⭐️⭐️⭐️ Liked it, fun while I was reading it
This contemporary romance tells the story of Katherine who's in an accident and the hospital calls her emergency contact, her ex-husband Tom. It's the holidays, there's a blizzard, she can't be left alone so they misadventure all the way home to his family where he's supposed to propose to his current girlfriend on Christmas Eve.

There's misadventures at every turn and a lot of playful banter between them. I was completely rooting for them, except for the fact that Tom has a serious enough girlfriend that he's about to propose to. I felt very bad for her and it took me out of the story at times.

The narrators, Brianna Cohen & Tim Paige, did a good job, I had no trouble understanding who was saying what, where, when, and with what expression/intension.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, NetGalley, and authors Lauren Layne & Anthony LeDonne for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Emergency Contact is out October 24, 2023.

Katherine is a bit of a Grinch, but she wasn't always - she used to love the Holidays. Now, Katherine has closed herself off and is entirely devoted to her job as an attorney and aspiring partner of the firm. When an accident leaves her in the hospital, her emergency contact shows up in her room, which happens to be her ex-husband, Tom. Tom loves everything to be neat, fitting into the boxes they are meant for, and checking everything off a list. Tom doesn't expect to take care of his ex-wife when he is looking forward to proposing to his current girlfriend. Tom and Katherine must find a way to get to his parent's home for Christmas Eve.

Emergency Contact is a contemporary romance novel weaving together common tropes within a stressful holiday setting. The plot revolves around miscommunication, second-chance romance, and the drama of divorced couples, making it a perfect choice for fans of these themes. The narrative is clean, devoid of explicit sexual scenes, focusing instead on the characters' emotional journey. It has a romantic ending after a long, eventful journey.

The opportunities that this novel had were strongly connected with the characters. The characters fell flat, missing any character arc and never growing or changing. At times, I felt like Katherine and Tom were going to have a breakthrough, but I was always left disappointed. Additionally, their dialogue stressed me out. The anxiety this book gave me made me question how sound the foundation of their relationship and trust truly was. I wanted to like it and see them grow, but it never felt real. The side characters also seemed fake, and the book made it seem like fate made everything okay. I would've loved the characters to find more peace and therapy besides the experiences with strangers.

One last notable aspect of this novel was the narrators. Brianna Cohen and Tim Paige did a fabulous job at putting a voice to these bickering characters. I enjoyed the different tones and depth that they added to the story. Overall, this book is a 2.5 out of 5 stars. I was determined to finish the story, but I did not particularly enjoy it. Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced listening copy of the audiobook.

3.5 ☆

ok let me preface this by saying that i normally don’t enjoy second chance romances & have honestly never deliberately sought one out.

ok first of all, after a bit of reflection, i feel like i kinda read two diff books. at first it was more lthat the fmc hated christmas & the mmc loved it. ik the romance was the main part of the book, but i would’ve liked to see that progress more. it was supposed to be christmas and other than a few sprinkles of decor, songs & the need to be home my christmas eve, i feel like that wasn’t developed enough idk. anyways the main characters were a bit annoying, i didn’t like that the book took place over a couple of days, and i think it could’ve had the same effect minus the soon-to-be-fiance (yk without the emotional cheating).

all that aside, i think it was pretty well written & i liked the audio (there were a few mistakes but they didn’t really bother me). i think the whole “everything going wrong” tripe were literal signs, but i still was like damn another problem?? anyways i thought the banter was good (although sometimes crossed the line imo), it was funny at times, and i do feel like the main characters had chemistry. it felt very hallmark-ish which are guilty pleasures for me lol

i think i’m going to seek out other books from this author because i actually liked her writing!

The very best holiday read and the perfect audiobook to listen to during my holiday travels. The narration by Brianna Cohen and Tim Paige deserve 5 stars as they embodied the characters - the grumpy and the sunshine, the banter and the shenanigans. This is going to be a book I’m going to be rereading and listening to time and time again.

She’s grumpy, He’s sunshine. Lots of snarky banter back and forth. Two very different people that don’t seem like they would do good together. She is a prickly lawyer being forced back into the sphere with her ex-husband – but not how you think. If you are looking for something unexpected with a happy ending, try Emergency contact. More bizarre situations then Planes, Trains and Automobile to deal with. This book definitely got me in the holiday spirit.

Ohhhhh my goodness. Hands down my top holiday read (listen) this season! Katherine and Tom with their banter and shenanigans was perfection! Dual point of view, 2nd chance romance, with lots of roadblocks (get it?!) along the way. From start to finish it was a delight! I think it will be a yearly revisit❤️🎄 Also, the narration by Brianna Cohen and Tim Paige deserve 5 stars as well!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for my copy!

