Main Character Energy is the kind of book that starts quietly, pulls you in with humor and charm, and then suddenly has you feeling everything. It’s quirky, heartfelt, emotional, and so very Kendall Ryan in the best way.
Andi Callahan is not your typical heroine. She’s a morgue technician in a small coastal town outside Boston who prefers the company of the dead—because they’re quiet, predictable, and don’t ask questions. Living people? Too loud. Too messy. Too much. Andi has built walls so high they feel permanent, and honestly, I adored her sharp wit, dry humor, and unapologetic introversion.
Cole Hartley is charming, persistent, warm, and completely determined to crack Andi’s icy exterior—starting with a harmless workplace bet that turns into something far deeper than either of them expects. What I loved most about Cole is that his persistence never feels pushy. He shows up. He listens. He chooses quiet dinners over flashy gestures. He respects Andi while still challenging her to actually live.
Their dynamic is reverse grumpy/sunshine perfection. The banter is sharp and funny, the chemistry builds slowly, and watching Cole chip away at Andi’s defenses felt incredibly satisfying. Beneath Andi’s sarcasm and reluctance is a woman shaped by deep loss, and as her past unfolds, it becomes impossible not to empathize with her fear of loving—and losing—again.
This story also shines with its side characters. The secondary romance between Cole’s mom and Andi’s parental figure was such a beautiful, unexpected layer—proof that love doesn’t have an expiration date. The interconnected small-town relationships added humor, warmth, and that comforting found-family feeling I always crave in romances.
Fair warning: this book will tug at your heart. There are moments of joy, laughter, swooning… and yes, a few tears. Andi’s tendency to retreat when things get hard may be frustrating at times, but it’s also painfully human. Watching her grow—and choose love despite fear—made the emotional payoff completely worth it.
Main Character Energy is a feel-good romance with depth—funny, emotional, and full of characters who feel real and lovable. With its reverse grumpy/sunshine dynamic, slow-burn chemistry, small-town charm, and one very determined golden retriever hero, this one is an easy recommendation and a story that stays with you long after the last page.
Happy reading!
- Would I recommend this book: Yes.
- Would I re-read this book: Maybe.
- Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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Meet the Author
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold millions of books and they have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.
Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than 100 times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.
She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.
Where to Find Kendall:
Mia Book Addict 
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