Patty’s Potent Potion

Patty's Potent Potion

Author	Robin Alexander
Rating by Ravish Her Tales:	4⭐
Genre	Romance LGBT Friends To Lovers Humor Lesbian Lesbian Romance Comedy Lesbian Fiction
Release Year	April 23, 2017
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Review:

Robin Alexander is one of those authors whose books you can spot a mile away—not because they’re predictable, but because they have an unmistakable blend of quirky humor, heartfelt romance, and small-town charm. Patty’s Potent Potion is no exception. With its delightful second-chance romance, a lovable cast of characters, and Alexander’s signature comedic timing, this novel is an absolute joyride.

The Plot: A Potion, A Past, and A Second Chance

At sixteen, Shawna Haydel was hopelessly in love with Ashton Guidry, her best friend. Desperate for a way to make Ashton love her back, Shawna took part in a silly high school ritual—tossing Ashton’s name into a love potion brewed by their eccentric friend Patty. But reality wasn’t as magical as the potion promised. Ashton left for college, never returning Shawna’s affections—or even realizing they existed.

Fast-forward twenty-three years, and Ashton is back in town, now a high school biology teacher (and, reluctantly, a color guard coach). Shawna, meanwhile, is a single mother and accountant, raising her sarcastic, wonderfully awkward teenage daughter Jet. Neither woman is the same person they were as teenagers, but their chemistry remains undeniable. Maybe Patty’s potion was potent after all…

Friends-to-Lovers Meets Second-Chance Romance

The book straddles two beloved romance tropes: friends-to-lovers and second-chance romance. Shawna and Ashton were inseparable as teens, and their reconnection feels natural, slow-burning, and deeply satisfying. Alexander beautifully captures how time changes people, but also how some connections are simply meant to be.

The banter between them is priceless—flirty, teasing, and filled with the kind of inside jokes that only old friends can share. Their romance is both steamy and sweet, with laugh-out-loud moments woven into even their most intimate encounters.

A Cast That Steals the Show

One of Alexander’s greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to craft supporting characters that feel just as real as the leads.

·         Jet, Shawna’s daughter, is a standout—equal parts sarcastic and endearing, caught between the embarrassment of having a parent with a love life and the genuine hope that her mom finds happiness.

·         Patty, the chaotic matchmaker whose love potion started it all, is a force of nature.

·         Megan, Shawna’s ex-wife, is refreshingly not a villain but a supportive friend.

Even the more minor characters—Shawna’s parents, Ashton’s colleagues, and the meddling townsfolk—add warmth and depth to the story.

Humor That Will Have You in Stitches

Robin Alexander’s humor is effortless. She doesn’t rely on slapstick; instead, she delivers sharp, situational comedy that flows naturally from the characters’ personalities and interactions.

·         The pickle jar wine scene? Hilarious.

·         Shawna dancing in the kitchen and getting caught by Jet? Gold.

·         Ashton sleepwalking and fighting a vacuum cleaner? I lost it.

·         Ashton and Shawna in closets and constantly getting caught by Jet, don’t even get me started.

The book isn’t just funny—it’s consistently funny. There’s a moment of levity in nearly every chapter, making it the perfect feel-good read.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a book that combines laugh-out-loud humor, heartfelt romance, and small-town shenanigans, Patty’s Potent Potion is a perfect pick. It’s one of Robin Alexander’s best, showcasing everything she does well—witty dialogue, authentic characters, and a romance that feels both inevitable and hard-earned.