Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It takes nothing less than a fateful natural disaster to throw two opposites together in a ground-shakingly charming short story by the New York Times bestselling author of Drunk on Love.

This Valentine’s Day, Daisy Murray has her heart set on binge-watching rom-coms. Instead, an earthquake traps her inside a bakery with its impossibly rude and insufferably handsome owner and head baker. They already have a history: she’s always smiled, he’s always scowled. Where better to finally get to know each other than amid the disaster? Then again, they have no choice. Besides, it could have its sweet, undeniable, and unpredictable perks.

“I have resting smile face.”

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙
Heat/Steam: 🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Solo Narration

Audiobook Review: Drop, Cover, and Hold On (The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection)

Author: Jasmine Guillory
Genre: Contemporary romance novella
Narrators: Aure Nash

Characters & Background Information

Daisy is determined to make the most of a Valentine’s Day spent solo. Her plan is simple and comforting: grab a good coffee, indulge in a spa day, order takeout, and binge‑watch something deliciously distracting. The only thing she didn’t plan on was stepping into the local bakery — the one she tries to avoid because the pastries are irresistible and Harris, the owner, a sinfully attractive man, seems to scowl at her every time she walks in.

But temptation wins, as it always does, and Daisy finds herself inside once more… just in time for an earthquake to hit, trapping her with the very man she’s convinced can’t stand her.

Highlights

• Forced proximity done right. Being stuck in a bakery after an earthquake is a fun, fresh setup that leans into the trope without feeling gimmicky.
• Grumpy/sunshine chemistry. Daisy’s bright, warm energy bouncing off the baker’s broody exterior creates instant charm. Her unabashed love for his pastries adds a cute, sensory layer to their dynamic.
• Representation that matters. Both main characters are people of color, which is still far too rare in romance. It was refreshing and meaningful to see that front and center.

Limitations

• Too short to fully satisfy. As a novella, it moves quickly — but this story in particular would have benefited from more time to deepen the romance, build tension, and maybe add a little steam. The setup is strong enough that it almost begs for a longer format.

Narration

The audiobook is delivered in a solo narration by Aure Nash, whose soft, slightly perky tone suits Daisy’s personality well. She brings an easy warmth to the story, making it pleasant to listen to. Her male character voices are serviceable — not distracting, but not especially distinct either. Overall, it’s a solid performance that complements the novella’s light, cozy vibe.

Final Assessment

This novella is a sweet, trope‑forward treat with a charming setup and characters you want more time with. The forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine dynamic shine, and the representation is a genuine highlight. While the brevity keeps it from reaching its full romantic potential, it’s still an enjoyable, low‑commitment listen — perfect for when you want something cute, quick, and comforting.

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