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I Do
I fell in love with Holden York when I was six years old.
Most of my youth came with spiral notebooks filled with doodles, wedding plans, and “Janelle York” looped in bubbly handwriting.
However, one night in Vegas changed everything.
I woke up to more than just a fantasy of my brother’s best friend.
Five years later, I'm standing on his doorstep confronting him about the secret he kept from me.
If you think this is the story of how we rode off into the sunset together…
You’re so wrong.
But if you think this is the story of how Holden blackmailed me into living with him...
You couldn't be more right.
Most of my youth came with spiral notebooks filled with doodles, wedding plans, and “Janelle York” looped in bubbly handwriting.
However, one night in Vegas changed everything.
I woke up to more than just a fantasy of my brother’s best friend.
Five years later, I'm standing on his doorstep confronting him about the secret he kept from me.
If you think this is the story of how we rode off into the sunset together…
You’re so wrong.
But if you think this is the story of how Holden blackmailed me into living with him...
You couldn't be more right.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2017
758 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Leddy Harper
35 books1,307 followersLeddy Harper had to use her imagination often as a child. She grew up the only girl in a house full of boys. At the age of fourteen, she decided to use that imagination and wrote her first book, and never stopped.
She often calls writing her therapy, using it as a way to deal with issues through the eyes of her characters.
The decision to publish her first book was made as a way of showing her children to go after whatever it is they want to. Love what you do and do it well. Most importantly Leddy wanted to teach them what it means to overcome their fears.
She often calls writing her therapy, using it as a way to deal with issues through the eyes of her characters.
The decision to publish her first book was made as a way of showing her children to go after whatever it is they want to. Love what you do and do it well. Most importantly Leddy wanted to teach them what it means to overcome their fears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 427 reviews
October 26, 2017
****4 STARS****
Can we all start by giving a round of applause to Leddy Harper for pulling off a genuinely funny romantic comedy with some family drama, sexy ass fuck man, and a strong woman?!?!?! I went into this book not knowing much about it, but as a die hard Leddy fan I had to buy it.
I Do(n’t) by Leddy Harper is a fun, sexy, spicy read and I enjoyed every minute of it. I finished the entire book in one day! That’s rare for me, because normally those things I call my children always bothering me.
I’ve read a few rom/coms here and there and I came to the conclusion that they weren’t really my thing. They just didn’t translate well on paper for me to ind the enjoyable. I often found that rom/com books read like screen plays and not real stories. If I would have known I Do(n’t) was a rom/com, I would have steered clear of it even though I adore the author.
I am so glad that I went into this one blind because this book was just what I needed. It was flirtatious, captivating, and magnetic. It’s not filled with loads of angst or deep, deep drama but it has just enough to keep readers on their toes.
I found Janelle and Holden’s story to be very push, pull. Janelle was as stubborn as a mule and Holden wasn’t much better. Their lack of communication made me want to tear my hair out a certain points and other times it had me dying with laughter. I’m not a huge fan of overdrawn miscommunication that leads to the demise of a relationship, but I came to appreciate it in this story.
You know how some authors can pull off writing a book with insta-love and others suck at it? I must say that the author was able to pull off their silly reasons for not opening up to one another and being honest, without frustrating the shit out of me. I loved it.
You see, Janelle knows she wants Holden, but Holden has denied his feelings for so long that they have become buried under 20 feet of cement. As much as Janelle wants Holden, she can’t let go of what he did to her and how he broke her heart.
Like most men, when Holden’s heart was broken by Janelle – he ran and forgot to look back. Men! They are idiots sometimes. But that’s what makes this book so fun to read.
As of a result of running in the wrong directions from each other for long they lost the most important part of themselves. . .their friendship.
Told from Janelle and Holden’s point of view I got a greater understanding of the two (even though it took me sometime to really grasp what Holden really wanted) which allowed me to gain a better understanding of the deeper issues at hand.
If you are looking for a deep yet light romance story that is filled with laughs then. . . may I present, I DO(n’t) by Leddy Harper.
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Can we all start by giving a round of applause to Leddy Harper for pulling off a genuinely funny romantic comedy with some family drama, sexy ass fuck man, and a strong woman?!?!?! I went into this book not knowing much about it, but as a die hard Leddy fan I had to buy it.
I Do(n’t) by Leddy Harper is a fun, sexy, spicy read and I enjoyed every minute of it. I finished the entire book in one day! That’s rare for me, because normally those things I call my children always bothering me.
I’ve read a few rom/coms here and there and I came to the conclusion that they weren’t really my thing. They just didn’t translate well on paper for me to ind the enjoyable. I often found that rom/com books read like screen plays and not real stories. If I would have known I Do(n’t) was a rom/com, I would have steered clear of it even though I adore the author.
I am so glad that I went into this one blind because this book was just what I needed. It was flirtatious, captivating, and magnetic. It’s not filled with loads of angst or deep, deep drama but it has just enough to keep readers on their toes.
I found Janelle and Holden’s story to be very push, pull. Janelle was as stubborn as a mule and Holden wasn’t much better. Their lack of communication made me want to tear my hair out a certain points and other times it had me dying with laughter. I’m not a huge fan of overdrawn miscommunication that leads to the demise of a relationship, but I came to appreciate it in this story.
You know how some authors can pull off writing a book with insta-love and others suck at it? I must say that the author was able to pull off their silly reasons for not opening up to one another and being honest, without frustrating the shit out of me. I loved it.
You see, Janelle knows she wants Holden, but Holden has denied his feelings for so long that they have become buried under 20 feet of cement. As much as Janelle wants Holden, she can’t let go of what he did to her and how he broke her heart.
Like most men, when Holden’s heart was broken by Janelle – he ran and forgot to look back. Men! They are idiots sometimes. But that’s what makes this book so fun to read.
As of a result of running in the wrong directions from each other for long they lost the most important part of themselves. . .their friendship.
“My biggest fear has always been that this would end and we’d have nothing to show for it. Because had I known when I knocked on your hotel door after the wedding that what we did that night would end our friendship, I would’ve gone straight to my own room” – Holden
Told from Janelle and Holden’s point of view I got a greater understanding of the two (even though it took me sometime to really grasp what Holden really wanted) which allowed me to gain a better understanding of the deeper issues at hand.
If you are looking for a deep yet light romance story that is filled with laughs then. . . may I present, I DO(n’t) by Leddy Harper.
Follow me. . .
www.prettymessreading.com
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July 11, 2017
2.5 Stars
This blurb grabbed my attention because of the "brother's best friend" mention, and I'm a huge fan of that trope. Sadly though this book didn't live up to the expectations I had for it and not even the fact it was my favorite trope was able to save the story for me.
My biggest issue was that I just didn't understand this book. The characters were a bit of a mess and there were things going on that made no sense to me. The main thing was Holden's need for Janelle to make things right with her family, which I didn't fully get because she wasn't really the issue in her family drama. On top of that he kept waffling back and forth in his POV inner thoughts; he wanted Janelle with him because he wanted to see if they could work, yet two sentences later he was saying he was only making her stick around for her family...then it was a different reason, and on and on and on. It was like he couldn't make up his mind for the first half of the book and then his reasoning's just stopped being mentioned. That whole thing very much frustrated me.
Then we have Janelle and Holden's "relationship" that had me ready to pull my hair out. And I use quotes for that because even by the end of the book I didn't fully believe them as a couple. For the majority of the book they were just playing these little games to annoy each other or make the other person jealous and it made me want to slap both of them. It was all too immature for me and got to a point where nothing could redeem these characters in my eyes.
Near the end it did get a little better and I started to enjoy reading about Holden and Janelle which is why I bumped my rating up to a 2.5, but the beginning still ruined it for me. Overall this wasn't the book for me but I would still recommend it for anyone that likes an angst filled romance.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
This blurb grabbed my attention because of the "brother's best friend" mention, and I'm a huge fan of that trope. Sadly though this book didn't live up to the expectations I had for it and not even the fact it was my favorite trope was able to save the story for me.
