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Just like That
"I bet I can untangle you."
At an airport baggage claim, Penny Darling looks up from her knotted mess of ear buds to find the sexiest hunk of man she's ever seen. He's got a military haircut, a scar through his eyebrow, and he's rocking a pastel pink dress shirt like only a real man can. But Penny is on a man-free diet so she leaves the airport without succumbing to his delicious double-entendres...or his dreamy dimples.
PI Russ Macklin can't take his eyes off Penny. As she sashays out of the airport with hips swaying and curls bouncing, he suspects they may share more than just sweltering chemistry. That suitcase she's rolling along behind her? It looks a lot like his.
Because it is.
When he tracks her down, he holds her bag hostage in exchange for a date. Their night begins with margaritas and ends in urgent care, and Russ proves that Cosmo's theory about a very particular type of orgasm was oh-so-wrong.
In Penny, Russ finds a small-town sweetheart with a very naughty side. For the first time ever, he’s thinking about picket fences. Penny finds in Russ a loving, caring man who understands the power of massaging showerheads.
But Russ is only in Port Flamingo for a week. They agree it'll be a fling and nothing more. Because really, they can't fall ass-over-teakettle in love just like that...
Can they?
Dual POV. No cheating.
Featuring a big drooly dog named Guppy.
At an airport baggage claim, Penny Darling looks up from her knotted mess of ear buds to find the sexiest hunk of man she's ever seen. He's got a military haircut, a scar through his eyebrow, and he's rocking a pastel pink dress shirt like only a real man can. But Penny is on a man-free diet so she leaves the airport without succumbing to his delicious double-entendres...or his dreamy dimples.
PI Russ Macklin can't take his eyes off Penny. As she sashays out of the airport with hips swaying and curls bouncing, he suspects they may share more than just sweltering chemistry. That suitcase she's rolling along behind her? It looks a lot like his.
Because it is.
When he tracks her down, he holds her bag hostage in exchange for a date. Their night begins with margaritas and ends in urgent care, and Russ proves that Cosmo's theory about a very particular type of orgasm was oh-so-wrong.
In Penny, Russ finds a small-town sweetheart with a very naughty side. For the first time ever, he’s thinking about picket fences. Penny finds in Russ a loving, caring man who understands the power of massaging showerheads.
But Russ is only in Port Flamingo for a week. They agree it'll be a fling and nothing more. Because really, they can't fall ass-over-teakettle in love just like that...
Can they?
Dual POV. No cheating.
Featuring a big drooly dog named Guppy.
420 pages, Unknown Binding
First published April 10, 2017
211 people are currently reading
1841 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Rendell
9 books1,003 followersBestselling author Nicola Rendell loves writing naughty romantic comedies. After receiving a handful of degrees from a handful of places, she now works as a professor in New England. Nicola’s work has been featured in USA Today’s Happy Ever After and the Huffington Post. She loves to cook, sew, and play the piano. Her hobbies might make her sound like an old lady, but she’s totally okay with that. For more information and updates, visit www.NicolaRendell.com.
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March 24, 2017
Just Like That is by Nicola Rendell. Do you know that wonderful feeling when you find THAT author, the one that you know before you even read the first word in a book that you are going to love it? That it will completely take over your head and your heart for the duration? Well, I have found that with Nicola Rendell. This is the second book I’ve read of hers. Both books, for completely different reasons, completely rocked my world. In this book, I found not only the two main characters, but an entire town full of people that I fell in love with. And a dog that you will never forget. This book made me laugh, swoon (a lot), sigh (even more) and mostly, just made me happy. Let me tell you about it.
Russ Macklin is a private investigator and lives in Boston. He’s on what might be his last job before some big upcoming changes in his life. But for now, his next week is going to be spent in the tiny coastal town of Port Flamingo, Florida. As soon as he gets off the plane he is struck by the sight of a beautiful woman. She is trying to untangle her ear buds. They strike up a conversation and he does his best to get her to agree to see him again but she says no.
Penelope Eloise Darling, or Penny, loves her life in Port Flamingo. It’s the perfect little town and almost all of her family is here. Her best friend lives next door. The only negative is that Penny seems to have the worst luck with men. So, she’s on a man-free diet. But if there was ever a guy that would tempt her to fall off the wagon, it’s Russ.
I want to take a minute to tell you about Penny’s dog, Guppy. Penny rescued Guppy and to say that he has a couple of little issues would be an understatement. Especially when Guppy is about as big as a polar bear.
Circumstances work in Russ’s favor and he gets his date. But it’s not the date you might have hoped for when it ends them up in Urgent Care. But even with all the little blips in their evening, that night is the start of something beautiful. Something neither of them were prepared for.
“She’s a fog and I’m lost in her”
“Here lies Penelope Darling, who died of a swoon.”
Penny and Russ’s week isn’t without bumps in the road. Russ is under cover at first so he isn’t forth coming as to his reasons for being in town. But the job he was on quickly morphs into something else. But then there’s that issue of the untruths he has told.
Somehow, these two overcome it all, though, and continue to fall for each other. And let me tell you, together, they are like spontaneous combustion. These two are hot, hot, hot! Nicola Rendell can most definitely write steam and these two melt the words right off the pages. Sweet Penny has another side to her which Russ loves uncovering.
“The truth is that I’d go pretty much anywhere with him. Legal, illegal, public, private. Do anything, go anywhere, in one hot minute. My whole body is thrumming with it. With him, for him.
You know what I fantasized about? What I’ve always been fantasizing about? You. And I didn’t even know it.”
Russ and Penny were perfect. I am so in love with both of them. I am a highlighter and I highlighted tons of quotes. The book was filled with swoony lines. I wish I could include them all in this review. I guess you’ll have to read the book to get more of them.
“All day, it’s been you. Since the minute I saw you, it’s been you. I think my whole life, even before I knew you, it was you.”
Here lies Penelope, struck through by ten thousand heart-fletched arrows. Me. Just me. This sexy, mysterious man was always waiting to meet me.
These two are funny, quirky, sweet, sexy as heck, and just wonderful. So, all I can say is, read the book. It will make your heart happy.
“You make me feel like I’m everything. Like I’m the only woman in the world.”
“Because you are.”
Russ Macklin is a private investigator and lives in Boston. He’s on what might be his last job before some big upcoming changes in his life. But for now, his next week is going to be spent in the tiny coastal town of Port Flamingo, Florida. As soon as he gets off the plane he is struck by the sight of a beautiful woman. She is trying to untangle her ear buds. They strike up a conversation and he does his best to get her to agree to see him again but she says no.
Penelope Eloise Darling, or Penny, loves her life in Port Flamingo. It’s the perfect little town and almost all of her family is here. Her best friend lives next door. The only negative is that Penny seems to have the worst luck with men. So, she’s on a man-free diet. But if there was ever a guy that would tempt her to fall off the wagon, it’s Russ.
I want to take a minute to tell you about Penny’s dog, Guppy. Penny rescued Guppy and to say that he has a couple of little issues would be an understatement. Especially when Guppy is about as big as a polar bear.
Circumstances work in Russ’s favor and he gets his date. But it’s not the date you might have hoped for when it ends them up in Urgent Care. But even with all the little blips in their evening, that night is the start of something beautiful. Something neither of them were prepared for.
“She’s a fog and I’m lost in her”
“Here lies Penelope Darling, who died of a swoon.”
Penny and Russ’s week isn’t without bumps in the road. Russ is under cover at first so he isn’t forth coming as to his reasons for being in town. But the job he was on quickly morphs into something else. But then there’s that issue of the untruths he has told.
Somehow, these two overcome it all, though, and continue to fall for each other. And let me tell you, together, they are like spontaneous combustion. These two are hot, hot, hot! Nicola Rendell can most definitely write steam and these two melt the words right off the pages. Sweet Penny has another side to her which Russ loves uncovering.
“The truth is that I’d go pretty much anywhere with him. Legal, illegal, public, private. Do anything, go anywhere, in one hot minute. My whole body is thrumming with it. With him, for him.
You know what I fantasized about? What I’ve always been fantasizing about? You. And I didn’t even know it.”
Russ and Penny were perfect. I am so in love with both of them. I am a highlighter and I highlighted tons of quotes. The book was filled with swoony lines. I wish I could include them all in this review. I guess you’ll have to read the book to get more of them.
“All day, it’s been you. Since the minute I saw you, it’s been you. I think my whole life, even before I knew you, it was you.”
Here lies Penelope, struck through by ten thousand heart-fletched arrows. Me. Just me. This sexy, mysterious man was always waiting to meet me.
