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The Single Life with Zola Patterson Part 1
Dating doesn’t have to be a disaster. Just follow the rules and you’ll be fine.
Rule Number One: Never chase a man.
Rule Number Two: Be honest about who you are and what you want.
Rule Number Three: When you know, you know.
Rule Number Four: Never let your men cross paths.
Rule Number Five: Don’t catch feelings.
Dating isn’t hard.
Settling is hard.
Faking it is hard.
Finding the one is hard.
But dating? Not so much.
Rule Number One: Never chase a man.
Rule Number Two: Be honest about who you are and what you want.
Rule Number Three: When you know, you know.
Rule Number Four: Never let your men cross paths.
Rule Number Five: Don’t catch feelings.
Dating isn’t hard.
Settling is hard.
Faking it is hard.
Finding the one is hard.
But dating? Not so much.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2020
82 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 20, 2020
I’m so here for this single woman story!!! Zola is living her single life with no rules and promises to hold her back and I’m living through her! Danielle takes readers on a ride with a free willed, single and intelligent character that knows exactly what she wants in a man and until she finds Mr Right, Miss Zola will take charge. Danielle definitely gave me insight on how to date and made it normal to date more than one person at a time and enjoy it and I really appreciated it. I loved how Zola had her rules on what not to do while dating but just maybe she met her match. It was so refreshing to read a single female POV of dating and not feeling guilty of dating and flirting with more than one person. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for part 2
November 9, 2025
Overall good book. Zola got on my last nerves but I understand the conflicts regarding her dad. I like Saint for her.
June 22, 2021
Okay you know when you’re reading something so cute, hot & funny that you have a permanent smile on your face that you don’t even realize it’s there? Yeah that was me reading this book. I absolutely LOVE books where the MC has set rules then they meet someone who makes them break it.
Zola is living the single life a lot of people my age SHOULD be instead getting sucked into these toxic entanglements but you know to each their own. I mind the business that pays me. I was in such a book slump & this 100% got me out of it. I read this book from start to finish yes it’s short but it so freaking good!
The instant connection between Saint & Zola OH MY GOD, ya girl was BLUSHING. I always fantasize about how meeting a man should go & that’s EXACTLY this went. The back & forth banter, the subtle yet not subtle flirting, the genuine questions that show interest & just all around CHEMISTRY oh my god. Swoooooonnn Fuck this book is doing things to me.
The spice in here was off the charts for the bit that we got I’m not even mad it wasn’t a lot bc the vibe of the book is dripping in sexual tension. I wish I was apart of her friend group IRL, they’re so down to earth & relatable .
As you can tell I loved this book so much I have highlighted so many quotes. I’ll probably even use some as insta captions or send shots in my stories with them. Jk lmao no but fr I love this book sm
Jumping into book 2 rn.
Zola is living the single life a lot of people my age SHOULD be instead getting sucked into these toxic entanglements but you know to each their own. I mind the business that pays me. I was in such a book slump & this 100% got me out of it. I read this book from start to finish yes it’s short but it so freaking good!
The instant connection between Saint & Zola OH MY GOD, ya girl was BLUSHING. I always fantasize about how meeting a man should go & that’s EXACTLY this went. The back & forth banter, the subtle yet not subtle flirting, the genuine questions that show interest & just all around CHEMISTRY oh my god. Swoooooonnn Fuck this book is doing things to me.
The spice in here was off the charts for the bit that we got I’m not even mad it wasn’t a lot bc the vibe of the book is dripping in sexual tension. I wish I was apart of her friend group IRL, they’re so down to earth & relatable .
As you can tell I loved this book so much I have highlighted so many quotes. I’ll probably even use some as insta captions or send shots in my stories with them. Jk lmao no but fr I love this book sm
Jumping into book 2 rn.
January 7, 2021
Strong black women
I loved this book Zola is a women that knows what she wants and doesn’t fold with peoples opinions. Zola is a free Spirit that makes it clear what she needs from men. I think everyone can take a page or two from Zola’s book (no pun intended).
I loved this book Zola is a women that knows what she wants and doesn’t fold with peoples opinions. Zola is a free Spirit that makes it clear what she needs from men. I think everyone can take a page or two from Zola’s book (no pun intended).
