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Love Not Included #4
Life As We Know It
**THIS BOOK IS A STANDALONE NOVEL**
Life has not been easy for Penelope Summers. Specifically, the last month, when her high-profile boyfriend dumped her, her indecent exposure record surfaced, and her favorite thing in the world, tequila, failed her.
Good thing for Penelope, she has her best friend to pick her up, and take her on the vacation of a lifetime. A seven-day cruise that will change the direction of her downward spiral. But will that spiral shift in the direction Penelope needs? Or will it throw her into a bigger whirlwind of trouble?
With Reckless Abandon as her motto, tequila as her wingman, and a hot one-night stand as her much needed reward, will the tables finally turn for Penelope, or will life as she knows it continue to fail her?
Sometimes you just have to ride the wave of crazy to find out.
Life has not been easy for Penelope Summers. Specifically, the last month, when her high-profile boyfriend dumped her, her indecent exposure record surfaced, and her favorite thing in the world, tequila, failed her.
Good thing for Penelope, she has her best friend to pick her up, and take her on the vacation of a lifetime. A seven-day cruise that will change the direction of her downward spiral. But will that spiral shift in the direction Penelope needs? Or will it throw her into a bigger whirlwind of trouble?
With Reckless Abandon as her motto, tequila as her wingman, and a hot one-night stand as her much needed reward, will the tables finally turn for Penelope, or will life as she knows it continue to fail her?
Sometimes you just have to ride the wave of crazy to find out.
Unknown Binding
First published November 14, 2016
18 people are currently reading
764 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 138 reviews
November 21, 2016
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
This story was filled with belly-aching laughs, sweetness, steam, and even suspense. I have to say it was not what I was expecting. Now after having read a book by J.D. Hollyfield, I can confirm that she has a flair for comedy. Her heroine had me laughing out loud numerous times throughout reading this story. I loved how she and her bestie were always up for crazy adventures and weren’t afraid to let loose every now and then. The romance aspect, although having the insta-love factor, was still packed with some swoon-worthy moments and delicious steam.
Penelope Summers finds herself on a cruise to the Bahamas with her bestie after having been unceremoniously dumped by her douche boyfriend. While on this cruise they meet a group of hotties who are there for an extended bachelor party. When Penny meets the best man Sam, the sparks are instantly flying. One thing leads to another and they end up having one wild night between the sheets. The next morning, Penny is rushing out of Sam’s suite in order to do the walk of shame. She’s never been the kind of girl to have a one night stand but doesn’t regret that time with Sam. Penny never expected to see Sam again, so she is nearly knocked on her butt when she walks into a meeting at work, two days later and comes face to face with her company’s new client—Sam Dresden.
Sam lets it be known that he is more than pleased to see Penny again and he makes quick work of requesting that she take the lead on his project and asks her boss to loan out her services for a while. Penny tries to keep things all business at first because she hasn’t had luck with men who come from wealth and believes that she would be nothing more than a temporary plaything to Sam. This only makes Sam more determined to win her heart. Soon enough she’s giving in to her attraction for him and these two are heating it up on the bed, couch, conference table, up against Sam’s office window…I think you can get the gist of it, these two are more than hot for each other.
But someone has it out for Penny and they won’t be satisfied until all her happiness is taken from her. Incriminating photos land in the hands of Sam and then later with Penny, which stirs up mistrust and hurt between the both of them. I pretty much had this all figured out quickly but didn’t expect all the action and suspense towards the end.
If you’re in need of some laughs with a healthy side of steam, then Life As We Know It is one to check out. I found the story to be entertaining and my only issue was the insta-love and how Sam’s vocabulary often sounded like that of a stuffy old man.
LIFE AS WE KNOW IT is currently available.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2eUie4S
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2eQ2Djd
iBooks: http://apple.co/2fJsz2j
Nook: http://bit.ly/2g7uGk6
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
This story was filled with belly-aching laughs, sweetness, steam, and even suspense. I have to say it was not what I was expecting. Now after having read a book by J.D. Hollyfield, I can confirm that she has a flair for comedy. Her heroine had me laughing out loud numerous times throughout reading this story. I loved how she and her bestie were always up for crazy adventures and weren’t afraid to let loose every now and then. The romance aspect, although having the insta-love factor, was still packed with some swoon-worthy moments and delicious steam.
Penelope Summers finds herself on a cruise to the Bahamas with her bestie after having been unceremoniously dumped by her douche boyfriend. While on this cruise they meet a group of hotties who are there for an extended bachelor party. When Penny meets the best man Sam, the sparks are instantly flying. One thing leads to another and they end up having one wild night between the sheets. The next morning, Penny is rushing out of Sam’s suite in order to do the walk of shame. She’s never been the kind of girl to have a one night stand but doesn’t regret that time with Sam. Penny never expected to see Sam again, so she is nearly knocked on her butt when she walks into a meeting at work, two days later and comes face to face with her company’s new client—Sam Dresden.
Sam lets it be known that he is more than pleased to see Penny again and he makes quick work of requesting that she take the lead on his project and asks her boss to loan out her services for a while. Penny tries to keep things all business at first because she hasn’t had luck with men who come from wealth and believes that she would be nothing more than a temporary plaything to Sam. This only makes Sam more determined to win her heart. Soon enough she’s giving in to her attraction for him and these two are heating it up on the bed, couch, conference table, up against Sam’s office window…I think you can get the gist of it, these two are more than hot for each other.
But someone has it out for Penny and they won’t be satisfied until all her happiness is taken from her. Incriminating photos land in the hands of Sam and then later with Penny, which stirs up mistrust and hurt between the both of them. I pretty much had this all figured out quickly but didn’t expect all the action and suspense towards the end.
If you’re in need of some laughs with a healthy side of steam, then Life As We Know It is one to check out. I found the story to be entertaining and my only issue was the insta-love and how Sam’s vocabulary often sounded like that of a stuffy old man.
LIFE AS WE KNOW IT is currently available.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2eUie4S
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2eQ2Djd
iBooks: http://apple.co/2fJsz2j
Nook: http://bit.ly/2g7uGk6
October 25, 2016
J.D. Hollyfield takes us on one helluva ride in this book! Off-the-charts steam, hilarious banter, and surprise suspense make for one perfect concoction! I was sucked in from page one and gobbled up this book until the very end. I'm looking forward to whatever she dishes out next!
October 21, 2016
Between 3,5 and 4 stars
An ARC has been kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.
This could sound like:
Penny and Patti on a cruise and let loose.
Penny is ravished by blue eyes Prince Charming and come morning forgets her shoe.
OK it’s official I’m really bad at rhyming but this could be Cinderella’s story if Cinderella was a very wild child loving to play pranks, drink Tequila and Margarita before playing avenger to fend for all scorned women.
Seriously, Penny is really one of a kind. She may be smart with numbers but you would never guess it when reading about her “priors” and all the crazy adventures she went on with her BFF Patti. I could not take this book seriously as Penny is just too much. She is so far from your “every day” woman she could be an alien. But that’s why we also read right? To be entertained. And entertained I’ve been!
Reading ” Life as We Know It” was like watching “Confessions of a Shopaholic”, a real adventure where you wonder what the heroine will invent next. The male character is hot has a position of power and loves all the heroine’s quirks and craziness. What would be unbearable to most men was endearing for Sam. I swear this man was just perfect a mixture between a Saint and a God (sex God of course).
I needed some time to get my bearing as the writing is a little bit “all over the place” as in “I write like the heroine thinks and acts aka like an automatic rifle”. It suits the story and Penny to a T because that’s who she is and how she acts. Once I was used to it I had a good time reading about her antics, Sam’s determination to woo her and Penny playing detective with Patti.
If you want something light, uncomplicated and bubbly this is a good one.
An ARC has been kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.
This could sound like:
Penny and Patti on a cruise and let loose.
Penny is ravished by blue eyes Prince Charming and come morning forgets her shoe.
OK it’s official I’m really bad at rhyming but this could be Cinderella’s story if Cinderella was a very wild child loving to play pranks, drink Tequila and Margarita before playing avenger to fend for all scorned women.
Seriously, Penny is really one of a kind. She may be smart with numbers but you would never guess it when reading about her “priors” and all the crazy adventures she went on with her BFF Patti. I could not take this book seriously as Penny is just too much. She is so far from your “every day” woman she could be an alien. But that’s why we also read right? To be entertained. And entertained I’ve been!
Reading ” Life as We Know It” was like watching “Confessions of a Shopaholic”, a real adventure where you wonder what the heroine will invent next. The male character is hot has a position of power and loves all the heroine’s quirks and craziness. What would be unbearable to most men was endearing for Sam. I swear this man was just perfect a mixture between a Saint and a God (sex God of course).
I needed some time to get my bearing as the writing is a little bit “all over the place” as in “I write like the heroine thinks and acts aka like an automatic rifle”. It suits the story and Penny to a T because that’s who she is and how she acts. Once I was used to it I had a good time reading about her antics, Sam’s determination to woo her and Penny playing detective with Patti.
If you want something light, uncomplicated and bubbly this is a good one.
October 27, 2016
1 Tequila
“Holy. Shit buckets!”