My biggest issue was that I just didn't understand this book. The characters were a bit of a mess and there were things going on that made no sense to me. The main thing was Holden's need for Janelle to make things right with her family, which I didn't fully get because she wasn't really the issue in her family drama. On top of that he kept waffling back and forth in his POV inner thoughts; he wanted Janelle with him because he wanted to see if they could work, yet two sentences later he was saying he was only making her stick around for her family...then it was a different reason, and on and on and on. It was like he couldn't make up his mind for the first half of the book and then his reasoning's just stopped being mentioned. That whole thing very much frustrated me.
Then we have Janelle and Holden's "relationship" that had me ready to pull my hair out. And I use quotes for that because even by the end of the book I didn't fully believe them as a couple. For the majority of the book they were just playing these little games to annoy each other or make the other person jealous and it made me want to slap both of them. It was all too immature for me and got to a point where nothing could redeem these characters in my eyes.
Near the end it did get a little better and I started to enjoy reading about Holden and Janelle which is why I bumped my rating up to a 2.5, but the beginning still ruined it for me. Overall this wasn't the book for me but I would still recommend it for anyone that likes an angst filled romance.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Read
August 10, 2017DNF @ 19%
*Edited after discussion with another reader who read further*
Originally I DNDed this one due to what appears to be a lack of celibacy/cheating between the H&h. (See details of their scenes in the early chapters below). However, apparently the H isn't being entirely truthful in these conversations, which isn't signaled to the reader. That would have gone a long way! Execution of the early scenes are certainly an issue and potentially will be an issue for other readers if they don't have a safety check first since some of the apparent safety issues are not as they seem.
However, I still have a load of other issues with these characters as well as the premise which involves everything from suspension of disbelief to communication as well as their ultimate feelings for each other which I note below. Basically, I have difficulty wrapping my head around the 5 year time span where neither of them have taken the mature road and avoided the present problems. That remains a sticking point in my ability to connect w/them as a couple and why I'm probably leaving this one as a DNF.
*Original Comments:
The prologue (opening scene) pulled me in, and I felt there was a lot of potential for the story. The chemistry was apparent, and I sensed a lot of emotions to wrangle with to make an engaging story.
But then when the plot jumps ahead five years later, I wasn’t sure what was going on between them. I realize that people can change a lot in 5 years at that age range, but it was almost like they were different characters. Janelle still couldn’t remember anything that had happened between them, never knew they were married, and states to the reader that she hadn’t been celibate. Holden’s point of view made things worse. It was still unclear why he kept their marriage a secret, made no attempt to end it, yet also made no attempt to make it work till she showed up at his door unexpectedly. He also acted like he knew nothing of the reality show she’d taped, yet he’d spoken to the producers and had no problem telling them about the marriage.
When the pair tries to “sort it out” the scene ends up sounding like a poor attempt at making sense of the mess for the sake of the reader.
“‘Why the hell would we get married and both be okay with each other fucking other people for five years? Not to mention, what would’ve happened if I got pregnant or you knocked someone up? Or one of us actually fell in love with someone else?” Janelle posed.
Those were all great questions that inquiring minds (like me!) would love to know. Too bad Holden couldn’t come up with anything better than:
“‘Let’s go ahead and give up on wondering why we would say ‘I do’ and then turn a blind eye to either of us having sex with other people while you were gone.’”
No, let’s not just brush that off to the side. It’s not a minor detail. In fact, it’s where the romantic connection fell apart for me, and I felt like the readers were being duped by a flimsy explanation so they wouldn’t dwell on the cheating aspect of the marriage. It really did make no sense. We’re expected to believe that Janelle had crushed on him since she was young and Holden had fallen in love with Janelle in the months before the Vegas marriage, yet neither of them were compelled to talk things out once they’d slept together, and instead they moved on to other people!
So when Holden rolled off with “‘I have no problems getting that [sex] when I need it,” I felt this was a lost cause. Add in their very bizarre "marriage agreement" Word doc that includes him agreeing to not text her if he's about to get a blow job. Clearly, neither of them were still in love with the other, if they ever were to start with. Now if they fall in love over the course of the story, great for them. But I no longer sensed the chemistry needed to be evident between them to stick it out.
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of transparency and providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
*Edited after discussion with another reader who read further*
Originally I DNDed this one due to what appears to be a lack of celibacy/cheating between the H&h. (See details of their scenes in the early chapters below). However, apparently the H isn't being entirely truthful in these conversations, which isn't signaled to the reader. That would have gone a long way! Execution of the early scenes are certainly an issue and potentially will be an issue for other readers if they don't have a safety check first since some of the apparent safety issues are not as they seem.
However, I still have a load of other issues with these characters as well as the premise which involves everything from suspension of disbelief to communication as well as their ultimate feelings for each other which I note below. Basically, I have difficulty wrapping my head around the 5 year time span where neither of them have taken the mature road and avoided the present problems. That remains a sticking point in my ability to connect w/them as a couple and why I'm probably leaving this one as a DNF.
*Original Comments:
The prologue (opening scene) pulled me in, and I felt there was a lot of potential for the story. The chemistry was apparent, and I sensed a lot of emotions to wrangle with to make an engaging story.
But then when the plot jumps ahead five years later, I wasn’t sure what was going on between them. I realize that people can change a lot in 5 years at that age range, but it was almost like they were different characters. Janelle still couldn’t remember anything that had happened between them, never knew they were married, and states to the reader that she hadn’t been celibate. Holden’s point of view made things worse. It was still unclear why he kept their marriage a secret, made no attempt to end it, yet also made no attempt to make it work till she showed up at his door unexpectedly. He also acted like he knew nothing of the reality show she’d taped, yet he’d spoken to the producers and had no problem telling them about the marriage.
When the pair tries to “sort it out” the scene ends up sounding like a poor attempt at making sense of the mess for the sake of the reader.
“‘Why the hell would we get married and both be okay with each other fucking other people for five years? Not to mention, what would’ve happened if I got pregnant or you knocked someone up? Or one of us actually fell in love with someone else?” Janelle posed.
Those were all great questions that inquiring minds (like me!) would love to know. Too bad Holden couldn’t come up with anything better than:
“‘Let’s go ahead and give up on wondering why we would say ‘I do’ and then turn a blind eye to either of us having sex with other people while you were gone.’”
No, let’s not just brush that off to the side. It’s not a minor detail. In fact, it’s where the romantic connection fell apart for me, and I felt like the readers were being duped by a flimsy explanation so they wouldn’t dwell on the cheating aspect of the marriage. It really did make no sense. We’re expected to believe that Janelle had crushed on him since she was young and Holden had fallen in love with Janelle in the months before the Vegas marriage, yet neither of them were compelled to talk things out once they’d slept together, and instead they moved on to other people!
So when Holden rolled off with “‘I have no problems getting that [sex] when I need it,” I felt this was a lost cause. Add in their very bizarre "marriage agreement" Word doc that includes him agreeing to not text her if he's about to get a blow job. Clearly, neither of them were still in love with the other, if they ever were to start with. Now if they fall in love over the course of the story, great for them. But I no longer sensed the chemistry needed to be evident between them to stick it out.
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of transparency and providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
July 8, 2017
Do I sound like a complete bitch when I go bitching about a bitchy heroine I am supposedly supposed to love?
Because by god am I tempted to do just that.
ARGH!
Full review to come.
Because by god am I tempted to do just that.
ARGH!
Full review to come.
April 1, 2022
A novel full of angst, sexual tension, fun, and bickering! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I also love the way the story plays out. Our female character, Janelle, wasn’t easy to like at the start, but she grew on me as the story went on. And Holden's character was as sweet as you could get, but he had his flaws. Although I wanted to throat punch these two a lot throughout the first 3/4 of the book, it still turned out to be a story worth reading.
August 9, 2017
This was a different story in many ways but I will not go into detail because I want you to read it for yourself! This was the a funny, sweet, infuriating (at times) and sexy second chance love story.
Janelle's love for Holden has always been there but she never acted on it. Now that she's back home to find closure will she finally confess or walk away?
