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Do This For Me
From the acclaimed author of I Take You a high-powered attorney and mother of two delves into the mysteries of sex, the perils of desire, and why men and women treat each other the way they do.
Raney Moore is a ruthlessly ambitious, successful lead attorney who is the envy of all in her firm. That is until all hell breaks loose. When Raney finds out that her beloved husband, Aaron, has slept with another woman, she wastes no time downshifting to hating the man, while unraveling in quite the spectacular fashion. But as time marches on, Raney realizes that she still loves Aaron and might want to find a way to repair the damage done, redefining in the process what she thinks of as a "happy marriage."
A wonderfully fresh take on a marriage in trouble, Do This for Me is a bighearted, warm, and funny novel driven by Eliza Kennedy's signature wit and humor.
Raney Moore is a ruthlessly ambitious, successful lead attorney who is the envy of all in her firm. That is until all hell breaks loose. When Raney finds out that her beloved husband, Aaron, has slept with another woman, she wastes no time downshifting to hating the man, while unraveling in quite the spectacular fashion. But as time marches on, Raney realizes that she still loves Aaron and might want to find a way to repair the damage done, redefining in the process what she thinks of as a "happy marriage."
A wonderfully fresh take on a marriage in trouble, Do This for Me is a bighearted, warm, and funny novel driven by Eliza Kennedy's signature wit and humor.
329 pages, Hardcover
First published May 15, 2018
162 people are currently reading
3298 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Kennedy
6 books267 followersELIZA KENNEDY attended the University of Iowa and Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. After graduation she served as a law clerk for a federal judge, then practiced litigation for several years at a prestigious Manhattan law firm. She lives in New York with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
July 25, 2018
This was my first introduction to Eliza Kennedy's writing and I must say: I definitely enjoyed it.
If I was to summarize both the story and the writing for this novel in one word, that word would be "real". This story was a realistic (terrifyingly so) story. I have said this before with novels that have a similar plotline but unfortunately, this story is someone's reality. Actually, even more unfortunate, this is many people's reality. But, I digress. To put it simply, this was a realistic story. Yes, some of the events were dramaticized but many were not.
Although the overall content of this novel is serious, the author was still able to make this novel humorous. There were some moments that had me laughing out loud. It was a good mixture of humour contrasting the complex situations that made the writing flow and kept me entertained.
As for entertainment, this novel felt like a rollercoaster (in all of the best ways). I felt that the story started one way and then went in many different directions with many twists and turns along the way. I could not predict what was going to happen because there was so much that was going on that had my jaw dropping regularly.
Overall, this was a very different read for me and I'm glad that I picked it up. Along with the novel being humorous and having realistic yet complex content, there was an underlying message regarding the double standards that can exist between men and women. This double standard was addressed both in the relationships and the professions within this novel. Often, it can become easy to believe that these double standards no longer exist but this novel is an example of how that is not necessarily true.
***Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
If I was to summarize both the story and the writing for this novel in one word, that word would be "real". This story was a realistic (terrifyingly so) story. I have said this before with novels that have a similar plotline but unfortunately, this story is someone's reality. Actually, even more unfortunate, this is many people's reality. But, I digress. To put it simply, this was a realistic story. Yes, some of the events were dramaticized but many were not.
Although the overall content of this novel is serious, the author was still able to make this novel humorous. There were some moments that had me laughing out loud. It was a good mixture of humour contrasting the complex situations that made the writing flow and kept me entertained.
As for entertainment, this novel felt like a rollercoaster (in all of the best ways). I felt that the story started one way and then went in many different directions with many twists and turns along the way. I could not predict what was going to happen because there was so much that was going on that had my jaw dropping regularly.
Overall, this was a very different read for me and I'm glad that I picked it up. Along with the novel being humorous and having realistic yet complex content, there was an underlying message regarding the double standards that can exist between men and women. This double standard was addressed both in the relationships and the professions within this novel. Often, it can become easy to believe that these double standards no longer exist but this novel is an example of how that is not necessarily true.
***Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
May 14, 2018
3 out of my comfort zone stars
This was a book that I would honestly probably passed on but there was something quite alluring about our main protagonist and her relationships with her husband, her many encounters with other men, her career of being a high powered attorney and the need to be always perfect and highly successful.