These two are funny, quirky, sweet, sexy as heck, and just wonderful. So, all I can say is, read the book. It will make your heart happy.
“You make me feel like I’m everything. Like I’m the only woman in the world.”
“Because you are.”
April 9, 2017
*praise hands* ← totally the position I'm in. Because after finishing Just Like That, bar getting down on my knees in front of Nicola and thanking her for writing this book, which can't happen since we have an ocean separating us, the praise hands will have to do. I'm IN AWE guys. Just Like That is Nicola’s best book to date. Her best writing. Her best story. Her best characters. Everything. THE BEST. I just. GAH! This book is raw, captivating, utterly addictive and just full of feels and swoon.
A signature sign, I've come to realise, when reading Nicola's work, is how funny she is. That easy, laid back kinda funny. That funny, that's relatable and sincere. That funny that leaves you breathless because a one liner hits at the most PERFECT time. Or that crazy situation the characters find themselves in, is so true to life it makes you howl. Literally, SO many times in this book I laughed out loud or lost it with uncontrollable giggles. Everything was just so infectious, a book that can make you smile as big as I did while reading is a total winner!!!
The real winners of this book though have to be Russ and Penny. First off. HOLY HOT DAMN. Nicola writes her scenes so, SO, well. With just the perfect amount of heat and passion, the connection between Russ and Penny was other worldly.
Secondly, Penny! Omg, what a darling. LITERALLY. She was so cute, sassy, adorable and hilarious!
Thirdly, last but not least, RUSS MACKLIN. OH MY GOSH! This man. Where can I find one. Honestly? Because he was freaking PER-FECT. I just, don't have the right words to describe him. I mean, he's really spectacular. An Intense, hot, dirty ALPHA. But also a gentlemen. And SWOON should be his middle name because it's all I did over him. I just couldn't get enough.
I actually never wanted this book to end. Ever. This is romantic comedy at its finest people. Littered with just the right amount of emotion to add that extra little spark to the characters and the depth to the story. I'm amazed at how Nicola's writing just goes from strength to strength. Amazed at it all.
If you want a book that's refreshing, funny, packed with crazy heat and passionate love then look no further than Just Like That by Nicola Rendell.
A signature sign, I've come to realise, when reading Nicola's work, is how funny she is. That easy, laid back kinda funny. That funny, that's relatable and sincere. That funny that leaves you breathless because a one liner hits at the most PERFECT time. Or that crazy situation the characters find themselves in, is so true to life it makes you howl. Literally, SO many times in this book I laughed out loud or lost it with uncontrollable giggles. Everything was just so infectious, a book that can make you smile as big as I did while reading is a total winner!!!
The real winners of this book though have to be Russ and Penny. First off. HOLY HOT DAMN. Nicola writes her scenes so, SO, well. With just the perfect amount of heat and passion, the connection between Russ and Penny was other worldly.
Secondly, Penny! Omg, what a darling. LITERALLY. She was so cute, sassy, adorable and hilarious!
Thirdly, last but not least, RUSS MACKLIN. OH MY GOSH! This man. Where can I find one. Honestly? Because he was freaking PER-FECT. I just, don't have the right words to describe him. I mean, he's really spectacular. An Intense, hot, dirty ALPHA. But also a gentlemen. And SWOON should be his middle name because it's all I did over him. I just couldn't get enough.
I actually never wanted this book to end. Ever. This is romantic comedy at its finest people. Littered with just the right amount of emotion to add that extra little spark to the characters and the depth to the story. I'm amazed at how Nicola's writing just goes from strength to strength. Amazed at it all.
If you want a book that's refreshing, funny, packed with crazy heat and passionate love then look no further than Just Like That by Nicola Rendell.
April 1, 2017
Not a big fan of this cover. It looks like the chick is trying to knaw off the guys earlobe cannibal style!
I enjoyed this one. It was fairly well written. It had humor. It had some smokin' hot sex scenes. It had a small town filled with quirky secondary characters. Very little angst. No OM/OW drama. It had a sweet dog and two really likable main characters.
That said, I thought it was a BIT too long. It dragged for me in places. I also felt the main characters (mostly Russ) could have been more developed. I wanted a more alpha Russ. We are told he is, but he really didn't come across that way to ME. I also would have liked a better epilogue. One month out isn't really an epilogue IMO, and I would have liked a glimpse at where this couple was at farther into the future since one or the other was going to have to change their life drastically.
Overall though not a bad way to spend a few hours.
April 10, 2017
5 LET ME FEEL YOU STARS!!!
HOLY CHRIST.
HOLY. CHRIST.
This book was SINFULLY DELICIOUS. I devoured it.
I bit my fist so many times reading this book I have bruises... It was THAT HOT.
Russ and Penny were so addictive I just CAN'T. They made me smile so damn HUGE it feels like my face got a workout. Just so you know, my face is not the only body part that got worked out while reading Just Like That. You'll see what I mean.
If you like sexy, sweary dirty talking men with a big heart and a big D. And with sex moves like you've never seen in your life. NEVER. EVER. *moans* Then you NEED to meet RUSS. Like. NOW. Right now.
Another MUST READ from Rendell.
Hot sex. Eccentric town. Big drooly dog. Get it!
JUST LIKE THAT is available everywhere!
❁ Amazon: http://amzn.to/2o4X3Qu
❁ iBooks : http://apple.co/2mvU01d
❁ B&N: http://bit.ly/2oE8COe
❁ Kobo: http://bit.ly/2oFH4Z4
❁ Signed Paperbacks: https://goo.gl/zGrnCv
HOLY CHRIST.
HOLY. CHRIST.
This book was SINFULLY DELICIOUS. I devoured it.
I bit my fist so many times reading this book I have bruises... It was THAT HOT.
Russ and Penny were so addictive I just CAN'T. They made me smile so damn HUGE it feels like my face got a workout. Just so you know, my face is not the only body part that got worked out while reading Just Like That. You'll see what I mean.
If you like sexy, sweary dirty talking men with a big heart and a big D. And with sex moves like you've never seen in your life. NEVER. EVER. *moans* Then you NEED to meet RUSS. Like. NOW. Right now.
Another MUST READ from Rendell.
Hot sex. Eccentric town. Big drooly dog. Get it!
JUST LIKE THAT is available everywhere!
❁ Amazon: http://amzn.to/2o4X3Qu
❁ iBooks : http://apple.co/2mvU01d
❁ B&N: http://bit.ly/2oE8COe
❁ Kobo: http://bit.ly/2oFH4Z4
❁ Signed Paperbacks: https://goo.gl/zGrnCv
May 5, 2017
4.5 unbelievably fabulous stars!
‘I don’t believe in much, but I do believe that guys who fuck with their socks on should be taken out back and punched in the face.’
Nicola Rendell has asserted herself as one of our favourite one-click Authors. We’ve read every single book she’s published and we’ve loved them all. Picking up Just Like That was our weekend treat and we excitedly read it in one sitting, swept up in this well-written, hilarious, sweet, romantic and passionate story. Oh and we have to give props for the most fabulously written pet. We’re not sure how Nicola knows our dogs, but Guppy is pretty much a caricature of our very own Joey and Floyd!
“Every night at about 5:55, he starts to hump his bed. It’s really best if you don’t interrupt him. And he doesn’t like when you stare.”
Now, we hate dieting, it’s a necessary evil, but no way would we go on a man diet like our Penny Darling did, especially when Russ Macklin is about. Our jaws dropped and we came over all unnecessary because damn that man was the epitome of lusciousness. No question, we have a new book boyfriend for that coveted shelf and we’re not letting him go.
‘He’s dark and sweet and funny. Russ Macklin is all the best things at once.’
Just Like That had everything that makes us smile and laugh out loud, we love this Author’s sense of humour and comedic timing, and as for those hot moments, well hose us down and turn us over because we’re done. Hot actually, doesn’t even come close, we were on fire, baby!
‘He’s dominant, knows what he wants, and is damned well going to take it.’
A chance meeting changed the lives of two beautiful people who immediately felt an intense attraction. Two people who had their own lovable quirks and were set in their ways. But the heart wants what it wants and love -of the soul mate variety- can’t be denied.
‘…then here comes this little tornado of a sweetheart, with her volunteering and her home canning, and her small-town heart, and her fucking adorable aprons, and wrecks me.’
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April 9, 2017
“One week. No strings. You and me. What do you say?”
