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Carpe DiEmily (Parts 1 & 2): A Romantic Comedy Adventure

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Emily Keane has her life all planned out. She's played by the rules and never stepped outside her box, and now she will finally be rewarded with everything she always dreamed of: a job promotion, a fiance, and a future she can count on. But when her perfectly planned world falls apart, Emily is plunged into the wildest year of her life.

From the beaches of California to Jamaica, New York, and Europe, Emily finds herself on a madcap race against time, running from an unscrupulous organ broker who wants her dead, all the while checking items off her unusual bucket list. On top of it all, she's falling in love with the most unlikely person, a man who can never return her feelings . . . but will his friendship be enough?

Confronting one hilarious misadventure after another, Emily finally learns who she really is and how to seize the day . . .

Note: Carpe DiEmily is a raunchy, fearless comedy in the same vein as the movie Bridesmaids, to which it has been favorably compared. Both female and male readers will enjoy this zany comedic adventure.

515 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2012

28 people are currently reading
147 people want to read

About the author

Riley J. Ford

54 books146 followers
OVER ONE MILLION BOOKS SOLD!
Riley J. Ford is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author represented by CAA (Creative Artists Agency). She has had tremendous success with her books, reaching #6 on the NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers list and #9 on the USA TODAY bestsellers list within her first two years of publication. She made the USA TODAY bestsellers list again in September of 2014 and November 2015. She recently signed a movie deal for one of her books, which will be seen on the big screen in 2019. She also co-hosts the popular ROMANCE BETWEEN THE PAGES podcast which can be found on itunes or at www.romancecast.com

Riley writes romantic comedies, humor, romance, mystery, memoir, and contemporary fiction. Fast-paced plots, humor, and steamy scenes are her specialty. Her books are available in e-book formats, paperbacks, audio books, and in foreign languages.

Riley is a UCLA graduate with a degree in English. She was a teacher for many years before becoming an author. She resides in California and enjoys reading, dancing, sunsets, and spending time with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her at her children's sports activities or running off to the beach for an afternoon swim.

Sign up for Riley J. Ford's newsletter on her website to be notified of new releases: www.rileyjford.com
She also loves getting emails from her readers: rileyjfordbooks@gmail.com

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5 stars
135 (32%)
4 stars
126 (30%)
3 stars
108 (25%)
2 stars
31 (7%)
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18 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Arianne The Bookworm on the Loose.
124 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2013
definitely had tons and tons of laughs while reading this ebook. While the first few chapters discussed protagonist Emily's organized life and love affair in general, I couldn't help but wince when her @sshole of a boyfriend had the nerve to break up with her. Damn Lenny's antics! He was one pathetic loser who didn't realize Emily's worth.

But then, I also found myself smiling and sometimes rolling my eyes at Emily Keane because she is sooo naive and ignorant. It seemed like she's so afraid of change and get out of her comfort zone. Especially after she resigned from her job. Her way of thinking kind of reminded me of myself some 10 years ago when I first had a job and I had my life organized. Then when one unexpected event happened, I was scared to move on. But eventually, i embraced change.

And so did Emily, although reluctantly. Thanks to a weird organ broker-slash-surgeon, Emily postponed her attempted suicide for a year in exchange of organ donation. After meeting the doctor and was given 1million dollars as early payment for her vitals, Emily made a bucket list. And what a list it was! So far, she got a pet, a German Shepherd, actually, which was named Ass-Wipe. Crazy name, huh? Wait till you see what it does! Hahaha! And then she got a flaming skull tattoo, got drunk and learned how to country dance and even almost went on skinny-dipping! What else were on her list? To go to a tropical island, watch the bulls in Pamplona and meet Woody Allen. Would she be able to do that in 1 year? And what if she decided to back out from her contract? And what if she found her one true love?

Questions, questions, questions.. I have more questions in mind.. But these would only be answered once I get my hands on the second part of Riley J. Ford's hilariously funny and insightful story, Carpe DiEmily. This is a highly recommended read specially to those who'd like to smile on a gloomy day. Seize the day, people :)
Profile Image for Thomas Winship.
Author 11 books91 followers
December 11, 2012
Riley J Ford follows her impressive debut novel, “Into You,” with another winner. “Carpe DiEmily” tells the tale of Emily Keane, an over-organized woman about to lose control over every aspect of her life.

Along the way, Emily adopts a neurotic dog that even confounds a dog whisperer, sells her organs to a madman, falls in love with a gay man, and treats a biker bar to a new round of tats. And that ain’t even half the story. I mean, most of us have been there … but it’s a brave new world for dear Emily.