This was off the rocker, crazy-tastic epically amazing. It was hilarious of course, in true Hollyfield fashion, and full of booze. Swimming drunkenly in the pages though was one of my favorite tales in this series yet. I mean, it’s about a woman named Penelope. That’s just a win right off the bat. Add in that Sam is one of the most perfect men in existence without being annoying or over the top and I was sold. Wait, I was sold when Penny took her first shot of tequila.
2 Tequila
“Holy bonkers. A few things flow out of my brain at the same time. First, apparently, I still might have a job. Second, he forgives me. Third, he kept my shoe”
Now I can’t stress enough how awesome Penny is. Really, I think she’s my spirit animal. I want to be her when I grow up (if I wasn’t already older than she is). Maybe I wish I had been her in my younger days… still, she wouldn’t be half the awesome that she is without her posse. Patti and Jamie were a force to be reckoned with, and their roles in Penny’s story were crucial to my entertainment. Able to call bullsh*t when they see it, hilarious in their own right, and true blue no matter what. Loved them!
3 Tequila
“I’m going to f**k you hard against this window, Pen, then I’m going to f**k you slow. But right now I must f**k you hard.” It was like asking a child if they want candy, or if they want to stay up past bedtime. No brainer. The ultimate answer is always going to be yes.”
I definitely stayed up past my bedtime. With a book like this, one must make sure to have their priorities straight going into it. I skipped showering, my kids ate pop tarts for lunch, no housework was accomplished and I sure as hell didn’t leave the house until I was finished. I barely put it down to adult, or pretend to adult. In reality I was faking it until I could get back to reading.
FLOOR -ed
“Sunday I will be taking a sabbatical due to the severity of the hangover I am experiencing.”
My mind loved this book. It was distracting, entertaining and perfection. Penny was snarky, strong, and hilarious. My brain-gina f-ing NEEDED this book. It was steamy, it was sexy and Sam just smoldered right off the pages. Can I get a swoon? My life as I know it is so much better for the experience, and I’m left with that sad feeling that comes from the buzz wearing off. Now somebody pass the tequila! ~ George, 5 Shots…I mean Stars!
“Holy. Shit buckets!”
This was off the rocker, crazy-tastic epically amazing. It was hilarious of course, in true Hollyfield fashion, and full of booze. Swimming drunkenly in the pages though was one of my favorite tales in this series yet. I mean, it’s about a woman named Penelope. That’s just a win right off the bat. Add in that Sam is one of the most perfect men in existence without being annoying or over the top and I was sold. Wait, I was sold when Penny took her first shot of tequila.
2 Tequila
“Holy bonkers. A few things flow out of my brain at the same time. First, apparently, I still might have a job. Second, he forgives me. Third, he kept my shoe”
Now I can’t stress enough how awesome Penny is. Really, I think she’s my spirit animal. I want to be her when I grow up (if I wasn’t already older than she is). Maybe I wish I had been her in my younger days… still, she wouldn’t be half the awesome that she is without her posse. Patti and Jamie were a force to be reckoned with, and their roles in Penny’s story were crucial to my entertainment. Able to call bullsh*t when they see it, hilarious in their own right, and true blue no matter what. Loved them!
3 Tequila
“I’m going to f**k you hard against this window, Pen, then I’m going to f**k you slow. But right now I must f**k you hard.” It was like asking a child if they want candy, or if they want to stay up past bedtime. No brainer. The ultimate answer is always going to be yes.”
I definitely stayed up past my bedtime. With a book like this, one must make sure to have their priorities straight going into it. I skipped showering, my kids ate pop tarts for lunch, no housework was accomplished and I sure as hell didn’t leave the house until I was finished. I barely put it down to adult, or pretend to adult. In reality I was faking it until I could get back to reading.
FLOOR -ed
“Sunday I will be taking a sabbatical due to the severity of the hangover I am experiencing.”
My mind loved this book. It was distracting, entertaining and perfection. Penny was snarky, strong, and hilarious. My brain-gina f-ing NEEDED this book. It was steamy, it was sexy and Sam just smoldered right off the pages. Can I get a swoon? My life as I know it is so much better for the experience, and I’m left with that sad feeling that comes from the buzz wearing off. Now somebody pass the tequila! ~ George, 5 Shots…I mean Stars!
November 14, 2016
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
With her special brand of quirky comedy, J.D. Hollyfield takes the readers on a sexy, laugh out loud ride in Life As We Know It. Main character, Penny, is your smart, but ditzy friend you love to have around for a laugh. Penny is over the top, the kind of character you can't help but enjoy even though you recognize she's unrealistic. She's crazy, a bit immature, and a whole lot of fun. Along with Penny comes her equally crazy best friend, Patti, a handsome neighbor, and an even hotter one night stand, Sam, that becomes a whole lot more in a very short period of time.
“You see, my sweet Penny” – he begins caressing my cheek with his magic thumb – “you are something I am not sure how to describe. Like a wrecking ball just crashing through every wall, ever boundary of my life.”
Life As We Know It is written just like the character Penny is, it's rambling at times, hilarious always, and definitely makes you feel like you've consumed just as much tequila as she has at every turn of a page. There's an underlying suspense story line that made this story just that much better for me, because only a quirky girl like Penny could get mixed up with the type of people she does. In the midst of the banter and the seriously sexy moments is a true story and readers will find themselves unable to ignore this book, desperate to see just how Penny can get away from danger and how she and her handsome one night stand, Sam, can have a real shot at something more and learn to openly trust I truly enjoyed this book from start to end, in fact I read it in under 3 hours. If you like your comedy with a side of sweet romance and shadowed with a bit of suspense, this book is for you.
“Holy bonkers. A few things flow out of my brain at the same time. First, apparently, I still might have a job. Second, he forgives me. Third, he kept my shoe.”
With her special brand of quirky comedy, J.D. Hollyfield takes the readers on a sexy, laugh out loud ride in Life As We Know It. Main character, Penny, is your smart, but ditzy friend you love to have around for a laugh. Penny is over the top, the kind of character you can't help but enjoy even though you recognize she's unrealistic. She's crazy, a bit immature, and a whole lot of fun. Along with Penny comes her equally crazy best friend, Patti, a handsome neighbor, and an even hotter one night stand, Sam, that becomes a whole lot more in a very short period of time.
“You see, my sweet Penny” – he begins caressing my cheek with his magic thumb – “you are something I am not sure how to describe. Like a wrecking ball just crashing through every wall, ever boundary of my life.”
Life As We Know It is written just like the character Penny is, it's rambling at times, hilarious always, and definitely makes you feel like you've consumed just as much tequila as she has at every turn of a page. There's an underlying suspense story line that made this story just that much better for me, because only a quirky girl like Penny could get mixed up with the type of people she does. In the midst of the banter and the seriously sexy moments is a true story and readers will find themselves unable to ignore this book, desperate to see just how Penny can get away from danger and how she and her handsome one night stand, Sam, can have a real shot at something more and learn to openly trust I truly enjoyed this book from start to end, in fact I read it in under 3 hours. If you like your comedy with a side of sweet romance and shadowed with a bit of suspense, this book is for you.
“Holy bonkers. A few things flow out of my brain at the same time. First, apparently, I still might have a job. Second, he forgives me. Third, he kept my shoe.”
November 14, 2016
Hmm, I'm sad to admit that this is my first ever read of JD Hollyfield. On the flip, I'm super happy to admit that this absolutely will NOT be the last I read of her. Life As We Know It is the fourth book in the Love Not Included Series and can definitely be read as a standalone! The writing was absolutely on fire from the very start of the story and I think I just got introduced to my book spirit animal!
We are quickly introduced to Penny who is quirky and overflowing with personality from the very first page. She has a meh job, a meh boyfriend, and luckily an awesome cat and an awesome best friend. Said meh boyfriend dumps her because of her wild past. *EYE ROLL*. So Penny's awesome best friend, Patti, convinces her that the best way to get over Sir Jerkface is to get away on a cruise on his dime :) [sidenote: I LOVE PATTI!]
So they go on the cruise. Have an AMAZING girls trip, that ends with a bang bang for Penny if you know what I mean. Penny went against her rules and had a one-night stand, but is it really JUST a one night stand? Will she ever see Sam, the amazing guy she had such a HOT connection with, again? I mean, all they have is each other's name... that's all they will ever be, one night. Nah, she'll definitely never see him again! Sigh. What a bummer!
NOT!! Come on, have you read a romantic comedy before? Of course they run into each other again... and what I will say is that sparks fly and it is only the beginning of the rollercoaster ride that is their relationship!
So many things happen in this story. Things I didn't expect at all, but in the best way possible. This was definitely a page turner, I had to know what would happen next with Penny and Sam!
I loved the main MC, Penny! She was so relatable and some of the things she said I'd find myself saying, "HEY THATS SOMETHING I'D SAY!" She was a really fun POV to follow! She is so funny on her own with her thoughts, but the banter she had with her best friend Patti was beyond hilarious! The banter she had with Sam was so hot, I swear that man and his mouth... in more ways than one! There are some awful characters in this story and I really didn't like them, but Hollyfield did a great job at making them horrible without being over the top!
The naughty bits were on point, and felt really emotional between the two! This is a case of insta-lust and then super quick love, but it felt very genuine because of Hollyfield's fantastic writing! I believed in this couple, and really felt their vibe!