When it comes to impeccably written, engaging, clever, super sexy romantic comedies, Nicola Rendell is quickly becoming a top go-to author for me. Her wit and sense of humour shine through her every word, painting her characters with so much energy and pizzazz, they literally bounce off the pages and captivate the reader with the many delightful emotions they stir in us. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a charming small town on the Gulf Coast of Florida and its many eccentric residents, this story had all the winning components that I seek in a stress-free read—comedy, crackling sexual chemistry, sparkling dialogues—but I never expected to fall for the characters so hard, so soon. I couldn’t get enough of their quirks and whims, devouring page after page as I either giggled myself silly at their antics, or spontaneously combusted from their scrumptious romps between the sheets, because this book is the full package in every possible way. And I already want to read it again.
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April 28, 2017
A private investigator who lives & works in Boston comes to Port Flamingo for work and falls hard for a girl here.
- Insta-lust
- Insta-pregnancy
- Sweet and likable heroine
- An OK hero, one who is both alpha and sweet
- A big dog
- Lots of town's folks
- Some fun moments as it is supposed to be a romantic comedy but somehow it wasn't my cuppa
- Lots of hot scenes with no safety (full trust with someone who you just met) - WTF!?
- Too many minor events happening for chapters & chapters
- Far too many scenes with side characters
Actually, the biggest problem is that nothing very important happens at all! It was OK for a while and if it were a 150-200-page book, it would still have been OK maybe, but for a book of 316 pages, this simple plot line gets unbearably boring after a certain point. It just couldn't hold my attention and it took me 4 days to finish this book, which is an anomaly for me...
- Insta-lust
- Insta-pregnancy
- Sweet and likable heroine
- An OK hero, one who is both alpha and sweet
- A big dog
- Lots of town's folks
- Some fun moments as it is supposed to be a romantic comedy but somehow it wasn't my cuppa
- Lots of hot scenes with no safety (full trust with someone who you just met) - WTF!?
- Too many minor events happening for chapters & chapters
- Far too many scenes with side characters
Actually, the biggest problem is that nothing very important happens at all! It was OK for a while and if it were a 150-200-page book, it would still have been OK maybe, but for a book of 316 pages, this simple plot line gets unbearably boring after a certain point. It just couldn't hold my attention and it took me 4 days to finish this book, which is an anomaly for me...
February 25, 2021
”I don’t believe in much, but I do believe that guys who fuck with their socks on should be taken out back and punched in the face.”
“I want to do everything to you, Penny. I want to be good to you during the day, and terrible with you at night. I want to worship you and be so fucking rude with you.”
Synopsis:
After an unintentional bag mixup at the airport, Russ and Penny agree to go out for dinner only to end up in another mishap that requires medical attention. Although “bad” things seem to happen when they are near each other, their chemistry is too strong to walk away from each other.
- ”It started with an accidental theft, moved to an accidental poisoning, and ended with him sleeping on my porch. And yet, it was absolutely perfect from strange start to even stranger finish. I had a Cosmo-debunking orgasm, and I haven’t laughed so hard on a date… ever.”
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning: none
- Safety: Insta lust....no protection used and they didn’t know each other. So, for the safety gang this will not sit well
- Setting: Port Flamingo, Florida
Characters:
Russ (40, Private Investigator):
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Russ: dominant, knows what he wants, cool, calm, a little closed off, protective of his feelings, good sense of humor
* Something to know about Russ:
- He was hired by a golf course owner to find dirt on the mayor of Port Flamingo
- His dad died when he was in high school and his mom died 4 years ago
* A quote about Russ:
- “Russell T. Macklin, founder of Macklin Investigations, served in the US Army for 22 years. He received the Bronze Star for valor 2012, and retired from military duty in 2014.”
Penny (30’s, works for local tourism office “Visit Port Flamingo”):
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Penny: sassy, walks the line between sweet and dirty, wears her heart on her sleeve, good sense of humor
* Something to know about Penny:
- Small town girl with lots of family in the area. ”There’s a Darling every half-mile. If you’re not a Darling, you’re probably married to someone who used to be.“
- Her dog means everything to her. ”To say I have a soft spot for that dog would be like saying Port Flamingo has a small mosquito problem. Understatement of the year. “He’s a Dogo Argentino mix, I think. I don’t know for sure. He’s a rescue.”
* A quote about Penny:
- “She loves to eat, she’s got a shelf full of Dickens, and she isn’t afraid to stab a man in the leg to save his life.”
Story Thoughts:
- Guppy (the “polar bear” sized dog) had some great scenes. 😁
- Everyone needs a BFF like Maise....
“I get it. You’re protective. I respect that…”
“Protective,” she snarls. “Protective is when I stick a banana in your exhaust pipe. Protective is when I leave a rude note on your windshield. Protective is when you have to go through the carwash ten times because of the seagull shit. That is protective. You haven’t been here for three days and you’ve got her in tears already. Protective isn’t the word, you got me? Take your slick website and your military heroism and your Boston apartment and your diving records and your investigations and get the hell away from her. Go seduce someone else, you rake.”
“Jesus, she’s ferocious. She’s also foaming a little bit because of her gum. But I give her huge props. If only we were all so fucking lucky to have a friend like this one.”
- Insta love is not my thing, but I didn’t buy into their chemistry
- This is the second book I’ve read by this author and it has the same overall feeling as the first one........which is, a bunch of relatable characters, but also a bunch of over the top characters that when smashed together somehow seem to blend well.
Overview:
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: Insta love
- H likable? Yes
- h likable? Yes
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 15%
- First time they sleep together: 18%
- First time they say I Love You 84%
- steamy? Yes. Lots of descriptive bedroom scenes
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Russ reveals his true identity around 57%
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? there were some cute moments
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? 1 month later
- Recommend? that’s a good question.
A little background - I have a real problem reading over the top stories. There has to be some level of believability or truth that I can connect with. And I’m very picky when it comes to my humor. Over the top, stupid humor that feels forced is the best way for me to DNF a book.
So why then, does this author (who is very over the top with her humor) appeal to me? I have no idea. The pot smoking aunt who grows lewd and lascivious vegetables, the bad guy who has a strange sexual fetish, the animal rescue dog who has peculiar behavior, a town full of quirky people......these are things that should totally irritate me, right???
I stay out of the stupid humor swim lane.......Always!! So I don’t know why, but I seem to like this author’s stories. Therefore, if OTT is not your thing.....take my review for what it is - an unexplainable liking for a book I would normally dislike.
Quotes
“The pleather seat sears the backs of my thighs, making me feel like a cold chicken breast hitting a hot pan.”
“This goddamned town. The rest of the country is streaming Real Housewives all goddamned day, but us poor fools have to dick around holding our phones up in the air like we’re trying to catch a passing plane with a mirror. Fuckers.”
“There’s no negotiation, no ridiculous games, no preening, tentative questions, like, Is that too hard? It’s never too hard, never. Or, Is that the right spot? If you’re asking, honey, the answer is a great big no.”
“Maybe when women hit menopause, the fuck all y’all gene kicks in.”
“I want to do everything to you, Penny. I want to be good to you during the day, and terrible with you at night. I want to worship you and be so fucking rude with you.”
Synopsis:
After an unintentional bag mixup at the airport, Russ and Penny agree to go out for dinner only to end up in another mishap that requires medical attention. Although “bad” things seem to happen when they are near each other, their chemistry is too strong to walk away from each other.
- ”It started with an accidental theft, moved to an accidental poisoning, and ended with him sleeping on my porch. And yet, it was absolutely perfect from strange start to even stranger finish. I had a Cosmo-debunking orgasm, and I haven’t laughed so hard on a date… ever.”
My Thoughts: The following are my thoughts about this book:
General:
- Trigger warning: none
- Safety: Insta lust....no protection used and they didn’t know each other. So, for the safety gang this will not sit well
- Setting: Port Flamingo, Florida
Characters:
Russ (40, Private Investigator):
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Russ: dominant, knows what he wants, cool, calm, a little closed off, protective of his feelings, good sense of humor
* Something to know about Russ:
- He was hired by a golf course owner to find dirt on the mayor of Port Flamingo
- His dad died when he was in high school and his mom died 4 years ago
* A quote about Russ:
- “Russell T. Macklin, founder of Macklin Investigations, served in the US Army for 22 years. He received the Bronze Star for valor 2012, and retired from military duty in 2014.”
Penny (30’s, works for local tourism office “Visit Port Flamingo”):
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Penny: sassy, walks the line between sweet and dirty, wears her heart on her sleeve, good sense of humor
* Something to know about Penny:
- Small town girl with lots of family in the area. ”There’s a Darling every half-mile. If you’re not a Darling, you’re probably married to someone who used to be.“
- Her dog means everything to her. ”To say I have a soft spot for that dog would be like saying Port Flamingo has a small mosquito problem. Understatement of the year. “He’s a Dogo Argentino mix, I think. I don’t know for sure. He’s a rescue.”