Holden's love for Janelle had grown more than he led on yet now seeing Janelle again will he reveal his true feelings or let her walk away again?
The interacting between these two had me on the edge of my seat. They had me laughing, smiling and wanting to smack some sense into each one of them. Despite it all I could not put this book down until the very end!!!
"Sex on legs that ended in a very expensive pair of shiny black shoes. Sex in a suit. Sex with oh-so-sexy bedhead."
One thing's for sure Holden is one Sexy Man that had me needing to find relief from all that sexiness! ~Kara, 4.5 Stars
Janelle's love for Holden has always been there but she never acted on it. Now that she's back home to find closure will she finally confess or walk away?
Holden's love for Janelle had grown more than he led on yet now seeing Janelle again will he reveal his true feelings or let her walk away again?
The interacting between these two had me on the edge of my seat. They had me laughing, smiling and wanting to smack some sense into each one of them. Despite it all I could not put this book down until the very end!!!
"Sex on legs that ended in a very expensive pair of shiny black shoes. Sex in a suit. Sex with oh-so-sexy bedhead."
One thing's for sure Holden is one Sexy Man that had me needing to find relief from all that sexiness! ~Kara, 4.5 Stars
November 17, 2017
Not my favorite read so far but I did enjoy Leddy Harpers writing style and the story in itself was great. I think I just need to take a break from contemporary romance.
August 9, 2017
'I DO(N'T)' by LEDDY HARPER is the story of Janelle and Holden.
This is the brother's best friend story type romance, where Janelle has had a crush on Holden since she was little. Even constantly writing her last name as his and daydreaming of him. Janelle and Holden were always friends through them growing up and she constantly leaned on him. But when she was 18 years old while Holden and her family were all in Las Vegas, they ended up sleeping together. Both it appeared had drank to much and Janelle didn't remember any of it..and was really shocked when she woke up the next morning. Janelle didn't handle it well and Holden was shocked and upset that she didn't remember it. Holden up and left the hotel and avoided Janelle for 5 years. Janelle was hurt but his leaving and his avoidance of her.
Now 5 years later Janelle has learned something that happened that night that he didn't mention...and she is really upset. So Janelle goes forward to confront him which only brings back their feelings that they both had at the time.
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August 11, 2017
I Do(n’t) by Leddy Harper
5 stars!!!
I absolutely adored this book, from the first page Leddy Harper held me hostage as I cried tears of laughter and tears of sadness. The character connection was on point, the dialogue was hilarious at times and emotional when needed and the chemistry was fervent. This had so many tropes I adore, brothers best friend and second chance romance all wrapped up in a perfect romantic comedy with just enough angst to keep you on the edge of your seat begging our hero and heroine to wake up and smell the damn coffee. Yes, at times it was incredibly infuriating, I wanted to jump into this book and smack their bloody heads together, but the build up to the main event was so entertaining I soon forgot my frustrations. The lighter side of Leddy Harper was certainly damn entertaining.
The main characters are what car crash TV were made for, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but what happens when the one night stand you don’t remember is the man you had been crushing on for years? What happens when said one-night stand is your brothers best friend? What happens when the whole truth and nothing but the truth doesn’t get discussed until five years later? I Do(n’t) is what happens and I lapped up every single word.
Holden was adorable with a capital A. This man had the hugest of hearts and appreciated a good thing, a good person and especially a great family. Holden had been considered part of Janelle’s family for years, he treasured the connection he had with them and was there for everyone with the hugest shoulders and the deepest pockets. Holden’s friendship with Janelle’s brother was as strong as blood, they knew one and other inside out and even as adults, they were now closest confidantes and business partners.
Janelle has just graduated from university and after a few months of freedom finally has a reason to come home after being away for more or the less the entire four years. Janelle has stayed away due to “Vegas” but four years is a long time, a lot has happened in the family of which she has not been a part of. Coming back to town and seeing Holden is not on Janelle’s bucket list, but needs must and Holden sees her return as the ideal opportunity to get her reunited with the family she has basically emotionally estranged herself from.
I am being deliberately vague, the story is hilarious and you need to laugh those laughs for yourself, but if like me you are an emotional reader, you also need to experience the lows. This was an emotional journey for both Holden and Janelle, these two just sizzled together, whether they be baiting one and other, pulling pranks, or screwing each other’s eyes out. These two were seriously hot, but also their friendship is what made them as a couple. Even before “Vegas” these two were friends, they just got one and other, same senses of humour, they bounced off one and other and together they clicked. Janelle needed to grow up and her immaturity at times was a little frustrating, but I could understand her, it just made her real. Having no real relationship to speak of she had a lot to learn and if anyone could teach her it would be Holden.
The interactions between Holden and Janelle will have you belly laughing one moment and ripping your hair out the next. As I said above, it was so frustrating, and I constantly found myself on the edge of my seat screaming at my kindle “OH FFS COME ON YOU TWO!!” But it was that constant push and pull that made this book as these two figured out their real feelings. It was a journey for both of them, forgiving the past and working to a future, a future that certainly looked a lot rosier with each other…if they didn’t kill each other first. I Do(n’t) was the gift that kept on giving. I adored every hilarious, infuriating, emotional second of it.
www.theromancecover.com
5 stars!!!
“She vowed to always be his sidekick. And he swore to always be her hero.”
I absolutely adored this book, from the first page Leddy Harper held me hostage as I cried tears of laughter and tears of sadness. The character connection was on point, the dialogue was hilarious at times and emotional when needed and the chemistry was fervent. This had so many tropes I adore, brothers best friend and second chance romance all wrapped up in a perfect romantic comedy with just enough angst to keep you on the edge of your seat begging our hero and heroine to wake up and smell the damn coffee. Yes, at times it was incredibly infuriating, I wanted to jump into this book and smack their bloody heads together, but the build up to the main event was so entertaining I soon forgot my frustrations. The lighter side of Leddy Harper was certainly damn entertaining.
The main characters are what car crash TV were made for, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but what happens when the one night stand you don’t remember is the man you had been crushing on for years? What happens when said one-night stand is your brothers best friend? What happens when the whole truth and nothing but the truth doesn’t get discussed until five years later? I Do(n’t) is what happens and I lapped up every single word.
“…had I known when I knocked on your hotel door after the wedding that what we did that night would end our friendship, I would’ve gone to my own room.”
Holden was adorable with a capital A. This man had the hugest of hearts and appreciated a good thing, a good person and especially a great family. Holden had been considered part of Janelle’s family for years, he treasured the connection he had with them and was there for everyone with the hugest shoulders and the deepest pockets. Holden’s friendship with Janelle’s brother was as strong as blood, they knew one and other inside out and even as adults, they were now closest confidantes and business partners.
Janelle has just graduated from university and after a few months of freedom finally has a reason to come home after being away for more or the less the entire four years. Janelle has stayed away due to “Vegas” but four years is a long time, a lot has happened in the family of which she has not been a part of. Coming back to town and seeing Holden is not on Janelle’s bucket list, but needs must and Holden sees her return as the ideal opportunity to get her reunited with the family she has basically emotionally estranged herself from.
“He was my cape – he could send me flying while cloaking me in refuge all at once.”
I am being deliberately vague, the story is hilarious and you need to laugh those laughs for yourself, but if like me you are an emotional reader, you also need to experience the lows. This was an emotional journey for both Holden and Janelle, these two just sizzled together, whether they be baiting one and other, pulling pranks, or screwing each other’s eyes out. These two were seriously hot, but also their friendship is what made them as a couple. Even before “Vegas” these two were friends, they just got one and other, same senses of humour, they bounced off one and other and together they clicked. Janelle needed to grow up and her immaturity at times was a little frustrating, but I could understand her, it just made her real. Having no real relationship to speak of she had a lot to learn and if anyone could teach her it would be Holden.
“Every action has an opposite reaction. So if I’m in love with you, that means there’s an option to be out of love with you. And that’s not possible. If anything, I’d say I indefinitely love you.”
