What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Date a Douchebag #2
The Failing Hours
Zeke Daniels isn't just a douchebag; he's an a**hole.
A total and complete jerk, Zeke keeps people at a distance. He has no interest in relationships—most a**holes don’t.
Dating?
Being part of a couple? Nope. Not for him.
He's never given any thought to what he wants in a girlfriend, because he's never had any intention of having one. Shit, he barely has a relationship with his family, and they're related; his own friends don’t even like him.
So why does he keep thinking about Violet DeLuca?
Sweet, quiet Violet—his opposite in every sense of the word.
The light to his dark, even her damn name sounds like rays of sunshine and happiness and shit.
And that pisses him off, too.
A total and complete jerk, Zeke keeps people at a distance. He has no interest in relationships—most a**holes don’t.
Dating?
Being part of a couple? Nope. Not for him.
He's never given any thought to what he wants in a girlfriend, because he's never had any intention of having one. Shit, he barely has a relationship with his family, and they're related; his own friends don’t even like him.
So why does he keep thinking about Violet DeLuca?
Sweet, quiet Violet—his opposite in every sense of the word.
The light to his dark, even her damn name sounds like rays of sunshine and happiness and shit.
And that pisses him off, too.
322 pages
First published January 31, 2017
About the author
Sara Ney
55 books6,192 followersSara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced latte's, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,692 reviews
February 26, 2023
5 stars!!!
OMG I get it!!! I totally get all the Douchebag hype now! The first book in this series was great, but The Failing Hours was truly INCREDIBLE! Zeke and Violet’s story was the BEST!
Zeke is the guy in the group that, on the outside, is a big jerk to his friends and would never be in a relationship. But he is SO MUCH MORE than that on the inside! His heart is bigger than he shows, he just needs the right person to bring that side out into the open. Violet is a sweet girl. She’s kind, quiet, and a tutor. Zeke’s tutor to be exact. Zeke and Violet don't have the greatest start, but with time, they start to develop a friendship of sorts. That friendship turns into so much more.
Zeke Daniels is the best kind of character. He’s a huge douchebag, but he’s got a huge heart and is totally redeemable. He and Violet made a perfect pair. They were opposites in so many ways, but they worked! I loved seeing them with the kids, and just watching them grow together. Their chemistry was of the charts as well!
The Failing Hours was funny, sweet, sexy, and emotional. It really did have it all! I adored this book. I listened to the audio version, and the narration was spot on. I didn’t want to stop listening! I can’t wait to read more of the Douchebag books. This one was a 5 star favorite for sure!!!
Zeke Daniels isn’t just a douchebag; he’s an asshole.
OMG I get it!!! I totally get all the Douchebag hype now! The first book in this series was great, but The Failing Hours was truly INCREDIBLE! Zeke and Violet’s story was the BEST!
Zeke is the guy in the group that, on the outside, is a big jerk to his friends and would never be in a relationship. But he is SO MUCH MORE than that on the inside! His heart is bigger than he shows, he just needs the right person to bring that side out into the open. Violet is a sweet girl. She’s kind, quiet, and a tutor. Zeke’s tutor to be exact. Zeke and Violet don't have the greatest start, but with time, they start to develop a friendship of sorts. That friendship turns into so much more.
I know she’s selfless, but only to a point. Kindhearted. Quiet. Inexperienced. Stronger than either of us recognize. Too goddamn trusting. Too goddamn sunny for my gloom and doom. Too light for my dark. Too good for my bad. Too everything.
Zeke Daniels is the best kind of character. He’s a huge douchebag, but he’s got a huge heart and is totally redeemable. He and Violet made a perfect pair. They were opposites in so many ways, but they worked! I loved seeing them with the kids, and just watching them grow together. Their chemistry was of the charts as well!
The Failing Hours was funny, sweet, sexy, and emotional. It really did have it all! I adored this book. I listened to the audio version, and the narration was spot on. I didn’t want to stop listening! I can’t wait to read more of the Douchebag books. This one was a 5 star favorite for sure!!!
November 13, 2021
5 STARS
Sara Ney not only proves that the first book of this series’ popularity wasn’t a fluke but that she sure can write a redeemable, relatable, douchebag with this hero, Zeke Daniels.
I definitely liked this story more than the first book which I did give 4.5 stars. I adored the hero and heroine’s connection, friendship, banter, and fall into love. Zeke is seriously broody, moody, and even his friends/roommates can’t even stand the angry hottie. Zeke isn’t arrogant like Oz which I liked he’s more an anti-people type.
”My friends call me merciless; they claim cold blood runs through my veins, that I’m impossible to get close to. But I like it that way; I like creating distance. No one needs me, and I need them even less. Happiness is a myth.”
The heroine’s had a rough life and I pretty much loved everything about her and how she handled herself throughout this story. Both characters were so realistic and Violet DeLuca’s fall for the douchebag while chipping away at his armor was perfection.
I scowl. “What are you laughing at?”
“You trying to be nice.”
“I’m not nice.”
“That’s why I say trying.”
Violet and Zeke do have similar scars and their attraction and connection was perfectly paced, not too drawn out, not instant, it all felt just right.
The push and pull, Zeke's need for Violet, and of course the chemistry all came across perfectly as well.
”But you’re not jaded – not like me. I’m a beautiful mess.” Rough thumbs tenderly stroke my cheeks. “You’re just beautiful.”
All of the secondary characters were all terrific like Coach, Kyle, and both of the main characters’ group of friends. This is an overall enjoyable read that was as good and for me even better than the first book of the series and can be read as a standalone.
Sara Ney not only proves that the first book of this series’ popularity wasn’t a fluke but that she sure can write a redeemable, relatable, douchebag with this hero, Zeke Daniels.
I definitely liked this story more than the first book which I did give 4.5 stars. I adored the hero and heroine’s connection, friendship, banter, and fall into love. Zeke is seriously broody, moody, and even his friends/roommates can’t even stand the angry hottie. Zeke isn’t arrogant like Oz which I liked he’s more an anti-people type.
”My friends call me merciless; they claim cold blood runs through my veins, that I’m impossible to get close to. But I like it that way; I like creating distance. No one needs me, and I need them even less. Happiness is a myth.”
The heroine’s had a rough life and I pretty much loved everything about her and how she handled herself throughout this story. Both characters were so realistic and Violet DeLuca’s fall for the douchebag while chipping away at his armor was perfection.
I scowl. “What are you laughing at?”
“You trying to be nice.”
“I’m not nice.”
“That’s why I say trying.”
Violet and Zeke do have similar scars and their attraction and connection was perfectly paced, not too drawn out, not instant, it all felt just right.
The push and pull, Zeke's need for Violet, and of course the chemistry all came across perfectly as well.
”But you’re not jaded – not like me. I’m a beautiful mess.” Rough thumbs tenderly stroke my cheeks. “You’re just beautiful.”
All of the secondary characters were all terrific like Coach, Kyle, and both of the main characters’ group of friends. This is an overall enjoyable read that was as good and for me even better than the first book of the series and can be read as a standalone.
February 10, 2019
3.5 Stars
I liked it though not as much as the first book.
Full review to come. Although, I pretty much said it all in my review of the first book.
QUICK REVIEW:
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Writing style: 4/5
Storyline: 3/5
Hero: 4/5
Heroine: 4/5
Secondary characters: 4/5
Hotness/chemistry: 3/5
Romance: 4/5
Angst: 3/5
Darkness level: 2/5
Humor: 3/5
Depth of the book: 3.5/5
POV: dual, 1st person
Triggers:
Similar books: Hashtag series by Cambria Hebert, Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy , Attraction by Penny Reid, Game On series by Kristen Callihan, Bellevue Bullies series by Toni Aleo
I liked it though not as much as the first book.
Full review to come. Although, I pretty much said it all in my review of the first book.
QUICK REVIEW:
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Writing style: 4/5
Storyline: 3/5
Hero: 4/5
Heroine: 4/5
Secondary characters: 4/5
Hotness/chemistry: 3/5
Romance: 4/5
Angst: 3/5
Darkness level: 2/5
Humor: 3/5
Depth of the book: 3.5/5
POV: dual, 1st person
Triggers:
Similar books: Hashtag series by Cambria Hebert, Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy , Attraction by Penny Reid, Game On series by Kristen Callihan, Bellevue Bullies series by Toni Aleo
February 1, 2023
– 4 stars
Zeke Daniel's evolution with Violet's tits ... or lack of tits >>>
┍━━━━━━━━»•» «•«━┑
HOW TO DATE A DOUCHEBAG SERIES
#2 The Failing Hours – 4 stars
#3 The Learning Hours – 3.75 stars
┕━»•» «•«━━━━━━━━┙
Petite, I gauge her height at around five foot five—tiny compared to my six feet. Wide hazel eyes. Thick blonde hair so pale it looks white, falling down over her shoulder in an intricate, wholesome braid. My gaze immediately falls to the neckline of her well-worn Iowa sweatshirt for an appraisal of her chest.
Flat.
Bummer, must suck.
Obviously, since she’s wearing a V-neck shirt, I check out her rack.
Or lack thereof.
“I don’t know why you’re holding your chest like that. You have almost no boobs,” I say it in an effort to be helpful, because seriously, the girl has no tits.
He throws his hands up. “Friends. I didn’t know you did friends, let alone friends with tits.” This isn’t the right moment to point out that Violet doesn’t have any tits, and it’s not something I’d want to point out to him anyway.
Her boobs might not be enough to fill the palm of my large hand, but they’re perfect.
Zeke Daniel's evolution with Violet's tits ... or lack of tits >>>
┍━━━━━━━━»•» «•«━┑
HOW TO DATE A DOUCHEBAG SERIES
#2 The Failing Hours – 4 stars
#3 The Learning Hours – 3.75 stars
┕━»•» «•«━━━━━━━━┙
May 25, 2019
Best way to get out of a book slump is reading an old favorite!!!
Zeke is still my favorite Douchebag- happy reading for me!!
✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵
Oh my gosh, I loved this story so much!!
If you like a great story about an ass-hole. A brutally honest, rude and on occasion crude douchebag - you MUST read this book.
I loved the heck out of The Failing Hours.
Zeke Daniels, wrestling star and all around douchebag, had the tendency to speak his mind in any and every situation. Was it with his teammates, hookups, his coach, in front of kids - ANYONE felt the sting of his displeasure and honest opinion. He had NO filter at all. And he could have cared less who he hurt, because he just didn't care.
Zeke was cold, heartless and callous at times. He was best described as a douchbag, asshole, and a dick. And he still didn't care one way or the other. For him, the cold exterior was a mechanism to protect himself from being abandoned, and hurt. Throughout his entire life he had been left behind., not wanted and shuttled from one family member to another. All because his parents were too busy traveling and didn't have the time nor the interest in raising him. So, he built walls, and with his rude demeanor he found a way to keep people at a distance.
But when he met Violet, his tutor, he slowly started caring about another person.
She was feisty in her own way. Quiet, but strong. Smart and sweet. Violet figured out pretty early on, that Zeke was more bluster than bite. That beneath the hard shell he was a big softie and that he was seeking something, a deeper connection with another person - maybe even a relationship.
Violet was the very opposite of Zeke - kindhearted, compassionate and kind. But like Zeke she also struggled with abandonment issues. Her parents died when she was very young, and her relatives didn't have the money to raise another child - so she ended up in foster care. But compared to Zeke, she was not against believing and trusting in another human being. She believed in the best of people. And she saw in Zeke something that called to her.
Ultimately she was exactly what Zeke needed. She brought out in him the necessary desire to be better. To change. And to open up and trust another person.
Those two were a wonderful example for opposites attract.
I might repeat myself but I absolutely adored Zeke.
I loved how Zeke was willing to go the extra mile for Violet. She was his conscience, she brought out his softer side, even if he grumbled all the way. He was such an adorable grouch. Vulnerable and deeply afraid of being hurt again.
He was so lovable. But OMG how badly he screwed up - twice!! And he was lucky that Violet took him and his black heart back - of course, only after a good amount of groveling.
So, when I read The Studying Hours (How to Date a Douchebag #1) I honestly didn't think book 2 could be anywhere as good as the first one. Ha, was I mistaken.
I ABSOLUTELY adored it.
Zeke is still my favorite Douchebag- happy reading for me!!
✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵
Oh my gosh, I loved this story so much!!
If you like a great story about an ass-hole. A brutally honest, rude and on occasion crude douchebag - you MUST read this book.
I loved the heck out of The Failing Hours.
Zeke Daniels, wrestling star and all around douchebag, had the tendency to speak his mind in any and every situation. Was it with his teammates, hookups, his coach, in front of kids - ANYONE felt the sting of his displeasure and honest opinion. He had NO filter at all. And he could have cared less who he hurt, because he just didn't care.
Zeke was cold, heartless and callous at times. He was best described as a douchbag, asshole, and a dick. And he still didn't care one way or the other. For him, the cold exterior was a mechanism to protect himself from being abandoned, and hurt. Throughout his entire life he had been left behind., not wanted and shuttled from one family member to another. All because his parents were too busy traveling and didn't have the time nor the interest in raising him. So, he built walls, and with his rude demeanor he found a way to keep people at a distance.
But when he met Violet, his tutor, he slowly started caring about another person.
She was feisty in her own way. Quiet, but strong. Smart and sweet. Violet figured out pretty early on, that Zeke was more bluster than bite. That beneath the hard shell he was a big softie and that he was seeking something, a deeper connection with another person - maybe even a relationship.
Violet was the very opposite of Zeke - kindhearted, compassionate and kind. But like Zeke she also struggled with abandonment issues. Her parents died when she was very young, and her relatives didn't have the money to raise another child - so she ended up in foster care. But compared to Zeke, she was not against believing and trusting in another human being. She believed in the best of people. And she saw in Zeke something that called to her.
Ultimately she was exactly what Zeke needed. She brought out in him the necessary desire to be better. To change. And to open up and trust another person.
Those two were a wonderful example for opposites attract.
I might repeat myself but I absolutely adored Zeke.
I loved how Zeke was willing to go the extra mile for Violet. She was his conscience, she brought out his softer side, even if he grumbled all the way. He was such an adorable grouch. Vulnerable and deeply afraid of being hurt again.
He was so lovable. But OMG how badly he screwed up - twice!! And he was lucky that Violet took him and his black heart back - of course, only after a good amount of groveling.
So, when I read The Studying Hours (How to Date a Douchebag #1) I honestly didn't think book 2 could be anywhere as good as the first one. Ha, was I mistaken.
I ABSOLUTELY adored it.
February 7, 2017
UNFORGETTABLE GOODNESS!!!!! That what this is.... UNFORGETTABLE. GOODNESS. IN EVERY WAY. God, it was just EVERYTHING. Everything I could want from a book and so much more.
Sara Ney's Douchebags are my new addiction! I just can't get enough. I am OBSESSED with these boys. They are ALL THE THINGS that are right in NA romance. This series (of standalone novels) has captured my attention and held it. And these characters are so special and important to me! There's something magical about them! Something that sets them apart from the rest. I am completely giddy over Zeke and Violet. I ADORED the way their story was told. The slow burn, sizzling and enthralling romance that unfurled was heartwarming and luscious, leaving me completely breathless. I can honestly say that I am whole-heatedly smitten with these books -- both Oz and Zeke's. And I can't recommend them enough. Decadent and delicious, heartfelt and absolutely intoxicating, this is NA romance at its best.
Zeke Daniels is a douchebag -- an utter asshole who will literally have you wincing at his biting remarks. Zeke's harsh and cold exterior is pissing off a lot of people, and he seems to be in need of a major attitude adjustment. Lucky for him, his wrestling coach has just the thing to set him straight. And Zeke doesn't like that at ALL.
Violet is a happy-go-lucky girl who, despite having a bad hand in life, is working hard to make something of herself. She's warm and sweet and always ready to lend a helping hand when someone needs it. But when Violet meets Zeke she's intimidated and not impressed. And that leads her to do something that had me laughing out loud.
These two are so charming. My heart beat fast and my hands got sweaty from the butterflies that were taking over my belly. Zeke is a tough bastard who is not easy to crack and watching Violet soften him, open him up, and mold him into a man who can make himself vulnerable was so sweet. It had me aching and swooning at the same time.
Honestly, I'm in love with everything about this book and these characters. Zeke and Violet are complete opposites. She's the jelly to his peanut butter, the chocolate to his pretzel (LMAO. Go with me here... chocolate and pretzels go together but still seem opposite (ish) ;p ) **hahahahahaha**
It was so refreshing! Refreshing to read NA Sports Romance with pure heart (and it's steamy too which takes this story to another level all together). Gosh, Sara Ney just knows how to write characters who feel real and authentic. Their emotions easily become your emotions and the story is a tangible thing--you'll close your eyes, see it, feel it and live it. It's invigorating. A romance that's a feast for your senses. And I was totally seduced.
I'm sort of speechless. Truly. This was ANOTHER LEVEL. And to be honest, I've been just sitting on this review, not really knowing what to say to do this book justice. I just ...
I want you to read it.
I've been passionately screaming it to anyone who will listen and I will continue to do so. It's one of my fav reads of the year and I can't recommend it highly enough.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW ME ON: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | BLOG
Sara Ney's Douchebags are my new addiction! I just can't get enough. I am OBSESSED with these boys. They are ALL THE THINGS that are right in NA romance. This series (of standalone novels) has captured my attention and held it. And these characters are so special and important to me! There's something magical about them! Something that sets them apart from the rest. I am completely giddy over Zeke and Violet. I ADORED the way their story was told. The slow burn, sizzling and enthralling romance that unfurled was heartwarming and luscious, leaving me completely breathless. I can honestly say that I am whole-heatedly smitten with these books -- both Oz and Zeke's. And I can't recommend them enough. Decadent and delicious, heartfelt and absolutely intoxicating, this is NA romance at its best.
Zeke Daniels is a douchebag -- an utter asshole who will literally have you wincing at his biting remarks. Zeke's harsh and cold exterior is pissing off a lot of people, and he seems to be in need of a major attitude adjustment. Lucky for him, his wrestling coach has just the thing to set him straight. And Zeke doesn't like that at ALL.
Violet is a happy-go-lucky girl who, despite having a bad hand in life, is working hard to make something of herself. She's warm and sweet and always ready to lend a helping hand when someone needs it. But when Violet meets Zeke she's intimidated and not impressed. And that leads her to do something that had me laughing out loud.
These two are so charming. My heart beat fast and my hands got sweaty from the butterflies that were taking over my belly. Zeke is a tough bastard who is not easy to crack and watching Violet soften him, open him up, and mold him into a man who can make himself vulnerable was so sweet. It had me aching and swooning at the same time.
Honestly, I'm in love with everything about this book and these characters. Zeke and Violet are complete opposites. She's the jelly to his peanut butter, the chocolate to his pretzel (LMAO. Go with me here... chocolate and pretzels go together but still seem opposite (ish) ;p ) **hahahahahaha**
It was so refreshing! Refreshing to read NA Sports Romance with pure heart (and it's steamy too which takes this story to another level all together). Gosh, Sara Ney just knows how to write characters who feel real and authentic. Their emotions easily become your emotions and the story is a tangible thing--you'll close your eyes, see it, feel it and live it. It's invigorating. A romance that's a feast for your senses. And I was totally seduced.
I'm sort of speechless. Truly. This was ANOTHER LEVEL. And to be honest, I've been just sitting on this review, not really knowing what to say to do this book justice. I just ...
I want you to read it.
I've been passionately screaming it to anyone who will listen and I will continue to do so. It's one of my fav reads of the year and I can't recommend it highly enough.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW ME ON: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | BLOG
Read
March 6, 2017This series is some of the best NEW new adult I've ever read....and I mean....I know good NA when I see it.
April 2, 2017
5 stars!
"Not everyone has a broken wing that needs mending, Violet. Maybe this guy isn't worthy of your special brand of caring."
Zeke Daniels isn't just a douchebag; he's an a**hole.
^^^From the blurb itself, this man was a D. I. C. K. But oh, how when you peel back the layers you see what he truly was.
While I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, The Studying Hours, I went into this book with literally no expectations. And it completely blew me away. I mean, immediately after reading I went online and ordered a paperback, that's how much I loved it!
The Failing Hours is about Zeke and Violet. Zeke is the grump jerk on the wrestling team who needs to be tutored. His bad attitude has gotten him into hot water with his coach, and coach begins making Zeke jump through hoops to remain on the team. Violet is the timid tutor who spends her time in the library. When she first meets Zeke she's so unbelievably intimidated by him and the dark cloud surrounding him, she doesn't want to be his tutor. But the more time they spend together, they both see there is more behind what they look like on the outside.
"He swears too much.
He isn't nice.
He isn't sweet.
He isn't kind.
Or generous with words. Or affection.
But he's reliable. Dependable. And he was there for me."
This was a book I picked up as a side piece. Yup that's really as bad as it sounds. It's the book i chose to read in situations where it was inappropriate to read paperbacks or kindles in front of others. I was sneak reading it on my phone/ipad. The first 20% was actually pretty slow for me, and Zeke was SUCH AN ASSHOLE I didn't know if I would like it. I mean, he was a special brand of mean. BUT once I got about halfway this lovely book was no longer a side piece but my top choice and I devoured the last half of it.
Asshole heroes are always hard for me to like, because they never seem to be regretful or tend to walk all over the heroine. But that's not the case here. Zeke was damaged from a childhood of neglect, and my heart friggin BLED for him. I legit just wanted to give him a giant hug the entire book. And Violet, though she may be quiet and stutter, she is no one's doormat. I admired her resilience and strength with all she faced in her life, and the fact that she was firm in the fact that whomever she ended up with respected her.
An emotional read, I found myself sighing, laughing, and tearing up when reading this book. Sarah Ney placed herself among my auto-buy authors with this book. Woman stepped up her game with this book and I find myself in awe of her talent. I am so excited for the next book!!!
“But you’re not jaded—not like me. I’m a beautiful mess. You’re just beautiful.”
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
"Not everyone has a broken wing that needs mending, Violet. Maybe this guy isn't worthy of your special brand of caring."
Zeke Daniels isn't just a douchebag; he's an a**hole.
^^^From the blurb itself, this man was a D. I. C. K. But oh, how when you peel back the layers you see what he truly was.
While I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, The Studying Hours, I went into this book with literally no expectations. And it completely blew me away. I mean, immediately after reading I went online and ordered a paperback, that's how much I loved it!
The Failing Hours is about Zeke and Violet. Zeke is the grump jerk on the wrestling team who needs to be tutored. His bad attitude has gotten him into hot water with his coach, and coach begins making Zeke jump through hoops to remain on the team. Violet is the timid tutor who spends her time in the library. When she first meets Zeke she's so unbelievably intimidated by him and the dark cloud surrounding him, she doesn't want to be his tutor. But the more time they spend together, they both see there is more behind what they look like on the outside.
"He swears too much.
He isn't nice.
He isn't sweet.
He isn't kind.
Or generous with words. Or affection.
But he's reliable. Dependable. And he was there for me."
This was a book I picked up as a side piece. Yup that's really as bad as it sounds. It's the book i chose to read in situations where it was inappropriate to read paperbacks or kindles in front of others. I was sneak reading it on my phone/ipad. The first 20% was actually pretty slow for me, and Zeke was SUCH AN ASSHOLE I didn't know if I would like it. I mean, he was a special brand of mean. BUT once I got about halfway this lovely book was no longer a side piece but my top choice and I devoured the last half of it.
Asshole heroes are always hard for me to like, because they never seem to be regretful or tend to walk all over the heroine. But that's not the case here. Zeke was damaged from a childhood of neglect, and my heart friggin BLED for him. I legit just wanted to give him a giant hug the entire book. And Violet, though she may be quiet and stutter, she is no one's doormat. I admired her resilience and strength with all she faced in her life, and the fact that she was firm in the fact that whomever she ended up with respected her.
An emotional read, I found myself sighing, laughing, and tearing up when reading this book. Sarah Ney placed herself among my auto-buy authors with this book. Woman stepped up her game with this book and I find myself in awe of her talent. I am so excited for the next book!!!
“But you’re not jaded—not like me. I’m a beautiful mess. You’re just beautiful.”
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
October 7, 2018
You know those books you can imagine reading again and again and it will never and I mean never get stale??? I can see THE FAILING HOURS being one of those books. I can picture myself getting a paperback copy to put on my shelf to sit amongst my other pretties. I can even imagine myself ordering perhaps another paperback copy just as a reading copy that I could dogear the pages of. I know some of you are sitting there thinking "Natalie is being ridiculous", but I assure you that I am not. Read the damn book and you will fall under its spell too!
I love a tortured hero. A hurt hero. An angry hero. Mad at the world and everyone in it. And that was Zeke. He had the anger downpat. He lived to intimidate, frustrate and isolate. And as a wrestler... annihilate. I really wanted to add another "-ate" in there and that was PERFECT!! Okay, so he was angry. Really, he was beyond broody or moody and I couldn't wait to discover why. So when it was revealed, I was a bit taken aback because I thought it would have been something disturbing (I read WAY too many dark-themed books), but regardless, I began to understand where he was coming from. As Vi pointed out, he was like an onion. As his layers were peeled back, we discovered the depth of his character. It wasn't that he didn't feel anything. It was that he felt everything! And what better way to avoid pain than to be the first to give it???!!! The more I read, the more I fell in love with Zeke. I loved him when he was good and even when he was bad. Whenever he messed up, I was in his corner rooting for him. His one-woman cheerleading squad. However, most of the time, I had sweet Violet for company.
Obviously Violet was my girl! I loved this spritelike chica, stutter and all. She came across as timid and even delicate, but she held herself with such a quiet confidence that you couldn't help but admire the heck out of her. I really thought she was incredibly beautiful. She had limits and whenever I expected her to roll over and just take whatever was dished out to her, she nipped that ish in the bud. She refused to be a doormat and I respected that.
I loved the way Vi and Zeke's opposing personalities played off of each other. How they brought the best out of each other. Whether it was Vi getting Zeke to lighten up enough to smile/laugh or it was Zeke encouraging Vi to come out of her shell more and making her comfortable enough to stop her stutter. Simple things really. They were just beautiful together. I couldn't get enough of them.
This author created a story that resonated with me and I cannot believe it took me this long to take a chance on her. I regret it. Badly. But I'm off now to add her stuff to my TBR and to order those two paperbacks I mentioned earlier ;)
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Steam: 4 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone with crossover - Book 2 of the How to Date a Douchebag series
I love a tortured hero. A hurt hero. An angry hero. Mad at the world and everyone in it. And that was Zeke. He had the anger downpat. He lived to intimidate, frustrate and isolate. And as a wrestler... annihilate. I really wanted to add another "-ate" in there and that was PERFECT!! Okay, so he was angry. Really, he was beyond broody or moody and I couldn't wait to discover why. So when it was revealed, I was a bit taken aback because I thought it would have been something disturbing (I read WAY too many dark-themed books), but regardless, I began to understand where he was coming from. As Vi pointed out, he was like an onion. As his layers were peeled back, we discovered the depth of his character. It wasn't that he didn't feel anything. It was that he felt everything! And what better way to avoid pain than to be the first to give it???!!! The more I read, the more I fell in love with Zeke. I loved him when he was good and even when he was bad. Whenever he messed up, I was in his corner rooting for him. His one-woman cheerleading squad. However, most of the time, I had sweet Violet for company.
Obviously Violet was my girl! I loved this spritelike chica, stutter and all. She came across as timid and even delicate, but she held herself with such a quiet confidence that you couldn't help but admire the heck out of her. I really thought she was incredibly beautiful. She had limits and whenever I expected her to roll over and just take whatever was dished out to her, she nipped that ish in the bud. She refused to be a doormat and I respected that.
I loved the way Vi and Zeke's opposing personalities played off of each other. How they brought the best out of each other. Whether it was Vi getting Zeke to lighten up enough to smile/laugh or it was Zeke encouraging Vi to come out of her shell more and making her comfortable enough to stop her stutter. Simple things really. They were just beautiful together. I couldn't get enough of them.
This author created a story that resonated with me and I cannot believe it took me this long to take a chance on her. I regret it. Badly. But I'm off now to add her stuff to my TBR and to order those two paperbacks I mentioned earlier ;)
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Steam: 4 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone with crossover - Book 2 of the How to Date a Douchebag series
December 6, 2017
➦Well, this just wasn't fair. Jock/tutor trope is my absolute favorite and I haven't read a good one in so long that this completely hit the spot. Boy, did it hit the spot. And although I'm rating all the books in this series 5 stars, (let's be honest, I PLOWED through three in a matter of two days) this installment was the one I loved the most.
➦It was amazing to read about this jackass brooding guy, who acts like a jerk all the time, grow up and let in a girl. A girl who he would have never even glanced at twice if he didn't get stuck with her being his tutor.
➦Ok, one thing. It's been done before. So. many. times. But you know what? If you're gonna do something that's been done before then do it right. And let me tell you, Sara Ney has done it right. I am officially a fan of her writing and I'll be 1 clicking her stuff with a speed of light in the future.
➦One thing that amazes me the most is this write's ability to create tension and excitement without having exuberant amounts of character development. I'm really not sure what kind of sorcery Sara Ney possesses but I was in love with these characters from the very start and I stayed glued to this book from cover to cover.
February 7, 2017
4 Shut Up, Violet! Stars
My parents must have known from the beginning that I was going to be a sinner—that’s why it sounds like they named me after two books of the Bible. Lord knows I’m no saint.”
After meeting Zeke in Oz and Jameson’s book, I wasn’t quite sure how Sara Ney was going to turn him into a swoony heartthrob of a leading man. I mean let’s get real, from the second Zeke’s character entered the scene he had “major asshole” written all over him. Every single thing he said seemed to reinforce the fact that this manboy doesn’t give two f*cks about anything or anyone but himself.
So how’d Ms. Ney pull off a complete and total transformation of Zeke’s character in order to make him book boyfriend worthy? She didn’t. And let me tell you, it’s one of the reasons this book worked as well as it did.
I don’t know why anyone considers grabbing a dude’s nuts through his jeans sexy.” I blink down at her. “Unless it was you. You can grab them any time you want.”
Even though this book can most definitely be read as a standalone, those of us that read The Studying Hours got a first-hand glimpse at the douchebag ways of one Ezekiel Daniels. I have to admit that when Violet was first introduced to Zeke in The Failing Hours, I thought there was absolutely no way such a sweet and (seemingly) cowering girl was going to be able to keep up with that kind of dickishness.
The beauty of this story is that Violet didn’t try to keep up with Zeke’s mood swings or his brutal banter. She simply didn’t accept it. She held out for respectful treatment throughout the book and her actions finally started having an impact on Zeke. In all fairness, Zeke’s family life growing up was less than ideal. Unfortunately or not for him, Violet’s childhood was even rougher. No special snowflake treatment from Violet here and I loved that.
Zeke’s self-realization (if you want to call it that) was slow going and completely believable because it wasn’t a total transformation. Make no mistake, the dude still has a serious case of asshole, he just keeps it chained a bit more. And whether he chose to admit it or not, sweet Violet had a softening effect on him. Ahhhh, the swoons.
I used to be a hard ass, and now I’m talking about feelings and all that other bullshit. Soon she’s going to have me holding babies and volunteering with old people, I just fucking know it.
Funny, sweet, sexy and a bit sad all at the same time, The Failing Hours had me hooked from the very beginning. I’m hoping one of the roommates, maybe Elliot or Winnie, gets their story told next.
My parents must have known from the beginning that I was going to be a sinner—that’s why it sounds like they named me after two books of the Bible. Lord knows I’m no saint.”
After meeting Zeke in Oz and Jameson’s book, I wasn’t quite sure how Sara Ney was going to turn him into a swoony heartthrob of a leading man. I mean let’s get real, from the second Zeke’s character entered the scene he had “major asshole” written all over him. Every single thing he said seemed to reinforce the fact that this manboy doesn’t give two f*cks about anything or anyone but himself.
So how’d Ms. Ney pull off a complete and total transformation of Zeke’s character in order to make him book boyfriend worthy? She didn’t. And let me tell you, it’s one of the reasons this book worked as well as it did.
I don’t know why anyone considers grabbing a dude’s nuts through his jeans sexy.” I blink down at her. “Unless it was you. You can grab them any time you want.”
Even though this book can most definitely be read as a standalone, those of us that read The Studying Hours got a first-hand glimpse at the douchebag ways of one Ezekiel Daniels. I have to admit that when Violet was first introduced to Zeke in The Failing Hours, I thought there was absolutely no way such a sweet and (seemingly) cowering girl was going to be able to keep up with that kind of dickishness.
The beauty of this story is that Violet didn’t try to keep up with Zeke’s mood swings or his brutal banter. She simply didn’t accept it. She held out for respectful treatment throughout the book and her actions finally started having an impact on Zeke. In all fairness, Zeke’s family life growing up was less than ideal. Unfortunately or not for him, Violet’s childhood was even rougher. No special snowflake treatment from Violet here and I loved that.
Zeke’s self-realization (if you want to call it that) was slow going and completely believable because it wasn’t a total transformation. Make no mistake, the dude still has a serious case of asshole, he just keeps it chained a bit more. And whether he chose to admit it or not, sweet Violet had a softening effect on him. Ahhhh, the swoons.
I used to be a hard ass, and now I’m talking about feelings and all that other bullshit. Soon she’s going to have me holding babies and volunteering with old people, I just fucking know it.
Funny, sweet, sexy and a bit sad all at the same time, The Failing Hours had me hooked from the very beginning. I’m hoping one of the roommates, maybe Elliot or Winnie, gets their story told next.
February 7, 2017
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★
I am so pleased that I discovered this author because this series is shaping up to be one of my favourite sports romances, containing a kryptonite of mine - douchey but loveable heroes.
Zeke is a big fat grump, he is rude to everyone and moody as hell, but you know how it goes - he is misunderstood godammit! I loved him and I'm not going to lie, he did push my boundaries a little bit, he was so mean and defensive all the time. But..he was hard not to love, he just needed a big cuddle, and Violet was just the woman for the job.
Our heroine in this story is the complete opposite of Zeke, she is quiet, has a stutter, and is full of sunshine and rainbows wherever she goes, she oozes happy thoughts and is the sweetest little thing. Don't let that fool you though, she has had it tough, just like Zeke has, and they find that they have a lot more in common than they first realise.
She was not a pushover that's for sure and I thought she did a fantastic job bringing our guy into line.
If you haven't started this series yet, DO IT. Contains hot douchey guys who compete in the college wrestling league - and heroine's with endearing personalities. Slow burning romance. Bad guys who fall hard. What's not to love?
Eagerly anticipating more to come in this series.
The Failing Hours is a standalone new adult romance, told from dual POV's.
ARC gratefully received
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
![]()
I am so pleased that I discovered this author because this series is shaping up to be one of my favourite sports romances, containing a kryptonite of mine - douchey but loveable heroes.
"He swears too much. He isn’t nice. He isn’t sweet. He isn’t kind. Or generous with words. Or affection. But he’s reliable. Dependable. And he was there for me tonight."
Zeke is a big fat grump, he is rude to everyone and moody as hell, but you know how it goes - he is misunderstood godammit! I loved him and I'm not going to lie, he did push my boundaries a little bit, he was so mean and defensive all the time. But..he was hard not to love, he just needed a big cuddle, and Violet was just the woman for the job.
Our heroine in this story is the complete opposite of Zeke, she is quiet, has a stutter, and is full of sunshine and rainbows wherever she goes, she oozes happy thoughts and is the sweetest little thing. Don't let that fool you though, she has had it tough, just like Zeke has, and they find that they have a lot more in common than they first realise.
"She is everything on the inside that she appears to be on the outside. Sweet. Compassionate. Kind. And beautiful— heart, body, and mind. Violet DeLuca is my opposite in every sense of the word."
She was not a pushover that's for sure and I thought she did a fantastic job bringing our guy into line.
If you haven't started this series yet, DO IT. Contains hot douchey guys who compete in the college wrestling league - and heroine's with endearing personalities. Slow burning romance. Bad guys who fall hard. What's not to love?
Eagerly anticipating more to come in this series.
The Failing Hours is a standalone new adult romance, told from dual POV's.
ARC gratefully received
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
July 18, 2022
Aww...! My eyes teared up finishing this book. Do not get me wrong this book is more like NA romance comedy. Zeke is a total jerk and yet he is such a teddy bear. He is kind of hero whose you want to hug and loved.
When Zeke shows his vulnerable side, I tearing up. He is such a romantic, vulnerable hero. The banter between Zeke and Violet is sweet and cute. With a dash of asshole from Zeke side.
What I like the most from The Failing Hours is the chemistry between Violet and Zeke.
I am a fan of Sara Ney. She easily becoming my favorite NA authors. In Failing Hours she hits a perfect spot in romance comedy.
4 stars
When Zeke shows his vulnerable side, I tearing up. He is such a romantic, vulnerable hero. The banter between Zeke and Violet is sweet and cute. With a dash of asshole from Zeke side.
What I like the most from The Failing Hours is the chemistry between Violet and Zeke.
I am a fan of Sara Ney. She easily becoming my favorite NA authors. In Failing Hours she hits a perfect spot in romance comedy.
4 stars
February 7, 2017
My name is Eliza, and I’m hopelessly addicted to douchebaggery. Don’t try to reform me; I’m perfectly happy as I am. With every hit of this series Sara Ney cements herself as my dealer, and I, an addict to her asshole-hero peddling wares.
The Studying Hours was my first read of the year, and if you’ve read it, not so surprising 5 star read of the year also. Of course I could barely contain myself with the unfettered excitement that came with the news of Zeke’s book. In the interest full disclosure, I could not stand him. He seemed to have a chip bigger than his ego on his shoulder, and for the life of me I could not understand how anyone could tolerate him.
However post reading TFH, I won’t hear a word said against him. Yes, he it’s true; he was bigger douchebag than OZ. It’s also true; he said the wrong thing 90% of the time. He was moody and ungrateful and an all-around pain in the behind.
Beneath his douchey exterior is a kind, giving soul so hurt by his past, his default is to lash out. It’s a redemptive story that would not be made possible without our amazing heroine, Violet. She’s a quiet, gentle character whose world is thrown awry by Zeke’s entrance in it. In tutoring Zeke she teaches him more than he bargained for in more ways than one, which he makes clear he does not appreciate.
Although an unassuming character, Vi makes a huge impact on Zeke. She deserves a medal for putting up with him, but don’t be fooled, she puts him through his paces too. It’s a hilarious laugh out loud journey and I honest to god loved every minute of it. The emotional aspect was one that I did not expect, but it brought dimension to the story and further endeared me to both of them.
I’m desperately awaiting my next fix, and can only imagine what Sara Ney has up her sleeve to topple a douchebag like Zeke.
The Studying Hours was my first read of the year, and if you’ve read it, not so surprising 5 star read of the year also. Of course I could barely contain myself with the unfettered excitement that came with the news of Zeke’s book. In the interest full disclosure, I could not stand him. He seemed to have a chip bigger than his ego on his shoulder, and for the life of me I could not understand how anyone could tolerate him.
However post reading TFH, I won’t hear a word said against him. Yes, he it’s true; he was bigger douchebag than OZ. It’s also true; he said the wrong thing 90% of the time. He was moody and ungrateful and an all-around pain in the behind.
Beneath his douchey exterior is a kind, giving soul so hurt by his past, his default is to lash out. It’s a redemptive story that would not be made possible without our amazing heroine, Violet. She’s a quiet, gentle character whose world is thrown awry by Zeke’s entrance in it. In tutoring Zeke she teaches him more than he bargained for in more ways than one, which he makes clear he does not appreciate.
Although an unassuming character, Vi makes a huge impact on Zeke. She deserves a medal for putting up with him, but don’t be fooled, she puts him through his paces too. It’s a hilarious laugh out loud journey and I honest to god loved every minute of it. The emotional aspect was one that I did not expect, but it brought dimension to the story and further endeared me to both of them.
I’m desperately awaiting my next fix, and can only imagine what Sara Ney has up her sleeve to topple a douchebag like Zeke.
December 7, 2021
Grumpy Wrestler!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Story/Plot: ��📗📘📙
World building: 🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 👱🏻♀️🧔🏻👩🏼🦰👱🏼♂️
The heroine: Violet - lost her parents at a young age, violet was moved from home to home after her relatives couldn’t afford to keep her. After her parent died she began to stutter and still does to this day when she isn’t comfortable with a person or in a situation.
The Hero(es): Zeke - he is the most winning wrestler at a school known for wrestling, having won a bunch of national championships. He is pictured in a large billboard outside the stadium. He gets his share of girls due to his sports prowess and looks but is a hit it and quit it type of guy. He doesn’t do relationships.
The Story: Violet and Zeke meet when he comes to the library for tutoring help. Violet is afraid of Zeke and when he asks for Violet, she says Violet isn’t there. So the next day when he returns he is even more grumpy than the day before. When Zeke’s coach forces him to be a mentor in the big brother program he comes across Violet who is babysitting a little girl. They start hanging out together and Zeke shows what a jerk he is in many ways, but also starts to grow on Violet.
The narration was great. Josh Goodman is terrific as the cantankerous college wrestler who doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him, including the kid he is mentoring. Muffy Newtown’s voice works fine for the intelligent co-ed. Though the stutter didn’t sound realistic.
After looking for gifs and images of college wrestlers I can see why wrestlers aren’t the romantic Hero’s very often. I apologize if I offend any wrestling lovers here, but not only does the act of wrestling look so gay (not that there is anything wrong with that) with two nearly naked guys rolling around on the floor together but the singlets they wear leave nothing to the imagination and are not flattering at all.
Though Sara Ney does the New Adult Sports Romance very well and I actually really liked these characters. She also addresses the wrestling singlet issue in that the women and wrestling groupies love to come to the matches for the very reason that the singlets reveal all.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Story/Plot: ��📗📘📙
World building: 🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 👱🏻♀️🧔🏻👩🏼🦰👱🏼♂️
The heroine: Violet - lost her parents at a young age, violet was moved from home to home after her relatives couldn’t afford to keep her. After her parent died she began to stutter and still does to this day when she isn’t comfortable with a person or in a situation.
The Hero(es): Zeke - he is the most winning wrestler at a school known for wrestling, having won a bunch of national championships. He is pictured in a large billboard outside the stadium. He gets his share of girls due to his sports prowess and looks but is a hit it and quit it type of guy. He doesn’t do relationships.
The Story: Violet and Zeke meet when he comes to the library for tutoring help. Violet is afraid of Zeke and when he asks for Violet, she says Violet isn’t there. So the next day when he returns he is even more grumpy than the day before. When Zeke’s coach forces him to be a mentor in the big brother program he comes across Violet who is babysitting a little girl. They start hanging out together and Zeke shows what a jerk he is in many ways, but also starts to grow on Violet.
The narration was great. Josh Goodman is terrific as the cantankerous college wrestler who doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him, including the kid he is mentoring. Muffy Newtown’s voice works fine for the intelligent co-ed. Though the stutter didn’t sound realistic.
After looking for gifs and images of college wrestlers I can see why wrestlers aren’t the romantic Hero’s very often. I apologize if I offend any wrestling lovers here, but not only does the act of wrestling look so gay (not that there is anything wrong with that) with two nearly naked guys rolling around on the floor together but the singlets they wear leave nothing to the imagination and are not flattering at all.
Though Sara Ney does the New Adult Sports Romance very well and I actually really liked these characters. She also addresses the wrestling singlet issue in that the women and wrestling groupies love to come to the matches for the very reason that the singlets reveal all.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
January 27, 2022
[reread: 26/01/22]
i forgot just how much of a douchebag Zeke is. but wow, watching him simp for Violet while truly hating everyone and everything but her?
*******original review*******
not me giving this five stars🤫👀
wow Zeke was a bigger prick in this book than the previous one. like this man was even constantly rude af to an eleven year old boy... like damn who hurt you?
i mean, this motherfucker didn’t even want to go to the zoo ://// who doesn’t wanna go to the fucking zoo when the opportunity presents itself?? Zeke, apparently.
and yet i kinda adored this douchebag prick. sue me💅🏻 the “i hate everyone but you” vibes Zeke gave off were ✨immaculate✨ this bitch really did hate everyone and everything but Violet.
his bad attitude. his crudeness. his meanness. his harshness. his arrogance. all of it should have made me loathe him... but i couldn’t help but adore the big, softie underneath it all. the guy who blushed, the guy who felt worthless, the guy terrified of abandonment, and the guy who was effortlessly in love with Violet DeLuca.
despite his douchebag ways, i loved the way he loved her, so below are all my points arguing that Zeke was falling in love with Violet from the very beginning:
i mean, this bitch even admits this in the cute af epilogue:
get you a guy who’s a douche to everyone else but is thoroughly obsessed with you🥺🥰😌 thats low-key the dream LOL.
soooo, while most of the time, a book of this kind wouldn’t normally be a five star (probably a four), i couldn’t help but give it five🤷🏻♀️ i can’t pretend i wasn’t ✨obsessed✨ i guess i have a soft spot for douchebags, huh?
i forgot just how much of a douchebag Zeke is. but wow, watching him simp for Violet while truly hating everyone and everything but her?
*******original review*******
not me giving this five stars🤫👀
wow Zeke was a bigger prick in this book than the previous one. like this man was even constantly rude af to an eleven year old boy... like damn who hurt you?
i mean, this motherfucker didn’t even want to go to the zoo ://// who doesn’t wanna go to the fucking zoo when the opportunity presents itself?? Zeke, apparently.
and yet i kinda adored this douchebag prick. sue me💅🏻 the “i hate everyone but you” vibes Zeke gave off were ✨immaculate✨ this bitch really did hate everyone and everything but Violet.
his bad attitude. his crudeness. his meanness. his harshness. his arrogance. all of it should have made me loathe him... but i couldn’t help but adore the big, softie underneath it all. the guy who blushed, the guy who felt worthless, the guy terrified of abandonment, and the guy who was effortlessly in love with Violet DeLuca.
“I love you. You’re my family Violet, and if I have to buy a ticket, hop on a plane, and take you to see yours, then I’m going to do it. I love you.” His voice cracks, barely above a whisper. “I would do anything for you. I want to take care of you.”
despite his douchebag ways, i loved the way he loved her, so below are all my points arguing that Zeke was falling in love with Violet from the very beginning:
example one) Zeke fiddling with the piece of paper she wrote her number on and staring at Violet’s handwriting and pretending like he wasn’t already fascinated by her: “I stare down at Violet’s neat, tidy handwriting. The loop on the V in her first name. The blue, fine-tipped marker lines, bold and crisp.”
example two) always saying she smells like sunshine, rainbows and just all the good shit in the world: “You always smell so good, Vi. Like sunshine and shampoo and flowers. Violets.”
example three) him buying her the bracelet from the auction where he overheard her say how pretty it was but she couldn’t afford it.
example four) him trying to be a better person, not just for her, but for everyone else because of her.
example five) Zeke taking her to make pottery on the anniversary of her parents deaths bcos she was sad... despite his openly articulated hatred for pottery classes throughout the entire goddam book. bitch had a vendetta against some mugs but he went for Violet🥺😌
example six) he nearly beats a bitch up for making fun of Violet’s stutter, but stops when she asks him to— we love a man who is willing to throw down but still respects our wishes💅🏻
example seven) his genuine fear that he would never be good enough for Violet: ”I have no idea how to be gentle with someone so delicate.”
example eight) his obsession with her lavender nail varnish from the moment he met her— one of the first things he noticed about her, and always honed in on.
i mean, this bitch even admits this in the cute af epilogue:
He turns me to face him, reaching for the collar of my coat and pulling me close. Kisses the tip of my nose. “I loved you first.”
My brows rise. “You did?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m not sure about that, but I’ll take the bait. When did you know?”
“Remember that time I came into the library and rang that little bell on the desk? It was really obnoxious but you were really polite. The look on your fucking face though…I loved that face.”
get you a guy who’s a douche to everyone else but is thoroughly obsessed with you🥺🥰😌 thats low-key the dream LOL.
soooo, while most of the time, a book of this kind wouldn’t normally be a five star (probably a four), i couldn’t help but give it five🤷🏻♀️ i can’t pretend i wasn’t ✨obsessed✨ i guess i have a soft spot for douchebags, huh?
October 15, 2021
**2nd reread and Zeke Daniels still hurts my vagina**
I'm only going to say this once and I ain't sugar coating it...
READ THIS FUCKING BOOK.
I've just finished and I'm reading it again.
I haven't done that in 4 years...
Zeke Daniels hit my motherfucking book boyfriend list for life.
I want to sit on his face.
I'm only going to say this once and I ain't sugar coating it...
READ THIS FUCKING BOOK.
I've just finished and I'm reading it again.
I haven't done that in 4 years...
Zeke Daniels hit my motherfucking book boyfriend list for life.
I want to sit on his face.
July 27, 2017
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: I liked this more than the first book, The Studying Hours, but it still isn't going to go on my favorites shelf. This H was a mess, and a great one for those of us that like our jerks! He definitely was a jerk! He was also damaged, and while I didn't like his behavior a lot of the time I understood it. The h, on the other hand, was super sweet! They were an odd couple, but I did like them together. They had some fun interactions with kids that they babysat which I always love! Like the first book -- I thought we could've gotten a little deeper in with the characters, but I did enjoy it for what it was.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Violet and Zeke's story. They meet when Violet has been assigned to tutor Zeke in the college library (and few other run-ins). Violet is the epitome of a good girl and Zeke is the epitome of a bad boy, but opposites definitely attract. They dance around each other for a while, but through some children that they are taking care of they become friends. Their friendship turns into more and they fall in love. There is some personal baggage to get through, but they do eventually get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Violet and Zeke's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while in developing stronger feelings.
H rating: 3.5 stars. Zeke. I liked him, but he did act like an a$s at times and said hurtful things.
h rating: 4 stars. Violet. I liked her. I liked the way she didn't let the H walk all over her. She was super sweet and evened out the H well.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry and scenes, but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: No!
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had not so great closure with a HFN ending. I understand that they're young, but why can't we get a jump-ahead HEA?!? It might just be me being greedy again ;)
How I got it: It was part of my scribed subscription.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most readers.
Overall Opinion: I liked this more than the first book, The Studying Hours, but it still isn't going to go on my favorites shelf. This H was a mess, and a great one for those of us that like our jerks! He definitely was a jerk! He was also damaged, and while I didn't like his behavior a lot of the time I understood it. The h, on the other hand, was super sweet! They were an odd couple, but I did like them together. They had some fun interactions with kids that they babysat which I always love! Like the first book -- I thought we could've gotten a little deeper in with the characters, but I did enjoy it for what it was.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Violet and Zeke's story. They meet when Violet has been assigned to tutor Zeke in the college library (and few other run-ins). Violet is the epitome of a good girl and Zeke is the epitome of a bad boy, but opposites definitely attract. They dance around each other for a while, but through some children that they are taking care of they become friends. Their friendship turns into more and they fall in love. There is some personal baggage to get through, but they do eventually get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Violet and Zeke's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while in developing stronger feelings.
H rating: 3.5 stars. Zeke. I liked him, but he did act like an a$s at times and said hurtful things.
h rating: 4 stars. Violet. I liked her. I liked the way she didn't let the H walk all over her. She was super sweet and evened out the H well.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry and scenes, but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: No!
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had not so great closure with a HFN ending. I understand that they're young, but why can't we get a jump-ahead HEA?!? It might just be me being greedy again ;)
How I got it: It was part of my scribed subscription.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most readers.
February 7, 2017
Live <33 Amazon https://www.amazon.com/How-Date-Douch...
5 Zeke stars <33
"I might be a douchebag, but I'm not a quitter."
I don't know where to start, I freaking loved this book! Zeke is by far my favorite douchebag! I finished this book days ago and I'm still thinking about the story and the characters!
Zeke was an asshole and I wanted to know why, he intrigued me. Violet was exactly what he needed, she was the light in his darkness. She was sweet, kind, friendly and lovable. Zeke is slowly drawn to her and what they start feeling for each other is magical. Sweet, intense and hot.
"Are you making fun of me, Violet DeLuca?"
"It's called teasing,Ezekiel Daniels."
(Omg *sigh* this is me drooling over this there were so many parts I freaking loved and marked so I can re-read them again.<3 <3)
I loved how they started as friends even though it was difficult for Zeke, they were funny and adorable. They made me swoon.
Sara Ney is a new author to me but I can assure you that she immediately became one of my favorites so if you haven't tried one of her books, pick this series because you will not regret it!
5 Zeke stars <33
"I might be a douchebag, but I'm not a quitter."
I don't know where to start, I freaking loved this book! Zeke is by far my favorite douchebag! I finished this book days ago and I'm still thinking about the story and the characters!
Zeke was an asshole and I wanted to know why, he intrigued me. Violet was exactly what he needed, she was the light in his darkness. She was sweet, kind, friendly and lovable. Zeke is slowly drawn to her and what they start feeling for each other is magical. Sweet, intense and hot.
"Are you making fun of me, Violet DeLuca?"
"It's called teasing,Ezekiel Daniels."
(Omg *sigh* this is me drooling over this there were so many parts I freaking loved and marked so I can re-read them again.<3 <3)
I loved how they started as friends even though it was difficult for Zeke, they were funny and adorable. They made me swoon.
Sara Ney is a new author to me but I can assure you that she immediately became one of my favorites so if you haven't tried one of her books, pick this series because you will not regret it!
February 7, 2017
Title: The Failing Hours
Series: How to Date a Douchebag #2
Author: Sara Ney
Release date: January 31, 2017
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
The fact that I'm even reading this series defies logic. I'm not a fan of asshole douchebag types whatsoever, but Sara Ney knows how to write heroes that you sit up and pay attention to. For me to like a douchebag he either has to:
a)Have charm oozing out of his pores and a irresistible sense of humor.
or...
b)Just be 100% redeemed in the end.
With Oz in The Studying Hours, we got both. With Zeke? We have full redemption, ladies and gentlemen (minus the charm for much of the book). As stated in the synopsis, Zeke is an asshole. Plain and simple, no two ways about it. There is no sugarcoating him, he's a man who doesn't spare anyone's feelings and even his friends wonder why they stick by him. To be perfectly honest, there were moments when I couldn't ever imagine liking him, he's obnoxiously rude and insensitive.
Zeke is made up entirely of anger, resentment, and a very sharp, cutting tongue. He has mommy and daddy issues written all over him, and a chip on his shoulder a mile wide. Shy, petite, and gentle Violet is no match for someone like him. At least, you would think so. After she's assigned as his tutor at the library where she works, she must find a way to be around him without being overwhelmed with anxiety. This huge, brooding wrestler intimidates her, but her persistent kindness towards him slowly breaks through the surface of his barriers. And her honesty about her own hardships in life and her class in handling them helps him take a hard look at himself. He starts to get uncomfortable with what he sees.
I know she’s selfless, but only to a point. Kindhearted. Quiet. Inexperienced. Stronger than either of us recognize. Too goddamn trusting. Too goddamn sunny for my gloom and doom. Too light for my dark. Too good for my bad. Too everything.
I was a little worried at first that Violet would be too much of a doormat under his nasty attitude. But she came to a point in the book when she put her foot down firmly and demanded respect from him. Though she understood that he was acting out of hurt and an inability to deal with being abandoned by his parents, enough was enough. She forced him to stop putting himself in the victim role and take control of his life again. And eventually, I was amazed to find myself smiling and enjoying Zeke's bewildered transformation before my eyes. The poor sap didn't know what hit him, he was like putty in her tiny little hands.
Let's get this straight: he's far from perfect. He made mistakes and his parents lack of love towards him showed in his inability to know how to deal with his emotions. But he's a work in progress, and he was soaking up Violet's love like he was desperate for it. And once he started opening up to her and trusting her, he became someone worthy of her sweet and nurturing personality. They really were opposites in every way imaginable. Yet somehow, they balanced each other out and made one very sexy and highly amusing couple.
Sara Ney knows how to write New Adult. It's loaded with humor, bantering, and enough heat to make your pulse skyrocket. The fact that she brought me around to love Zeke in the end is a huge testament to her skills. Violet brought out a tender and worshipful side that I didn't think he had in him. He fell, and he fell hard, but she gave him a safe place to land.
I’m a beautiful mess.” Rough thumbs tenderly stroke my cheeks. “You’re just beautiful.” His words kiss my soul.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
August 21, 2017
What makes a person become a Douchebag?
Honestly, I really couldn’t tell you before I started this series whether a Douchebag is born or created. A little part of me thought that some people are just born that way. The grain of nastiness is planted, and with a little nurturing and guidance, that grain can grow. Maybe, it’s all nurture? If you live with a douchebag (what’s the female equivalent, or is it gender neutral?), do their traits pass on because you learn from what you see? Then there’s the Douchebag that’s formed because of circumstances. You know, the person who has had a bad experience that has left them emotionally stunted. Or, last but not least, is the egotistical douchebag. Definitely self-absorbed thinks they’re above everyone else and doesn’t have time for other people and their issues. After starting this series, I think a douchebag is created because of all of these things combined. This does not have to be a lifetime affliction, with a little help and guidance, anyone can recover from being a douchebag. The proof is in The Failing Hours
Holy Shamoly!! This guy takes the crown. I have never met such a rude, crude and socially unacceptable character in a long time. You want me to like him? Love him? Want him to find happiness? Pffft…Sara Ney, I think you’re dreaming.
Famous last words.
Yep, I’m back to loving a Douchebag. How does this author do it? I mean, I cried over this guy. He really hurt me…I mean her. EVERY TIME he said something nasty I was devastated. His ability to do it so successfully, with little effort and fully conscious that he’s doing it, surprised me. I know there’s bad stuff in the world, but seeing it through Zeke’s eyes, was different. Zeke is aware of it all, feels some remorse, but not enough to make him stop. That is, until a Pixie and an 11-year-old boy change his world.
I absolutely loved this story. It always feels weird loving a book that makes me cry A LOT! It’s the journey. If you asked me at around the 20% mark, as I’m wiping tears from my eyes AGAIN, if I would love Zeke, I would have been vehemently shaking my head no. By the end, I loved him and all that he had become. It wasn’t just Violet coming into his life that changed him either. His coach, little brother (mentor program) and friends had a lot to do with it too. It really only came good for Zeke once he’d done a little self-reflection and removed the huge chip on his shoulder.
The Failing Hours was bloody brilliant. I was enthralled from the beginning to the end. I couldn’t believe that a character so nasty could ever come good, but I was pleasantly surprised. It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. I can’t wait for more in this series.
Honestly, I really couldn’t tell you before I started this series whether a Douchebag is born or created. A little part of me thought that some people are just born that way. The grain of nastiness is planted, and with a little nurturing and guidance, that grain can grow. Maybe, it’s all nurture? If you live with a douchebag (what’s the female equivalent, or is it gender neutral?), do their traits pass on because you learn from what you see? Then there’s the Douchebag that’s formed because of circumstances. You know, the person who has had a bad experience that has left them emotionally stunted. Or, last but not least, is the egotistical douchebag. Definitely self-absorbed thinks they’re above everyone else and doesn’t have time for other people and their issues. After starting this series, I think a douchebag is created because of all of these things combined. This does not have to be a lifetime affliction, with a little help and guidance, anyone can recover from being a douchebag. The proof is in The Failing Hours
Holy Shamoly!! This guy takes the crown. I have never met such a rude, crude and socially unacceptable character in a long time. You want me to like him? Love him? Want him to find happiness? Pffft…Sara Ney, I think you’re dreaming.
Famous last words.
Yep, I’m back to loving a Douchebag. How does this author do it? I mean, I cried over this guy. He really hurt me…I mean her. EVERY TIME he said something nasty I was devastated. His ability to do it so successfully, with little effort and fully conscious that he’s doing it, surprised me. I know there’s bad stuff in the world, but seeing it through Zeke’s eyes, was different. Zeke is aware of it all, feels some remorse, but not enough to make him stop. That is, until a Pixie and an 11-year-old boy change his world.
I absolutely loved this story. It always feels weird loving a book that makes me cry A LOT! It’s the journey. If you asked me at around the 20% mark, as I’m wiping tears from my eyes AGAIN, if I would love Zeke, I would have been vehemently shaking my head no. By the end, I loved him and all that he had become. It wasn’t just Violet coming into his life that changed him either. His coach, little brother (mentor program) and friends had a lot to do with it too. It really only came good for Zeke once he’d done a little self-reflection and removed the huge chip on his shoulder.
The Failing Hours was bloody brilliant. I was enthralled from the beginning to the end. I couldn’t believe that a character so nasty could ever come good, but I was pleasantly surprised. It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. I can’t wait for more in this series.
March 12, 2017
4.5 "Zeke" stars
This one was better than book 1 for me...
The greater the douche...
Ezekiel "Zeke" Daniels
the more fulfilling the groveling is...when one girl, Violet DeLuca in her demure, shy, sensible posture and one kid come silently into his life and encounter his persona as it is...
and she slowly awakens the real Zeke that surprises us all...
cause sometimes being a douche is a way to hide the hurt and resentment ...and sometimes it takes patience and persistence of another soul to understand it and still be willing to find the "real worthy person" inside...
Ah, I LOVED this story!
Loved the insightful search within the outskirts of a rough, mean shell and the way the main character shone in the end...loved the persistance and gentle yet firm approach Violet made towards Zeke, they were perfect together and I simply enjoyed watching him unravel and peel off layer after layer for us to see the real beautiful man inside.
This one was better than book 1 for me...
The greater the douche...
Ezekiel "Zeke" Daniels
My friends call me merciless, they claim cold blood runs through my veins, that I'm impossible to get close to.
No one needs me, and I need them even less.
the more fulfilling the groveling is...when one girl, Violet DeLuca in her demure, shy, sensible posture and one kid come silently into his life and encounter his persona as it is...
An insensitive guy. Intimidating. Cold. Callous. Complicated. The moodiest, broodiest, douchbaggiest guy I have ever met.
and she slowly awakens the real Zeke that surprises us all...
Zeke Daniels is an enigma, hard with Sharp edges and a compassionate interior he keeps so well hidden, no one would believe it existed if they weren't seeing it for themselves.
cause sometimes being a douche is a way to hide the hurt and resentment ...and sometimes it takes patience and persistence of another soul to understand it and still be willing to find the "real worthy person" inside...
Where have you been all my life?
Ah, I LOVED this story!
Loved the insightful search within the outskirts of a rough, mean shell and the way the main character shone in the end...loved the persistance and gentle yet firm approach Violet made towards Zeke, they were perfect together and I simply enjoyed watching him unravel and peel off layer after layer for us to see the real beautiful man inside.
November 17, 2021
- 3.25 -
“But you’re not jaded—not like me. I’m a beautiful mess.” Rough thumbs tenderly stroke my cheeks. “You’re just beautiful.”
🩲tbh although softie zeke was cute, i enjoyed it more when he was a meanie. rude hostile grumpy zeke was funny as hell and the bickering + his monologues was much more fun.
🩲zeke & kyle = the star of the show. violet who?
🩲that oz dude. i dnfed the first book at 10%ish so i really didn’t remember, was he always that annoying or what?
🩲also, what’s with the cringey quotes before every chapter? shouldnt exist at all
🩲overall i did enjoyed the first 60% but it then kinda goes downhill toward meh territory (or maybe that’s just cause i was biased, NA college setting romances are kind of not my thing anymore. most of the time)
“But you’re not jaded—not like me. I’m a beautiful mess.” Rough thumbs tenderly stroke my cheeks. “You’re just beautiful.”
🩲tbh although softie zeke was cute, i enjoyed it more when he was a meanie. rude hostile grumpy zeke was funny as hell and the bickering + his monologues was much more fun.
🩲zeke & kyle = the star of the show. violet who?
🩲that oz dude. i dnfed the first book at 10%ish so i really didn’t remember, was he always that annoying or what?
🩲also, what’s with the cringey quotes before every chapter? shouldnt exist at all
🩲overall i did enjoyed the first 60% but it then kinda goes downhill toward meh territory (or maybe that’s just cause i was biased, NA college setting romances are kind of not my thing anymore. most of the time)
February 7, 2017
3.75 stars
Second book in the How to Date a Douchebag series- Douchebag Zeke Daniels meets sweet,timid, mousy tutor Violet and falls for her in his own douche-way however refuses to come to terms with it and sometimes treats her not very nicely. Violet is sweet and understanding with a sad past and i appreciated her having a backbone most times. She was a ball of sunshine to Zeke's broody life. Zeke, was sweet in his own way (mostly in his head) but was as condescending and self deprecating as one would expect. I did wonder how this author was going to redeem Zeke after the first book in which he was a COMPLETE a**hole, but she did it well. Overall, a worth your time read.
Second book in the How to Date a Douchebag series- Douchebag Zeke Daniels meets sweet,timid, mousy tutor Violet and falls for her in his own douche-way however refuses to come to terms with it and sometimes treats her not very nicely. Violet is sweet and understanding with a sad past and i appreciated her having a backbone most times. She was a ball of sunshine to Zeke's broody life. Zeke, was sweet in his own way (mostly in his head) but was as condescending and self deprecating as one would expect. I did wonder how this author was going to redeem Zeke after the first book in which he was a COMPLETE a**hole, but she did it well. Overall, a worth your time read.
April 13, 2018
Re-read 4/13/18
5 “Toasty” Stars!!!!
This book has ALL MY LOVE! Oh my…….Zeke and Violet have ruined me! I was giggling so much throughout this entire book. Zeke is absolutely hilarious, and Sara Ney writes the male POV PERFECTLY!
This book is the epitome of why I love assholes so much. Zeke is a pissy, giant bear. Ugh. I loved him. He’s so broody and angry all the time. Zeke needs a tutor, but Violet stands him up because he is so damn intimidating. He is forced into a Big Brother role by his coach and ends up partnering with Violet anyway. Violet is such a good person, but Zeke is not good. He is downright mean and grouchy.
My Violet & Zeke:
Violet is happy sunshine, but not in an annoying way. She truly cares about people, but she is a stuttering little mouse. Zeke and Violet couldn’t be more opposite. But they have no idea how much they have in common. They are both lonely, so they truly need each other.
Zeke pounces and stomps all over Violet through most of this book. She puts up with some of it, but there is a pivotal point where she puts her foot down. I loved how Zeke had to learn to let go of some of his issues. I could truly feel how he wanted to feel something good for Violet, but he is a true douchebag.
Once Zeke and Violet get it on…..Holy Hot Panties! I was hot and sweaty and laughing at the same time!
This book is all kinds of my favorite. I love broody Zeke. I love mousey Violet. I love the writing. I love the FEELS. I didn’t expect the feels and the swooning. Zeke falls HARD for Violet, and I fell HARD for Zeke and Violet.
Soon she’s going to have me holding babies and volunteering with old people, I just fucking know it.
Whatever.
I’d do it.
I’d do it just to see those eyes of hers light up. I’d do it because when her small, slender body is pressed against mine, mine lights on fire. I could get used to these feelings, could get high now that I know how fast my heart beats when she’s near.
Sara Ney writes the male POV so well! I can’t believe this was my first book that I’ve ever read by her. I will definitely be reading all of her books.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on
5 “Toasty” Stars!!!!
This book has ALL MY LOVE! Oh my…….Zeke and Violet have ruined me! I was giggling so much throughout this entire book. Zeke is absolutely hilarious, and Sara Ney writes the male POV PERFECTLY!
This book is the epitome of why I love assholes so much. Zeke is a pissy, giant bear. Ugh. I loved him. He’s so broody and angry all the time. Zeke needs a tutor, but Violet stands him up because he is so damn intimidating. He is forced into a Big Brother role by his coach and ends up partnering with Violet anyway. Violet is such a good person, but Zeke is not good. He is downright mean and grouchy.
My Violet & Zeke:
Violet is happy sunshine, but not in an annoying way. She truly cares about people, but she is a stuttering little mouse. Zeke and Violet couldn’t be more opposite. But they have no idea how much they have in common. They are both lonely, so they truly need each other.
Zeke pounces and stomps all over Violet through most of this book. She puts up with some of it, but there is a pivotal point where she puts her foot down. I loved how Zeke had to learn to let go of some of his issues. I could truly feel how he wanted to feel something good for Violet, but he is a true douchebag.
Once Zeke and Violet get it on…..Holy Hot Panties! I was hot and sweaty and laughing at the same time!
This book is all kinds of my favorite. I love broody Zeke. I love mousey Violet. I love the writing. I love the FEELS. I didn’t expect the feels and the swooning. Zeke falls HARD for Violet, and I fell HARD for Zeke and Violet.
Soon she’s going to have me holding babies and volunteering with old people, I just fucking know it.
Whatever.
I’d do it.
I’d do it just to see those eyes of hers light up. I’d do it because when her small, slender body is pressed against mine, mine lights on fire. I could get used to these feelings, could get high now that I know how fast my heart beats when she’s near.
Sara Ney writes the male POV so well! I can’t believe this was my first book that I’ve ever read by her. I will definitely be reading all of her books.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on
September 29, 2017
I absolutely loved this book!!!
Wow, this was amazing. I loved everything about it, the hero, the heroine, the storyline, the pacing. Everything!!! Definitely one of my favorite reads this year. Can't wait to dive in to Book #3!!!
Wow, this was amazing. I loved everything about it, the hero, the heroine, the storyline, the pacing. Everything!!! Definitely one of my favorite reads this year. Can't wait to dive in to Book #3!!!
March 27, 2018
“The bigger they are, the harder they fall.”
This is Book 2 in the series "How to Date a Douchebag" and this one is about Zeke(Ezekiel) and Violet.
It is questionable whether Zeke is a douchebag or an as*hole; or both.
This is how he describes himself:
My friends call me merciless; they claim cold blood runs through my veins, that I’m impossible to get close to. But I like it that way; I like creating distance. No one needs me, and I need them even less. Happiness is a myth. Who needs it? This anger brewing inside me is more tangible than any happiness I’ve forgotten how to feel, never having been anything but alone.
He is unapproachable, daunting. A total and complete jerk. He keeps people at a distance.
He doesn’t date or do relationships... Only one-night stands... He has never had a girlfriend, never wanted to have one.
Violet is a fairy-like girl, with light blond hair and big hazel eyes. This is what Zeke thinks when he meets her first:
Big, virginal doe eyes crinkle at the corners. She’s like a fairytale caricature. Like a pixie. So endearing it almost makes me want to barf.
She is scared of Zeke at first because he is intimidating, cold, callous and complicated. He is the moodiest guy she has ever met. But he is beautiful, ridiculously sexy and she also feels something for him at the same time.
In time, Violet discovers that it is not arrogance that makes him act like an as*hole. Zeke is full of anger. His resentment for his uncaring parents have turned into anger and caused abandonment issues in him. He is in fact the most self-deprecating person she has ever met.
Having lost both parents at the age of 4, Violet feels his pain. They are in fact similar souls as far as being alone and scarred is concerned. However, whereas Violet has a positive approach to life, Zeke is all about negativism.
I wouldn’t even call it arrogance; it’s more like resentment. He resents everyone that’s happy.
As their sort of friendship grows, Zeke realizes how kindred souls they are.
I thought she was normal. I didn’t realize she was hurting, too.
***
I know she’s a damn bleeding heart.
I know she’s selfless, but only to a point.
Kindhearted. Quiet. Inexperienced.
Stronger than either of us recognize.
Too goddamn trusting.
Too goddamn sunny for my gloom and doom.
Too light for my dark.
Too good for my bad.
Too everything.
The obligations of working with kids (brilliant idea of his Couch) and thus, the inclusion of a small kid in his life along with the kind-hearted Violet gradually changes Zeke for the better. Every now and then, he makes a stupid mistake and acts like a di*k but he learns how to apologize.
It is kind of a slow-built story, but deeply emotional and beautiful.
Book 1 was great fun, and its hero Oz was sweet and hilarious whereas Book 2 is deeper and a bit depressing, but never boring at all. Despite being a little bit darkish, it has its own kind of humor and fun as well.
Suddenly, all these emotions and shit I’ve kept to myself are emerging as heart emojis, sappy love songs, and chick flicks. I look at Violet and all I want to do is spout mamby pamby love bullshit. Roll around on the bed and cuddle with her and crap.
She’s so cute.
So fucking gorgeous.
So sexy.
I love her.
How many times am I allowed to say it before sounding like a douchebag?
I’ll have to ask Oz.
So, I really liked this series even though they are about very young people at college. The writing is definitely skillful and whenever you feel like reading a good sports/teen romance, both books in the series are recommended. Both of them are solid 4 stars for me.
P.S. I loved these first two books but the blurbs of Book 3 and Book 4 show that they include my pet peeves so I am dropping the series here.
This is Book 2 in the series "How to Date a Douchebag" and this one is about Zeke(Ezekiel) and Violet.
It is questionable whether Zeke is a douchebag or an as*hole; or both.
This is how he describes himself:
My friends call me merciless; they claim cold blood runs through my veins, that I’m impossible to get close to. But I like it that way; I like creating distance. No one needs me, and I need them even less. Happiness is a myth. Who needs it? This anger brewing inside me is more tangible than any happiness I’ve forgotten how to feel, never having been anything but alone.
He is unapproachable, daunting. A total and complete jerk. He keeps people at a distance.
He doesn’t date or do relationships... Only one-night stands... He has never had a girlfriend, never wanted to have one.
Violet is a fairy-like girl, with light blond hair and big hazel eyes. This is what Zeke thinks when he meets her first:
Big, virginal doe eyes crinkle at the corners. She’s like a fairytale caricature. Like a pixie. So endearing it almost makes me want to barf.
She is scared of Zeke at first because he is intimidating, cold, callous and complicated. He is the moodiest guy she has ever met. But he is beautiful, ridiculously sexy and she also feels something for him at the same time.
In time, Violet discovers that it is not arrogance that makes him act like an as*hole. Zeke is full of anger. His resentment for his uncaring parents have turned into anger and caused abandonment issues in him. He is in fact the most self-deprecating person she has ever met.
Having lost both parents at the age of 4, Violet feels his pain. They are in fact similar souls as far as being alone and scarred is concerned. However, whereas Violet has a positive approach to life, Zeke is all about negativism.
I wouldn’t even call it arrogance; it’s more like resentment. He resents everyone that’s happy.
As their sort of friendship grows, Zeke realizes how kindred souls they are.
I thought she was normal. I didn’t realize she was hurting, too.
***
I know she’s a damn bleeding heart.
I know she’s selfless, but only to a point.
Kindhearted. Quiet. Inexperienced.
Stronger than either of us recognize.
Too goddamn trusting.
Too goddamn sunny for my gloom and doom.
Too light for my dark.
Too good for my bad.
Too everything.
The obligations of working with kids (brilliant idea of his Couch) and thus, the inclusion of a small kid in his life along with the kind-hearted Violet gradually changes Zeke for the better. Every now and then, he makes a stupid mistake and acts like a di*k but he learns how to apologize.
It is kind of a slow-built story, but deeply emotional and beautiful.
Book 1 was great fun, and its hero Oz was sweet and hilarious whereas Book 2 is deeper and a bit depressing, but never boring at all. Despite being a little bit darkish, it has its own kind of humor and fun as well.
Suddenly, all these emotions and shit I’ve kept to myself are emerging as heart emojis, sappy love songs, and chick flicks. I look at Violet and all I want to do is spout mamby pamby love bullshit. Roll around on the bed and cuddle with her and crap.
She’s so cute.
So fucking gorgeous.
So sexy.
I love her.
How many times am I allowed to say it before sounding like a douchebag?
I’ll have to ask Oz.
So, I really liked this series even though they are about very young people at college. The writing is definitely skillful and whenever you feel like reading a good sports/teen romance, both books in the series are recommended. Both of them are solid 4 stars for me.
P.S. I loved these first two books but the blurbs of Book 3 and Book 4 show that they include my pet peeves so I am dropping the series here.
January 27, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was absolutely fantastic, it really was! Zeke is an arsehole extraordinaire, knows it and totally owns it. Sara Ney took said arsehole and oh so slowly showed me what was under all that arseholeishness and not only made it totally believable, but made me fall for Zeke hook, line and sinker. Who woulda thought Zeke would make me swoon. He did. 💝
Then, she gave Zeke Violet, the perfect girl for him. Sweet, sensitive, calm, unassuming, forgiving and understanding. She just "got" him and I loved that for them both. The author couldn't also gone down the doormat route, but she didn't. Our Violet had a spine of steel under all that sweetness, yes she took his crap but only to a point, and Zeke needed that.
So, two perfect for each other characters, brilliant writing a delicious slow burn = 5 stars. I. Bloody. Loved. It!!
I've had a few fantastic reads already in January, long may it continue.
This was absolutely fantastic, it really was! Zeke is an arsehole extraordinaire, knows it and totally owns it. Sara Ney took said arsehole and oh so slowly showed me what was under all that arseholeishness and not only made it totally believable, but made me fall for Zeke hook, line and sinker. Who woulda thought Zeke would make me swoon. He did. 💝
Then, she gave Zeke Violet, the perfect girl for him. Sweet, sensitive, calm, unassuming, forgiving and understanding. She just "got" him and I loved that for them both. The author couldn't also gone down the doormat route, but she didn't. Our Violet had a spine of steel under all that sweetness, yes she took his crap but only to a point, and Zeke needed that.
So, two perfect for each other characters, brilliant writing a delicious slow burn = 5 stars. I. Bloody. Loved. It!!
I've had a few fantastic reads already in January, long may it continue.
May 31, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
The Failing Hours took me by surprise in the BEST way possible. I’ll admit, going into this, I didn’t have high hopes for Zeke. He was the BIGGEST douchebag in the first book and such a misogynist – I was so sure he couldn’t be redeemed in his book. But I am so glad I turned out to be wrong about him. Yes, he’s a dick and nothing can excuse that, but there’s more to Zeke than just his meanness. You get to see a new side of Zeke, one that Violet brings out in him, and I fell head over heels for him by the end of the book. If you love the classic new adult college romances, you HAVE to give this book a try. I was in NA heaven reading this – my heart was so happy to be reading college romances again!
Then.
She smiles.
My eyes, goddamn them, go to those curved glossy lips and rest there as she tries not to grin at me. Brilliant white teeth wink. Big, virginal doe eyes crinkle at the corners.
She’s like a fairytale caricature. Like a pixie.
So endearing it almost makes me want to barf.
To say Zeke Daniels is a jerk would be the biggest understatement. This is the sort of guy who cares for nothing but himself and keeps everyone at a distance. He’s annoyed that he has to get a tutor so he doesn’t fail his class, and even more annoyed that his coach forced him to join a “Big Brothers” program where he has to mentor a kid. He is moody and rude – and his first meeting with his tutor, Violet, is not a good one. She couldn’t be more opposite him if she tried – she’s quiet, gentle, has a slight stutter. She’s everything good that he is not. And when circumstances keep pushing them together, he can’t seem to stop thinking about her… and reluctantly falling for her. Her strength, heart, and kindness make a huge impact on him and make him believe that there just might be more to life than just keeping everyone away.
After driving away from her last night, I realize I probably know her better than she realizes. I know she’s a damn bleeding heart. I know she’s selfless, but only to a point. Kindhearted. Quiet. Inexperienced.
Stronger than either of us realizes.
Too goddamn trusting.
Too goddamn sunny for my gloom and doom.
Too light for my dark.
Too good for my bad.
Too everything.
My biggest worry about this book, besides whether or not Zeke could be redeemed, was the portrayal of the heroine, Violet. I was less than impressed with the shallow way the heroine from the first book was portrayed and was hoping for more character development with Violet, and thankfully Sara Ney delivered. Violet is a sweetheart of a character – despite losing her parents at a young age and not having a stable family for most of her life, she sees the positive side in all situations. She’s tough on the inside and never gives up – and she’s also not a pushover when it comes to Zeke. She discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye and that he has just as painful a past as she does, but she doesn’t let that excuse his douchey-ness. She’s a fantastic heroine and I applaud this girl for being able to put up with the grump that is Zeke.
“The best part of me is you, Violet.”
I loved this book SO MUCH. It was the perfect opposites-attract romance – bad boy athlete jerk meets good girl tutor… honestly, it was new adult perfection. I try not to read books with the douche-y heroes because it usually doesn’t end up well, but I absolutely adored this one. It was freaking hilarious, had fantastic characters, and the romance had me so giddy and in love. I LOVED that Violet didn’t make it easy for Zeke to win her heart – this was a redemption story done right. It was my first 5 star read of 2017 and I’m really hoping there’ll be more books in this series, because I can’t get enough of it!
Thanks to the author for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/2hOUfp1
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
February 7, 2017
4-3.5 Stars!
This started off really good! I was really loving Violet and Zeke. But around 70% it started to go down hill for me. I still really liked this one but not near as much as the first book. Can't wait to see who's next.
This started off really good! I was really loving Violet and Zeke. But around 70% it started to go down hill for me. I still really liked this one but not near as much as the first book. Can't wait to see who's next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,692 reviews