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Neurotica
If you find yourself talking to Jayne Dandy, keep the conversation on Star Wars and rubber ducks—best not to mention men, dating, or S-E-X. Because Jayne is fine with the way things writer of obituaries and garage sale ads by day, secret scribe of adventures in distant galaxies by night. But her crippling fear of intimacy has made her the butt of jokes since forever, and hiding behind her laptop isn’t going to get her lightsaber lit.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2014
58 people are currently reading
1306 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Gordon
25 books554 followersA native of Portland, Oregon, Eliza Gordon (a.k.a. Jennifer Sommersby) has lived up and down the West Coast of the United States. Since 2002, home has been a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia.
When not lost in a writing project, Eliza is a copy editor, mom, wife, bibliophile, Superman freak, and the humble servant of three very spoiled tuxedo cats. Eliza writes stories to help you believe in the Happily Ever After; Jennifer Sommersby writes young adult fiction.
When not lost in a writing project, Eliza is a copy editor, mom, wife, bibliophile, Superman freak, and the humble servant of three very spoiled tuxedo cats. Eliza writes stories to help you believe in the Happily Ever After; Jennifer Sommersby writes young adult fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
January 11, 2019
Maybe a 2.5 but I'm rounding up bc that feels harsh. This book started off SO FUN, but then towards the end things got really unnecessarily dramatic and it kind of ruined it for me. If you like Star Wars (seriously, SO MUCH Star Wars) and you're looking for a fun, nerdy rom-com this could still be the book for you! But unfortunately it didn't end up working out for me and I am le sad :c
May 23, 2017
HE HAS A FOOD TRUCK CALLED LUKE PIEWALKER'S. :D
3.5 stars The first half of this book is very fun, and there's a lot of things here I love: Star Wars, food porn, Portland setting, and best of all, a frank and funny relationship with the best friend. Even the writing/secret identity stuff was done believably, and so were the therapist and family parts.
Where this fell short for me was the romance. It starts out cute, and Luke is appealing and the joint scifi nerdiness is adorable. But there's not enough of a payoff here, because there's not enough of a deep emotional connection or physical zing between them--I kept waiting for the friendship to feel like more than that, but honestly, it never quite got there. The obstacles between them felt like awkwardly placed efforts, and when they finally do resolve everything, it's over in a minute. Not fun after hundreds of pages of build-up, and in a book in which the heroine is on a journey of self-empowerment, sexual and otherwise, this was a pretty big letdown.
A shame, because this had a ton of potential. But I'd definitely read another book by this author. I'd also be interested in seeing how her writing might be shaped with further/skillful editing, because the wit and spark are there.
3.5 stars The first half of this book is very fun, and there's a lot of things here I love: Star Wars, food porn, Portland setting, and best of all, a frank and funny relationship with the best friend. Even the writing/secret identity stuff was done believably, and so were the therapist and family parts.
Where this fell short for me was the romance. It starts out cute, and Luke is appealing and the joint scifi nerdiness is adorable. But there's not enough of a payoff here, because there's not enough of a deep emotional connection or physical zing between them--I kept waiting for the friendship to feel like more than that, but honestly, it never quite got there. The obstacles between them felt like awkwardly placed efforts, and when they finally do resolve everything, it's over in a minute. Not fun after hundreds of pages of build-up, and in a book in which the heroine is on a journey of self-empowerment, sexual and otherwise, this was a pretty big letdown.
A shame, because this had a ton of potential. But I'd definitely read another book by this author. I'd also be interested in seeing how her writing might be shaped with further/skillful editing, because the wit and spark are there.
February 7, 2017
Jayne has a problem.
She's 26 and has intimacy issues. When she thinks of men, she just can't get past the slobbery lips and the uncomfortable groping...and don't even mention the "p" word.
Her therapist has her writing a journal in which she pens steamy erotic fiction. Then she loses her job and with few options publishes her book.
She didn't expect it to be the biggest thing since E.L. James...there is no way her mother and sister will accept her writing "porn", and she most definitely can't have Luke finding out, after all, he's her secret crush and the hero of her smut.
So much love for this book and this author. It all started with Must Love Otters, now she's one of my favorite authors and if she writes it, I'll read it.
She's 26 and has intimacy issues. When she thinks of men, she just can't get past the slobbery lips and the uncomfortable groping...and don't even mention the "p" word.
Her therapist has her writing a journal in which she pens steamy erotic fiction. Then she loses her job and with few options publishes her book.
She didn't expect it to be the biggest thing since E.L. James...there is no way her mother and sister will accept her writing "porn", and she most definitely can't have Luke finding out, after all, he's her secret crush and the hero of her smut.
So much love for this book and this author. It all started with Must Love Otters, now she's one of my favorite authors and if she writes it, I'll read it.
May 1, 2016
After reading and loving Must Love Otters by Eliza Gordon, it was no question that I had to read Neurotica as soon as possible. It seems my expectations were too high though. This book could have been so much better if not for the romance and if the book was not filled with the same old elements I've read in almost every romance novel.
The good:
The opening scene was hilarious! It made me excited to continue reading. I loved Jayne and her funny way she sees the world.
The bad:
LUKE! He is one of those characters whose name I forget the second I close the book. I just couldn't feel his passion or the chemistry between him and Jayne.
Other than that, he was the biggest hypocrite and the "drama" in the book was not at all necessary. It ruined the book for me.
The other thing is, it was unrealistic how Jayne's issues magically disappeared when she was with Luke and I hated how she found something "gross" in all the other male characters.
I'm so sad because I really like Eliza Gordon's writing style and this story had so much potential!
** 2 stars **
The good:
The opening scene was hilarious! It made me excited to continue reading. I loved Jayne and her funny way she sees the world.
The bad:
LUKE! He is one of those characters whose name I forget the second I close the book. I just couldn't feel his passion or the chemistry between him and Jayne.
Other than that, he was the biggest hypocrite and the "drama" in the book was not at all necessary. It ruined the book for me.
The other thing is, it was unrealistic how Jayne's issues magically disappeared when she was with Luke and I hated how she found something "gross" in all the other male characters.
I'm so sad because I really like Eliza Gordon's writing style and this story had so much potential!
** 2 stars **
April 14, 2017
This was slow on the romance development front but there were so many other things packed in - Jayne's development, her writing, as well as part of the sci-fi story she's writing- that it kept the pace going and not once did I want to skim. Add in a load of quirkiness and Luke Piewalker(who admittedly, could have used a little slap, but still), I really enjoyed it.
September 29, 2014
A must-read romance for all Star Wars fans, this book is totes adorbs. Gretchen is insufferable, and Jayne seems to be the only one to actually tolerate her. What are best friends for, right? Not to mention, Luke (Pie)Walker is the hottest geek this side of Tatooine. This duck infused erotica-ish comedy makes no excuses for being delightfully predictable. Rock on, Penis Fiction!
Fave Quotes:
The latest journal, containing the unfinished sequel to the first novel, I carry with me everywhere. In case someone breaks into my apartment to smother himself in my underwear and steal my Star Wars collectibles.
I can't walk home alone or I'll get mugged by bagpipe-playing hipsters on unicycles.
He knows that Senator Palpatine is Darth Sidious, and that General Grievous hates being called a droid. Or if we're Star Wars-weary, we can talk about Middle Earth or the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros or Craigh na Dun as if they were real places, places we could find if we were to get lost while wandering the forests and fields skirting Mt. Hood.
It always feels like the Eye of Sauron searching for the One Ring under my elven cloak.
"Sorry about that. My mother is eagerly awaiting new Padawans to add to her Rebel army."
And in a brief but powerful moment, I feel the bite of tears in the back of my throat—these are my people. We are all crazy and fun and silly together. I've never felt more un-alone in my entire life.
*I received this free copy in return for an honest review, and opinions are mine alone.
Full review: http://casualreadersbookclub.blogspot...
July 6, 2017
My tastes in books is varied. When I come upon a book that is a romantic comedy with a science fiction short story interwoven within and there are Star Wars references abound, I'm sold on it before reading page one. After reading it, I only like it more.
The characters are so relatable and entertaining. The story focuses on Jayne who is struggling with neurosis of intimacy, who writes erotica to build her confidence. The side characters all add to the humor and love of the story. Kudos to Eliza Gordon for having multiple references to penises and vaginas but never explicit sex scenes. I think I giggled in my head every time I read 'sexy vagina fun time's ' (like when you hear someone say Uranus).
This was a fun read and I highly recommend it.
The characters are so relatable and entertaining. The story focuses on Jayne who is struggling with neurosis of intimacy, who writes erotica to build her confidence. The side characters all add to the humor and love of the story. Kudos to Eliza Gordon for having multiple references to penises and vaginas but never explicit sex scenes. I think I giggled in my head every time I read 'sexy vagina fun time's ' (like when you hear someone say Uranus).
This was a fun read and I highly recommend it.
August 4, 2021
Our heroine writes erotica. Her therapist tells her that will help with her anxiety with romance. Then she loses her job and her friend, Luke hires her to work with him. This book is so funny and has lots of nerd stuff, so cool. Adorable little audio, perfectly performed.
December 4, 2014
4. 5 Stars!
So many times I laughed out loud to the point I was crying.
Jayne is such an amazingly, unique character!
... so many quotes I want to share
Full review to follow.
So many times I laughed out loud to the point I was crying.
Jayne is such an amazingly, unique character!
... so many quotes I want to share
Full review to follow.
March 13, 2018
Meet Jayne, a girl who has trouble with sex, but loves to write erotica (yes, how that works I don't know).
This is my last Eliza Gordon book, well, until she writes a new one. :P I have to say this was my least favourite out of the 4. For various reasons that I will list below. There were also things that I did like, so it wasn't a complete loss, but I just expected something more after reading 3 fabulous books.
This will be a good/bad review:
Good:
-The Star Wars stuff. I am not a big fan myself, at least not of the newer movies (original movies for the win). I am more of a Star Trek girl. But I do love it when Star Wars pops up in stories. This time we have two characters (twins) called Luke and Leia Walker. They have a food truck filled with delicious foods named Piewalker's.
I loved how our MC wasn't afraid to show the world that she LOVED Star Wars. Her pen name is from Star Wars, she can sum up tons of facts about the movies/world, and more!
-Gretchen. I just adored that girl from the start. There were a few times that I doubted her intentions, but I quickly saw that she just meant everything in a friendly way. I loved how she supported Jayne, and how she tried to help her out. I just had a laugh at how outgoing this girl was and how she wasn't afraid to shout Vagina or Penis in public places. :P
-The stories between the chapters. It was fun to read some of Jayne's work, though I would also have liked to see more of her other work. ;)
-Holden, well at least at the beginning. He was quite cute and sweet, but he sadly went from that to an obnoxious can't get a hint dude.
-Jayne's success. I just had so much fun reading how fast her books were selling and how everyone loved it (even her mom/sisters).
-Seeing Jayne be honest for once.
-All the delicious food from Luke's foodtruck. I am definitely going to try making bacon chowder soon. My stomach demands it.
-The convention at the end. Oh boy, I wish I could go there. Though I will probably also go craycray from the crowds (I am not a big fan of those).
-Jayne's love for ducks! That was just too adorable, and I loved how people gave her little ducks for her collection.
Bad:
-Luke x Jayne. Sorry, but never in this book did I feel any sparks between the two. They felt more like a best friend duo or even brother/sister. I just didn't see the attraction between them. And that made reading this book a bit less fun as I was hoping for (just like the other books) a ton of cute romance and sexy attraction.
-Jayne and her constant hiding behind stuff. I get that she is afraid of sex, but you should own up to stuff. Not hide behind people or lie about stuff. That is just a big no no in my book. Be proud of what you achieved, who cares that you write about sex.
-I found it weird that Jayne totally went bonkers about sex (or even the word penis/vagina) and had to run away when someone talked about it or read something from a book, but then proceeds to write porn... It just didn't make sense.
-Holden. Yep, Holden is also a bad point. I hated how he just didn't seem to get the hint that Jayne was NOT interested in him.
-Luke. Yep, he is a sweetie (and makes some damn good food). But really the drama near the end? Was that really needed? It just made me dislike him.
As you can see mostly good, but also some bad. All in all I still enjoyed this book, but I would have enjoyed it more if there was less drama, less lying, more sparks between the supposed to be couple.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This is my last Eliza Gordon book, well, until she writes a new one. :P I have to say this was my least favourite out of the 4. For various reasons that I will list below. There were also things that I did like, so it wasn't a complete loss, but I just expected something more after reading 3 fabulous books.
This will be a good/bad review:
Good:
-The Star Wars stuff. I am not a big fan myself, at least not of the newer movies (original movies for the win). I am more of a Star Trek girl. But I do love it when Star Wars pops up in stories. This time we have two characters (twins) called Luke and Leia Walker. They have a food truck filled with delicious foods named Piewalker's.
I loved how our MC wasn't afraid to show the world that she LOVED Star Wars. Her pen name is from Star Wars, she can sum up tons of facts about the movies/world, and more!
-Gretchen. I just adored that girl from the start. There were a few times that I doubted her intentions, but I quickly saw that she just meant everything in a friendly way. I loved how she supported Jayne, and how she tried to help her out. I just had a laugh at how outgoing this girl was and how she wasn't afraid to shout Vagina or Penis in public places. :P
-The stories between the chapters. It was fun to read some of Jayne's work, though I would also have liked to see more of her other work. ;)
-Holden, well at least at the beginning. He was quite cute and sweet, but he sadly went from that to an obnoxious can't get a hint dude.
-Jayne's success. I just had so much fun reading how fast her books were selling and how everyone loved it (even her mom/sisters).
-Seeing Jayne be honest for once.
-All the delicious food from Luke's foodtruck. I am definitely going to try making bacon chowder soon. My stomach demands it.
-The convention at the end. Oh boy, I wish I could go there. Though I will probably also go craycray from the crowds (I am not a big fan of those).
-Jayne's love for ducks! That was just too adorable, and I loved how people gave her little ducks for her collection.
Bad:
-Luke x Jayne. Sorry, but never in this book did I feel any sparks between the two. They felt more like a best friend duo or even brother/sister. I just didn't see the attraction between them. And that made reading this book a bit less fun as I was hoping for (just like the other books) a ton of cute romance and sexy attraction.
-Jayne and her constant hiding behind stuff. I get that she is afraid of sex, but you should own up to stuff. Not hide behind people or lie about stuff. That is just a big no no in my book. Be proud of what you achieved, who cares that you write about sex.
-I found it weird that Jayne totally went bonkers about sex (or even the word penis/vagina) and had to run away when someone talked about it or read something from a book, but then proceeds to write porn... It just didn't make sense.
-Holden. Yep, Holden is also a bad point. I hated how he just didn't seem to get the hint that Jayne was NOT interested in him.
-Luke. Yep, he is a sweetie (and makes some damn good food). But really the drama near the end? Was that really needed? It just made me dislike him.
As you can see mostly good, but also some bad. All in all I still enjoyed this book, but I would have enjoyed it more if there was less drama, less lying, more sparks between the supposed to be couple.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 2, 2014
You can read my review HERE.
I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Gordon ever since she introduced me to concierge Ryan on Must Love Otters. I swear, that book had me laughing throughout the end. And can i just say how awesome her book covers are? It screams quirky and awesomeness and laughs! Just like the book. Though I admit, the first time I saw the cover, I was curious about the duck in there. HA. Didn't know they play a big part in the book!!
Okay, so let's about the gist. Some of us are scared of the dark, some are scared of snakes or any other animal you can think of, but Jayne Dandy is scared of a different thing. She's scared of S-E-X! She's not comfortable of talking about it to anyone (with the exception of her therapist) and she's not comfortable of doing it! But Jayne found a way to slowly get over this. And it's by writing Erotica!
And by the reviews her book is getting, SHE'S GOOD.
Like on Elizabeth's first novel, it wasn't hard to like any of the characters. All of them has a characteristic that stands out and they're original. I've never encountered a cliche character in here. Everyone is hilarious which is really what I'm expecting when its a Elizabeth Gordon book. The pacing was just right. The readers were introduced to Jayne's character immediately and thoroughly so I was 3 to 4 chapters in and I felt like I already knew her. The authors secondary characters were great! It doesn't even matter that we're not inside their heads because they're all well written and completely fleshed out.
Though I'm really looking forward to the romance aspect here, what really made this book stands out is the plot. I admire Jayne so much for overcoming this fear and it's so cool to know how indie publishing works. YEP, that's my favorite thing. It really made me realize more how our Authors works so hard! AWW. Love you guys!
Anyway, let's move on to the romance. I have a love-hate relationship with this aspect of the book. OH don't get me wrong, I adore Jayne and Luke together. They couldn't be more perfect for each other! I guess that's why I had some problems.. I just feel so deprived! LOOK at what Elizabeth Gordon is doing to me! Making me a perv by yelling to the characters: JUST KISS ALREADY! And when they finally did.. there's only few chapters left.
But okay, I'll try to forgive the author for that because I really liked how it ended. Very sigh worthy and swoony and I'm just so proud of my girl, Jayne! Who ever calls her prudie will get a punch from me. This book is another gem that should be out more. If you've been reading depressing books lately (like me) or you just want to lay back and get lost to a smart and hilarious book, I suggest you read Neurotica. It's funny and heartwarming with characters that I don't think I'll forget anytime soon.
I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Gordon ever since she introduced me to concierge Ryan on Must Love Otters. I swear, that book had me laughing throughout the end. And can i just say how awesome her book covers are? It screams quirky and awesomeness and laughs! Just like the book. Though I admit, the first time I saw the cover, I was curious about the duck in there. HA. Didn't know they play a big part in the book!!
Okay, so let's about the gist. Some of us are scared of the dark, some are scared of snakes or any other animal you can think of, but Jayne Dandy is scared of a different thing. She's scared of S-E-X! She's not comfortable of talking about it to anyone (with the exception of her therapist) and she's not comfortable of doing it! But Jayne found a way to slowly get over this. And it's by writing Erotica!
And by the reviews her book is getting, SHE'S GOOD.