Love that there is a HFN ending and the epilogue was great and so true to the couple. This was an amazing romantic comedy, with great writing, and fun characters! Highly recommend this read to anyone looking for an entertaining love story, with a side of laughter, and a bit of angsty suspense to season it! A great read and I can't wait to see what's next!
*ARC copy from author!*
dnf
December 7, 2018DNF at 24%
I actually kind of liked Penelope. She's basically a wild child.
I just wasn't feeling Sam. All the reviews talk about how swoon worthy he is. And I agree he looks great on paper, but I FEEL like he came on too strongly when they meet up again by coincidence. I think there is such a thing as too much confidence, and I could've done with a little more subtlety.
But hey! That's just me.
I actually kind of liked Penelope. She's basically a wild child.
I just wasn't feeling Sam. All the reviews talk about how swoon worthy he is. And I agree he looks great on paper, but I FEEL like he came on too strongly when they meet up again by coincidence. I think there is such a thing as too much confidence, and I could've done with a little more subtlety.
But hey! That's just me.
November 12, 2016
TEQUILA!!!!!!!
I want Penelope to be my best friend ❤️.
I want Penelope to be my best friend ❤️.
November 16, 2016
What a cute, sweet romance! Penny and Sam are wonderful together! She's sassy and has no filter and he's all swoony and romantic. Throw in some really funny spots, a slight mystery with a race to save someone, and lots of hot sexy times and you've got a winner!
*thanks to TRSOR for sharing a copy of this with me*
*thanks to TRSOR for sharing a copy of this with me*
October 31, 2016
Loved!! The humor, heart and tequila in this story speaks to the depths of my soul. I always love a JD Hollyfield book but this one is on another level! More to come after coffee! DIBS on Sam. Don't me cut a bitch..lololol but seriously
May 30, 2017
Very funny, a good read
October 23, 2016
Oh lawdy! You get in Penny's mindset, and although that might be a tad frightening it's also fabulously fun! I want to be her friend...Oh, wait I kind of am. This reminds me so much of the author's personality. Yeah, yeah, i'm lucky enough to have met her and this is so her.
This story is written in that completely funny way that will make you want to stay glued to your kindle.
The sex....OH MY super hot!!!
The friendships in this story are equally as great.
Penny is this woman, that I want to have in my life. She drinks Tequila and dances on bars. She is not afraid to lay it out there accept for when she is. She is so witty and silly and full of life.
Sam...Introduced as super hot alpha to die for in bed, yeah it's that big. Awe Sam, is so sweet. He's patient. He's sexy and he's got these lines.
I loved this. I spent the entire day caught up and googling weird things, (Do not...I repeat...Do not google Are exploding penis candles real?) You will be shocked at what comes up.
Well done JD Hollyfield. You took humor and love and blended them in a superby smart way.
This story is written in that completely funny way that will make you want to stay glued to your kindle.
The sex....OH MY super hot!!!
The friendships in this story are equally as great.
Penny is this woman, that I want to have in my life. She drinks Tequila and dances on bars. She is not afraid to lay it out there accept for when she is. She is so witty and silly and full of life.
Sam...Introduced as super hot alpha to die for in bed, yeah it's that big. Awe Sam, is so sweet. He's patient. He's sexy and he's got these lines.
I loved this. I spent the entire day caught up and googling weird things, (Do not...I repeat...Do not google Are exploding penis candles real?) You will be shocked at what comes up.
Well done JD Hollyfield. You took humor and love and blended them in a superby smart way.
October 22, 2016
Omfg. Where has j.d. Been hiding and how have I not read her work prior to now???
Well guess what. That ain't happening again she has been added to my insta click list. Her style fan bloody tastic... I feel a reading binge coming on to catch up with all her other works. Right to the story I've just read *covers eyes* sorry for the above word vomit *cry laughs*
This book had me hooked from 2% yep that early on I knew it was going to be knock out. That Style I've mentioned above it drew me in and yep I took the bait.
Pen she's so sassy I bloody love her :) she reminds me of me a little, she's so relate to able that you can't help but love her.
And Sam swoon gimme just half hour with that man hehe.
Although this book is part of a series as I said I hadn't read any of j.d's previous work and loved it so even if your not caught up you don't need to but you'll want to go an read the rest. Trust me.
This prob makes no sense but I'm still buzzing from just finishing so I'll prob come back and tidy this up in a few days (lol) add this book to your tbr now ;) do it ;) ;) xx
Well guess what. That ain't happening again she has been added to my insta click list. Her style fan bloody tastic... I feel a reading binge coming on to catch up with all her other works. Right to the story I've just read *covers eyes* sorry for the above word vomit *cry laughs*
This book had me hooked from 2% yep that early on I knew it was going to be knock out. That Style I've mentioned above it drew me in and yep I took the bait.
Pen she's so sassy I bloody love her :) she reminds me of me a little, she's so relate to able that you can't help but love her.
And Sam swoon gimme just half hour with that man hehe.
Although this book is part of a series as I said I hadn't read any of j.d's previous work and loved it so even if your not caught up you don't need to but you'll want to go an read the rest. Trust me.
This prob makes no sense but I'm still buzzing from just finishing so I'll prob come back and tidy this up in a few days (lol) add this book to your tbr now ;) do it ;) ;) xx
November 14, 2016
Life as We Know It by J. D. Hollyfield is now live!
To purchase this book in Kindle or Paperback go one-click now @ Amazon US
My first novel by J. D. Hollyfield and not the last!
Ahhhhhh, I can't say when last I laughed so hard (& out loud) reading a book!
I absolutely loved this novel! Great storyline & characters, never a dull moment. Keeps you turning the pages faster until the end.
I would highly recommend this for all romance readers / bloggers with Tequila, lots of Tequila ;)
Novel: Life As We Know It
Author: J.D. Hollyfield
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Cover: 10/10 - LOVE
Do I recommend this: Highly
Would I buy this book for myself or a friend: Absolutely
A big thank you to J. D. Hollyfield for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
To purchase this book in Kindle or Paperback go one-click now @ Amazon US
My first novel by J. D. Hollyfield and not the last!
Ahhhhhh, I can't say when last I laughed so hard (& out loud) reading a book!
I absolutely loved this novel! Great storyline & characters, never a dull moment. Keeps you turning the pages faster until the end.
I would highly recommend this for all romance readers / bloggers with Tequila, lots of Tequila ;)
Novel: Life As We Know It
Author: J.D. Hollyfield
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Cover: 10/10 - LOVE
Do I recommend this: Highly
Would I buy this book for myself or a friend: Absolutely
A big thank you to J. D. Hollyfield for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 19, 2016
Life As We Know It is the first book I've read by J.D. Hollyfield. Based on this book, I would read other books by her as well. Although this book is book 4 in a series it reads as standalone. Even if one of the characters may have been introduced in a prior book, which I have no idea if this is the case, there wasn’t any confusion nor were there any scenes that alluded to something that the reader should already know.
Several times throughout the book I found myself thinking, awww this is a feel good story. Most of the book is a sweet, easy read with just the right amount of angst; but then there is a good mystery suspense drama twist written in. It kept me on the edge of my seat while I waited to see what would happen. The reason for the twist was pretty original and creative so I really enjoyed that it wasn't your run of the mill plot twist.
Our main character, Penny, has a douche bag ex who broke up with her for super douchey reasons. This breakup took place right after Henry (aka ex-boyfriend Douchey McDouche) gave Penny a bunch of money to book a vacation for the two of them. So naturally, Penny did what any jilted woman would do, she booked a trip anyway and took her best friend Patti to the Bahamas for 7 days on Douchey's dime. On her final night of the cruise, Penny met Sam, our other main character, and they had great sex. Penny left before Sam woke up wanting to avoid the one-night stand awkwardness. All of this a good lead in for the story because we all know damn well that isn't the last time she sees Sam.
There was certainly some instalove here but with this story it really worked and didn't come off as cheesy or fake.
I'm not a fan of secrets and lies and Penny tells a lot of white lies. Some of it is funny but others not so much. It started to piss me off when she was keeping stupid secrets that should be a no-brainer for telling Sam.
The crazy drama / mystery toward the end was a bit too fake for the analytical, detail oriented, problem solver in me. The sequence of events and how they transpired didn't make sense with what I think would happen in real life. Too many mistakes by the people involved. I mean really, do you want to be caught? Be smarter than that! That aside, it was still written really well. It is just a situation where I told myself to give creative liberties for the sake of a well-executed story.
I really liked the epilogue but thought it was weird that there was no mention of Patti or Jamie when they, especially Patti, were a huge part of her life.
Yessss, so much yes:
Overall, Life As We Know It was really entertaining and I had a good time reading it. I loved Sam and wish I could find my very own Sam. I give this book 4 stars. I would gladly read this author again and recommend this book to anyone wishing to read something fun, sweet, slightly angsty with a good and brief suspense element to it.
This review is based on an advanced copy of this book that I had the privilege of reading.
Several times throughout the book I found myself thinking, awww this is a feel good story. Most of the book is a sweet, easy read with just the right amount of angst; but then there is a good mystery suspense drama twist written in. It kept me on the edge of my seat while I waited to see what would happen. The reason for the twist was pretty original and creative so I really enjoyed that it wasn't your run of the mill plot twist.
