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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Julia Kent at her best. This is the kind of book when you feel while reading it “I’ll read just one more chapter and I’ll go do the laundry/cleaning/cooking etc.” This is what I felt enjoying the book so much. Perky – a lovely character you identify with because whatever happened to her can happen to any of us – well you because I am past the age. And no more because everything else would be a spoiler. Great book, buy it and make yourself time to read it in one go if you can. I got it as an ARC and this is my honest review. And looking very much forward to Feisty!
One of my favorite things about Julia Kent’s writing is her ability to take the absolute wackiest of situations and make you feel like it could totally happen to you as the reader. Her characters have that connectivity I don’t often find in other novels that make me feel like they are already friends of mine, regardless of age or geographical differences. Perky, a snarky barista really named Persephone, has overcome an online photo scandal only to be forced to come face to face with her ex, Parker, the perpetrator of the scandal. If you’ve ever failed at keeping yourself away from something you know is bad for you, Perky’s story is for you. Full of hilarity, sweet moments, and maybe even a few tears, Julia Kent’s Perky isn’t one you’ll want to miss.
4.5 stars for this second chance romance.
Perky aka Persephone is infamously known for a horribly invasive meme. One she can’t forgive her ex-boyfriend for releasing that photo into the world. But what if he didn’t? What if you devise a plan to exact revenge on said ex? What if you end up falling in love (or realizing you never really stopped) all over again?
This book is witty, sassy, funny, and has great female bonding and a sexy ex that you just can’t help rooting for…as long as he is as innocent as he proclaims.
Things get very messy, but in the end – it all works out and you’ve had a wildly entertaining and delightful read.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
This author has been on my radar to read for some time now with finally zeroing in on one. It was a delightful read following Perky with her dilemma that keeps her on her toes. In this second chance romance she does have her work cut out for her. But then the boomerang effect happened I think with this becoming even more delightful to read. Parker has you letting out a sigh a time or two with when these two have you turning the pages. Very satisfied with this when I was finished.
I’ve been waiting to get my hands on Perky since I fell in love with Fluffy a couple months ago. I was hoping for more of the humor, heart and heat I found with the first book. And you know what? That’s exactly what Perky gave me. But this time it was wrapped up in a super complicated second chance romance that I just couldn’t get enough of. It was totally addicting.
While I’m all about the second chance romances, I’ll be the first to admit I was totally side-eyeing Parker in the beginning. No wonder, considering he allegedly posted a naked photo of Perky online. Not very swoony boyfriend material, right? Well, yes and no. His insistence that he had nothing to do with it, as well as his very obvious devotion to Persephone (Perky) basically made me question everything. I suspected he just might be telling the truth, so I was cautiously optimistic. And man, was he ever swoony when we got right down to it.
I was Team Perky from the very beginning. Hell, before that even. I adored her in Fluffy and I was thrilled to learn she would get a book of her own. She exceeded all my expectations in her own book, too. Not everyone could go through what she did — no matter who was ultimately responsible — and come out as strong as she did. I understood her skepticism when it came to Parker, but also got why she had a hard time staying away. Their chemistry was fierce and their connection so very real.
Perky, the book, was an absolute joy to read. I absolutely lost track of how many times I quite literally laughed out loud while reading it. I thoroughly enjoy Julia Kent’s brand of humor. This book made me giggle, but it also gave me all the swoons and feels. If you’re looking for heat, you’ll find that here, too. It was the perfect combination of all the things I want in a romance. And I can’t wait for the third book. I need me some Feisty ASAP.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Favorite Quotes:
“No, but you look like you want to put your hands around Parker’s neck and squeeze.”
“More like my thighs.”
When you fall for someone as hard as I feel for Parker Campbell nearly six years ago, and you experience that kind of love, you can’t ever let go of how it made you feel. Of who it made you into.
“It shouldn’t be so easy. Why is it so easy with you? It was always natural. Like we were drawn to each other by some unnamed force that only affected us.”
“Hey. Seriously. Record this in your heart. On your skin. Everywhere inside you. I just want you.”
This is the 2nd book about this entertaining trio of best friends, and this is Perky and Parker’s story. When a revealing picture of Perky is released on meme and is shared all over, she know exactly who is to blame, and that is her ex Parker, who is now a congressman, and she is on a mission of revenge. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a well written flawless story which is hilarious, fun, entertaining, and with witty banter and drama, which all had me totally enthralled throughout this addictive page turner. I cannot wait to read Feisty’s story next.
This book is so funny, I laughed so hard at some of the parts. Julia Kent author is quickly becoming one of my new favorites. Perky is sweet and just really fun to read, the character’s lives are very realistic, which gives the entire story a familiar feel.
We learnt a little about Parker in Fluffy, he’s from Perky’s past. I really love his character and felt bad for him and I was constantly wishing he would tell her everything though. Persephone is a funny character. She’s so stubborn and I just wanted her to wake up and see the truth. I felt like these friends were part of my friendship circle, I enjoyed hanging out with them and would love more stories with them.
If you haven’t read this author and are looking for a good laugh and entertaining story try Perky. It’s a standalone, although I suggest also reading Fluffy first. The characters carry over and you’ll get some spoilers reading out of order but, if you don’t mind that; it’s a great read full of laughs.
There’s something spectacular and hilarious and engaging about Julia Kent’s writing style. Her characters and storylines are loud and in charge and hard to prevent yourself from wanting to follow around and live vicariously through!
Persephone (Perky) is just fantastic. She’s not anything like me at all, and I love all that about her. Between her, Fiona and Mallory there’s no shortage of girlfriend drama, boyfriend / husband drama and just plain FUN.
Parker did something completely heinous five years ago, releasing an intimate photo of Perky that made her into a meme and ruining her life. Five years later and she’s still the meme girl. He’s moved into politics. Neither of them has moved on from the other. The chemistry between them still rockets through the roof despite their past. Did he do it? Can they move past it?
You WANT to read this book and anything else in this universe!!
Perky and Parker are the perfect couple. The only one who does not agree is Perky! How many hoops does a man have to jump through to get a woman to listen to him?
Perky thinks he did it. Her friends think he did it. But he swears it wasn’t him. You feel so much empathy for Perky and what she endured. But, at the same time, you feel so bad for Parker because you believe him and begin to try and ferret out who really did the evil deed.
When Julia Kent is the author you know you are in for some sweaty inappropriate hot times as well as some outrageous laughs. Nothing has changed. Lots of laughs, fun, and closet hijinks are in Perky! Not to mention, Bridezilla Mallory. lol
Through the whole book, you will bounce between wanting to hug Persephone and smack into next week. I loved it and I especially loved the last pages. Bring on Feisty!
Perky is the second in a new series of (inter-connected) standalones by Julia Kent. First came Fluffy and all that was Mallory and Will in their hugely entertaining story. If you haven’t had the privilege, do yourself a favor and read it first, even though it’s not necessary, but your missing out, plus it does kinda lead into this one.
Anyway, back to Perky.
This is Mallory’s best friend, Persephone a.k.a Perky’s story. We met Perky in Fluffy, and she was cool and interesting. Maybe a little wild?
Here we get the backstory of why she came back home five years ago. Her then-boyfriend, Parker took a picture of her in a compromising position, and even though she agreed to it, she didn’t okay him posting all over the internet. Needless to say, she and Parker were very much NOT an item after that. Parker denied culpability and kept on denying for five long years until the meetup and Mal and Will’s wedding rehearsal.
Parker tries once more to apologize and Perky is having none of it, all she can think about is having her revenge on him.
And it wouldn’t be hard work. The man is the Da Vinci’s ‘David’ of U.S Congressmen. He’s hot, sexy and still makes her lust for him. Perky’s problem, even though she hates him, she’s still totally in love with him too.
But, revenge, whether served hot or cold, is never sweet in the end and while getting close, then repeatedly pushing him away, Perky finally hits rock bottom. She’s surrounded by good friends, a loving family. Parker just has his mom and an ex-girlfriend turned journalist who follows his every move and tries to dictate his protocol.
But, if Parker didn’t do it, and Perky sure didn’t, who is the real culprit that has caused them, two tempestuous lovers, to be separated for five years? And is it too late for them to make things right?
This was a funny, somewhat angsty and teeth-clenching, sweet, awesome story. A slow-burning, second chance/ near enemies to lovers tale of twisted lies and machinations behind the scenes. The build-up to the final chapters was fast-paced and well thought out. I truly enjoyed every moment of this book and now I’m left waiting for Feisty’s story.
Honestly, I keep asking myself why in the world I waited to read a book by Julia Kent. This one is my 2nd, and it might even be better than the first one! The number of times I stopped to post an update on Goodreads as I was reading because I wanted to remember a line or something that happened was silly. Usually I only update my Goodreads status when I’ve stopped reading the book for a while because I’m having to go do something else. But one night while I was reading in bed, I kept disturbing my dogs to reach over and grab my phone to update with another hilarious example from the book. This book was laugh out loud from beginning to end. Even the sexy steamy scenes had funny bits, making me want my own Parker!
The characters are hilarious, and the connection between our couple is perfect. I honestly don’t have any issues I can think of with the book. It was just all good. In fact I would have sat and read from the very first page to the last page in one sitting if I didn’t have to do life things like eat, sleep, go to work, celebrate my stepmom’s birthday, babysit my niece and nephew, etc.
Now, here are a few of the things I had to stop and make a status update on Goodreads because they made me laugh so hard. There was a reference to Dolores Umbrage from Harry Potter when describing Parker’s mom, and that came from Perky’s parents! Mallory, who we met in book 1, Fluffy, has a thing about how tacos are supposed to be eaten. And when someone did something she didn’t like, she said that “he didn’t respect the taco”. To that one of the group said it sounded like a complaint after a one stand with a date from Tinder. The sex toy factory worker parts were hilarious. And then, there is Raul who works at the coffee shop with Perky. He gets some of the best lines. I also now have learned about a brown starfish, and I might be traumatized for life. LOL!!!
Once again at the end, like in the first book, we got an epilogue, or stinger as the author calls it, letting us get ready for how the next book will start. While these are all standalones, the characters are all parts of the stories, and you will want to read all of them, in any order, but just read them all!
Another great one from Julia! 5 stars and lots of laughs for this one!
Meet Perky, most famously known for a meme that she’s sure her ex boyfriend Parker is responsible for because of a picture that he shared, or did he? He’s now a famous congressman and is in town for the rehearsal rehearsal dinner (yes that’s right) for Will & Mallory’s wedding.
Follow this hysterical story full of shenanigans and realization that she’s never gotten over the one who she thinks hurt her the most!
If you enjoyed Fluffy, you will love this rom-com! I can’t wait for the next book in this funny series!!Grab this asap!
Another laugh out loud love story with added swoon, as told from the mind of Julia Kent.
Five years ago Persephone (Perky) and Parker were falling in love. Five years ago one picture fractured that love. Five years later, Perky and Parker once again find themselves in each other’s orbit and both must face some truths before they can forgive the past and move forward as a couple. This was a funny quirky couple who are their own worst enemies in the best way possible.
“You’re everything to me, Persephone. You’re the world, heaven and hell, the solar system. You’re the sun and the moon, the elements and the stars. I don’t know how I made it through these last five years without you.” ~ Parker
So glad for Perky’s book! I enjoyed Perky & Parker & the rest of the characters that we were introduced to in Fluffy. This was a cute, sweet lovers to revenge to lovers book that I found very entertaining.
I love Julia Kent’s books, have read each and every one of them ( not just the ones written under this name those written under Meli Raine too!) She does not disappoint and has become a go to author of mine. With that said if you want to read a book that will make you laugh, gasp, have tears in your eyes and oh yeah is sexy and steamy then this series is for you! Perky ( Persephone is her full name) is funny and dedicated to her friends (Mallory and Fiona), when she believes in something there is no changing her mind and she believes that it was Parker her former boyfriend that released the video of her naked with dogs humping near her!!! Just thinking about it makes me laugh! Fast forward 5 years and Mal and Will are engaged and Perky is to meet “Skip” wills friend and member of the wedding party…to her surprise that turns out to be Parker. All of her anger and hurt returns, confusion sets in when he gives her a passionate kiss, all while denying that he did that to her so she punches him and hard!!! In true Perky fashion she wants revenge…so we end up with a spider video which is you have to read why to wrap your head around it!!!! Both admit that they still have feelings for each other so will she finally believe he didn’t do it and find out who did it if not Parker? Well you will have to read the book to get the answers to these and so many other questions such as why would someone do that especially since Parker is now a Congressman!!! I wish to thank Julia Kent for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book prior to its release. Fluffy is the first book in this series and I look forward to reading the next book which is Fiesty!!!
Another fun and witty read from Julia Kent! Perky is living through hell again when Parker shows up to Mallory’s rehearsal rehearsal dinner. What is she going to do? Revenge porn? Just wait and see!
I love this series about these three free spirited best friends and how they handle having love crash full force into their lives. This is book two and Perky’s story.
Revenge can be bittersweet and it can be all encompassing when planning or plotting to get even. Anger, hurt and resentment can stop one from moving forward in ones life. These are all strong emotions and if anyone deserves to own these emotions, it is Perky. Five years ago, her old boyfriend and the love of her life, crushed her by betraying her in the most awful way. Now, face to face with him again….what will she do? Isn’t it obvious????? Punch him and plot revenge, that’s what she did! Now, she is faced with seeing him because of Mallory and Will’s wedding. Let the hilarious antics begin.
I absolutely love Julia Kent’s writing style and her hilarious dialog between the characters. There are so many humorous situations in this book that made me laugh out loud. I love the relationships that these characters have with one another. I feel as if my mouth and personality would fit in great with them. There are many sexy scenes that just add to the story. Do yourself a favor and read this series, you will not regret it. I am so excited for Fiona’s story.
#tacoratioMallory
#revengesextapePerky #warriorFionahearherroar.
I’d like to say I have waited a few days to write this review because I wanted to let the book sink in. I have read several of Julia Kent’s books and I’ve loved her witty, fun style (at least in the books I have read in the past). So when I saw Perky I just knew I had to read it. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters were hilarious, warm and very entertaining. However for me the book just had to much meaning less “gobbledygook” in the middle. By the plot we knew something exciting was coming and when it finally hit it was a great ending but it just took way too long to get to any of the good stuff for this reader. But please know this is just my humble opinion. While this one didn’t exactly do it for me, it may other readers and it sure won’t keep me from reading Ms. Kent in the future.
Perky by Julia Kent was pure magic. There is no other way to describe this epic, phenomenal and out of the body feeling I am having.The words flowed out from the pages and possessed my heart and soul. I am completely under Julia Kent’s hypnotic spell and I do not want to come out of this warm, fuzzy, aching and intense post-reading bliss.
Some stories are all about the journey rather than the destination. Perky is one of those books. Perky is one of my all time favorite heroines now. She is odd, crazy, awesome, witty, funny, snarky, sassy ,inappropriate and brimming with energy. She is always moving, shaking things and making a difference. An activist, a barista and proud owner of the tits those were made world “famous” by the photo her ex boyfriend “leaked”. Five years have passed but some things never leave you. And now Parker, ex boyfriend and present Congressman has re entered her life through her best friend. She doesn’t want to face him, acknowledge him or get charmed by him again. But the love doesn’t listen to her.
As I said, this whole story is about a journey. You know from the beginning that this is about how Perky and Parker get their HEA. But that is not the most important thing. This story is a treasure trove of mindblowing emotions where a couple works through all their messed up, entangled and powerful feelings. Parker is an amazing guy who I hate at the start but like Perky, I am falling in love with his charisma, earnestness, sincerity, sex appeal and intensity. Their chemistry is something truly special and extraordinary. I had a permanent smile on my face throughout the story because of the endless sarcasm and wit. And I also had this overwhelming, heartbreaking and heartwarming feeling. They fight, they love, they lust and they conquer me. The drama was a bit angsty, a bit funny, a bit sad, a bit sexy and a bit all of the above. You can’t help but feel the greatness in your bones. And Perky’s tribe is the best ever.
Julia Kent has written an outstanding story of forgiveness, self belief and truest love in Perky. This story will surprise you and mesmerize you on every page. My heart was choking with all the emotions. A must read story of 2019.
Received ARC for Honest Review
My favorite part of this book was definitely how well Julia Kent had written the characters. The friendship between the 3 girls is the friendship everyone wants in their life. Perky was definitely an interesting character, she is a perfect mix of chaos and reason and I loved her. I loved the battle she had in her mind over Parker and their past. While their relationship was kind of an enemies-to-lovers trope, it was written in a subtle way that made you cheer them on even knowing what Parker did. I loved this book and I cannot wait for the next book!