Annie Knows Everything by Rachel Wood: a review by Kayne Spooner
I laughed so hard at this one! It’s an office romcom filled with workplace humor and witty banter. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year!
Annie arrives at work to find that her job has been eliminated but there’s an opening on the data strategy team. The only problem is, she can’t write code, but she’s willing to try anything and it’s funny when she maneuvers her way onto the team. She’s worked at the company for six years so she has some connections that could help the team. She volunteers to manage the new dashboard rollout that everyone hates and no one uses. The office humor is so spot on!
Connor is her kind and patient boss (and love interest!). Annie notices how Connor’s eyes twinkle when their banter gets snarky and their attraction builds. She thinks he’s hot even when he’s frazzled and overworked. Falling in love at work might not be the best idea but these two were fun to watch!
Annie goes home for a weekend to help with her sister’s engagement party and we discover she did something in the past that upset her family. I couldn’t wait to find out what she did! It must have been big because her family is still mad at her. Annie is a fixer with great ideas and passion, but sometimes she gets herself into trouble when she thinks she knows what’s best and things implode.
Annie is excited when her sister, Shannon, agrees to spend a weekend with her in NYC. Shannon’s fiancé is a jerk and Annie looks forward to some one-on-one time with Shannon before the wedding. She has a bucket list of fun things for them to do. The only problem is, she hasn’t actually been anywhere in the city yet. When Connor sees the list, he offers to show her around. It’s special as they explore Times Square, search for the best pizza slice and walk through Central Park.
I love all of the characters – the guys on her tech team, her sister, her best friend and her eccentric roommate who works at an art gallery. They all bring zany humor to the story and they kept me smiling with all of their antics! Also, the cafeteria where her teammates gather at Annie’s office sounds incredible with a salad bar, tons of free snack foods and a barista!
As the story unfolds, there’s family wedding drama, flirting with Connor and intense office politics. I couldn’t guess how it would all work out and I didn’t want it to end. I hope we get to see more of these characters in the future.
It was fun to read about Annie’s adventures at work, her family and her sweet romance with Connor. I loved it all! Rachel Wood is a debut author and this reminded me of books by some of my favorite authors, Annabel Monaghan, Jessica Joyce and Katherine Center. It kept me smiling all the way through and I can’t wait to see what she does next!
by Kayne Spooner