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The Good Life #1
The Good Life
Twenty-two year old Roxie Golightly is a fun and carefree spirit...until she marries a wealthy man and her role as a trophy wife leaves her isolated in a condo with an ironing board and an obsessive desire to impress people.
When her marriage ends after seven years, Roxie's identity is buried under layers of furniture polish and piles of designer shoes. She doubts she can ever be the person she once was.
But when Roxie's charmed life is turned upside down, her best-friend creates The Good Life List to help turn it back around. The instructions are simple: Complete each task on the Good Life List by the end of the summer.
With list in hand and the help of a sexy and charismatic guy from her past, Roxie is only a few check marks away from living the good life, even if it means getting thrown out of a bar or skinny-dipping in the neighbor's pool at 3am.
Coming on April 9!
When her marriage ends after seven years, Roxie's identity is buried under layers of furniture polish and piles of designer shoes. She doubts she can ever be the person she once was.
But when Roxie's charmed life is turned upside down, her best-friend creates The Good Life List to help turn it back around. The instructions are simple: Complete each task on the Good Life List by the end of the summer.
With list in hand and the help of a sexy and charismatic guy from her past, Roxie is only a few check marks away from living the good life, even if it means getting thrown out of a bar or skinny-dipping in the neighbor's pool at 3am.
Coming on April 9!
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2013
75 people are currently reading
1921 people want to read
About the author
Jodie Beau
27 books80 followersI'm a wife, mom, waitress, book nerd, Chapstick addict, and a really bad driver who still believes in happy endings and can't walk in high heels. Writing is what I do when I'm avoiding other things...like cleaning.
I once had big dreams of being a Hollywood screenwriter.
But then I met a boy and got distracted.
Three years later we met another boy, this one even cuter.
The three of us are now living happily ever after in the Detroit area. The Good Life is my first novel. And our house is kind of a mess :)
I once had big dreams of being a Hollywood screenwriter.
But then I met a boy and got distracted.
Three years later we met another boy, this one even cuter.
The three of us are now living happily ever after in the Detroit area. The Good Life is my first novel. And our house is kind of a mess :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
April 11, 2013
This Review was Posted at Angie's Dreamy Reads!!
5 SMASHING INEFFABLE STARS
**Definition of ineffable: Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words**
"Your future is an unwritten script. Make it award-worthy."
Firstly let me say that reading The Good Life was exactly what I needed. It was an absolute breath of fresh air. It left me feeling invigorated and happy. This book fell into my lap at the perfect time. I had just come off of a couple rough reads, that I did not enjoy and was looking for something that was light, fun and sweet. From the first chapter to the last I had a grin on my face that could not be wiped off. I fell in love with Roxie within a couple chapters, and once Jake entered the picture I was a gonner. It was incredibly well written, relatable and fantastically funny. The absolute perfect book to escape in!! I one hundred percent connected with Roxie. She was brilliant, charming, charismatic and authentic. I got her and LOVED her immediately. She to me, was what happens to a lot of us mothers and wives. We get so wrapped up in the day to day of our marriages that we get in a rut and lose who we are in the process. We lose that spark and love of life that we had before we get married and in the early stages of dating. She is so many of us that it’s easy to fall for her, love her and relate to her.
When you meet Jake...sweet, sweet Jake!!! You are going to fall helplessly in love with him. Let me tell you, he has a heart of gold. Just as sweet and sexy as can be. He’s that guy you want to take home, marry and NEVER let go of. He’s a total heart stopper and best of all he’s the boy next door with tattoos!! (eeeeeeeppppp... tattoos!!! yum, yum, yum)
**Swoooooooooooooooooon**
I can’t even help myself. Just the thought of Jake gives me some crazy butterflies. Let me tell you a little about the book.
Roxie is stunned when her husband of eight years all of a sudden asks for a divorce. Shocked and numb she has to figure out what to do with herself. She’s always planned every aspect of her life and this has thrown a major curve-ball in her plans. Her main goal has always been to make Caleb happy and be the best trophy wife she could be. She’s put her life on the back burner, supporting her husband, that now doesn’t want her. Feeling numb and shell shocked Roxie does what she does best and decides to run. She grabs her friend Hope and they take off for a couple days in the Hamptons where Roxie hopes to regroup and figure out exactly what she’s going to do with her life.
While in the Hamptons she decides that moving home to Michigan is the best thing for her. She needs time to figure out how she’s going to carry on her life by herself. And as a single woman, with no job and no significant job experience, she definitely can’t afford to live in New York City anymore!
Once she makes up her mind to go home her BFF Hope gives her a list. The list is known as the GLL (Good Life List). It’s a list of things for Roxie to do that will bring back the spark she’s lost and help her find the energetic, amazing woman she was before she married Caleb.
As Roxie sets out to “find herself” and figure out what the next chapter of her life holds, we meet Jake, the boy that has always been in her life. He’s the guy that has always used as a safety net. The problem is she hasn’t seen or heard from Jake since a HOT summer they spent together right before she went back to College and met Caleb. Once they are reunited Roxie and Jake fall back into some old patterns that turn into something more.
It’s a sweet romance that will have you batting your eyelashes, smiling like a goofball and swooning like a hopeless, love-struck fool.
Overall I couldn't get enough of those two and once I was done with the book I wanted more. I’m really hoping that we get a sequel or something from the author because I feel like Jake and Roxie's story has such an amazing next chapter to tell. These two are going to be on my mind for awhile. I would say that out of all the books I have read this year, this easily moves into my top 5! It was just so flawlessly written and pulled at my heartstrings. I loved every moment of reading it and look forward to some more amazing books by this fantastic author.
5 SMASHING INEFFABLE STARS
**Definition of ineffable: Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words**
"Your future is an unwritten script. Make it award-worthy."
Firstly let me say that reading The Good Life was exactly what I needed. It was an absolute breath of fresh air. It left me feeling invigorated and happy. This book fell into my lap at the perfect time. I had just come off of a couple rough reads, that I did not enjoy and was looking for something that was light, fun and sweet. From the first chapter to the last I had a grin on my face that could not be wiped off. I fell in love with Roxie within a couple chapters, and once Jake entered the picture I was a gonner. It was incredibly well written, relatable and fantastically funny. The absolute perfect book to escape in!! I one hundred percent connected with Roxie. She was brilliant, charming, charismatic and authentic. I got her and LOVED her immediately. She to me, was what happens to a lot of us mothers and wives. We get so wrapped up in the day to day of our marriages that we get in a rut and lose who we are in the process. We lose that spark and love of life that we had before we get married and in the early stages of dating. She is so many of us that it’s easy to fall for her, love her and relate to her.
When you meet Jake...sweet, sweet Jake!!! You are going to fall helplessly in love with him. Let me tell you, he has a heart of gold. Just as sweet and sexy as can be. He’s that guy you want to take home, marry and NEVER let go of. He’s a total heart stopper and best of all he’s the boy next door with tattoos!! (eeeeeeeppppp... tattoos!!! yum, yum, yum)
**Swoooooooooooooooooon**
I can’t even help myself. Just the thought of Jake gives me some crazy butterflies. Let me tell you a little about the book.
Roxie is stunned when her husband of eight years all of a sudden asks for a divorce. Shocked and numb she has to figure out what to do with herself. She’s always planned every aspect of her life and this has thrown a major curve-ball in her plans. Her main goal has always been to make Caleb happy and be the best trophy wife she could be. She’s put her life on the back burner, supporting her husband, that now doesn’t want her. Feeling numb and shell shocked Roxie does what she does best and decides to run. She grabs her friend Hope and they take off for a couple days in the Hamptons where Roxie hopes to regroup and figure out exactly what she’s going to do with her life.
While in the Hamptons she decides that moving home to Michigan is the best thing for her. She needs time to figure out how she’s going to carry on her life by herself. And as a single woman, with no job and no significant job experience, she definitely can’t afford to live in New York City anymore!
Once she makes up her mind to go home her BFF Hope gives her a list. The list is known as the GLL (Good Life List). It’s a list of things for Roxie to do that will bring back the spark she’s lost and help her find the energetic, amazing woman she was before she married Caleb.
As Roxie sets out to “find herself” and figure out what the next chapter of her life holds, we meet Jake, the boy that has always been in her life. He’s the guy that has always used as a safety net. The problem is she hasn’t seen or heard from Jake since a HOT summer they spent together right before she went back to College and met Caleb. Once they are reunited Roxie and Jake fall back into some old patterns that turn into something more.
It’s a sweet romance that will have you batting your eyelashes, smiling like a goofball and swooning like a hopeless, love-struck fool.
Overall I couldn't get enough of those two and once I was done with the book I wanted more. I’m really hoping that we get a sequel or something from the author because I feel like Jake and Roxie's story has such an amazing next chapter to tell. These two are going to be on my mind for awhile. I would say that out of all the books I have read this year, this easily moves into my top 5! It was just so flawlessly written and pulled at my heartstrings. I loved every moment of reading it and look forward to some more amazing books by this fantastic author.