Randy Moore is successful at everything she does. She is driven, she has the perfect life, a beautiful home, children who attend private school and lots of money. Her husband is successful as well, being an author, having a TV show, and traveling giving lectures and being acclaimed. However, a ripple, well more like a tidal wave hits when Randy finds out that Aaron has a "one night stand" with another woman. Randy immediately goes into overdrive in seeking her revenge and proceeds to endeavor to ruin her husband.
They, after a time, seem to want to reconcile right up to the point where Randy finds out that this was no one night stand. Randy embarks on a career of making over herself, which includes a most dramatic shift in her sexual nature. She becomes obsessed with being with other men and carries herself into multiple dalliances.
It was intended to liberate her, make her free like any man to be the aggressor and pursuer. Randy does eventually find herself and learns her value. However, what she is trying to escape from that idea of being categorized and placed in a compartment is exactly what she becomes as her promiscuity is another box that she finds herself in.
The most positive thing going for this book was its examination of the sexual discrimination that went on in Randy's firm. With the help of female lawyers, associates, and clerks, she goes to battle with her employers and in the end makes them at least try to right the wrong.
I am sure this book would not be for everyone, but it did have value in the fact that as much as we think the sexes are equal, they really are not.
Thank you to Eliza Kennedy, Crown Publishing, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
This was a book that I would honestly probably passed on but there was something quite alluring about our main protagonist and her relationships with her husband, her many encounters with other men, her career of being a high powered attorney and the need to be always perfect and highly successful.
Randy Moore is successful at everything she does. She is driven, she has the perfect life, a beautiful home, children who attend private school and lots of money. Her husband is successful as well, being an author, having a TV show, and traveling giving lectures and being acclaimed. However, a ripple, well more like a tidal wave hits when Randy finds out that Aaron has a "one night stand" with another woman. Randy immediately goes into overdrive in seeking her revenge and proceeds to endeavor to ruin her husband.
They, after a time, seem to want to reconcile right up to the point where Randy finds out that this was no one night stand. Randy embarks on a career of making over herself, which includes a most dramatic shift in her sexual nature. She becomes obsessed with being with other men and carries herself into multiple dalliances.
It was intended to liberate her, make her free like any man to be the aggressor and pursuer. Randy does eventually find herself and learns her value. However, what she is trying to escape from that idea of being categorized and placed in a compartment is exactly what she becomes as her promiscuity is another box that she finds herself in.
The most positive thing going for this book was its examination of the sexual discrimination that went on in Randy's firm. With the help of female lawyers, associates, and clerks, she goes to battle with her employers and in the end makes them at least try to right the wrong.
I am sure this book would not be for everyone, but it did have value in the fact that as much as we think the sexes are equal, they really are not.
Thank you to Eliza Kennedy, Crown Publishing, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
February 10, 2022
Eliza writes fun books following strong female characters.
*Gifted by Penguin Random House Canada*
*Gifted by Penguin Random House Canada*
May 21, 2018
Can I give a 5 star rating for PART of a book?!? I was ALL-IN from page one of this book. The beginning was so fast, so awesome, with such manic intensity - I was like, this chick is BAD ASS! I TORE through the first quarter of this book. And then... meh. I guess we needed a bit of a breather because the first quarter of this book is one serious wild ride. It got back to it's intense awesomeness almost mid-way through, but then I felt it just got sappy and fizzled.
I need a book about JUST the Raney Moore in the beginning. She is NO JOKE. High-powered attorney Raney Moore has it all. Shes partner at her law form, he husband is a famous bug guy, and shes got twin teenage girls who are the light of her life. She's wealthy, and can have anything she wants. But she already seems to have it all. Or so she thinks. When Raney finds out her life is not as perfect as she thought - in less than a split second she turns into a jilted-wife phsychopath - and goes balls-to-the-wall revenge-mode to destroy the cause of her pain. But may in fact destroy everything good in her life. You don't even see it coming. I was riveted by the endless access she has to everything you can imagine to carry out her plans. Money, researchers, cars, hackers.... you name it. Don't mess with Raney. You cross her and you will be in SERIOUS trouble.
I read a lot of reviews that people didn't like the book because they hated Raney. I think some of the best books are when you have intense feeling for a character. Good OR bad. Raney was a character I couldn't get enough of. There's another almost equally manic scene in the middle where she is in a dressing room, and the crazy, intense Raney (with yet again, resources aplenty) returns and I am once again enthralled with her.