* A quote about Penny:
- “She loves to eat, she’s got a shelf full of Dickens, and she isn’t afraid to stab a man in the leg to save his life.”
Story Thoughts:
- Guppy (the “polar bear” sized dog) had some great scenes. 😁
- Everyone needs a BFF like Maise....
“I get it. You’re protective. I respect that…”
“Protective,” she snarls. “Protective is when I stick a banana in your exhaust pipe. Protective is when I leave a rude note on your windshield. Protective is when you have to go through the carwash ten times because of the seagull shit. That is protective. You haven’t been here for three days and you’ve got her in tears already. Protective isn’t the word, you got me? Take your slick website and your military heroism and your Boston apartment and your diving records and your investigations and get the hell away from her. Go seduce someone else, you rake.”
“Jesus, she’s ferocious. She’s also foaming a little bit because of her gum. But I give her huge props. If only we were all so fucking lucky to have a friend like this one.”
- Insta love is not my thing, but I didn’t buy into their chemistry
- This is the second book I’ve read by this author and it has the same overall feeling as the first one........which is, a bunch of relatable characters, but also a bunch of over the top characters that when smashed together somehow seem to blend well.
Overview:
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: Insta love
- H likable? Yes
- h likable? Yes
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 15%
- First time they sleep together: 18%
- First time they say I Love You 84%
- steamy? Yes. Lots of descriptive bedroom scenes
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Russ reveals his true identity around 57%
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? there were some cute moments
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? 1 month later
- Recommend? that’s a good question.
A little background - I have a real problem reading over the top stories. There has to be some level of believability or truth that I can connect with. And I’m very picky when it comes to my humor. Over the top, stupid humor that feels forced is the best way for me to DNF a book.
So why then, does this author (who is very over the top with her humor) appeal to me? I have no idea. The pot smoking aunt who grows lewd and lascivious vegetables, the bad guy who has a strange sexual fetish, the animal rescue dog who has peculiar behavior, a town full of quirky people......these are things that should totally irritate me, right???
I stay out of the stupid humor swim lane.......Always!! So I don’t know why, but I seem to like this author’s stories. Therefore, if OTT is not your thing.....take my review for what it is - an unexplainable liking for a book I would normally dislike.
Quotes
“The pleather seat sears the backs of my thighs, making me feel like a cold chicken breast hitting a hot pan.”
“This goddamned town. The rest of the country is streaming Real Housewives all goddamned day, but us poor fools have to dick around holding our phones up in the air like we’re trying to catch a passing plane with a mirror. Fuckers.”
“There’s no negotiation, no ridiculous games, no preening, tentative questions, like, Is that too hard? It’s never too hard, never. Or, Is that the right spot? If you’re asking, honey, the answer is a great big no.”
“Maybe when women hit menopause, the fuck all y’all gene kicks in.”
April 15, 2017
4.5 Delicious Stars!!
"Curse this No Man Diet. Curse it.
If you like your happily-ever-after with a side of naughty, then this book is for you!! I love Nicola Rendell's breezy, snappy writing style and her sex scenes are NOT to believed!! Grab me a fan!!
Penny Darling is a small-town girl who has sworn off men (for now). She literally bumps into Russ at an airport and well let's just say things will never be the same! Russ is an ex-military man, all Alpha and appealing and sexy and irresistible. He is visiting Penny's sleepy little town for just a few days but finds Penny sweet, sexy and just his type.
“All I’m doing is negotiating. You’ve got something I want, and I plan to get it…Penny Darling.” But I don’t say it like a name. I say it like I mean it. Penny, darling.
Half the fun of reading this book is Penny's HILARIOUS inner monologue. Good Lord, this Russ is a man who knows what he wants and isn't shy about going after it! Penny quickly falls under his spell but Russ is keeping a secret from Penny.
Russ really is a good man, and he quickly falls for Penny. He lives in Boston but begins to fall in love with Penny's quirky small Florida town of Port Flamingo. I love the small-town romance trope but for me, some of the zany shenanigans here overshadowed the smoking hot relationship between Penny and Russ. I could not get enough of the scenes between these two!!
“I won’t hurt you until you tell me I can.” She gasps into her arm. “Where did you learn to talk like that?” “Not learned. It’s part of the package.” “I like the package,” she says, as I position myself at her opening. “You don’t know the package.”
The steamy-hot romance, the humor, the dialogue...all of this added up to a winner for me. The author must have a terrific sense of humor because it really shines through in her writing. Penny is a very relatable heroine, warm, loyal, down-to-earth and FUNNY. She knows she is falling fast for Russ but these two are clearly meant for each other. Russ is simply irresistible and makes it easy for Penny to fall in love with him.
"Here lies Penelope Darling, who died of a swoon."
Bravo to Ms. Rendell for writing a very adult, very explicit erotic romantic comedy. 'Just Like That' is a perfect book if you are looking for a swoony, SEXY and very, very hot read with two very relatable main characters. Loved the Epilogue and I'm really looking forward to more books from this incredibly talented author.
“All day, it’s been you. Since the minute I saw you, it’s been you. My whole life, even before I knew you, it was you.”
"Curse this No Man Diet. Curse it.
If you like your happily-ever-after with a side of naughty, then this book is for you!! I love Nicola Rendell's breezy, snappy writing style and her sex scenes are NOT to believed!! Grab me a fan!!
Penny Darling is a small-town girl who has sworn off men (for now). She literally bumps into Russ at an airport and well let's just say things will never be the same! Russ is an ex-military man, all Alpha and appealing and sexy and irresistible. He is visiting Penny's sleepy little town for just a few days but finds Penny sweet, sexy and just his type.
“All I’m doing is negotiating. You’ve got something I want, and I plan to get it…Penny Darling.” But I don’t say it like a name. I say it like I mean it. Penny, darling.
Half the fun of reading this book is Penny's HILARIOUS inner monologue. Good Lord, this Russ is a man who knows what he wants and isn't shy about going after it! Penny quickly falls under his spell but Russ is keeping a secret from Penny.
Russ really is a good man, and he quickly falls for Penny. He lives in Boston but begins to fall in love with Penny's quirky small Florida town of Port Flamingo. I love the small-town romance trope but for me, some of the zany shenanigans here overshadowed the smoking hot relationship between Penny and Russ. I could not get enough of the scenes between these two!!
“I won’t hurt you until you tell me I can.” She gasps into her arm. “Where did you learn to talk like that?” “Not learned. It’s part of the package.” “I like the package,” she says, as I position myself at her opening. “You don’t know the package.”
The steamy-hot romance, the humor, the dialogue...all of this added up to a winner for me. The author must have a terrific sense of humor because it really shines through in her writing. Penny is a very relatable heroine, warm, loyal, down-to-earth and FUNNY. She knows she is falling fast for Russ but these two are clearly meant for each other. Russ is simply irresistible and makes it easy for Penny to fall in love with him.
"Here lies Penelope Darling, who died of a swoon."
Bravo to Ms. Rendell for writing a very adult, very explicit erotic romantic comedy. 'Just Like That' is a perfect book if you are looking for a swoony, SEXY and very, very hot read with two very relatable main characters. Loved the Epilogue and I'm really looking forward to more books from this incredibly talented author.
“All day, it’s been you. Since the minute I saw you, it’s been you. My whole life, even before I knew you, it was you.”
April 12, 2017
For me, there is nothing more thrilling than beginning to read a new book and within the first few pages I get this giddy feeling because I know I am reading something that I completely connect with. That totally happened with this book, I am in book love and fell just as fast as Penny & Russ did.
This book had everything I love in a romance story and then some. I loved the witty banter between Russ & Penny. I love how Russ found all Penny's quirks so adorable and endearing. I loved Guppy the dog and the relationship built between him & Russ. I believe that the best way to get the measure of a man is seeing how he interacts with his family, with children and animals - it can reveal a lot about his character and personality traits.
I also love how Russ and Penny had this incredible connection right from the moment they met, I know that this is often called 'insta-love' but it didn't feel like that, it just felt so right and natural between them. When you know, you just know and I am speaking from my own personal experience too when I say this, therefore it is much easier for me to understand that it can happen - just like that.
Penny is a kind hearted, beautiful, single woman who is currently on a self imposed 'no man diet.' She meets Russ at the airport when she is arriving back to her hometown of Port Flamingo, Florida. On the outside she is trying to remain cool while this gorgeous man is chatting to her but on the inside she is filled with desire and wants him more than her next breath. However, she is determined to stick to the 'no man diet.'
