really interesting to learn more.

About Tough Crowd: I love comedy but had (or have) little knowledge of this universe. I finished the book checking where I can watch some stand up comedy in my city! Abi is a great character and honestly, I think I wouldn't have the patience she had with Will's kids (Elle, specifically), and I have been a school teacher so that's something. The book is light, touching, smart and fun. Maybe it could have been a little funnier, considering it talks about comedy, but still, a cozy read.

Thanks NetGalley and publishers for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a well written, sharp, witty and captivating book . The main character, Abi, is an aspiring stand up comedian and the book offers many laugh out loud moments as we gain insight into life on the comedy circuit.
Aside from her career aspirations Abi is trying to make a go of her new relationship with Will whilst navigating the challenges posed by his two daughters and her own baggage from the past. The side characters involved are all well developed and add interesting depth to the book.
The narration of the book is brilliant bringing it to life perfectly.
An enjoyable and funny read with added food for thought.
I am grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this audiobook and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

This was brilliant. Sharp, bright, fully focused, intelligent, captivating, joyful and laugh out loud funny.

I warmed to Abi instantly, a comic on the circuit with a huge ambition for her career and an equally big aim for her love life. When she meets Will they definitely hit it off, but has Abi got what it takes to be a sparent? Only one way to find out, look out for this July 20th you won’t regret it. The writing and narration are top notch, the side characters are great. All the stars ⭐️ #Jorecommends

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Audio U.K. for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.