But unfortunately, after about mid-way it just fell flat to me. A lot of the dialogue is hilarious. It's witty, fast and keeps your attention, but the rest of the story just wasn't what I wanted - what I craved. I wanted more Raney. I didn't want her to try to change herself, or be a better person. Eliza Kennedy shouldn't have written the old Raney as such an incredibly intense and off-kilter character because she made me fall for her - but then she took her away! (sad face)
I'd kill for a prequel. To see Raney as she emerges into the person she was in the beginning of this book: her start at the law firm, her rise to Partner. Give me that Raney All. Day. Long.
I need a book about JUST the Raney Moore in the beginning. She is NO JOKE. High-powered attorney Raney Moore has it all. Shes partner at her law form, he husband is a famous bug guy, and shes got twin teenage girls who are the light of her life. She's wealthy, and can have anything she wants. But she already seems to have it all. Or so she thinks. When Raney finds out her life is not as perfect as she thought - in less than a split second she turns into a jilted-wife phsychopath - and goes balls-to-the-wall revenge-mode to destroy the cause of her pain. But may in fact destroy everything good in her life. You don't even see it coming. I was riveted by the endless access she has to everything you can imagine to carry out her plans. Money, researchers, cars, hackers.... you name it. Don't mess with Raney. You cross her and you will be in SERIOUS trouble.
I read a lot of reviews that people didn't like the book because they hated Raney. I think some of the best books are when you have intense feeling for a character. Good OR bad. Raney was a character I couldn't get enough of. There's another almost equally manic scene in the middle where she is in a dressing room, and the crazy, intense Raney (with yet again, resources aplenty) returns and I am once again enthralled with her.
But unfortunately, after about mid-way it just fell flat to me. A lot of the dialogue is hilarious. It's witty, fast and keeps your attention, but the rest of the story just wasn't what I wanted - what I craved. I wanted more Raney. I didn't want her to try to change herself, or be a better person. Eliza Kennedy shouldn't have written the old Raney as such an incredibly intense and off-kilter character because she made me fall for her - but then she took her away! (sad face)
I'd kill for a prequel. To see Raney as she emerges into the person she was in the beginning of this book: her start at the law firm, her rise to Partner. Give me that Raney All. Day. Long.
May 15, 2018
This might be the very best book of its type I’ve ever read. I never wanted it to end. It was deep and it was shallow. It was poignant and hilarious. There was wackiness and sobering moments, and they all just seemed to work. Given how the plot unfolded, it’s probably not advisable to say how much I related to Raney, but starting with her profession, there was a lot that spoke to me about what she went through and how she processed and responded to what happened to her.
I said after Eliza Kennedy’s last book that she and Joshua Ferris might be my new favorite literary couple, maybe even displacing Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman as couple I most want to couples date. While I was definitely not so fond of Ferris’ last book, I think my love for this book might have made up for it.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I said after Eliza Kennedy’s last book that she and Joshua Ferris might be my new favorite literary couple, maybe even displacing Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman as couple I most want to couples date. While I was definitely not so fond of Ferris’ last book, I think my love for this book might have made up for it.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2018
Raney is a cutthroat lawyer who has a loving husband and two twin girls. One day, she discovers that her husband is having an affair. This is simply not acceptable and Raney flips out and plots revenge on her husband in a fast and ruthless manner. The book is chick lit with the typical tropes of a spicy main character, a few love interests as well as a somewhat predictable plot. The main character was extremely unlikable and at times she bordered on both psychotic and intolerable. As the book went on, I find myself enjoying it less and less and by the end, I was glad it was over.
March 9, 2018
This was an absolute roller coaster of emotions. I was drained and exhausted from feeling so much while reading this. Unfortunately, my overall emotion was annoyance at the main character. I absolutely hated her! In fact, I didn't like any of the characters in this book.
The writing was good, the story line was well written, I just wish I could have connected more with at least one of the people in the story.
The writing was good, the story line was well written, I just wish I could have connected more with at least one of the people in the story.
November 27, 2017
I received a copy of this through NetGalley for my honest review.
