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Love Not Included #1
Life in a Rut, Love Not Included
**THIS BOOK IS A STANDALONE NOVEL**
Having it all isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
When Sarah Sullivan’s perfect life blows up in front of her, she finds herself crawling back to the one place she never saw herself returning: Home.
At thirty-one, Sarah had it all. Perfect job, perfect boyfriend, perfect life. When all that is taken away from her, she is left heartbroken and angry and desperate enough to let her life swallow her whole…for a while.
Fending off love and the pursuit of happiness completely, Sarah vows to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. She creates a list of goals for herself—starting with a much needed shower—and constructs a plan to dig herself out of her rut. What she doesn’t plan for is meeting the arrogant new employee her parents have hired to work on an addition to their home. Enter Jack Calloway, the handsome, charming, lickable foreman with an insatiable effect on Sarah’s girly parts.
Jack accepts the job, but gets more than he bargained for. Unable to ignore his racing hormones—and calm his temper—over the obnoxious woman who clouds his judgment, Jack pulls her in and steals her heart until she finally surrenders. But is he up for the challenge of picking up the pieces of Sarah’s broken heart? Can he carry her out of her rut?
Having it all isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
When Sarah Sullivan’s perfect life blows up in front of her, she finds herself crawling back to the one place she never saw herself returning: Home.
At thirty-one, Sarah had it all. Perfect job, perfect boyfriend, perfect life. When all that is taken away from her, she is left heartbroken and angry and desperate enough to let her life swallow her whole…for a while.
Fending off love and the pursuit of happiness completely, Sarah vows to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. She creates a list of goals for herself—starting with a much needed shower—and constructs a plan to dig herself out of her rut. What she doesn’t plan for is meeting the arrogant new employee her parents have hired to work on an addition to their home. Enter Jack Calloway, the handsome, charming, lickable foreman with an insatiable effect on Sarah’s girly parts.
Jack accepts the job, but gets more than he bargained for. Unable to ignore his racing hormones—and calm his temper—over the obnoxious woman who clouds his judgment, Jack pulls her in and steals her heart until she finally surrenders. But is he up for the challenge of picking up the pieces of Sarah’s broken heart? Can he carry her out of her rut?
224 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
137 people are currently reading
1944 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Hollyfield
47 books1,628 followersCreative designer, mother, wife, writer, part-time superhero...
USA Today Bestselling author J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, sons, and doxies. With her love for romance, and a head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.
J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor, and Happily Ever After's.
USA Today Bestselling author J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, sons, and doxies. With her love for romance, and a head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.
J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor, and Happily Ever After's.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
June 20, 2014
Book – Life in a Rut, Love Not Included
Author – J.D. Hollyfield
Publication Date – March 1, 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Romance/Humor
Rating – 4 ½ out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
I have to say that I am having a great time reading these cute funny romance books and Ms. Hollyfield delivered that non-stop in this story. How many names with “Mc” can Sarah come up with? How many times can she make an ass out of herself in front of Jack?
This is a book to read when your emotions are down because this will pick you right up and have you laughing. Oh, and don’t get me started on the romance….I loved Jack and I loved Sarah. Now these were characters who were so easy to connect with and follow along with their antics and blooming romance.
Ms. Hollyfield took us on a journey through heartache and rehabilitation full of humor and slap-stick comedy. I can’t even start to sing this book’s praises enough to give the full satisfaction of reading it for yourself.
Re-Cap
Sarah moves back in with her parents after her heart is broken by her best friend and boyfriend. She leaves everything behind including her kick ass job with her tail between her legs.
While sulking, she accidently rams into a car in front of her and meets an obnoxious hottie who also ends up being the contractor for her parents. Sarah is constantly making a fool of herself while drinking too much vermouth or gawking at a shirtless Jack.
The attraction ends up going both ways so Jack and Sarah see where a relationship can take then…now don’t get me wrong…they meet some roadblocks and head-butts along the way and you may even question if they are going to make it!
Wrap-Up
Fast funny read….sucks you in with the banter and klutziness between Jack and Sarah! Give it a try and you will not be disappointed!! ♥
June 9, 2019
Sarah had what she believed was the perfect life - a handsome boyfriend, an upwardly mobile career, a fabulous wardrobe, a beautiful apartment, and a best friend/roommate who was more like the sister she never had. One shining moment, a moment of celebration had her 'perfect life' falling apart. Now she has no more boyfriend, an ex-best friend, and she's back at home with her parents. Adulting is hard! She's struggling to pick up the pieces and doesn't even know where to start. A chance encounter, a fender bender, opens the door to new beginnings and life once again is worth living... as long as the living is with Jack.
I had a blast reading this story from Sarah's perspective. She was silly and absolutely ridiculous, but I understood her despair after suffering her first heartbreak. Anyone who has been betrayed by someone they love can relate to her issues. However, she did come across as infantile a bit too much and I think the story would have benefitted from Jack's point of view during those times. It needed something to break up the monotony of her childishness. I get that it was supposed to be funny in an awkward way, but I just ended up feeling uncomfortable. She was in her thirties and her behavior reminded me too much of one of my teenage daughters.
Overall, it was a quirky and adorable story about overcoming the pain of a broken heart. Jack was freaking wonderful and the perfect man to help put Sarah back together again. She was no longer in a rut and love was most definitely included.
I had a blast reading this story from Sarah's perspective. She was silly and absolutely ridiculous, but I understood her despair after suffering her first heartbreak. Anyone who has been betrayed by someone they love can relate to her issues. However, she did come across as infantile a bit too much and I think the story would have benefitted from Jack's point of view during those times. It needed something to break up the monotony of her childishness. I get that it was supposed to be funny in an awkward way, but I just ended up feeling uncomfortable. She was in her thirties and her behavior reminded me too much of one of my teenage daughters.