April 8, 2013
5 HUGE, WONDERFUL, AMAZING, I-need-to-think-of-more-awesome-words, stars!!!
I was asked to beta read this book by a mutual friend of Jodie's and I'm so glad I did!!!!
************************ SPOILERS***********************
I will admit it, I was in a book slump. A big one, so I was a little worried that my current blah-ness toward books was going to dictate how I felt about this one, especially by a new author. I was hesitant, but I turned my Kindle on and dove right in and once I did, I couldn't STOP! I loved this book. This little gem of a surprise, grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me right out of my slump!!! I laughed, a lot. And not just a chuckle here and there, I belly laughed on almost every single page.
Jodie Beau's writing is flawless and INCREDIBLY witty!
First of all, I want to be best friends and hang out with all of her characters. Especially Hope. Everyone should have a Hope. Hope was the ass-kicking, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants best friend that you can't hep but fall in love with. She was the best thing that ever happened to Roxie after that douche of a husband left her.
Speaking of that loser, have I mentioned how much I hated Caleb? At first, I liked him, I was even rooting for an emotional reunion where he realized what an ass he was, and begged Roxie to come home. The more I read, the colder and more of a douche he became. Seriously, who tells their wife he's leaving her while she's peeing and then discusses divorce via e-mail? Ugh! I hope he falls in the Hudson River.
Jake.... let's talk about Jake. What can I say about Jake except...
HE'S MINE!
I LOVED Jake. Loved, loved, loved him! I liked that he was the everyday guy. He wasn't a man whore like so many other books and he didn't own every establishment Roxie walked into, again, like so many other books. He also wasn't a possessive, controlling psychopath (which I sometimes like), but he didn't need to be. Jake is completely perfect just the way he is. Again, let me reiterate, JAKE IS MINE!
Roxie. Roxie, Roxie, Roxie.... She frustrated me sometimes, not gonna lie. She was so worried about what everyone thought of her and so obsessed with material things, I just wanted to shake the hell out of her and tell her to see what was right in front of her. And she did. It was great to see her really grow as the book went on. Actually, she didn't grow, she came back. She became Roxie again which was something she left behind when she married that ass Caleb. It was so refreshing to watch her find herself again, all thanks to that little piece of paper from Hope.
I REALLY loved Hope. I think Hope needs a book. How about it Jodie??? :)
Overall, I loved the plot. I thought it was completely believable, like a friend was telling me a story. This was such a surprisingly, refreshing, fun story. One in which I think everyone will be able to find something they like in.
I was asked to beta read this book by a mutual friend of Jodie's and I'm so glad I did!!!!
************************ SPOILERS***********************
I will admit it, I was in a book slump. A big one, so I was a little worried that my current blah-ness toward books was going to dictate how I felt about this one, especially by a new author. I was hesitant, but I turned my Kindle on and dove right in and once I did, I couldn't STOP! I loved this book. This little gem of a surprise, grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me right out of my slump!!! I laughed, a lot. And not just a chuckle here and there, I belly laughed on almost every single page.
Jodie Beau's writing is flawless and INCREDIBLY witty!
First of all, I want to be best friends and hang out with all of her characters. Especially Hope. Everyone should have a Hope. Hope was the ass-kicking, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants best friend that you can't hep but fall in love with. She was the best thing that ever happened to Roxie after that douche of a husband left her.
Speaking of that loser, have I mentioned how much I hated Caleb? At first, I liked him, I was even rooting for an emotional reunion where he realized what an ass he was, and begged Roxie to come home. The more I read, the colder and more of a douche he became. Seriously, who tells their wife he's leaving her while she's peeing and then discusses divorce via e-mail? Ugh! I hope he falls in the Hudson River.
Jake.... let's talk about Jake. What can I say about Jake except...
HE'S MINE!
I LOVED Jake. Loved, loved, loved him! I liked that he was the everyday guy. He wasn't a man whore like so many other books and he didn't own every establishment Roxie walked into, again, like so many other books. He also wasn't a possessive, controlling psychopath (which I sometimes like), but he didn't need to be. Jake is completely perfect just the way he is. Again, let me reiterate, JAKE IS MINE!
Roxie. Roxie, Roxie, Roxie.... She frustrated me sometimes, not gonna lie. She was so worried about what everyone thought of her and so obsessed with material things, I just wanted to shake the hell out of her and tell her to see what was right in front of her. And she did. It was great to see her really grow as the book went on. Actually, she didn't grow, she came back. She became Roxie again which was something she left behind when she married that ass Caleb. It was so refreshing to watch her find herself again, all thanks to that little piece of paper from Hope.
I REALLY loved Hope. I think Hope needs a book. How about it Jodie??? :)
Overall, I loved the plot. I thought it was completely believable, like a friend was telling me a story. This was such a surprisingly, refreshing, fun story. One in which I think everyone will be able to find something they like in.
April 27, 2013
4.5 stars!
Once in a while, you find a little under-the-radar book or in this case, recommended by a GR friend, and read it and ended up loving it. This is one of those books.
Roxie Golightly had a bomb dropped into her lap when her husband of seven years asked her for a divorce. The fallout of her marriage led Roxie to reevaluate her life. With a help of a friend, she set out to complete the Good Life List.
This book is funny and I mean FUNNY. Roxie is a wonderful heroine. She's not perfect, far from it. She tend to whine a little and yes, she can be flaky, as she herself admitted. But I still love her, maybe because I can relate to her. In the end, she grew as a character and I love her for it.
This book also has Jake. Gorgeous, dreamy Jake. He's Roxie's safety guy. He's sweet, funny, and very loyal. Well, turns out, this safety guy isn't so safe after all, at least when it comes to Roxie's heart. I love them together.
I will definitely recommend this book to any contemporary romance reader out there.
Once in a while, you find a little under-the-radar book or in this case, recommended by a GR friend, and read it and ended up loving it. This is one of those books.
Roxie Golightly had a bomb dropped into her lap when her husband of seven years asked her for a divorce. The fallout of her marriage led Roxie to reevaluate her life. With a help of a friend, she set out to complete the Good Life List.
This book is funny and I mean FUNNY. Roxie is a wonderful heroine. She's not perfect, far from it. She tend to whine a little and yes, she can be flaky, as she herself admitted. But I still love her, maybe because I can relate to her. In the end, she grew as a character and I love her for it.
This book also has Jake. Gorgeous, dreamy Jake. He's Roxie's safety guy. He's sweet, funny, and very loyal. Well, turns out, this safety guy isn't so safe after all, at least when it comes to Roxie's heart. I love them together.
I will definitely recommend this book to any contemporary romance reader out there.
April 14, 2013
LOVED this story, it was such a fun read!
LOVED the "Good Life List"!!
The writing, and characters were amazing!
Look forward to reading more wonderful stories form this author.
LOVED the "Good Life List"!!
The writing, and characters were amazing!
Look forward to reading more wonderful stories form this author.
April 10, 2013
3.5 stars
"She would make it happen. One day. New York City was her soul mate. She knew they would eventually meet and live happily ever after."
The Good Life is Roxie’s story. She has been married, living a pretty cushy life in New York City with her husband for the past seven years. All of a sudden, he drops a bomb on her and asks for a divorce. This causes Roxie to take a good hard look at her life and make some big decision about her future. She is in desperate need of a wake up call and her best friend Hope is right there, she doesn’t mince words and says the things that Roxie needs to hear. I loved that about her!
Roxie’s first decision is to move back to her hometown in Michigan to start over. As much as it pains her to leave her beloved NYC, she knows she doesn’t have the money to support herself there since she’s been living as a “trophy wife” (her words) for the past several years. Before Roxie goes, Hope writes her "The Good Life" list consisting of lots of outrageous, exciting, and funny things that Roxie must complete by the end of the summer. This is all to get Roxie back to being the happy, fun, optimistic person she used to be before her life revolved around impressing people.
Once back in Michigan, Roxie moves in with her older brother, Adam and his childhood best friend, Jake. This is where things get really interesting. Roxie and Jake have history. They’ve known each other their entire lives and had a few run-ins *wink wink* in the past, before Roxie moved to New York.
I really loved the interactions between Jake and Roxie and their chemistry. But what I really loved was Jake! He was the perfect blend of tough and sweet. He's considerate and respectful, but has also had his man-whoring moments since she's known him. I loved that he was always so blatantly honest and even if it was something that could potentially be hurtful, he had the freaking best delivery ever! There is depth there and their history is weaved throughout and affects these two immensely, even more than Roxie really realizes.
