AN ALL-NEW STANDALONE FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JULIA KENTOne hundred years ago when I was young and impulsive (okay, it was five, alright? Five years ago…) I let my boyfriend take, let’s just say…compromising pictures of me.(Shut up. It made sense at the time).Surprise! The sleazy back-stabbing jerk posted them on a website and, well, you can guess what happened. That’s right.I’m … happened. That’s right.
I’m a meme. A really gross one.
You’re seen the pictures. And if you haven’t – don’t ask. And don’t look!
As face recognition software online improves, I get tagged on social media whenever anyone shares my pictures. You try getting a thousand notifications a day, all of them pictures of your tatas.
So. I’m done.
It’s time for revenge. Let him see how it feels! But how do you get embarrassingly intimate pictures of your jerkface ex who double-crossed you five years ago?
Especially when he’s a member of the U.S.House of Representatives now?
Getting sweet between the sheets with a congressman is pretty much every political roadie’s dream, right? I’m one in a crowd.
Except to this day, he swears he didn’t do it. Pursued me for months after I dumped him five years ago. Begged me to take him back.
And I almost did it. Almost. I was weak and stupid and in love a hundred years ago.
Okay. Fine. Five.
But I still have the upper hand. Second chance romance has all the emotional feels, doesn’t it?
I can’t wait to punch him in the feels.
All I need to do is sleep with him once, take some hot-and-sweaty pics of him in… delicate positions, and bring him down. That’s it. Nothing more.
Pictures first. Revenge after. And then I win.
At least, that’s how it was supposed to happen. But then I did something worse than sexting.
I fell in love with him. Again.
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I have been waiting for Persephone or Perky’s story since I read the first book Fluffy and met this wonderful group of gals. (Yes I want to know each friend in depth but Perky calls out to me.) Perky and her boyfriend did something so many other folks have been guilty of doing, they took a naughty photo of themselves back when they were dating. The photo got out, let’s say part of the photo got out …way out all over the net and it was the end of Perky and Palmer 5 years ago. Fast forward to Will and Mal’s Wedding prep and things get interesting to say the least. We get to see more literally of this fun couple and get to know more of this group of girls and the wedding party too. This second chance romance is not only fun it is quirky and also touches on some issues that are well important to many of us in the world today.
4.5 Stars
Parker and Perky…. Two people that probably couldn’t be more different or more perfect for each other. The protesting activist and the DA who was assigned to prosecute her. It’s like a crazy version of Romeo and Juliet. Their relationship should never have worked but the more glimpses into their past and interactions they had, the more I was convinced that there was nothing that could stand in the way of these two.
Obviously, this book is hilarious. JK never fails to deliver on the hilarity. But this book also hit me in the feels. A lot!! My heart broke for Parker and Persephone but I loved how they were able to come back together and rebuild.
Second chances are my absolute favorite and this one is amazing!!!
4 stars
In this world of technological advancements, we also must contend with those that would use it negatively; Perky was just such a victim. Falling prey to the temptation to take a risque photo with her boyfriend, Parker, served to be her downfall for the past several years. One brief moment immortalized online as a meme would thrust her life into total chaos and as Parker was the only one with the photo, it would bring their relationship to a screeching halt as well! Despite his numerous denials, Perky has spent the past five years shoring up hatred for the man.
Now a Congressman, they don’t really swim in the same circles… Until they do. When Perky sees Partner at her best friend’s “rehearsal rehearsal” dinner, she’s overcome with rage… And lust. Can they ever get past this youthful indiscretion turned internet sensation?
This book was so ridiculous and adorable. Having not yet read Fluffy, this was my first introduction to this zany friend group and I was unprepared for this level of quirk. Lol Persephone aka Perky, Mallory and Fiona are a trio of crazy girls who’ve known each other since Pre K, so to say they have the dirt on one another is an understatement. They’re also firmly entrenched in their own woo woo weirdness (each a different brand of woo, it seems) which makes for some hilarious conversations. Parker was lovable from the first word, even though I’m fairly sure we’re supposed to hate him (you know, solidarity and all). Delightful, giggle and swoon-worthy read!
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
ANYTHING and EVERYTHING with Julia Kent’s name on it is AMAZING and BUST OUT FUNNY!!!!! She’s one of my favorites.
Quirky and fun, this is an entertaining read!!
Parker and Perky were serious five years ago. When Parker posted a risqué photo, he had taken of her and it went viral, beside the frustration and annoyance, Perky had her heart broken. Except Parker claims he didn’t do it…. How do you prove a negative?
When these two are in the wedding party for mutual friends the sparks fly. Your brain says you can’t trust him, but your heart still wants him. Quirky and fun, this is an entertaining read!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
This is the second book in The Do-Over Series. I love this Series! This is a sweet and hilarious second chance to love. Perky (Persephone) is sassy and hilarious. I loved her! Parker is handsome, and determined. They are both great characters. The supporting are great! Erin Mallon did a wonderful job with the narration. I enjoyed it! If you like Rom-Com, this one is for you. Now, I can’t wait to listen to Feisty, Fiona’s story! (review updated with the audiobook version)
A delightfully funny story with unforgettable characters, laugh out loud moments and many other emotions this author makes you feel. Perky is loved and Parker has a lot of schmoozing to do to get her back in his life, being a politician it shouldn’t be too hard, right? I received a complimentary audio and this review is voluntary.
Oh I have been waiting for this one since finishing Fluffy and way it ended with Perky’s ex turning up……..OMG!!
Julia has delivered us a great rom-com that made me laugh so many times and left me unable to put this book down. She gave me some really funny moments that made me laugh out loud with the banter, situations and brilliant quirky characters, made me completely swoon with Parkers relentless pursuit of Perky.
Parker is one brave man. Back in town for his friends wedding, who also happens to be Perky’s best friends wedding. He is desperate to see Perky and get her to believe that he didn’t do what she thought he had done.
I loved this quirky group of women, they are so close and practically family, supporting each other in their amusing antics. I have a feeling that the last book and story will be saving the best for last.
Quirky, sexy, funny and emotional… Perky deals with a couple whose post sexy time pic gets out and takes over the internet. Fast forward 5 years and the former couple see each other for the first time in as many years. An unexpected meeting gives them a second chance at true love and a new beginning. You will not regret reading this book!
LOVED! I had been wanting Perky’s book since I read Fluffy! I loved watching Perky & Parker attempt to be around each other again after so many years. I loved how sweet & adamant Parker was that he wasn’t to blame for the awful meme years ago, and I loved how Perky fought her attraction to him. Their story doesn’t disappoint!!! I can’t wait until Feisty!!
I will always read anything Julia Kent writes. She never fails to entertain me. This book, Perky, was very entertaining. Perky was such a great character in this book and in the book, Fluffy. ( read this one, too) She was hurt very badly years ago by Parker. I am happy that the storyline of her feeling didn’t drag on with tons of angst. It was pretty refreshing. Julia is one of my favorite writers. I highly recommend this book and all of her other books.
I’ve read Julia’s previous books and I’ve used to her writing, so I know what to expect in this one. This book was just so smart, as funny and entertaining as the previous ones!
Perky’s trust in Parker was torn to shreds when she believed that he posted a topless picture of her on the internet. He has always claimed his innocence but Perky just couldn’t get her head around the fact that he may not have done it. Five years later and the pair are reunited for Will and Mallory’s rehearsal dinner. She still couldn’t forget what had happened five years ago and she have no intention to let it go so she plan for a revenge game. But the attraction, chemistry and love between them is still strong, would she go through with it?
Parker is something special. I loved just how deeply he loved Perky and the lengths he was willing to go to prove it. He never gave up on her or them. He was willing to prove to Perky he’s not the guy she thinks he was.
The only thing was how long it too Perky to work through her issues. At times, she was borderline immature. I wanted more growth between Perky and Parker and less dwelling on the past. The story struggled to move forward. I would love to see more interaction between Perky and Parker rather than Perky hanging out with her best friends the whole time plotting for revenge. I mean, I love their friendship and dynamics together, despite the jokes. Every time Perky and Parker interact it would be her blaming him and dwelling in the past.