The interactions between Holden and Janelle will have you belly laughing one moment and ripping your hair out the next. As I said above, it was so frustrating, and I constantly found myself on the edge of my seat screaming at my kindle “OH FFS COME ON YOU TWO!!” But it was that constant push and pull that made this book as these two figured out their real feelings. It was a journey for both of them, forgiving the past and working to a future, a future that certainly looked a lot rosier with each other…if they didn’t kill each other first. I Do(n’t) was the gift that kept on giving. I adored every hilarious, infuriating, emotional second of it.
www.theromancecover.com
Read
August 24, 2017#DNF too dumb and annoying
July 12, 2017
When you're a Leddy Harper fan, you can't help but be thrilled when she said she'll have an up coming release. Much more when she mentioned the particualr book as something different from what you're used to. So yes, when I learned I Do(n't) will be released and saw the cover, I was elated. My excitement was palpable because aside from I am looking forward to my next Leddy fix, I am curious as to what she's in store for us this time.
So, I Do('nt) is a book that showcased Leddy Harper's other side. If I was gutted and pained from her previous works leaving me with puffy red eyes, this time I could not help the grin on my face the whole time I was reading the book. Jelly and Holden's journey is ligh-hearted, angst-ish and an enjoyable one that made me lose my mind but nevertheless captured my attention, caught my interest and made me hooked from beginning until the end. As always, Leddy wowed me with her words and that's always the reason why I am so hell bent on reading her works and shouting to read her books. She can write and she got a talent and unique way of delivering her stories. First page and she got me already. I read it effortlessly and I was curious about her lead characters journey.
Hello, Vegas.
Goodbye, hymen.
Blurb alone will give you an idea as to what the story is all about. Hints maybe or an inkling of it but what lies is more than that. When I read it, I can't help but be wowed because I love this lighter side of Leddy. I was entertained to a point that the book no matter how light hearted an easy to read still managed to evoke plenty of emotions in me. Now, let me start by saying I wanted to throat punch both the hero and the heroine. Their conflicting nature made me want to just burn them slowly and move on after. But I rooted for them and trust Leddy's writing. And I made the right decision. Leddy's knack of witing a character portrayal that either will move you or frustrate you was always worth rooting for. As the story progresses, I appreciated the characters development and growth to the point that I wanna hug them so tight and even wanted to be friends with them. I enjoyed their journey. I was frustrated at some point, but my God I could not deny that all throughout my journey with them I am grinning, chuckling and even laughed out loud. I was swooned over and fell in love with them.I love the thought that it was written at a steady pacing with playful banters, sexy as fuck scenes and romantic moments spiced up with family issues and drama strategically placed because it made the story engaging. It wasn't boring despite the "forbidden vibe realtionship" due to brother's best friend issues. She managed to write it as unique as possible and light hearted in a way that you need not to be more stress out on some angsty moments because it's - forbidden. What made it angs-ish is that moment when you're looking forward on how the resolution will be played out. And she nailed it.
Gahd! I was biting my nails, felt like I was punched in the gut and on verge of crying then - BAM! My tears wont fall!!! It was stucked up and I was laughing so hard instead or chuckling or even swooning. I feel like I was nuts and seconds away from losing my sanity!! Ahhh... bitches, Leddy can definitely write!
So, without giving too much away that will just end me spoiling you, read this book. This other version of Leddy Harper is enjoyable to read. It may not be what we're used to with her works but it's clear enough it's written well still. It's second-chance romance so hilarious, witty and engaging story with a forbidden vibe that's not so forbidden. Just the mere thought of it had me smiling like for real. A must read!
August 30, 2017
Okay, so I Do(n't) is about a guy named Holden and a girl named Janelle it is about their relationship. So Janelle has been in love with Holden (who is her older brothers best friend) since she was six years old. So at eighteen years old she is in Las Vegas for her older brothers wedding--she ends up drunk out of her mind and marries Holden (who is drunk but still remembers everything about that night--whereas Janelle does not). Then 5 years later, while she is on some dating show (kind of like "Are You The One?") and ends up finding out that she has been legally married already for 5 years and now has to get a divorce to get money from the show that she is on. Seems highly unrealistic. Like wouldn't Holden just tell her the next day that she was married? Or why didn't Janelle wake up and find a ring on that certain finger (like What Happens in Vegas with Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher). But no, that is not what happens.
On top of that mess, her family excludes her from everything because she is in college?!? I'm sorry but what?!? If anything the family would include her more because she is away (I mean this is from my personal experience--but I'm assuming that happens in every family). I don't really know how I feel about this book, it sounded really good but it could've been written better. This is my first book by Leddy Harper but I will not give up. I need to try another book so I can determine if I will read another book her.
On top of that mess, her family excludes her from everything because she is in college?!? I'm sorry but what?!? If anything the family would include her more because she is away (I mean this is from my personal experience--but I'm assuming that happens in every family). I don't really know how I feel about this book, it sounded really good but it could've been written better. This is my first book by Leddy Harper but I will not give up. I need to try another book so I can determine if I will read another book her.
July 9, 2017
ARC kindly provided by author.
I've been a Leddy Harper fan for a long time now, so I did my happy dance when I received an ARC of her new book a few days ago. I didn't read the blurb beforehand because I just knew this will be brilliant! I've seen the cover and the title and that was enough.
I couldn't stop reading it. I simply adore her writing.
Janelle and Holden were adorable together. He was her brother's best friend, a constant in her life and the boy who she loved from as long as she could remember. After one drunken night in Vegas everything changes. Five years later their paths cross again and this time he is not letting her go.
This is a second chance romance, and I just happen to looooove second chances. It was funny, sweet and sexy... oh yeah, steamy, steamy, steamy. I laughed and cried a bit.
Trust me on this one... you need this book in your life. Enjoy!
I've been a Leddy Harper fan for a long time now, so I did my happy dance when I received an ARC of her new book a few days ago. I didn't read the blurb beforehand because I just knew this will be brilliant! I've seen the cover and the title and that was enough.
I couldn't stop reading it. I simply adore her writing.
Janelle and Holden were adorable together. He was her brother's best friend, a constant in her life and the boy who she loved from as long as she could remember. After one drunken night in Vegas everything changes. Five years later their paths cross again and this time he is not letting her go.
This is a second chance romance, and I just happen to looooove second chances. It was funny, sweet and sexy... oh yeah, steamy, steamy, steamy. I laughed and cried a bit.
Trust me on this one... you need this book in your life. Enjoy!
August 9, 2017
It’s not uncommon to develop a bit of a crush on one of your brother’s friends when you are younger. It’s a very safe crush to day dream about because you know that nothing will ever come of it, and it’s forbidden territory between friends. However, once you are all grown up and living an adult life do the same rules still apply?
Janelle has been in love with Holden York since she was six years old. He has been a part of her family for years, as the best friend to her older brother. She knows that he would never be interested in being with her and is therefore shocked when many years later she wakes up in Vegas with the world’s worst hangover and Holden York is in her hotel room. It seems that all the dreams she had of being with him actually happened, just a shame she has absolutely no recollection of them…
Five years later, Janelle has finished her college degree and has just finished a reality tv show trying to meet her true love. Okay, she doesn’t really want to meet her true love, that flame still burns for Holden but it was a way to make some money, to finance her poor student lifestyle. When it comes to finalising the paperwork though she makes a startling discovery, one that only Holden has the answer to.
When Janelle shows up on Holden’s doorstep demanding answers he realises that he is in a position to finally get what he wants. She may have been the young girl crushing on him for years but what she doesn’t realise is that Holden’s feelings are the same for her and have been, especially since that night in Las Vegas. Holden is prepared to give Janelle what she wants but he has conditions and if she agrees to them, it might finally give them what they both desire.
This was a fun, low angst read for me, lots of funny moments and sweet ones in equal measure.
Janelle has been in love with Holden York since she was six years old. He has been a part of her family for years, as the best friend to her older brother. She knows that he would never be interested in being with her and is therefore shocked when many years later she wakes up in Vegas with the world’s worst hangover and Holden York is in her hotel room. It seems that all the dreams she had of being with him actually happened, just a shame she has absolutely no recollection of them…
Five years later, Janelle has finished her college degree and has just finished a reality tv show trying to meet her true love. Okay, she doesn’t really want to meet her true love, that flame still burns for Holden but it was a way to make some money, to finance her poor student lifestyle. When it comes to finalising the paperwork though she makes a startling discovery, one that only Holden has the answer to.