An engaging read. The story of a professionally driven and very skilled lawyer, who finds out her husband has cheated on her. She has nothing but resources at hand, and methodically goes about destroying her husband and his reputation. It's a knee jerk reaction - she does it pretty much without thinking, bringing in the people she works with into her plan. She and her husband go on to try to make things work, but it turns out he wasn't 100% honest with her about his affair when given the chance. This sends her on a journey of sexual and personal discovery, but it is a case of be careful what you wish for, as her life spirals out of control. When all is said and done, the ending of this book does not give the reader complete final closure or an answer to what life she will choose for herself. Rather, all is left open ended. Personally, I know what I want her to choose for herself, and maybe that's what the author was going for.
An engaging read. The story of a professionally driven and very skilled lawyer, who finds out her husband has cheated on her. She has nothing but resources at hand, and methodically goes about destroying her husband and his reputation. It's a knee jerk reaction - she does it pretty much without thinking, bringing in the people she works with into her plan. She and her husband go on to try to make things work, but it turns out he wasn't 100% honest with her about his affair when given the chance. This sends her on a journey of sexual and personal discovery, but it is a case of be careful what you wish for, as her life spirals out of control. When all is said and done, the ending of this book does not give the reader complete final closure or an answer to what life she will choose for herself. Rather, all is left open ended. Personally, I know what I want her to choose for herself, and maybe that's what the author was going for.
February 21, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. It will be released in May 2018.
I have conflicting thoughts on the book. As someone that's been dealing with personal issues recently, it was a hard subject to deal with. In a lot of ways - she had some reactions that seemed normal to me, but in most other ways - it was just so over the top.
I did NOT like the main character as a person. She stepped over so many lines with taking advantage of people she worked with. Her disconnect and wanting research on history of stuff was just stupid to me. Maybe people are really like that when going through crisis, but it just seemed a bit off to me. I also couldn't relate to how much she threw around SO MUCH money. There were several things in the book that just seemed unreal to me.
Also - if I saw this book on the shelf - I probably wouldn't of picked it up, because of the cover. Hopefully they change the cover before it goes to print.
It was a quick read for me though - the book flowed nicely.
I have conflicting thoughts on the book. As someone that's been dealing with personal issues recently, it was a hard subject to deal with. In a lot of ways - she had some reactions that seemed normal to me, but in most other ways - it was just so over the top.
I did NOT like the main character as a person. She stepped over so many lines with taking advantage of people she worked with. Her disconnect and wanting research on history of stuff was just stupid to me. Maybe people are really like that when going through crisis, but it just seemed a bit off to me. I also couldn't relate to how much she threw around SO MUCH money. There were several things in the book that just seemed unreal to me.
Also - if I saw this book on the shelf - I probably wouldn't of picked it up, because of the cover. Hopefully they change the cover before it goes to print.
It was a quick read for me though - the book flowed nicely.
September 21, 2021
My only word of advice on this? Do not read it.
We'll just start at the beginning. This book didn't grab me... at all. Even when the conflict was introduced, I had a strong desire to put it down. Only a few glowing reviews kept me reading this book. After all, the good ones sometimes start slow, right?...
Not in this case. Though the main character's voice is certainly... original, the longer the book gets, the more annoying she becomes. In fact, I didn't like any of the characters very much! Raney was excessively rude to her therapist and trainer, manipulated her colleagues, and was (in my opinion) drastically unfit to be a mother.
Though the scandal is sadly believable, as well as the reactions, the longer the book lasted the more I felt that I was only watching a spoiled rich girl pine and dote for herself. As she fell into more and more self pity, my dislike of this book only strengthened. I couldn't finish it- it dragged on and on.
Hesitant 1.5 stars.
We'll just start at the beginning. This book didn't grab me... at all. Even when the conflict was introduced, I had a strong desire to put it down. Only a few glowing reviews kept me reading this book. After all, the good ones sometimes start slow, right?...
Not in this case. Though the main character's voice is certainly... original, the longer the book gets, the more annoying she becomes. In fact, I didn't like any of the characters very much! Raney was excessively rude to her therapist and trainer, manipulated her colleagues, and was (in my opinion) drastically unfit to be a mother.
Though the scandal is sadly believable, as well as the reactions, the longer the book lasted the more I felt that I was only watching a spoiled rich girl pine and dote for herself. As she fell into more and more self pity, my dislike of this book only strengthened. I couldn't finish it- it dragged on and on.
Hesitant 1.5 stars.