Overall, it was a quirky and adorable story about overcoming the pain of a broken heart. Jack was freaking wonderful and the perfect man to help put Sarah back together again. She was no longer in a rut and love was most definitely included.
August 28, 2016
One of the funniest books I have read in a long time. A sweet and sexy read.
April 20, 2014
Sexy, sassy and fun!
June 22, 2014
Once again, I found myself with an unexpected little gem of a romance...
Life in a Rut, Love Not Included is an endearing story of re-finding oneself after everything around you falls apart.
Sarah Sullivan discovers her boyfriend and boss of years sleeping with her best friend and roommate. Devastated, she makes a destructive career move and demolishes her career in one fool swoop. With the preverbal tail between her legs, she drags herself home to her parents house. Now at 31, she barely gets herself out of bed until a bit of tough love, on her parents part, sends her crashing quite literally into Jack Calloway.
Jack Calloway is one of the most successful builders in the area. When Sarah's parents decide on renovations they hirer Jack, much to Sarah's dismay. Sarah doesn't know if she should punch the explosive hottie or pursue him.
There is plenty of funny to accent this passion filled, electrifying chemistry infused story. Both Sarah and Jack have their issues, but together they make one heck of a team. Easy, enjoyable and absolutely entertaining, Life in a Rut, Love Not Included is the perfect pick me up read. 4 ½ stars.
Life in a Rut, Love Not Included is an endearing story of re-finding oneself after everything around you falls apart.
Sarah Sullivan discovers her boyfriend and boss of years sleeping with her best friend and roommate. Devastated, she makes a destructive career move and demolishes her career in one fool swoop. With the preverbal tail between her legs, she drags herself home to her parents house. Now at 31, she barely gets herself out of bed until a bit of tough love, on her parents part, sends her crashing quite literally into Jack Calloway.
Jack Calloway is one of the most successful builders in the area. When Sarah's parents decide on renovations they hirer Jack, much to Sarah's dismay. Sarah doesn't know if she should punch the explosive hottie or pursue him.
There is plenty of funny to accent this passion filled, electrifying chemistry infused story. Both Sarah and Jack have their issues, but together they make one heck of a team. Easy, enjoyable and absolutely entertaining, Life in a Rut, Love Not Included is the perfect pick me up read. 4 ½ stars.
April 2, 2014
This is chick lit at its best! Life in a Rut, Love not Included is a hilarious contemporary romance that will have you laughing out loud, reaching for the tissues, and aching for Sarah and Jack to finally fall for each other.
At thirty one years old, Sarah is heartbroken and unemployed, and Jack is the sexy foreman who's been hired to work on her parents' house...and of course, Sarah has had to move back in with them. They have a few tense run-ins before they realize how attracted they are to each other, and how much they actually NEED each other. Jack enlists Sarah to give his business a much-needed boost, while Sarah leans on Jack to help get her life out of its rut. The chemistry between these two is spot-on and totally engrossing! The voice of the narrator is smooth, easy to read, and just hilarious. It is the perfect balance of tender and gut-wrenching, with plenty of comedic relief. And the steamy scenes are smokin' hot!
J.D. Hollyfield is one of the most exciting new authors of 2014, and her debut novel fits the genre perfectly. I'm anxious to read her next book!
At thirty one years old, Sarah is heartbroken and unemployed, and Jack is the sexy foreman who's been hired to work on her parents' house...and of course, Sarah has had to move back in with them. They have a few tense run-ins before they realize how attracted they are to each other, and how much they actually NEED each other. Jack enlists Sarah to give his business a much-needed boost, while Sarah leans on Jack to help get her life out of its rut. The chemistry between these two is spot-on and totally engrossing! The voice of the narrator is smooth, easy to read, and just hilarious. It is the perfect balance of tender and gut-wrenching, with plenty of comedic relief. And the steamy scenes are smokin' hot!
J.D. Hollyfield is one of the most exciting new authors of 2014, and her debut novel fits the genre perfectly. I'm anxious to read her next book!
January 27, 2015
Cute, quick read.
October 7, 2014
4.5 Stars..I really..really enjoyed this book! Funny, quirky and totally fell for Jack! Sarah was hilarious and I always love a girl that can laugh at herself! Thanks to the author for a copy..full review to follow!
Finding debut authors that make me laugh out loud, care about the characters and fall in love with not only the hot blooded male lead but the quirky female. You meet Sarah after experiencing one of the greatest falls in book kind…she has it all a great job, boyfriend who is son of boss at great job, rich best friend that is also her roommate and funds most of their rent. This all comes crashing down when she comes home earlier than expected and finds 2 of the three great things in her life together in a more than compromising position.
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A melt down at great job and spur of the moment resignation, no one would accuse Sarah of going out quietly…she tucks her Blaniks in her designer bag and returns to her childhood home to sulk and drink…vermouth coated pearls of wisdom from Aunt Raines, a crash meeting with a hot contractor and things start looking up? The attraction between Jack and Sarah is pretty quick and lotsa hot!
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Enjoyed the banter, friendship, life to do lists, and drunken impromptu yard sales. Finding out what love really looks like when you are head over heels in largest rut of your life is always a great journey to embark on!!
For more reviews, good times and drink recipes hang out with us at http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls
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Finding debut authors that make me laugh out loud, care about the characters and fall in love with not only the hot blooded male lead but the quirky female. You meet Sarah after experiencing one of the greatest falls in book kind…she has it all a great job, boyfriend who is son of boss at great job, rich best friend that is also her roommate and funds most of their rent. This all comes crashing down when she comes home earlier than expected and finds 2 of the three great things in her life together in a more than compromising position.
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A melt down at great job and spur of the moment resignation, no one would accuse Sarah of going out quietly…she tucks her Blaniks in her designer bag and returns to her childhood home to sulk and drink…vermouth coated pearls of wisdom from Aunt Raines, a crash meeting with a hot contractor and things start looking up? The attraction between Jack and Sarah is pretty quick and lotsa hot!
[image error]
Enjoyed the banter, friendship, life to do lists, and drunken impromptu yard sales. Finding out what love really looks like when you are head over heels in largest rut of your life is always a great journey to embark on!!
For more reviews, good times and drink recipes hang out with us at http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls
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September 12, 2014
You have to read this book!! It is amazing,funny,heartbreaking (at times so have the tissues handy) and is full of hot and steamy fun. I have to admit I had never heard of the author, but now that I know who she is I will be reading more of her books just keep an eye out for her books. She's writes one hell of a book.
Now a little about the book:
When Sarah Sullivan is a bright, intelligent, and sassy girl. She's thirty-one, Sarah has the Perfect job, perfect boyfriend, perfect best friend and perfect life. At least she thought so.
She just finished a perfect job and was going to go celebrate. But that's where it whent all wrong. Now suddenly when she thought she had it all, That's when it's all taken away from her, she is left heartbroken and angry and desperate enough to let her life swallow her whole…for a while. And doing the only thing she can think to do she goes home to mom and Dad. Out on an errand for her mom, things get worse she crashes into a truck and the jerk is so mad he throws her phone into traffic destroying it little dose she know this is the same man shes been sent to meet for her mom. The same arrogant new employee her parents have hired to work on an addition to their home. Enter Jack Calloway, the handsome, charming, lickable foreman with an insatiable effect on Sarah’s girly parts. But Sarah has sworn off love and happiness and she vows to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. She creates a list of goals for herself—starting with a much needed shower—and constructs a plan to dig herself out of her rut. What she doesn’t plan for is Jack. He accepts the job, but gets more than he bargained for. Every time he's in the same room as Sarah all he wants to do is kiss her. Unable to ignore his racing hormones—and calm his temper—over the obnoxious woman who clouds his judgment, After reading her list he decides to help her with her list so what if he gets what he wants to. He steals a little piece of her heart until she finally surrenders. But is he up for the challenge of picking up the pieces of Sarah’s broken heart? Can he carry her out of her rut?
Now a little about the book:
When Sarah Sullivan is a bright, intelligent, and sassy girl. She's thirty-one, Sarah has the Perfect job, perfect boyfriend, perfect best friend and perfect life. At least she thought so.
She just finished a perfect job and was going to go celebrate. But that's where it whent all wrong. Now suddenly when she thought she had it all, That's when it's all taken away from her, she is left heartbroken and angry and desperate enough to let her life swallow her whole…for a while. And doing the only thing she can think to do she goes home to mom and Dad. Out on an errand for her mom, things get worse she crashes into a truck and the jerk is so mad he throws her phone into traffic destroying it little dose she know this is the same man shes been sent to meet for her mom. The same arrogant new employee her parents have hired to work on an addition to their home. Enter Jack Calloway, the handsome, charming, lickable foreman with an insatiable effect on Sarah’s girly parts. But Sarah has sworn off love and happiness and she vows to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. She creates a list of goals for herself—starting with a much needed shower—and constructs a plan to dig herself out of her rut. What she doesn’t plan for is Jack. He accepts the job, but gets more than he bargained for. Every time he's in the same room as Sarah all he wants to do is kiss her. Unable to ignore his racing hormones—and calm his temper—over the obnoxious woman who clouds his judgment, After reading her list he decides to help her with her list so what if he gets what he wants to. He steals a little piece of her heart until she finally surrenders. But is he up for the challenge of picking up the pieces of Sarah’s broken heart? Can he carry her out of her rut?
May 27, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“I had to crawl home to my parents, who definitely did not see this coming since they turned my room into one of those storage rooms where Home Shopping Network junk goes to die.”
“I think I just mentally fainted.”
“I think I’ve been in love with you since day one. And all I think about and all I crave is to make you happy, to make you smile, and possibly to hear you scream my name on occasion.”
“Not that I am one to wave the white flag but if I don’t get a decent amount of food and caffeine in me, I am going to die of sexual exhaustion. What would my poor mother say? Would they write death by sexual exhaustion on my tombstone?”
“I knew exactly what he was to me. He was my heart. The one I loved more than the air I breathed.
My Review:
I adore J.D. Hollyfield’s work and all her unique and endearing characters. Life in a Rut, Love not Included is perfectly executed, well plotted, and brilliantly written. Her writing is crisp, fresh, snort-worthy, and consistently engaging. She can stop my heart and bring me to tears in one sentence, then have me laughing aloud a few paragraphs later. Her characters are smart, witty, self-effacing, and lovable, although I sometimes want to give them a pinch or two. I like the underlying premise of this story, many of us easily fall into ruts in our busy lives as it saves time, and while having a routine or following a pattern isn’t such a bad thing, it is if we become too complacent and lose sight of ourselves. While the story is cleverly told and the narrative is humorous and well detailed, there are considerable nuggets of insight sprinkled throughout, as there are in all her books. I noticed she sneaks in some rather profound statements during her character’s witty inner dialog, I just had to wipe away the tears of mirth and catch my breath before I could hone in on them.
“I had to crawl home to my parents, who definitely did not see this coming since they turned my room into one of those storage rooms where Home Shopping Network junk goes to die.”
“I think I just mentally fainted.”
“I think I’ve been in love with you since day one. And all I think about and all I crave is to make you happy, to make you smile, and possibly to hear you scream my name on occasion.”
“Not that I am one to wave the white flag but if I don’t get a decent amount of food and caffeine in me, I am going to die of sexual exhaustion. What would my poor mother say? Would they write death by sexual exhaustion on my tombstone?”
“I knew exactly what he was to me. He was my heart. The one I loved more than the air I breathed.
My Review:
I adore J.D. Hollyfield’s work and all her unique and endearing characters. Life in a Rut, Love not Included is perfectly executed, well plotted, and brilliantly written. Her writing is crisp, fresh, snort-worthy, and consistently engaging. She can stop my heart and bring me to tears in one sentence, then have me laughing aloud a few paragraphs later. Her characters are smart, witty, self-effacing, and lovable, although I sometimes want to give them a pinch or two. I like the underlying premise of this story, many of us easily fall into ruts in our busy lives as it saves time, and while having a routine or following a pattern isn’t such a bad thing, it is if we become too complacent and lose sight of ourselves. While the story is cleverly told and the narrative is humorous and well detailed, there are considerable nuggets of insight sprinkled throughout, as there are in all her books. I noticed she sneaks in some rather profound statements during her character’s witty inner dialog, I just had to wipe away the tears of mirth and catch my breath before I could hone in on them.
June 23, 2014
I was provided a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.
I just finish reading this book, and I have to say that I love it, this book made me laugh and cried, at the same time that's how hard I was laughing, I love the characters, and love how the book turn out to be, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
This is the story of Sarah, now Sarah is thirty one years old, after she got out of collage, her life change, she had the best job, the best roommate, and the best boyfriend, she was happy and love her life, but all that change the moment that she found her best friend and boyfriend together, now three month later and she move back home with her parents, now no job, boyfriend, or friend, and to top it all off she is awaking by her mother when she is having a great dream, after her parents told her to pick her aunt up at the airport, she end up hitting the bumper of someone in front of her, that's when MR hot sexy man came out of his truck, angry and miss treat her by throwing her phone on the street, and taking her driving license, by the time she got to the contraction company, that her mother told her to go by to get some blue print, she couldn't believe who it was, none the less MR hot and sexy, known as Jack, when he saw her he couldn't believe his luck, but what they couldn't believe was that their life was about to change.
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love the Banter that its going on between Sarah and Jack. I just love this book, Author J.D. Hollyfield THANK YOU for introducing me to this awesome characters and this great book love it.
I just finish reading this book, and I have to say that I love it, this book made me laugh and cried, at the same time that's how hard I was laughing, I love the characters, and love how the book turn out to be, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
This is the story of Sarah, now Sarah is thirty one years old, after she got out of collage, her life change, she had the best job, the best roommate, and the best boyfriend, she was happy and love her life, but all that change the moment that she found her best friend and boyfriend together, now three month later and she move back home with her parents, now no job, boyfriend, or friend, and to top it all off she is awaking by her mother when she is having a great dream, after her parents told her to pick her aunt up at the airport, she end up hitting the bumper of someone in front of her, that's when MR hot sexy man came out of his truck, angry and miss treat her by throwing her phone on the street, and taking her driving license, by the time she got to the contraction company, that her mother told her to go by to get some blue print, she couldn't believe who it was, none the less MR hot and sexy, known as Jack, when he saw her he couldn't believe his luck, but what they couldn't believe was that their life was about to change.
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love the Banter that its going on between Sarah and Jack. I just love this book, Author J.D. Hollyfield THANK YOU for introducing me to this awesome characters and this great book love it.
November 21, 2015
3 Sweet & Funny Stars
I love reading books , which are so relaxing , the ones that brings that goofy smile on your face & makes up your night after an exhausting day.
This was the same kinda book.
We have got a sassy funny Female lead Sarah , who with her amusing inner dialogues and sweet nature keeps the mood light.
Then we have that amazing sexy hot Architecture with that devilish grins who just makes you swoon with that killer smile & gestures.
The starting scene where they both clash is really fun , and how they progress into their tearing off clothes mode to the I LOVE YOU mode , pretty smoothly. The best part of the book was nothing was over done, with funny banters , their were also some ghosts from the past , the life s philosophy ... which makes the whole package complete.
I love reading books , which are so relaxing , the ones that brings that goofy smile on your face & makes up your night after an exhausting day.
This was the same kinda book.
We have got a sassy funny Female lead Sarah , who with her amusing inner dialogues and sweet nature keeps the mood light.
I love you,” he says. “I've never been so damn in love with anybody in my entire life. Being without you has been hell for me. To be honest the second I finished some business with Bill, I was going to come and get you. I didn't care anymore what happened. I just needed you. I’ve missed your touch.
Then we have that amazing sexy hot Architecture with that devilish grins who just makes you swoon with that killer smile & gestures.
The starting scene where they both clash is really fun , and how they progress into their tearing off clothes mode to the I LOVE YOU mode , pretty smoothly. The best part of the book was nothing was over done, with funny banters , their were also some ghosts from the past , the life s philosophy ... which makes the whole package complete.
July 12, 2015
My introduction to J.D. Hollyfied was through a BFF to this awesome read. She knew I loved snarky reads with a romance twists and this fell right into my favorite genre. Take a talented Alice Clayton and mate her with a snarky hilarious Tara Sivec and out spit a J.D. Hollyfield LOL
This book was fill with some real life trials and tribulations we should all look back at and laugh our butts off at. Add the hot romance in the mix and we have one great read!
I absolutely loved this book and jumped from this debut novel to her next! I think she will be forever be in my go to reading list and will look forward to anything she throws at us.
May 29, 2014
I LOVED this book!! The main character Sarah is witty, sassy, and at the best times clumsy. Her life is a big hot mess and she is the first to admit that she is just fine staying in bed to deal with it. A chain reaction of events has her life stuck in a rut. That is until she meets Jack Calloway, a hot, stop and stare, sexy man who shocks her with his temper as well as his attraction to her. Jack pulls Sarah out of her rut and she slowly begins to believe in love, trust, and her future again. I loved all the characters in this book and found myself laughing out loud at times and clenching my thighs at others. Definitely a great read!!
June 26, 2014
Hmmm.... It was OK. I felt it was rushed in places then super fast (like I missed a chapter) in other places. The ending was abrupt and too over the top. I wish Sarah didn't spend most of the book whining or crying.
February 15, 2015
I found this author through Chelsea Snow's author events and I'm so glad I did. I read this book all today because I felt like I knew the characters. They were loveable and addictive that I didn't want it to end. I look forward to book 2 in the series :-)
April 21, 2014
Sarah Sullivan had me giggling like a silly little school girl.
J.D. Hollyfield has me excited to read whatever she has up next, seriously can't wait !
J.D. Hollyfield has me excited to read whatever she has up next, seriously can't wait !
October 22, 2014
I loved Jack and Sarah's story!
May 13, 2014
Loved it, thanks for the rec Cat
Really good story!
Really good story!
October 28, 2014
Is it wrong to find so much humor in someone else’s obvious pain? Yes, I admit it; I laughed out loud in some spots, but hey, not my fault! I’m blaming it on J. D. Hollyfield, the author of Life in a Rut, Love Not Included. Who would think of putting an emotionally battered, unemployed woman with a shoe fetish in her parents’ ancient car and allow her to literally run into a man with anger management issues? Did Ms. Hollyfield not expect the fireworks to go off? I’m sure she did, and our story begins…
Sarah had it all, a career, love, a best friend she adored and then, wham! It’s all gone and she is hightailing it home, back to Mom and Dad’s to lick her wounds, figure out her life. Jack is a successful builder, his company is big, efficient and profitable, his time is limited and he has the patience of a saint when things are going well, he just has trouble dealing with life’s irritations. Enter fate, karma, whatever, turns out Jack is the contractor doing some home improvements at Sarah’s parents’ home. And the fur begins to fly! Must he tease her, catch being awkward, uncoordinated, or dreaming of him? How many times will Sarah be the clown in from him? How many times must Jack taunt her into more acts of craziness? Is it possible that once again, opposites will attract or will they prove that theory wrong? Get ready for some delightful chicklit with humor, heart and even a few sad times.
Digging through the hidden gem pile, this just about blinded me when I uncovered it! J. D. Hollyfield, you are the sparkle behind this tale of comical romance. With flawlessly endearing characters, great dialogue, especially what is whirling about Sarah’s brain, Ms. Hollyfield has taken romance, pitched the heaving bosoms and brought in the jackhammers to create a world and story that will have you using tissues constantly, but not to worry, for the most part, they will be tears of laughter. Love never felt so “cute.”
Publication Date: March 31, 2014
Publisher: J.D. Hollyfield
ISBN: 1497528143
Genre: Contemporary Romance|Humor
Print Length: 224 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Sarah had it all, a career, love, a best friend she adored and then, wham! It’s all gone and she is hightailing it home, back to Mom and Dad’s to lick her wounds, figure out her life. Jack is a successful builder, his company is big, efficient and profitable, his time is limited and he has the patience of a saint when things are going well, he just has trouble dealing with life’s irritations. Enter fate, karma, whatever, turns out Jack is the contractor doing some home improvements at Sarah’s parents’ home. And the fur begins to fly! Must he tease her, catch being awkward, uncoordinated, or dreaming of him? How many times will Sarah be the clown in from him? How many times must Jack taunt her into more acts of craziness? Is it possible that once again, opposites will attract or will they prove that theory wrong? Get ready for some delightful chicklit with humor, heart and even a few sad times.
Digging through the hidden gem pile, this just about blinded me when I uncovered it! J. D. Hollyfield, you are the sparkle behind this tale of comical romance. With flawlessly endearing characters, great dialogue, especially what is whirling about Sarah’s brain, Ms. Hollyfield has taken romance, pitched the heaving bosoms and brought in the jackhammers to create a world and story that will have you using tissues constantly, but not to worry, for the most part, they will be tears of laughter. Love never felt so “cute.”
Publication Date: March 31, 2014
Publisher: J.D. Hollyfield
ISBN: 1497528143
Genre: Contemporary Romance|Humor
Print Length: 224 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 24, 2014
**See this full review and more at http://bookbriefs.net**
Life in a Rut, Love Not Included was a cute, fluffy (mostly), and funny read. Sarah had everything she wanted in life. She had a great job, she had a great boyfriend, and she had a fun, rich roommate that foot the bill on lots of designer things. And then it all fell apart. After 7(!) years with said roommate and boyfriend, she caught them in bed together. So she moved out and quit her job and ended up back home with her parents at 31.
The title of the book is really fitting. This girl was in a rut. Big time. She is just so stuck in the past. She wasn't doing much of anything other than wallowing while she was living with her parents. It took their contractor coming into her life to shake things up for her, and get her moving again. I loved how she met him. She got into a fender bender with him and got into a fight with him in the middle of the road. In fact, they were at each others throats the first 3 or 4 times they interacted. But through another series of unfortunate events for Sarah, Jack learned more than he bargained about her and his attitude towards her started to soften. This was a big turning point for both of them actually.
I loved the way Jack was with Sarah. And I really liked the person that Sarah started to become after spending time with Jack. I felt awful for what she had to go through, but I will admit that I was getting slightly annoyed with her that she just kept going over and over the past. We heard about her boyfriend and the roommate a few too many times. She needed to snap herself out of her rut long before she met Jack. But, once she did start to get moving again it was great to see her passion for marketing and working. She was bright funny and really visionary. I loved this Sarah.
Life in a Rut, Love Not included was a really fun read. Perfect for a nice day outside by the pool. It is a cute love story, and story about how a woman picks up the pieces of her life, and picks herself up again. Jack and Sarah both have hot tempers so there are a few fiery scenes, but they mellow each other out. They work together. Fans of contemporary romance will enjoying watching Sarah get herself out of that rut, and they will LOVE Jack.
Life in a Rut, Love Not Included was a cute, fluffy (mostly), and funny read. Sarah had everything she wanted in life. She had a great job, she had a great boyfriend, and she had a fun, rich roommate that foot the bill on lots of designer things. And then it all fell apart. After 7(!) years with said roommate and boyfriend, she caught them in bed together. So she moved out and quit her job and ended up back home with her parents at 31.
The title of the book is really fitting. This girl was in a rut. Big time. She is just so stuck in the past. She wasn't doing much of anything other than wallowing while she was living with her parents. It took their contractor coming into her life to shake things up for her, and get her moving again. I loved how she met him. She got into a fender bender with him and got into a fight with him in the middle of the road. In fact, they were at each others throats the first 3 or 4 times they interacted. But through another series of unfortunate events for Sarah, Jack learned more than he bargained about her and his attitude towards her started to soften. This was a big turning point for both of them actually.
I loved the way Jack was with Sarah. And I really liked the person that Sarah started to become after spending time with Jack. I felt awful for what she had to go through, but I will admit that I was getting slightly annoyed with her that she just kept going over and over the past. We heard about her boyfriend and the roommate a few too many times. She needed to snap herself out of her rut long before she met Jack. But, once she did start to get moving again it was great to see her passion for marketing and working. She was bright funny and really visionary. I loved this Sarah.
Life in a Rut, Love Not included was a really fun read. Perfect for a nice day outside by the pool. It is a cute love story, and story about how a woman picks up the pieces of her life, and picks herself up again. Jack and Sarah both have hot tempers so there are a few fiery scenes, but they mellow each other out. They work together. Fans of contemporary romance will enjoying watching Sarah get herself out of that rut, and they will LOVE Jack.
June 28, 2014
A HILARIOUS ROMANCE NOVEL SURELY TO TAKE YOU OUT OF ANY RUT YOU MAY BE FEELING!
J.D. Hollyfield’s debut novel, Life in a Rut, Love Not Included, is a hilarious romance novel sure to put you in a feel good mood. Please note this is a beautiful LOVE story, will you feeling many emotions as the characters do, you will find yourself HEARTACHE, LAUGHING, CRYING, HOT SEX SCENES, and FALLING in LOVE again.
Sarah Sullivan is devastated when she finds her boyfriend has not been faithful and finds herself moving back home. She cannot believe she finds herself in a ‘rut’ at thirty-one years old living with her parents again, until she crashes into Jack Calloway.
"I guess I was what you would cal a victim of being blind to the world outside her perfect little bubble. It’s scary how easy it is to get so wrapped up in your own bubble of life that you fail to see what’s really going wrong on the outside."
Jack is a contractor her parents hired to make some renovation to their home. Could Jack be the man to renovate Sarah a new life? Sarah is at crossroads on how she feels for Jack, is it an attraction to him, or is anger toward the male species?
"I want to be happy about something. Accomplishments that I earned. I want to look forward and not to my past. I want my past to be just that—my past."
Unfortunately, there is undeniable attraction between the two. Sarah and Jack may discover they need each other more than they know.
"Have you ever woken up one day and realized that life was exactly where it’s supposed to be? It didn’t have to consist of fancy things or big Job titles. Life is truly what you make of it. And that’s what makes life perfect. That’s what makes it the full package."
While reading J.D. Hollyfield’s debut novel, Life in a Rut, Love Not Included, you will find yourself on roller coaster of emotions. This is a feel good read if you find yourself in a rut and need a little laughter!
I rate J.D. Hollyfield’s debut novel, Life in a Rut, Love Not Included - 5 AMAZING STARS!
J.D. Hollyfield’s debut novel, Life in a Rut, Love Not Included, is a hilarious romance novel sure to put you in a feel good mood. Please note this is a beautiful LOVE story, will you feeling many emotions as the characters do, you will find yourself HEARTACHE, LAUGHING, CRYING, HOT SEX SCENES, and FALLING in LOVE again.
Sarah Sullivan is devastated when she finds her boyfriend has not been faithful and finds herself moving back home. She cannot believe she finds herself in a ‘rut’ at thirty-one years old living with her parents again, until she crashes into Jack Calloway.
"I guess I was what you would cal a victim of being blind to the world outside her perfect little bubble. It’s scary how easy it is to get so wrapped up in your own bubble of life that you fail to see what’s really going wrong on the outside."
Jack is a contractor her parents hired to make some renovation to their home. Could Jack be the man to renovate Sarah a new life? Sarah is at crossroads on how she feels for Jack, is it an attraction to him, or is anger toward the male species?
"I want to be happy about something. Accomplishments that I earned. I want to look forward and not to my past. I want my past to be just that—my past."
Unfortunately, there is undeniable attraction between the two. Sarah and Jack may discover they need each other more than they know.
"Have you ever woken up one day and realized that life was exactly where it’s supposed to be? It didn’t have to consist of fancy things or big Job titles. Life is truly what you make of it. And that’s what makes life perfect. That’s what makes it the full package."
While reading J.D. Hollyfield’s debut novel, Life in a Rut, Love Not Included, you will find yourself on roller coaster of emotions. This is a feel good read if you find yourself in a rut and need a little laughter!
I rate J.D. Hollyfield’s debut novel, Life in a Rut, Love Not Included - 5 AMAZING STARS!
June 23, 2014
"My name is Sarah Sullivan and I am stuck in a rut, and it’s called my life. I am thirty-one years old and I have a feeling at some point in my life I may have taken a wrong turn."
3.5!!
Sarah. She thought that her life was perfect when suddenly, pop!, that bubble bursts. And now, she's here.. on her parent's house. Jobless, loveless and has no idea what to do in her life.
Jack. Has an anger management issues. HOT. 'Nuff said.
When these two people collide, we got a..
I know, it's embarassing.
I've been reading pretty heavy stuff these past few days and it's making me hurt all over. So it really is a nice break to read a book like this. So what do I mean when I say books like this.
It's when you're expecting a fluffy read but what you got is a laugh-out-loud and soul searching kind of read. I have laughed, so hard, at a lot of points. I love this woman! Sarah is such a riot! At thirty-one, she still acts like a teenager without being immature. She's witty and kind hearted. And seriously, she doesn't deserve what happened to her!! Sorry, I just have a lot of feelings. ANYWAY. Not only did I laugh, I blushed a lot too. Like, A LOT. Enter Jack.
Jack.
That name isn't going to be the same to me ever again. All I will think is the deep voice. The eyes.. the sexy back.. *clears throat* Is it me, or did it get hotter in here?
Life In A Rut, Love not included.... is a mouthful! But!!! It has depth. It touches the readers heart. And it will completely leave you feeling good. Perfect for Tangled fans by Emma Chase and Wallbanger by Alice Clayton.
3.5!!
Sarah. She thought that her life was perfect when suddenly, pop!, that bubble bursts. And now, she's here.. on her parent's house. Jobless, loveless and has no idea what to do in her life.
Jack. Has an anger management issues. HOT. 'Nuff said.
When these two people collide, we got a..
I know, it's embarassing.
I've been reading pretty heavy stuff these past few days and it's making me hurt all over. So it really is a nice break to read a book like this. So what do I mean when I say books like this.
It's when you're expecting a fluffy read but what you got is a laugh-out-loud and soul searching kind of read. I have laughed, so hard, at a lot of points. I love this woman! Sarah is such a riot! At thirty-one, she still acts like a teenager without being immature. She's witty and kind hearted. And seriously, she doesn't deserve what happened to her!! Sorry, I just have a lot of feelings. ANYWAY. Not only did I laugh, I blushed a lot too. Like, A LOT. Enter Jack.
Jack.
That name isn't going to be the same to me ever again. All I will think is the deep voice. The eyes.. the sexy back.. *clears throat* Is it me, or did it get hotter in here?
Life In A Rut, Love not included.... is a mouthful! But!!! It has depth. It touches the readers heart. And it will completely leave you feeling good. Perfect for Tangled fans by Emma Chase and Wallbanger by Alice Clayton.
June 22, 2014
Sarah thought she had the perfect life…perfect boyfriend, job, apartment…perfect everything until that all disappears and she’s a 30 something year old that’s moved back in with her parents with no job, no boyfriend and what seems like no happily ever after.
Just at the right time however, Jack bursts into her life rather rudely at first and Sarah starts to realise that maybe her perfect life before wasn’t so perfect and that she can get her true happily ever after.
I really enjoyed this story. It was such a great light-hearted read that left me feeling uplifted and smiling and believing in a happily ever after myself! Sure this wasn’t full of suspense or even drama and is quite a relaxing story line but it worked perfectly and I ended up speeding through this story.
“Oh holy burning hunk of foreplay”
I fell in love with both Jack and Sarah. Sarah was just hilarious and I was laughing several times during her inner monologues she would have, I also thought she was sweet and kind and 100% deserved the fairytale ending she was looking for.
“Holy Hottie McTongue God”
“I would like to refer to him henceforth as the Golden Jerk.”
Jack was gorgeous, rugged, hard working, kind and protective. He truly is one of my favourite BBF’s this year. He was so normal and un-complicated compared to many lead male characters you read about nowadays and someone I easily fell in love with.
” I just can’t fathom how anyone would let you go. If you were mine, I would cherish you, spoil you rotten and never let you out of my sight.”
The plot was nice, sweet, funny and just made me feel happy. I smiled a lot during this book and said “hell yeah” when Sarah spoke back (and sometimes slapped) those who deserved it. This story really was just a great, relaxing, easy going read that would be perfect for days when you are lazying in the sun and want a story that will keep you in a good mood.
Bethany
Just at the right time however, Jack bursts into her life rather rudely at first and Sarah starts to realise that maybe her perfect life before wasn’t so perfect and that she can get her true happily ever after.
I really enjoyed this story. It was such a great light-hearted read that left me feeling uplifted and smiling and believing in a happily ever after myself! Sure this wasn’t full of suspense or even drama and is quite a relaxing story line but it worked perfectly and I ended up speeding through this story.
“Oh holy burning hunk of foreplay”
I fell in love with both Jack and Sarah. Sarah was just hilarious and I was laughing several times during her inner monologues she would have, I also thought she was sweet and kind and 100% deserved the fairytale ending she was looking for.
“Holy Hottie McTongue God”
“I would like to refer to him henceforth as the Golden Jerk.”
Jack was gorgeous, rugged, hard working, kind and protective. He truly is one of my favourite BBF’s this year. He was so normal and un-complicated compared to many lead male characters you read about nowadays and someone I easily fell in love with.
” I just can’t fathom how anyone would let you go. If you were mine, I would cherish you, spoil you rotten and never let you out of my sight.”
The plot was nice, sweet, funny and just made me feel happy. I smiled a lot during this book and said “hell yeah” when Sarah spoke back (and sometimes slapped) those who deserved it. This story really was just a great, relaxing, easy going read that would be perfect for days when you are lazying in the sun and want a story that will keep you in a good mood.
Bethany
September 23, 2014
You know that kind of genuine love that you want to have with your lover? This is the one!
Life in a Rut, Love Not Included is not just a romance, is about a woman discovering herself, what she wants and her dreams, after she loses everything she had (or what she thought so): friendship, a seven years lover and a job in one of the most known Marketing Companies in the city. Sometimes bad things comes with the best consequences.
At the beginning you get to know Jack, THE Jack... that kind of man who works with his hands, hard hands. Who stop everything, leaves the city, leaves his girlfriend to work in his dad company (after he passed away). And let me say: WOW! Who is this guy?! Please, I want my Jack!
This is not the Love in the first sight! This is I WANT YOUR BODY at first sight.
With ups and downs, more ups than downs, this is that kind of book that you will re-read a lot of times, at least 10 rs and never get enough!
Life in a Rut, Love Not Included is not just a romance, is about a woman discovering herself, what she wants and her dreams, after she loses everything she had (or what she thought so): friendship, a seven years lover and a job in one of the most known Marketing Companies in the city. Sometimes bad things comes with the best consequences.
At the beginning you get to know Jack, THE Jack... that kind of man who works with his hands, hard hands. Who stop everything, leaves the city, leaves his girlfriend to work in his dad company (after he passed away). And let me say: WOW! Who is this guy?! Please, I want my Jack!
This is not the Love in the first sight! This is I WANT YOUR BODY at first sight.
With ups and downs, more ups than downs, this is that kind of book that you will re-read a lot of times, at least 10 rs and never get enough!
November 27, 2015
4,5 witty stars
Life in a rut, love not included - yeah its my working title too. Jack Mchottiepants would be sooo welcome to help me with my bucketlist. Sarah is left broken after the betrayal from her not so perfect boyfriend (inserting; ex) and not so perfect bestfriend (inserting; ex). Lets just say the aftermath is sad, sooo soo sad. But then there is already mentioned Mchottiepants - the droolworthy, possesive, sexgod,charming and assertive new bookboyfriend of mine. Some funny moments during this read, to sum it up it was a fast, easy and witty read.
The last part of the book did come off as a bit rushed - and Sarah kinda got on my nerves a few times because of that.The plot could have been a bit more developed in the last part of the read in my opinion. A fun and well worth your time read. Great job by the author, loved the writingstyle- i already have the next book on my kindle.
Life in a rut, love not included - yeah its my working title too. Jack Mchottiepants would be sooo welcome to help me with my bucketlist. Sarah is left broken after the betrayal from her not so perfect boyfriend (inserting; ex) and not so perfect bestfriend (inserting; ex). Lets just say the aftermath is sad, sooo soo sad. But then there is already mentioned Mchottiepants - the droolworthy, possesive, sexgod,charming and assertive new bookboyfriend of mine. Some funny moments during this read, to sum it up it was a fast, easy and witty read.
The last part of the book did come off as a bit rushed - and Sarah kinda got on my nerves a few times because of that.The plot could have been a bit more developed in the last part of the read in my opinion. A fun and well worth your time read. Great job by the author, loved the writingstyle- i already have the next book on my kindle.
November 13, 2014
Sarah Sullivan thought she had the perfect life. A loving boyfriend, a dream job, and a closet filled with her favorite type of shoes. That is until life around her crumbled around her and she headed home to her parents. Stuck in a rut, Sarah main form of focus is whether to shower for the day or not? When she ends up with a disastrous meeting with Jack Calloway, she doesn't realize her life is about to take a major change.
Jack thinks Sarah is mildly crazy, adorable, and she makes him laugh. As their relationship begins to blossom her past comes a knocking causing a bit of trouble along the way.
Very fun. Sarah is wallowing in a land of hurt and doesn't know how to get unstuck. Jack gets to her with his sass and a few challenges, which causes for an entertaining story.
Jack thinks Sarah is mildly crazy, adorable, and she makes him laugh. As their relationship begins to blossom her past comes a knocking causing a bit of trouble along the way.
Very fun. Sarah is wallowing in a land of hurt and doesn't know how to get unstuck. Jack gets to her with his sass and a few challenges, which causes for an entertaining story.
February 13, 2015
4.5 stars
sweet and sexy read :)
sweet and sexy read :)
January 9, 2018
Life in a Rut is a fun, light-hearted, easy afternoon read that will have you laughing and swooning in equal measure.
Sarah Sullivan is back home at her parent's house, licking her wounds after catching her best friend under her boyfriend, literally. After the break-up came an embarrassing display of anger and subsequent joblessness. Broken heart, broken psyche, broken life. *sigh*
Jack Calloway is a contractor who has been hired by Sarah's parents to put an addition on their home. And no matter what Jack does, Sarah always seems to be there in the most embarrassing fashion (her embarrassment, not his). And no matter what happens, Jack can't help but find Sarah adorably charming, not to mention smoking hot.
Sarah, on the other hand, thinks Jack is obnoxious, and arrogant, and FINE. Smoking hot. *rolls eyes*
Sparks fly, Sarah falls (literally), Jack falls (figuratively), and broken things are mended. Scoop this one up for a great afternoon read!
Sarah Sullivan is back home at her parent's house, licking her wounds after catching her best friend under her boyfriend, literally. After the break-up came an embarrassing display of anger and subsequent joblessness. Broken heart, broken psyche, broken life. *sigh*
Jack Calloway is a contractor who has been hired by Sarah's parents to put an addition on their home. And no matter what Jack does, Sarah always seems to be there in the most embarrassing fashion (her embarrassment, not his). And no matter what happens, Jack can't help but find Sarah adorably charming, not to mention smoking hot.
Sarah, on the other hand, thinks Jack is obnoxious, and arrogant, and FINE. Smoking hot. *rolls eyes*
Sparks fly, Sarah falls (literally), Jack falls (figuratively), and broken things are mended. Scoop this one up for a great afternoon read!
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