The perfect man for me is a charming, sexy, hot as hell lawyer who knows how to negotiate his way into my panties.#PfftwhateverBeen there.Done that.Burned the T-shirt.I didn’t swear off all men after my divorce, but I sure as hell swore off anyone remotely like my ex. On the top of that list? Attorneys. Everyone knows they can’t be trusted.Now that I’ve moved back into my childhood home in … moved back into my childhood home in Chicago, my focus is my daughter, my mom and me. I haven’t given up on finding my happily-ever-after, it’s just on hold-indefinitely. Yup, life is in a real upswing.
Then I see Reed Warner again, and I’m reminded of all my mistakes. I push him away, but somehow he weasels his way into every part of my life, not willing to take no for an answer.
In spite of my better judgment I can’t stop thinking about the way his designer suits fit his muscular frame, or the way his blue eyes seem to eat me up with every glance.
You know when you’re on a diet and even hummus seems irresistible? Reed is like the equivalent of chocolate éclair and my willpower is fading fast.
The problem? Not only is he a lawyer…
He was the best man at my wedding.
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My first book by these two authors, but definitely not my last. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars. This review is for an ARC, and reflects my honest opinion.
I’ve seen the name Piper Rayne around lately, so when I saw there was a new series coming out, I had to sign up. I read the prequel novella first, and then jumped right into this ARC. The characters were entertaining, and I liked the book overall.
Victoria was a pretty great main character, and I adored Reed. What a sweetheart! He’s going on my book boyfriend list for sure. I also liked Chelsea, Hannah, Diane, Jade, and Henry. The banter and chemistry between Victoria and Reed was fantastic. There were some slightly steamy/sexual scenes, but they weren’t that often. I was actually expecting a little more to be honest.
The group outings Reed and Victoria went out on were some of my favorite parts. I liked that this book was set in the Midwest (Chicago to be exact), and that we got to do a little sightseeing with the characters. I wouldn’t say I was surprised by anything that happened in the book, even the ending…which will lead perfectly into the next book.
I wasn’t aware Victoria appeared in a previous series, so I’ll have to go back and read some of the backlist books from these authors ASAP. I think anyone who enjoys single parent romances would enjoy this book.
This was a good read I reallu enjoyed it. All the characters in the book are fabulous and I can’t wait to see how all the stories evolve over the next few books
Manic Monday is sweet and sexy – trademark Piper Rayne.
Victoria, Jagger’s old assistant from Chore Play, has divorced her jerk ex and moved to Chicago with her adorable daughter, Jade, so they can help take care of Victoria’s mom. Victoria’s down on men, sort of down on life in general, when she sees a hot guy at her daughter’s school dropping off a boy he’s somehow related to; how, she’s not sure, but she means to find out. Sounds like a potentially good thing, but not when he turns out to be a) a lawyer, like her ex, and b) her ex’s best man at their wedding. Oops. But, Reed is not to be dissuaded when he decides he wants Victoria. He’s persistent, and sweet, and charming, and soon Victoria’s falling under his spell. But when Reed has to make a choice to stay in Chicago or move and take a job offer, will he choose a promotion or his life with Victoria, Jade and Henry?
I adore Reed and call dibs on that man. He’s sweet and sexy and so charming that my little heart swooned. Victoria came across as more than a little prickly at first, leading to not such a great first impression, but considering her circumstances, I was able to give her a pass, and she grew on me. Some great secondary characters like Chelsea, Victoria’s coworker, Hannah, Victoria’s new boss, Jade, Victoria’s daughter, and Henry, Reed’s little brother, help round out the cast of this sweet story. Piper Rayne has definitely made me a lifelong fan with Manic Monday, so looking forward to Chelsea’s story next (Afternoon Delight)!
Manic Monday is the first book in the Charity Case series, and the first of Piper Rayne’s titles that I have read. I read the book quickly, over the course of a weekend, and found many aspects of this second-chance romance irresistible.
This is the story of Victoria, a woman who is rebuilding her life after the end of her marriage. She has moved back from the west coast with her daughter to look after her ailing mother in Chicago. As Victoria strives to settle into her new reality her path crosses with Reed Warner, the best man from her wedding. Reed is a successful lawyer, making a name for himself with the District Attorney’s office. He is good-looking, charming, and a doting Big Brother mentor for a child in need. But he was also once her ex-husband’s best friend, and Victoria is wary of his sudden reappearance in her life.
When the duo continually run into one another during the elementary school morning drop-off, banter is exchanged, chemistry builds, and soon Victoria’s defenses against Reed begin to weaken. Reed has many obstacles to overcome in Victoria’s eyes, but he has the determination and the patience to court this cautious woman with perfection.