Russ is completely taken by this adorably cute woman, okay she is a complete knock out too and is a bit bummed not to have secured a date with her. However, luck is on his side when he discovers they have each other's suitcases and ding, ding - her address and phone number are on the label. A second chance to see her and get her to go out with him is back on the cards.
Russ is about to experience what life in a small town is like and he finds himself becoming really fond of Port Flamingo but it mostly has everything to do with Penny Darling. Her home made banana bread, marmalade and oat raisin cookies are like an arrow to his heart. She is perfect in every way, the sort of woman you marry and live happily ever after with. However, he lives in Boston and when she finds out the truth around why he is in her town she is likely going to be pretty mad.
I have to give a special mention to the sexual chemistry between these two. So in case you are wondering - yes, they definitely get it on. The sexy times were incredible to read about. Seriously, I have found myself skipping over sex scenes in some books because they haven't really piqued my interest but OMG I savored every word of them in this story. And then I re-read them because I was such a turned on, aroused mess over them. I was reading them out loud to my husband and each night he was asking me what Russ and Penny had gotten up to each time he saw me reading :-)
This was my first read from this author and I am so glad I took a chance on this wonderful heart warming story.
This book had everything I love in a romance story and then some. I loved the witty banter between Russ & Penny. I love how Russ found all Penny's quirks so adorable and endearing. I loved Guppy the dog and the relationship built between him & Russ. I believe that the best way to get the measure of a man is seeing how he interacts with his family, with children and animals - it can reveal a lot about his character and personality traits.
I also love how Russ and Penny had this incredible connection right from the moment they met, I know that this is often called 'insta-love' but it didn't feel like that, it just felt so right and natural between them. When you know, you just know and I am speaking from my own personal experience too when I say this, therefore it is much easier for me to understand that it can happen - just like that.
Penny is a kind hearted, beautiful, single woman who is currently on a self imposed 'no man diet.' She meets Russ at the airport when she is arriving back to her hometown of Port Flamingo, Florida. On the outside she is trying to remain cool while this gorgeous man is chatting to her but on the inside she is filled with desire and wants him more than her next breath. However, she is determined to stick to the 'no man diet.'
Russ is completely taken by this adorably cute woman, okay she is a complete knock out too and is a bit bummed not to have secured a date with her. However, luck is on his side when he discovers they have each other's suitcases and ding, ding - her address and phone number are on the label. A second chance to see her and get her to go out with him is back on the cards.
Russ is about to experience what life in a small town is like and he finds himself becoming really fond of Port Flamingo but it mostly has everything to do with Penny Darling. Her home made banana bread, marmalade and oat raisin cookies are like an arrow to his heart. She is perfect in every way, the sort of woman you marry and live happily ever after with. However, he lives in Boston and when she finds out the truth around why he is in her town she is likely going to be pretty mad.
I have to give a special mention to the sexual chemistry between these two. So in case you are wondering - yes, they definitely get it on. The sexy times were incredible to read about. Seriously, I have found myself skipping over sex scenes in some books because they haven't really piqued my interest but OMG I savored every word of them in this story. And then I re-read them because I was such a turned on, aroused mess over them. I was reading them out loud to my husband and each night he was asking me what Russ and Penny had gotten up to each time he saw me reading :-)
This was my first read from this author and I am so glad I took a chance on this wonderful heart warming story.
February 17, 2019
🌟🌟🌟
It started out great. I thought this was going to go on my keeper shelf. It was funny and cute, but not overly so. I had a smile on my face for about the first half of the book. This author is a comic genius. So refreshing. I laughed out loud over and over.
The dog, Guppy, steals the freakin show. He’s awesome.
At first, I thought Russ was the most wonderful hero—devoted and not a manwhore, BUT then at 43% he sort of dissolved on me. He had internal conversations about how he learned to spank women and how it had to be just right. You know… practice makes perfect. And Penney, who was great by the way, turned into a submissive ninny during sex. I had great expectations until this. I’m so over the fifty shades wanna be’s.
At about 60%, Russ started skeeving me out with his condescending idea of romance. He was teaching her about anal, something she’d never done before, and I wanted to barf. Penny seemed to enjoy it, though. She turned out to be way more submissive than I’d originally thought.
Bottom line: the author didn’t convince me they were in love. Lust, yes. Love, no. There is a difference. It was all about the sex.
SAFETY: They were both experienced. No idea how much. I got the feeling he wasn’t a man whore, but he had experience in light BDSM. The first time they have sex was on the first day they met and he wanted to go unprotected even though he had access to condom’s. How can an author, in this day and age, write people so irresponsible and reckless? THEY DIDN’T EVEN KNOW EACH OTHER. Yes, I was yelling. He had no clue if she was on BC and she never told us.
It started out great. I thought this was going to go on my keeper shelf. It was funny and cute, but not overly so. I had a smile on my face for about the first half of the book. This author is a comic genius. So refreshing. I laughed out loud over and over.
The dog, Guppy, steals the freakin show. He’s awesome.
At first, I thought Russ was the most wonderful hero—devoted and not a manwhore, BUT then at 43% he sort of dissolved on me. He had internal conversations about how he learned to spank women and how it had to be just right. You know… practice makes perfect. And Penney, who was great by the way, turned into a submissive ninny during sex. I had great expectations until this. I’m so over the fifty shades wanna be’s.
At about 60%, Russ started skeeving me out with his condescending idea of romance. He was teaching her about anal, something she’d never done before, and I wanted to barf. Penny seemed to enjoy it, though. She turned out to be way more submissive than I’d originally thought.
Bottom line: the author didn’t convince me they were in love. Lust, yes. Love, no. There is a difference. It was all about the sex.
SAFETY: They were both experienced. No idea how much. I got the feeling he wasn’t a man whore, but he had experience in light BDSM. The first time they have sex was on the first day they met and he wanted to go unprotected even though he had access to condom’s. How can an author, in this day and age, write people so irresponsible and reckless? THEY DIDN’T EVEN KNOW EACH OTHER. Yes, I was yelling. He had no clue if she was on BC and she never told us.
April 13, 2017
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
5 Guppy Loving CROWNS
Nicola Rendell delivers another romance filled to the brim with heart, laughter, and heat. From the opening pages, readers are transported to the unique world filled with varied and lovable characters, and they will absolutely get caught up in the whirlwind romance of Penny and Russ.
One thing that readers have come to expect of Nicola Rendell’s characters is that they will be intriguing and even quirky, and no one fits this bill more than Penelope Darling. She is hands down my favorite heroine from all of her books. Readers will adore her free spirit, her love of her town, and her loyalty to her friends. She exudes happiness and sunshine in such an authentic way that those surrounded by her can help but be affected by it. She also leads this simple, yet holistic life, and does so in such a way that makes that type of living seem appealing, making others, including me, want to move to the land of pink flamingos and no wi-fi. Just like the readers fall under the spell of Penny and this crazy town, Russ can’t resist it either. Russ is the perfect alpha male. He has all that protective, sexy, hot goodness going on, but he also has this incredibly open and vulnerable side. Readers will absolutely love his willingness to confess his feelings, to declare what he wants, and to put it all on the line for her and their relationship. Russ will seduce readers with his dominant and alpha nature in the bedroom and is romantic words outside of the bedroom.
Penny and Russ fall fast, quickly moving from insta-lust to insta-love. However, Nicola Rendell has a knack of making these fast paced relationships believable and authentic. Yes, it is a short time, but as a reader, I bought into their whole relationship. I believe their love, because their connection in and out of the bed is explosive. These characters connect on all levels, only serving to create a romance that will leave readers swooning.
Readers will also enjoy the story line she creates for the characters. Just Like That, although follows some of the traditional expected conflicts based on the synopsis of the book, it did not go the route I expect. The expected conflict is there and is resolved appropriately, but it doesn’t become the crux of the story. They story becomes about them building something solid and about them working together to create a relationship that is meaningful and permanent. Their whole journey though is entertaining. Readers will laugh, swoon, cringe a tiny bit (you will understand when you get there), need a fan, as usual for a Nicola Rendell novel, and, ultimately, be left with a romance they will want to revisit time and time again.
Nicole Rendell continues to be a refreshing and unique voice in the romance world. Her stories are varied and interesting, engaging readers from the very first page. Her heroines are unlike any I’ve read before, and I love all their quirky goodness. Her heroes are among my favorite alphas, hitting the perfect balance of dominant and sweet. And, boy, does she bring the dirty with her romance every single time. Just Like That is just another glaring example of all the things that are right about a Nicola Rendell book.