Roxie took me a little time to warm up to though, well, maybe more than a little. I knew from the beginning that this was going to be a book where the character is on a path to self-discovery, so I was trying to be really patient. She just honestly rubbed me the wrong way and I never really connected. That made it hard for me to get overly invested, which is what I look for when reading. Even though she was quirky, cute, and a bit neurotic, and did make me laugh many times, she was also pretty self-absorbed and clueless at others. I did warm slightly in the end, mostly as her and Jake’s relationship deepens.
I absolutely love the plot of this book! “The Good Life” list and Roxie using that to get back to being the person she once way and pushing her boundaries, was awesome! I loved watching her friendship with Jake grow and really enjoyed the steamy/romantic moments they shared. Their relationship is complicated and anything but black and white. Even though there is only one love interest in this book, it really does feel like a love triangle between Roxie, Jake, and NYC at times. I definitely enjoyed their love story. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite themes and this delivered that for sure!
I would definitely recommend this to someone looking for a cute, fun, light read. I really enjoyed it! It held my attention the entire time and I felt like I breezed right through it.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews go to Reality Bites! Let's Get Lost!!
"She would make it happen. One day. New York City was her soul mate. She knew they would eventually meet and live happily ever after."
The Good Life is Roxie’s story. She has been married, living a pretty cushy life in New York City with her husband for the past seven years. All of a sudden, he drops a bomb on her and asks for a divorce. This causes Roxie to take a good hard look at her life and make some big decision about her future. She is in desperate need of a wake up call and her best friend Hope is right there, she doesn’t mince words and says the things that Roxie needs to hear. I loved that about her!
“…Run away and don’t look back because the guy is a tool and he’s turned you into one, too.”
…
“And this life you’ve been living with Caleb,” she continued, “is not you, either. You sit in an apartment all day planning all of these things you want to do. But you never do them.”
Roxie’s first decision is to move back to her hometown in Michigan to start over. As much as it pains her to leave her beloved NYC, she knows she doesn’t have the money to support herself there since she’s been living as a “trophy wife” (her words) for the past several years. Before Roxie goes, Hope writes her "The Good Life" list consisting of lots of outrageous, exciting, and funny things that Roxie must complete by the end of the summer. This is all to get Roxie back to being the happy, fun, optimistic person she used to be before her life revolved around impressing people.
Once back in Michigan, Roxie moves in with her older brother, Adam and his childhood best friend, Jake. This is where things get really interesting. Roxie and Jake have history. They’ve known each other their entire lives and had a few run-ins *wink wink* in the past, before Roxie moved to New York.
”The Summer of Jake and Roxie – it was the best summer of my life.”
I really loved the interactions between Jake and Roxie and their chemistry. But what I really loved was Jake! He was the perfect blend of tough and sweet. He's considerate and respectful, but has also had his man-whoring moments since she's known him. I loved that he was always so blatantly honest and even if it was something that could potentially be hurtful, he had the freaking best delivery ever! There is depth there and their history is weaved throughout and affects these two immensely, even more than Roxie really realizes.
“It wasn’t until high school when I realized you weren’t gross. You were actually kind of amazing. But at the same time, you were too important for me to lose.”
Roxie took me a little time to warm up to though, well, maybe more than a little. I knew from the beginning that this was going to be a book where the character is on a path to self-discovery, so I was trying to be really patient. She just honestly rubbed me the wrong way and I never really connected. That made it hard for me to get overly invested, which is what I look for when reading. Even though she was quirky, cute, and a bit neurotic, and did make me laugh many times, she was also pretty self-absorbed and clueless at others. I did warm slightly in the end, mostly as her and Jake’s relationship deepens.
I absolutely love the plot of this book! “The Good Life” list and Roxie using that to get back to being the person she once way and pushing her boundaries, was awesome! I loved watching her friendship with Jake grow and really enjoyed the steamy/romantic moments they shared. Their relationship is complicated and anything but black and white. Even though there is only one love interest in this book, it really does feel like a love triangle between Roxie, Jake, and NYC at times. I definitely enjoyed their love story. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite themes and this delivered that for sure!
I would definitely recommend this to someone looking for a cute, fun, light read. I really enjoyed it! It held my attention the entire time and I felt like I breezed right through it.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews go to Reality Bites! Let's Get Lost!!
June 18, 2013
He dropped his pants and went in looking like Winnie the Pooh in his red polo shirt. And the worst part of it all - he farted! Loudly and intentionally, at his moment of climax (about 15 seconds in), he farted. He said later he thought it would be a good way to break the ice. Break the ice? Really? Your penis is in my vagina! -Roxie
"No man needs to see you pee, and no man or woman should have to light a flare to find their way around your hoo-hah." -Hope
"Do you think Holly Golightly went around sporting a cooch Afro like she was doing seventies porn?" -Hope
"I kind of think you owe me a lot more than that for twat-blocking me all night." -Roxie
"I've loved you since I was ten. I knew I couldn't tell you how I felt until I was ready, really ready for you. And that's why I'm telling you now." -Jake
"Innefable. It means something incapable of being described in words." -Roxie
After reading this amazing book I'm considering making A Good Life List for myself. Maybe everyone should!
Witty would be a simple word to describe this book. Ineffable would be my word. I laughed so much my side hurt. Then my heart broke on a few different chapters. Then I may have fell in love with one of the characters. Then that beautiful little thing they call an epilogue came and I was as giddy as a 13 year old at a Justin Bieber concert. This is an awesome read for anyone who loves a good love story and appreciates the humor that comes along with it.
"No man needs to see you pee, and no man or woman should have to light a flare to find their way around your hoo-hah." -Hope
"Do you think Holly Golightly went around sporting a cooch Afro like she was doing seventies porn?" -Hope
"I kind of think you owe me a lot more than that for twat-blocking me all night." -Roxie
"I've loved you since I was ten. I knew I couldn't tell you how I felt until I was ready, really ready for you. And that's why I'm telling you now." -Jake
"Innefable. It means something incapable of being described in words." -Roxie
After reading this amazing book I'm considering making A Good Life List for myself. Maybe everyone should!
Witty would be a simple word to describe this book. Ineffable would be my word. I laughed so much my side hurt. Then my heart broke on a few different chapters. Then I may have fell in love with one of the characters. Then that beautiful little thing they call an epilogue came and I was as giddy as a 13 year old at a Justin Bieber concert. This is an awesome read for anyone who loves a good love story and appreciates the humor that comes along with it.
May 29, 2013
I have a new book boyfriend, and his name is Jake. I ADORED this book....couldn't put it down, read it in just a couple of days and was captivated by the story, the humor, the tension and the incredible love story that spilled through the pages.
I highly recommend this book. I laughed, cried, sighed, gasped, smiled REALLY BIG and truly loved it.
Consistent characters, a fun off-beat writing style, references to pop culture (the way to my heart), a swoony male lead, awesome flashbacks, and so much more.
READ IT!
I highly recommend this book. I laughed, cried, sighed, gasped, smiled REALLY BIG and truly loved it.
Consistent characters, a fun off-beat writing style, references to pop culture (the way to my heart), a swoony male lead, awesome flashbacks, and so much more.
READ IT!
April 10, 2013
When I first saw this book, I thought it looked like a fun story about a girl starting over. What I found was so much more. Yes, The Good Life has some funny and heart felt moments, but I truly loved watching Roxie go through her journey.
There is so much about this book that I can relate to personally. I wouldn't say that I'm a lot like Roxie, but the decisions she makes, her coping mechanisms, and how she treats certain relationships were so familiar to me. Heck, even her high school best friend had the same name as my BFF from high school. So, we have Roxie going through a divorce, which was pretty unexpected for her. While she and her husband's relationship wasn't explosive, she enjoyed the perks of living a privileged lifestyle. As a result, she was rather spoiled and used material things to mask her true feelings. Soon after the divorce announcement, she decides to go home to Michigan. When she leaves New York, her friend gives her a list of challenges. The purpose was to help Roxie heal and rediscover herself. Once home, she faces other obstacles. I totally understood how she felt going back home. She felt like she was a failure and it was embarrassing to see people from her past too. The best part about Roxie going home was seeing her relationship dynamic with Jake. Well, Jake and watching Roxie go through her list.
Jake was really great and definitely one of my favorite things about this book. He's caring, loyal, sweet, and sexy. Jake has been a part of her life since they were kids. Jake is Roxie's brother's best friend. In the past, they tried having a relationship, but the timing was never right. Once again....I got it! I could relate. With Roxie home, they fall back into old behaviors and old feelings resurface, although they never really went away. Jake and Roxie were such a great couple. Not only did they really love each other, but they were best friends too.
There were a few key moments and details in the book that I want to highlight. I was roaring when Roxie describes what her first kiss and her first sexual experience (flatulent ejaculator-*dies*) were like in high school. The way she describes these events are not only accurate, but really funny. I also loved how she thinks about her life as a movie. She even has music playlists going in her mind. I totally do that too. Lastly, I understood how she felt about living in New York. She felt like New York was her soul mate. While she loved Jake, it was hard for her to give New York up. I had to make a decision like that with my husband. I ended up leaving the city I loved in order to be with him. Of course I still miss it everyday, but I wouldn't trade my husband for the world.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Good Life. As I was reading, I was making a list of people to recommend this one to. I know a few friends that would be able to relate to this book as I did. If you like books about self discovery, love, and are witty check this one out. I simply felt happy after reading this one.
