S.L. WOEPPEL

Flipping the Birdie

“ A tough-as-nails hero and a clever take on female empowerment add layers to a fun, sexy story of self-discovery.”

- Kirkus Reviews

What Readers and Reviewers Are Saying About Flipping the Birdie:

“In the end, Flipping the Birdie is a delightful, genre-bending read that offers a little bit of everything—romance, humor, action, and a heartfelt exploration of identity. Birdie Bowden is a heroine you won’t soon forget, and her story is one that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page.”

“Super fun, quirky read with incredibly well written and humorous banter, great characters, and superpowers. HIGHLY recommend this one!”

“You're in for a fun ride with this one. The super hero theme makes it both light and a good place to talk about women empowerment. The romance is well written and quite sexy. I really had a great time reading it !”

- Netgalley Reviewers

When there are rumors that your lady parts will crush a man’s package, finding love can be difficult.

SUPERSPEED, INCREDIBLE STRENGTH, A FOUL MOUTH—these are thirty-one-year-old superhero Birdie Bowden’s powers. Although Birdie boasts a perfect save record as Chicago’s municipal super, her bad attitude and latest, now viral, run-in with a local menace lead the mayor to place her on suspension.

Forced into therapy in a small beachside suburb, the solitary Birdie meets eccentric, bubbly housekeeper Evie. Adrift without her job, Birdie leaves her superhero identity behind and accepts Evie’s invitation to stay with her for the summer cleaning beach cabins while working the therapy program as a means to get her job back. The only snag in her plan is Aiden, Evie’s ill-tempered, unfairly handsome brother and cabin owner. Focused on helping his sister wage her own battle of healing, Aiden finds Birdie to be an irksome, unwelcome influence and doesn’t hesitate to tell her so. But that’s fine with Birdie—her natural ability to constantly get a rise out of grumpy Aiden may be her greatest superpower yet.

As Birdie fumbles through her therapist’s ridiculous get-to-know-the-real-Birdie assignments, she feels a growing connection to her new life, including the increasingly alluring Aiden, and a yearning for more than being a super. But she can’t have both lives, and she’ll never reveal her true identity— because the only thing faster than her own speed is how quickly people, particularly men, leave when they realize Birdie is not your typical heroine.

Praise for Flipping the Birdie…

  • Flipping the Birdie by S.L. Woeppel reminded me of the movie Hancock with Birdie having a huge attitude problem despite being a decent superhero. Her personality ultimately becomes her greatest flaw and weakness. What I loved about this book was that element coupled with the almost enemies-to-lovers type romance she has with Aiden. It keeps you on your toes during every single chapter and it makes for an entertaining read. I found myself cackling at their various snarky interactions. Woeppel did a fantastic job of blending so many elements into the narrative without it being too much. There’s comedy, romance, intrigue, and even suspense at times and the characters are just lovable. The pacing and world-building were also really well done and I enjoyed reading about a female superhero for once instead of having some Superman wannabe. Overall, Flipping the Birdie was an absolute riot of a book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by this author in the future.

    -Miche Arendse for Readers’ Favorite

  • Flipping the Birdie stands out in the romantic comedy genre due to its unique blend of lighthearted humor and insightful commentary on societal norms. S.L. Woeppel expertly crafts Birdie Bowden as a relatable and multi-dimensional protagonist, whose superhuman abilities are overshadowed by the very human struggles she faces—sexism, self-doubt, and the pressure to conform. The plot is engaging from the start, with Birdie’s suspension serving as a catalyst for her personal growth. The beachside setting provides a perfect backdrop for Birdie’s journey of self-discovery, where her interactions with the bubbly Evie and the brooding Aiden add depth and complexity to her character. The romance between Birdie and Aiden unfolds naturally, providing just the right mix of tension and sweetness without detracting from the broader themes. S.L. Woeppel’s witty dialogue and sharp banter highlight the absurdity of the situations Birdie faces, all while subtly critiquing the double standards women endure. Fans of romantic comedies will appreciate the novel’s fresh take on the genre, where a strong, independent heroine takes center stage in a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Flipping the Birdie is a must-read for those seeking a novel that combines humor, heart, and a strong message of empowerment.

    -Demetria Head for Readers’ Favorite

  • S. L. Woeppel's novel is a sharp and witty exploration of identity, vulnerability, and the often-unappreciated struggles of being a superhero. Through the character of Birdie Bowden, a superhero with phenomenal strength and speed, Woeppel examines the weight of societal expectations, particularly for women, and the struggle for self-acceptance. The opening scenes effectively capture Birdie's frustration with her reality: a minor incident involving a drunken fan at a baseball game showcases the paradox of her existence — she's an influential figure who nevertheless feels trapped in a public persona that is often ridiculed. The ensuing comedy of errors, particularly her interactions with her belittling superiors and the media, underscores women's challenges in environments dominated by traditional masculinity. Woeppel expertly combines humor with streams of consciousness, exemplified by Birdie's sarcastic remarks and inner dialogue, to create a winning romantic adventure. Flipping the Birdie has so much to offer, especially the uncanny way the author captures the ache of love, the authentic characters, and the beautiful prose. There is humor aplenty, and the narrative is never short of endearing drama.

    -Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite