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Let's Try This Again

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One girl.  Two guys.  It's complicated.
First there is Isaac, the ex-boyfriend who threatens her move to a sunny new life on the west coast when he suddenly comes back into the picture.  The chemistry is intoxicating and Josie starts eating, breathing, and sleeping with him again until the move.  Things are hard enough saying goodbye to her childhood home and very best friends, but when Isaac makes it seem like he might actually want her to stay, Josie wonders if she’s giving up on him too quickly.
Josie takes the plunge and moves to California.
Then comes Carter. Sweet, doting - and, oh my god! - former boy band heartthrob, Carter. Josie’s new life falls into place, with new friends and a job working as the personal assistant for Carter as he plans the re-launch of his career. When it seems like there might be something between Josie and her new boss, she can’t help but hold back in fear of crossing a line and, worse yet, getting her heart crushed.  Once again.
What spirals into a complicated, heart wrenching, unexpected love triangle forces Josie to face a decision that she is not sure she can make.  Carter or Isaac.  Or - who knows? 
It’s Sex in the City meets Bridget Jones Diary under the Hollywood sign.  A masterful debut novel of love, sex and rock & roll in the New Adult genre.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2016

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Aiello.
1,181 reviews28 followers
June 22, 2017
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and a million thanks for that. This is my true and honest review.

4.5 stars, and I'm bumping it up to 5 because I am totally blown away by this story, these characters and this author. This is the tale of all of us women and who we were (or are) in our early 20's. It is about falling in love with the wrong guy at the right time or falling in love with the right guy and the wrong time. It is about awkward, painful and full of stupidity life. I think without many exceptions, our main character, Josie, is a part of each of us. It is so real and honest and funny and ugly and painfully truthful. I didn't expect this story to be as emotional as it was for me - both with the laughs and the heartfelt (and heart-hurting) truths it contained.
Profile Image for Amor y otras ficciones.
56 reviews17 followers
July 27, 2017
I was expecting something funnier, sexier and messier (although Josie is kind of a mess herself). Sometimes, there were too much "thinking" in the middle of a dialog, that I'd lose the thread of conversations. The language was fresh and easy-going, like if you're texting your friend (the first half of the book, in my opinion).

About the story itself, like I said, I was expecting something funnier or sexier.

P.S.: I liked the Leslie Knope reference (and Frozen!)
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Profile Image for Michelle (Bookaholic Banter).
763 reviews161 followers
February 13, 2017
This was such a delight to read! This rom-com (romantic comedy) had me hooked from the beginning of the story. It was hilarious, fun, and sexy. I enjoyed reading it very much. I loved all the references to pop-culture. The mentions of music I grew up listening to, the mention of shows and movies. The writing was superb. I could easily relate to situations.

The main character Josie was very easy for me to love. She reminded me a bit of myself when I was younger. Her girlfriends are ride or die kind of chics. I felt like I was reading about my own girlfriends. They were the kind of women that would do anything for their best friend. They were there in the good times and the bad.

The story had a lot of sexual naughty moments full of raw sexual passion. These moments weren't overdone. It wasn't drawn out. These moments were kept short and sweet. At times funny and awkward. I loved every moment of it. Reminded me a bit of reading a Jackie Collins novel at times-and I absolutely love her writing.

This wasn't all sex, and comedy though. There was also sweet, romantic moments. It was about following your dreams and passions. Trying new things, meeting new people, being brave and seeing where life will take you.

If you enjoy reading sexy romantic comedies then this is definitely a fun one that you will not want to miss. It was a very enjoyable read. Never dull or boring. It was full of exciting and adventurous situations. I loved this book and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the Sex in the City women, or Bridget Jones.

This book was entertaining and very hard to put down. It was indulgent and I savored every bit of it. A perfect Friday or Saturday night read.



Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,377 reviews229 followers
February 18, 2017
I was in the mood for a good comedy. That is what I thought I was getting with this book. Sadly, I was not laughing. Not even by the half way mark. It was a slow start to this book for me. Yet, I was determined to stick it out and give it a chance. Josie's friends were more fun than she was. She did not give me a good vibe. There was a scene where Josie was trying to show up one of Isaac's exs. Yes, I should be cheering for Josie that she got the upper hand but instead she came off as too catty for my taste. This probably had to do with the fact that I could not understand why Josie was with Isaac or what she saw in him. Despite all of this I thought things would turn around for the better once Josie got to California. It was starting to with Carter but not fast enough. I won't see Josie's happy ending.
Profile Image for Carol***BeautyandtheBeastlyBooks.
1,780 reviews169 followers
January 5, 2019
1.5 stars

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

I rarely give 1-1.5 stars, but I also pride myself for being honest in my reviews. So let me first start saying that I'm not giving this rating to upset the author (and I'm sorry that it'll pribably upset her anyways), or to disrespect or as ampersonal vendetta. It is my opinion and it has nothing else to do than with me giving it freely and honestly. Some readers think it's a disrespect to an author to give lower than 3 stars. I can't prevent anyone of being offended by my opinion, but I don't give it offensively or disrespectfully and we're all entitled to our own opinions.

That being said, this book was a huge disappointment to me. Not because of how it ends, but because of it as a whole. In my opinion, it could have been better developed and the story could have been more built. Most of the times it felt like it was a report than a story being told, because for me it didn't flow organically.

I actualky get what the author was trying to do with the story and how it ended, but for me it didn't work, not because of the "why" it ended that way, but because of the "how". I couldn't connect with the charcaters, soecially the heroine, whose behavior, in my opinion, was very childishly displayed in the book.
Profile Image for Kimberly Lund.
526 reviews14 followers
June 5, 2017
I started this thinking it was a regular romance novel... and it's anything but a traditional romance. The main character is young -- early twenties -- and it helped me to remember that. Let's Try This Again is a book about a young woman developing her identity and the men that are part of that. It's roughly a novel about a woman torn between two men, but when I reflect on it, it seems more about a woman who is young and can't decide what she wants until she does. And then the book ends. There's not a truly happy, ride off into the sunset ending, and I didn't want one for Josie. That's more an observation about her age and immaturity than how much I liked the main character. I'm not sad I read it, it was an easy, quick read, but not really my preferred style of book.
2,147 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2017
**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

As funny as this book was, I was disappointed with how the book ended. But that's just my opinion.

Josie has been in love with Isaac since they started dating forever ago. Only he doesn't know how to have a relationship. So when he pushes her away for the third and final time, she decides that it is time to leave CT, and move to California. Nothing is holding her there anymore, other than her 2 best friends.

When Isaac comes crawling back to her once again, two months before she's planning her move; Josie knows that he wants something as usual; her back in his life. The shock is on him when she tells him about her upcoming move.

They agree to a no strings commitment for the last two months before she leaves. But this time Isaac is trying to win her back. Josie has the power here, she remains unaffected about their arrangement, and can tell he's not happy with her rebuffs. When he goes and tells her that he could "maybe" love her one day, she's had enough and ends things.

Her move to California was the best thing for her broken heart and career. Soon she finds herself a job as a PA to a former star of a teen band she used to worship, Carter. But, Josie's writing prowess and her voice make them a new sensation almost instantly.

Josie decides to take a chance on the new man who's in love with her. When she realizes that she has fallen in love with Carter, her world is so much better off. But when Isaac starts to declare his love for her, she can't bring herself to believe in him or trust him ever again.

When she has to decide which man to end things with, who will she choose?
Profile Image for Lindsay.
70 reviews
May 30, 2017
Let's Try This Again was such a sweet book. The main character Josie, reminded me so much of a friend of mine, it was insane. Josie (the name Josie usually reminds me of that movie, Never Been Kissed, where Drew Barrymore is ugly crying "I'm not Josie Grossy anymore" 😂 - but not with this book, don't worry. Josie in this book is golden) had an incredibly rough on and off again relationship with Issac. Issac.. well he's one of those guys that keeps you waiting on your toes. The guy who makes you walk on eggshells spread on a tightrope with a "maybe if you do this, I won't have to say "maybe" to you anymore and leave you hanging. Finally, Josie saw the light and actually told herself to stop walking on that tightrope. So she cut it and let herself swing into a new life, one across the country in California. It was amazing to see her going through this transformation of finding out what she wanted to do, and what she didn't want to do. She had some major bumps in her way, a guy that fell in love with her. A love without expectations or strings. And she found her voice at the end, she found out what she really wanted. All of the characters in this book were great, even Isaac. Carter was so great and I loved how he selflessly loved someone who wasn't quite sure of what kind of love she wanted. Molly and Ellie, Josie's best friends - the kind of friends every girl on the planet needs, were so hilarious and just all around great. I really enjoyed this book, and am so happy to have had the opportunity to read it! I hope everyone loves it as much as I did.
Profile Image for Margaret Tidwell.
610 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2017
FTC: I received a free copy of this book from iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

Let’s Try This Again by Jordyn Woodtke was an okay book. I enjoyed the story but I did find it pretty predictable. I know I have said this before but after you read as many books as I do you are able to see the patterns in books so you always know what will happen. That being said I did enjoy this book and I really like Josie right from the start. I was also amazed that this is a debut novel because I usually don’t enjoy the first’s book that the authors write. These types of books always leave smile on my face because they are almost always sweet stories and who doesn’t love a good romance novel. If you love chick lit than I am sure you will enjoy this book like I did.
Profile Image for Kati.
457 reviews22 followers
February 16, 2017
I can see this book being a light, New Adult version of Sex in the City. It is a coming of age story with the main character, Josie newly relocated to the City of Angels. Josie has been having an on again off again relationship with Isaac and her moving permanently makes the relationship an off again one. Josie acclimatises well to LA and even begins a new relationship with Carter. I liked Josie’s character, she was a realistic representation of a Generation Y in their twenties getting out there and trying to find her way. Josie drove this book more than the plot and I was just waiting to see what she got herself into next. Overall, I did really enjoy this light and fluffy New Adult read with some serious undertones about finding yourself and not defining yourself by someone else.
Profile Image for Michelle (MichellesBookishLife).
477 reviews22 followers
Read
June 3, 2019
Josie’s ex-boyfriend Isaac is suddenly back in the picture, and she’s not sure if she should make the move to the West Coast like she planned. However, she bites the bullet and moves to California, where she meets Carter, a heartthrob who used to be in a boy band. Josie becomes Carter’s assistant as he starts to re-launch his career, and her life starts to fall into place. Josie fears that she will cross the line with Carter, since he is her boss and she has a huge crush on him. She is faced with choosing between two boys: Carter and Isaac, and she’s not sure she can make the decision. Read Let’s Try This Again to find out!

Thanks to Netgalley.com for a review copy of this book.
Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,763 reviews55 followers
June 17, 2017
Netgalley ARC Review:

A super fun, hilarious, sexy, and cozy romantic comedy that had great, lovable characters, a terrific storyline that was wholly entertaining, and wonderful banter! I enjoy a good romantic comedy but this one was extra special with all the music references and such. I loved watching the passion between the characters and how sexy and sweet the romance was. A definite MUST read!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,450 reviews37 followers
February 15, 2017
Josie's love life is....complicated. She has had an on again, off again relationship with Isaac for the past forever. Josie and Isaac know every little intricacy of each other and the sex is just wow. Now, on their third break-up, Isaac wants to meet up with Josie for lunch. Interestingly, this is right before Josie plans on moving all the way to L.A. Inevitably, Josie and Isaac agree to be friends with benefits until she moves. In California, Josie is devastated by her separation from Isaac- and his refusal to contact her. When she lands a job as a personal assistant to Carter Coleman, things take a turn for the better. Carter used to be in a popular boy-band, now he is going solo. He has some amazing music written, and Josie's heartache provides the perfect story for his lyrics. Eventually Josie and Carter form more than a coworker bond; but, is Isaac truly out of the picture and is Josie really ready to try this whole relationship thing again?

We've all either been there or have had a friend who has been there- just stuck in a toxic relationship. Josie is the definition of today's new adult, confident, adventurous, owning her sexuality but just not clicking in the dating department. Reading about Josie's dating escapades was like reading a friend's diary or reliving some moments from college. I absolutely loved Josie's inner monologue, it was like she was reading my mind in some situations. Serious brownie points were also won when Josie not only got to work for, but be in a relationship with a former boy-band member (extra credit was given for mentioning 'N Sync) . This was my dream, as I'm sure it was with many other women my age. The decision between Isaac and Carter obviously follows Josie throughout the book (for me it was a no brainer) and we are kept in suspense until the very end. I was really happy with her decision, even if I would have chosen differently. Sensuous, sweet and slightly naughty sex scenes were sprinkled in with just enough to keep things spicy, but not so much to take things overboard. So many things Josie said about relationships and being in love resonated with me, especially from that time in my life especially "...being in love is never the wrong choice because it's not a choice. Either it's your forever or it gets you to what will come next. It's always a step in the right direction." Overall, a fresh, raw and pertinent voice in the new adult genre, perfect for a Valentine's weekend read.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Marilyn Wilson.
Author 4 books59 followers
February 23, 2017
Let's Try this Again, the first novel by Jordyn Woodtke is aimed at a very specific audience - young, single adults living a night life full of clubbing, drinking, dancing and partying. The description Sex in the CIty meets Bridget Jones is bang on. Alcohol required.

Josie moves through life supported by her two unique BFF's Molly and Ellie. She has a former lover - Isaac - that keeps bouncing in and out of her life. The hook he has planted is hard to pull out. Every time she finally begins to move on, he circles back into her life and her bed again - only to waltz out when things start to get serious. Until the next time.

Alcohol fueled nights out, random sexual encounters and her girl squad just can't seem to burn this man out of her system, so Josie makes the brave move to LA where she lands a amazing job as an assistant to a celebrity working on his musical comeback. The distance from her former life helps ease the pain of the lost relationship and introduces her to a hidden talent - opening up whole new career (and relationship) possibilities. But it hasn't changed the pattern of her life. Alcohol and bad choices still rear their ugly head. She has decisions to make on love and life that need her to look at things from a fresh perspective. Will she make the right choices?

I have to admit I didn't find Josie's struggles funny. They hit me as sad. BUT this is because I am well outside the New Young Adult target marget. I think it will find a very positive reception within this younger audience. If this is your scene, then this book is a must read. The author's strong screenwriter skills are also very evident, meaning the book could easily find it's way adapted to the big screen - another addition to the sex, rock &roll, New Adult Genre.
490 reviews10 followers
November 11, 2017
Oh my goodness - Let's Try This Again is hilarious, honest, emotional and full of hope. We have Josie, who is like your best friend. The one you love with all your heart but who makes the same bad decisions over and over again. You want nothing more than the absolute best for her but can't help her when she makes the same decisions over and over again (like going back to the bad ex-boyfriend who makes her feel used and unloved). You just have to be there for them with the ice cream and wine. And that's what her friends do in this hilarious novel.

Just when you think she can't make any more bad decisions when it comes to her ex, Josie decides to move to California. Some of this was to make him jealous and another part for a fresh start for her. This is when it gets really steamy (and a tad bit confusing and fun!). She meets her teenage crush, Carter, and actually begins to work for him. This slowly becomes a little bit more until a romance emerges. A huge part of me kept rooting for her and Carter - he seemed so perfect for her! But she feels conflicted every step of the way. Carter and Isaac. And then back again.

This novel was awesome - fun, sexy and felt like a conversation with your best friend. Hearing it described as Sex in the City meets Bridget Jones Diary is the exact way I would describe it. If you are a huge fan of those movies, you will love Josie and the adventure she gets herself in. A definite great read that you will fall in love with over and over again.
Profile Image for Elisha.
333 reviews24 followers
February 14, 2017
I had so much fun reading this! It was one of those reads for me where it wrapped up nicely yet I didn't want it to finish. I'm relatively new (again) at reading romances but, this romantic comedy was right up my alley. I thought it was cool and fun how the author tossed in references to not only music I know, but to pop-culture of our world into her fictitious book. I think it also brought another element of relatableness for her characters to the readers. Josie (main character) and her girlfriends are the kind of friends most (if not all) girls and women want and need in their life- the-ride-or-die-I'm-with-you-to-the-end- kind of friends. A real comradery. Be warned though, this book does have raw sexual tensions and situations that some may not be comfortable with. However, the story isn't about the sex scenes if you're worried about that; however, I do see their necessity to the story. The author did a great job adding in romatic sweet and tender moments for the reader - giving the story a good balance between a little bit of sex, romantic comedy, and sweetness.

For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
Profile Image for Esther Haddie's Haven.
903 reviews57 followers
February 9, 2017
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour.

Um, wow! First of all, rock & roll is my jam. I'm all about the boy bands, former or not, and when I saw that detail, I knew I would enjoy this book. Josie is trying to find something new. That's what I've gather from reading the beginning of this book. I think that is an element everyone can relate to. Moving some place new and different, away from what you've always known. The doubts that rise up when there is a possibility that you might be making a mistake. We all go through this at one point or another in life, and I really like that the author brings this into the story.

I am not usually so into a love-triangle (I have mixed feelings about them), but this one totally had me going. The author makes you love both Carter and Isaac. I was literally torn between the two characters. It really did feel like it could have gone either way. No matter which guy Josie chose, I would have felt a twinge of sorrow because I loved them both that much.

Feb. 20th
Profile Image for Sarah Keegan.
1 review
March 18, 2024
I got lost in a world that was a little bit cooler than mine

The perfect mix of sarcasm, heartbreak and hope that everyone needs in their life. The raw emotion behind each character makes you believe you are part of their story, finding a reason to root for each of their happiness.

It's also comforting knowing I'm not the only mid-20's female who has internal conversations with herself all day long. Brilliant writing by Jordyn.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,589 reviews28 followers
April 5, 2017
Was an okay read i liked it but did not love it worth a go
Profile Image for Meghan.
Author 1 book22 followers
April 22, 2017
I haven't read a book in so long that made me hate it from the first sentence, make a book I thought I hate seem good, and yet somehow I finished this book.

This book had so much slut shaming (though she states after using the word MULTIPLE TIMES how she hates the word and doesn't want to use it....and then uses it again. multiple times.) I suppose we are to think that the MC is amazing and awesome and has always been and doesn't care....but you do. Too much. And it's because you are TWENTY-TWO.

I will never get the phrase "Picasso of Pussy" out of my head and I will never forgive her for it. Also if the "sex was so good I couldn't describe it" well then...maybe you....and your "character"....aren't actually writers? Because good lord the writing on this was terrible.
Also, the MC is supposed to be 22, and has "searched the East Coast for a writing job and none are perfect so let's go out to the West Coast" just. You are 22. Also, then she "has enough experience to be a former boy band's PA"? Yeah okay.
This book was not written well — it read like a bad teenage fan fiction book or a teenager's faux diary. Seriously, do not recommend.

Also, Mom? Thank you for never feeling the need to be my friend before my mom. I am so glad our friendship is organic. And for probably slapping me if I ever called you a bitch.
Profile Image for Rachel Humphries.
431 reviews6 followers
June 24, 2017
3.5 stars.

I just couldn't connect to Josie's character at all & found myself skipping through some of the early pages. I guess we've all been there with letting a guy walk all over us but I felt like she needed to grow a backbone & cut all ties with Isaac. Josie's friends were fun both in her home town & in Cali & I would like to read more about them
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