-----------------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
5 Guppy Loving CROWNS
Nicola Rendell delivers another romance filled to the brim with heart, laughter, and heat. From the opening pages, readers are transported to the unique world filled with varied and lovable characters, and they will absolutely get caught up in the whirlwind romance of Penny and Russ.
One thing that readers have come to expect of Nicola Rendell’s characters is that they will be intriguing and even quirky, and no one fits this bill more than Penelope Darling. She is hands down my favorite heroine from all of her books. Readers will adore her free spirit, her love of her town, and her loyalty to her friends. She exudes happiness and sunshine in such an authentic way that those surrounded by her can help but be affected by it. She also leads this simple, yet holistic life, and does so in such a way that makes that type of living seem appealing, making others, including me, want to move to the land of pink flamingos and no wi-fi. Just like the readers fall under the spell of Penny and this crazy town, Russ can’t resist it either. Russ is the perfect alpha male. He has all that protective, sexy, hot goodness going on, but he also has this incredibly open and vulnerable side. Readers will absolutely love his willingness to confess his feelings, to declare what he wants, and to put it all on the line for her and their relationship. Russ will seduce readers with his dominant and alpha nature in the bedroom and is romantic words outside of the bedroom.
Penny and Russ fall fast, quickly moving from insta-lust to insta-love. However, Nicola Rendell has a knack of making these fast paced relationships believable and authentic. Yes, it is a short time, but as a reader, I bought into their whole relationship. I believe their love, because their connection in and out of the bed is explosive. These characters connect on all levels, only serving to create a romance that will leave readers swooning.
Readers will also enjoy the story line she creates for the characters. Just Like That, although follows some of the traditional expected conflicts based on the synopsis of the book, it did not go the route I expect. The expected conflict is there and is resolved appropriately, but it doesn’t become the crux of the story. They story becomes about them building something solid and about them working together to create a relationship that is meaningful and permanent. Their whole journey though is entertaining. Readers will laugh, swoon, cringe a tiny bit (you will understand when you get there), need a fan, as usual for a Nicola Rendell novel, and, ultimately, be left with a romance they will want to revisit time and time again.
Nicole Rendell continues to be a refreshing and unique voice in the romance world. Her stories are varied and interesting, engaging readers from the very first page. Her heroines are unlike any I’ve read before, and I love all their quirky goodness. Her heroes are among my favorite alphas, hitting the perfect balance of dominant and sweet. And, boy, does she bring the dirty with her romance every single time. Just Like That is just another glaring example of all the things that are right about a Nicola Rendell book.
-----------------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
April 27, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Author and Ardent Prose PR**
3.5 Stars
I struggled with this book at the beginning and, for some reason, I had a hard time warming up to Russ. I liked Penny from the start, her quirky life, her town with no cell signal and her insanely large dog...all great. So I kept going, as I figured I would warm up to Russ, just like Penny did.
And I did. This book is laugh-out-loud funny, and in more than one place I found myself questioning how in the world Nicola Rendell thinks of these things. The humor works well, and it flows well, but OMG some of the observations had me in stitches and pondering how her brain works to even come up with that stuff.
I loved the chemistry for Penny and Russ, and I adored that I believed that they really would be able to make a go of their relationship. I like it, when I get to the end of a book, that I really believe the characters have a happily ever after that is going to stick. In this case, I definitely think they are perfect for one another.
There were places where I thought that the humor overshadowed the romance a little, but that is what I think the author was going for, to make this a real laugh out loud book filled with pink flamingo mailboxes, loony cocktail yoga friends and Urgent Cars centers that used to be a pizza place (don't worry, no spoilers, all of those references are minor and VERY early in the book).
I do recommend this, especially for people who are looking for a really quirky, fun romance read with some seriously hot sexy times.
3.5 Stars
I struggled with this book at the beginning and, for some reason, I had a hard time warming up to Russ. I liked Penny from the start, her quirky life, her town with no cell signal and her insanely large dog...all great. So I kept going, as I figured I would warm up to Russ, just like Penny did.
And I did. This book is laugh-out-loud funny, and in more than one place I found myself questioning how in the world Nicola Rendell thinks of these things. The humor works well, and it flows well, but OMG some of the observations had me in stitches and pondering how her brain works to even come up with that stuff.
I loved the chemistry for Penny and Russ, and I adored that I believed that they really would be able to make a go of their relationship. I like it, when I get to the end of a book, that I really believe the characters have a happily ever after that is going to stick. In this case, I definitely think they are perfect for one another.
There were places where I thought that the humor overshadowed the romance a little, but that is what I think the author was going for, to make this a real laugh out loud book filled with pink flamingo mailboxes, loony cocktail yoga friends and Urgent Cars centers that used to be a pizza place (don't worry, no spoilers, all of those references are minor and VERY early in the book).
I do recommend this, especially for people who are looking for a really quirky, fun romance read with some seriously hot sexy times.
May 8, 2017
Overall, I liked this mad cap romantic comedy. This story really is about what happens when you get gobsmacked by love, when you find your perfect partner.
The heroine comes from a great colorful family with in a crazy coastal Florida town. There are lots of quirky characters around here including the heroine. Her dog is the very best. He might be my favorite characters.
The hero is too aggressive for me at times and sets my teeth on edge. He says things like he always gets what he wants...and he does. His interior talk is very sweet and adoring so it gets me through the parts I don't like as well.
There is a lot of hot sweaty sex and a silly investigation save the town plot which I rather liked.
It is an over the top lot of fun on the whole.
The heroine comes from a great colorful family with in a crazy coastal Florida town. There are lots of quirky characters around here including the heroine. Her dog is the very best. He might be my favorite characters.
The hero is too aggressive for me at times and sets my teeth on edge. He says things like he always gets what he wants...and he does. His interior talk is very sweet and adoring so it gets me through the parts I don't like as well.
There is a lot of hot sweaty sex and a silly investigation save the town plot which I rather liked.
It is an over the top lot of fun on the whole.
April 10, 2017
4.5 unbelievably fabulous stars!
‘I don’t believe in much, but I do believe that guys who fuck with their socks on should be taken out back and punched in the face.’
Nicola Rendell has asserted herself as one of our favourite one-click Authors. We’ve read every single book she’s published and we’ve loved them all. Picking up Just Like That was our weekend treat and we excitedly read it in one sitting, swept up in this well-written, hilarious, sweet, romantic and passionate story. Oh and we have to give props for the most fabulously written pet. We’re not sure how Nicola knows our dogs, but Guppy is pretty much a caricature of our very own Joey and Floyd!
“Every night at about 5:55, he starts to hump his bed. It’s really best if you don’t interrupt him. And he doesn’t like when you stare.”
Now, we hate dieting, it’s a necessary evil, but no way would we go on a man diet like our Penny Darling did, especially when Russ Macklin is about. Our jaws dropped and we came over all unnecessary because damn that man was the epitome of lusciousness. No question, we have a new book boyfriend for that coveted shelf and we’re not letting him go.
‘He’s dark and sweet and funny. Russ Macklin is all the best things at once.’
Just Like That had everything that makes us smile and laugh out loud, we love this Author’s sense of humour and comedic timing, and as for those hot moments, well hose us down and turn us over because we’re done. Hot actually, doesn’t even come close, we were on fire, baby!
‘He’s dominant, knows what he wants, and is damned well going to take it.’
A chance meeting changed the lives of two beautiful people who immediately felt an intense attraction. Two people who had their own lovable quirks and were set in their ways. But the heart wants what it wants and love -of the soul mate variety- can’t be denied.
‘…then here comes this little tornado of a sweetheart, with her volunteering and her home canning, and her small-town heart, and her fucking adorable aprons, and wrecks me.’
Now, we’re not huge fans of insta love and this romance is as insta as it gets and for that reason we did find it hard to connect to the romance aspect in the first thirty percent or so. However, the seed was sown and we ultimately fell hook line and sinker the further we got into this story. It was all just so bubble-gum pink with a Bunsen burner thrown into the mix whilst it continuously tickled our funny bone. Nicola Rendell is certainly a queen of sexy romantic comedies, of that there’s no question. Words to the wise though, if you’re anything like us you may want to google a certain term…you’ll know what we mean when you read this story. Our only advice….proceed with caution and make sure no one can see your google result *wink wink – nudge nudge*.
“We’re in deep, Penny.”
“I know.”
“I never want to come up for air.”
“Me neither.”
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April 14, 2017
4.5 Stars!
This book was so much fun! It starts off with a chance encounter at an airport, and I'm already excited because I love any kind of scene in an airport. The instant chemistry was done perfectly and I love when a book starts off by making me smile! It just felt really nice to read a trope that could have easily felt cliché but it absolutely did not. It felt real and reminded me of the humility that life brings when not everything goes your way, but you make the best of it regardless of the situation. Throw in a sexy guy with just the right amount of cockiness and I was hooked!