Despite all of that, the bantering between the characters was just brilliant! Not just between Parker & Perky, but all of the characters. And I’m so interested to read Feisty’s story!
ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book was hysterical. I laughed so hard, so many times throughout the entire book! Parker, Persephone(Perky) and their friends make this book.
Parker and Persephone was in a relationship until a private personal picture became a meme and ruined Persephone. She blamed Parker and blocked him from her life. As fate would play out, he is back in her life and won’t go away. He is bound determined to prove his innocence and that he’s still in love with her. She still loves him despite the meme. You have a bridezilla, a crazy preschool teacher, ex girlfriend who’s still crazy about him and wants to be huge in her career and a mom who doesn’t like Perky but wants her son to be successful and with someone else. This has some sweet moments and steamy moments in the closet lol. I seriously enjoyed every minute of this book and want to read it again and again!! Yes I loved it that much!!!! Such a fun book with characters you will want to be friends with!
Just when I thought Julia Kent had totally outdone herself with Fluffy, along comes Perky which absolutely blew my mind!
Perky and Parker have a past, one of which caused a HUGE issue for the last five years. But when Parker finally has the chance to make amends with Perky after all this time, he learns she’s simply not over it. What happens next will leave you laughing out loud, cheering for the heroine and wanting to kiss that smirk right off the hero’s lips!
Perky is everything you could want in a rom-com. I adore the fun and witty banter between Parker and Perky and could feel their frustration with each other, the love that never died and their strong connection to one another. Then add in a mix of outrageous friends, enemies and a crazy family? Perky is pure MAGIC!
Great characters; an entertaining and engaging read
A sequel to Fluffy, while this reads well as a standalone, there are a few references to events of the previous book, as well as character carryover, so I’d suggest reading Fluffy first for the optimal experience.
I love the interesting and engaging characters this author creates, and Perky is no exception. I certainly understood Perky’s feelings of betrayal toward Parker, but it was pretty clear she was still in love with him, and really, Parker had my sympathy from the get-go, as I was sure he wasn’t going to be the villain Perky had built him up to be. I greatly enjoyed the friendship Perky has with Mallory and Fiona, two other great characters, and I definitely had a giggle seeing the perfect taco creation from Perky’s point of view this time. While this author’s rom-coms are pretty over the top by my standards, unlike most over the top comedies, she manages to keep me laughing rather than cringing in empathy for the main character, plus like all great comedies (imo), there’s a little heartache to balance out all the funny.
While I stayed well engaged in the story (I pretty much read this straight through), I did get a little tired of the back and forth on Perky’s part; I was NOT on board with the revenge plan, for one (though the fact that she kept waffling about it was a redeeming factor), and I found it a little hard to believe that Perky never suspected who the true culprit was as it seemed fairly obvious. I guess I would have just liked a little more reason for Perky to believe Parker was the one who posted the picture other than opportunity; if they’d had a fight, or if Perky being Perky had caused a scene that somehow blew back on Parker, for example. None of this stopped me from enjoying the story, however, and yes, the author managed to get me with that hook for the next book at the very end, lol.
An entertaining and engaging read, it was the great characters that made the book for me, and I can’t wait to get Feisty’s…erm, Fiona’s story. 4 stars
B2B Kelly
Perky, Fiona, and Mal are like women after my own heart! The names they call Parker are the reasons I own so many adult coloring books (this is entirely a true story)! Tell me… can you pass up a Twatwaffle coloring page? I think not! So, immediately upon hearing these terms of endearment… well, I just knew they were my kind of crazy! I love and appreciate the righteous indignation they show on Perky’s behalf. Even then, when she’s in the wrong, they let her know but they still have her back, right or wrong. I think that’s what makes this trio of ladies so special and why as characters they really shine.
I think some of my favorite things about Julia Kent’s writing is that they things her characters do, say, and or think… are the same things that run through my mind, well some time. Other times the things they say are just so outlandish I’m left with my mouth agape or hooting out laughter. I found myself shaking my head and agreeing with Perky so much only to be flipped upside down and have her say something completely off from left field and I’m left scratching my head. There are so many one-liners; so many zingers that I highlighted thinking these would make fabulous teasers! Seriously, Miss Kent can wing those wisecracks one after another until her fingers just have to be sore!
I’m sure you’re reading this thinking where’s the Rom in this RomCom but it’s totally there… in abundance!! At first there was just some Rom sprinkled in with the Com but once the revengines started running the Rom started to get a bit heavier. Through the first half I was fully in Perky’s corner cheering her on… calling for Parker’s head on a skewer! Ever so stealthily he won me over until I was thinking Perky had to have it wrong…. THEY were violated.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
“How do you put magic into words? It’s magic. It works outside of reason and description. ”
My side is aching!
Great story line and such a wonderful cast.
We even get to watch Mal (from Fluffy) as she bridezillas on her besties.
I
adored Perky in Fluffy but I am going to have to say there were quite a few times during this story she pushed my buttons.
I just wanted so badly to make her see clearly… whatever it took!
I willingly admit she almost had me closing the pages on her but I waited and it paid off. I can’t imagine the type of emotional wall you would have to build to survive the indignation and humiliation that she goes through regularly.
I think that was the only thing that gave me the patience to not give up on her character.
When Parker’s sudden appearance provides him with the opportunity to once again claim his innocence I admit I agreed with Fi a bit. Is it destiny or bull?
Gotta say though the chemistry between Parker and Perky is chemical perfection! The perfect blend of smooth and ‘holy chit’!
– opposites definitely do attract
The story overall was easy to follow with a pretty fast pace that only occasionally slowed enough to let me grab a breath before the next “ah he ll” moment occurred
Mal is killing me.
Fi needs to get… she needs to expend some of that extra energy in a more physical way, Lol.
I am excited about Fi’s story
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I read the first book in this series – Fluffy – and really like it as well. Perky is scarred by a half naked photo of her that ended up on the internet 5 years ago. She assumed Parker, her boyfriend at the time and the person who took the picture, was the one who released it and has spent the past 5 years hating him while still being in love with him. Parker is now a Congressman and when he makes a sudden appearance in her life, they have to deal with the events of 5 years ago and the love they both admit they still have for each other.
This book is a romantic comedy and there are many laugh out loud moments. Perky is quirky to say the least, as are her two best friends, so madness always seems to follow them around. I wish you could give half stars because I would give this one 4.5 if I could. I thought it was funny and sweet, but after a while Perky’s immaturity started to wear on me. Why can’t she just give Parker a chance to tell his side of the story? Wouldn’t you want to know? And her attempt at revenge also seems pretty awful. That being said, I recommend the book and the series and look forward to the next one – Feisty!
Julia Kent is another author who has the ability to make me both laugh and cry simultaneously. My sides hurt from laughing so hard at this book, but where it had the greatest impact on me was in the bigger, deeper emotions. Perky (Persephone) and Parker’s second chance is a spinning emotional roller-coaster ride filled with everything from crack-pot harebrained ideas to uncomfortable truths. And it’s all topped off with more innuendo than you can shake a stick at. When our leading couple finally make peace with the past, you can feel the universe sigh – it’s that precious. The lead in to Feisty makes me just a little ravenous to get my hands on it.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
Absolutely hilarious and downright entertaining!!! This second book in the series is as funny and delightful as book one Fluffy,only this time it’s about best friend Perky and her meme!!! Perky was wronged years ago by her Ex Parker and vowed one day to get revenge. So when he showed up at an event it was the start of that so called revenge plan, however it definitely didn’t play out that way. Perky and Parker can’t help their flirting and their banter!! They cannot debt their attraction!! Perry’s plan goes out the window when she falls for him all over again!!! I loved this second chance romance and the pure joy of the story. It’s such an easy and eventful story that will have you howling. The trio of friends make it even more memorable!!! Absolutely recommend both Fluffy and Perky for the summer!!!