June 29, 2022
Eh! That’s all that came to mind. I think this one was a let down after the first book I read. Maybe I will get more in part 2
January 7, 2023
Had this on my kindle and wanted something quick to read on the drive home from Queensland
This was so fun and I absolutely ADORE Zola. Intrigued to see what happens in part 2
This was so fun and I absolutely ADORE Zola. Intrigued to see what happens in part 2
June 22, 2021
5⭐️
"Knowing your worth won’t change the way someone acts toward you, but it will change how you allow someone to act toward you.”
You know when you are sitting around with your girls, talking sh*t, cracking jokes, clowning on each others choices in men, and giving advice to each other because of said choices in men? That is what I felt like this book was. I felt like I was in Zola's friend group and part of their conversations and banter.
Zola is everything. She gives relationship advice and she has a great head on her shoulders. The way she treats dating is the way I think everyone should treat it. Dating and having fun until you find that person who is your person that you vibe with. She had all these men that were at her beck and call. GOALS.
But then she meets Saint and feels everything she never thought she would again. They have an instant connection and the way that man talks and respects her?? YES. YES. YES.
Danielle always does an amazing job with her characters and it was so fun to see the characters from The Hot Holiday Hookup Series make an appearance especially my faves Trenton and India.
"Knowing your worth won’t change the way someone acts toward you, but it will change how you allow someone to act toward you.”
You know when you are sitting around with your girls, talking sh*t, cracking jokes, clowning on each others choices in men, and giving advice to each other because of said choices in men? That is what I felt like this book was. I felt like I was in Zola's friend group and part of their conversations and banter.
Zola is everything. She gives relationship advice and she has a great head on her shoulders. The way she treats dating is the way I think everyone should treat it. Dating and having fun until you find that person who is your person that you vibe with. She had all these men that were at her beck and call. GOALS.
But then she meets Saint and feels everything she never thought she would again. They have an instant connection and the way that man talks and respects her?? YES. YES. YES.
Danielle always does an amazing job with her characters and it was so fun to see the characters from The Hot Holiday Hookup Series make an appearance especially my faves Trenton and India.
September 21, 2021
The introduction to Zola Patterson, a friend and co-conspirator we all need. In this first part, we see Zola settling into her new condo, sparring with her neighbor, hanging out with her girlfriends, and juggling a variety of men who she dates but doesn't want to settle down with. And then enters Saint, a man who instantly captivates Zola, and a local professor, with whom she has enjoyable discussions about psychology. We also see Zola fighting to be rightfully paid for her work as a writer and relationship columnist but that's a side point to the overall theme.
Zola is a total bad-ass and yet, as much as she says she wants real connection with someone, she's willing to let it go when he doesn't play by her preestablished rules despite feeling drawn to him. We also get some teases of the erotic and romantic stories included in Zola's first book (which are available separately as novellas from the author, Danielle Allen). I really enjoyed this first part and it left me eager to read the second part.
Zola is a total bad-ass and yet, as much as she says she wants real connection with someone, she's willing to let it go when he doesn't play by her preestablished rules despite feeling drawn to him. We also get some teases of the erotic and romantic stories included in Zola's first book (which are available separately as novellas from the author, Danielle Allen). I really enjoyed this first part and it left me eager to read the second part.
November 23, 2020
Who is Zola Patterson?
Are you Zola or just wishing you could be that bold? Zola had brains, beauty, and a tight bond with her body. She had a first-person arrangement with her truly dope persona. Many women struggle with the likes of Zola; her boldness scares the life out of them- honestly, she had me checking myself a few times. Let's delve into this story more. Living her single life involved more than one man, and along the way, her men started to catch feelings. Zola was a-loz to deal with, so I get it. When she met the guy, she could not get out of her head; I laughed my butt off because he did not move like most men. Then the Dr. tried to fit in, and I'm not sure about him. The story had so many layers and remarkable moments to ponder as we all try to relive the single life in our heads.
Are you Zola or just wishing you could be that bold? Zola had brains, beauty, and a tight bond with her body. She had a first-person arrangement with her truly dope persona. Many women struggle with the likes of Zola; her boldness scares the life out of them- honestly, she had me checking myself a few times. Let's delve into this story more. Living her single life involved more than one man, and along the way, her men started to catch feelings. Zola was a-loz to deal with, so I get it. When she met the guy, she could not get out of her head; I laughed my butt off because he did not move like most men. Then the Dr. tried to fit in, and I'm not sure about him. The story had so many layers and remarkable moments to ponder as we all try to relive the single life in our heads.