*Favorite new words: twat-blocking, flatulent ejaculator
Quotes:
~I'm more of a life planner. I don't sit by and idly watch life happen to me. I grab the wheel and let me happen to life. I imagine every possible scenario behind every corner and by planning ahead I make the ordinary moment in life extraordinary and the disasters more bearable. It's not because I'm a total control freak or anything; it's because, well, I guess I am a bit of a control freak.-Loc 61
~All I could do was look forward. I was ready to be fun and happy again, even if it meant peeing on myself.-Loc753
~"The reason I didn't have girlfriends was because I didn't want to waste my time on the wrong ones. I've known who I wanted all along."-Loc 2852
There is so much about this book that I can relate to personally. I wouldn't say that I'm a lot like Roxie, but the decisions she makes, her coping mechanisms, and how she treats certain relationships were so familiar to me. Heck, even her high school best friend had the same name as my BFF from high school. So, we have Roxie going through a divorce, which was pretty unexpected for her. While she and her husband's relationship wasn't explosive, she enjoyed the perks of living a privileged lifestyle. As a result, she was rather spoiled and used material things to mask her true feelings. Soon after the divorce announcement, she decides to go home to Michigan. When she leaves New York, her friend gives her a list of challenges. The purpose was to help Roxie heal and rediscover herself. Once home, she faces other obstacles. I totally understood how she felt going back home. She felt like she was a failure and it was embarrassing to see people from her past too. The best part about Roxie going home was seeing her relationship dynamic with Jake. Well, Jake and watching Roxie go through her list.
Jake was really great and definitely one of my favorite things about this book. He's caring, loyal, sweet, and sexy. Jake has been a part of her life since they were kids. Jake is Roxie's brother's best friend. In the past, they tried having a relationship, but the timing was never right. Once again....I got it! I could relate. With Roxie home, they fall back into old behaviors and old feelings resurface, although they never really went away. Jake and Roxie were such a great couple. Not only did they really love each other, but they were best friends too.
There were a few key moments and details in the book that I want to highlight. I was roaring when Roxie describes what her first kiss and her first sexual experience (flatulent ejaculator-*dies*) were like in high school. The way she describes these events are not only accurate, but really funny. I also loved how she thinks about her life as a movie. She even has music playlists going in her mind. I totally do that too. Lastly, I understood how she felt about living in New York. She felt like New York was her soul mate. While she loved Jake, it was hard for her to give New York up. I had to make a decision like that with my husband. I ended up leaving the city I loved in order to be with him. Of course I still miss it everyday, but I wouldn't trade my husband for the world.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Good Life. As I was reading, I was making a list of people to recommend this one to. I know a few friends that would be able to relate to this book as I did. If you like books about self discovery, love, and are witty check this one out. I simply felt happy after reading this one.
*Favorite new words: twat-blocking, flatulent ejaculator
Quotes:
~I'm more of a life planner. I don't sit by and idly watch life happen to me. I grab the wheel and let me happen to life. I imagine every possible scenario behind every corner and by planning ahead I make the ordinary moment in life extraordinary and the disasters more bearable. It's not because I'm a total control freak or anything; it's because, well, I guess I am a bit of a control freak.-Loc 61
~All I could do was look forward. I was ready to be fun and happy again, even if it meant peeing on myself.-Loc753
~"The reason I didn't have girlfriends was because I didn't want to waste my time on the wrong ones. I've known who I wanted all along."-Loc 2852
April 12, 2013
Reading The Good Life felt like coming back from an awesome vacation, left me happy, refreshed and hopeful. Roxy is living her dream life in New York city on a beautiful condo with a closet full of fabulous designer shoes, that is until one morning her husband of seven years asks her for a divorce all while she's in the bathroom trying to pee ( great timing, this guy). Roxy felt completely blind sided by this news, and the only way she knows how to deal with life when it gets hard is to run away from the issue, so off to the Hamptons she goes with her best friend to lick her wounds, and come up with a new plan. Her best friend Hope is a riot, this two girls made me laugh my ass of, I love the comic approach they had for everything. After her little mini vacation, Roxy decides her best bet would be to go back to her home town of Michigan, and re-discover herself after she's lost sight of who she is and what she wants in life. On her way to this new adventure, Roxy finds a list that her friend Hope created to help her on the journey of reinvention, The Good Life list. She is suppose to complete every item on it by the end of summer, its consists of getting drunk, watching a sunset, do something nice for a stranger, among other things to help her, but have a ton of fun while doing it. Turns out, her new roommate is her long lost friend Jake, also known as the one that got away, the one boy who not only was very dear to her heart but also the best relationship she ever had. Jake is so dreamy, the perfect man in other words. And as soon as she moves in, they rekindle the friendship and other things ( wink-wink)... Luckily I've never been divorced but for some reason I could really relate to Roxy, because when we are young we have this perfect vision (usually base from a movie) of what we want, but sometimes life happens and we get sidetrack, putting all this dreams in the back burner. This was a phenomenal book that I will never forget, I really loved everything about it, specially the beautiful Happy Ending. There's no doubt in my mind that everybody who reads this book will be delighted by it.
February 15, 2019
The story was pretty good but good gawd Roxie was annoying, whiny and made me want to slap her silly. However, she did end up acknowledging this and there were several hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments so after more consideration, giving it 4 stars.
April 14, 2013
I was asked to beta read this book and I have to say I was blown away! Jodie's writing is fantastic. Fan*friggin*tastic!
The plot was great - very interesting and entertaining! I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. I know some people didn't have the warm and fuzzies for Roxie, but I liked her. I really liked seeing her transition from the beginning of the book to the end of the book.
And Jake. Jodie, you had me at the Adam Levine comparison. Good lord!! Jake is hot and sweet...and hot...
I would definitely recommend this book!! Well done, Jodie!!!
The plot was great - very interesting and entertaining! I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. I know some people didn't have the warm and fuzzies for Roxie, but I liked her. I really liked seeing her transition from the beginning of the book to the end of the book.
And Jake. Jodie, you had me at the Adam Levine comparison. Good lord!! Jake is hot and sweet...and hot...
I would definitely recommend this book!! Well done, Jodie!!!
January 3, 2014
You HAVE to read this book! It’s HILARIOUS!
Roxie’s getting divorced. Her husband announces it one morning as she’s peeing in front of him while he shaves. She’s surprised, to say the least! Without any chance of a reconciliation she heads back home to Michigan at a loss of what to do now. Her carefully planned life has not gone as it was supposed to. Little does she know she’s about to learn a whole lot about herself …
I don’t know where to start with this review and I warn you now – it could get gushy! I flipping loved this book and I was sad when it ended. I. WANTED. MORE. The Good Life came at a perfect time for me. It made me giggle and helped me to forget about something that I was stressing about. It was exactly what I needed.
Jodie Beau is definitely an author to look out for. I can’t wait to read more from her. The way Jodie got inside Roxie’s head was brilliant and the humour was just right – it was silly and it made me laugh out loud (WARNING – DO NOT read this when you’re travelling on a train in the “quiet carriage” because you’ll get funny looks, OK?!
Roxie’s friend, Hope, writes her a list entitled the Good Life List. There are 27 things on the list, and Roxie has to have crossed each one off by the end of the summer. Well, OK, maybe not number 27! This is Hope’s way of getting Roxie to relax, have fun, and to stop her endless planning and organising of every detail. The events that follow as Roxie is on her mission to complete the list will have you laughing like a crazy person.
I loved Roxie and her determination. At the start she was very concerned with what people thought of her and what material possessions she had. This made her seem very shallow. As the story progressed, though, we could see her growing and changing and I liked that about her. Even though she’d led a charmed life in New York she soon realised that the things she had there weren’t the be-all and end-all of life.
I loved Jake and his charm, his caring ways, oh, and his hotness too! He was just the perfect guy to help Roxie work things out and get her life back on track. He was patient, straight to the point and honest. And who wouldn’t swoon for a guy who is described as looking a little like Adam Levine?! Exactly. No one!
Without spoiling what happens all I will say is that this story is PERFECT. I loved the beginning, I loved the middle, and I LOVED the end! Go get The Good Life and see for yourself just how good it is while I sit back and read my paperback copy that I just HAD to get. Books like The Good Life deserve a place on my bookshelf.
Well done, Jodie Beau. MORE PLEASE!