This was such a cute, wholesome, fun listen at the holidays! Second Chance Romance, forced proximity, found family. These are some of my favorite tropes!

If you haven't read this, I would definitely add to your TBR for a holiday read.

The narration was spot on as well for this and was just such a heartwarming listen. Think Planes, Trains, and Automobiles but a sweet rom com version!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an ALC!

#EmergencyContact #NetGalley

4.5 stars! Absolutely loved this. Narrators were great! The whole story was super amazing! Loved every single bits of it, the plot twists etc. The romance was great with that kind of ending that was obvious! Love the epilogue.

**4.25 stars

Thank you NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, Lauren Layne, & Tim Paige for this free audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

I'll be honest. The blurb for this book does not do it justice. It sounds like a super cute read, but it's so much more than that. This book is funny. So funny. I was cackling so freaking much at Katherine and Tom's banter. I mean, it is non-stop. But mixed with that banter, is heartache, understanding how both people in a marriage affect it's ability to remain strong, and learning how to evolve as your life progresses.

I had never read these authors before, but I will definitely be checking out their backlist now because if I can expect the same style of writing, I will never be disappointed with one of their books.

As for the narrators, duet narration is always a win for me. And these narrators really brought these characters to life. While I would definitely suggest listening to Emergency Contact (I found myself doing things where I could listen to it just so I could get more of Katherine and Tom), I'd also recommend reading it if you're not a fan of audiobooks.

Katherine, an NYC attorney, gets a concussion right before Christmas. and needs supervision. With no family, her ex-husband Tom is called since she forgot to update her emergency contact information. Tom begrudgingly agrees to watch Katherine to make sure she is okay, but he insists she accompany him to Chicago where he is heading to be with his family and to propose to his girlfriend. What follows is a wacky adventure with planes, trains, and a few types of automobiles. Will old feelings reemerge? Will they make it to Tom's parents' house for Christmas Eve? Will Katherine be able to stay off her phone? I highly recommend reading this book to find out.

Told through both Katherine and Tom’s points of view, Emergency Contact is a fun holiday book with many laughs. The narration of the audiobook was superb.

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advanced listening copy of the audiobook.

It's Christmas time and Katherine, a divorced attorney in New York City, is hoping for the phone call naming her a partner. It's especially important to her because Christmas has been difficult since her father passed away on Christmas Day years before. Since her divorce from Tom, she's all alone in the world. Katherine is known to be a driven, single-minded person, fully dedicated on work and making partner.

Still not having received the all-important call, Katherine jumps into a cab after leaving the office a couple of days before Christmas. The next thing she knows is she is waking up in the hospital, with her ex-husband Tom by her side. The cab was hit and Katherine has suffered a concussion. Tom has postponed leaving to go visit his family in Chicago, where his girlfriend is waiting. Tom has a ring and is planning to pop the question to her on Christmas Eve. But, Katherine can't be alone and has no one else to look after her. So, Tom decides she will go with him to Chicago and the craziness begins. A blizzard, planes, trains and automobiles (along with a bus) all figure into the disaster, as does Katherine's unwillingness to set aside her own single mindedness. The two bicker for miles, trying to make their way to Chicago. But, their bickering brings up old feelings and Tom wonders if he WILL propose.

Fans of Mary Kay Andrew's romances and those who want a holiday escape will enjoy this one.

This is hands down the best holiday book I have ever read.

A few days before Christmas, Katherine, an attorney in NYC, has an accident resulting in a trip to the hospital. She has a concussion and must be monitored for 48 hours, so the hospital calls her emergency contact… who just so happens to be her ex-husband Tom. Tom, who was in his way home Chicago to propose to his girlfriend, being the nice guy he is, decides that he can’t leave Katherine alone. He will bring her home with him, and after 2 days, they will part ways for good.

This book was absolutely hilarious. What should be a simple trip is anything but. Literally everything that could go wrong, does, making for one extremely funny adventure (and for a very frustrated Katherine and Tom). I was expecting to laugh a lot while I was reading (which I did), however I wasn’t expecting to be so emotional as Tom and Katherine reflected on what went wrong in their marriage and their current feelings for each other (I cried way more than I was just coercing). This was a funny book, smart, had excellent character development, and such a tender and sweet story.

I received an ALC from the publisher and NetGalley, however I immediately purchased a physical copy for myself for that I can reread this book every year.