December 26, 2021
I wanted more. It was cool with seeing Zola go on her different dates but it just felt like we didn’t get any real spice. Like it was boring. I did get some advice to hold onto such as, 1) “you—always stand up for yourself, always call shit out as soon as it happens. You teach people how to treat you. You set your boundaries in the beginning.”
2) “It means that you’re so good-looking that I was forced to acknowledge it. It asserted itself right away. There was no denying it. It insisted on being recognized so I recognized it.” I sat back in my chair, holding his gaze. “That’s what aggressively good-looking means.”
3)”Knowing your worth won’t change the way someone acts toward you, but it will change how you allow someone to act toward you.”
Let’s see what the second installment has to offer.
2) “It means that you’re so good-looking that I was forced to acknowledge it. It asserted itself right away. There was no denying it. It insisted on being recognized so I recognized it.” I sat back in my chair, holding his gaze. “That’s what aggressively good-looking means.”
3)”Knowing your worth won’t change the way someone acts toward you, but it will change how you allow someone to act toward you.”
Let’s see what the second installment has to offer.
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November 28, 2020Live in your truth... unapologetically!
That was the one thing I loved most about Zola. She lived in her truth. She embraced and enjoyed being single and she didn't apologize for it. She set her terms up front. There were no lies, leading on, or false pretenses. Everyone this woman encountered knew what they were getting into. I loved how free she was. Unapologetic, yet fearless. It takes a brave woman to know what she wants, when she wants, and doesn't let other people's opinions of her life choices sway her decisions. Zola was inspiring. It was a relief to read a book that highlighted a woman being this self-assured, self-confident, and free was refreshing. I cannot wait for part 2 cause I'm looking for someone in particular....LOL!
That was the one thing I loved most about Zola. She lived in her truth. She embraced and enjoyed being single and she didn't apologize for it. She set her terms up front. There were no lies, leading on, or false pretenses. Everyone this woman encountered knew what they were getting into. I loved how free she was. Unapologetic, yet fearless. It takes a brave woman to know what she wants, when she wants, and doesn't let other people's opinions of her life choices sway her decisions. Zola was inspiring. It was a relief to read a book that highlighted a woman being this self-assured, self-confident, and free was refreshing. I cannot wait for part 2 cause I'm looking for someone in particular....LOL!
August 27, 2022
This kindle copy came in my August Bookworm Box so I went into it completely blind.
I get Carrie Bradshaw vibes from the flirty, confident, relationship column writing Zola. She's refusing to settle until she knows she's found the right one, and is having her fun while she waits. This whole novel felt like it was introducing the story, building up to something.
It's the first part of a duet so maybe the sequel is coming in the physical Bookworm Box that hasn't arrived yet? It felt like the first third of a novel, not a complete story with a cliffhanger like other duets. I can't say I'll seek out the second book if it doesn't come as part of my subscription as I'm just not invested in this story.
I get Carrie Bradshaw vibes from the flirty, confident, relationship column writing Zola. She's refusing to settle until she knows she's found the right one, and is having her fun while she waits. This whole novel felt like it was introducing the story, building up to something.
It's the first part of a duet so maybe the sequel is coming in the physical Bookworm Box that hasn't arrived yet? It felt like the first third of a novel, not a complete story with a cliffhanger like other duets. I can't say I'll seek out the second book if it doesn't come as part of my subscription as I'm just not invested in this story.
July 21, 2021
Extremely Engaging
When I say I have laughed out loud, Ms Zola has truly tickled me. The only thing that kept me from screaming was the fact that I read this at work. In one sitting. I love her independence and her owning her sexuality. She is living the single life and is unapologetic it. The support of her friends and family, even with the ones that question if she is really happy, was encouraging. I feel like she could be in my sister circle. I can't wait to see what happens in Part 2. Will she take her own advice? Is Saint the one or Will she choose the Dr? Stay tuned...
When I say I have laughed out loud, Ms Zola has truly tickled me. The only thing that kept me from screaming was the fact that I read this at work. In one sitting. I love her independence and her owning her sexuality. She is living the single life and is unapologetic it. The support of her friends and family, even with the ones that question if she is really happy, was encouraging. I feel like she could be in my sister circle. I can't wait to see what happens in Part 2. Will she take her own advice? Is Saint the one or Will she choose the Dr? Stay tuned...