As is her wont, Ford mixes tons of humor into unpredictable situations to create a unique and rather unforgettable story. I don’t know how she does it, but I’m going to suggest that Ford donate her brain to science when her own story is over, so someone can get to the bottom of her madness.

The book’s description includes the word “zany,” and that’s the perfect word to describe this tale. Emily’s story is zany. It’s also well written and quite enjoyable.

“Carpe DiEmily” is a wonderful read that I highly recommend to YA and humor fans. If you like Christopher Moore, check out Riley J Ford.
Profile Image for Reader of Books.
17 reviews
March 30, 2013
This book is a gem. Very unique and funny. It has a bit of everything: laugh-out-loud humor, romance, action, and a sinister bad guy who you just love to hate! My favorite parts were all the adventures (or should I say misadventures?) that Emily had as she outran the organ broker. Each misadventure was funnier than the next and just kept me in stitches the whole time I was reading this book. After I finished this book, I had to go out and buy everything else by this author. Her other books are just as good (Fifty Shades of Fifty Shades of Grey--OMG, both hubby and I laughed ourselves silly!). I've recommended Carpe DiEmily to everyone I know. This book should be made into a movie. I'd be first in line!
Profile Image for Nikki Jefford.
Author 60 books1,055 followers
December 5, 2012
This has Hollywood written all over it.

I can’t remember the last time a book made me laugh this much. CARPE DIEMILY is hysterical. It has everything I love: comedy, romance, travel, danger, a dog, hilarious mishaps, and a satisfying ending that rounded it all out beautifully.

I absolutely loved Emily’s wit. “Carcass-carriage.” “Shit-cake of a day.”

The plot was fun, quirky, and all out fantastic.

How does Riley J Ford come up with this stuff?
Profile Image for Lisa.
16 reviews
January 13, 2013
VERY funny book, there were times I was laughing so hard about Emily's actions I had a hard time reading the book. It was a hard book to put down and go do other things, it just kept drawing me in.
Profile Image for Deianira .
9 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2013
Carpe DiEmily is like Eat, Pray, Love… but with a large dose of hilarious twists and turns, and a few witty (unsolicited) insights from Woody Allen.

What I love most about Emily Keane is how she has ongoing issue with her hair, which is sometimes as messed up as her life is turning out to be. I could relate to that because I have a love-hate relationship with my hair sometimes.

I knew from the start that her story would be funny and ridiculous because of a somewhat unbelievable plot. What on earth is she thinking, signing a contract... live her life to the fullest... and later on some stranger could just take control of her life? Emily may be an ordinary, boring, and organized person but she has a good heart. And why that sometimes, terrible things happen to a good person? Because one day, we know that she will redeem herself… but not before completing her outrageous set of a bucket list.

And yes, we’re in for a heck of a hilarious journey or misadventures with Ms. Emily Keane. With the help of a (former) biatch of a colleague, Simone, who turns out to be a free-spirit and a good friend to Emily. There’s also the gay hairstylist/friend, Tyler, who is dark, gorgeous and mysterious – and how we wish that he’s straight so he could just sweep Emily off her feet.

The other characters are quite forgivable and endearing, as well, especially AW, who is a big fur of an adorable mess.

Riley has truly taken us to an exhilirating roller-coaster ride in this wonderful book! We find ourselves in Emily’s shoes and get to experience all the quirks and drama that come her way. This book has all the elements of a blockbuster movie. Romance, drama, comedy, suspense and non-stop action. At one point, she reminds me of Isla Fisher’s character in Confessions of a Shopaholic, in the scenes wherein a mad man is hunting her down. Following her wherever she goes. But in Emily’s case, she doesn’t have an outstanding credit card bill.

Emily’s story will teach us how to take risks, to forget about ourselves for a while and just have fun. Once in our lives, it would be liberating to not think of the consequences. It’s also about losing yourself in the midst of all the adventures and eventually… find your true self and realize what you really want in life.
Profile Image for Noree Cosper.
Author 13 books129 followers
December 19, 2012
This book was given to me in exchange for a fair review.

Ok, so I don’t read romantic comedies, but after this one maybe I’ll pick a few up. This had me laughing all the way through it.

I could really relate to Emily and her control issues. I have them too. As well as her fear to try new things. I could also relate to her depression when her life turned to crap and she felt she had nothing to offer the world. As I read, I found myself making a bucket list of my own. Hehe.

Bottom Line: Get this book. You’ll laugh, maybe cry, and be creeped out by the villain. Very Dark and Sinister!
12 reviews5 followers
March 15, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. Part 1 was a great setup for really getting to know the characters, and Book 2 knocked it out of the park. Hilarious situations, well-developed characters, and a unique storyline that kept me turning the pages. There were times I laughed so much I cried and hubby wondered what in the heck I was reading. I've recommended this book to all of my friends, and they love it, too. This author is definitely on my go-to list.
Profile Image for Sue.
10 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2013
These two books were so funny.......... I want another one - I need to know what happens with Tyler & Emily. They finally are together and now what? She has such horrible luck. Will they stay together, will they break up, will they have kids.......... I need to know more.
Profile Image for Jennifer Webber.
12 reviews7 followers
May 31, 2013
The zany conclusion to a crazy, outspoken and very uptight main character that you end up rooting for and falling in love with! We should all write bucket lists like Emily and try hard to live them out!
Profile Image for Miranda.
4 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2013
This is the best book I've read all year. It was filled with humor, romance (especially 2nd part), and wacky adventure. There were parts that made me laugh out loud, and other parts that brought me to tears. All in all, a very thoughtfully written book. One of my favorite characters in the book was the dog (yes, the dog!). He reminds me of my own--completely out of control in a hilarious way. I also loved the friendship that developed between the two female characters. And the hunky male lead--oh, wow! More, please. :) Emily is lovable, too, in that neurotic way of hers. She's a woman who takes life too seriously but learns to "seize the day." It was great to see her learn to live outside her too-controlled box. Very funny to see her reactions to the situations she found herself in. So many crazy misadventures that were written in such a funny way that I had to read them out loud to my husband. He cracked up, too, and recommended the book to his co-workers. Anyone who has a good sense of humor will like this book.

I truly think this book is soon to be a "breakout" novel where everyone will be talking about it. It has a very fresh, funny new voice. Completely different than anything I've read lately. I'll be looking for more books from this author in the future, and am hoping for a sequel to Carpe DiEmily.

P.S. Part 1 is currently offered free on Amazon, but you need to buy Part 2 to read the rest. I didn't mind because the price is very cheap for such good entertainment($3.99 for 400+ pages), and the book author.
Profile Image for Tamara aka SoMysteriousLee.
365 reviews35 followers
December 17, 2013
Note: I read part one as I got it separately, then the author was kind enough to gift me the double Kindle edition after my review of part 1, so this review is for part 2.

A fast paced, exhilarating, fun and funny read! Emily's mis-adventures are just so much fun! Once again, I'm looking forward to more as I NEED to know what happens to the dog, AW, and see what other mischief and mayhem Emily will get herself into next! Anxious to see if what happened in Pamplona will be the end of her fears or only another beginning while she's already on a new beginning with true love.

Thanks RJF for sharing your words. You've certainly been most entertaining and I truly appreciate the delightful escape into a genre I don't normally get into, proving change can be a good thing!
Profile Image for Terri.
47 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2013
These 2 books were absolutely hilarious and dramatic too. I wish there were more books to reaD!!
The main character is very boring, plain and had her boring future all mapped our for her. One day she thought she was going to get promoted and engaged, neither one came true. She got so depressed that she decided that she would kill herself and sell her organs to important people to make the world better. She was given a huge amount of momey to live her life for a year and then it was time to harvest her organs. That is when things go wrong and a cross country chase starts. You will laugh your butt off and maybe even cry.
Profile Image for Linda.
9 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2013
Wow about sums this book up for me! It took me awhile to get in to it. I couldn't believe I was reading something with this type of story line. Almost put it down but I didn't, I continued and so glad I did. Surprised myself by actually enjoying this book. If you can get past the first couple of chapters you'll problem fall in love with the characters!
Profile Image for Anna.
148 reviews5 followers
April 8, 2013
This was a cute story of how Emily came to find herself. I actually enjoyed part one better, even though part two has more adventures in it. Emily tries to complete her bucket list, which includes a bunch of “dangerous” things that her old self would never do. But, overall, Emily learns the true meaning of Carpe Diem.
Profile Image for Betsy.
77 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2013
I found this treat on Amazon; recommended based on previous readings and purchases. The price was right ($4) for both parts of the story and another story by the author. The story is fun, quirky and a quick read. The characters are enjoyable and realistic even if some of the plot line isn't ;)

Profile Image for JoAnn Hornak.
Author 5 books6 followers
August 12, 2013
I downloaded the free Part I and had to buy Part II. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Emily grow and change. Emily is a complex character one wouldn't normally expect to find in a fun, chick lit read. There's a little bit of Emily in each of us. Loved it!
Profile Image for J. Sharp.
Author 9 books42 followers
May 25, 2014
So why did I like this book so much.

Characters: Awesome! So Awesome! If I had one complaint about books by some authors, it's that the characters are all the same. There really is little difference between all of the characters. They get hard to follow. Emily is not everyone else, she spends most of her time with life following a certain set of prescribed rules and never deviating from them. Her neuroses make her the perfect character to fall into the various misadventures of this book. She is hilarious and so, so unsure of who she really is. Great character! Simone is another one that is really a person all of her own. I have met people like her that are so willing to take people at face value and believe in them 100%. Even when they are wrong, they don't hold onto that, and still look at each person individually. One of those free spirits, ya know? All of the characters in this book made it a real joy to read. Bravo Ms. Ford!

Locations: Emily just about goes everywhere int he world in this book and each place that she is goes to is more interesting, with lots of local color to keep it interesting. I really believed that I was in Jamaica, New York, and various locations in Europe! My favorites were Jamaica with Simone, and Pamplona with Tyler! I really felt like I was there in those places! Awesome writing.

Themes: Who are you? Is your life all that you want it to be? If it's not, why not? Should one take the leap to get to know themselves? How do we do that? One should never judge by first glances. Things are never as they seem. Great themes. I believe that it is these themes that elevated this book from just okay to awesome. It is obvious that Ms. Ford thought about these things as she was writing. The great thing is that the themes did what all great themes do...they melted into the story so I didn't really think about hem until I finished the book and was thinking about it after words. This is more impressive than I can put words to.
Profile Image for Fiona.
2 reviews15 followers
October 18, 2014
Really awesome read on never having regrets and taking risks.

Read the book in 2 days.The protagonist, Emily Keane, is very easy to relate to, even though she's a bit extreme and very hilarious. I'd recommend this book because it's a very witty, light read for both men and women.

There's also some funny moments especially the scenes with the dog :) The book has a very interesting theme to it which I've never read before. I knew what was about to happen at certain moments because I read a lot of books and I'm rather pessimistic at times.

Both parts of the book have some awesome scenes and the characters are really described well. Riley J. Ford has some nicely written books and the Simone series are the next on my list...

-FMreviews
Profile Image for Gillian Vance.
5 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2013
I had the pleasure of narrating the audiobook version of Carpe DiEmily. :)

This was a really fun read, and I truly enjoyed producing the audiobook. Emily was a relatable (if slightly neurotic) everywoman, and I really got a kick out of the author's sense of humor. This book is quirky, comic, sexy, and full of unexpected adventures. Plus, the hero is probably the hottest man I've never seen.

Please check it out on Audible.com:
Carpe DiEmily on Audible.com
134 reviews
May 27, 2013
I really liked this! I had to purchase the second part right away, even though I didn't like the marketing idea behind the books (get one free, which ends almost in mid-sentence...).

I liked the way Emily "evolved" throughout the book. This one was a funny story, even if it didn't have me laughing out loud. A good-feeling book!
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,532 reviews15 followers
August 22, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! Yes, there are a few grammatical errors but because the plot was so awesome, I am not letting them affect my five-star rating! There's also some cussing, but again, this didn't bother me and it's not a lot but just letting you know. This was one of the most comical books with the most interesting story line that I've read in awhile.
Profile Image for Krista Finlay.
24 reviews
July 29, 2014
This was probably the silliest, funniest, smartest book(s) that I have had the pleasure of reading. Riley has a great writing style and can she ever convey comedy well!
If you want to laugh and cry well these adventures that Riley takes you on will do just that.
So, don't just sit there reading this review and get to clicking!
3 reviews
Read
August 21, 2014
Slow to start, defiently worth persevering with, very funny
Profile Image for Gloria.
263 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2013
read Part 1 on kindle, still have to read part 2. This is quite a strange book and would be quite difficult to categorise. Romance? Thriller? Comedy? A bit of everything really. I did enjoy the first part and intend to buy and read Part 2. However, as I said it is quite strange. I have a lot of sympathy for Emily, while wanting to give her a good shake.

The book moves along quite quickly and with too much happening to get bored. However, this book is not very real. EXCEPT for the part where Emily is being sick, this is described so graphically that it made me heave and almost vomit myself, so you have been warned.
Profile Image for Quentin Feduchin.
412 reviews11 followers
September 19, 2013
I read parts 1 and 2 recently and enjoyed them. This writer is quite imaginative and has obviously travelled a bit herself.
The story begins in Los Angeles, adventuring to Venice, CA and Redondo Beach, with descriptions that I myself recognise from my time there many years ago. Her characters then travel to Pamplona where an exceedingly believable description of the running of the bulls is offered.
Finally the story progresses through parts of France, again with descriptions that could only have been made by someone who has travelled.
I enjoyed both books, which I bought in a set of three with another of her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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