When Janelle shows up on Holden’s doorstep demanding answers he realises that he is in a position to finally get what he wants. She may have been the young girl crushing on him for years but what she doesn’t realise is that Holden’s feelings are the same for her and have been, especially since that night in Las Vegas. Holden is prepared to give Janelle what she wants but he has conditions and if she agrees to them, it might finally give them what they both desire.
This was a fun, low angst read for me, lots of funny moments and sweet ones in equal measure.
July 9, 2017
A sweet , sometimes angst, sometimes funny romantic comedy.
My first by Leddy Harper.
Janelle York has crushed on her brother's best friend, Holden, since like forever.. She's been planning their marriage and life together. When on one prom night , she wakes up naked and sore in her bed , with Holden, she's not happy and this is not how she had wished it would be.
She has NO recollection of her first time , losing her virginity to Her dream crush and.......wait till you read it.
It's a smooth fun read
4 stars
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My first by Leddy Harper.
Janelle York has crushed on her brother's best friend, Holden, since like forever.. She's been planning their marriage and life together. When on one prom night , she wakes up naked and sore in her bed , with Holden, she's not happy and this is not how she had wished it would be.
She has NO recollection of her first time , losing her virginity to Her dream crush and.......wait till you read it.
It's a smooth fun read
4 stars
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July 2, 2017
The lighter side of Leddy Harper is a fun read. You still get her writing, but this stays on the dry side. Just when you think you're going to need tissues because you know the emotion is coming, she pulls you out with humor and witty banter. Holden and Jelly are people I wanted to be friends with. Jelly is my hero!
December 12, 2017
4.75 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 30, 2017
Leddy Harper is a new author to me, but she will not be for long. I got sucked into this book and could not stop. Her words flow effortlessly. She has a way to make you feel like you are in each character's head. You feel the emotions, you feel the love, and you feel the hurt. She does not rush through each scene, but she also does not drag it out. The book just flowed so easily.
Janelle is the baby of five siblings. After her high school graduation, she went to college away from home for 5 years to get a business degree. Through the years, she distanced her self from her family and friends from home, only going back for most holidays, because being back home brought too many memories. She wants to start her her business, but she needs to have money to do that. So she finds herself in a weird predicament. She doesn't want love, because love hurts. The one guy she has loved since she was 6 years old didn't love her back. So all she wants is to do is focus on starting up her business, and that's it.
Holden is an only child. His parents were really never around or too drunk to care about anything but themselves when he was younger. He grew up around his best friends family, that included Janelle. They was there for him when he needed them the most, and now he is there for them when they need him. Now he and Janelle's brother own an accounting firm together. He is not interested in love either, because he knows how it feels to have your heart ripped out of your chest. All he cares about is his "other family" and his job.
Years ago, right after Janelle graduated high school, her family and Holden flew to Las Vegas for her brothers wedding. She woke up to more than her brother's best friend without even realizing it. with no memory of what all occurred that night. As time and distance went by, so did the closeness that she and Holden shared. Now five years later, she is standing at his doorstep confronting him about a secret he kept from her. But she is not gonna get what she came to get that easily. Holden is willing to do as she asks as long as she lives with him for a certain amount of time. He has his reasons for doing so as well.
I loved this book. I recommend it to people who believe in second chances and who believes in love. I look forward to reading more from Leddy Harper.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
Janelle is the baby of five siblings. After her high school graduation, she went to college away from home for 5 years to get a business degree. Through the years, she distanced her self from her family and friends from home, only going back for most holidays, because being back home brought too many memories. She wants to start her her business, but she needs to have money to do that. So she finds herself in a weird predicament. She doesn't want love, because love hurts. The one guy she has loved since she was 6 years old didn't love her back. So all she wants is to do is focus on starting up her business, and that's it.
Holden is an only child. His parents were really never around or too drunk to care about anything but themselves when he was younger. He grew up around his best friends family, that included Janelle. They was there for him when he needed them the most, and now he is there for them when they need him. Now he and Janelle's brother own an accounting firm together. He is not interested in love either, because he knows how it feels to have your heart ripped out of your chest. All he cares about is his "other family" and his job.
Years ago, right after Janelle graduated high school, her family and Holden flew to Las Vegas for her brothers wedding. She woke up to more than her brother's best friend without even realizing it. with no memory of what all occurred that night. As time and distance went by, so did the closeness that she and Holden shared. Now five years later, she is standing at his doorstep confronting him about a secret he kept from her. But she is not gonna get what she came to get that easily. Holden is willing to do as she asks as long as she lives with him for a certain amount of time. He has his reasons for doing so as well.
I loved this book. I recommend it to people who believe in second chances and who believes in love. I look forward to reading more from Leddy Harper.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
August 9, 2017
Sometimes a book just resonates with you. Something about the plot or the characters or what’s happening in their lives is something that you dealt with, that you’re dealing with, have had a similar experience, and it’s what keeps you reading even when the book isn’t the best or the characters the most loveable. This is what I experienced with I Do(n’t). While I enjoyed the book and the “one night in Vegas” trope, what connected me to the story was Janelle and her family.
I too live far away from my family—my choice to leave and not return after going away to college. I feel like a fifth wheel at every family event because I just am not that close to my siblings. I don’t know the inside jokes. My daughter isn’t really close to her cousins. I sometimes think it’s more of a chore to go “home for the holidays” than something to look forward to—it’s stressful trying to not step on toes, not have hurt feelings. Not to say anything. Like me as I write this review, trying not to think that after twenty years of not living at “home” that I shouldn’t be upset that neither of my siblings bothered to invite me and my family along with them when they spent a week on Cape Cod and posted a ton of pictures all over social media with their fun and games.
So back to Holden and Janelle. Holden is considered a member of the family—Janelle’s family. He’s been there through all the trials and tribulations. And he wants Janelle to fall back into the fold, because he loves her and her family. Sure, blackmail isn’t necessarily the best choice, but if it works it works, right?
Janelle just wants to be her own person. Sure she loves her family, but she wants to live her own life—so this whole blackmail thing isn’t going to work. She isn’t going to fall in love with Holden (again). She’s going to walk away. Yeah, sure. Good luck with that.
I Do(n’t) isn’t your typical “best friend’s little sister” story. It’s got heart. A lot of heat. And quite a bit of love. It’s both heart wrenching and light hearted. Quite a feat to pull off, right? Trust me, you’ll end up with a goofy smile in the end. ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
I too live far away from my family—my choice to leave and not return after going away to college. I feel like a fifth wheel at every family event because I just am not that close to my siblings. I don’t know the inside jokes. My daughter isn’t really close to her cousins. I sometimes think it’s more of a chore to go “home for the holidays” than something to look forward to—it’s stressful trying to not step on toes, not have hurt feelings. Not to say anything. Like me as I write this review, trying not to think that after twenty years of not living at “home” that I shouldn’t be upset that neither of my siblings bothered to invite me and my family along with them when they spent a week on Cape Cod and posted a ton of pictures all over social media with their fun and games.
So back to Holden and Janelle. Holden is considered a member of the family—Janelle’s family. He’s been there through all the trials and tribulations. And he wants Janelle to fall back into the fold, because he loves her and her family. Sure, blackmail isn’t necessarily the best choice, but if it works it works, right?
Janelle just wants to be her own person. Sure she loves her family, but she wants to live her own life—so this whole blackmail thing isn’t going to work. She isn’t going to fall in love with Holden (again). She’s going to walk away. Yeah, sure. Good luck with that.
I Do(n’t) isn’t your typical “best friend’s little sister” story. It’s got heart. A lot of heat. And quite a bit of love. It’s both heart wrenching and light hearted. Quite a feat to pull off, right? Trust me, you’ll end up with a goofy smile in the end. ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
July 7, 2017
I Do(n't) was not an erotica story. I realize you kinky readers might presume the accessory on her ankle might indicate a sex slave story, but you would be gravely mistaken. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that this is a sexy erotic romance with some fun and witty scenes. Don't get me wrong Leddy shared some explicit sex scenes which was an inherent part of the character growth and relationship development in the story while still maintaining a lighthearted fun read.
I Do(n't) was about Janelle and Holden who had been friends since Janelle was six. Matt, her brother was friends with Holden, who both were four years older than her. Despite the age difference, Janelle bonded with her brother Matt and spent more time with him and Holden then her other siblings. Many minor characters played an intricate part of the character development for Janelle. There was never a dull moment in Janelle's family.
I couldn't stop laughing at the situation Janelle and Holden were in. Holden's character was smug, cocky, and determined which made me laugh at his clever ideas regarding Janelle. Janelle's character was young, naive, carefree, and oblivious. Together their chemistry made for an amusing read.
This was written in dual points of view which I appreciated. The dialogue was playful banter between the two main characters. This was a standalone novel that made me nostalgic for family unity and bonding. The desire to belong to a family with siblings has been a concept I myself long for. Even more so when Leddy highlighted the importance of family.
Leddy could hands down win any argument with her beautifully orchestrated words. Leddy has an extraordinary ability to understand emotions, reactions, and behaviors of both male and female characters. Leddy kept layering the story with little surprises along the way providing constant entertainment.
I Do(n't) was about Janelle and Holden who had been friends since Janelle was six. Matt, her brother was friends with Holden, who both were four years older than her. Despite the age difference, Janelle bonded with her brother Matt and spent more time with him and Holden then her other siblings. Many minor characters played an intricate part of the character development for Janelle. There was never a dull moment in Janelle's family.
I couldn't stop laughing at the situation Janelle and Holden were in. Holden's character was smug, cocky, and determined which made me laugh at his clever ideas regarding Janelle. Janelle's character was young, naive, carefree, and oblivious. Together their chemistry made for an amusing read.
This was written in dual points of view which I appreciated. The dialogue was playful banter between the two main characters. This was a standalone novel that made me nostalgic for family unity and bonding. The desire to belong to a family with siblings has been a concept I myself long for. Even more so when Leddy highlighted the importance of family.
Leddy could hands down win any argument with her beautifully orchestrated words. Leddy has an extraordinary ability to understand emotions, reactions, and behaviors of both male and female characters. Leddy kept layering the story with little surprises along the way providing constant entertainment.
August 17, 2019
I did not finish this book. I actually barely got a quarter of the way through. I liked Janelle. I thought it was interesting to start with the end of a reality show. It was kind of a fun start and interesting that we didn't see much of it.
But I cannot stand Holden. It's possible he got better as the book went on, but that asshole was just so smug. I deleted the book, and then was like...uuggh I want to know what happens! So I checked it out again and tried! But he just made me so mad. That rarely happens. He just thought he was better than her and knew better than her and instead of just telling her whatever is going on with the family (I still have no clue), he is using it as some sort of punishment? Also, HE NEVER TOLD HER THEY GOT MARRIED?!?!?!? Just because she was so drunk and couldn't remember? He was butthurt and ran away. I get that happening for a day or so, but five years is a ridiculous amount of time. Especially because we know they saw each other a few times.
And his whole thing with making her come home and be married to him is supposed to be about reconnecting with her family, but then he is weird and makes plans WITH her family to get back at her for making plans by herself. He thinks she's so immature and left her family and never came home or cared about them. But she was in college! Who is home all the time? College age people are so super self centered. It's just the age. If her family had stuff going on, they should have told her. That's what's dumb to me. Like I said, I don't know what the big deal is, and I don't know if Janelle lays him out for being an ass later on, but the beginning was too infuriating to read more.
But I cannot stand Holden. It's possible he got better as the book went on, but that asshole was just so smug. I deleted the book, and then was like...uuggh I want to know what happens! So I checked it out again and tried! But he just made me so mad. That rarely happens. He just thought he was better than her and knew better than her and instead of just telling her whatever is going on with the family (I still have no clue), he is using it as some sort of punishment? Also, HE NEVER TOLD HER THEY GOT MARRIED?!?!?!? Just because she was so drunk and couldn't remember? He was butthurt and ran away. I get that happening for a day or so, but five years is a ridiculous amount of time. Especially because we know they saw each other a few times.
And his whole thing with making her come home and be married to him is supposed to be about reconnecting with her family, but then he is weird and makes plans WITH her family to get back at her for making plans by herself. He thinks she's so immature and left her family and never came home or cared about them. But she was in college! Who is home all the time? College age people are so super self centered. It's just the age. If her family had stuff going on, they should have told her. That's what's dumb to me. Like I said, I don't know what the big deal is, and I don't know if Janelle lays him out for being an ass later on, but the beginning was too infuriating to read more.
July 9, 2017
A sweet, fun and wonderful second chance at love story.
Holden wouldn't have had much of a loving childhood if not for his best friend's family.
His parents were neglectful and almost always drunk. Janelle comes from a large, loving family that Holden has been part of since she was six. She's always secretly been in love with Holden, but since Holden just acted like another big brother, she never let on.
After she goes off to college and stays away from the family for the most part because of a secret she and Holden share, except shes not sure what the secret is until she needs to marry a man on a game show. Turns out a lot happened in Vegas five years ago.
Will Holden be able to convince Janelle that what they shared wasn't just a drunken mistake, will Janelle finally be able to let go of all her hurts to make up with her family and start the business she always dreamed of.
A lovely story with lovable characters and some funny and heart warming moments.
The author did not disappoint with this book.
November 27, 2017
2.5 stars
I have to admit, there were some funny parts of this story, but there were several things that kept me from truly enjoying it. The "I got married in vegas, got drunk, lost my v-card, and remember nothing" trope has been way over-used and this one was no exception. Not only was it ridiculous but unrealistic. She didn't remember a thing about it, even years later. Ummm, ok. Also, the ending, was half-assed. No real closure, which was unexpected as well as disappointing. The story and plot were rather lame, but this writer does have a gift with her humor. There was some funny banter and dialogue in this one. I've read some of her other work that I loved, but this one was just a miss for me. I will check out her future work though.
I have to admit, there were some funny parts of this story, but there were several things that kept me from truly enjoying it. The "I got married in vegas, got drunk, lost my v-card, and remember nothing" trope has been way over-used and this one was no exception. Not only was it ridiculous but unrealistic. She didn't remember a thing about it, even years later. Ummm, ok. Also, the ending, was half-assed. No real closure, which was unexpected as well as disappointing. The story and plot were rather lame, but this writer does have a gift with her humor. There was some funny banter and dialogue in this one. I've read some of her other work that I loved, but this one was just a miss for me. I will check out her future work though.
September 12, 2017
2 Stars
Where do I begin??? I liked the premise. I thought it was interesting and I only have one other book that has the whole got-drunk-and-married-in-Vegas trope, so I thought it would be a fun read. I'm also a fan of the brother's best friend angle. I don't know at what point I wanted to be done with this book. I did, however, go from being interested in the prologue to rage-reading just to finish it.
Holden is...not amusing to me. He held onto a pretty big secret and when Janelle confronts him for a divorce, he is the ultimate victim. He continues this trait throughout the book. He turned me off in the worst way. He also hid his hurt feelings behind making Janelle reconnect with her family, which has to be one of the most ridiculous parts in this story I've seen. According to Holden and her family, Janelle is selfish and evil incarnate b/c she went away to college. I mean, how dare she??? Her sisters and Holden blamed her for not keeping in contact, while they chose to do the same. She's the baby of the family. She's going to follow the lead of her older siblings who, with the exception of her brother, are all about a decade plus older than her. If they shut her out, how are they mad that she doesn't know certain things? She kept in constant contact with her mom, so what else was she supposed to do? OMG, how dare she not already have a thriving career with a husband and children, like they did at her age? She gets away with everything!!!