March 8, 2018
The author captures marital malaise and its fallout through the eyes of a modern-day woman who on the surface “has it all” reminding us that no one really does—something always suffers and its human nature to want more, to want something different when often what we really need lies within us.
Raney attended Harvard Law School and credibly writes about the social, political and logistical machinations of a law firm and pithy character dialog. Do This For Me is her second novel and a great read— insightful, entertaining and relevant.
Raney attended Harvard Law School and credibly writes about the social, political and logistical machinations of a law firm and pithy character dialog. Do This For Me is her second novel and a great read— insightful, entertaining and relevant.
September 22, 2017
Some books arrive in your life at the exact right moment. I loved how outrageously this woman lost and found herself.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2018
So good - I loved Raney.... I wish I could be like her..
July 29, 2018
I loved this whip-smart, sassy, over-the-top book!
August 5, 2018
Exactly what it says on the tin. Good writing, flawed character develops into someone I could possibly like, interesting if somewhat ridiculous plot. Good ending.
February 16, 2019
Utterly ridiculous & over the top in several places.... it still got a few good laughs out of me, especially in the end 😆
Lawyer Rainey Moore just heard from her husband’s mistress’ husband about their respective spouses’ affair and Rainey immediately melts down out to sabotage her husband’s life and professional reputation. The rest of the book is his trying to reconcile and her pushing him away to try to find herself and her sexuality.
Lawyer Rainey Moore just heard from her husband’s mistress’ husband about their respective spouses’ affair and Rainey immediately melts down out to sabotage her husband’s life and professional reputation. The rest of the book is his trying to reconcile and her pushing him away to try to find herself and her sexuality.
August 24, 2018
It was just OK for me.. It started strong but slowly trickled to silliness.
May 9, 2018
rounded up to 2.5 stars
February 9, 2020
Personally, I hate stories about adultering spouses and/or partners because its one of the oldest literary devices in the world.
But I am always up for a story about a high powered litigator named Raney Moore who discovers her famous entomologist husband has been rocking the casbah with his producer.
That's what happens in Do This For Me.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
When Raney receives a call from the cuckolded husband, she loses her mind for a brief moment, for good reason.
She destroys her husband's reputation on Twitter and print. She upends her twin teenage girls from their family suburban home and moves to Brooklyn.
She can't deny she loves her husband. They've been together since college, as readers get to see in corny flashbacks. They have children and a history together. Duly noted.
They try again. Until Raney learns her husband is a scum sucking liar who can't keep it in his pants.
Then, that's when the plot takes a turn for the...cliche.
Raney needs to know why her husband cheated. Why do men and women do this?
She enlists a coterie of paralegals to research, research, research, while she pulls a Devil Wears Prada makeover and starts sowing her oats with....oh, just about every one and anyone with a penis.
A story that began as a woman being scorned and a potential message of female empowerment devolves into the cliche stereotype of the usual: how do I make men want me?
That's what Raney does.
She dolls herself up, sleeps around to see if that will help her like sex, all with the primary motive of wanting to understand why her husband cheated, when all her actions are really all about conforming to the sexist stereotypes men and society have for all women.
Women don't like sex as much as men. Wrong.
Women have to change their appearance so men will like them. Wrong. So wrong.
Women have to change who we are so men will like us. W.R.O.N.G.
Raney is not very nice; she's not cuddly and warm.
She's a ball buster and I respect that. She had to be to get where she is.
What I didn't respect was her cheesy flashback to the moment she and her husband first met, and her repeated statement that her husband chose her and she was flattered and that's where her self image and self esteem derived from.
This is not a surprise. This is not the first book where the women needs validation from a man banner is waving from the top of the pole. And it definitely won't be the last.
Also, the writing is simplistic, not great, which made it for a fast read, a small consolation.
Naturally, the book ends with the truism inherent in all chick lit stories everywhere:
Raney lives happily married after.
But I am always up for a story about a high powered litigator named Raney Moore who discovers her famous entomologist husband has been rocking the casbah with his producer.
That's what happens in Do This For Me.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
When Raney receives a call from the cuckolded husband, she loses her mind for a brief moment, for good reason.
She destroys her husband's reputation on Twitter and print. She upends her twin teenage girls from their family suburban home and moves to Brooklyn.
She can't deny she loves her husband. They've been together since college, as readers get to see in corny flashbacks. They have children and a history together. Duly noted.
They try again. Until Raney learns her husband is a scum sucking liar who can't keep it in his pants.
Then, that's when the plot takes a turn for the...cliche.
Raney needs to know why her husband cheated. Why do men and women do this?
She enlists a coterie of paralegals to research, research, research, while she pulls a Devil Wears Prada makeover and starts sowing her oats with....oh, just about every one and anyone with a penis.
A story that began as a woman being scorned and a potential message of female empowerment devolves into the cliche stereotype of the usual: how do I make men want me?
That's what Raney does.
She dolls herself up, sleeps around to see if that will help her like sex, all with the primary motive of wanting to understand why her husband cheated, when all her actions are really all about conforming to the sexist stereotypes men and society have for all women.
Women don't like sex as much as men. Wrong.
Women have to change their appearance so men will like them. Wrong. So wrong.
Women have to change who we are so men will like us. W.R.O.N.G.
Raney is not very nice; she's not cuddly and warm.
She's a ball buster and I respect that. She had to be to get where she is.
What I didn't respect was her cheesy flashback to the moment she and her husband first met, and her repeated statement that her husband chose her and she was flattered and that's where her self image and self esteem derived from.
This is not a surprise. This is not the first book where the women needs validation from a man banner is waving from the top of the pole. And it definitely won't be the last.
Also, the writing is simplistic, not great, which made it for a fast read, a small consolation.
Naturally, the book ends with the truism inherent in all chick lit stories everywhere:
Raney lives happily married after.
April 9, 2018
Raney Moore's life seems to be pretty darn close to perfect. She is a successful partner at a prestigious New York law firm, she has a loving husband and twin teenage daughters, and a beautiful home. Her world comes crashing down when she finds out her husband cheated on her. She sets out to make his life as miserable as possible but when that proves unsatisfying she begins to enlist the help of her friends, co workers, and even a therapist to figure out what went exactly went wrong. This is a humorous and at times thought provoking story of a woman who thought she knew it all only to realize she has a lot to learn.
First off, Raney is a character that is going to be polarizing for readers. Some might find her quirky, while others might find her annoying. Personally, I enjoyed her story because she was a little bit different and didn't really conform to social norms. I loved the humor in this book even if at times I had to just overlook the fact that some of the story lines were a bit outrageous. I highly recommend trying to stick with this book all the way to the end because it does veer off in some interesting directions. When comparing it to other books with a woman cheated on type theme, I thought this was a unique take.
Thank you to First to Read for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
First off, Raney is a character that is going to be polarizing for readers. Some might find her quirky, while others might find her annoying. Personally, I enjoyed her story because she was a little bit different and didn't really conform to social norms. I loved the humor in this book even if at times I had to just overlook the fact that some of the story lines were a bit outrageous. I highly recommend trying to stick with this book all the way to the end because it does veer off in some interesting directions. When comparing it to other books with a woman cheated on type theme, I thought this was a unique take.
Thank you to First to Read for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
August 20, 2018
Ugh, I hated this! One of the most unlikable characters in recent memory. Awful.
November 1, 2018
I could not get past the opening. Not for me.
January 10, 2021
Didn't enjoy the book. The woman's actions were so childish that it was annoying! The whole book just turned out to be a rom-com.
May 10, 2019
I picked this up at the Atlanta airport on my way back from a lovely reader retreat at the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, Vermont....google it. It's called Booktopia and it's MAGNIFICENT:-) Anyways, I'd had most of my books shipped back to save luggage space, then panicked when I realized I might finish Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb and be left without a novel for the duration of my layover- GASP!
I wanted a quintessential lighthearted plane read- and this was a quick, fun fix. While this topic isn't new- identity crisis as one realizes a spouse has cheated- it was satisfying to read how the protagonist, Raney Moore, initially employed a scorched earth policy against her husband. I'm sure there will be plenty of women (and men) who would enjoy reading these tactics if they've ever been scorned, and it's a great change of pace from other narratives I've read on this topic- while moping around/astonishment is realistic, you feel almost gleeful reading a character who takes immediate charge of a situation, even if it's unhealthy:-P
Of course, Raney inevitably comes down from the high of her actions and is forced to examine her emotions and life choices more deeply. I found this part more interesting- the "after" of navigating life romantically, professionally, and with kids. Part of her transformation was annoying and bothersome, but not unrealistic for those in the exploration stage- and those behaviors don't go unchecked due to her therapist, friends, and co-workers. The writing in this is above average and I will definitely keep Eliza Kennedy on my radar.