Told in alternating dual first person pov’s, this story flowed so well and before I knew it I was half way through. I don't always like the POV from the hero unless the book is in third person or during the epilogue, but in this story, it fit perfectly. And I loved being inside the head of Russ because he's so damn funny and hearing his vulnerability from the inside while being so confident on the outside made his character so endearing and swoon-worthy for sure!
Penny is priceless! I absolutely adore her character, she's funny and quirky and is testing her limits with her self-proclaimed NO MAN DIET. After making some bad decisions in regards to men it's easy to see why she'd want to abstain from temptation, but we all have an Achilles heel and Penny's is definitely in the form of Russ. Hot, cocky, beautiful, RUSS.
Russ is only in town for a short period of time so he decides to try his luck at a no-strings deal with Penny. This quickly turns into a passionate fling and let me tell you the chemistry between these two was truly delectable. I found myself in such a happy place while reading because the story had such a well-rounded vibe to it. Not too much drama or angst and it just made me feel good, I can't really explain it any other way than that. Plus, the writing was great and I know I emphasized how good the flow was earlier but it really was so smooth and I can't stress enough how important that is to me. I love gliding through a story and not realizing how far in I am.
As the story progressed I really loved the anticipatory feel of what was going to happen. Like I said, the angst factor isn't huge but it's great to see these two people navigate through their growing feelings for each other and not knowing what that means since their arrangement is supposed to be short lived. Some things come into question about trusting one another and there are some super hilarious moments and some really hot sexy times too! This was a great read that I totally enjoyed and will probably read again when I need something to put me in a great mood. Definitely one click worthy!
This book was so much fun! It starts off with a chance encounter at an airport, and I'm already excited because I love any kind of scene in an airport. The instant chemistry was done perfectly and I love when a book starts off by making me smile! It just felt really nice to read a trope that could have easily felt cliché but it absolutely did not. It felt real and reminded me of the humility that life brings when not everything goes your way, but you make the best of it regardless of the situation. Throw in a sexy guy with just the right amount of cockiness and I was hooked!
Told in alternating dual first person pov’s, this story flowed so well and before I knew it I was half way through. I don't always like the POV from the hero unless the book is in third person or during the epilogue, but in this story, it fit perfectly. And I loved being inside the head of Russ because he's so damn funny and hearing his vulnerability from the inside while being so confident on the outside made his character so endearing and swoon-worthy for sure!
Penny is priceless! I absolutely adore her character, she's funny and quirky and is testing her limits with her self-proclaimed NO MAN DIET. After making some bad decisions in regards to men it's easy to see why she'd want to abstain from temptation, but we all have an Achilles heel and Penny's is definitely in the form of Russ. Hot, cocky, beautiful, RUSS.
Russ is only in town for a short period of time so he decides to try his luck at a no-strings deal with Penny. This quickly turns into a passionate fling and let me tell you the chemistry between these two was truly delectable. I found myself in such a happy place while reading because the story had such a well-rounded vibe to it. Not too much drama or angst and it just made me feel good, I can't really explain it any other way than that. Plus, the writing was great and I know I emphasized how good the flow was earlier but it really was so smooth and I can't stress enough how important that is to me. I love gliding through a story and not realizing how far in I am.
As the story progressed I really loved the anticipatory feel of what was going to happen. Like I said, the angst factor isn't huge but it's great to see these two people navigate through their growing feelings for each other and not knowing what that means since their arrangement is supposed to be short lived. Some things come into question about trusting one another and there are some super hilarious moments and some really hot sexy times too! This was a great read that I totally enjoyed and will probably read again when I need something to put me in a great mood. Definitely one click worthy!
April 10, 2017
I can safely say that I haven't laughed and swooned whilst reading a book until Just Like That. This was my first book by Nicola Rendell and I can't wait to read her other books. She gave me characters that I instantly fell in love with.
Penelope Darling, or Penny as she likes to be called, lives in the small town of Port Flamingo with her dog, Guppy. It's the kind of town where everyone knows one another, her best friend, Maisie is also her neighbor, and her family doesn't live far away.
Russ is a private investigator from Boston. After he spots Penny at an airport carousel, he is instantly attracted to her. When he tries to woo her by offering to help untangle her headphones, he thinks he is in with a chance. But after endless unsuccessful relationships, Penny is on a No-Man Diet and shoots Russ down.
Feeling a little defeated, Russ thinks that would be the last time he sees Penny... until he discovers she has walked off with his bag.
Russ eventually wins Penny over and gets a date. And to say their first date is eventful is an understatement! It is hands down one of the funniest scenes I have read in a long time!
I loved the secondary characters in this book as well, especially Guppy. There were certain scenes that had tears of laughter rolling down my face. Russ and Penny were just such a great couple and the sexy times were hot and steamy. There was no drama and the angst levels were minimal.
This is one of my favourite reads so far of 2017! If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh and swoon at the same time, then Just Like That is the book for you.
Penelope Darling, or Penny as she likes to be called, lives in the small town of Port Flamingo with her dog, Guppy. It's the kind of town where everyone knows one another, her best friend, Maisie is also her neighbor, and her family doesn't live far away.
Russ is a private investigator from Boston. After he spots Penny at an airport carousel, he is instantly attracted to her. When he tries to woo her by offering to help untangle her headphones, he thinks he is in with a chance. But after endless unsuccessful relationships, Penny is on a No-Man Diet and shoots Russ down.
Feeling a little defeated, Russ thinks that would be the last time he sees Penny... until he discovers she has walked off with his bag.
Russ eventually wins Penny over and gets a date. And to say their first date is eventful is an understatement! It is hands down one of the funniest scenes I have read in a long time!
I loved the secondary characters in this book as well, especially Guppy. There were certain scenes that had tears of laughter rolling down my face. Russ and Penny were just such a great couple and the sexy times were hot and steamy. There was no drama and the angst levels were minimal.
This is one of my favourite reads so far of 2017! If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh and swoon at the same time, then Just Like That is the book for you.
April 3, 2017
Nicola Rendell has written an absolutely addicting, hilarious rom-com of a romance called Just Like That. AND I fell in LOVE with Russ and Penny...and Guppy?! I ADORE Guppy!! With every book she writes, Ms Rendell just keeps getting better and better!
This book hooked me and my emotions from about the second page! While Russ falls in insta-lust with Penny, Penny is on a no-man diet, but it only lasts until Russ finds her and holds her luggage hostage for a date with him! It doesn't take long for them to figure out that they were meant for each other. The rest is history...and a truly funny one, it is!
I LOVED this book for so many reasons! From the laugh-out-loud antics to the sexy-as-sin, steamy love scenes to the quirky but adorable friends, family and citizens of beautiful Port Flamingo. All in all this is a funny, sexy, emotional romp of a love story that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes to laugh, fall in lust and yes... fall in love!
This book hooked me and my emotions from about the second page! While Russ falls in insta-lust with Penny, Penny is on a no-man diet, but it only lasts until Russ finds her and holds her luggage hostage for a date with him! It doesn't take long for them to figure out that they were meant for each other. The rest is history...and a truly funny one, it is!
I LOVED this book for so many reasons! From the laugh-out-loud antics to the sexy-as-sin, steamy love scenes to the quirky but adorable friends, family and citizens of beautiful Port Flamingo. All in all this is a funny, sexy, emotional romp of a love story that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes to laugh, fall in lust and yes... fall in love!
April 10, 2017
For full review please see here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 30, 2017
I love it when a book incinerates my panties and also makes my sides hurt from laughing. Just Like That is one of those books. Penny and Russ set fire to the pages, well my kindle to be honest. Their chemistry is incendiary. And OMG is this book hilarious! It's not just because I'm a visual person (I picture what I'm reading in my head), but the book was legitimately funny. I mean the number of giggles, chortles, and straight up belly laughs I had to swallow is hard to count.
I adore Penny and Russ. Those two are perfect for each other. I like how this book felt like insta-lust, but it wasn't quite. There is immediate attraction on Russ's part for sure, but Penny's initial response was mixed. And everything else that comes after that you're going to have to read about yourself. If you read it and don't find it hot and funny, let me know. I'm hoping Maisie, Penny's very intriguing bff and next door neighbor will get her own book.
I've loved all of Nicola Rendell's books, and didn't think I could love a book more than Confessed, but I do think Just Like That is my new favorite. I can't wait to see what she writes next!