How magnanimous of Holden to set Janelle straight and show her the error of her ways. After all, she took her parents' hard-earned money and partied in college for five years, as evidenced by her business degree. I didn't major in business, but my apologies to those who did, b/c according to this book, that's not good enough. Neither is getting straight A's. I know for a fact that if you can go off to school and maintain an A average, at least some hard work is involved. This girl had plans for what she wanted to do. She knew what kind of business she wanted and was ready to go after it. I just felt she was disparaged about this, except not to her face, just in Holden's inner dialogue when his feelings were hurt or her sister's gossiping when Janelle had to audacity to show up to their family dinner, now that she's home. Holden also didn't like to play games, even though he chose to and enjoyed doing it. He could seethe about Connor, but throw Veronica in Janelle's face. Sidenote: I will not go into him being sooooo shocked about Veronica never having been with a guy, b/c even though she's a lesbian, surely she had to experiment with men to come to that conclusion b/c she's soooo feminine. I WILL NOT!!! (even though I kinda just did, whatever)
For the record, it takes a special brand of asshole to chastise someone about being out of the loop in their family, imply that she is needed b/c said family is going through some pretty serious situations, then refuse to tell that person what's going on after thoroughly scaring them. Why not just say it? Why all the games, HOLDEN?!
I was not here for him whining about her cooking him dinner when he gets home from work, when he's blackmailing her to stay with him. That bothered me, although I like that when he found out she couldn't cook, it became something for them to do together. See? I can be positive.
There is no excuse for Holden keeping this marriage a secret for 5 years bottom line. Janelle wasn't mad enough about that, in my opinion. I also can't believe that not once, in five years, did he stop and consider things from Janelle's perspective. She was a virgin who woke up in Vegas and didn't remember losing her virginity or with whom. Things are going to be awkward initially, b/c yes, this was a big deal. The solution is not for Holden to then go out of his way to avoid her and then be pissed that she left for college. Then, when he's hurt again after going through her phone, he just kicks her out without giving her a chance. Getting that office space without her permission, gifting it to her, and then snatching it away when he's mad and done? Asshole move. That's two times he crushed her and it really pissed me off how he could just cut her out and think she's this evil villain. I think she was pretty up front with him about wanting the money. He acted like it came out of left field, even though no permanent decisions had been made when they decided to see where their relationship goes in that six months. I'm glad Veronica went off on him. I would've preferred Janelle do it, but it was so far into the book, I was just grateful someone did. Actually, Holden should've gotten over himself enough to really think about everything. Some introspection would've been nice without anyone else having to point it all out to him.
I don't think his apology was enough. I wish Janelle had gone through with the divorce and then she and Holden could've worked through everything and gotten remarried, after taking some time for them both to grow up. After all, they were married for 5 years, while one party didn't even know and they had been with other people. That's not something I would really want to hold on to as is, but that's just me. It was kind of just wrapped up a bit too neatly. I wanted her to hold him accountable for his actions or lack thereof. She thought all the things I did when she was honest about Holden's behavior after he kicked her out, but she never SAID it to him. He needed to know how she felt, being that 18-year-old girl who was essentially dumped by two guys mere months apart and experiencing that heartache again years later. Lord knows, he got to let her know how HE felt.
A bigger and better reaction from her family would have been appreciated. Matt should have punched Holden in the face, at least once, about the whole marriage thing. I would've like to have seen more of a fallout after the news made the rest of her family, seeing as how they thought Holden was so perfect. He needed to be knocked off the pedestal they put him on b/c he is human and has made mistakes, even though they love him and he's helped them out. It just would've been nice for his feet to be held to the fire for once, since they had no problem doing that to Janelle.
I liked her mom, although she was being a bit (lovingly) pushy with Janelle's love life. She was silly and sweet and so much a mom, which I liked. I would have liked to have seen appearances from her dad and hear his thoughts. He was there, but in the periphery, so I didn't know much about him, except that Janelle was his favorite. Her sister, Nikki, was okay, but Rachel and Stacey can choke. They all made nice and Stacey did apologize to Janelle during the apology tour, but all that drama and hurt feelings could've been avoided had they all acted like big sisters, instead of mean girls.
There were some funny, light-hearted moments, but they didn't make up for all the frustration I had while reading this. I also realize I take up for Janelle a lot, but I feel I had to do it. There wasn't a lot of that in the book. Yes, she has growing up and maturing to do, but this is the time in her life when she should be experiencing and learning. We're always learning, no matter our ages. I just feel Holden and her family had their time and they had it without being so harshly criticized and judged. Her time is now and that should've been respected. She's 23 and in transition and that's okay.
I've had book boyfriends, but Holden would be my book ex-boyfriend. He had good moments, but he was still a jerk.
Where do I begin??? I liked the premise. I thought it was interesting and I only have one other book that has the whole got-drunk-and-married-in-Vegas trope, so I thought it would be a fun read. I'm also a fan of the brother's best friend angle. I don't know at what point I wanted to be done with this book. I did, however, go from being interested in the prologue to rage-reading just to finish it.
Holden is...not amusing to me. He held onto a pretty big secret and when Janelle confronts him for a divorce, he is the ultimate victim. He continues this trait throughout the book. He turned me off in the worst way. He also hid his hurt feelings behind making Janelle reconnect with her family, which has to be one of the most ridiculous parts in this story I've seen. According to Holden and her family, Janelle is selfish and evil incarnate b/c she went away to college. I mean, how dare she??? Her sisters and Holden blamed her for not keeping in contact, while they chose to do the same. She's the baby of the family. She's going to follow the lead of her older siblings who, with the exception of her brother, are all about a decade plus older than her. If they shut her out, how are they mad that she doesn't know certain things? She kept in constant contact with her mom, so what else was she supposed to do? OMG, how dare she not already have a thriving career with a husband and children, like they did at her age? She gets away with everything!!!
How magnanimous of Holden to set Janelle straight and show her the error of her ways. After all, she took her parents' hard-earned money and partied in college for five years, as evidenced by her business degree. I didn't major in business, but my apologies to those who did, b/c according to this book, that's not good enough. Neither is getting straight A's. I know for a fact that if you can go off to school and maintain an A average, at least some hard work is involved. This girl had plans for what she wanted to do. She knew what kind of business she wanted and was ready to go after it. I just felt she was disparaged about this, except not to her face, just in Holden's inner dialogue when his feelings were hurt or her sister's gossiping when Janelle had to audacity to show up to their family dinner, now that she's home. Holden also didn't like to play games, even though he chose to and enjoyed doing it. He could seethe about Connor, but throw Veronica in Janelle's face. Sidenote: I will not go into him being sooooo shocked about Veronica never having been with a guy, b/c even though she's a lesbian, surely she had to experiment with men to come to that conclusion b/c she's soooo feminine. I WILL NOT!!! (even though I kinda just did, whatever)
For the record, it takes a special brand of asshole to chastise someone about being out of the loop in their family, imply that she is needed b/c said family is going through some pretty serious situations, then refuse to tell that person what's going on after thoroughly scaring them. Why not just say it? Why all the games, HOLDEN?!
I was not here for him whining about her cooking him dinner when he gets home from work, when he's blackmailing her to stay with him. That bothered me, although I like that when he found out she couldn't cook, it became something for them to do together. See? I can be positive.
There is no excuse for Holden keeping this marriage a secret for 5 years bottom line. Janelle wasn't mad enough about that, in my opinion. I also can't believe that not once, in five years, did he stop and consider things from Janelle's perspective. She was a virgin who woke up in Vegas and didn't remember losing her virginity or with whom. Things are going to be awkward initially, b/c yes, this was a big deal. The solution is not for Holden to then go out of his way to avoid her and then be pissed that she left for college. Then, when he's hurt again after going through her phone, he just kicks her out without giving her a chance. Getting that office space without her permission, gifting it to her, and then snatching it away when he's mad and done? Asshole move. That's two times he crushed her and it really pissed me off how he could just cut her out and think she's this evil villain. I think she was pretty up front with him about wanting the money. He acted like it came out of left field, even though no permanent decisions had been made when they decided to see where their relationship goes in that six months. I'm glad Veronica went off on him. I would've preferred Janelle do it, but it was so far into the book, I was just grateful someone did. Actually, Holden should've gotten over himself enough to really think about everything. Some introspection would've been nice without anyone else having to point it all out to him.
