No-One Ever has Sex in the Suburbs

No-One Ever Has Sex #2

by Tracy Bloom

Ben and Katy haven't had sex since Ben found out about her one-night stand with her childhood sweetheart, Matthew.

Not only that but the arrival of a new-born baby has blown their relationship apart like a hand grenade.

Drastic measures are required, so they swap roles hoping that everyone will be happier...

Only it’s not as easy as they thought. When a desperate Ben starts secretly accepting help to solve his childcare disasters – from Matthew’s wife – it could mean the end of everything. Can their relationship survive the lies and suspicions and will they ever have sex again?

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Humor, Fiction

ebook

First published June 23, 2015

Reviews

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4 Stars
Genre Chick Lit | Humor

NO ONE EVER HAS SEX IN THE SUBURBS is the second book in the series and let me tell you, these books are hilarious! I love a cheeky read and this one fits the bill perfectly! One of the things I like most about these books though is that the story doesn’t just focus on the heroine. Instead, it focuses on 3 characters that are also intertwined in the story. For instance, Katy (the main character) is the prominent character throughout the stories/series as much of the plot focuses on the issues she’s facing (like going back to work after recently given birth). The next point of view within the story is her fiancé, Ben. He plays a major role in the dialogue and we get to see him play stay at home dad. His POV is fantastic and really taps into helplessness one feels when they have their first child. Finally, we have Allison. If you haven’t read the first book don’t read on as it will spoil the book for you if you plan on reading it >>> Allison is the wife of Katy’s ex and also a new mother of twins. Her and Matthew are having some of the same issues that Katy and Ben face, but they deal with their issues quite differently. With all these characters have a POV you might THINK it’s confusing but honestly, it’s not! It’s refreshing to see everyone’s take on parenthood with the bonus of humor.

That being said, I am thoroughly enjoying this series and plan to read the Christmas one next (which is also the third book). You must read this series in order! I can’t wait to see what the holidays have in store for these guys! I’m thinking it will be hilarious!

𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 NO SEX STARS.
This was hilarious. It's one of those stories when you miss the characters when it's finished. Loved catching up with Katy, Ben and Braindead after No one Ever has Sex on a Tuesday. These guys now have a new baby and it is spot on how new parents cope with a new little bundle of joy. Couldn't put it down. Loved it. Can't wait for more.

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oi, guys! I've no idea how I've missed the fact that Tracy Bloom is writing a sequel to "No - One Ever Has Sex on a Tuesday", which belongs to one of my favourite books! And Tracy herself to one of my favourite authors! Really don't know on what planet I've been living to miss it! So just imagine my excitement when I've spotted the news and DIDN'T HAVE to wait months for the book to be published! Yes, there were some problems with the book arriving on my kindle, ekhm, but Tracy herself took matters in her hands and as soon as the book was there, I was lost to the world. Yes, I started reading it. And finished it in one day.

As much as "NO - One Ever Has Sex in the Suburbs" is a sequel, you don't need to worry if you haven't read the first book, as it could be easily read as a stand - alone novel. Nevertheless, I heartily advise you to read both of the books - they are hilarious, funny, an ultimate entertainment, and you don't want to miss on Katy and Ben's antics, do you?

Truly, it was so brilliant to catch up with Katy and Ben and their new - born Millie, and all their problems as new parents, beginning with not agreeing on a name (ha! Has been there as well!) to not believing that routine is the best (it is!), and also seeing all their friends and not - friends as well. Braindead exceeded himself this time, as much as he was truly, absolutely entertaining in the previous book, here he was Hilarious!!! Also, Alison and Matthew are more pictured in this book as in the previous one and become significant characters in the story, especially Alison with her very strict approach to raising the babies and whose help is stirring even more problems for Katy and Ben.

Tracy Bloom has written a bible for every new mum - if I only knew those things before I had a baby myself...! But not only mums - it is also a bible for every new dad! Tracy has wonderfully captured all the uncertainties, problems, hilarities and illogicality of being a new parent and attending toddler groups or other musical groups - high five, Ben! She so realistically wrote about all the mixed feelings, of both parents: Katy, because she was going bananas at home and Ben's, because he wasn't able to earn enough money, and brilliantly described how it is when the roles change - when mum goes back to work and dad stays at home. Ben was great as a stay - at - home dad, is it usually so that dads are more relaxed and take everything easier? But nevertheless, dads also have problems with coping, and they are too proud to admit this, and so when help comes - in a very unusual source and person - some troubles end but some also begin.

But. It's not only the baby that's the problem. Namely, the book wouldn't be titled "No - One Ever Has sex in the Suburbs", right? Because there is happening nothing in the Katy and ben's bedroom (which is actually very logical - they've just had a baby. But times flows by and nothing happens!), which their friends try to change - result is hilarious and incredibly funny, especially as Katy's best friend from work, the absolutely fantastic, brilliant, fabulous Daniel, is the one who is organizing things.

The frustration and desperation of both Ben and Katy, but also the problems in Alice and Matthews' household, were so realistic and so relatable to me, a person to whom a parenthood didn't come as easy and naturally as some would expect. I have found myself nodding my head, sighing and understanding all the feelings that billowed in those new parents. Tracy Bloom has written how it is, and hats off to her for this - namely, that having a baby is not a walk in the park, that it is hard work. Incredibly hard work. And that there is not the best way to raise this baby, and that, in fact, you're not going to get any help, no matter how many midwives, consultants and doctors you have - you must learn yourself and work out the best way for you and your little one.

This was incredibly funny and light read and it absolutely lived up to my expectations! It's full of twists and turns and hilarious, often embarrassing situations that had me in stitches. Of course it has a light hidden message to it, as it's about self - doubting, trust and understanding between people who are closest to each other, but written in such a light way and with so much humour. It is full of chances and coincidences, which make the book even more hilarious and entertaining. It really kept me on my toes, it was fast - paced and every page brought something new, funny and fresh. Tracy wrote a down - to - earth yet incredibly funny story and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's brutally honest (but brutally in a positive way!), and this is why it's SO good, and it really made me feel better and normal. I am already waiting for Tracy Bloom's new book, I can't have enough of her stories!

Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.

[Catherine Fagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review. This is not my preferred genre, but that may change! I loved this book. It's funny, the characters are warm and real, the storyline is enthralling. As a mother of young children I found the whole concept of the book really funny and true to life. An easy, non taxing but nonetheless engaging read.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a parent myself, reading Tracy Bloom's No One Has Sex In The Suburbs rang true. I totally sympathised with Kate and Ben. The total shock of parenthood, having someone totally reliant on you. It's a total shock. I doubt any first time parent wouldn't admit this time in their life is scary and overwhelming.

Tracy Bloom has totally encapsulated that period of uncertainty and massive learning curve that all new parents go through. But she has made it an entertaining take on first time parenthood.

I loved the fact that the story was set in Leeds. Some of the locations used I could picture quite clearly however others I'm guessing are created under poetic license! This is not a bad thing, it is only that I work in Leeds that I'm aware!

I like Tracy Bloom's style and approach to such a daunting time in a couple's life and I'll definitely be reading the other two books in the series!

Many thanks to Lawsome Books and Netgalley for my copy of No One Has Sex In The Suburbs.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this book like the characters and the storyline.

[Rachel Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant read

It was a brilliant read and had me gripped from the start. Well written and great characters. Tracy Bloom is a great author

[Fay Flude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book, narrated by the splendiferous Julia Barrie.
This is an easy, irreverent, hugely hilarious read about parenthood, new babies, working mums and dads and trying to find the balance between caring for the most precious gift given whilst managing to hang on to your sanity, your personality and above all your sex life!
The dialogue is pivotal to amusing the reader and is what makes No-one Ever has Sex in the Suburbs such a highly entertaining read. I have to say that Brain Dead is my favourite character. His comments just had me guffawing. Kevin comes a close second.
As a parent I could identify with those early years, the staying at home, the trying to do everything right, the sleeplessness, the tedium, the fun and the groups you go to and people you meet purely because you have a baby. There are secrets which need to be kept from each other, the Guilt, the need for a partner opting to be a stay at home Dad to prove himself, and a control freak mum of twins who discovers the joy of spontaneity. With the help and hindrance of friends can Ben and Katy, and Alison and Matthew navigate their way through the perilous path of new parenthood, avoid stepping on the Lego and find their way back to each other (and the bedroom)?
Tracy Bloom is Queen of comedy and an author I look out for when scanning the shelves for something funny to read. A joy!

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I visited Katy and Ben's chaotic life, and here we find them in the throes of early parenthood.
The stresses of that, along with the worry of past infidelities, makes for a gigglesome read.
Is Katy happy to be going back to work? How will Ben cope as a Stay At Home Dad? And when he struggles, who will he turn to?
Funny!
I can't wait for the next one!

[Naomi Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this a lot, I have a soft spot for brain dead he's so funny

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay read - typical chick lit

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review first posted on my blog 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings': http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...

After a slightly bumpy start (involving a not so well-timed one-night-stand), Ben and Katy are still together as a couple, with the recent addition of their beautiful daughter Millie. While both Ben and Katy are determined to make their new family-of-three work, the lack of sleep and sex is demanding quite a lot of both of them. In order to make things a bit easier on them, Ben suggests switching around their roles: Katy can go back to work, especially since she earns a lot more than Ben does, and Ben will be the stay-at-home dad. What looks like a great plan, however, also turns out to have its problems, and before Ben knows it, he is keeping secrets from Katy and wondering how they managed to get in this situation in the first place...

Somehow I managed to forget how funny Tracy Bloom is and how amazing her books are and I'm so glad I had 'No-One Ever Has Sex in the Suburbs' waiting for me to once again remind me of this! This novel is the sequel to 'No-One Ever Has Sex on a Tuesday', and while the book can be read as a stand-alone, I think it works best if you read both of them, so you know the characters and their backgrounds just that bit better. I was so happy to be reunited with Katy and Ben, now with the addition of their cute baby daughter Millie, and once again see Alison, Matthew and Braindead (yes, that really is his name). They are such a great and different bunch of people and I honestly couldn't get enough of them; their conversations and their storylines had me thoroughly entertained until the very last page.

I am not a mum myself but I think Tracy Bloom has done a great job capturing what it can be like to be new parents and be thrown into the deep, not knowing what you're doing. Tracy's writing is fantastic; she has a great sense of humour and I just love her fast-paced, witty, light style of writing. The book is a great romantic comedy that is not deep or complicated, and perfect to pick up when you just want a quick break from reality. I already can't wait for my next Tracy Bloom read, which I have a good feeling will be just as great. 'No-One Ever Has Sex in the Suburbs' is a great read for fans of authors such as Lindsey Kelk and Lisa Dickenson; a hilarious, entertaining and light-hearted chick lit read I can't recommend enough!

[Paris Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on Paris Baker's Book Nook.

No-one Ever Has Sex in the Suburbs begins where No One Ever Has Sex on a Tuesday left off – but don’t worry if you’re like me and haven’t read that yet, because it reads perfectly well as a stand alone.

Katy and Ben have just had a baby, and it’s fair to say that parenting hasn’t exactly come naturally to them. The fact that Katy had a one-night stand with an old flame just before getting pregnant has definitely not helped the situation, despite the fact that they’ve decided to move forward. With Katy missing her job, and Ben not earning enough to keep them in his, he decides a role-swap could be the answer to their prayers. How hard could it possibly be?

Very. Very hard, is the answer to his question. But with his pride at stake, Ben refuses to turn to Katy for help, and finds it instead with the overly-organised, ‘perfect’ mother, who happens to be married to the man Katy slept with. Naturally, hilarity ensues.

This was such a fun and fast-paced read, full of little twists and turns to keep you on your toes and having you cringing with laughter at every turn, and deliciously sweet ending to round it all off.

I totally connected to both Ben and Katy, and understood both their frustrations. We are also graced with some fantastic secondary characters – namely Ben’s rather dimwitted best friend, Braindead, who comes out with some right crackers, and Katy’s friend and colleague, Daniel, who is pretty damn fabulous and I kinda wanted him to be my BFF.

What I loved most is the overall message that shone from this book: there is no bloody right way to do it! Having a baby is god damn hard work, especially your first, and you are going to be bamboozled with an information overload of people telling you what you should and shouldn’t do. Sometimes you just have to work out how things work for you.

All in all, a fantastically upbeat and raucously funny book, that I whole-heartedly recommend.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 3.5 for me.

This is the third Tracy Bloom book I have read and it’s also the sequel to No-one has sex on a Tuesday. I personally loved No-one has sex on a Tuesday, and although this book was still good, there was something missing for me – I’d have liked there to be more in depth and action within the story.

Tracy Bloom has a knack for writing about funny and refreshing characters. This book is about Ben & Katy and their baby Millie, and Alison & Matthew and their twins George and Rebecca. Despite not warming to Alison, I would have liked to see more from her and Matthew and the twins.

The cover stands out for me, and I found it to be eye catching. Although this book didn’t live up to my expectations I’m still looking forward to reading more from Tracy Bloom.

Thanks goes to Net galley and the publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Tracy Bloom's light hearted style and don't sugarcoat it take on relationships. This was a fun, light hearted read with realistic characters who, at times were making a bit of a mess of things. I wanted to read on and to find out how their issues would be resolved and had some laughs along the way.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. Lightweight novel about two couples dealing with parenthood.

The plot moves along at a good pace, but is entirely predictable, as are the characters. There are
some amusing scenes, but the main pleasure is in recognising situations that most (?) new parents will have experienced.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe I’ve not transitioned into this particular genre of readable sitcom but it wasn’t my cup of tea. I can see it’s getting shining ratings so maybe this time it was just me. I’ll come back to it at some point in the future when it relates to me more perhaps?

[Lynsey Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

full review on the 25th june but this book is brill have never laughed so much at a book in my life

[Jowusu1201gmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy reading

Great book light hearted, fun story that people an relate to. Interesting, did not want to put the book down. Would definitely recommend

[Bjørn Larssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really a bit sexist and I could take offence if I wasn't too lazy. It's got some really stiff dialogue. That bit with Braindead towards the end is awfully unrealistic. There. Now the important part: if you're in doubt whether to buy this book JUST DO IT. Prepare to be unable to put it down. Possibly burn your dinner, because you can't stop reading (not that this happened to me or anything). On second thought, maybe take a day off work. Pull a sickie. Tell your partner/spouse/parents you can's possibly get out of bed, and the shouts they hear are because of how awfully unwell you're feeling. Then dig in.

Useful phrases to shout as you're reading: "NOOOOO!!!", "OHMYGOOODDD!!!", "SOOOO BAAAD NOOO!!!" and "DON'T DO IT!!!!". You are allowed to mix those phrases, as I found "OHMYGOOODDD DON'T DO IT!!!!!" to be VERY useful.

The ending was sooooo predictable – I thought – except I was wrong. It wasn't. It was super cute. The book smacks of BBC mini series. Think Coupling season 1 (the best). Also, Tracy, Braindead is totally based on Jeff, right? Please tell me he is, because I have Jeff in my head saying every sentence and it has me in stitches.

What a delight. Did I mention I loved it? Because I loved it.

PS. I am never having children.

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews After reading No-one Ever Has Sex on a Tuesday I immediately picked up this book. It kicks off right where the previous book left off with baby Millie just being born.

If you thought that the first book was funny wait until you read this one. It had me in tears of laughter. I absolutely love Ben and Braindead's relationship. The conversations that they have in this book will have you laughing so loud. The coffee shop scene has to be my favourite part of the book.

With Katy back at work, Ben had opted to be a stay at home dad. He thinks it will be a doddle. He gets to sit at home and watch day time TV with his little girl who is nothing but happy around him. By the end of the first day Ben realises that this is anything but easy.

The story is again very easy to relate to. I don't have any children myself but I know friends that do and I have a few nephews and a niece so the story line wasn't alien to me. I raced through this one in a day. I literally couldn't put it down. I just kept turning and turning and then all of a sudden I couldn't believe I was at the end. I gave myself a bathroom break and picked up my ARC copy of No-one Ever has Sex on Christmas Day.

[Coral · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so had high expectations. The idea of Ben staying at home and Katy going to work was wicked. I loved that. I wished it explored the stigma that stay-at-home dads face a little more, along with the pressure of first-time parents. When it dipped it's toes in, it was great.

However, it relied on the poor communication kills trope, which I found both entirely predictable and quite disappointing. Whether it's communication between Ben and Katy about their struggles, or Matthew and Allison about their relationship or even Ben and Allison. I understand that's the *point* and it drove the narrative, but I felt it could have had a little more potential!

[Dhaneesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐
Not my cup of tea, well written and the pace was okay (although I felt the need take multiple breaks). This is also the second book in the series so, there isn't too much in the way of introducing the characters, which is understood. The characters themselves are flawed without seeming insufferable. It is very validating of the struggles of parenthood and the ways it blows up insecurities and communication issues in relationships. There are some things about the story that didn't sit well with me like the gas lighting and shaming (that are glossed over and never truly addressed by the characters). This is not necessarily a flaw in the series as it is a reason the book didn't click with me, but it doesn't seem to bother other reviewers.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one more than the first book. It was a change from the first book with a few different characters but the same main cast were still there. It was a surprise to see Alison and Matthew after the ending of the previous book but looks like things are working out between the two couples, even if Alison never learns the whole truth about things. Ben really changed for the better, he was a lot more interested in things and more involved on the whole rather then being the surly mess from the previous book and he clearly likes his kid and wants the best for her. Definitely planning to read the next book.

[eileen fothergill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I enjoyed this latest book in the series while we catch up with the couple next chapter.. How have they moved on .....did they manage to stay together . The story continues on and still obstacles can't help throwing their relationship into chaos once more with jealousy,insecurities and money worries. ...can they finally sort out their differences and where exactly can they go from here ..A nice easy relatable story and have already got the next in series which im starting straight away .

[Marjo Helena Holba · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read the previous book, and I feel I should have done it, because now all the characters seemed very distant to me. But nevertheless it was entertaining enough alone. At times it felt very odd when half of the story seemed to be about the dad staying home with the baby instead of the mum, and the rarity of it; but I guess that still is not so common in most of the places. And that has nothing to do about the fact whether the book is good or bad; just a reason why I personally didn't feel connection to the story at all :)

[Faye Ronson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really, a 2.5 star rating would have been ample. 2 too harsh though. The book didn’t suck, it just wasn’t stimulating either. I found myself skipping entire paragraphs and still knowing what was happening entirely. Honestly, I only read it as it was predownloaded onto my kindle and I found myself with no WiFi and a fully read kindle library. Definitely a lazy read, maybe a beach read. Just don’t be expecting too much.

[Elly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting between 2am and 5am up with my toddler. It’s a fine, no think bubble gum kind of book. It moves on quickly, requires no thought and I even laughed out loud once.

Not super down with the stereotypes (the typically gay best friend, the rich suit with super organised everything should be perfect wife etc) which is ironic considering this book is meant to be about breaking stereotypes.

Still, it passed the time.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t read the book that came before this one ‘no-one has sex on Tuesdays’ but I was able to get into the book without that being an issue. Not really my preferred genre of books but I do agree reading them every now and again as a light hearted read. Quite enjoyed this book and found it entertaining. I’ll probably read the first one soon as well.

[Zee Monodee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found myself a bit 'in-between' with this one as I read it without reading Book1 first, so I was totally clueless as to who was who and what was what when the book started. But it wasn't hard to figure out the ins and outs of the tale, and it was a very funny if bumpy ride among this cast of characters and how they were negotiating life with a baby in tow.