Like on Elizabeth's first novel, it wasn't hard to like any of the characters. All of them has a characteristic that stands out and they're original. I've never encountered a cliche character in here. Everyone is hilarious which is really what I'm expecting when its a Elizabeth Gordon book. The pacing was just right. The readers were introduced to Jayne's character immediately and thoroughly so I was 3 to 4 chapters in and I felt like I already knew her. The authors secondary characters were great! It doesn't even matter that we're not inside their heads because they're all well written and completely fleshed out.
Though I'm really looking forward to the romance aspect here, what really made this book stands out is the plot. I admire Jayne so much for overcoming this fear and it's so cool to know how indie publishing works. YEP, that's my favorite thing. It really made me realize more how our Authors works so hard! AWW. Love you guys!
Anyway, let's move on to the romance. I have a love-hate relationship with this aspect of the book. OH don't get me wrong, I adore Jayne and Luke together. They couldn't be more perfect for each other! I guess that's why I had some problems.. I just feel so deprived! LOOK at what Elizabeth Gordon is doing to me! Making me a perv by yelling to the characters: JUST KISS ALREADY! And when they finally did.. there's only few chapters left.
But okay, I'll try to forgive the author for that because I really liked how it ended. Very sigh worthy and swoony and I'm just so proud of my girl, Jayne! Who ever calls her prudie will get a punch from me. This book is another gem that should be out more. If you've been reading depressing books lately (like me) or you just want to lay back and get lost to a smart and hilarious book, I suggest you read Neurotica. It's funny and heartwarming with characters that I don't think I'll forget anytime soon.
January 22, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
“I’ve seen semen a time or two, including when my poor prom date danced too close for just a moment too long and soiled his rented tux. Awkward.”
“But writing erotica? I only did it because Dr. McCoy, my therapist, recommended it. I did it in the name of medicine. My progress in this field could make me eligible for the Nobel someday.”
“I’m not sure I wasn’t the product of an immaculate conception. My parents haven’t shared a bedroom or even a friendly smile, since Love Boat was in reruns. What the hell is Love Boat? Google it. Yeah. That long ago.”
“I have a weird birthmark along the inner slope of my right boob. A light-brown stain shaped like Australia. You can imagine the jokes that have come out of Gretchen’s mouth since the infection known as puberty took hold: ‘Take him Down Under, Jaynie.’ ‘Show him where you keep your kangaroo.’ ‘Maybe if you show him Oz, he’ll let you play his didgeridoo.’ Et cetera.”
“Exercise means pre-dinner yoga alternating with one disc from a set of DVD workouts led by a Nazi-esque woman with frightening eyebrows and abs my granny could’ve washed her delicates on. If I’d had a granny. With delicates.”
My Review:
I have been a fan of Eliza Gordon since I read the first sentence of her first book, Must Love Otters. I do love otters now, but I love Eliza Gordon’s work even more. Despite the suggestive title of her new book, there are no actual sex scenes… shucks… but I still enjoyed it anyway… shocking…I know! The topic of sex is frequently mentioned as the main character (Jayne) has multiple issues, and is encouraged by her therapist to write about sex as part of her therapy, in an effort to reduce her fear and discomfort. Hence the clever play on words for the title - a combination of neurotic + erotica. I chortled with glee in learning the cause of Jayne’s difficulties being narrowed down to being scared as an innocent child by the “Satan Squad,” a pair of “cheaply perfumed” spinster sisters who lectured children in the church basement on the evils of sensuality and “touching tongues,” while their adults family members attended church services. She was convinced at the tender age of eight, that God was always watching and listening and would, “…strike me down if I touched a boy.” As an adult, she remained traumatized and extremely anxious even of the mere topics of dating or kissing, and had to spell the word S-E-X rather than say it aloud. She eventually seeks therapy and spends, “…$150 an hour to figure out why I can’t get laid.” Jayne is well-educated, intelligent, a lover of all things duck, a sci-fi fan, a Star Wars expert, the family scapegoat, and the constant victim of her shallow and petty mother’s vicious tongue. I find it deliciously ironic that despite her lack of personal experience, Jayne discovers she has a penchant for writing erotic love stories, and when she finds herself in need of income, decides to publish under the same pen name she had used for her sci-fi efforts. She is humiliated, yet secretly thrilled, when it far and away out sells any of her previous writing efforts, and develops a large following. I wish such irony would befall me!
Eliza Gordon’s writing never fails to entertain. It is witty, insightful, wicked funny, smart, snarky, and prone to cause frequent snorting, smiling, and/or chuckling during perusal. I loved every word in every sentence of this exceptionally well written book. I actually started to pout as I neared the end, as I want more Jayne and Luke. But then, I almost always get greedy when reading a good book. Neurotica will undoubtedly be one of my top favorite reads for 2014, despite the lack of lack of steamy scenes of S-E-X.
“I’ve seen semen a time or two, including when my poor prom date danced too close for just a moment too long and soiled his rented tux. Awkward.”
“But writing erotica? I only did it because Dr. McCoy, my therapist, recommended it. I did it in the name of medicine. My progress in this field could make me eligible for the Nobel someday.”
“I’m not sure I wasn’t the product of an immaculate conception. My parents haven’t shared a bedroom or even a friendly smile, since Love Boat was in reruns. What the hell is Love Boat? Google it. Yeah. That long ago.”
“I have a weird birthmark along the inner slope of my right boob. A light-brown stain shaped like Australia. You can imagine the jokes that have come out of Gretchen’s mouth since the infection known as puberty took hold: ‘Take him Down Under, Jaynie.’ ‘Show him where you keep your kangaroo.’ ‘Maybe if you show him Oz, he’ll let you play his didgeridoo.’ Et cetera.”
“Exercise means pre-dinner yoga alternating with one disc from a set of DVD workouts led by a Nazi-esque woman with frightening eyebrows and abs my granny could’ve washed her delicates on. If I’d had a granny. With delicates.”
My Review:
I have been a fan of Eliza Gordon since I read the first sentence of her first book, Must Love Otters. I do love otters now, but I love Eliza Gordon’s work even more. Despite the suggestive title of her new book, there are no actual sex scenes… shucks… but I still enjoyed it anyway… shocking…I know! The topic of sex is frequently mentioned as the main character (Jayne) has multiple issues, and is encouraged by her therapist to write about sex as part of her therapy, in an effort to reduce her fear and discomfort. Hence the clever play on words for the title - a combination of neurotic + erotica. I chortled with glee in learning the cause of Jayne’s difficulties being narrowed down to being scared as an innocent child by the “Satan Squad,” a pair of “cheaply perfumed” spinster sisters who lectured children in the church basement on the evils of sensuality and “touching tongues,” while their adults family members attended church services. She was convinced at the tender age of eight, that God was always watching and listening and would, “…strike me down if I touched a boy.” As an adult, she remained traumatized and extremely anxious even of the mere topics of dating or kissing, and had to spell the word S-E-X rather than say it aloud. She eventually seeks therapy and spends, “…$150 an hour to figure out why I can’t get laid.” Jayne is well-educated, intelligent, a lover of all things duck, a sci-fi fan, a Star Wars expert, the family scapegoat, and the constant victim of her shallow and petty mother’s vicious tongue. I find it deliciously ironic that despite her lack of personal experience, Jayne discovers she has a penchant for writing erotic love stories, and when she finds herself in need of income, decides to publish under the same pen name she had used for her sci-fi efforts. She is humiliated, yet secretly thrilled, when it far and away out sells any of her previous writing efforts, and develops a large following. I wish such irony would befall me!
Eliza Gordon’s writing never fails to entertain. It is witty, insightful, wicked funny, smart, snarky, and prone to cause frequent snorting, smiling, and/or chuckling during perusal. I loved every word in every sentence of this exceptionally well written book. I actually started to pout as I neared the end, as I want more Jayne and Luke. But then, I almost always get greedy when reading a good book. Neurotica will undoubtedly be one of my top favorite reads for 2014, despite the lack of lack of steamy scenes of S-E-X.
September 25, 2014
To see my full review:
http://abookvacation.com/2014/09/25/b...
This novel is absolutely amazing, giving readers an in-depth look at the indie publishing world through the eyes of Jayne, a young woman who struggles with intimacy. Jayne, better known to her readers as Jaina Jacen, is an intriguing character who innocently enough begins a maelstrom when her erotica books take off in the ebook world–a feat Jayne never imagined, nor wanted. Published under a pseudonym and only in hopes of making ends meet, Jayne’s world is turned upside down when the demand for more, including public appearances and signings, become a reality she cannot ignore. But these books were never supposed to hit it big, and no one is supposed to know her true identity, especially not her family nor Luke, the friend who is really interested in so much more. This conundrum adds much humor to the novel as it takes off, and Gordon’s writing style kept me captivated from the very beginning. Jayne is such a sweet, shy character, and watching her try to dodge all romance, while in the throes of writing and publishing erotica behind closed doors, makes for a great read, perhaps more so because it’s 100% clean.
Though I am indeed a prude and dislike heavy sex in my novels, I have to admit that Gordon MADE me WANT to read Jayne’s fictional books just to know what all the hubbub was about throughout this enticing story. Gordon really does an amazing job keeping readers on edge, snickering, and in love with all the characters as this humorous story unfolds, making it a must read. Especially as Luke is such a great guy. And perhaps my favorite part is that it’s completely clean. While Jayne does write erotica, Gorgon keeps this NA novel PG, which is exactly where it needs to be to get the point across.
If you’re looking for a hilarious, clean, introspective read, then look no further that Neurotica.
http://abookvacation.com/2014/09/25/b...
This novel is absolutely amazing, giving readers an in-depth look at the indie publishing world through the eyes of Jayne, a young woman who struggles with intimacy. Jayne, better known to her readers as Jaina Jacen, is an intriguing character who innocently enough begins a maelstrom when her erotica books take off in the ebook world–a feat Jayne never imagined, nor wanted. Published under a pseudonym and only in hopes of making ends meet, Jayne’s world is turned upside down when the demand for more, including public appearances and signings, become a reality she cannot ignore. But these books were never supposed to hit it big, and no one is supposed to know her true identity, especially not her family nor Luke, the friend who is really interested in so much more. This conundrum adds much humor to the novel as it takes off, and Gordon’s writing style kept me captivated from the very beginning. Jayne is such a sweet, shy character, and watching her try to dodge all romance, while in the throes of writing and publishing erotica behind closed doors, makes for a great read, perhaps more so because it’s 100% clean.
Though I am indeed a prude and dislike heavy sex in my novels, I have to admit that Gordon MADE me WANT to read Jayne’s fictional books just to know what all the hubbub was about throughout this enticing story. Gordon really does an amazing job keeping readers on edge, snickering, and in love with all the characters as this humorous story unfolds, making it a must read. Especially as Luke is such a great guy. And perhaps my favorite part is that it’s completely clean. While Jayne does write erotica, Gorgon keeps this NA novel PG, which is exactly where it needs to be to get the point across.
If you’re looking for a hilarious, clean, introspective read, then look no further that Neurotica.
August 13, 2020
From the very first chapter, I had my hesitations about this book. It was funny, and I loved the nerdiness of the two main characters. The geeky references were cute at first, but did seem to be a little heavy handed as we went along. My biggest problem at the beginning was that they talked about her not liking sex, not wanting to have sex and overall having a fear of even discussing it. What wasn't mentioned at all was the possibility that the main character was on the ace spectrum. No, instead we would traumatize the main character, force her into uncomfortable situations and make her write a romance book as exposure therapy. (which ends up being a best seller? I mean come on how convenient is that). Beyond that, I just didn't buy the main characters. If you don't ship the romance in a romance novel, what is even the point in reading it.
The writing style was clunky and and explained a lot more than it showed. There was never a point where I was sucked into the story.
The writing style was clunky and and explained a lot more than it showed. There was never a point where I was sucked into the story.
November 15, 2020
Audible Review
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
Entertaining listen.
3.5*
I Love You, Luke Piewalker was an entertaining listen. It was fun, while also being slightly frustrating. I liked Jayne and all her awkwardness, I thought she was an endearing, quirky, character, although she did have her faults. Actually, most of the characters in this book had faults of their own- but don't we all!
