Marriage. The final frontier. The end of dating. The number one cause of divorce.
I bet you every man who is about to take the plunge experiences a wide range of feelings. As a guy, whose wedding day is only seven days away, I know this.
Anxiety—Nerves are kicking in. Yeah, even confident, cocky guys like me are bound to face nuptial stage fright.
Let’s face it, forever is kind of a long time, right?
Excitement—Coriander and I are going to make it official. I’m marrying my best friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with.
Nothing can top this moment.
That is until I got the biggest surprise of my life…
***While this book can be read as a standalone, it is highly recommended to read The Boy Friend first to avoid any spoilers.***
Mika Jolie is the bestselling author of the Martha’s Way series. She lives in New Jersey with her Happy Chaos—her husband and their energizer bunnies. A sports fanatic and a wine aficionado, she’s determined to balance it all and still write about life experiences and matters of the heart. Let’s face it, people are complicated and love can be messy. When she’s not weaving life and romance into evocative tales, you can find her on a hiking adventure, apple picking, or whatever her three men can conjure up. She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Mika on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon.
3.5⭐ This was like a wonderful extra-large extended epilogue to The Boy Friend and I liked it even more than the first book. It was funny, swoony, heartfelt... I definitely have to read more of this author.
Oh my gawd!!! I just thought I loved Dean and Coriander in The Boy Friend. After reading Explicitly Yours they have solidified their position in best book couple EVER! I will never ever get enough of this couple. Dean with his down to earth, take me as I am attitude and Cori with her ability to handle anything that is thrown at her. Even if she’s uncertain, insecure or scared.
This is like a super extended epilogue to The Boy Friend and I’m thinking Mika Jolie is one smart cookie. She could package this couple up in a new novella every holiday and readers would rush to find out how Dean and Cori are doing. I know I would!
It’s a quick read and I don’t want to give any spoilers away, and to say much at all would be to spoil it. While reading I was giddy and happy and felt a rush of emotions at the sheer joy of being a part of this couple and their journey. That’s how well written this little gem is. It’s a direct line into the thoughts and feelings, the actions and reactions of each of the characters without ever feeling bogged down or weighted with unnecessary information.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet…I LOVED THIS BOOK!
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by the author, but understand that I would’ve begged her for one if needed. I’m still not sure how I got so lucky as to have received one. I think it was a mistake…shh.
Dual POV Safe – absolutely!! No triggers Standalone – I think you could read this one without reading The Boy Friend, but why would you? Just read The Boy Friend, then silently thank me for directing you that way, then come back and read this one. I promise not to tell you “I told you so”. ;-)
Coriander Phillips and Dean Conrad Morello are soon to be married. Yes, finally! The man who was always surrounded by a bevy of beauties was finally tying the knot with his beloved, with his best friend. Almost twenty years of friendship and in less than three months, they decided it was time. If you thought this was kind of rushed, I assure you, it's not.
Years and years of platonic relationship had finally took up a notch and now they couldn't wait to make it official. But there's one thing that they couldn't agreed on, a crucial decision that they had to bear responsibility for the rest of their lives. A responsibility that Dean was scared to even think about. Everything was running smoothly until they finally realize what they were getting into. It's five days before their wedding.... is Dean really ready to settle down amidst his fears?
A few months ago, I met Cori and Dean in The Boyfriend and fell in love with the reformed player. There's something about guys who admit their insecurities and mishaps and failures and dreams. That something was what drawn me to Dean.
In Explicitly Yours, the same annoying yet charming narrative greeted me, Dean airing his dirty laundry while admiring his fiance's physique. Other readers may find him obnoxious and egotistical - me, I found him honest, adorable, tolerable self-centered macho who's got stars and hearts in his eyes. Cori was lucky to have him.
And oh, don't remind me of those hot and heavy scenes that happened between the couple. I'm telling you, I couldn't handle the heat! Whew!
Anyway, I love how Cori and Dean grew as mature and responsible adults. I love how they got a very strong support system, too. I just wish the other characters were given more spotlight, but maybe, they'll be having their own books soon, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Once again, Mika Jolie turned me into a mushy, giggly hopeless romantic overnight. She always knows how to make my day right. She always knows how to tell an honest-to-goodness story without making me sleepy. I would read everything this author writes and I will never get tired of her writing. That's how much I love Mika Jolie!
Copy kindly received from the author via Prolific Works/Instafreebie in exchange for an honest review.
A perfect novella to continue the story of Dean and Cori. This one is told from both of their POV's which was fun too. Some things I expected happened, but they just added to the story.
I love these two together and their crazy family and friends. I look forward to more from this series. A great quick and easy read.
Dean Morello and Coriander Philips are getting married! Dean is still a (tell it like it is) foul-mouthed, but swoon-worthy lovable hero in this book. Coriander fails once again to win me over, especially after I found out she had to . It felt manipulative, much like her actions were when Dean failed to be a mind-reader in The Boy Friend (Book 1). Once again Dean's back is against the wall and he's forced to be on board before he's really ready so he doesn't lose her. I suspect a lot sooner than he would've planned.
Dean's love letter to Cori and the one-on-one time he shared first with his Dad, and then days later with his mother were all beautiful moments. I love that the author gave her readers an inside look leading up to the pending nuptials of Dean and Cori.
Nice book cover, though the cover model doesn't match the description of the heroine.
Dean and Coriander have been friends since they were kids. A passionate kiss was all it took to make them willing to leave the friend zone. Now that they have chosen each other there's no stopping them. In a few days they will be married. Dean and Coriander can't wait to be husband and wife. Planning a wedding is already stressful enough, so what will happen if fate has another surprise for the happy couple?
Dean and Coriander are blissfully happy together. I got to know them both in The Boy Friend and I couldn't wait to read about the next chapter in their lives. I love the fact that Dean and Coriander have found true love together after being best friends for so long. They are really comfortable with each other because of it and I liked reading about that very much.
Explicitly Yours is a lighthearted and cheerful love story about two people who are perfect for each other. Mika Jolie always finds a way to include the amazing characters from the other stories of her Martha’s Way series. I had fun reading more about them and I like being brought up to date on their lives. I love that Mika Jolie's stories feel so real. I just got married myself and because Explicitly Yours is about a wedding it was a story that I enjoyed a lot. It took me back to my own beautiful day full of love. Explicitly Yours is the perfect happily ever after story.
Explicitly Yours by Mika Jolie a sublime five-star read. This can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading the Boy Friend first as you would want to go back and read it and reading this would have major spoilers. The writing is great, the friendship that has developed is great, the one thing I will say is Dean is so amazing in this book, I liked him in the first book but he seems to come into a much nicer person and someone you want to be around in the story. This is only a novella so it’s not super long, but I would have read so much more to this story, but everything fits so well it just seemed the right length. The thing I loved most about this book is the way the author describes things, like eyes and a situation. The language used was descriptive and passionate. Thank you Mika Jolie for a great story.
QueenZany 5 Star Review Explicitly Yours: A Platonically Complicated Novela Mika Jolie
Explicitly Yours is comical gold mine of sexy perfection! Which will have you in stitches from the very start! Seriously It’s a brilliantly genius, snarky, work of art. That is so cleverly written! I was in shocked! I horribly despise romcoms! But, with Mika’s writing it does feel like an over the top Romcom! It feels like she found shelter in my brain and took over it! Stealing the my thoughts and placing them on paper!! OMFG REALLY!!! Now I’m having to stalk Mika Jolie on a daily basis! Yup, begging her for another entrancing read!! Plus you're going to need some alone time with Dean! Yes, that sexy as hell man of my dreams! Ops I just said that!! Now run out and buy this baby now!
Wow! This was the perfect conclusion to an amazing story. We first met Cori and Dean in The Boy Friend (one of my favorite all-time read) where they discovered that they were in love with each other, so decided to take their relationship up a notch from friends to lovers.
In Explicitly Yours, they were still the same mesmerizing couple I fell in love with. The story was electrifying. It was obvious that their relationship had progressed, so we got to see them tackled a few challenges and made important decisions. Even though Dean was still his same old sexy, charming and witty self, he now had a sweeter and vulnerable side, while Cori was still easy-going and lovable. This story was heartwarming, laugh out loud funny and swoon worthy. I felt so close to the main characters. It felt like I knew them personally. Like I was a close friend participating in their story.
Once again Mika’s extraordinary writing style is on display. This is what makes her one of my favorite authors. If you haven’t read this author before now is your chance. Make sure to check this book/series out. I highly recommend it!
I totally fell in love with Dean and Coriander in The Boy Friend and was pleasantly surprised to read the novella of Explicitly Yours. Hands down, Dean and Cori are #couplegoals!!
I don’t think I could ever get enough of this couple! It is a very quick read and I just cannot say anything as I don’t want to spoil a minute of it for you!! This book goes down into the nitty gritty of their relationship and I loved everything about it. Dean and Cori are so straightforward with each other, it’s refreshing to read. I read A LOT of books every week but I will tell you Dean and Cori’s relationship is nothing like I’ve ever read before.
I absolutely loved Explicitly Yours and I highly suggest you check it out. Make sure to read The Boy Friend first!!!
Cori and Dean had me from the first hello. Friends to lovers is a common theme in romance, but The Boy Friend took that theme and ignited a spark. Explicitly Yours continues the saga that is falling in love. This time around Dean is on the verge of having it all. From best friend to lover to husband and the twists don't end there. Ms. Jolie continues to work her magic with this sweet and sexy bundle of love.
Received an ARC at no cost to author on behalf of Enticement Journey Book Promotions. This was a fairly short story on Dean and Cori and courtship. We are counting down the days til the wedding. Dean loves Cori, and sometimes he freaks out a little in regards to her wanting a baby, but he is scared that she would call the wedding off. Cori loves Dean but she still wants a baby and is a little worried that he is still not there.. What happens...You need to read..Enjoy!
It's good to know they learned to really communicate and share those things that matter in a relationship. The pregnancy didn't send them into an immature tailspin. It was a nice ending to "The Boy Friend".
This is the conclusion of Dean and Coriander story. For those who didn't know, their story began in The Boy Friend. There, we learn that they were best friends forever without any benefit, but a series of events, makes them realize that they love each other. We finish that book with them being engaged. That's where we continue the story.
6+ months forward, we learn that they're engaged, and have a date stablished for their wedding. Normally, a conclusion story, a marriage story can be dull, or just feel like a extended epilogue. But this doesn't feel like that at all. I truly enjoyed this story.
First, we start getting reacquiented with our couple, and where we are in their story. We learned that 6+ months has passed, and that they have set a wedding date no more than 2 weeks away. We reconect with their relationship, their love for each other and the chemistry they still have.
We fall in love with their love story all over again. How Dean is always aware of Coriander's needs, his need to put her needs first and make sure she's always okay in every situation. And Coriander's devotion to Dean, and her palpable love all over the story.
What makes this story worthwhile, is that even if they truly love each other with all their hearts, they still have insecurities as a person, personal issues that can -not make them break up, but make them not mmove forward as they should. This story is beautiful because it shows you that even couples that love each without a doubt, can still have issues due to personal insecurities. It shows you that even this personal doubts, can be overcome by communication with your partner about your fears and what is the way to move forward.
That's why this story is beautiful. Is a real story of a couple that may have some "differences" in the pace of their relationship, but never doubt their love and look for a solution.
Overall, is a truly beautiful story that you all should read. Specially if you have read their beggining in The Boy Friend.
Not to mention the steamy parts are really worthwhile ;) Totally aproved and recommended :D
I feel like this story was the perfect ending that could be written for such a sweet, and beautiful series. This is the final installment in Cori and Deans story which we met in The Boyfriend ( of which I also loved and left an honest review for as well). This is the follow up to their from friends to lovers theme and I must say that again I am pleasantly surprised and thoroughly happy with the authors style of writing. Everything in the story was easily brought to life with the beautiful way the author flowed with her words and descriptions felt like the characters were real people that maybe you've seen in public at times.
In Explicitly Yours, Coriander and Dean remain where we left off, still friends and lovers maneuvering through the various obstacles that comes into play when ever something like this occurs. This story was just as exciting and hot as the first one was maybe even. Little more so. The author did a wonderful job writing this story to show a short time of progression that allows us in the real world to be able to relate to it a little better than as if she wrote it day after day in style. As with any friends to lovers book you find that they faced a few challenges where their decisions had to be made and could ultimately build up or break them as a couple. Dean was still his sarcastic, cold, hot and witty self but he now had a sweet side that showed some vulnerability in him. Cori is very easy-going and likeable. This story had me laughing out loud at times while also getting those butterflies in the pit of my stomach.
If you've never read anything by the author I do recommend you give her a try because I myself have only read two books by her and I regret nothing. Her style of writing is beautiful. She makes sure the reader can actually picture the people and places in the story. Make sure to check the whole series out.
Explicitly Yours: A Platonically Complicated Novella by Mika Jolie is the second book to her The Boy Friend book. This story can be read as a standalone but I highly suggest you read the first book first so that you won't get any spoilers first. This is a romantic comedy story that will leave you laughing one minute and feeling compassion the next. I loved this conclusion to this author first book! Her writing skills are such that she will pull you in from the first word and keep you engaged until the very end. I couldn't put this book down and read it in one sitting! Her attention to details made me feel like I was right there with the characters. This is the conclusion of Coriander and Dean. Their story is told in both of their point of view which I loved, you get to see how they are both feeling right before they take the plunge. You get to see their anxiety and nervousness right before the big day. But when a surprise shows up, will it end their magical day or will they find their HEA? Coriander finds herself visiting her parents that she has not seen in a long time but will that raise issues with her and Dean? The secondary characters, family and friends, will leave you laughing just as much as these two did. They are supportive and loving which is great to see in secondary characters. If you love wedding stories, this book is for you! You won't regret picking up this book! I highly recommend this story, I know you will want to see what happens to Coriander and Dean and the twist that lays inside this story that could make or break them.
Explicitly Yours - A Platonically Complicated Novella by Mika Jolie 5 out of 5 stars
Ms. Jolie writing is awesome with any easy flow to the story line and I loved it, it was very hot. The characters are well written and the story line is awesome. The side characters make the main characters make the story line real. We Met Coriander Dean in The Boyfriend they have been best friends for over two decades. Together, their like peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti and meatballs, wings and beer. A match made in heaven. They’ve been inseparable since the day he pulled one of her pigtails and she punched him in the gut. Six months later they are getting married. The final frontier. The end of dating. The number one cause of divorce. For a guy, whose wedding day is only seven days away, he is feeling a wide range of feelings. Anxiety—Nerves are kicking in. Yeah, even confident, cocky guys like himself are bound to face nuptial stage fright. Let’s face it, forever is kind of a long time, right?
He is also feeling Excitement Coriander and himself are going to make it official. After all he is marrying my best friend, the one he laughs with, lives for, and dreams with. Nothing can top this or so he thought until he got the surprise of his life. This is definitely a tried and true hit, written by a fantastic author! I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Jolie has in-stored for us with Kate and Lucas but we also need to see what happens with Cam.
I love it when authors release books that carry on a characters story, especially when it was two of your favourite characters! I was so excited when I found out Mika was releasing a new part to Coriander and Dean’s story – I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next for them. I think the author says that this book can be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend that The Boyfriend is read first! Explicitly Yours was an amazing read, I fell in love with Cori and Dean all over again! I still absolutely adore their relationship. They were just honestly so perfect for each other. I loved reading about their wedding and the days leading up to it. Dean was still as wonderful as he was in the first book – he is totally committed to Cori and I could feel the love that had for her through his words and actions. Cori remained her amazing feisty self - she certainly made me laugh again. I really do think that this was the perfect ending to their story. I have been so fortunate to read all of Mika’s books and she never fails to deliver. Her stories are always beautifully written; her characters are a pleasure to read about and are likeable. I know that when I pick up one of her books that I need to clear time to do it because once I start I can’t put it down until I am finished. She really is a wonderful author and I can’t wait to see what she releases next!
Explicitly Yours: A Platonically Complicated Novela By: Mika Jolie 5 out of 5 stars
The story Explicitly Yours: A Platonically Complicated Novela by Mika Jolie is a romantic comedy. This is a story that is amazing and that I loved reading. This is an author that knows how to write a book that has you captivated from the first chapter and I found myself reading it in one sitting. In this story, you find Coriander and her fiancé about to be married. I love this couple. I loved reading how they interact and there is no denying that their love for each other is strong. This couple experiences the nervousness and anxiety that comes along with getting married and also Coriander finds herself visiting with her parents who she has not seen in quite some time. With their wedding just days away how would this couple react if a surprise catches them off guard? This is a story that had me laughing one minute and then misty-eyed in another. It is a heartwarming story that I didn’t want to end. There are plenty of other characters that are friends and family of the bride and groom that I loved reading about. A few of them are the reason that this book is so hilarious. This story does have mature situations which include some steamy love scenes. This couple’s passion for each other is undeniable and red hot. It would be recommended for those 18 years of age or older.
Book Review: Explicitly Yours (A Platonically Complicated Novella) Author: Mika Jolie FIVE STARS HOLY SMOKES this book is HOT!!. Please be advised MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY. This short novella contains an abundance of smoking hot sex scenes. This is a couple that was friends for way too long before they became lovers. It seems as if they are trying to catch up for all of the years that they didn't have sex, yet were the best of friends. The best part of this book is we get to go back to Martha's Way for the big event. It is fabulous to see into the lives of all of the characters of the Martha's Way books, even if just briefly. Mika Jolie is a great author and the depths that she goes into the characters lives and how she digs into their minds and hearts, it is fabulous and wonderful. There is a major obstical that has Dean and Cori at an impasse. Will they be able to figure things out? Will they be able to overcome this obstical and go on with their plans or will fate intervene and push them into a decision that they are not ready for? Great story and I absolutly LOVE that each chapter starts with a quote of advice from their closest family and friends. Kelli Harper.
I swear I am that reader that is constantly turning the last page and saying, “Can’t we have a little bit more?” Well, Explicitly Yours is exactly that. This novella takes Cori and Dean from The Boy Friend and gives us a glimpse of their happily-ever-after. We get to see them walk down the aisle and so much more!
I really enjoyed this story. When I was reading The Boy Friend, I loved Cori and Dean together, but I often wanted to shake Dean and yell at him, because he made things so much harder than they had to be! However, he completely redeemed himself in Explicitly Yours! I absolutely loved that Jolie showed us his vulnerable side and allowed us so many touching moments with him. Don’t get me wrong, he is still the cocky alpha (I mean, he wouldn’t be Dean if he wasn’t), but we really got to see another side to him as well.
This novella is jam packed with emotion. Jolie was able to give us so much in such a short amount of time, and it was wonderful. I loved checking back in and seeing how they continue to develop and change as they take on new roles in life. Once you have read The Boy Friend, Explicitly Yours is a must!
We are back with one of our favorite couples. Cori and Dean are back to show us that even best friends have moments that they don’t understand each other but they don’t shut the other out or go to sleep upset. I am so glad the author blessed us with a little more detail on the life of these two. I enjoyed their relationship and how even though he wasn’t sleeping around he was the same man he was at the beginning of all this. Change is good and I am so glad I was on this journey with them. Cori as always is flawless and she just flows with life. I liked how strong she was and how she was soft with Dean. Even though she had parent issues she never let them stop her from hoping that she would be a better parent. I laugh so hard at Dean’s side monologues. He is too much at times but at least you know what you’re getting. Their surprise was taken from them by nosy family members but I feel like it was perfect for them because who are we without the ones we love? Sad to see them go but I hope to get peaks into their relationship when we hopefully get a story for Lucas and Kate!
I loved where Dean and Cori left off in The Boy Friend. However when I love characters like them, I will take any little morsel I can get. Explicitly Yours documents the days leading up to Dean and Cori's wedding. I felt their love pour out in the pages of this book. One of things I loved most is how much Dean's character grew! I also love how caring and patient Cori is with Dean.
Explicitly Yours is the perfect little novella that wraps up Dean and Cori's happily-ever-after perfectly!
Sigh! Seeing the results of The Boy Friend makes me smile like a loon. Explicitly Yours is almost an extended epilogue. It's extra filling in your Oreo cookie- more than you hoped for but your greedy mouth (or in this case heart) can't stop devouring it.
Omg my feels were pushed to tears, beautiful beautiful well written look into emotional trials and thoughts before a wedding. Dean and Cori are a deff must read and reread.
Explicitly Yours : A Platonically Complicated Novella By Mika Jolie 5/5 Stars
Explicitly Yours: A Platonically Complicated Novella by Mika Jolie can definitely be read as a standalone. But I highly suggest you reading, the Boy Friend first !! Just to get a much better understanding of the characters. This book continues with Coriander and Dean’s story. It’s hilarious and fun!! It will have you laughing from beginning to end. The way they playfully bicker and pick on one another, is rather funny!! This book is the perfect conclusion to these amazing and unforgettable characters!! It’s an outstanding romantic comedy. You will NOT be able to put down!! You will lose yourself in these characters and story!! Amelia and Dean were best friends. They were each other’s to go person, good and bad… they were always there for each other!! Then one day Something changed, feelings shifted. Now you gotta read this epic love story to see what journey they take you on. You’ll enjoy it as much as I did!!