I don't think his apology was enough. I wish Janelle had gone through with the divorce and then she and Holden could've worked through everything and gotten remarried, after taking some time for them both to grow up. After all, they were married for 5 years, while one party didn't even know and they had been with other people. That's not something I would really want to hold on to as is, but that's just me. It was kind of just wrapped up a bit too neatly. I wanted her to hold him accountable for his actions or lack thereof. She thought all the things I did when she was honest about Holden's behavior after he kicked her out, but she never SAID it to him. He needed to know how she felt, being that 18-year-old girl who was essentially dumped by two guys mere months apart and experiencing that heartache again years later. Lord knows, he got to let her know how HE felt.
A bigger and better reaction from her family would have been appreciated. Matt should have punched Holden in the face, at least once, about the whole marriage thing. I would've like to have seen more of a fallout after the news made the rest of her family, seeing as how they thought Holden was so perfect. He needed to be knocked off the pedestal they put him on b/c he is human and has made mistakes, even though they love him and he's helped them out. It just would've been nice for his feet to be held to the fire for once, since they had no problem doing that to Janelle.
I liked her mom, although she was being a bit (lovingly) pushy with Janelle's love life. She was silly and sweet and so much a mom, which I liked. I would have liked to have seen appearances from her dad and hear his thoughts. He was there, but in the periphery, so I didn't know much about him, except that Janelle was his favorite. Her sister, Nikki, was okay, but Rachel and Stacey can choke. They all made nice and Stacey did apologize to Janelle during the apology tour, but all that drama and hurt feelings could've been avoided had they all acted like big sisters, instead of mean girls.
There were some funny, light-hearted moments, but they didn't make up for all the frustration I had while reading this. I also realize I take up for Janelle a lot, but I feel I had to do it. There wasn't a lot of that in the book. Yes, she has growing up and maturing to do, but this is the time in her life when she should be experiencing and learning. We're always learning, no matter our ages. I just feel Holden and her family had their time and they had it without being so harshly criticized and judged. Her time is now and that should've been respected. She's 23 and in transition and that's okay.
I've had book boyfriends, but Holden would be my book ex-boyfriend. He had good moments, but he was still a jerk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2017
"She vowed to always be his sidekick. And he swore to always be her hero."
This book was a fun, brothers best friend, romance!
I love the reality spin on it (reminded me of Are You The One) and the way everything fell into place.
I went into this book blind so I don't want to give anything away.
I can say that this book had love, laughs, and a little heartache. It was a good read!
This book was a fun, brothers best friend, romance!
I love the reality spin on it (reminded me of Are You The One) and the way everything fell into place.
I went into this book blind so I don't want to give anything away.
I can say that this book had love, laughs, and a little heartache. It was a good read!
August 13, 2017
These two reviews pretty much sum up my thoughts, perfectly!
Sabrina
Book-Bosomed
I read the whole book.
Sabrina
Book-Bosomed
I read the whole book.
August 9, 2017
I've read quite a few books by this author and yet again she's written a favourite for me to rave about. From start to finish I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I loved this side of Leddys story writing.
If your looking for a fun and sexy read than I highly recommend you 1-click this gem.
If your looking for a fun and sexy read than I highly recommend you 1-click this gem.
August 13, 2017
I loved this one! Better then I expected it to be. Really great chick lit.
4,5/5 stars
4,5/5 stars
December 1, 2019
Save yourself the trouble & don’t click/pick this one up.
September 14, 2017
4.5 Star
Review by Jen Skewes
Once again Leddy Harper has completely sucked me in to her world of new characters whom I fell for. From beginning to end I was completely captured by the story, never wanting to let go or seeing it end. All though it shouldn’t really surprise me that I loved this book. After all Leddy Harper wrote it and she never disappoints. I do think this is a little different from her other books. She certainly made me feel, like she so expertly knows how to do but I think it was in a completely different way.
Janelle is the youngest in her family, and growing up she always tried to tag along with her brother and his best friend Holden. At a young age she fell for Holden. At the age of eighteen, she woke up the morning after her brother’s wedding to find that her fantasies regarding Holden has finally come true. Except she does not remember a thing. Holden walks out of the hotel that day and everything that they shared the night before, the friendship they had for most of their life is completely forgotten.
It is five years later and Holden and Janelle have not seen or talked to each other since the wedding. They both avoided the other as best they could over the years. Janelle went off to college, while Holden started his own business. But Janelle is back. She needs help with something and the only person that can take care of her current situation is Holden. He agrees to help her, but under one condition, she lives with him for six months. This is the part that I loved because Ms. Harper threw a little twist in there. His reasons were nothing of what I thought they would be. I am not going to tell you what they were but it was unexpected. And that is what made this story perfect. It is the reason that I became completely frustrated with them, but also the reason why I loved Holden. And it is simply because he cared.
Holden and Janelle are two people that completely frustrated the hell out of me. Now when I first met Holden, I loved him. He was sweet and sexy and I just loved everything about him. Janelle it took a little more time for me to warm up to her. But as time went on they both said and did things that just made me want to shake the two of them and tell them to wake up!!!. They were both so hell bent on denying their feelings that it drove me nuts, but in a good way of course. They belonged together, they were meant to be together. I just needed them to be the ones to see it.
When you become so invested in two characters, to the point that you feel all of their emotions. That they make you so frustrated because all you want is for them to be happy. When twists come that make you curse the author because you, yourself are so unsure of what just happened, questioning if it was real or not. When an author manages to suck you in from the very first page and has you smiling at the end, you know that is a fantastic book that is flawlessly written. You know that the writing is amazing because you felt everything!! Another job well done by Ms. Harper.
Review by Jen Skewes
Once again Leddy Harper has completely sucked me in to her world of new characters whom I fell for. From beginning to end I was completely captured by the story, never wanting to let go or seeing it end. All though it shouldn’t really surprise me that I loved this book. After all Leddy Harper wrote it and she never disappoints. I do think this is a little different from her other books. She certainly made me feel, like she so expertly knows how to do but I think it was in a completely different way.
Janelle is the youngest in her family, and growing up she always tried to tag along with her brother and his best friend Holden. At a young age she fell for Holden. At the age of eighteen, she woke up the morning after her brother’s wedding to find that her fantasies regarding Holden has finally come true. Except she does not remember a thing. Holden walks out of the hotel that day and everything that they shared the night before, the friendship they had for most of their life is completely forgotten.
It is five years later and Holden and Janelle have not seen or talked to each other since the wedding. They both avoided the other as best they could over the years. Janelle went off to college, while Holden started his own business. But Janelle is back. She needs help with something and the only person that can take care of her current situation is Holden. He agrees to help her, but under one condition, she lives with him for six months. This is the part that I loved because Ms. Harper threw a little twist in there. His reasons were nothing of what I thought they would be. I am not going to tell you what they were but it was unexpected. And that is what made this story perfect. It is the reason that I became completely frustrated with them, but also the reason why I loved Holden. And it is simply because he cared.
Holden and Janelle are two people that completely frustrated the hell out of me. Now when I first met Holden, I loved him. He was sweet and sexy and I just loved everything about him. Janelle it took a little more time for me to warm up to her. But as time went on they both said and did things that just made me want to shake the two of them and tell them to wake up!!!. They were both so hell bent on denying their feelings that it drove me nuts, but in a good way of course. They belonged together, they were meant to be together. I just needed them to be the ones to see it.
When you become so invested in two characters, to the point that you feel all of their emotions. That they make you so frustrated because all you want is for them to be happy. When twists come that make you curse the author because you, yourself are so unsure of what just happened, questioning if it was real or not. When an author manages to suck you in from the very first page and has you smiling at the end, you know that is a fantastic book that is flawlessly written. You know that the writing is amazing because you felt everything!! Another job well done by Ms. Harper.
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