I wanted a quintessential lighthearted plane read- and this was a quick, fun fix. While this topic isn't new- identity crisis as one realizes a spouse has cheated- it was satisfying to read how the protagonist, Raney Moore, initially employed a scorched earth policy against her husband. I'm sure there will be plenty of women (and men) who would enjoy reading these tactics if they've ever been scorned, and it's a great change of pace from other narratives I've read on this topic- while moping around/astonishment is realistic, you feel almost gleeful reading a character who takes immediate charge of a situation, even if it's unhealthy:-P
Of course, Raney inevitably comes down from the high of her actions and is forced to examine her emotions and life choices more deeply. I found this part more interesting- the "after" of navigating life romantically, professionally, and with kids. Part of her transformation was annoying and bothersome, but not unrealistic for those in the exploration stage- and those behaviors don't go unchecked due to her therapist, friends, and co-workers. The writing in this is above average and I will definitely keep Eliza Kennedy on my radar.
July 3, 2018
http://www.anurseandabook.com/2018/07...
Sometimes you just read a book at the right time. And for me this was the right time to read, Do This For Me. I had read Eliza Kennedy's previous novel, I Take You, and remembered enjoying it, so I picked this one up without really reading the description.
Raney is a busy, high achieving lawyer with twin teenaged daughters that she dotes on and a successful husband that she loves. Her life is very orderly and she is content. Until a phone call from a stranger turns her life upside down.
What I liked was the portrait of a career woman who has never stopped to ask herself if being content is enough? According to Raney, having sex with your husband twice a week means you have a good marriage. Even if you don't particularly enjoy it. Just crossing it off your list of things to do is enough.
I laughed a lot, but I was still sad for Raney at the same time as she totally destructs and reconstructs her life. She suddenly realizes that she isn't even sure what she feels or what she likes in any part of her life. I think it was a great read, and I was enjoying myself right up to the last page. Then I didn't love the last page. No spoilers, but I think the point is that there are no tidy endings if you are living just for contentment anymore.
Current Goodreads Rating 3.63
Sometimes you just read a book at the right time. And for me this was the right time to read, Do This For Me. I had read Eliza Kennedy's previous novel, I Take You, and remembered enjoying it, so I picked this one up without really reading the description.
Raney is a busy, high achieving lawyer with twin teenaged daughters that she dotes on and a successful husband that she loves. Her life is very orderly and she is content. Until a phone call from a stranger turns her life upside down.
What I liked was the portrait of a career woman who has never stopped to ask herself if being content is enough? According to Raney, having sex with your husband twice a week means you have a good marriage. Even if you don't particularly enjoy it. Just crossing it off your list of things to do is enough.
I laughed a lot, but I was still sad for Raney at the same time as she totally destructs and reconstructs her life. She suddenly realizes that she isn't even sure what she feels or what she likes in any part of her life. I think it was a great read, and I was enjoying myself right up to the last page. Then I didn't love the last page. No spoilers, but I think the point is that there are no tidy endings if you are living just for contentment anymore.
Current Goodreads Rating 3.63
November 30, 2017
Read all my reviews at: https://brainfartsandbooks.wordpress.com
I have to admit, I really kind of liked the revenge factor in the first part of this book. Ok, let’s start from the beginning. Raney Moore is a top notch attorney who kills it in her daily life. She and her husband Aaron have twin school-aged daughters. But with an unexpected phone call, Raney’s life is turned upside down. Is her husband cheating on her? Yes, he admits to it. I had to feel for Raney at this point because I know how hard it is to balance a full-time job, kids, housework, and relationships with friends with family. You shouldn’t have to worry about your husband cheating on you, should you? Anyhow, Raney does something to get revenge on Aaron which almost destroys his career. Was I cheering for her? Yes, yes I was. As Raney moves on trying to understand why her relationship fell apart and wondering if it’s worth salvaging, she learns some valuable lessons about herself. I really enjoyed reading this book because it showed how someone who has it all can hit rockbottom in an instant and completely rediscover what is important to her.
Thank you to Netgalley, Eliza Kennedy, and Crown Publishing Group for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit, I really kind of liked the revenge factor in the first part of this book. Ok, let’s start from the beginning. Raney Moore is a top notch attorney who kills it in her daily life. She and her husband Aaron have twin school-aged daughters. But with an unexpected phone call, Raney’s life is turned upside down. Is her husband cheating on her? Yes, he admits to it. I had to feel for Raney at this point because I know how hard it is to balance a full-time job, kids, housework, and relationships with friends with family. You shouldn’t have to worry about your husband cheating on you, should you? Anyhow, Raney does something to get revenge on Aaron which almost destroys his career. Was I cheering for her? Yes, yes I was. As Raney moves on trying to understand why her relationship fell apart and wondering if it’s worth salvaging, she learns some valuable lessons about herself. I really enjoyed reading this book because it showed how someone who has it all can hit rockbottom in an instant and completely rediscover what is important to her.
Thank you to Netgalley, Eliza Kennedy, and Crown Publishing Group for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2018
*I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.*
In many ways this book tells a familiar tale, Raney Moore has it all - a successful career and perfect family life - until she learns one day that her husband cheated on her, which becomes the beginning of a journey towards self-discovery. Still, the author manages to make the story feel fresh and incorporates plenty of very current issues, such as Raney's attempts to address the sexism at her law firm. Overall, the book is fast-paced and filled with humorous exchanges that make this book a pleasure to read. I thoroughly enjoyed Raney's journey, even when it took a few unexpected (and hilarious) turns and I appreciated the conclusion that left some questions unanswered but still felt satisfying.
In many ways this book tells a familiar tale, Raney Moore has it all - a successful career and perfect family life - until she learns one day that her husband cheated on her, which becomes the beginning of a journey towards self-discovery. Still, the author manages to make the story feel fresh and incorporates plenty of very current issues, such as Raney's attempts to address the sexism at her law firm. Overall, the book is fast-paced and filled with humorous exchanges that make this book a pleasure to read. I thoroughly enjoyed Raney's journey, even when it took a few unexpected (and hilarious) turns and I appreciated the conclusion that left some questions unanswered but still felt satisfying.
February 4, 2021
I loved the start of this book. Raney is a bad ass lawyer on the top of her game. She gets a call at work and it is a man stating that her husband is having an affair with his wife. Raney is shocked and as she still goes about her work day she gets paralegals to dismantle her husbands life (inappropriate Tweets, having clowns meet him at the airport etc.) It was fast and hilarious as the text read as a stream of consciousness: plotting to destroy her husband as well as deal with work crises.
In the next part she starts to analyze why he decided to cheat and we learn about her internal struggles. Towards the end she is out of control and just becomes unlikable with very questionable decisions.
In the next part she starts to analyze why he decided to cheat and we learn about her internal struggles. Towards the end she is out of control and just becomes unlikable with very questionable decisions.
February 26, 2018
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and I went into the book knowing nothing about the plot or author.
The plot is fine: Successful law partner Rainey finds out her dorky-but-famous husband Aaron cheated on her, and she goes scorched earth on him. The rest of the book deals with the ramifications of the affair and her desire to figure out more about herself and why she reacted to the affair the way she did.
But the writing was pretty uneven at parts, and I just couldn’t find a character I liked or didn’t completely despise. Plus, do we really need another mediocre book about rich New Yorkers?
The plot is fine: Successful law partner Rainey finds out her dorky-but-famous husband Aaron cheated on her, and she goes scorched earth on him. The rest of the book deals with the ramifications of the affair and her desire to figure out more about herself and why she reacted to the affair the way she did.
But the writing was pretty uneven at parts, and I just couldn’t find a character I liked or didn’t completely despise. Plus, do we really need another mediocre book about rich New Yorkers?
November 16, 2022
There’s nothing like a book where you sorta cannot stand the main character. It follows the life of Raney Moore, elite NYC lawyer who has it all (or so we think) until a phone call unravels her current life. I have to say, if I had read this just after a messy break up I may have liked her more, but honestly this woman was bonkers in some of her reactions. I found myself cringing at a lot of her “self development”, but maybe only because I saw some of my past self in it? Who knows. It was like watching a train wreck and then a baby bird learning about the “real world” of love, sex, power, careers, etc.
Even though the main character infuriated me or gave me second hand embarrassment, all in all a fun read.
Even though the main character infuriated me or gave me second hand embarrassment, all in all a fun read.
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