Although Jayne is a write of erotica, don't expect any of that to show up on the pages of I Love You, Luke Piewalker. This is a slow burn romance, more along the lines of womens fiction/chick-lit, as there is no on page sex.
The bulk of the story focuses on Jayne and her writing and dealing with her fear of intimacy, the romance really does take a back seat. Which I didn't really have a problem with, I just would have liked to have seen more of Jayne and Luke on page. There was a lot of pining on her side, and not having Luke's pov made it hard to really feel the connection between them. And with him acting the way he did at one point made it even harder.
I did like seeing Jayne's growth over the course of the book- she really started to finally take control and stand up for herself.
There were just a few things that I wish had played out a little different, to make this a strong 4* read. But overall it was engaging and entertaining listen.
Carly Robins is a terrific narrator, I enjoy listening to her. She was a good choice to bring Jayne to life- she made Jayne feel like a real person, not just a character on the page. She also does a nice job with the secondary characters as well. I'm glad I decided to listen to I Love You, Luke Piewalker instead of just reading it, as I thought the narration added a lot to the story.
***Audible Plus
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
Entertaining listen.
3.5*
I Love You, Luke Piewalker was an entertaining listen. It was fun, while also being slightly frustrating. I liked Jayne and all her awkwardness, I thought she was an endearing, quirky, character, although she did have her faults. Actually, most of the characters in this book had faults of their own- but don't we all!
Although Jayne is a write of erotica, don't expect any of that to show up on the pages of I Love You, Luke Piewalker. This is a slow burn romance, more along the lines of womens fiction/chick-lit, as there is no on page sex.
The bulk of the story focuses on Jayne and her writing and dealing with her fear of intimacy, the romance really does take a back seat. Which I didn't really have a problem with, I just would have liked to have seen more of Jayne and Luke on page. There was a lot of pining on her side, and not having Luke's pov made it hard to really feel the connection between them. And with him acting the way he did at one point made it even harder.
I did like seeing Jayne's growth over the course of the book- she really started to finally take control and stand up for herself.
There were just a few things that I wish had played out a little different, to make this a strong 4* read. But overall it was engaging and entertaining listen.
Carly Robins is a terrific narrator, I enjoy listening to her. She was a good choice to bring Jayne to life- she made Jayne feel like a real person, not just a character on the page. She also does a nice job with the secondary characters as well. I'm glad I decided to listen to I Love You, Luke Piewalker instead of just reading it, as I thought the narration added a lot to the story.
***Audible Plus
February 10, 2019
While I'm not a big chick lit fan, this story is good but the MC is an author and her "work" is terrible. Every chapter starts with a chapter of MC's writing and after the first 3 or 4, I skipped them completely.
Read
July 30, 2018DNF at 47%
Loved the 'Must Love Otters' book and this one had a promising premise, a topic that could be handled with deftness and humor. Alas, it falls short. It failed to sustain my interest and reaching midway there seems to be no chemistry between the leads which is proving to be a put-off. The best friend character is a bit unlikable. Moving on to 'Dear Dwayne, with love'
Loved the 'Must Love Otters' book and this one had a promising premise, a topic that could be handled with deftness and humor. Alas, it falls short. It failed to sustain my interest and reaching midway there seems to be no chemistry between the leads which is proving to be a put-off. The best friend character is a bit unlikable. Moving on to 'Dear Dwayne, with love'
March 19, 2023
Loved the beginning, it was very Eliza and Her Monsters meets The Kiss Quotient. The love interest was swoon worthy and the Star Wars references were just enough to be interesting but not overwhelming. But as I read on, like Eliza and Her Monster, I found the chapters that were supposed to represent the main character's writing tedious and unneeded. I became to grow agitated anytime we got the main characters writing chapters. Even more so when I could predict the drama that was about to happen. The conflict between the main character and the love interest was overly dramatic and made me kind of hate him and hope she'd come to her senses and move on.
Oh, and this part annoys me the most; there's a part where Gretchen takes Jayne to birthday breakfast at Multnomah Falls, Jayne's narration briefly describes the Native American legend behind the falls, but it's done so badly it would have been better for the author to just leave it out. I'm sorry but if you're not going to represent Native Americans well then don't bother. The daughter of a chief is not a princess, we do not have princesses. She threw herself off the cliffs to save her people from dying, not because she wanted a bigger bathing spot.
Oh, and this part annoys me the most; there's a part where Gretchen takes Jayne to birthday breakfast at Multnomah Falls, Jayne's narration briefly describes the Native American legend behind the falls, but it's done so badly it would have been better for the author to just leave it out. I'm sorry but if you're not going to represent Native Americans well then don't bother. The daughter of a chief is not a princess, we do not have princesses. She threw herself off the cliffs to save her people from dying, not because she wanted a bigger bathing spot.
October 1, 2014
Is there anything Ms. Gordon can't write well or make absolutely hilarious? Honestly, I don't know the answer to that question but I can say that what she does write, she does instead do well and it is indeed hilarious.
I never cease to have a good time when I pick up one of her books and that is why I will continue to pick them up as often as she can write them.
No this book isn't perfect, they never are but they are funny as all heck and I have such a great time while reading them that the rest really doesn't matter.
Honestly, how could you not love this one with all the Star Wars references and funny one liners?
Truly another fun read that is perfect for whenever you need a good laugh and a sweet romance to help brighten your day.
I never cease to have a good time when I pick up one of her books and that is why I will continue to pick them up as often as she can write them.
No this book isn't perfect, they never are but they are funny as all heck and I have such a great time while reading them that the rest really doesn't matter.
Honestly, how could you not love this one with all the Star Wars references and funny one liners?
Truly another fun read that is perfect for whenever you need a good laugh and a sweet romance to help brighten your day.
November 13, 2024
4 Stars!
This was the first book I read by Eliza Gordon (back in 2014) while still titled Neurotica (Newly titled I Love You, Luke Piewalker). Maybe not my favorite by the author, but it was still adorable and prompted me to dive into her first book quickly, Must Love Otters, an all-time favorite. The romance was clean, sweet, nerdy, and refreshing. I will always attribute Eliza Gordon and her books Neurotica and Must Love Otters to returning to romantic fiction after a long hiatus. I am now a devout follower of her honest, quirky, and humorous women's fiction.