Manic Monday is a great introduction to the writings of Piper Rayne. I found myself crushing on Reed fairly soon after his introduction to Victoria and was quickly rooting for him to win her love. When he picks her up for a dinner date, I was swooning over the image of him driving her through the streets of Chicago …
“Is it okay if we head out of the city?” he asks.
“Sure.”
“So, your mom’s good if I fly you to Paris for the weekend?” His face is serious. No raised eyebrows or sarcastic tone.
“No, and you aren’t.”
He reaches over and squeezes my knee. “I’m kidding. I want to impress you, but I’m not that guy from Pretty Woman.”
Embarrassment hits me hard and I immediately lose all my spunk. Of course, he wouldn’t want to go to the trouble of doing anything like that for me. What a ridiculous thought.
“He only took her from L.A. to San Fran and operas aren’t my thing.”
He chuckles, shifting the stick around and then slowly eases away from the curb.
“Damn him. Who did he think he was going to impress with that?” Reed laughs as I fixate on his strong hand shifting the gears while his knee rocks back and forth with the clutch.
It’s sexy as fuck.
If you’re looking for fast, fun, second-chance romance then I gladly recommend Manic Monday to you. I enjoyed the story from beginning to end and look forward to continuing on with the series this summer as books two and three are released.
Loved it
Love Victoria and Reed’s story. This had a great storyline. Can’t wait for the next one in this series
f: Victoria (POV)
m: Reed
First off, I just want to say I really love this unique series idea of three women who are friends, and they’re all divorced and a bit jaded by their ex husbands. In Manic Monday, Victoria has recently moved back to Chicago with her seven year old daughter, Jade. After she bumps into Reed, he doesn’t waste time expressing his interest in her and he is charmingly persistent in his attempts to open her up to the idea of a relationship. This book has somewhat of a slow burn feel to it cause Victoria is extremely hesitant to give in to Reed’s charm. This makes for a lot of wooing and taking things slow so there is a lot more relationship building scenes within the book than there is sex scenes. The couple of intimate scenes we get do offer a variety from sweet and romantic to steamy though!
Reed is the ultimate prince charming! He’s respectful and doesn’t pressure Victoria yet is also confident in knowing what he wants. He’s thoughtful, caring and reliable. He gets an A+ for his wooing skills like paying for the movie date, giving her rides to work, and obtaining the activity for the festival booth. When it comes to his job, Reed cares more so about making a difference rather than seeking out a job only for the money aspect. Oh, and he’s adorable with children!
I was a bit worried when I was on page 270 and Reed and Victoria were still in conflict (there’s only 281 pgs in the paperback) but we do get a quick and easy resolution of conflict and a perfect set up for the following book in the series before it ends.
Favorite Quotes:
“I want a woman with goals. You want to get your degree. I’m behind you. You want a career and a family. I’m your equal in parenting responsibilities. You want to have a loving and supportive boyfriend. I’m him.” -Reed
“You’re worth the heartache that’s possible. -Reed
“Good news, babe, your mom said you can spend the night.” -Reed
Manic Monday is book one in the Charity Case series and I am hooked! What do you get when you put together three smart, sassy and fun women? You have enjoyable stories that will keep you completely engaged!
This is Victoria’s story and her second chance at finding love after her divorce! Reed has always been attracted to Victoria but she married his now ex-best friend years earlier and has moved back home. He is definitely is not going to let this opportunity to pass him by again. He just has to convince her that he is different from her ex and is the right guy for her.
These two have chemistry and a few obstacles to overcome but in the end their love wins out!
Manic Monday is the first book in the Charity Case series written by the fantastic author duo of Piper and Rayne. It’s off to a great start with interconnecting characters from the other books, the characters are great, the plot is life like and it is so well written with lots of humor involved. This book doesn’t have a cliff hanger, any cheating, lying, has little angst but does have a HEA. You cannot go wrong when you pick up something from these authors. They are on a roll and I’m so happy to read what they put out.
Victoria saw her perfect fairy tale turned out to be a not so perfect version. The man she fell in love with was nothing like the enchanted prince she dreamed. The boy who charmed her and became her husband and the father of her daughter throughout the relationship gave priority to his job and his ambition for money and left his family behind. Until countless infidelities and several ancient resentments culminated in divorce. Moving to the other side of the country to take care of her mother, Victoria completely changes her life. New reality, new job, new friends. But the promise that made herself never to be annulled by a man remains. The main goal for her is her daughter, her mother and herself. The romantic girl who believed in fairy tales became cynical and unbelieving. But an encounter with the past will shake her new life without romance. A new suitor appears to wake her sleeping heart.
Reed represents everything Victoria does not want in a man, but that does not stop him from trying to get close. The big but? He is friends with her ex and was the best man on her wedding. A major problem and stumbling block, but Victoria will find that sometimes the strangest and seemingly wrong way is the right one. Two men with a lot in common, but at the same time completely different. Who will be the diamond? And who will be the zirconia?
Manic Monday won me by the cover. I found the photograph very beautiful, the tones and the couple combined, making a beautiful photo. When I read the synopsis I was interested and what a relief I feel to say that the book pleased me. It created an interest and fulfilled the expectations. It is a light, funny novel with real situations, everyday facts, the characters are interesting and well written, the chemistry between the protagonist couple is intense, does not appeal to the drama, the scenes are well developed and everything makes sense.
I loved how the Monday of the title is part of the plot, the day of the week works almost like a character, all the strange and funny facts of the book happen on Monday. I kept waiting to start the week to know what the gossip of the day would be.
Reed was the personification of the good boy. Beautiful, rich, philanthropist, perfect with children, funny, sexy and persistent. There was no chance that Victoria would not be delighted by him. I loved the character. Victoria represents the hardworking woman, who after giving up her dreams in the past, today tries to make up for lost time. Mother, student, employee, daughter, but above all woman. And with it we learned a valuable lesson: never do detox a week before going out with a guy, because you will surely faint on the floor of his kitchen. That’s for sure.
Jack the ex, he’s an asshole, but harmless. I thought he could create an antagonism, a certain problem to the couple, but no, there was an insinuation in some moments, but the book did not develop this strand, it was smoother. Children are cute and add to the context of the narrative, are important for the story.
Manic Monday is a good book, a bit of a cliché, but it treats the theme of a fresh start in a light and humorous way. The reader will not regret it.
Single parent read
Who doesn’t love a sweet and sexy lawyer in a suit. Reed was just they type of man Victoria needed in her life. Reed got along well with her daughter Jade as well as Victoria’s mom.I was expecting more of a conflict between Reed and her ex husband Pete. I did like how Victoria was choosing to make herself happy above making anyone else happy.
This was such a sweet story about a divorced woman raising her daughter alone while working full time and going to school. She was a very strong and independent woman who could definitely stand her own. Though she was deeply hurt by her ex and her trust in men, especially lawyers, was basically non-existent. When she happened to run into an old friend of her ex, his best man at their wedding, she was torn between her attraction and the fact that he was also a lawyer, which was a big no-no for her. Victoria didn’t want to get lost in a man again because this time her dreams would come first. But Reed was oh so tempting.
Reed really wore his feelings on his sleeve and I was absolutely smitten with him as he not only won Victoria’s heart but also mine. I loved his confidence and how considerate, understanding and sensible he was. Poor guy didn’t have it easy with Victoria because she definitely was a tough nut to crack for him. But who could blame her after what she’d been through?! Having your trust broken is nothing you can get over easily and you instinctively have trouble trusting in anyone else.
The story was only from Victoria’s POV but I didn’t really mind or even notice it at first because I got lots of Reed anyway.
The book felt somewhat different to all the previous Piper Rayne books. Not in a bad way obviously. It just had a different feel, more mature on a certain level and not as laden with hilarious scenes but still lots of funny moments in between plenty of sweet scenes. It’s hard to describe or maybe it’s just me because it felt a bit more serious in a way, with her moving to be with her sick mum, being a single parent working and studying.
Hannah and Chelsea were great characters and I can’t wait for their stories. They both have distinct personalities and I’m sure we will have lots of fun following their stories.
I liked Pete in the prequel Clean Slate. He wasn’t a total Bastard but rather reasonable, so I was happy that I wasn’t totally amiss about him. Although he hurt Victoria I believe that he’s still a good guy at heart. He definitely had good intentions at times and he obviously cared a lot about his daughter. If Reed wasn’t my prince charming I totally would have wanted Pete back with Victoria, but I’m hopeful that he’ll find his better half one day, which will be ME! =P He absolutely earned the half star of my review.
I loved the idea of this series a group of women divorcee.
Someone who is going through what you are, can sympathize and offer support. All three women Victoria, Chelsea and Hannah are different which I love and when they hit the dating game again we are going to see them go through challenges.
After her divorce, Victoria is reluctant to date. I will say it nice to read an ex-husband isn’t a complete a-hole. She meets Reed who she already kinda knows because he was the best man at her wedding. He’s not the ex’s best friend thank god because that would have been really awkward. To be honest I think they were barely friend more like an acquaintance.
Reed is a stand-up guy and you will swoon over him just like Victoria, he will be hard to resist. He’s a big brother to a young boy who lost both his parents. I found him to be a very sweet guy and understanding of Victoria situation.
My fave scene of them is when they both agree to try, like let’s give this a go and see where it ends.
I’m looking forward to the rest of this series. Chelsea is next and OMG this girl is quite a character.
4.5 STARS
NO SPOILERS!
Manic Monday was amazing and I loved it very much! It was a sweet, sexy, charming, and entertaining standalone contemporary romance and start to the Charity Case series. The storyline and characters were wonderful, and I loved Piper Rayne’s writing style. This talented author duo did a fantastic job with this book, and I’m so excited to read more from them, especially the rest of the Charity Case series!
Reed and Victoria were wonderful, especially Reed, and I really enjoyed them and their story. Victoria was quite cynical and closed off towards men, which was completely understandable given the situation with her ex-husband, but it was also annoying and frustrating at times. I liked Victoria a lot, but I honestly didn’t fully connect with her like I hoped. Reed was sexy and charming, and has definitely been my favorite Piper Rayne hero so far. I loved everything about him and wanted so much more. I loved the chemistry that Reed and Victoria had together, but I would have loved even more steam and intimate moments between them. I loved how their relationship progressed throughout for the most part, and I enjoyed most of their banter and interactions with each other. I think I would’ve loved Manic Monday more if it had been written from dual POV, instead of just the heroine’s perspective. It’s probably hard to believe, but I actually felt a deeper connection with Reed than I did with Victoria, and there wasn’t even a chapter written from his POV. With that being said, Manic Monday was still enjoyable from beginning to end, and I really liked the conclusion to Reed and Victoria’s story.
The majority of the secondary characters, with the exception of one, were wonderful as well. I loved Victoria’s coworkers, Chelsea and Hannah, her mother and daughter, Jade, as well as Henry and a few others. I really enjoyed the humor and entertainment they added to the story, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading Chelsea and Hannah’s books in the rest of the Charity Case series!
Manic Monday was a sexy, charming, and entertaining standalone and introduction to the Charity Case series, and I would highly recommend it! Piper Rayne did an awesome job with this book, and I was pleased with the outcome to Reed and Victoria’s story. Piper Rayne never fails to write entertaining romantic comedies, and I can’t wait to read more from them, especially the rest of the Charity Case series!
This book picks up where Clean Slate stops. Victoria moves with her 7 y/o daughter to Chicago to help out her mother, who was just diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis). Sometimes she feels guilty that she took her daughter away from her dad who lives in California, but when her mother has a bad day, she feels reassured that she made the right decision. Her ex-husband, Pete, stayed in California. He’s a workaholic attorney who has little time for his daughter, although when he’s with her, she’s the center of his world.
Victoria’s previous boss, Jagger Kale, found her a job in a charity organization RISE, geared towards empowering young girls. Her boss Hannah and her co-worker Chelsea are amazing new friends, totally supportive. Hannah is a very classy multi-millionaire, very kind and generous; Chelsea is model-type gorgeous, a little crazy and outspoken. All three have something in common: all three are divorced.
One Monday when Victoria is taking her daughter Jade to school, she runs into Reed Warner, the best man at her wedding ten years ago. He was bringing a little boy to school, so the question was, Weekend Dad or Sometime Dad? Her ex and Reed lost touch a long time ago, so she had no idea, but then they are stuck together in a school fair assignation, so they are forced to connect.
Victoria was very attracted to Reed. He was gorgeous, with a trimmed body and chiseled jaw, but he had two things going against him: being an attorney and having been best man at her wedding. Reed had a lot to overcome to get close to Victoria but he worked hard at it. The fact that he’s a DA assistant, not working to be partner or rich, worked in his favor. Another plus: he belongs to the Big Brother organization and he takes his responsibility to sponsor his “little brother” very seriously, taking him to school every Monday, outings every weekend and he was very attentive to his business. Little Henry lost his parents from a car accident and he’s a handful to his grandparents. Since Victoria and Reed are stuck working together for their activity at the town fair, they start to meet for planning purposes, and bring the kids together. The kids turned out to be best friends, even before Victoria and Reed met.
She feels tingles every time Reed touches her, but she resists the attraction because she was so burnt from her marriage to Pete. For every reluctant move Victoria made, Reed reeled her in slowly and with feeling. Pete’s visit brought problems and Victoria had some stubborn periods, but she had Chelsea and Hannah to slap some sense into her.
I loved this story because it was emotional but easy going. I usually love angsty stories but like to read these heartfelt and romantic stories in-between angsty books. It was entertaining, heartfelt, and the kids gave it an additional cute element.