Our main character, Penny, has a douche bag ex who broke up with her for super douchey reasons. This breakup took place right after Henry (aka ex-boyfriend Douchey McDouche) gave Penny a bunch of money to book a vacation for the two of them. So naturally, Penny did what any jilted woman would do, she booked a trip anyway and took her best friend Patti to the Bahamas for 7 days on Douchey's dime. On her final night of the cruise, Penny met Sam, our other main character, and they had great sex. Penny left before Sam woke up wanting to avoid the one-night stand awkwardness. All of this a good lead in for the story because we all know damn well that isn't the last time she sees Sam.
There was certainly some instalove here but with this story it really worked and didn't come off as cheesy or fake.
I'm not a fan of secrets and lies and Penny tells a lot of white lies. Some of it is funny but others not so much. It started to piss me off when she was keeping stupid secrets that should be a no-brainer for telling Sam.
The crazy drama / mystery toward the end was a bit too fake for the analytical, detail oriented, problem solver in me. The sequence of events and how they transpired didn't make sense with what I think would happen in real life. Too many mistakes by the people involved. I mean really, do you want to be caught? Be smarter than that! That aside, it was still written really well. It is just a situation where I told myself to give creative liberties for the sake of a well-executed story.
I really liked the epilogue but thought it was weird that there was no mention of Patti or Jamie when they, especially Patti, were a huge part of her life.
Yessss, so much yes:
Overall, Life As We Know It was really entertaining and I had a good time reading it. I loved Sam and wish I could find my very own Sam. I give this book 4 stars. I would gladly read this author again and recommend this book to anyone wishing to read something fun, sweet, slightly angsty with a good and brief suspense element to it.
This review is based on an advanced copy of this book that I had the privilege of reading.
November 14, 2016
I'm ashamed to say that Life As We Know It is my first book by JD Hollyfield, truly, really ashamed. This book is a perfect blend of comedy, romance, erotica, thrill and a lot bit of angst. I loved the characters, the plot and most of all I loved the chemistry between Sam and Penny. Those two are perfection, and totally sexy together. I have been re-reading their sexy scene around five times now, and I can't get enough of them. I tried to prolong it as much as I could, because this story is perfect and everyone should read it.
Penny crunches numbers for living, for two years she has been working for a firm, where she met her boyfriend Henry. She thought that they had the perfect life, but that's before Henry dumps her just because she's not the perfect arm candy he needs to run for Senate. The moment they break up, Penny realized how much she has change for Henry, that she pushed the real her behind so she can be the perfect arm candy for him, but it seemed that even that wasn't enough for him. So she decided to let go of her inhibitions and let loose, so she and her bff Patti decide to go on the Bahamas cruise she booked for her and Henry. That's where one passionate night with one man changes everything for her and her future.
Sam is utter perfection, every girls dream man,I loved him so much.
Sam's best friend is getting married, so he accompanies his friends on bachelors on a Bahamas cruise. He never expected to meet the woman that will change his life forever. But after she leaves the morning after their passionate night together, he doesn't expect to meet her again, until he does. So he decides that he will fight for her, even if she doesn't want to mix business with pleasure.
But many things stand in their way, threatening to tear them, ex-boyfriend, jealous woman etc. But they fight though them together, and they defeat every threat in their way. I loved Sam and Penny 's relationship, they have their ups and downs and both of them show who they really are with each other, they're honest and they loved each other truly, they know how to keep each other on the edge of their sit and make them crave more. I know I will repeat myself know,but I have to say it again JD Hollyfield made a perfect Man with this book, Sam is utter perfection, even with his little flaws he's perfect.
I truly regret not reading more books by JD Hollyfield and I know that after this one, I will read more books by her.This book has five huge star from me and I highly recommend it to everyone. You people should really read this book, because I know you will fall in love with it as much as I did.
Penny crunches numbers for living, for two years she has been working for a firm, where she met her boyfriend Henry. She thought that they had the perfect life, but that's before Henry dumps her just because she's not the perfect arm candy he needs to run for Senate. The moment they break up, Penny realized how much she has change for Henry, that she pushed the real her behind so she can be the perfect arm candy for him, but it seemed that even that wasn't enough for him. So she decided to let go of her inhibitions and let loose, so she and her bff Patti decide to go on the Bahamas cruise she booked for her and Henry. That's where one passionate night with one man changes everything for her and her future.
Sam is utter perfection, every girls dream man,I loved him so much.
Sam's best friend is getting married, so he accompanies his friends on bachelors on a Bahamas cruise. He never expected to meet the woman that will change his life forever. But after she leaves the morning after their passionate night together, he doesn't expect to meet her again, until he does. So he decides that he will fight for her, even if she doesn't want to mix business with pleasure.
But many things stand in their way, threatening to tear them, ex-boyfriend, jealous woman etc. But they fight though them together, and they defeat every threat in their way. I loved Sam and Penny 's relationship, they have their ups and downs and both of them show who they really are with each other, they're honest and they loved each other truly, they know how to keep each other on the edge of their sit and make them crave more. I know I will repeat myself know,but I have to say it again JD Hollyfield made a perfect Man with this book, Sam is utter perfection, even with his little flaws he's perfect.
I truly regret not reading more books by JD Hollyfield and I know that after this one, I will read more books by her.This book has five huge star from me and I highly recommend it to everyone. You people should really read this book, because I know you will fall in love with it as much as I did.
June 29, 2018
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
What an unexpected ride this turned out to be! I honestly hadn't read J.D. Hollyfield before, but I came across this one on my Kindle App and had to give it a whirl! It was an entertaining read, I tell ya, because Penelope was such an amusing character to read about! She was a bit of a disaster and could never manage to be on time, however, she was a kind hearted person who deserved better than her boyfriend Henry.
After getting dumped, I loved the way she took revenge... not just the coffee order, but the trip away with her friend Patti, where she finds amazing chemistry with Sam on the final night of her cruise. He was hot as hell, lured Penelope out of her comfort-zone and treated her the way a woman needs to be treated. What Penelope didn't expect was to cross paths again, which began as a roller coaster ride for the both of them.
This book wasn't all about the lust and attraction that these two shared, there was a bit of intensity and danger to the read as Penelope's past came back to haunt her. Although Henry was the one to dump Penelope, it seemed like he couldn't let her go completely. I did love the way that Sam fought for her, despite having secrets of his own.
I really enjoyed my first ever read by J.D. Hollyfield, and I know I will be picking up more of her work. She created a casual, carefree world that was easy to be drawn into. I liked that Penelope had a good friend in Patti, and even though she went through some tough times Penelope was strong enough to hold her head high. The chemistry between Sam and Penelope oozed between the pages and I just could not get enough of them. I'm keen to get more from this world, I tell you!
What an unexpected ride this turned out to be! I honestly hadn't read J.D. Hollyfield before, but I came across this one on my Kindle App and had to give it a whirl! It was an entertaining read, I tell ya, because Penelope was such an amusing character to read about! She was a bit of a disaster and could never manage to be on time, however, she was a kind hearted person who deserved better than her boyfriend Henry.
After getting dumped, I loved the way she took revenge... not just the coffee order, but the trip away with her friend Patti, where she finds amazing chemistry with Sam on the final night of her cruise. He was hot as hell, lured Penelope out of her comfort-zone and treated her the way a woman needs to be treated. What Penelope didn't expect was to cross paths again, which began as a roller coaster ride for the both of them.
This book wasn't all about the lust and attraction that these two shared, there was a bit of intensity and danger to the read as Penelope's past came back to haunt her. Although Henry was the one to dump Penelope, it seemed like he couldn't let her go completely. I did love the way that Sam fought for her, despite having secrets of his own.
I really enjoyed my first ever read by J.D. Hollyfield, and I know I will be picking up more of her work. She created a casual, carefree world that was easy to be drawn into. I liked that Penelope had a good friend in Patti, and even though she went through some tough times Penelope was strong enough to hold her head high. The chemistry between Sam and Penelope oozed between the pages and I just could not get enough of them. I'm keen to get more from this world, I tell you!
November 8, 2016
5 fracking stars
I don't know how I've never read anything by this author but consider that rectified immediately! She's got a crazy fun, crazy sexy, just plain crazy style I love!
Penelope Summers is a straight up mess (and I loved her!) She's perpetually late and forever stumbling into trouble. It's like trouble is her best friend but that spot is taken by the equally crazy, yet lovable Patti! These two and their antics had me laughing out loud.
When Penelope's very high profile, very stuffy boyfriend breaks up with her, Patti is caught between comforting Pen or throwing a "ding, dong the witch is dead" style party. With the girls' close, personal relationship with tequila, they decide to take the cruise to the Bahamas that Pen was supposed to take with "he who shall not be named".
On the cruise, they meet a batchelor party full of hotties. (why doesn't that ever happen to me??) When Pen meets Sam, she's rendered speechless and indulges in one of the hottest one night stands ever committed to paper. Yowza! But alas, real life comes in the morning and she just knows she'll never see him again.
Sam is a hot as hell, take charge kind of guy and he's going to scour the earth to find his getaway girl. It saves him a long journey when she stumbles into work Monday to learn he's her new client! As much as sweet Penny tries to fight it, he isn't letting her go.