I listened to the audio in one day doing pre-Christmas errands and it was kind of perfect because most of this book takes place over the course of a day. I loved both narrators, they were perfectly cast for each character. I haven't read many second-chance romances with divorced couples and didn't think there would ever be a reasonable plot for them to get back together but this one worked for me! I understood each of their reasons why they separated (although heavy on the miscommunication trope) and this adventure bringing them back together was so sweet. There were a few moments that I had to suspend reality a bit because it seemed *too* much going wrong lol, but it felt like a Christmas movie vibes and it was perfect for my mood!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Emergency Contact" by Lauren Layne is a refreshing take on the romance genre that captivates from the first page to the last. The story follows two relatable protagonists, Penny and Sam, whose lives intersect in unexpected yet delightful ways.

Layne's writing effortlessly draws you into the lives of these characters, making them feel like old friends. The depth of emotions and vulnerabilities portrayed by Penny and Sam is both touching and relatable. Their journey from being strangers to developing a profound connection through their shared experiences is beautifully depicted.

What sets this book apart is its realistic portrayal of modern relationships, addressing personal struggles, insecurities, and the complexities of communication in today's digital age. The incorporation of technology, particularly texting, adds an authentic touch to their evolving relationship.

Moreover, the supporting characters add depth and dimension to the storyline, making the entire reading experience more fulfilling.

Overall, "Emergency Contact" is a heartwarming and engaging read that skillfully navigates themes of friendship, love, and personal growth. Lauren Layne has crafted a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a contemporary romance with depth and authenticity.

I was pleasantly surprised by this hilarious, sweet, closed door romance written by, what I only learned after the fact, a husband and wife team. Which just added to the sweetness.
I very much appreciated and enjoyed the dual point of view from both main characters and found myself laughing out loud during many parts. The character building and banter between the two MC was top notch. The side characters introduced throughout added to the overall charm and comedy, each one with their own endearing characteristics. I'm not sure who I enjoyed more, the young motel clerk or the truck driver on the final leg of their endeavor.
The ending was somewhat predictable, but there was a moment of hesitation where my anticipation wavered. Though my overly romantic heart was very happy with the way the story concluded.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet, easy to read, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, second chance, holiday romcom. It did not disappoint!

Furthermore, I enjoyed this as an audiobook narrated by Brianna Cohen & Tim Paige. The narration flowed easily between both characters POVs and the audio only enhanced the skillful writing, making the characters come alive and feel even more relatable.

I can easily say this was among the top romcoms I had the pleasure of reading/listening to this holiday season!

Emergency Contact is a delightful romantic comedy that does not disappoint. Kate and Tom have been divorced for several years and have not spoken in all that time. It is now Christmas, a time of year Kate loathes because her father died on Christmas day. She is aware that she is a Grinch. Tom on the other hand has always loved Christmas. Kate is a very driven lawyer who main goal in life is to make partner in her current law firm. On her way home to carefully avoid any holiday festivities she is injured in a car crash and wakes up with a concussion in the hospital. Sitting beside her is her ex husband Tom. Why? Because she forgot to change her emergency contact information at her place of work. Kate has no family and friends are all away for the holidays and she must not be allowed to fall asleep for the next twelve hours due to her concussion. Enter Tom who grudgingly offers to take her home to Chicago with him to celebrate Christmas with his family and soon to be fiancee. Thus ensues a hilarious journey where the two former lovers are thrown together for the journey of a life time. Second chances abound. I really enjoyed this rom com. It's full of clever and snarky dialog and the characters are a lot of fun. Highly recommended.

Emergency Contact- Planes, trains and automobiles christmassy. The adventure you never want to take with you ex the scrooge. Will it be a Happy New Year for Kathrine and Tom. Wait and see are you willing to go on this ride.

Thank you NetGalley for an amazing Audiobook.

I loved the journey I went on with Katherine and Tom. It was quite the ride! It made me laugh and warmed my heart! I enjoyed every minute of it!

Katherine is a workaholic lawyer who has an accident. She’s in the hospital with a concussion when her emergency contact is called…and it’s her ex husband. Tom begrudgingly helps, but Katherine can’t be alone and it’s close to Christmas. So they’re off to Chicago to visit his family. Worst part is: Tom plans to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve. Will Katherine and Tom stay old flames or ignite a new spark?

This was a funny, heartfelt read! Quick pace and an easy read.

Thanks to Net Galley, Blackstone Publishing, Lauren Layne, and Anthony LeDonne for the ARC! Pub date 10/24/23

Thank you Netgalley & Blackstone Publishing for letting me listen to this story in exchange for my honest review.
Planes, trains, and automobiles with a romance twist. Kate doesn't have family. She's essentially alone for the holiday season. When she's in an accident, her Emergency Contact is called. Tom is Kate's ex-husband & an emergency contact that was never updated, but he can't just leave her alone and injured. Problem, he was on his way home to propose to his new girlfriend.
All the things go wrong & it couldn't be more fun.
Loved all of the characters & the storyline. A great holiday read. A family friendly second chance romance.