Roxie’s getting divorced. Her husband announces it one morning as she’s peeing in front of him while he shaves. She’s surprised, to say the least! Without any chance of a reconciliation she heads back home to Michigan at a loss of what to do now. Her carefully planned life has not gone as it was supposed to. Little does she know she’s about to learn a whole lot about herself …
I don’t know where to start with this review and I warn you now – it could get gushy! I flipping loved this book and I was sad when it ended. I. WANTED. MORE. The Good Life came at a perfect time for me. It made me giggle and helped me to forget about something that I was stressing about. It was exactly what I needed.
Jodie Beau is definitely an author to look out for. I can’t wait to read more from her. The way Jodie got inside Roxie’s head was brilliant and the humour was just right – it was silly and it made me laugh out loud (WARNING – DO NOT read this when you’re travelling on a train in the “quiet carriage” because you’ll get funny looks, OK?!
Roxie’s friend, Hope, writes her a list entitled the Good Life List. There are 27 things on the list, and Roxie has to have crossed each one off by the end of the summer. Well, OK, maybe not number 27! This is Hope’s way of getting Roxie to relax, have fun, and to stop her endless planning and organising of every detail. The events that follow as Roxie is on her mission to complete the list will have you laughing like a crazy person.
I loved Roxie and her determination. At the start she was very concerned with what people thought of her and what material possessions she had. This made her seem very shallow. As the story progressed, though, we could see her growing and changing and I liked that about her. Even though she’d led a charmed life in New York she soon realised that the things she had there weren’t the be-all and end-all of life.
I loved Jake and his charm, his caring ways, oh, and his hotness too! He was just the perfect guy to help Roxie work things out and get her life back on track. He was patient, straight to the point and honest. And who wouldn’t swoon for a guy who is described as looking a little like Adam Levine?! Exactly. No one!
Without spoiling what happens all I will say is that this story is PERFECT. I loved the beginning, I loved the middle, and I LOVED the end! Go get The Good Life and see for yourself just how good it is while I sit back and read my paperback copy that I just HAD to get. Books like The Good Life deserve a place on my bookshelf.
Well done, Jodie Beau. MORE PLEASE!
April 5, 2013
4 VERY LOVELY AND REFRESHING STARS!!! The Good Life was one of those books that I liked more and more the more I read. It was a very delightful break from the very intense reads I have been on lately. Even though it was quite a bit lighter than my last few reads, it evoked many emotions that had me hooked.
Roxie is a planner. Everything in her life must be planned out. But while she was planning everything out, her husband blinded sided her with his want for a divorce. This ruins all of her plans. Without the financial means of her previous status of "Trophy Wife," she is forced to move back home and try to make something of herself.
That is easier said than done. She left everything in her old life behind when she got married. As a parting gift, her best friend creates a "Good Life List" to help her learn to move on and live her life to the fullness. Roxie never expects for this list and her move back home to change everything she thought she knew.
"There was a softness in his voice that sounded empathetic. Sympathy would have been humiliating. Smugness would have been aggravating. But empathy I would take."
Part of her return home meant facing people in her past. There was one guy that she just couldn't avoid. And oh how I loved him! He was "ineffable." :) And as much as Roxie tries to deny their intense connection, she just can't. I could go on and on about this guy but I won't say any more because I think you'll want to fall in love with him on your own.
Roxie started out a bit superficial for me and I was worried that I just wasn't going to like her. But, quickly after she moved home, I saw that the real her was sweet and feisty and completely vulnerable. I was rooting for her to find happiness with herself and not feel the need to impress others.
"There was the kind of romance that created butterflies in my belly, laugh-out-loud comedy, edge-of-my-seat excitement, porn star quality sex scenes and a great soundtrack, as well."
I can't tell you how many times I laughed while reading this one. I absolutely related with Roxie. It was so nice to read about grown woman problems. I'm not bashing high school and college stories by any means. In fact, that is what I read mostly. I'm just saying this was a refreshing change of pace.
The Good Life was a completely original story about not only finding one's self but learning to love one's self. Roxie's journey, while comical at times, was very real. I absolutely enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend it.
Roxie is a planner. Everything in her life must be planned out. But while she was planning everything out, her husband blinded sided her with his want for a divorce. This ruins all of her plans. Without the financial means of her previous status of "Trophy Wife," she is forced to move back home and try to make something of herself.
That is easier said than done. She left everything in her old life behind when she got married. As a parting gift, her best friend creates a "Good Life List" to help her learn to move on and live her life to the fullness. Roxie never expects for this list and her move back home to change everything she thought she knew.
"There was a softness in his voice that sounded empathetic. Sympathy would have been humiliating. Smugness would have been aggravating. But empathy I would take."
Part of her return home meant facing people in her past. There was one guy that she just couldn't avoid. And oh how I loved him! He was "ineffable." :) And as much as Roxie tries to deny their intense connection, she just can't. I could go on and on about this guy but I won't say any more because I think you'll want to fall in love with him on your own.
Roxie started out a bit superficial for me and I was worried that I just wasn't going to like her. But, quickly after she moved home, I saw that the real her was sweet and feisty and completely vulnerable. I was rooting for her to find happiness with herself and not feel the need to impress others.
"There was the kind of romance that created butterflies in my belly, laugh-out-loud comedy, edge-of-my-seat excitement, porn star quality sex scenes and a great soundtrack, as well."
I can't tell you how many times I laughed while reading this one. I absolutely related with Roxie. It was so nice to read about grown woman problems. I'm not bashing high school and college stories by any means. In fact, that is what I read mostly. I'm just saying this was a refreshing change of pace.
The Good Life was a completely original story about not only finding one's self but learning to love one's self. Roxie's journey, while comical at times, was very real. I absolutely enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend it.
February 26, 2017
Cute even though it was really difficult to like Roxie at times.
April 15, 2013
I read a HEAVY book earlier in the week and this book had been highly recommended to me. I figured, why not? Let me just tell you, I looooved this book. Such a fun, easy, slightly snarky read!
When a book opens with lines like,
"Break the Ice!? Really? Your penis is in my vagina??"
and
"...farts are never funny when your penis is in my vagina."
I know this book is for me
Roxie is...well...she's shallow. It's not entirely her fault, she's a product of her surroundings, but, such is life. She's a trophy wife in every sense of the word. Her life is defined by looking good for her douchebag husband, Caleb. He tells her he wants a freaking divorce while she's peeing!!! WHO DOES THAT?!?! THEN, the asshat hashes out the 'conditions' of their divorce over email. *shakes my head* I don't think so.
One of my favorite characters in the books is Rox's "New York" best friend, Hope. She's brash, she's real, she makes Rox do things she wouldn't typically do....I want a Hope in my life. Lines like, "If he wants magic, I'll be happy to pull a rabbit out of a hat and shove it right up his tight ass! He'd probably love it!" (and OH the irony), are what make Hope...well, awesome!
Jake. *sigh* Jake. I told Jodie at one point....Jake is MY Jake. You know, Jake from the 80's classic 16 Candles? Yup, that's him. The boy up on the pedestal.
This was just a feel good book. I laughed. It made me happy, and it was just what I needed.
When a book opens with lines like,
"Break the Ice!? Really? Your penis is in my vagina??"
and
"...farts are never funny when your penis is in my vagina."
I know this book is for me
Roxie is...well...she's shallow. It's not entirely her fault, she's a product of her surroundings, but, such is life. She's a trophy wife in every sense of the word. Her life is defined by looking good for her douchebag husband, Caleb. He tells her he wants a freaking divorce while she's peeing!!! WHO DOES THAT?!?! THEN, the asshat hashes out the 'conditions' of their divorce over email. *shakes my head* I don't think so.
One of my favorite characters in the books is Rox's "New York" best friend, Hope. She's brash, she's real, she makes Rox do things she wouldn't typically do....I want a Hope in my life. Lines like, "If he wants magic, I'll be happy to pull a rabbit out of a hat and shove it right up his tight ass! He'd probably love it!" (and OH the irony), are what make Hope...well, awesome!
Jake. *sigh* Jake. I told Jodie at one point....Jake is MY Jake. You know, Jake from the 80's classic 16 Candles? Yup, that's him. The boy up on the pedestal.
This was just a feel good book. I laughed. It made me happy, and it was just what I needed.
October 3, 2014
I stumbled across this book, bought it, and read it today. I love to find what I call, "book treasures" and this was definitely a treasure. I fell in love with Roxie right away. I could so relate to her and her inner thoughts had me laughing out loud. Jake was just perfect and I loved their relationship and the flashbacks. I would recommend this book to anyone. Loved it!
April 13, 2013
The first part of the book was a rough read for me. It had its moments where it would pick up and then slow back down, so I struggled. If I based my review off of that alone I would of rated 3 stars, BUT around 75% The Good Life picked up and gave me exactly what I was looking for when I began. I decided to rate 4 stars because I really loved Hope & Jake. I also loved the author’s vision with this story line.
"On the top line she had written The Good Wife. Then she crossed out the word Wife and wrote Life. The Good Life. Underneath the title was the list of challenges she wanted me to complete this summer."
"Wow. That was quite a list. Some things were disgusting. Some things sounded kind of fun. But there were some that really pushed my boundaries. Those things took guts-guts I didn't have. "
I really enjoyed the premises of this story. The Good Life is a "bucket list" of sorts given to Roxie by her friend Hope. Roxie was lost; she became this shadow of a person no one recognized any longer. She forgot what it is like to be spontaneous and have fun, so Hope gave her this quirky list of things to do over the summer. I absolutely adored this! I truly adored Hope's character, maybe even more than I adored Jake. She knew exactly what Roxie needed, and she found a way to give Roxie her dignity back, not to mention what you saw was what you got with Hope. She didn't pull punches. This list was creative, silly, and I thought it was a perfect way for Roxie to come out of the “empty shell" she created within herself.
"I knew my heart was safe with him. I figured if I was going to fall in love with him, I would have already done so sometime in the last 15 years. That's why I called him my safety guy. The whole point of a safety net was to catch you when you fell. I fell. He caught me. But he wasn't going to let me fall any further, which was exactly what I needed that summer."
I think part of the reason I struggled with this read is the fact that I am in a book funk and the other half was the heroine. I could not connect with her. She was hard to take at times, although she did grow on me a bit around 75% when she came face to face with her hubby again. I found myself cracking up. Not sure why, it just caught me off guard as I am sure it did her and I actually giggled out loud. Roxie wasn't all bad though, she had some great lines, and I loved her sense of humor. It was a trip being in that chicks mind sometimes. I also enjoyed the moments of her journey where she was exploring new boundaries and finding "her" again. I understand that Rox needed to keep things light while she rediscovered herself after the disaster with her hubby, but I really hated how it felt as though she was "using" Jake. I didn't enjoy their push and pull as much as I have some other books. I kind of wanted her to treat him better. Not sure how to explain it. I think this was the main reason I just couldn't connect more with her. So I guess what I am trying to say is I had a love/hate relationship with our heroine which affected my view of the book.
"I'm in love with you, Roxie. The reason I didn't have girlfriends was because I didn't want to waste my time on the wrong ones. I've known who I wanted all along. If you think I am some kind of womanizer, you're wrong. I don't want an endless string of one night stands, I want you. Only you."
At times, I felt just as lost as Jake did. I couldn't understand for the life of me why Roxie treated him the way she did. He was wicked sweet and he would do absolutely anything for her. He proved time and time again that for him it was more than "friendship,” but she just looked the gift horse in the mouth and ran to her "safe guy" when things got tough. Ugh, it annoyed me so much. Must move on. However, I loved them together, when she wasn't putting up all her walls and pushing him away. Jake fricken rocked, especially at the end when he put aside a major fear of his to stand by her side and offer his support during a traumatic moment. While reading the story all I could think about as I got to know more and more about him was that saying...I married my best friend...for me he was that type of guy. The guy who would move heaven and earth for the right one while sitting next to you on the couch enduring chick flicks.
"On the top line she had written The Good Wife. Then she crossed out the word Wife and wrote Life. The Good Life. Underneath the title was the list of challenges she wanted me to complete this summer."
"Wow. That was quite a list. Some things were disgusting. Some things sounded kind of fun. But there were some that really pushed my boundaries. Those things took guts-guts I didn't have. "
I really enjoyed the premises of this story. The Good Life is a "bucket list" of sorts given to Roxie by her friend Hope. Roxie was lost; she became this shadow of a person no one recognized any longer. She forgot what it is like to be spontaneous and have fun, so Hope gave her this quirky list of things to do over the summer. I absolutely adored this! I truly adored Hope's character, maybe even more than I adored Jake. She knew exactly what Roxie needed, and she found a way to give Roxie her dignity back, not to mention what you saw was what you got with Hope. She didn't pull punches. This list was creative, silly, and I thought it was a perfect way for Roxie to come out of the “empty shell" she created within herself.
"I knew my heart was safe with him. I figured if I was going to fall in love with him, I would have already done so sometime in the last 15 years. That's why I called him my safety guy. The whole point of a safety net was to catch you when you fell. I fell. He caught me. But he wasn't going to let me fall any further, which was exactly what I needed that summer."
I think part of the reason I struggled with this read is the fact that I am in a book funk and the other half was the heroine. I could not connect with her. She was hard to take at times, although she did grow on me a bit around 75% when she came face to face with her hubby again. I found myself cracking up. Not sure why, it just caught me off guard as I am sure it did her and I actually giggled out loud. Roxie wasn't all bad though, she had some great lines, and I loved her sense of humor. It was a trip being in that chicks mind sometimes. I also enjoyed the moments of her journey where she was exploring new boundaries and finding "her" again. I understand that Rox needed to keep things light while she rediscovered herself after the disaster with her hubby, but I really hated how it felt as though she was "using" Jake. I didn't enjoy their push and pull as much as I have some other books. I kind of wanted her to treat him better. Not sure how to explain it. I think this was the main reason I just couldn't connect more with her. So I guess what I am trying to say is I had a love/hate relationship with our heroine which affected my view of the book.
"I'm in love with you, Roxie. The reason I didn't have girlfriends was because I didn't want to waste my time on the wrong ones. I've known who I wanted all along. If you think I am some kind of womanizer, you're wrong. I don't want an endless string of one night stands, I want you. Only you."
At times, I felt just as lost as Jake did. I couldn't understand for the life of me why Roxie treated him the way she did. He was wicked sweet and he would do absolutely anything for her. He proved time and time again that for him it was more than "friendship,” but she just looked the gift horse in the mouth and ran to her "safe guy" when things got tough. Ugh, it annoyed me so much. Must move on. However, I loved them together, when she wasn't putting up all her walls and pushing him away. Jake fricken rocked, especially at the end when he put aside a major fear of his to stand by her side and offer his support during a traumatic moment. While reading the story all I could think about as I got to know more and more about him was that saying...I married my best friend...for me he was that type of guy. The guy who would move heaven and earth for the right one while sitting next to you on the couch enduring chick flicks.
April 21, 2013
Source: ARC provided by author for honest review
Love. Love. Love. For once a book that I could totally relate to! Not that I'm divorced or anything like that. I do wish I had a Jake living with me, but I've given up on trying to live in my Kindle. But as a twenty-nine year old who loves New Adult books, it's kind of hard to relate to characters who are in their late-teens/early twenties. So to read a book about someone who is almost thirty and doesn't really know where to go in life was very refreshing.
"I'm not a control freak or anything; it's because, well, I guess I am a bit of a control freak. And if we're dissecting my personality here, I should probably admit to being a tad bit neurotic because you're going to find out anyway. But not in a crazy, spastic kind of way."
See above quote? Yea...I've had to defend my crazy control freak ways to people and I'm pretty sure I've used those same words. Ask my husband and co-workers. They'll agree. They'll also probably call me crazy and spastic, but that's besides the point.
Also, I'm pretty sure Roxie and I share a brain. Is it possible to share a brain with a fictional character? Anyhoo, her off the wall and quirky comments she made to herself are the exact same things I would say to myself at times. That being said, I freaking loved Roxie. She reminded me of me...and let's be frank...I'm pretty awesome.
Here's the deal. Roxie got married when she was 22 and had dreams to move to NYC. She met Caleb in college and together they started their new life in New York. She eventually became a trophy wife to her Wall Street husband. New York City condo? Check. Louboutins? Check. Loveless marriage? Check.
Roxie's life was well kept, her marriage not so much. That's when Caleb hits her with the news that he's filing for divorce. She never saw it coming because it's not like they argued or anything. Everything was fine, or so she thought. She wakes up one day and all of a sudden her life as she knew it was over.
"Some people say heartbreak is a myth, but it was real as ever to me." I touched my chest and reminded myself to breathe."
Enter The Good Life List. Roxie decides to move back home to Michigan since living in New York was so expensive and she didn't have a job. Roxie's best friend Hope sends her back to Ann Arbor with a checklist of things to do by the end of the summer. Things that Roxie would never be caught dead doing...things that hopefully would help Roxie find her free spirit again.
"The one who planned everything, in a borderline-OCD kind of way, was doing something unplanned."
Roxie moves back home and lives with her brother Adam and his best friend Jake. Oh Jake. Hot bartender photographer man. I mean, seriously. Is there anything hotter than a bartender who is also a photographer? And Roxie gets to live with him. Lucky bitch. *Note to self, try and figure out a way to live in my Kindle.*
Oh Jake. I have to fan myself when I think about him. He's what every girl needs. Sweet, sexy and not afraid to call you out on your bull shit. Did I mention he's a bartender and a photographer? And he has tattoos? Seriously...he is ineffible. I wouldn't mind throwing snowballs with him...as long as we can roll around in the snow afterwards.
I totally related to Roxie. I felt what she felt at some point in my life. Trying to find myself. Not liking the person I've become and trying to find that inner self that would smack you upside the head for turning out the way you've turned out. Trying to navigate this world when life squeezes lemon juice in your eye and pushes you off a cliff. Trying to trust love when all you've known is heartache.
This book had me cringing, laughing out loud and swooning. The book has characters that anyone can relate to. Especially neurotic-OCD almost thirty-somethings.
"I was ready to be fun and happy again, even if it meant peeing on myself."
This book is a must read and a strong debut for Ms. Beau. It quickly became one of my favorites. I've been reading a lot of dark and twisted stories lately and I'm happy to find that I don't need dark and disturbing to capture my attention. So yes, you should read this book. Let me know what you think! And I promise, you will never look at Winnie the Pooh the same...ever again.
Love. Love. Love. For once a book that I could totally relate to! Not that I'm divorced or anything like that. I do wish I had a Jake living with me, but I've given up on trying to live in my Kindle. But as a twenty-nine year old who loves New Adult books, it's kind of hard to relate to characters who are in their late-teens/early twenties. So to read a book about someone who is almost thirty and doesn't really know where to go in life was very refreshing.
"I'm not a control freak or anything; it's because, well, I guess I am a bit of a control freak. And if we're dissecting my personality here, I should probably admit to being a tad bit neurotic because you're going to find out anyway. But not in a crazy, spastic kind of way."
See above quote? Yea...I've had to defend my crazy control freak ways to people and I'm pretty sure I've used those same words. Ask my husband and co-workers. They'll agree. They'll also probably call me crazy and spastic, but that's besides the point.
Also, I'm pretty sure Roxie and I share a brain. Is it possible to share a brain with a fictional character? Anyhoo, her off the wall and quirky comments she made to herself are the exact same things I would say to myself at times. That being said, I freaking loved Roxie. She reminded me of me...and let's be frank...I'm pretty awesome.
Here's the deal. Roxie got married when she was 22 and had dreams to move to NYC. She met Caleb in college and together they started their new life in New York. She eventually became a trophy wife to her Wall Street husband. New York City condo? Check. Louboutins? Check. Loveless marriage? Check.
Roxie's life was well kept, her marriage not so much. That's when Caleb hits her with the news that he's filing for divorce. She never saw it coming because it's not like they argued or anything. Everything was fine, or so she thought. She wakes up one day and all of a sudden her life as she knew it was over.
"Some people say heartbreak is a myth, but it was real as ever to me." I touched my chest and reminded myself to breathe."
Enter The Good Life List. Roxie decides to move back home to Michigan since living in New York was so expensive and she didn't have a job. Roxie's best friend Hope sends her back to Ann Arbor with a checklist of things to do by the end of the summer. Things that Roxie would never be caught dead doing...things that hopefully would help Roxie find her free spirit again.
"The one who planned everything, in a borderline-OCD kind of way, was doing something unplanned."
Roxie moves back home and lives with her brother Adam and his best friend Jake. Oh Jake. Hot bartender photographer man. I mean, seriously. Is there anything hotter than a bartender who is also a photographer? And Roxie gets to live with him. Lucky bitch. *Note to self, try and figure out a way to live in my Kindle.*
Oh Jake. I have to fan myself when I think about him. He's what every girl needs. Sweet, sexy and not afraid to call you out on your bull shit. Did I mention he's a bartender and a photographer? And he has tattoos? Seriously...he is ineffible. I wouldn't mind throwing snowballs with him...as long as we can roll around in the snow afterwards.
I totally related to Roxie. I felt what she felt at some point in my life. Trying to find myself. Not liking the person I've become and trying to find that inner self that would smack you upside the head for turning out the way you've turned out. Trying to navigate this world when life squeezes lemon juice in your eye and pushes you off a cliff. Trying to trust love when all you've known is heartache.
This book had me cringing, laughing out loud and swooning. The book has characters that anyone can relate to. Especially neurotic-OCD almost thirty-somethings.
"I was ready to be fun and happy again, even if it meant peeing on myself."
This book is a must read and a strong debut for Ms. Beau. It quickly became one of my favorites. I've been reading a lot of dark and twisted stories lately and I'm happy to find that I don't need dark and disturbing to capture my attention. So yes, you should read this book. Let me know what you think! And I promise, you will never look at Winnie the Pooh the same...ever again.
April 21, 2013
I loved every minute of this story! I am a huge fan of contemporary love stories with humor that keep me doubled over with laughter. Jodie Beau did not disappoint with this story. Her character development was outstanding and she made Roxie into a fallen woman that we can all love and relate to. Roxie's inner dialogue was phenomenal and I loved the transformation she made during the story as she moved from "The Good Wife" to finding "The Good Life."
"Your future is an unwritten script. Make it award-worthy."
This was a quick read, but it wasn't a short story, I just couldn't put it down. I wanted more! There wasn't a dull moment and yes, there was a swoon worthy male who I was rooting for the entire time. Jake was left behind when Roxie ran away to college and New York chasing her dreams, but when she came back home after splitting with her husband, she found him still waiting. As she worked on her "Good Life" list compiled by her equally humorous friend, Hope, she discovered that she really hadn't found herself in New York. She was still searching for the girl she wanted to be.
"-But some things are worth facing your fears for, right?"
This was a five star read for me all the way. There was humor, love, some unexpected twists, and a whole lot of wonderful. If you are looking for a great story on the lighter side, this is one you don't want to miss. Jodie Beau is now on my watch list and I will be anxiously awaiting her next work of brilliance. Fantastic job, Jodie!
"Your future is an unwritten script. Make it award-worthy."
This was a quick read, but it wasn't a short story, I just couldn't put it down. I wanted more! There wasn't a dull moment and yes, there was a swoon worthy male who I was rooting for the entire time. Jake was left behind when Roxie ran away to college and New York chasing her dreams, but when she came back home after splitting with her husband, she found him still waiting. As she worked on her "Good Life" list compiled by her equally humorous friend, Hope, she discovered that she really hadn't found herself in New York. She was still searching for the girl she wanted to be.
"-But some things are worth facing your fears for, right?"
This was a five star read for me all the way. There was humor, love, some unexpected twists, and a whole lot of wonderful. If you are looking for a great story on the lighter side, this is one you don't want to miss. Jodie Beau is now on my watch list and I will be anxiously awaiting her next work of brilliance. Fantastic job, Jodie!
April 21, 2015
All Roxie dreamed about was living in New York, after seeing Breakfast at Tiffany when she was younger. When she marries her fiance (who's name happens to be Golightly) and they move to New York it seems her dreams have come true, but unfortunately 8 years later she's brought back to reality when her husband announces that he wants a divorce. Faced with an uncertain future and after a good talking to by her 2 best friends she goes back home to Michigan to live with her older brother in their childhood home. There she comes face to face with Jake, who is her brother's best friend, and who she had a summer fling with many years ago. He's now sharing the house with her brother so they start seeing a lot of each other it's clear that they still have a connection.
When she left New York her best friend gave her a list of things she must do - The Good Life list - to try and get her back to being the carefree person she was before she was a 'trophy wife'. Things such as sunbathing naked and skinny dipping in someone else's pool!
I loved this book - it made me laugh out loud, and it's definitely one of those feel good books you can pick up and read when you need a light hearted book without any angst.
When she left New York her best friend gave her a list of things she must do - The Good Life list - to try and get her back to being the carefree person she was before she was a 'trophy wife'. Things such as sunbathing naked and skinny dipping in someone else's pool!
I loved this book - it made me laugh out loud, and it's definitely one of those feel good books you can pick up and read when you need a light hearted book without any angst.
April 13, 2013
5 stars just isn't enough... Amazing read! In my top 3 all time favorites!!!!
Wow wow wow. This book is a breath of fresh air!! It seems to be the going theme that I've read in oher reviews but there just isn't another way to describe this book. I was hooked from begining. I don't think I've EVER laughed so much reading. This book was so beyond good.
Roxie was such a relatable character. Her life got turnded up side down & she handled it with grace. She was funny & strong. I felt like I was growing with her. It took her a while to figure out that her "safe guy" was her only guy but it was a wonderful journey to go with her on.
As for her "safe guy" Jake... yummy!!! I Love books where the girl falls for her brothers best friend (i happened to marry my brother best friend) it just relates to me =) They have such a connection from when they were kids & have grown up together. He loves her & she was just to blind to see it. He a hottie with tattoos that is so caring & protective of her.
This story was beautiful. It was written well & I couldn't puy it down. All i can hope is there is a second book to this amazing couple!
Wow wow wow. This book is a breath of fresh air!! It seems to be the going theme that I've read in oher reviews but there just isn't another way to describe this book. I was hooked from begining. I don't think I've EVER laughed so much reading. This book was so beyond good.
Roxie was such a relatable character. Her life got turnded up side down & she handled it with grace. She was funny & strong. I felt like I was growing with her. It took her a while to figure out that her "safe guy" was her only guy but it was a wonderful journey to go with her on.
As for her "safe guy" Jake... yummy!!! I Love books where the girl falls for her brothers best friend (i happened to marry my brother best friend) it just relates to me =) They have such a connection from when they were kids & have grown up together. He loves her & she was just to blind to see it. He a hottie with tattoos that is so caring & protective of her.
This story was beautiful. It was written well & I couldn't puy it down. All i can hope is there is a second book to this amazing couple!
August 23, 2013
I only read about 30 percent of this book because that was all I could stand. The main character, Roxie, is annoying, self-absorbed and whiny. There were a few brief semi-entertaining sections, which is why I gave it two stars instead of one. Roxie's husband wants a divorce, so she moves back to her hometown in Michigan and is rooming with her brother and an old flame from her college days. She's decided to follow a "good life" list that a friend gave her, and after doing one thing on the list she upsets the neighbors and pisses off her brother. It was so predictable that I decided this book wasn't worth any more of my time. If Roxie was a real person and I happened to overhear her talking to someone at the grocery or Starbucks, I would roll my eyes, which is about the only response this book got from me.
April 8, 2013
Just finished 'The Good Life' I can honestly say, "I loved it". You will laugh out loud, feel sexy and young again. Maybe even at times find a little of yourself, remembering moments you shared with a best friend, but most of all feel warm.
Jake and Roxie's ongoing love affair as Roxie movies toward finding herself pulls you into their story, which makes for a great writer. Jodie Beau did an outstanding job.
This is one book you will not want to pass up or even share as a gift with your best friend.
Jake and Roxie's ongoing love affair as Roxie movies toward finding herself pulls you into their story, which makes for a great writer. Jodie Beau did an outstanding job.
This is one book you will not want to pass up or even share as a gift with your best friend.
February 6, 2014
Fun read. There were some very funny situations and dialog. A nice romance with an edge. Well written. Engaging characters. A starting over story that a lot of people can relate to. I would recommend this book.
January 13, 2015
I was not expecting this. I was in a slump and a friend was in a slump. She was looking for something funny. I searched my Kindle and came across this and said "this one looks funny". Took my own recommendation and read it. OMG! Absolutely loved!!!
April 6, 2013
Loved it!
Such a sweet story, a really fast read!
Such a sweet story, a really fast read!
December 30, 2013
This was a decent end-of-the-year book to read. Liked the idea of having a good life list ( maybe I should make one up for 2014). My favorite was Jake---what a sweetie:-)
February 2, 2014
Loved this one just as much as All Good Things.
December 28, 2019
3.5 stars, the story was cute. Pretty predictable. If you want a cute, quick read. This is it. :-)
January 3, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
After reading Jodie Beau's short in the Shiver anthology and loving it I went right out to pick up The Good Life. I finally had time to read it and it was a pretty good read. Roxie did start to get on my nerves by the end, but I still enjoyed the book.
Oh Roxie whatever shall we do with you? She is one of those ladies who wants everything to be perfect at all times. She is kind of a control freak planner and she gets so wrapped up in what other people think and trying to make everything appear perfect she doesn't notice that she isn't even happy. She thinks of her life as a movie. There are no re-takes in her life though, so it must be perfect on the first try. After a few not so perfect moments, like her first kiss which was hilarious, she decides everything from there on out will be film worthy on the first try. It is one of those impossible tasks. She has this plan of how and when things should happen and it doesn't even matter if it makes sense at the time. She marries this guy she doesn't really seem to love and ends up living this life that doesn't even make her happy. She is so wrapped up in what other people think she changes who she is. She stayed with her soon to be husband at first because he was moving to New York City and that was her dream so win win win. He was going to make it big there, and once he did Roxie just kind of lost herself. When things fall apart she is not even that upset that she is losing her husband, but more upset that her perfect movie is not so perfect now. She is one of those people that I will never understand. I love my imperfect moments. Some of her early ones are so hilarious and I loved reading them. Perfect is boring, embrace those imperfections! They make life more fun.
So once her perfect world falls apart she decides to head back home and live with her brother and her brothers bff. Her bff gives her a "Good Life List" of things to do this summer to find who she is again. Things to do that will make her open her world a little and let some fun back in. Things that will hopefully help her not be so plan focused and just live. It is a lot easier for Roxie to go with the list and accomplish all the items on it than I had thought it would be. Now I must say the list is full of things that I would do, and many that there is no way I am doing them. They are fun regardless and Roxie really embraces this list with gusto.
Now along the way there is a new guy. Or not so new. One of those guys who if they would have just talked and told each other how they really felt maybe Roxie wouldn't have turned into a rich, unhappy housewife in New York. It was interesting to see how their relationship evolved and see what happened in the past. I felt back for Jake, I really did. Roxie was so afraid of trying and having it fail that she would just rather not live in some circumstances. This is where she started to annoy me. I was just like dude, you are doing so well being happy and free, so why are you being so stupid about this?!? You are coming up with stupid reasons for not doing this, reasons that even once they have been debunked you still cling to. Come on Roxie! Get with it!
Jake is just so sweet and I loved him. When you see things from Jake's point of view, when he tells Roxie how he felt or what he thought at times, it is just made me love him even more and feel bad for him at the same time. Roxie for all of her growing is still afraid of getting something wrong. I loved him so much, but Roxie did get a bit annoying with her holding fast to things that she thinks that aren't really true. She just gets so ridiculous and you just want to shake her and be like wake up and see what is right in front of your face!! Still I loved them together. They were hot and fun and just...I am so glad everything works out in the end. They really are great together and Jake, Jake is just amazing.
This book was a good read, the beginning was pretty humorous, and even though I wanted to hurt Roxie at times for being so dense with Jake I still enjoyed the book.
After reading Jodie Beau's short in the Shiver anthology and loving it I went right out to pick up The Good Life. I finally had time to read it and it was a pretty good read. Roxie did start to get on my nerves by the end, but I still enjoyed the book.
Oh Roxie whatever shall we do with you? She is one of those ladies who wants everything to be perfect at all times. She is kind of a control freak planner and she gets so wrapped up in what other people think and trying to make everything appear perfect she doesn't notice that she isn't even happy. She thinks of her life as a movie. There are no re-takes in her life though, so it must be perfect on the first try. After a few not so perfect moments, like her first kiss which was hilarious, she decides everything from there on out will be film worthy on the first try. It is one of those impossible tasks. She has this plan of how and when things should happen and it doesn't even matter if it makes sense at the time. She marries this guy she doesn't really seem to love and ends up living this life that doesn't even make her happy. She is so wrapped up in what other people think she changes who she is. She stayed with her soon to be husband at first because he was moving to New York City and that was her dream so win win win. He was going to make it big there, and once he did Roxie just kind of lost herself. When things fall apart she is not even that upset that she is losing her husband, but more upset that her perfect movie is not so perfect now. She is one of those people that I will never understand. I love my imperfect moments. Some of her early ones are so hilarious and I loved reading them. Perfect is boring, embrace those imperfections! They make life more fun.
So once her perfect world falls apart she decides to head back home and live with her brother and her brothers bff. Her bff gives her a "Good Life List" of things to do this summer to find who she is again. Things to do that will make her open her world a little and let some fun back in. Things that will hopefully help her not be so plan focused and just live. It is a lot easier for Roxie to go with the list and accomplish all the items on it than I had thought it would be. Now I must say the list is full of things that I would do, and many that there is no way I am doing them. They are fun regardless and Roxie really embraces this list with gusto.
Now along the way there is a new guy. Or not so new. One of those guys who if they would have just talked and told each other how they really felt maybe Roxie wouldn't have turned into a rich, unhappy housewife in New York. It was interesting to see how their relationship evolved and see what happened in the past. I felt back for Jake, I really did. Roxie was so afraid of trying and having it fail that she would just rather not live in some circumstances. This is where she started to annoy me. I was just like dude, you are doing so well being happy and free, so why are you being so stupid about this?!? You are coming up with stupid reasons for not doing this, reasons that even once they have been debunked you still cling to. Come on Roxie! Get with it!
Jake is just so sweet and I loved him. When you see things from Jake's point of view, when he tells Roxie how he felt or what he thought at times, it is just made me love him even more and feel bad for him at the same time. Roxie for all of her growing is still afraid of getting something wrong. I loved him so much, but Roxie did get a bit annoying with her holding fast to things that she thinks that aren't really true. She just gets so ridiculous and you just want to shake her and be like wake up and see what is right in front of your face!! Still I loved them together. They were hot and fun and just...I am so glad everything works out in the end. They really are great together and Jake, Jake is just amazing.
This book was a good read, the beginning was pretty humorous, and even though I wanted to hurt Roxie at times for being so dense with Jake I still enjoyed the book.
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