I adore Penny and Russ. Those two are perfect for each other. I like how this book felt like insta-lust, but it wasn't quite. There is immediate attraction on Russ's part for sure, but Penny's initial response was mixed. And everything else that comes after that you're going to have to read about yourself. If you read it and don't find it hot and funny, let me know. I'm hoping Maisie, Penny's very intriguing bff and next door neighbor will get her own book.
I've loved all of Nicola Rendell's books, and didn't think I could love a book more than Confessed, but I do think Just Like That is my new favorite. I can't wait to see what she writes next!
April 10, 2017
Good things in life can happen… Just Like That…
This book has everything you could ever want! Sweet, sassy dialogue. Off the charts chemistry. Sun, Sand and Margaritas. And a dog that almost steals the show!
This author has quickly become one of my absolute favorites, so it’s hard not to gush about how wonderful she is—this is a review of her newest release, after all. But how can I review her book without telling you how smart she is. Truly brilliant! The way she weaves her story, entertains non-stop until you flip the last page. The way she creates these characters so full and deep, you want to go find this tiny town just in the hopes that you can catch a glimpse of Russ and Penny; she is absolutely amazing!
Russ and Penny meet, and fall in love…just like that. It’s true. But the journey they take, and the story along the way is fantastic. Smart, entertaining—I’ve mentioned all that. The attention to detail in this book is spectacular, making not only the characters feel real, and the dialogue read true, but it transports you to the Florida sunshine with the sights, sounds and amazingly quirky characters surrounding this couple!
And sweet Guppy…sweet, sweet Guppy.
This book has everything you could ever want! Sweet, sassy dialogue. Off the charts chemistry. Sun, Sand and Margaritas. And a dog that almost steals the show!
This author has quickly become one of my absolute favorites, so it’s hard not to gush about how wonderful she is—this is a review of her newest release, after all. But how can I review her book without telling you how smart she is. Truly brilliant! The way she weaves her story, entertains non-stop until you flip the last page. The way she creates these characters so full and deep, you want to go find this tiny town just in the hopes that you can catch a glimpse of Russ and Penny; she is absolutely amazing!
Russ and Penny meet, and fall in love…just like that. It’s true. But the journey they take, and the story along the way is fantastic. Smart, entertaining—I’ve mentioned all that. The attention to detail in this book is spectacular, making not only the characters feel real, and the dialogue read true, but it transports you to the Florida sunshine with the sights, sounds and amazingly quirky characters surrounding this couple!
And sweet Guppy…sweet, sweet Guppy.
April 18, 2017
3.75
"Just roll with it."
Stars
Nicola Rendell is a new-to-me author. I've heard of her, but I've never read her books until this one. Here we meet Russ and Penny. They are an insta-attraction, insta-love couple, but they are just so damn adorable that I couldn't stop reading.
And then there is Guppy and Maisie and that damn Mayor. The cast of characters is so freaking lovable. I wish I could visit Port Flamingo and meet everyone in town.
Dirty, dirty Russ. Damn. I've never met a guy quite like this in my regular life, much less randomly at the fucking airport. Lucky Penny, that's for sure.
Russ can have the control. He can have the power. Penny agrees with these two statements. She gives all of herself to him--can't blame her either.
Nicola Rendell is a new-to-me author. I've heard of her, but I've never read her books until this one. Here we meet Russ and Penny. They are an insta-attraction, insta-love couple, but they are just so damn adorable that I couldn't stop reading.
And then there is Guppy and Maisie and that damn Mayor. The cast of characters is so freaking lovable. I wish I could visit Port Flamingo and meet everyone in town.
"Every moan, every orgasm, every please, please, please. Those are mine."
Dirty, dirty Russ. Damn. I've never met a guy quite like this in my regular life, much less randomly at the fucking airport. Lucky Penny, that's for sure.
"I'll always be trying to take control, because you're the one with all the power."
Russ can have the control. He can have the power. Penny agrees with these two statements. She gives all of herself to him--can't blame her either.
"All day it's been you. Since the minute I saw you, it's been you. I think myh whole life, even before I knew you, it was you."
April 14, 2017
Once I realised the author of Hail Mary had bought out a new book, I was all over it to see if it was as enjoyable.
What I have learnt about this author is that she likes an insta-lust, and I’m ok with that, given the story that supports it.
This leap into Penny Darling’s life has it turning upside down by visiting PI Russ Macklin. Bumping into each other at an airport, Russ is mesmerised by this tornado of a sweetheart. As luck would have it, their baggage is swopped, so he finds himself following her home to reclaim his effects.
Penny is immediately attracted to the rugged hunk, but her Cosmo No Man Diet says she should avert her eyes and trudge on back to Port Flamingo, ignoring the Russ-rustle-rustling inside her.
With only a week to carry out his PI business, and bag the girl that has stirred him like never before, the story launches us into a funny, endearing look at Penny’s life well ensconced in Port Flamingo, whilst Russ pauses his own existence in Boston and starts to take a hard look around him.
I enjoyed being entertained by Russ and Penny, alongside Penny’s bear of a dog, Guppy, but also by the flower some supporting cast. From Happy hour yoga enthusiast, Maisie, to Penny’s boss, the Sonny Bono obsessed Mayor.
Crafty, cute and clever..
What I have learnt about this author is that she likes an insta-lust, and I’m ok with that, given the story that supports it.
This leap into Penny Darling’s life has it turning upside down by visiting PI Russ Macklin. Bumping into each other at an airport, Russ is mesmerised by this tornado of a sweetheart. As luck would have it, their baggage is swopped, so he finds himself following her home to reclaim his effects.
Penny is immediately attracted to the rugged hunk, but her Cosmo No Man Diet says she should avert her eyes and trudge on back to Port Flamingo, ignoring the Russ-rustle-rustling inside her.
With only a week to carry out his PI business, and bag the girl that has stirred him like never before, the story launches us into a funny, endearing look at Penny’s life well ensconced in Port Flamingo, whilst Russ pauses his own existence in Boston and starts to take a hard look around him.
I enjoyed being entertained by Russ and Penny, alongside Penny’s bear of a dog, Guppy, but also by the flower some supporting cast. From Happy hour yoga enthusiast, Maisie, to Penny’s boss, the Sonny Bono obsessed Mayor.
Crafty, cute and clever..
August 23, 2017
Cute and fun with a very possessive alpha hero.
April 5, 2017
Wrecked by a little female tornado!
Penny and Russ strike a deal... one week of uncontrolled passion with no strings attached and then they move on. But what happens when everything you have ever believed in shifts in the opposite direction? Is this a new beginning or a painful ending? A sticky sweet Romantic Comedey set in Florida with quirky as hell characters which will have you rolling on the ground with laughter with their unhinged antics! Follow this insane couple and see how they untangle lies and deception (earphones too!)... how they create explosive chemistry based on Dickens (Weird? I know!!!)... and feel the warmth and love of their small-town hearts in this zany adventure. 5 Unbalanced and Bereft of Reason Stars... "Just Like That"!!!
Penny and Russ strike a deal... one week of uncontrolled passion with no strings attached and then they move on. But what happens when everything you have ever believed in shifts in the opposite direction? Is this a new beginning or a painful ending? A sticky sweet Romantic Comedey set in Florida with quirky as hell characters which will have you rolling on the ground with laughter with their unhinged antics! Follow this insane couple and see how they untangle lies and deception (earphones too!)... how they create explosive chemistry based on Dickens (Weird? I know!!!)... and feel the warmth and love of their small-town hearts in this zany adventure. 5 Unbalanced and Bereft of Reason Stars... "Just Like That"!!!
Read
May 11, 2018DNF at 45%. I just couldn't get into the characters and story.
July 1, 2019
When the mood strikes for some good, light- hearted romantic comedy, just go for it.
April 18, 2017
Superbly funny, this book had me hooked. Russ and Penny were just adorable together. Combine it with a small town setting, a cute but sly dog and some really entertaining side characters, this book is a winner.
True to romantic comedy genre, it has the perfect blend of humor, sexy banter and hot sex. Penny is on a man-free diet and Russ is in town for a week. What starts as a temporary fling, soon becomes something more. Penny was my absolute favorite of all.
Highly recommended to all loves of some fun romantic comedies.
*~*~*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange of an honest review *~*~*
True to romantic comedy genre, it has the perfect blend of humor, sexy banter and hot sex. Penny is on a man-free diet and Russ is in town for a week. What starts as a temporary fling, soon becomes something more. Penny was my absolute favorite of all.
Highly recommended to all loves of some fun romantic comedies.
*~*~*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange of an honest review *~*~*
April 22, 2017
It's cute
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