November 19, 2020
LOVE ZOLA
I loved this book. Zola and her single life is definitely making me reevaluate my single life. lol The characters are fully developed with some appearances from the Holiday Hookups. Make sure you check those out before you tap in Zola!! I love how free she is and how she doesn’t give 2 shits how people perceive her life, or think she should be at a certain milestone. I can’t wait to read book 2 to see if she chooses my new book bae Saint. You will enjoy Zola and get shenanigans just as much as I did!!
I loved this book. Zola and her single life is definitely making me reevaluate my single life. lol The characters are fully developed with some appearances from the Holiday Hookups. Make sure you check those out before you tap in Zola!! I love how free she is and how she doesn’t give 2 shits how people perceive her life, or think she should be at a certain milestone. I can’t wait to read book 2 to see if she chooses my new book bae Saint. You will enjoy Zola and get shenanigans just as much as I did!!
December 3, 2020
Living the Single Life!
The Single Life with Zola Patterson entrances us in the life of advice columnist, the very single and proud, Zola Patterson. She’s intelligent, independent, and sensationally hilarious! The lineup of men she dates are handsome and sexy with dynamic bedroom skills! Whew! And vying for the top slot. But a monkey wrench, or should we say masonry bits, have caused a bit of an uproar in the dating scenario and we can’t wait to read the follow-up to find out if Zola will end up breaking all the rules!
The Single Life with Zola Patterson entrances us in the life of advice columnist, the very single and proud, Zola Patterson. She’s intelligent, independent, and sensationally hilarious! The lineup of men she dates are handsome and sexy with dynamic bedroom skills! Whew! And vying for the top slot. But a monkey wrench, or should we say masonry bits, have caused a bit of an uproar in the dating scenario and we can’t wait to read the follow-up to find out if Zola will end up breaking all the rules!
April 24, 2021
So that’s how it’s done
Being a single lady myself I could appreciate everything Zola did and said. Even the advice on her column was good.
She gave very solid rules that I’m actually going to implement.
She was strong, stuck to her guns (until Cams tongue lol), and she knew when things needed to end.
I totally agreed with her on the man making the move, but nothing is wrong with dropping hints.
She’s got a pretty decent roster she’s juggling. Saint woo! I want to meet him myself!
Fantastic read! I’d buy Zola’s book!
Being a single lady myself I could appreciate everything Zola did and said. Even the advice on her column was good.
She gave very solid rules that I’m actually going to implement.
She was strong, stuck to her guns (until Cams tongue lol), and she knew when things needed to end.
I totally agreed with her on the man making the move, but nothing is wrong with dropping hints.
She’s got a pretty decent roster she’s juggling. Saint woo! I want to meet him myself!
Fantastic read! I’d buy Zola’s book!
December 9, 2020
Unapologetically Zola!
I absolutely adore this book. The author gives us a female lead that I want to live vicariously through. She owns her sexuality, her business, her life and I am all for it. Oftentimes I run across female leads who are severely wounded seeking relief in the arms of a man. Not Zola, she knows what she wants and refuses to settle. I am definitely rushing to part 2 because I am wondering about Saint or the good doctor Jordan. I will find out soon.
I absolutely adore this book. The author gives us a female lead that I want to live vicariously through. She owns her sexuality, her business, her life and I am all for it. Oftentimes I run across female leads who are severely wounded seeking relief in the arms of a man. Not Zola, she knows what she wants and refuses to settle. I am definitely rushing to part 2 because I am wondering about Saint or the good doctor Jordan. I will find out soon.
June 24, 2021
Desire for more
I love that Zola was staying true to herself and lived her single life the way she wanted to. There were parts of he book that felt a little underdeveloped, but it left me wanting more from some of the characters and what was happing with her work so I am looking forward to part 2. I can’t wait to see her journey to realizing that she finally met “the one” because when you know you know!
I love that Zola was staying true to herself and lived her single life the way she wanted to. There were parts of he book that felt a little underdeveloped, but it left me wanting more from some of the characters and what was happing with her work so I am looking forward to part 2. I can’t wait to see her journey to realizing that she finally met “the one” because when you know you know!
November 17, 2021
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Instant Attraction, Cliffhanger
Synopsis: Zola is a dating guru who has a set of rules she follows! She dates around for content for her website and doesn’t want a relationship but what happens when she meets Saint?
My thoughts: ZOLA IS A BOSS ASS BITCH!! I LOVED THIS WOMAN! and I also loved that she was open to dating even with everyone giving her Shit about it!! And let me tell you Saint? That man right there oof
Tropes: Instant Attraction, Cliffhanger
Synopsis: Zola is a dating guru who has a set of rules she follows! She dates around for content for her website and doesn’t want a relationship but what happens when she meets Saint?