August 21, 2022
Cute romance without a lot of plot other than the annoying repetition of Jane bemoaning her intimacy issues that apparently make me a complete prude. Geek love at its most mediocre- not offensive, not brilliant.
August 1, 2017
**3.5 stars **
Neurotica was so witty and super geeky, which I adored. Eliza Gordon has a very distinct, fun voice.
Neurotica was so witty and super geeky, which I adored. Eliza Gordon has a very distinct, fun voice.
March 22, 2022
Cute read
May 22, 2018
2.5 stars. Immature intolerant jerk of a hero made this an unpleasant reading experience at times. Seemed to me like a lot of pot calling the kettle black and shaming her for little reason going on w/him.
Ending was cute, particularly if reader is a SF&F buff, but I'm not convinced that these two are emotionally intelligent OR grown-up enough to couple up. Please! Don't get married OR have kids until you GROW UP!!!!!!!!
Ending was cute, particularly if reader is a SF&F buff, but I'm not convinced that these two are emotionally intelligent OR grown-up enough to couple up. Please! Don't get married OR have kids until you GROW UP!!!!!!!!
February 8, 2017
I liked Eliza Gordon’s ‘Must Love Otters’ series so much that I decided to give Neurotica a try. While I didn’t think it was as great as her others, it was still enjoyable.
Jayne Dandy has a fear of intimacy. When her therapist suggests writing erotica as a form of exposure therapy, Jayne takes the advice and writes. Late one night, she decides to self-publish her novel online under a pen name. She’s been demoted at work, and hopes she’ll sell enough books to help make ends meet. Ironically, the real trouble starts when the book is widely popular. Jayne doesn’t want her family or friends to know it is her writing these books. Therefore she and her best friend Gretchen come up with a plan to keep her identity secret. But of course, no plan of hidden identity comes easy.
This book is about much more than just Jayne overcoming her issues with intimacy. It’s about her overcoming fear in general. Whether that is confronting her mother, or pursuing a career she actually wants. Yes, her attitude towards intimacy and sex is the driving force behind a lot of what happens in the book, but her publishing her erotica novel is the catalyst for her life to change for the better.
Now let’s talk heroes. While I liked Luke at first, he does a few things that irritate me, and ultimately make me question if he is actually interested in Jayne. In the very end he redeems himself a bit, but I still think it took him too long to get his act together.
Holden. Poor guy never stood a chance. He did end up being a good friend to Jayne, which I was very happy about.
(Note #1: while there are two men interested in Jayne in the book, this is not exactly a love triangle.)
I connected with Jayne in several different aspects of her life; whether it was work, family, or personal life, I found something I could relate to in each one. I also like when I see similarities between a secondary character in a book and someone in my own life. It helps me connect and empathize better with the main character.
Overall, enjoyable. Pick it up if you need a quick read that is both nerdy and funny.
(Note #2: Even though Jayne writes erotica novels, this book doesn’t have any descriptions of sex. There is some language, but it’s a clean romance book.)
Jayne Dandy has a fear of intimacy. When her therapist suggests writing erotica as a form of exposure therapy, Jayne takes the advice and writes. Late one night, she decides to self-publish her novel online under a pen name. She’s been demoted at work, and hopes she’ll sell enough books to help make ends meet. Ironically, the real trouble starts when the book is widely popular. Jayne doesn’t want her family or friends to know it is her writing these books. Therefore she and her best friend Gretchen come up with a plan to keep her identity secret. But of course, no plan of hidden identity comes easy.
This book is about much more than just Jayne overcoming her issues with intimacy. It’s about her overcoming fear in general. Whether that is confronting her mother, or pursuing a career she actually wants. Yes, her attitude towards intimacy and sex is the driving force behind a lot of what happens in the book, but her publishing her erotica novel is the catalyst for her life to change for the better.
Now let’s talk heroes. While I liked Luke at first, he does a few things that irritate me, and ultimately make me question if he is actually interested in Jayne. In the very end he redeems himself a bit, but I still think it took him too long to get his act together.
Holden. Poor guy never stood a chance. He did end up being a good friend to Jayne, which I was very happy about.
(Note #1: while there are two men interested in Jayne in the book, this is not exactly a love triangle.)
I connected with Jayne in several different aspects of her life; whether it was work, family, or personal life, I found something I could relate to in each one. I also like when I see similarities between a secondary character in a book and someone in my own life. It helps me connect and empathize better with the main character.
Overall, enjoyable. Pick it up if you need a quick read that is both nerdy and funny.
(Note #2: Even though Jayne writes erotica novels, this book doesn’t have any descriptions of sex. There is some language, but it’s a clean romance book.)
June 9, 2023
For a book about “geeky” erotica, there was zero… ZERO spice. There was more groping from the friend than there was anything with the love interest.
If anything, this book felt like the author’s manifestation to be a famous romance author.
Jayne has her past demons, and said demons keep her in a clean, simple bubble in her adult life. Luke, whose parents love Star Wars and named him and his twin sister after the infamous duo, owns a bakery food truck called Luke Piewalkers. Jayne is struggling to branch out and become a literary sensation, while simultaneously struggling with intimacy - even saying the word sex is difficult. Somehow, her pen name becomes a new erotica sensation and her double life throws her for a loop, especially when it comes to sharing one of those lives with her long-time crush, Luke.
This book had every component to be good, and then it just fell short in almost every way. The writing style was cute, but eventually the desperate attempts at quirkiness were off-putting. Jayne’s ability to write erotica when she has barely any experience and can’t even say the word sex without blushing made absolutely no sense. The reasoning for her hiding everything about her writing alter ego felt so flat, and made her lying so much more infuriating. I felt absolutely no chemistry between Jayne and Luke - and honestly, we barely saw him in the second half of the book. To the point where the happily ever after felt more like an email update. The forced love triangle and the vapid best friend just threw everything I disliked in my face. I won’t even get started on the chapters from her sci-fi world breaking up the disasters of Jayne’s everyday life.
The pieces were all there but it just didn’t deliver. I was waiting for the book to get interesting, until I found myself just waiting for it to end. It just never went anywhere.
If anything, this book felt like the author’s manifestation to be a famous romance author.
Jayne has her past demons, and said demons keep her in a clean, simple bubble in her adult life. Luke, whose parents love Star Wars and named him and his twin sister after the infamous duo, owns a bakery food truck called Luke Piewalkers. Jayne is struggling to branch out and become a literary sensation, while simultaneously struggling with intimacy - even saying the word sex is difficult. Somehow, her pen name becomes a new erotica sensation and her double life throws her for a loop, especially when it comes to sharing one of those lives with her long-time crush, Luke.
This book had every component to be good, and then it just fell short in almost every way. The writing style was cute, but eventually the desperate attempts at quirkiness were off-putting. Jayne’s ability to write erotica when she has barely any experience and can’t even say the word sex without blushing made absolutely no sense. The reasoning for her hiding everything about her writing alter ego felt so flat, and made her lying so much more infuriating. I felt absolutely no chemistry between Jayne and Luke - and honestly, we barely saw him in the second half of the book. To the point where the happily ever after felt more like an email update. The forced love triangle and the vapid best friend just threw everything I disliked in my face. I won’t even get started on the chapters from her sci-fi world breaking up the disasters of Jayne’s everyday life.
The pieces were all there but it just didn’t deliver. I was waiting for the book to get interesting, until I found myself just waiting for it to end. It just never went anywhere.
February 6, 2015
I LOVE GEEKY heros and heroines, but I ultimately didn't love Luke. He started out on the track to my heart. Then when he ditched her due to her "secret" I lost interest in him. I mean seriously dude. Her pen name is her livelihood and you two have shared a day w a few kisses. She didn't owe you the combination to the innerworkings of her brain. A girls allowed to decide who, what and when she wants to divulged personal info about herself.
I skimmed the sci-fi chapters. It just isn't my thing- but I had no problem with them being included. It made sense. It was her thing. Basically, i feel torn on this one. So much of it I LOVED but ultimately I didn't like Luke Piewalker. He was a tool for waaaaaaaaay too long to her. Secondly, I was pissed at Gretchen for being such a show stealing brat. Although, she did redeam herself pretty well in the end. Lastly, I feel pretty jipped. I mean the entire book we are learning about her porn writing and then we get the MOST PG book ever. ZERO insight on her and Mr. Piewalker using his light saber and how she overcomes her fear of intamicy. Come'on man! What a tease!
There were parts I just adored- but all in all I had parts of extreme dissatisfaction. However, I'm TOTES obsessed with this COVER!!!!
I skimmed the sci-fi chapters. It just isn't my thing- but I had no problem with them being included. It made sense. It was her thing. Basically, i feel torn on this one. So much of it I LOVED but ultimately I didn't like Luke Piewalker. He was a tool for waaaaaaaaay too long to her. Secondly, I was pissed at Gretchen for being such a show stealing brat. Although, she did redeam herself pretty well in the end. Lastly, I feel pretty jipped. I mean the entire book we are learning about her porn writing and then we get the MOST PG book ever. ZERO insight on her and Mr. Piewalker using his light saber and how she overcomes her fear of intamicy. Come'on man! What a tease!
There were parts I just adored- but all in all I had parts of extreme dissatisfaction. However, I'm TOTES obsessed with this COVER!!!!
March 9, 2018
Jayne Dandy has issues, she is seeing a therapist to gain control of her life and find love. Her job as an obit writer is not her only writing outlet as readers will discover she writes fiction under a fictional pen name. Jayne has an awesome best friend, a wacky family and maybe a boyfriend... Luke. The pie wagon was a hoot as well as the twins whose parent's had grown up when star wars was released. I loved it. The culture of comic cons was mixed in and who doesn't want to dress up to go to one? Someday... on my bucket list.
If you love quirky romances dashed with sexual innuendos and star wars references... you will enjoy this romp. I love the Sci-fi genre.... especially the Star Wars and Star Trek mentions in this title. Thanks Eliza for the hilarity of love, romance, sex, and relationships while diving into the depths of the brain trying to cope and conquer.
If you love quirky romances dashed with sexual innuendos and star wars references... you will enjoy this romp. I love the Sci-fi genre.... especially the Star Wars and Star Trek mentions in this title. Thanks Eliza for the hilarity of love, romance, sex, and relationships while diving into the depths of the brain trying to cope and conquer.
July 8, 2021
You're telling me a girl who is so prude that she freaks out when she hears the word "masturbate," has never orgasmed in her life, never done anything remotely sexual (even hold hands with a guy or have a real kiss), who runs screaming from any mention of sex... this same person can write a instant hit erotica series that makes her rich overnight? A book that is so sexually free and hot that is saves marriages? Uhhhhh. Nope. I don't think the character has ever seen a penis much less be able to write about it. Can't suspend my disbelief that much.
That said, if you love Star Wars, turnovers, clever nerdy banter, a cute romance, and can overlook that plot issue, you will probably really love this book.
That said, if you love Star Wars, turnovers, clever nerdy banter, a cute romance, and can overlook that plot issue, you will probably really love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2014
Fast, fun read with plenty of geekery to go around. Jayne was funny and likeable, and Luke, while I had a hard time picturing him in my head, was a realistic hero, the kind of guy you might actually know in real life.
My only quibble is that premise of the book hinged on her inability to be intimate with a man yet when she actually gets to the point that she can do the literal "it," the scene fades to black. I know, I know, the author wanted to keep it clean, but I feel like there *should* have been at least a little glimpse into the act to complete the story of Jayne's growth.
Regardless, it was a great read. I definitely recommend it!
My only quibble is that premise of the book hinged on her inability to be intimate with a man yet when she actually gets to the point that she can do the literal "it," the scene fades to black. I know, I know, the author wanted to keep it clean, but I feel like there *should* have been at least a little glimpse into the act to complete the story of Jayne's growth.
Regardless, it was a great read. I definitely recommend it!
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