I don't want to give too much away, so throw in crazy exes, a colorful past, a few nights with Mr. Cuervo and you've got an awesome book!! I didn't want it to end! I read it in one sitting, on a plane, with everyone wondering what I was laughing at! Can't wait to read more of this author's super fun books!
Review by AnnMarie
I don't know how I've never read anything by this author but consider that rectified immediately! She's got a crazy fun, crazy sexy, just plain crazy style I love!
Penelope Summers is a straight up mess (and I loved her!) She's perpetually late and forever stumbling into trouble. It's like trouble is her best friend but that spot is taken by the equally crazy, yet lovable Patti! These two and their antics had me laughing out loud.
When Penelope's very high profile, very stuffy boyfriend breaks up with her, Patti is caught between comforting Pen or throwing a "ding, dong the witch is dead" style party. With the girls' close, personal relationship with tequila, they decide to take the cruise to the Bahamas that Pen was supposed to take with "he who shall not be named".
On the cruise, they meet a batchelor party full of hotties. (why doesn't that ever happen to me??) When Pen meets Sam, she's rendered speechless and indulges in one of the hottest one night stands ever committed to paper. Yowza! But alas, real life comes in the morning and she just knows she'll never see him again.
Sam is a hot as hell, take charge kind of guy and he's going to scour the earth to find his getaway girl. It saves him a long journey when she stumbles into work Monday to learn he's her new client! As much as sweet Penny tries to fight it, he isn't letting her go.
I don't want to give too much away, so throw in crazy exes, a colorful past, a few nights with Mr. Cuervo and you've got an awesome book!! I didn't want it to end! I read it in one sitting, on a plane, with everyone wondering what I was laughing at! Can't wait to read more of this author's super fun books!
Review by AnnMarie
November 9, 2016
Fun, sweet, and hot! Life As We Know It is very entertaining, and I love Hollyfield's humor! The writing was spot on, and the story flowed beautifully. Penelope "Penny" Summers has just been dumped by her douchebag boyfriend because he has political aspirations and feels Penny isn't a proper girlfriend for him any longer since she has a colorful past. Penny is upsets, but with the help of her best friend, Patti, who isn't afraid to tell Penny that she is way better off without some guy who didn't want Penny for who she really is, the ladies decide to go on a cruise so Penny can soak her "sorrows" in tequila. Penny loves tequila, and at times it can get her into some sticky situations, or hey maybe it gets her into the perfect situations because Penny ends up meeting Sam, who she promptly has a very interesting night with. Fast forward a little bit, and who should be Penny's new client, but her sexy, gorgeous one night stand; well what Penny thought was going to be a one stand, and Sam proves to be a force to be reckon with when he wants a whole lot more from Penny. Penny is a tough, smart badass, who has quite the humorous thought process. Sam is nothing short of amazing, and I find him wonderfully adorable and manly. The sex scenes are hot and had a nice kink factor. Sam and Penny have some really sweet moments too, and my heart sighed plenty a time. They are so cute together! The beginning did move a little slowly for me, but once the story got moving, I really loved where the story went, and I love that we get some suspense! Life As We Know It is interesting and heartfelt, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to reading more from J.D. Hollyfield!
November 14, 2016
"In the life as we know it, love does take its course."
I needed this story in my life. Not my normal, but I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book. I rarely read straight romance, so this was a treat and I devoured in a few hours. I don't do heart and flowers very often, but this book had a quirky feel from the get go. Penny made me laugh my way to the end, what a loveable character. Sam with his swoon factor. And a crazy storyline. I wasn't stopping until the end. There was some predictable drama, however I never did that eye roll thing. I was too busy loving all the funny madness. A bit of lovey-dovey action, but nothing over the top. The perfect spice of humor & romance.
I read this straight through. I highly recommend to romance readers that love to laugh.
I needed this story in my life. Not my normal, but I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book. I rarely read straight romance, so this was a treat and I devoured in a few hours. I don't do heart and flowers very often, but this book had a quirky feel from the get go. Penny made me laugh my way to the end, what a loveable character. Sam with his swoon factor. And a crazy storyline. I wasn't stopping until the end. There was some predictable drama, however I never did that eye roll thing. I was too busy loving all the funny madness. A bit of lovey-dovey action, but nothing over the top. The perfect spice of humor & romance.
I read this straight through. I highly recommend to romance readers that love to laugh.
November 15, 2016
Omg this book was hilarious, awesome and bad ass! I love the way the character talks to the reader. I had yet to read a book like this and I loved it! Penny & Sam are the cutest, craziest, most funnest book couple. JD is amazingly talented, she deserves her 5 glorious stars!
November 13, 2016
Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict (www.bookboyfriendaddict.com). A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
“You see, my sweet Penny” – he begins caressing my cheek with his magic thumb – “you are something I am not sure how to describe. Like a wrecking ball just crashing through every wall, ever boundary of my life.”
An advance copy of this book was sent to us accidentally and I have to say, best mistake ever because this was such a fun book to read! This is the first book I’ve read from J.D. Hollyfield but I definitely want to go and check out the others in the series though because I really enjoyed this one. You can totally read this book as a standalone, in fact, I’m not even sure how the other books are interconnected (if at all), so don’t fret if you want to start with this book, you’ll be just fine! This book was full of fun, realistic characters, loads of humor, plenty of steam and even a touch of suspense. I was hooked from the first few pages and couldn’t stop flipping pages until the very end!
So what’s it all about? Penelope (Penny) Summers once had dreams of running off with a rock star and living a wild and crazy life, instead she’s working crunching numbers at a job she hates but is good at and her boyfriend of 2 years is a high-profile attorney/aspiring politician, who she’s not crazy about but thinks that he’ll give her a good enough life. Things are going along well enough for her until one day said boyfriend dumps her after some of her priors come to light in order to protect his budding political career. Left reeling at the nerve of him to dump her over something so petty, she does what any self-respecting woman scorned would do: take her best friend’s advice and go on an all-expense paid girl’s trip on her ex’s dime! It’s on this trip where she meets and hooks up with the delectable Sam on their last night, never expecting to see him again. But, guess who she finds waiting in the conference room of her company when she returns back to work on Monday? Yup, you guessed it! And Sam Dresden has decided he’s not done with Penny quite yet. Will Sam turn out to be everything Penny didn’t even know she was looking for or will he just be another guy looking to change her into something she’s not?
“You ran away from me once and it wrecked me. I knew the moment I set eyes on you that night you were someone that I needed. I crave you, Penelope Summers. Let me worship you. Let me show you I can be someone you can trust.”
I kind of love that the series name is Love Not Included, because honestly, I would have totally enjoyed this book even minus the love story. Penny totally stole the show and I could have read about her and Patti’s shenanigans and been perfectly entertained! Having someone as swoonworthy as Sam to fall in love with was just a bonus. Penny was the primary narrator and I loved the style where she was pretty much talking directly to the reader much of the time. Being in her head was a hoot and I found myself grinning and laughing out loud more often than not while reading this book. She was such a train wreck at times but it was so funny and her inner dialogue was always priceless.
I really enjoyed her and Sam together, they were a fiery and passionate combination and I thought that their connection came through loud and clear. Sam was an awesome hero, as I mentioned earlier, he was very swoonworthy, but he was also alpha and a bit bossy and I loved that side of him just as much. I also loved when things took a suspenseful turn towards the end, this book really had a bit of everything. I went into this book with no expectations but I thoroughly enjoyed it and if you’re looking for a fun read then I think you will too! Oh and I have to say, the cover of this book is such fun, I love it!
“I think the moment I saw you at the club, I knew. I knew you were going to change my life. And I knew that I wouldn’t stop until I had you. All of you.”
“But… I left. How were you know we would have ended up where we have?” I ask.
“Because I would never have given up looking for you.”
4.5 Stars
“You see, my sweet Penny” – he begins caressing my cheek with his magic thumb – “you are something I am not sure how to describe. Like a wrecking ball just crashing through every wall, ever boundary of my life.”
An advance copy of this book was sent to us accidentally and I have to say, best mistake ever because this was such a fun book to read! This is the first book I’ve read from J.D. Hollyfield but I definitely want to go and check out the others in the series though because I really enjoyed this one. You can totally read this book as a standalone, in fact, I’m not even sure how the other books are interconnected (if at all), so don’t fret if you want to start with this book, you’ll be just fine! This book was full of fun, realistic characters, loads of humor, plenty of steam and even a touch of suspense. I was hooked from the first few pages and couldn’t stop flipping pages until the very end!
So what’s it all about? Penelope (Penny) Summers once had dreams of running off with a rock star and living a wild and crazy life, instead she’s working crunching numbers at a job she hates but is good at and her boyfriend of 2 years is a high-profile attorney/aspiring politician, who she’s not crazy about but thinks that he’ll give her a good enough life. Things are going along well enough for her until one day said boyfriend dumps her after some of her priors come to light in order to protect his budding political career. Left reeling at the nerve of him to dump her over something so petty, she does what any self-respecting woman scorned would do: take her best friend’s advice and go on an all-expense paid girl’s trip on her ex’s dime! It’s on this trip where she meets and hooks up with the delectable Sam on their last night, never expecting to see him again. But, guess who she finds waiting in the conference room of her company when she returns back to work on Monday? Yup, you guessed it! And Sam Dresden has decided he’s not done with Penny quite yet. Will Sam turn out to be everything Penny didn’t even know she was looking for or will he just be another guy looking to change her into something she’s not?
“You ran away from me once and it wrecked me. I knew the moment I set eyes on you that night you were someone that I needed. I crave you, Penelope Summers. Let me worship you. Let me show you I can be someone you can trust.”
I kind of love that the series name is Love Not Included, because honestly, I would have totally enjoyed this book even minus the love story. Penny totally stole the show and I could have read about her and Patti’s shenanigans and been perfectly entertained! Having someone as swoonworthy as Sam to fall in love with was just a bonus. Penny was the primary narrator and I loved the style where she was pretty much talking directly to the reader much of the time. Being in her head was a hoot and I found myself grinning and laughing out loud more often than not while reading this book. She was such a train wreck at times but it was so funny and her inner dialogue was always priceless.
I really enjoyed her and Sam together, they were a fiery and passionate combination and I thought that their connection came through loud and clear. Sam was an awesome hero, as I mentioned earlier, he was very swoonworthy, but he was also alpha and a bit bossy and I loved that side of him just as much. I also loved when things took a suspenseful turn towards the end, this book really had a bit of everything. I went into this book with no expectations but I thoroughly enjoyed it and if you’re looking for a fun read then I think you will too! Oh and I have to say, the cover of this book is such fun, I love it!
“I think the moment I saw you at the club, I knew. I knew you were going to change my life. And I knew that I wouldn’t stop until I had you. All of you.”
“But… I left. How were you know we would have ended up where we have?” I ask.
“Because I would never have given up looking for you.”
November 14, 2016
****4 Endorphin Inducing Stars****
Laughter is surely the best medicine. Who doesn’t love to laugh? Savvy, fun-loving and hilarious, Penelope (Penny) Summers (h) is about to have her world turned upside down. JD Hollyfield’s fourth entry into to the Love Not Included series, Life As We Know It, is a sexy laugh a minute joyride sure to inspire giggles and grins.
“But let’s be honest, my whole life seems that way. Nothing ever goes as planned.”
Punctuality challenged Penny is having a bad day. She hates her job, her boss is a jerk and her long term boyfriend just dumped her. Instead of cruising the Bahamas with her soon to be fiancé, Penny’s fun loving BFF Patti convinces her to live a little and go on the cruise – with her! High seas shenanigans ensue along with Penny’s second BFF Tequila, and before Penny knows it she’s had a hot one night stand with sexy cruise goer Sam. Eager to escape an uncomfortable ‘morning after’, Penny escapes to her cabin just in time to shower and return home. The only casualty? One of her beloved Jimmy Choo’s got left behind in the fray.
“Third, he kept my shoe.”
Jeramiah S. Dresden (Sam)(H) is in a pickle. His cruise ship fling ditched him before he had a chance to finagle her digits. He’s got one of her heels and a burning desire to explore what could be. One new client meeting for his ‘clean’ steel building project and Sam’s wish is about to come true.
“My brain is telling me no, no, no but my brain-gina is telling me yes, yes, oh yes.”
In the interest of their new working relationship Sam and Penny try to keep things strictly professional. Their simmering need and passion for each other is forcibly put on the back burner until they can no longer ignore what’s in front of them any longer.
“I wish this was it for me because I could kiss these lips till the end of time.”
The special project Sam hires Penny to work on is convincingly told throughout the story. Close to Sam’s heart for personal reasons he’s determined to build the first ‘green’ building with ‘clean’ steel. The research done here is evident and does not overwhelm the reader nor confuse the subject matter. Knowledge and fact are balanced evenly.
“But what people don’t know is when that steel building is taken down, collapses or has any sort of reconstruction, the chemicals within the steel let off a synthesized gas.”
Joining Sam and Penny on their ride to love and happily ever after is Patti and Jamie, Penny’s outrageous BFF and her gay neighbor. Providing hilarious glances at Penny’s ‘wilder’ days, Patti is a blunt, take no sh** breath of fresh air. Penny’s new-ish neighbor Jamie is a funny and quickly endearing friend with a shoulder and an ear for Penny’s when she needs them. These secondary characters provide additional comic relief in addition to being authentic caring friends there to support and advise Penny. They also provide plenty of tequila.
“They didn’t have to arrest us. That’s all I’m saying.”
Along the way Henry, Penny’s douchebag ex, and Cassandra, the douchbag’s assistant, stir up mayhem doing their best to throw a wrench in Penny’s newly forming relationship. Jealousy and nastiness abound playing on Penny’s already damaged trust issues.
“I’ll tell you, I knew the saying God created us all equal, but she was doused with a little too much c*nt for my liking.”
Overall, Life As We Know It, is a great escape read sure to pull you out of any funk. Full of laughter and heart, I loved Sam and Penny’s journey. The only thing that held me back from a 5 star was the consistent trust and truth issues Penny had with Sam. Even after they discuss these issues and agree to ‘talk things out’ and communicate instead of jumping the gun, Penny still has those knee jerk reactions and acts on them all too often. Her character shows no growth here. This did not diminish my enjoyment of the story but was enough of a noticeable issue for me. Sam, oh Sam, was a dreamy bossy hottie, the hilarious one liners and stories from Patti and me snorting and Penny felt like she could be my own BFF.
“I told you I can never be done with you.”
Life As We Know It is an endorphin inducing rollercoaster of sexy sweetness and joy. If you’re looking for a good time – give Sam and Penny a try!
“A world that promises us, each other, a future.”
*I received this eBook as an ARC for my honest review. This in no way effects my rating or review.*
K’s Category: 1st date, never read author previously
Characters: M/F
Sex: Yes, Descriptive
OM/OW: No.
HEA: Yes
Standalone: Yes, this is a standalone series.
Laughter is surely the best medicine. Who doesn’t love to laugh? Savvy, fun-loving and hilarious, Penelope (Penny) Summers (h) is about to have her world turned upside down. JD Hollyfield’s fourth entry into to the Love Not Included series, Life As We Know It, is a sexy laugh a minute joyride sure to inspire giggles and grins.
“But let’s be honest, my whole life seems that way. Nothing ever goes as planned.”
Punctuality challenged Penny is having a bad day. She hates her job, her boss is a jerk and her long term boyfriend just dumped her. Instead of cruising the Bahamas with her soon to be fiancé, Penny’s fun loving BFF Patti convinces her to live a little and go on the cruise – with her! High seas shenanigans ensue along with Penny’s second BFF Tequila, and before Penny knows it she’s had a hot one night stand with sexy cruise goer Sam. Eager to escape an uncomfortable ‘morning after’, Penny escapes to her cabin just in time to shower and return home. The only casualty? One of her beloved Jimmy Choo’s got left behind in the fray.
“Third, he kept my shoe.”
Jeramiah S. Dresden (Sam)(H) is in a pickle. His cruise ship fling ditched him before he had a chance to finagle her digits. He’s got one of her heels and a burning desire to explore what could be. One new client meeting for his ‘clean’ steel building project and Sam’s wish is about to come true.
“My brain is telling me no, no, no but my brain-gina is telling me yes, yes, oh yes.”
In the interest of their new working relationship Sam and Penny try to keep things strictly professional. Their simmering need and passion for each other is forcibly put on the back burner until they can no longer ignore what’s in front of them any longer.
“I wish this was it for me because I could kiss these lips till the end of time.”
The special project Sam hires Penny to work on is convincingly told throughout the story. Close to Sam’s heart for personal reasons he’s determined to build the first ‘green’ building with ‘clean’ steel. The research done here is evident and does not overwhelm the reader nor confuse the subject matter. Knowledge and fact are balanced evenly.
“But what people don’t know is when that steel building is taken down, collapses or has any sort of reconstruction, the chemicals within the steel let off a synthesized gas.”
Joining Sam and Penny on their ride to love and happily ever after is Patti and Jamie, Penny’s outrageous BFF and her gay neighbor. Providing hilarious glances at Penny’s ‘wilder’ days, Patti is a blunt, take no sh** breath of fresh air. Penny’s new-ish neighbor Jamie is a funny and quickly endearing friend with a shoulder and an ear for Penny’s when she needs them. These secondary characters provide additional comic relief in addition to being authentic caring friends there to support and advise Penny. They also provide plenty of tequila.
“They didn’t have to arrest us. That’s all I’m saying.”
Along the way Henry, Penny’s douchebag ex, and Cassandra, the douchbag’s assistant, stir up mayhem doing their best to throw a wrench in Penny’s newly forming relationship. Jealousy and nastiness abound playing on Penny’s already damaged trust issues.
“I’ll tell you, I knew the saying God created us all equal, but she was doused with a little too much c*nt for my liking.”
Overall, Life As We Know It, is a great escape read sure to pull you out of any funk. Full of laughter and heart, I loved Sam and Penny’s journey. The only thing that held me back from a 5 star was the consistent trust and truth issues Penny had with Sam. Even after they discuss these issues and agree to ‘talk things out’ and communicate instead of jumping the gun, Penny still has those knee jerk reactions and acts on them all too often. Her character shows no growth here. This did not diminish my enjoyment of the story but was enough of a noticeable issue for me. Sam, oh Sam, was a dreamy bossy hottie, the hilarious one liners and stories from Patti and me snorting and Penny felt like she could be my own BFF.
“I told you I can never be done with you.”
Life As We Know It is an endorphin inducing rollercoaster of sexy sweetness and joy. If you’re looking for a good time – give Sam and Penny a try!
“A world that promises us, each other, a future.”
*I received this eBook as an ARC for my honest review. This in no way effects my rating or review.*
K’s Category: 1st date, never read author previously
Characters: M/F
Sex: Yes, Descriptive
OM/OW: No.
HEA: Yes
Standalone: Yes, this is a standalone series.
October 23, 2016
I'm a sucker for a Cinderella story and this had the potential to be one. I really wanted to love this book and felt that it could be an interesting rom-com with a touch of mystery and suspense but the heroine made it so hard.
The story itself was interesting and well written with a nice bit of intrigue but I found the lead, Penny, somewhat confusing and ultimately unlikeable. Was she a smart business woman working for a top rated firm with the most prestigious clients in the greatest city in the world or was she an immature, disenchanted, borderline alcoholic who couldn't manage to comb her hair before work? There was a such a dichotomy between the two personalities that I found it difficult to believe that they could coexist in one person.
She complains from the beginning about hating authority and rich people, etc, etc but she dates wealthy men and loves her Jimmy Choos. She is often entrusted with the financial information for some of her companies most prestigious clients but can't seem to show up on time and when she does show up she's usually disheveled and hung over. Who would put up with that in the real world?
And let's not forget about tequila. Tequila, tequila, tequila. Oh how she loves her tequila. Did I mention that she loves tequila? Because she did, about one hundred times. I really thought at some point during the story that she would have a cathartic moment where she realized that she was an alcoholic but it never came.
Sam, our hero, on the other hand, was a strong, charming and dominant character that could melt any girls panties. I found myself looking forward to the parts of the book that were from his POV more than hers. For the life of me I couldn't imagine what kept him coming back for more. Through all of her drama he remained loyal to a fault. Again, in the real world.....
I gave three stars because I really liked the story itself. It did feel like a Cinderella story complete with a shoe left behind and two evil step sisters. (Not really sisters in the family sense but you'll see what I mean). How Penny and Sam met and then lost each other and how they reconnected and got to know each other only to find that it really was a very small, evil world. The intrigue and suspense filled moments kept me turning the pages. I loved how the story progressed to where all of the characters intertwined and towards the end I really was on the edge of my seat.
I my opinion, which , let's face it, is in the minority, this could be such a great book if the heroine could just get herself together enough to be likeable and believable. Perhaps if we could lose some of the drunken escapades and add more substance to her as a woman this would have been a five star review.
A complementary copy of this book was given by the author for an honest review.
The story itself was interesting and well written with a nice bit of intrigue but I found the lead, Penny, somewhat confusing and ultimately unlikeable. Was she a smart business woman working for a top rated firm with the most prestigious clients in the greatest city in the world or was she an immature, disenchanted, borderline alcoholic who couldn't manage to comb her hair before work? There was a such a dichotomy between the two personalities that I found it difficult to believe that they could coexist in one person.
She complains from the beginning about hating authority and rich people, etc, etc but she dates wealthy men and loves her Jimmy Choos. She is often entrusted with the financial information for some of her companies most prestigious clients but can't seem to show up on time and when she does show up she's usually disheveled and hung over. Who would put up with that in the real world?
And let's not forget about tequila. Tequila, tequila, tequila. Oh how she loves her tequila. Did I mention that she loves tequila? Because she did, about one hundred times. I really thought at some point during the story that she would have a cathartic moment where she realized that she was an alcoholic but it never came.
Sam, our hero, on the other hand, was a strong, charming and dominant character that could melt any girls panties. I found myself looking forward to the parts of the book that were from his POV more than hers. For the life of me I couldn't imagine what kept him coming back for more. Through all of her drama he remained loyal to a fault. Again, in the real world.....
I gave three stars because I really liked the story itself. It did feel like a Cinderella story complete with a shoe left behind and two evil step sisters. (Not really sisters in the family sense but you'll see what I mean). How Penny and Sam met and then lost each other and how they reconnected and got to know each other only to find that it really was a very small, evil world. The intrigue and suspense filled moments kept me turning the pages. I loved how the story progressed to where all of the characters intertwined and towards the end I really was on the edge of my seat.
I my opinion, which , let's face it, is in the minority, this could be such a great book if the heroine could just get herself together enough to be likeable and believable. Perhaps if we could lose some of the drunken escapades and add more substance to her as a woman this would have been a five star review.
A complementary copy of this book was given by the author for an honest review.
November 14, 2016
Penelope Summers is not having the time of her life. In a job she hates and recently dumped by her jerk of an ex, Penny decides to get back to being the live-in-the-moment, seize the day kind of girl that she used to be. Taking her best friend and going on the vacation that she had originally planned for her and Mr. Wrong seems like just the ticket, and, sure enough, this is one trip that will change everything. Life as Penny knows it is about to get turbo-charged, and in only the best ways.
Although this is the fourth book in the Love Not Included series by author J.D. Hollyfield, LIFE AS WE KNOW IT is my first time reading this author. This is a sexy, funny, romantic romp of a book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are larger than life, and, if half the things that happened to them happened to me, man, life surely would be interesting!
Penny just cannot seem to catch a break. Only semi-devastated by the end of her relationship, it doesn't take much for Penny's best friend and partner in crime to encourage her to live a little, and a Caribbean cruise beckons like a siren call. A night of drinking and dancing leads to a morning after of epic proportions, but putting it in her past would be too easy, and Penny doesn't have that sort of luck. Imagine her surprise at finding that her cruise trip fling (and, oh, my, what a fling he is!) is her new customer. Awkard, much?
Ah, Sam. Sam, Sam, Sam. Sam Dresden is the book boyfriend that makes other book boyfriends look bad. Smart, self-made, philanthropic, he is all of these things. Also completely and utterly into our girl Penny, yes, indeed. The air between these two is pretty stinking charged all of the time, and, phew, the sexy times, oh, y'all. You'll need to have a fan on standby, because they are H.O.T.
Besides the over-the-top chemistry between Sam and Penny, I really enjoyed the subplot in this book. Sort of cloak and daggery, and complete with the evil Dragon Lady, it helped make LIFE AS WE KNOW IT more than your typical love story. This is an easy 4-stars for me, and I look forward to reading more of J.D.'s books. If you're a fan of hijinks, antics, and over-the-top sexy, add this one to your TBR and enjoy.
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
November 14, 2016
Penelope “Penny” Summers is a woman after my own heart; petite, sassy, kinda stressed, sometimes late to important things, and a reformed wild child who is set to “fake it ’til you make it”. So Penny has a top job, a serious boyfriend named Henry…well, she did until Henry pulled a “Warner Huntington III”, a la Legally Blonde, and bailed on our peppy heroine in favor of finding his “Jackie Kennedy”, a squeaky clean woman who wouldn’t harm his political career. Luckily, Penny has a best friend to help her sort out all the nonsense, Patti Henderson, one foulmouthed blonde who is my spirit animal.
Patti convinces Penny to take a much needed vacation, a week long cruise to the Bahamas. On their last night, Penny meets the mega rich hottie Sam and they have some super hot chemistry. Like clutch your pearls and fan yourself on the veranda chemistry. But when the hot sex ends, real life kicks back in, and she’s off the boat with out even Sam’s last name, let alone his number. Anyways, it isn’t going so hot for Penny at home and things are just as bad as she left them, especially since she’s now out one Jimmy Choo pump, abandoned somewhere in Sam’s cabin on the boat. But has she really seen the last of Sam…and her goddamn shoe?
Have you every read Bridget Jones’s Diary? The hilarious self-told tale of a single gal just looking for a hot hunk to possibly have a future with? Well, this book is the closest I’ve seen in a while that captures that same feeling. Really, I truly enjoyed this book as a pure comedic romance that will make you feel like Penny and Patti are a pair of your long list friends. I love, love, LOVED it. Really, grab a copy of Life as We Know It now!
Patti convinces Penny to take a much needed vacation, a week long cruise to the Bahamas. On their last night, Penny meets the mega rich hottie Sam and they have some super hot chemistry. Like clutch your pearls and fan yourself on the veranda chemistry. But when the hot sex ends, real life kicks back in, and she’s off the boat with out even Sam’s last name, let alone his number. Anyways, it isn’t going so hot for Penny at home and things are just as bad as she left them, especially since she’s now out one Jimmy Choo pump, abandoned somewhere in Sam’s cabin on the boat. But has she really seen the last of Sam…and her goddamn shoe?
Have you every read Bridget Jones’s Diary? The hilarious self-told tale of a single gal just looking for a hot hunk to possibly have a future with? Well, this book is the closest I’ve seen in a while that captures that same feeling. Really, I truly enjoyed this book as a pure comedic romance that will make you feel like Penny and Patti are a pair of your long list friends. I love, love, LOVED it. Really, grab a copy of Life as We Know It now!
November 14, 2016
How can I describe this book other than the perfect escape? When life gets too heavy leave it to JD Hollyfield to give us a fabulous book filled with characters and situations that are funny, sexy, sweet and sassy. Life as We know It is a fun ride with the always crazy Penny, her best friend Patti, who everyone needs a best friend like her, and the super sexy Sam. What caught my attention most about these characters is that they are not super over-the-top perfect. They have flaws and scars; they find themselves in real-life situations that Ms. Hollyfield brings her usual humorous spin to.
When Penny’s life begins to fall apart, she and Patti head off on a cruise to get away, let loose and relax. Fueled by a little, well, maybe a lot of tequila they find themselves flirting with a group of hot guys off on a bachelor party cruise. Little does Penny know that one night of cutting loose, letting herself enjoy the amazing man that is Sam, was going to change her life forever.
This is book 4 in the Love Not Included Series, but they all are stand-alones. Each book chronicles a different couple and their adventures and sometimes mis-adventures on their way to love. I often cry at books, and this one was no exception, but the crying was fueled by laughter. There were so many actual laugh out loud moments in this book. There were some grab a cold drink steamy moments, and moments that warmed your heart. There was very little angst. It was just a fun book!
Ms. Hollyfield is the queen of the rom-com. I cannot wait for another book from this series.
When Penny’s life begins to fall apart, she and Patti head off on a cruise to get away, let loose and relax. Fueled by a little, well, maybe a lot of tequila they find themselves flirting with a group of hot guys off on a bachelor party cruise. Little does Penny know that one night of cutting loose, letting herself enjoy the amazing man that is Sam, was going to change her life forever.
This is book 4 in the Love Not Included Series, but they all are stand-alones. Each book chronicles a different couple and their adventures and sometimes mis-adventures on their way to love. I often cry at books, and this one was no exception, but the crying was fueled by laughter. There were so many actual laugh out loud moments in this book. There were some grab a cold drink steamy moments, and moments that warmed your heart. There was very little angst. It was just a fun book!
Ms. Hollyfield is the queen of the rom-com. I cannot wait for another book from this series.
November 14, 2016
º°✩ARC provided by author for an honest review✩º°∘
☆Title: Life As We Know It (Book 4)
☆Series: Love Not Included Novel
☆Author: J.D Hollyfield
☆Genre: Romance
☆Format: E-copy
☆Published: 14 November 2016
☆Rating: 5 ✩'s
This is another outstanding book from the author. It's the third time I read her books, and let me tell you - she never disappoints!!
Not only did this book feel so "real" with all the explanations about metal steel industries, the meetings Penelope had where she had to lay the numbers on the table, it was heart felt. I literally felt sad when a big plot twist happened.
↝✩↜✩↝✩↜✩↝✩↜
Penelope Summers (also known as Penny) was a wild child in her younger days. She and her bestie Patti, where partners in crime.
As time goes by, Penny is in a relationship with a good man, not what she really planned on, her plans was a rock boyfriend ;). Henry Berkshire ran for senator, and as all skeletons come out the closet, Henry's PA Cassandra told Henry to ditch Penny, because face it - she was a wild child and had a record!!
Down in the dumps, Penny's bestie convinced her so still use the 7 day vacation she had yet to book for her & Henry. Doing so, they went to the Caribbean for a week, Penny and Patti where going to go wild!
Let me just add tequila plays a big role in this book, and tequila led to Penny meeting the oh so hot Sam....
This book had so much twist and turns, and the last chapters really had me on the edge of my seat. I loved this book!!
☆Title: Life As We Know It (Book 4)
☆Series: Love Not Included Novel
☆Author: J.D Hollyfield
☆Genre: Romance
☆Format: E-copy
☆Published: 14 November 2016
☆Rating: 5 ✩'s
This is another outstanding book from the author. It's the third time I read her books, and let me tell you - she never disappoints!!
Not only did this book feel so "real" with all the explanations about metal steel industries, the meetings Penelope had where she had to lay the numbers on the table, it was heart felt. I literally felt sad when a big plot twist happened.
↝✩↜✩↝✩↜✩↝✩↜
Penelope Summers (also known as Penny) was a wild child in her younger days. She and her bestie Patti, where partners in crime.
As time goes by, Penny is in a relationship with a good man, not what she really planned on, her plans was a rock boyfriend ;). Henry Berkshire ran for senator, and as all skeletons come out the closet, Henry's PA Cassandra told Henry to ditch Penny, because face it - she was a wild child and had a record!!
Down in the dumps, Penny's bestie convinced her so still use the 7 day vacation she had yet to book for her & Henry. Doing so, they went to the Caribbean for a week, Penny and Patti where going to go wild!
Let me just add tequila plays a big role in this book, and tequila led to Penny meeting the oh so hot Sam....
This book had so much twist and turns, and the last chapters really had me on the edge of my seat. I loved this book!!
November 7, 2016
I received this arc in exchange for my honest review.
If ever there was a quirky, laugh out loud, fall down silly, lovable character it is Penelope. Her antics and backstory captured me from the start. She is a sort of calamity Jane type who can't seem to get out her own way.
Dumped by her stick in the mud boyfriend unceremoniously at there favorite coffee shop, she decides to take her all ready payed vacation with her bestie. Her last night on the cruise turns into a Tequila fest and a one night stand with hot, rich guy Sam on the cruise for a bachelor party weekend. Their chemistry is undeniable. All that is left of their night together is walk of shame and a lost shoe.
Returning from the trip, Penny finds herself back at her job crunching numbers for a high profile investment firm. Licking her wounds from her failed relationship and nursing a pretty nasty hangover. She is pitching to a who her boss is trying to sell really hard to a young smart, handsome, environmentally conscious hotel build when she realizes she is face with Mr. One Stand.
Sam and Penny begin a world wind romance. However things from both their pasts threaten to get in the way of their happiness. Will Sam and Penny be able t the cut through the lies, halve truths and betrayals to find their HEA?
I highly recommended this fast paced, fun, sexy rom com. Sam will make you swoon and Penny will make you LOL!!
If ever there was a quirky, laugh out loud, fall down silly, lovable character it is Penelope. Her antics and backstory captured me from the start. She is a sort of calamity Jane type who can't seem to get out her own way.
Dumped by her stick in the mud boyfriend unceremoniously at there favorite coffee shop, she decides to take her all ready payed vacation with her bestie. Her last night on the cruise turns into a Tequila fest and a one night stand with hot, rich guy Sam on the cruise for a bachelor party weekend. Their chemistry is undeniable. All that is left of their night together is walk of shame and a lost shoe.
Returning from the trip, Penny finds herself back at her job crunching numbers for a high profile investment firm. Licking her wounds from her failed relationship and nursing a pretty nasty hangover. She is pitching to a who her boss is trying to sell really hard to a young smart, handsome, environmentally conscious hotel build when she realizes she is face with Mr. One Stand.
Sam and Penny begin a world wind romance. However things from both their pasts threaten to get in the way of their happiness. Will Sam and Penny be able t the cut through the lies, halve truths and betrayals to find their HEA?
I highly recommended this fast paced, fun, sexy rom com. Sam will make you swoon and Penny will make you LOL!!
October 20, 2016
4 STARS
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This book captured my interest right from the beginning. Probably the opening sentence. And that's rare. And then it kind of fluctuated from there. There were times when I fell in love with the characters, I was so engrossed in the story and then there were times where I found it lacking emotionally. Some bits that were a bit rushed.
This book. Was HILARIOUSLY HUMOROUS. No joke. And it was like, random humour. It popped out of nowhere. I'd be reading a sentence and then this sarcastic remark pops up and next thing I know I'm laughing out loud so hard, my family thought I was having a psychotic break.
I found the sex scenes hot too but then again, I felt like it was too much. Like the author was trying to hard to get the details and emotions in, that it was lacking. It didn't deliver as well as preferred.
I fell in love with Penny and her wit and no-bullsh*t attitude. Her sarcasm drew me in, I fed on her humour obsessively. And Sam. Who would have know he was secretly an alpha male just waiting to possess Penny. That sh*t was hot.
Overall, I loved this book. Though there were moments that didn't do it for me, that no way reflects on the author because it could have been just me and who I am as a reader. But I would love to read more of her books. LOVED IT!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This book captured my interest right from the beginning. Probably the opening sentence. And that's rare. And then it kind of fluctuated from there. There were times when I fell in love with the characters, I was so engrossed in the story and then there were times where I found it lacking emotionally. Some bits that were a bit rushed.
This book. Was HILARIOUSLY HUMOROUS. No joke. And it was like, random humour. It popped out of nowhere. I'd be reading a sentence and then this sarcastic remark pops up and next thing I know I'm laughing out loud so hard, my family thought I was having a psychotic break.
I found the sex scenes hot too but then again, I felt like it was too much. Like the author was trying to hard to get the details and emotions in, that it was lacking. It didn't deliver as well as preferred.
I fell in love with Penny and her wit and no-bullsh*t attitude. Her sarcasm drew me in, I fed on her humour obsessively. And Sam. Who would have know he was secretly an alpha male just waiting to possess Penny. That sh*t was hot.
Overall, I loved this book. Though there were moments that didn't do it for me, that no way reflects on the author because it could have been just me and who I am as a reader. But I would love to read more of her books. LOVED IT!
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