My thoughts: ZOLA IS A BOSS ASS BITCH!! I LOVED THIS WOMAN! and I also loved that she was open to dating even with everyone giving her Shit about it!! And let me tell you Saint? That man right there oof
November 19, 2020
A Decent Start
I was really looking forward to reading this series. It felt like something was missing in this first installment. I really enjoyed Zola’s interactions with her friends. I didn’t enjoy the dating interactions as much. The cliffhanger ending has promise, though. I think I’ll enjoy the second installment more.
I was really looking forward to reading this series. It felt like something was missing in this first installment. I really enjoyed Zola’s interactions with her friends. I didn’t enjoy the dating interactions as much. The cliffhanger ending has promise, though. I think I’ll enjoy the second installment more.
December 20, 2020
Did it seriously just end like that?? Zola is a woman after my own heart. She knows that she doesn't want to settle for less than what she deserves so she is having fun and living life on her terms. In true Danielle Allen fashion, there's humor, empowerment, and some STEAMY scenes. On to book 2 I go!
September 8, 2022
I devoured this short and sassy tale from Danielle Allen. It was sharp, witty and sexy from start to finish.
I LOVED how Zola owned who she was. Her career. Her friendships. Her choices. How she didn't take bs from anybody about any of it. And I can't wait to see what becomes of her and her 'rules' in the next installment.
I LOVED how Zola owned who she was. Her career. Her friendships. Her choices. How she didn't take bs from anybody about any of it. And I can't wait to see what becomes of her and her 'rules' in the next installment.
February 11, 2024
Enjoyed it
First thing I liked about this book is that it offered mini updates on the other characters in the holiday hook-up series. I really believe those should be a collection of short stories. I would def want a physical copy of them combined. Second I love a woman with a roster!
First thing I liked about this book is that it offered mini updates on the other characters in the holiday hook-up series. I really believe those should be a collection of short stories. I would def want a physical copy of them combined. Second I love a woman with a roster!
August 4, 2025
3⭐️! Zola Patterson is a single ICON! She knows what she wants, sticks to her rules (perhaps to a fault?) and always knows what to say. I’m intrigued by her roster and excited to see where this thing with Saint Anderson could go, I just wish this book wasn’t split into two parts - I don’t think it’s necessary!
November 26, 2020
I Love Zola!
Zola is the truth and her advice is spot on. Sure she may be running from a demon or daddy issue, but she's insightful, witty and powerful. Danielle has created a powerhouse of a character. Stop reading this and read the book!
Zola is the truth and her advice is spot on. Sure she may be running from a demon or daddy issue, but she's insightful, witty and powerful. Danielle has created a powerhouse of a character. Stop reading this and read the book!
November 28, 2020
Zola is life!!!
This was so good! I loved that she was unapologetically herself regardless of anyone's opinion. Zola was honest and living her best single life. And them neighbors kept me rolling! I can't wait for part 2!
This was so good! I loved that she was unapologetically herself regardless of anyone's opinion. Zola was honest and living her best single life. And them neighbors kept me rolling! I can't wait for part 2!
December 5, 2020
I love Zola. I love that she is not willing to settle. I love that she have all the men falling all over themselves to lock her down.
Another Saint sighting. It’s a wrap for Jordan and every other man
Another Saint sighting. It’s a wrap for Jordan and every other man
December 8, 2020
I love the way Zola lives her life. I like that she does so on her own terms & with no apologies for any of her rules for dating. If everybody is on the same page, then we'll all be happy right? Just don't get attached. But I have a feeling things may be about to change..
January 13, 2021
Interesting read
I like how it read like a journal of her life and her relationships with different types of men. While i think one stands out from them all she wasn't sure if who was the one for her. I can't wait to read the next install to find out her true love.
I like how it read like a journal of her life and her relationships with different types of men. While i think one stands out from them all she wasn't sure if who was the one for her. I can't wait to read the next install to find out her true love.
February 15, 2022
Fun Read. Zola Living Her Best Life And She Not Settling Down Until She Find Her One. I Love How She Was So Honest About Her Feelings And Was Not Dating To Hurt Anyone. If She Wasn’t Feeling It She Told The Truth. I Also Like How She Had The Quick Comebacks With That Noisy Ass Neighbor Of Hers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews