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Simple Man #4
Ain't Doin' It
Coke Solomon has lived a full life.
He’s a retired army drill sergeant, so he is more than used to getting his way.
And if he can’t have it his way? Well, let’s just say that’s never happened before…
At least not until Cora Maldonado walks into his life, demanding he fall in line, or she’ll find a way to make his life hell.
He finds out fast that Cora marches to the beat of her own drum, and a lot of times that drum takes her farther away rather than closer to where he feels she needs to be.
He can’t stand it.
He wants her, and he has to have her.
It doesn’t matter that she’s twenty years younger than him, and has a father that would rather see him dead than have his baby girl anywhere near him. Nor does it matter that his ex-wife is highly offended that she’s been replaced with a much younger woman.
Despite the odds stacking against them, he’ll fight for what he wants.
His ex-wife, her father, and their age difference be damned.
He’s a retired army drill sergeant, so he is more than used to getting his way.
And if he can’t have it his way? Well, let’s just say that’s never happened before…
At least not until Cora Maldonado walks into his life, demanding he fall in line, or she’ll find a way to make his life hell.
He finds out fast that Cora marches to the beat of her own drum, and a lot of times that drum takes her farther away rather than closer to where he feels she needs to be.
He can’t stand it.
He wants her, and he has to have her.
It doesn’t matter that she’s twenty years younger than him, and has a father that would rather see him dead than have his baby girl anywhere near him. Nor does it matter that his ex-wife is highly offended that she’s been replaced with a much younger woman.
Despite the odds stacking against them, he’ll fight for what he wants.
His ex-wife, her father, and their age difference be damned.
First published July 6, 2018
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
137 books6,709 followersLani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
July 8, 2018
Call me crazy but when I pay $4.99 for an ebook, I take the time to read the blurb first. This one sounded good and I’m a sucker for a huge age gap. The blurb says that the hero is 20 years older and that the heroines dad would rather see him dead than with his daughter- so I bought it and jumped in. Imagine my surprise when the hero is 35 and the heroine is 25. I’m not a math genius but that’s only a ten year age gap so I was a bit annoyed but it wasn’t a deal breaker. Then that angsty family drama I was expecting never happened. Not only did Cora’s dad not object to him with his daughter, he actually liked Coke. So that blurb that made me buy the book was not even accurate. There were also a few inconsistencies in the book itself- Coke mentions early in the book that he hasn’t had a hard on in the two years since he got divorced and later he mentions he’s been with 4 women after the divorce. Also, he said he was married to his ex for 17 years and they’d been divorced for 2 which would put him at 16 year old when he got married which just doesn’t make sense. I’m not trying to be a bitch but this book was kind of expensive and I feel like the blurb was misleading and it needed better proofreading.
July 1, 2018
I think it’s safe to say that I am fully entrenched in the Lani Lynn Vale fandom and I don’t see myself leaving. Her books really do it for me. I find that she does follow a certain formula for her male and female protagonists and her plots and they work so please don’t ever try to fix what ain’t broke. Her books give me a strange sense of comfort. I know exactly what I’m going to get and so I can trust that when I buy her books, I will never be disappointed. She creates characters that I can’t help but love and who share the kind of characteristics that I look for in people I meet in everyday life and Coke and Cora embodied all of them.
Meeting Coke in Get You Some was such a tease. I already loved him through the brief glimpses I got to see the type of man he was. He hired June, who was the town outcast, without judgment, without any sort of negativity, he defended her, he encouraged her, and he gave her her first taste of normalcy in a very long time. So I just knew when I got his story in Ain’t Doin’ It that I would only love him more. Gosh, I love when my predictions are right on!
Coke was married to a harpy named Beatrice. He stayed with her for almost 17 years, trying to give his daughter a chance at a ‘home’. BIG MISTAKE!! When he finally finds the nerve to leave his wife, he decides that he doesn’t want to go through the whole shebang again. He just wants to find some peace in his ‘old age’. The harpy still won’t leave him alone, even though they’ve been divorced for a LONG while, and he just can’t be bothered. But when his sexy little neighbor draws his attention, all of his previous intentions go flying out the door. Because as much as he tries to convince himself that she’s better off without him, that he can’t possibly give her what she needs, she makes darn sure to let him know that he’s the only man for her. And pretty soon, he realizes that he can’t live without his Cora.
Again, I loved these characters. Coke was a real stand up guy and Cora, despite her statements to the contrary, was an extraordinary girl. They hit it off instantly and although their relationship developed as a slow burn, once the spark was lit, they were incendiary. I’m still not sure why there was such a big deal made about their age difference or why Coke was made to seem older than he was. It really bothered me because he was only 35 and that makes him younger than me and I in no way, shape or form feel or act or think I’m old. So what if there’s almost 10 years between them? It’s not like he could be her daddy! And there would be nothing wrong with that even if he were old enough to be. He was hot and sexy and amazing to Cora and really that’s all that matters.
As always, there was some suspense with this one. It was ridiculous and funny and incredibly insane and I enjoyed the heck out of it. There isn’t a moment in this story where I wasn’t entertained. From the tidbits the author always has as her chapter headers to the banter of the characters to the drivebys of characters from other books to the love that virtually leaked from the pages, I couldn’t find fault in anything. Not that I was really looking because… #fandom.
✰✰✰ ARC provided for an honest review ✰✰✰
Release: July 6, 2018 | Genre: Contemporary Romance | Dual POV - 1st person | Heat: 4 | Standalone - Simple Man #4 with character crossover
Meeting Coke in Get You Some was such a tease. I already loved him through the brief glimpses I got to see the type of man he was. He hired June, who was the town outcast, without judgment, without any sort of negativity, he defended her, he encouraged her, and he gave her her first taste of normalcy in a very long time. So I just knew when I got his story in Ain’t Doin’ It that I would only love him more. Gosh, I love when my predictions are right on!
Coke was married to a harpy named Beatrice. He stayed with her for almost 17 years, trying to give his daughter a chance at a ‘home’. BIG MISTAKE!! When he finally finds the nerve to leave his wife, he decides that he doesn’t want to go through the whole shebang again. He just wants to find some peace in his ‘old age’. The harpy still won’t leave him alone, even though they’ve been divorced for a LONG while, and he just can’t be bothered. But when his sexy little neighbor draws his attention, all of his previous intentions go flying out the door. Because as much as he tries to convince himself that she’s better off without him, that he can’t possibly give her what she needs, she makes darn sure to let him know that he’s the only man for her. And pretty soon, he realizes that he can’t live without his Cora.
Again, I loved these characters. Coke was a real stand up guy and Cora, despite her statements to the contrary, was an extraordinary girl. They hit it off instantly and although their relationship developed as a slow burn, once the spark was lit, they were incendiary. I’m still not sure why there was such a big deal made about their age difference or why Coke was made to seem older than he was. It really bothered me because he was only 35 and that makes him younger than me and I in no way, shape or form feel or act or think I’m old. So what if there’s almost 10 years between them? It’s not like he could be her daddy! And there would be nothing wrong with that even if he were old enough to be. He was hot and sexy and amazing to Cora and really that’s all that matters.
As always, there was some suspense with this one. It was ridiculous and funny and incredibly insane and I enjoyed the heck out of it. There isn’t a moment in this story where I wasn’t entertained. From the tidbits the author always has as her chapter headers to the banter of the characters to the drivebys of characters from other books to the love that virtually leaked from the pages, I couldn’t find fault in anything. Not that I was really looking because… #fandom.
✰✰✰ ARC provided for an honest review ✰✰✰
Release: July 6, 2018 | Genre: Contemporary Romance | Dual POV - 1st person | Heat: 4 | Standalone - Simple Man #4 with character crossover
July 9, 2018
The author doesn't know how to do math?
Heroine is 25 and hero supposedly is 35 how is that 20 years older than the heroine?
She also forgot that in the previous books she wrote him as a 40 year old man?
The ow drama was OTT ridiculous too.
Inconsistencies, inconsistencies. *smh*
Heroine is 25 and hero supposedly is 35 how is that 20 years older than the heroine?
She also forgot that in the previous books she wrote him as a 40 year old man?
The ow drama was OTT ridiculous too.
Inconsistencies, inconsistencies. *smh*
September 2, 2018
This author is no longer for me.
I insisted on this reading, but I have to let go.
I loved her first books, but her last ones were all downhill.
I'm sorry.
----------------
I imagined the hero much older than our heroine, but mentions that he is 35 years old. I think he's still young and not that old guy on the cover of the book. I do not think it matched the guy.
The heroine is peculiar, that's all I have to say.
Nothing new in history, supposed alpha male with crazy ex-wife, teenage daughter, problems and dangers. He can't get rid of the ex. All very pathetic.
Innocent, young, virgin heroine with mental health problems, talented and trained to deal with evil villains. She was supposed to be badass and such, but not convinced.
The author does not know how to write strong heroines.
I did not connect with the characters and found everything very boring.
I insisted on this reading, but I have to let go.
I loved her first books, but her last ones were all downhill.
I'm sorry.
----------------
I imagined the hero much older than our heroine, but mentions that he is 35 years old. I think he's still young and not that old guy on the cover of the book. I do not think it matched the guy.
The heroine is peculiar, that's all I have to say.
Nothing new in history, supposed alpha male with crazy ex-wife, teenage daughter, problems and dangers. He can't get rid of the ex. All very pathetic.
Innocent, young, virgin heroine with mental health problems, talented and trained to deal with evil villains. She was supposed to be badass and such, but not convinced.
The author does not know how to write strong heroines.
I did not connect with the characters and found everything very boring.
And now, at the age of twenty-five, I was now the newest member on the biggest team of children’s movie animators in the world.
My dad was exactly like that.
Even though he was older, he was still cute. His salt and pepper beard had been downright intoxicating. And those eyes! He had mossy green eyes, the color of dirty pond water.
After I’d divorced my wife, Frankie had come to live with me.
Beatrice had really done a number on me,...
I was in my mid-twenties, single and a virgin.
Along with my social ineptitude, I also had deep-seated issues with my own self-confidence. I didn’t have any. I never had.
While I was gone, and I’m pretty sure even when I wasn’t, she fucked anyone and everyone and then blamed me because I cheated.”
“Did you cheat?”
“Can you blame me?”
“I didn’t actually cheat on her, though,” he admitted. “I got close to someone that I considered a friend. I was happy just being her friend. She was a student at a nearby college. It was the only sliver of happiness that I had outside of my daughter.
“You’ve never had a blow job before?” I asked, eyes wide. How had we gotten on this subject? “No,” he admitted. “Beatrice didn’t do those.” “But you’re…how old are you again?”
July 4, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️STARS
ARC BOOK REVIEW
Release Date-6/7/18
So this was my first book by this particular author and it was mostly a great experience with only a few tiny nit-picks from me.
So this was an easy enjoyable read that though part of a series of interconnecting novels that focused on an individual couple, I still managed to follow along with fairly easily.
At its heart "Ain't Doin It" is a contemporary romance with some added suspensful elements.
I liked both the main characters Cora and Coke very much; perhaps Coke a teensy bit more than Cora who did have some slightly irritating whiny traits and could be a bit of a drama llama at times.
Though I did warm to her more as this story evolved.
I adored the fact that this was a slow burn romance and the author did an excellent job of ratcheting up the tension here so when we did eventually get the promised action it was well worth the wait.
This had a great cast of secondary characters, but have to say that Cora's friends did come across like actual adolescents at times, not wives and mothers; I understand they were meant to be portrayed as fun and quirky but for me, that was a total washout missing the mark entirely.
Completely understand why Cora tried to avoid them like the plague they would be enough to give anyone a bloody headache.
I also really liked the daughter and how she was so refreshingly unspoilt.
The blurb itself here I thought was really misleading Cora's dad wasn't a complete fan of his daughter's new relationship but I didn't think he ever came across as completely hostile; more like reserving judgement until a later date and its never suggested; as far as I can see that he ever wants him dead.
And also the twenty year age gap well correct me if I'm wrong but twenty-five and thirty-five is a ten year age gap.
I know it's been a while since I left school but I can count.
I still liked the story but Its a real bug-bear of mine when we get misleading book blurbs.
Just tell me like it is already.
As for the ex-wife, I wouldnt say she was offended about Cole and Cora's friendship the woman is a bona-fida nut job; a real class A loony-tune psycho biotch.
How Cole managed to stay married to the cray-cray Ex-wife for all those years and stayed relatively sane is a conundrum indeed.
My other winge is I felt there might be a tad too much going on in terms of plausible plotlines.
I prefered this story before things went to shite on a shovel and felt all the unnecessary drama only muddied the picture.
At its heart, The more simplistic aspect of boy meets girl and falls hard is what I prefered most about this tale, that was refreshingly lovely.
How they met, got to know each other properly before jumping into the sack together.
I also especially adored the epilogue here was just so touching and sweet.
Just one last thing here I'm really over the whole virgin at twenty-five thing; are there even any of those unicorn's around in real life.
Weighing up the whole she-bang though this had more positives than negatives and I really did enjoy myself overall; I will definitely be checking out more of this authors work to have a nose at.
I was provided with an ARC of "Ain't Doin' It (Simple Man, #4) " By the author of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 3, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
July 6, 2018
4.25 ‘ His Voice made me DO IT’ Stars
Oh LA LA… Talk about a orgasmic voice! And the whole package – even some excess one, lol – that went along with it! Cora had ZERO chance to resist her new and silver fox neighbor!
Cora has recently moved to Hostel, and barely settled in, she has to deal with a apparent noisy neighbor. After gearing up for a confrontation, she was shell shocked, and speechless when faced with the handsome and raspy voiced that was Coke Solomon.
“Cora?”
I’d know that raspy, deep voice anywhere.
Whether I was fully conscious or deeply asleep, awake or in my dreams, that voice was like a homing beacon…for my vagina.
Yep, the voice really was the deal breaker. After that initial meeting and the instant sizzling chemistry and bilateral attraction, they develop a easy – and special – somewhat of a friendship.
After the nightmare that was Coke’s more than seventeen year old marriage, and even after two years divorced the constant presence of his ex, and his new found solitude with his seventeen old daughter away at college, let’s just say that Cora is exactly the breath of fresh air he needed to uplift his life in more ways than one. He more than deserves his HEA!
Beatrice said, popping up at my side like a STD that just kept coming back regardless of what I did to get rid of it.
Unfortunately, a nagging ex-wife that you hated wasn’t one of the things that would warrant a restraining order.
Bummer.
That’s right, he describes the level of insanity and clinginess of his ex wife, to the perfection. I have to say that if not for the EVER presence – even if not exactly physical – of this OTT insane woman all throughout the book, always causing problems and drama of some kind, I would have enjoyed the book even more and would definitely rate it higher. She just took too much of their love story, stealing too much of my attention, and distracting me from their connection. I just wished her presence and relevance had been toned down a bit. If you are a follower of my reviews, you know how I always prefer my OW drama in small doses, and that the angst comes from outside forces, but nonetheless, I think Coke really was worth all this baggage, the man was such a GOOD GUY!!!
Cora was just as brilliant! As an introvert at core like myself, I so deeply sympathize with her, and though – much like Coke – that she was incredible! Their instant attraction and their ever growing friendship, and blossoming feelings, truly sold me out! Not to talk about all the sexiness going on!
“Fuck, baby.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Fuck was right.
The man had rocked my world. If there was a way that everyone wanted losing their virginity to go, that was it.
Oh boy, with how much they craved each other, you can imagine the level of explosion that went on when they finally decided to give in to their desires. The sexy times were OFF THE CHARTS hot! One would never guess that we were talking about a virgin, and a not overly experienced man – I absolutely loved that he had been with only five women in his thirty five years old! – that’s right, they were THAT hot for one another!
Of course at some point events (and extremely awkward situations) happen that bring Cora’s insecurities and deep seated issues to light, and once again, I loved how real Ms. Vale portrayed Cora and the complexity of her character. Her doubts were palpable, and I was right there with her in her internal battle and rooting for her to pull trough and take a chance. To choose a chance of a HEA!
I also felt somewhat bad that I couldn’t hang with the big dogs in the crazy department—but I had enough crazy of my own. I didn’t need anybody else’s crazy to deal with, too…right?
Coke was bad for me. Coke was bad for me.
Maybe if I kept repeating those words, one day I’d believe them.
Indeed she had valid points, but the man that was Coke Solomon, fought for her, but at the same time respected her issues, and supported her all the way throughout their love story.
Another relationship that I adored in this book was the ‘sisterly’ behavior of Janie (specially this one), Kayla and Cora. Like true sisters, the two former, really pushed Cora’s buttons, and got on her last introvert nerve, but you could see and feel that in the end, it all came from a place of love. They were ALWAYS there for her, even if it was the last thing Cora wanted. Very sisterly like indeed! LOL
Coke showed what fantastic person he was, even in the previous book, Get You Some, with how he dealt and helped June. I loved him then – even already knowing of the crazy ex, lol – but added to that, being an amazing father, a spectacular alpha, he was without a doubt the very perfect match for Cora, (even if I wished that he had realized a bit sooner ;) )so no wonder she feel for the man! Just check out come of the things he said and thought, totally swoon worthy material hero!
I wanted…no, I needed her.
She was wrong about that.
I didn’t like her. I loved her.
Though similar, this love business felt like something that was going to rip its way out of my chest and cause my heart to explode.
I knew for a fact that I wanted to give her everything.
I wanted to get married. I wanted to make her happy. I wanted her to outlive me. I wanted everything. And for her, I’d even be happy with kids.
Ain’t Doin’ It is another Lani Lynn Vale success, and an amazing addition to this that is now one of my all time favorite series of hers, SIMPLE MAN! Emotional, hilarious, suspense, romance and super steamy moments, we had it all. And now I’m literally counting down the days so we can get the fifth book of the series, Too Bad So Sad! Can’t wait! <3 <3 <3 <3
We’d take our lives together one step at a time, and eventually we’d fight those demons together.
In the meantime, I was happy to be there for her just as she was thankful to be there for me.
I’d found something special in my neighbor, and I would thank every single star in the sky for being handed such a gift.
ARC kindly provided by the author via InkSlinger PR for an honest review
For full review with Release Blitz, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
Oh LA LA… Talk about a orgasmic voice! And the whole package – even some excess one, lol – that went along with it! Cora had ZERO chance to resist her new and silver fox neighbor!
Cora has recently moved to Hostel, and barely settled in, she has to deal with a apparent noisy neighbor. After gearing up for a confrontation, she was shell shocked, and speechless when faced with the handsome and raspy voiced that was Coke Solomon.
“Cora?”
I’d know that raspy, deep voice anywhere.
Whether I was fully conscious or deeply asleep, awake or in my dreams, that voice was like a homing beacon…for my vagina.
Yep, the voice really was the deal breaker. After that initial meeting and the instant sizzling chemistry and bilateral attraction, they develop a easy – and special – somewhat of a friendship.
After the nightmare that was Coke’s more than seventeen year old marriage, and even after two years divorced the constant presence of his ex, and his new found solitude with his seventeen old daughter away at college, let’s just say that Cora is exactly the breath of fresh air he needed to uplift his life in more ways than one. He more than deserves his HEA!
Beatrice said, popping up at my side like a STD that just kept coming back regardless of what I did to get rid of it.
Unfortunately, a nagging ex-wife that you hated wasn’t one of the things that would warrant a restraining order.
Bummer.
That’s right, he describes the level of insanity and clinginess of his ex wife, to the perfection. I have to say that if not for the EVER presence – even if not exactly physical – of this OTT insane woman all throughout the book, always causing problems and drama of some kind, I would have enjoyed the book even more and would definitely rate it higher. She just took too much of their love story, stealing too much of my attention, and distracting me from their connection. I just wished her presence and relevance had been toned down a bit. If you are a follower of my reviews, you know how I always prefer my OW drama in small doses, and that the angst comes from outside forces, but nonetheless, I think Coke really was worth all this baggage, the man was such a GOOD GUY!!!
Cora was just as brilliant! As an introvert at core like myself, I so deeply sympathize with her, and though – much like Coke – that she was incredible! Their instant attraction and their ever growing friendship, and blossoming feelings, truly sold me out! Not to talk about all the sexiness going on!
“Fuck, baby.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Fuck was right.
The man had rocked my world. If there was a way that everyone wanted losing their virginity to go, that was it.
Oh boy, with how much they craved each other, you can imagine the level of explosion that went on when they finally decided to give in to their desires. The sexy times were OFF THE CHARTS hot! One would never guess that we were talking about a virgin, and a not overly experienced man – I absolutely loved that he had been with only five women in his thirty five years old! – that’s right, they were THAT hot for one another!
Of course at some point events (and extremely awkward situations) happen that bring Cora’s insecurities and deep seated issues to light, and once again, I loved how real Ms. Vale portrayed Cora and the complexity of her character. Her doubts were palpable, and I was right there with her in her internal battle and rooting for her to pull trough and take a chance. To choose a chance of a HEA!
I also felt somewhat bad that I couldn’t hang with the big dogs in the crazy department—but I had enough crazy of my own. I didn’t need anybody else’s crazy to deal with, too…right?
Coke was bad for me. Coke was bad for me.
Maybe if I kept repeating those words, one day I’d believe them.
Indeed she had valid points, but the man that was Coke Solomon, fought for her, but at the same time respected her issues, and supported her all the way throughout their love story.
Another relationship that I adored in this book was the ‘sisterly’ behavior of Janie (specially this one), Kayla and Cora. Like true sisters, the two former, really pushed Cora’s buttons, and got on her last introvert nerve, but you could see and feel that in the end, it all came from a place of love. They were ALWAYS there for her, even if it was the last thing Cora wanted. Very sisterly like indeed! LOL
Coke showed what fantastic person he was, even in the previous book, Get You Some, with how he dealt and helped June. I loved him then – even already knowing of the crazy ex, lol – but added to that, being an amazing father, a spectacular alpha, he was without a doubt the very perfect match for Cora, (even if I wished that he had realized a bit sooner ;) )so no wonder she feel for the man! Just check out come of the things he said and thought, totally swoon worthy material hero!
I wanted…no, I needed her.
She was wrong about that.
I didn’t like her. I loved her.
Though similar, this love business felt like something that was going to rip its way out of my chest and cause my heart to explode.
I knew for a fact that I wanted to give her everything.
I wanted to get married. I wanted to make her happy. I wanted her to outlive me. I wanted everything. And for her, I’d even be happy with kids.
Ain’t Doin’ It is another Lani Lynn Vale success, and an amazing addition to this that is now one of my all time favorite series of hers, SIMPLE MAN! Emotional, hilarious, suspense, romance and super steamy moments, we had it all. And now I’m literally counting down the days so we can get the fifth book of the series, Too Bad So Sad! Can’t wait! <3 <3 <3 <3
We’d take our lives together one step at a time, and eventually we’d fight those demons together.
In the meantime, I was happy to be there for her just as she was thankful to be there for me.
I’d found something special in my neighbor, and I would thank every single star in the sky for being handed such a gift.
ARC kindly provided by the author via InkSlinger PR for an honest review
For full review with Release Blitz, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
Shelved as 'fuck-no-pass'
June 23, 2018It sorta amazes me that LLV can get away with writing the same book 20 times over.
Near virgin h? ✅
Twenty year age difference? ✅
“Crazy” ex wife? ✅✅✅✅
Near virgin h? ✅
Twenty year age difference? ✅
“Crazy” ex wife? ✅✅✅✅
July 13, 2018
I’ll round this up to three stars but I feel like thats being generous. The writer has been hit or miss with me before and while the writing wasn’t awful, the story just felt completely flat to me. It will probably be somewhere between a really long time and never before I read more from this writer. Just personal tastes, I’m obviously in the minority.
July 5, 2018
I’ve been dying to find out more about Coke since Get You Some. He was such a grouch, yet sexy at the same time, not to mention the sweetness and absolute dedication that comes out when dealing with his daughter.
Coke was married to a real b**ch, she made his life and their daughter’s a living hell. His daughter is in college and he’s happy to be starting life as a single man who can drink his beer and enjoy life as he wants. To say Cora is not a people person is to put it mildly, but it’s not because she doesn’t want to be around people she has an actual condition. I think that is why I had a hard time connecting with her at first, but I fell in love with her, just like Coke did, as I got to know her and understand the way she communicates and needs to withdraw from life at times. At first glance Coke and Cora should never work because you would think that with Cora’s personality she would need a man who is super-loving, who tip toes around her moods and who feels like he has to be with her constantly to protect her. Coke is nothing like that which means he is perfect for Cora, he is the perfect man for Cora, don’t take that as meaning Coke isn’t an affectionate, sexy, caring man because he 110% is an alpha to love, he just has the innate sense of how to handle Cora and all her quirkiness. I loved that Coke and Cora didn’t rush into sex and then fall in love, it’s nice to see two people take their time to get to know each other and to be able to see the romance develop.
Janie and Kayla make an appearance and for some reason some of their antics frustrated me, at times they were extremely immature and almost mean, I still love them though. Various characters from earlier books make a welcome appearance as well.
Ain't Doin' It is a strong romance with laughter, drama and chock full of emotions. I can’t wait to read Coke and Cora’s story again!
June 22, 2018
"I made a mental note. When he was aroused, his voice sounded like he'd gargled with gravel."
I met Coke in the previous book and I've been bouncing with excitement ever since. He's my kinda guy, all broody and bossy and growly, but gentle with his daughter. That gave me a glimpse of how he would be when he finally met the right woman. You know, opposite of his daughter's mother, his psycho ex. Yeah, I met her too. No wonder he's so damn grumpy...
I adored Cora from the get-go. She's very unique and funny, exactly what Coke needs to wake him up after hitting the snooze alarm following his divorce. He's been burned so bad that a woman is the last thing he's looking for. But when she finds him, he can't bring himself to stop wanting her. He knows that she's too sweet, too young, too innocent. He needs to stay away from her, but how's he supposed to resist her when she lives next door and shows up at his house wearing her unicorn onsie?
Cora is a loner, she is socially awkward and uncomfortable being around people. In her own words, "I was a social dumbass." But I love her, and approve of her way of getting her point across when she's had enough. Especially when it involves her besties, whom I also adore. It's a good thing they ignore her when she refuses their invitations and barge into her space with good intentions. I also love both her and Coke's families and hope that they end up in another crossover series, if not in the Simple Man series. They are too delicious to not spend more time with.
Lani Lynn Vale's gift of writing suspenseful stories involving broken characters is my crack, and she's my dealer. I can't get enough, and I'm not seeking intervention, just another fix. The line forms here...
July 5, 2018
Reviewed on Behalf of http://bookaddict.live,
I loved this quirky and sexy romance between Cora and her neighbour Coke.
Cora falls for Coke straight away, but Coke fights his attraction because of the age difference. This is told from dual points of view which I always enjoy better. This has Coke’s crazy Ex-wife causes more than a little bit of trouble for the pair This is pure entertainment from start to finish, I read this in one go it was so crazy.
This is part of the simple man series, but can be read as a standalone. I can’t wait for the next in series, and I can always go back and read the earlier books in the series to keep me entertained while I wait. For fans of the Series this is a must read.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this quirky and sexy romance between Cora and her neighbour Coke.
Cora falls for Coke straight away, but Coke fights his attraction because of the age difference. This is told from dual points of view which I always enjoy better. This has Coke’s crazy Ex-wife causes more than a little bit of trouble for the pair This is pure entertainment from start to finish, I read this in one go it was so crazy.
This is part of the simple man series, but can be read as a standalone. I can’t wait for the next in series, and I can always go back and read the earlier books in the series to keep me entertained while I wait. For fans of the Series this is a must read.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2018
I'm tally torn on how to rate this. On one hand, I liked Cora and Coke, but I had so many issues with the story that overall, the book was just ok.
I'm really starting to feel like the author needs better Beta readers. I'm sorry, but a 5'3" woman who's a size 8 is NOT overweight.
Yeah, ok...so she's "more normal" than how she visualizes herself, but that whole thing really bothered me. Sorry, but size 8 at 5'3" is NOT overweight.
My other issue(s) involved Janie and Kayla. I've had issues with Janie since page one of her book. I didn't care for Kayla when Janie was around but liked her without Janie around. But I lost all respect for both and wanted to push them both off cliffs with how they treated Cora in this book. An example of their mean girl antics: (quotes under the spoiler tag due to length)
So, I'm sorry, but after all that crap, I didn't buy the "close friendship" that they women supposedly had. Nope. And consequently, I got irritated every time Janie and Kayla came onto the page.
What's sad is that this could have been a really good book. But...something has changed with the author's storytelling and it's just not holding up.
I'm really starting to feel like the author needs better Beta readers. I'm sorry, but a 5'3" woman who's a size 8 is NOT overweight.
I was not overweight, per se, but I was on the verge of being embarrassed about my size.
On the verge, meaning, I wasn’t quite there yet.
In my mind, I was more like an Oompa Loompa than I was a person, but, since I was five-foot-three and wore a size eight, I was realistically more of a normal size than I visualized myself as being.
Yeah, ok...so she's "more normal" than how she visualizes herself, but that whole thing really bothered me. Sorry, but size 8 at 5'3" is NOT overweight.
My other issue(s) involved Janie and Kayla. I've had issues with Janie since page one of her book. I didn't care for Kayla when Janie was around but liked her without Janie around. But I lost all respect for both and wanted to push them both off cliffs with how they treated Cora in this book. An example of their mean girl antics: (quotes under the spoiler tag due to length)
So, I'm sorry, but after all that crap, I didn't buy the "close friendship" that they women supposedly had. Nope. And consequently, I got irritated every time Janie and Kayla came onto the page.
What's sad is that this could have been a really good book. But...something has changed with the author's storytelling and it's just not holding up.
July 7, 2018
If there`s one thing that I know I can depend on from Lani Lynn Vale, it`s the fact that no matter what I have to do the next day, chances are i`ll end up going to it exhausted because I know I HAVE to finish her book. I mean, I know I need to sleep, and my eyes are burning as I write my review because I barely slept last night, but boy was it entirely worth it!!!
Since the first book of hers that I picked up, i`ve been a fan and i`m not ashamed to admit it. I always look forward to digging into the next book of hers since I know i`ll always be reading something entirely different – yes, authors have this way of writing their books that no matter how different they are from one another, they always feel familiar, this author is no different.
Ain’t Doin’ It was funny, quirky and it was emotional. Cora is every single person that i`ve come across in my life, and she`s the woman that I see something of myself in her – I believe that at one point or another in anyone`s life, we feel like we don`t belong, as though there`s something wrong with us. Rarely do we get the chance to have the answers to our most burning questions, and especially, having a reason why we feel the way that we do.
I love how Lani lynn Vale makes her characters believable, no matter how old they are. There’s no hiding the fact that Coke is older than Cora, but we wouldn`t necessarily feel it or see it unless he was talking about his daughter Frankie. He`s the man that we feel horrible he was roped into a marriage that literally sucked balls.
I absolutely loved this book and can`t wait to find out whose story we`re getting next, because for obvious reasons, this is another ‘village’ that i`ve fallen in love with the characters that love to stand out.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
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July 6, 2018
I’m not sure if it’s the English teacher in me or if it’s the fact that each book in Lani Lynn Vale’s Simple Man series has a complex storyline that takes readers on one hell of a ride, but what’s clear is that there is nothing simple about any of the stories in this series; in fact, the title’s ironic meaning is beyond exemplified in each story because readers don’t know what they’re getting themselves into when they start one of these books, and let me tell you, Lani Lynn Vale may have just created one of the craziest female antagonists I’ve read in a long time in her newest release, Ain’t Doin’ It because Coke’s ex-wife is beyond cray cray and by the time Coke and Cora’s story ends, there’s not a doubt in my mind that Coke was so much better off when he got rid of that demented and despicable woman.
In Get You Some, readers were introduced to Coke, and we couldn’t help but instantly have a man crush on him due to the way he gave June a chance with no questions asked and also due to the strong bond he has with his daughter. So the fact that Lani Lynn Vale was going to allow her readers to get to know this growly former Drill Sergeant on a deeper level as well as witness him get a chance to find happiness and love with a woman who deserved him was just what we wanted, and I have to say that Vale picked the perfect woman to make Coke believe in love again and take a chance even after he tried his hardest to not give into his feelings.
Out of all of Lani Lynn Vale’s heroine that I’ve been introduced to, Cora Maldonado is probably the one I relate to the most. I see so much of myself in her character; she’s not a people person; she’s beyond introverted, and her sense of self is not the best because she’s constantly unsure of herself and her abilities. Cora gets stuck in her head a lot, and she feels like not many people understand her need to not go outside of her comfort zone because her awkwardness and discomfort exponentially grow when her surroundings are unfamiliar. But Cora is also an extremely strong person. She’s passionate, creative, and one heck of a cartoonist, so while she struggles in certain aspects of her life, her other amazing characteristics make her absolutely worth of love and every positive thing that comes with it.
A lot of out of control situations occur in Ain’t Doin’ It, but with the men and women who Coke and Cora have at their backs, it’s clear that they’ll make it through whatever they encounter because any other outcome is unacceptable.
While some readers may take issue with the age gap between Coke and Cora, it’s clear that Cora doesn’t mesh well with men of her own age; she’s an old soul, which makes Coke perfect for her because he easily reads her moods and knows what she needs and his knowledge about life and the hard lessons he’s learned help them to traverse through the difficulties they encounter along the way to their happily ever now/after.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
In Get You Some, readers were introduced to Coke, and we couldn’t help but instantly have a man crush on him due to the way he gave June a chance with no questions asked and also due to the strong bond he has with his daughter. So the fact that Lani Lynn Vale was going to allow her readers to get to know this growly former Drill Sergeant on a deeper level as well as witness him get a chance to find happiness and love with a woman who deserved him was just what we wanted, and I have to say that Vale picked the perfect woman to make Coke believe in love again and take a chance even after he tried his hardest to not give into his feelings.
Out of all of Lani Lynn Vale’s heroine that I’ve been introduced to, Cora Maldonado is probably the one I relate to the most. I see so much of myself in her character; she’s not a people person; she’s beyond introverted, and her sense of self is not the best because she’s constantly unsure of herself and her abilities. Cora gets stuck in her head a lot, and she feels like not many people understand her need to not go outside of her comfort zone because her awkwardness and discomfort exponentially grow when her surroundings are unfamiliar. But Cora is also an extremely strong person. She’s passionate, creative, and one heck of a cartoonist, so while she struggles in certain aspects of her life, her other amazing characteristics make her absolutely worth of love and every positive thing that comes with it.
A lot of out of control situations occur in Ain’t Doin’ It, but with the men and women who Coke and Cora have at their backs, it’s clear that they’ll make it through whatever they encounter because any other outcome is unacceptable.
While some readers may take issue with the age gap between Coke and Cora, it’s clear that Cora doesn’t mesh well with men of her own age; she’s an old soul, which makes Coke perfect for her because he easily reads her moods and knows what she needs and his knowledge about life and the hard lessons he’s learned help them to traverse through the difficulties they encounter along the way to their happily ever now/after.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
July 8, 2018
I've reread Freebirds series several times. My favorite series of this author's. The h's parents were Gabe and Ember. Couldn't believe Cora was totally grow-up. This was a great read. H was not that much older than her, but he had a seventeen-year-old daughter already. And a horrible ex. Just wish the author gave us more about their wedding or proposal.
If you've read Highway Don't Care (Freebirds, #2), you can give it a try.
If you've read Highway Don't Care (Freebirds, #2), you can give it a try.
July 6, 2018
5 SMOOCHES!
I’m really enjoying Lani Lynn Vale’s Simple Man series with its pairings of everyday, regular guys with quirky, fiery heroines. What makes this particular series stand out is that it’s a second-generation series with one of the parties in each of the Simple Man couples is a child of one of the couples from Vale’s debut series, Freebirds. With that comes something that Vale’s devoted fans absolutely love: numerous appearances throughout these stories by favorite characters from many of her previous series, not just Freebirds, in these books. That creative element—the blending of the old and the new—coupled with Vale making her usual magic with sexy yet unconventional romances amid absorbing suspense plots, and this is a series that truly speaks to me as a Lani Lynn Vale fan. Although her books are all individual, standalone stories, they do, however, overlap and intertwine and crossover in such an innovative way that it makes the entirety of her collective works feel almost like a loosely connected, long-running serial or even, perhaps, a soap opera.
Ain’t Doin’ It features a hero who has sworn off women after a particularly nasty divorce. The owner of a salvage yard and towing company, Coke’s ex-wife is still in his life, taunting and torturing him and generally making him and their daughter miserable. Cora is younger than him, and she’s a bit of a loner. She moved to Hostel to be closer to her friends and a bit further away from her parents. Don’t mistake that as her having daddy issues, she most certainly does not, but her father, Gabe, an original hero from Vale’s first series, is a tad on the overprotective side.
Coke and Cora are neighbors, and from their first meeting, the sparks flew between them. As much as Coke tried to fight his feelings for Cora, it was a losing battle that he ultimately just surrendered to. Where he had been conditioned to accept volatility, verbal abuse, infidelity and constant arguing in his marriage, he got none of that from Cora. Despite her eccentric nature, she was kind, thoughtful and caring – things he’d never experienced from a woman before. A bit gruff and standoffish, Coke was a tough nut to crack, but Cora’s patient determination wore him down. She builds plenty of unique humor and fun, interesting details into this steamy romance along with an exciting suspense plot.
Ain’t Doin��� It is another stellar addition to this fantastic series from the talented Lani Lynn Vale. This love story was fresh and entertaining with an edge of intrigue and Vale’s wild sense of humor. Ain’t Doin’ It by Lani Lynn Vale gets five smooches from me!
~ Danielle Palumbo
I’m really enjoying Lani Lynn Vale’s Simple Man series with its pairings of everyday, regular guys with quirky, fiery heroines. What makes this particular series stand out is that it’s a second-generation series with one of the parties in each of the Simple Man couples is a child of one of the couples from Vale’s debut series, Freebirds. With that comes something that Vale’s devoted fans absolutely love: numerous appearances throughout these stories by favorite characters from many of her previous series, not just Freebirds, in these books. That creative element—the blending of the old and the new—coupled with Vale making her usual magic with sexy yet unconventional romances amid absorbing suspense plots, and this is a series that truly speaks to me as a Lani Lynn Vale fan. Although her books are all individual, standalone stories, they do, however, overlap and intertwine and crossover in such an innovative way that it makes the entirety of her collective works feel almost like a loosely connected, long-running serial or even, perhaps, a soap opera.
Ain’t Doin’ It features a hero who has sworn off women after a particularly nasty divorce. The owner of a salvage yard and towing company, Coke’s ex-wife is still in his life, taunting and torturing him and generally making him and their daughter miserable. Cora is younger than him, and she’s a bit of a loner. She moved to Hostel to be closer to her friends and a bit further away from her parents. Don’t mistake that as her having daddy issues, she most certainly does not, but her father, Gabe, an original hero from Vale’s first series, is a tad on the overprotective side.
Coke and Cora are neighbors, and from their first meeting, the sparks flew between them. As much as Coke tried to fight his feelings for Cora, it was a losing battle that he ultimately just surrendered to. Where he had been conditioned to accept volatility, verbal abuse, infidelity and constant arguing in his marriage, he got none of that from Cora. Despite her eccentric nature, she was kind, thoughtful and caring – things he’d never experienced from a woman before. A bit gruff and standoffish, Coke was a tough nut to crack, but Cora’s patient determination wore him down. She builds plenty of unique humor and fun, interesting details into this steamy romance along with an exciting suspense plot.
Ain’t Doin��� It is another stellar addition to this fantastic series from the talented Lani Lynn Vale. This love story was fresh and entertaining with an edge of intrigue and Vale’s wild sense of humor. Ain’t Doin’ It by Lani Lynn Vale gets five smooches from me!
~ Danielle Palumbo
November 8, 2018
While I enjoyed reading this book,there was waaay too much drama with his crazy ex wife. She was mentioned too much and in every darn chapter till the end.
August 14, 2018
Totally doing it!
This is my first book by this author, and I really liked! It will definitely not be the last one!
First things first, there were some inconsistencies. The age gap between the main characters, sometimes I had a little trouble with the line of story, getting me a little confused, and some details that didn't quite add, but maybe it was just me not being familiar with the author and her work.
That being said, and repeating myself, this will not be my last book by her. The story had real potential and I loved the characters!
Cora was sweet, introvert, really smart and practical about life, at the same time she has her dreams that she didn't really believe they could happen. She has some issues to deal with and she is NOT a people person. But being around the right people can actually help her!
Coke is sexy, rugged, a little rough around the edges and he's been through a lot! Specially about his crazy ex-wife. The only thing that came from that marriage that took a lot of him was Frankie, his daughter.
Cora and Coke didn't start burning the sheets and everything. It started slow, getting closer and closer, being friends. And this was necessary for both of them. For her, because she needed time to get used to a new person in her life and her new feelings. And for him, because he needed to realize that not all women is like his crazy ex.
But when they do try and get together, it's fire and sweetness all at the same time.
The book was funny and sexy and the characters were involving and let me wanting more!
This is my first book by this author, and I really liked! It will definitely not be the last one!
First things first, there were some inconsistencies. The age gap between the main characters, sometimes I had a little trouble with the line of story, getting me a little confused, and some details that didn't quite add, but maybe it was just me not being familiar with the author and her work.
That being said, and repeating myself, this will not be my last book by her. The story had real potential and I loved the characters!
Cora was sweet, introvert, really smart and practical about life, at the same time she has her dreams that she didn't really believe they could happen. She has some issues to deal with and she is NOT a people person. But being around the right people can actually help her!
Coke is sexy, rugged, a little rough around the edges and he's been through a lot! Specially about his crazy ex-wife. The only thing that came from that marriage that took a lot of him was Frankie, his daughter.
Cora and Coke didn't start burning the sheets and everything. It started slow, getting closer and closer, being friends. And this was necessary for both of them. For her, because she needed time to get used to a new person in her life and her new feelings. And for him, because he needed to realize that not all women is like his crazy ex.
But when they do try and get together, it's fire and sweetness all at the same time.
The book was funny and sexy and the characters were involving and let me wanting more!
June 11, 2019
Coke Solomon is a man who made one mistake and although that mistake got him his beautiful daughter it also shackled him with a ex-wife who likes to steer up trouble. He can deal with the daily barrage of harassment but what he can't handle is his infatuation with Cora Maldonado. Cora is twenty years younger than Coke and he tried to stay away but he is falling fast for the woman who is an enigma to him. When danger arrives though will he be able to protect her?
This was a bit of a surprise. I loved this couple together. Probably my favorite in this series thus far. I was curious about Coke in the last book and he lived up to my expectation. Cora is different then I thought she would be and was thrilled to be taken by surprise. Excellent read.
This was a bit of a surprise. I loved this couple together. Probably my favorite in this series thus far. I was curious about Coke in the last book and he lived up to my expectation. Cora is different then I thought she would be and was thrilled to be taken by surprise. Excellent read.
February 18, 2020
Hmm I'm not entirely sure how this sliped through the cracks but I'm going to do a re'read before reviewing because I know for damn sure I read this on release day.
Edit:: I reviewed the other addition on GR. THIS IS WHY I HATE TECHNOLOGY. Why can't it just have one page.
Yes finally Coke and Cora's story!. After reading Get You Some I just couldn't wait to get my greedy mits on Coke and delve deep into what makes that man tick.
So Cora is definitely not what I expected!. Especially with Ember as her mom one would think she surly would be loud and proud?. Absolutely not that girl is her fathers daughter right down to the ground with the tiny exception of her comic drawings... that's definitely more Embers humour me thinks.
Extremely introverted it's fair to say people are not her thing. She was super cute, quirky and very different to every other heroine Lani has written. The girl has layers... I enjoyed the hell out of getting to know her character. The good, bad and ugly. She had depth was extremely relatable and while is timid in comparison to others is a certified badass in her own right. I mean common... with a dad like Gabe what can we expect huh?.
Coke. Mmmmhm that gravely growl to his voice had me all kinds of curious even before I got his story. I expected him to be the silent type but he actually surprised me in being the more "chatty" one out of the couple. Definitetly a brooding alpha mind you. I loved that he was all about his girl and doing what's right for her. I enjoyed the hell out of him working through his feelings, his inner monologue and fighting unsuccessfully to stay away from Cora. His honesty and truth towards Cora was a delight to see and I think he handled it all like a champ.
The plots are always cray in these stories and can honestly go anywhere at any point. This was no exception here. I mean you love to hate the crazy ex right?. Hate because the bitch is crazy but love that little drama that keeps you hella entertained. The plot is well thought out and executed perfectly. The story is seamlessly with a little of everything to keep things interesting and fresh. It's more of a slow burn, super teasing and drawn out but well worth the wait I tell you. The chemistry of course was on point smoking hot and the connection palpable from that first meeting. It's not all hearts and flowers from them in fact their journey is pretty rough both mentally and physically but that ending is worth it all. I of course love that the free kids are all grown up and flying the nest. It's a pleasure and totally crazy reading them as adults now seeing where the original free guys are. Of course always a pleasure getting to see the older crew because they are what made me love this author in the first place.
Lani really does an exceptional job of interlinking all the story's so freaking seamlessly. It's almost hard to believe that this is how far she's come in such a short time. Everything fits so perfectly and I'm loving the second gen just as much as the first. (Even though they'll always have a special place in my heart.) this is a standalone however to get the most out of it and understand the background you're better off starting from the beginning. Just my opinion though.
She did it again. Wtf with those sneaky teasers of what's to come, possible happenings + Conflicts .... SHE'S A TEASE. Another fabulous book I devoured.
Edit:: I reviewed the other addition on GR. THIS IS WHY I HATE TECHNOLOGY. Why can't it just have one page.
Yes finally Coke and Cora's story!. After reading Get You Some I just couldn't wait to get my greedy mits on Coke and delve deep into what makes that man tick.
So Cora is definitely not what I expected!. Especially with Ember as her mom one would think she surly would be loud and proud?. Absolutely not that girl is her fathers daughter right down to the ground with the tiny exception of her comic drawings... that's definitely more Embers humour me thinks.
Extremely introverted it's fair to say people are not her thing. She was super cute, quirky and very different to every other heroine Lani has written. The girl has layers... I enjoyed the hell out of getting to know her character. The good, bad and ugly. She had depth was extremely relatable and while is timid in comparison to others is a certified badass in her own right. I mean common... with a dad like Gabe what can we expect huh?.
Coke. Mmmmhm that gravely growl to his voice had me all kinds of curious even before I got his story. I expected him to be the silent type but he actually surprised me in being the more "chatty" one out of the couple. Definitetly a brooding alpha mind you. I loved that he was all about his girl and doing what's right for her. I enjoyed the hell out of him working through his feelings, his inner monologue and fighting unsuccessfully to stay away from Cora. His honesty and truth towards Cora was a delight to see and I think he handled it all like a champ.
The plots are always cray in these stories and can honestly go anywhere at any point. This was no exception here. I mean you love to hate the crazy ex right?. Hate because the bitch is crazy but love that little drama that keeps you hella entertained. The plot is well thought out and executed perfectly. The story is seamlessly with a little of everything to keep things interesting and fresh. It's more of a slow burn, super teasing and drawn out but well worth the wait I tell you. The chemistry of course was on point smoking hot and the connection palpable from that first meeting. It's not all hearts and flowers from them in fact their journey is pretty rough both mentally and physically but that ending is worth it all. I of course love that the free kids are all grown up and flying the nest. It's a pleasure and totally crazy reading them as adults now seeing where the original free guys are. Of course always a pleasure getting to see the older crew because they are what made me love this author in the first place.
Lani really does an exceptional job of interlinking all the story's so freaking seamlessly. It's almost hard to believe that this is how far she's come in such a short time. Everything fits so perfectly and I'm loving the second gen just as much as the first. (Even though they'll always have a special place in my heart.) this is a standalone however to get the most out of it and understand the background you're better off starting from the beginning. Just my opinion though.
She did it again. Wtf with those sneaky teasers of what's to come, possible happenings + Conflicts .... SHE'S A TEASE. Another fabulous book I devoured.
July 6, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Coke Solomon has lived a full life. He's a retired army drill sergeant, so he is more than used to getting his way. And if he can't have it his way? Well, lets just say that's never happened before... At least not until Cora Maldonado walks into his life, demanding he fall in line, or she will find a way to make his life hell. He finds out fast that Cora marches to the beat of her own drum, and a lot of times that drum takes her farther away rather than closer to where he feels she needs to be. He can't stand it. He want's her, and he has to have her. It doesn't matter that she's twenty years younger than him, and has a father that would rather see him dead than have his baby girl anywhere near him. Nor does it matter that his ex-wife is highly offended that she has been replace with a much younger woman. Despite that odds stacking against the,he'll fight for what he wants. His ex-wife, her father, and their age difference be damned.
If you have read Get You Some, then you met Coke in that book. He was the man who employed June when no one else would and I knew right then and there that he had a story to tell. I wasn't wrong and I loved his story really. One of my favorite things about a Lani Lynn Vale book if the little headers that are either text messages one character sends to the other or something they have said to each other. I love those so much. They always crack me and up just add a little something extra to the book. In Ain't Doin' It we find that Coke has gained a new neighbor, Cora and let me just tell you that she is one of the most bad butt characters that I have read in a good while. Cora has moved out of her parents house and a town away and is happy with her new life. She has a house in the country and is working on her art and drawing and happy. She however meets her new neighbor Coke when he is up late at night working on a truck and making a terrible amount of racket. She has no reservations about asking him to please keep it down and she also doesn't fail to notice what a good looking man that Coke is. Coke too is attracted to Cora but thinks that his life has been lived since he is ten years older than her, has a ex-wife who has about driven him mad, and a seventeen year old daughter that is no in college because she finished high school early. We also get to see Coke's crazy ex-wife in this book just like in Get You Some. She is still the same horrible, selfish, out for only herself human being that she was in that book and she makes this one more than very interesting. This book has edge of your seat action and will have you reading it in one sitting. Trust me your going to fall in love with the magic that is Coke and Cora. They may just be one of my favorite couples to come out of the the Simple Man Series to date. However I have hoping that the next book in this series will be about Frankie and Luca. I need to know what happens between these two as soon as possible!! You can bet just like all the rest of Lani Lynn Vale's book that you don't want to miss a second of anything she writes. She has quickly gone to the top of my must read author's list.
Coke Solomon has lived a full life. He's a retired army drill sergeant, so he is more than used to getting his way. And if he can't have it his way? Well, lets just say that's never happened before... At least not until Cora Maldonado walks into his life, demanding he fall in line, or she will find a way to make his life hell. He finds out fast that Cora marches to the beat of her own drum, and a lot of times that drum takes her farther away rather than closer to where he feels she needs to be. He can't stand it. He want's her, and he has to have her. It doesn't matter that she's twenty years younger than him, and has a father that would rather see him dead than have his baby girl anywhere near him. Nor does it matter that his ex-wife is highly offended that she has been replace with a much younger woman. Despite that odds stacking against the,he'll fight for what he wants. His ex-wife, her father, and their age difference be damned.
If you have read Get You Some, then you met Coke in that book. He was the man who employed June when no one else would and I knew right then and there that he had a story to tell. I wasn't wrong and I loved his story really. One of my favorite things about a Lani Lynn Vale book if the little headers that are either text messages one character sends to the other or something they have said to each other. I love those so much. They always crack me and up just add a little something extra to the book. In Ain't Doin' It we find that Coke has gained a new neighbor, Cora and let me just tell you that she is one of the most bad butt characters that I have read in a good while. Cora has moved out of her parents house and a town away and is happy with her new life. She has a house in the country and is working on her art and drawing and happy. She however meets her new neighbor Coke when he is up late at night working on a truck and making a terrible amount of racket. She has no reservations about asking him to please keep it down and she also doesn't fail to notice what a good looking man that Coke is. Coke too is attracted to Cora but thinks that his life has been lived since he is ten years older than her, has a ex-wife who has about driven him mad, and a seventeen year old daughter that is no in college because she finished high school early. We also get to see Coke's crazy ex-wife in this book just like in Get You Some. She is still the same horrible, selfish, out for only herself human being that she was in that book and she makes this one more than very interesting. This book has edge of your seat action and will have you reading it in one sitting. Trust me your going to fall in love with the magic that is Coke and Cora. They may just be one of my favorite couples to come out of the the Simple Man Series to date. However I have hoping that the next book in this series will be about Frankie and Luca. I need to know what happens between these two as soon as possible!! You can bet just like all the rest of Lani Lynn Vale's book that you don't want to miss a second of anything she writes. She has quickly gone to the top of my must read author's list.
June 26, 2018
Yes finally Coke and Cora's story!. After reading Get You Some I just couldn't wait to get my greedy mits on Coke and delve deep into what makes that man tick.
So Cora is definitely not what I expected!. Especially with Ember as her mom one would think she surly would be loud and proud?. Absolutely not that girl is her fathers daughter right down to the ground with the tiny exception of her comic drawings... that's definitely more Embers humour me thinks.
Extremely introverted it's fair to say people are not her thing. She was super cute, quirky and very different to every other heroine Lani has written. The girl has layers... I enjoyed the hell out of getting to know her character. The good, bad and ugly. She had depth was extremely relatable and while is timid in comparison to others is a certified badass in her own right. I mean common... with a dad like Gabe what can we expect huh?.
Coke. Mmmmhm that gravely growl to his voice had me all kinds of curious even before I got his story. I expected him to be the silent type but he actually surprised me in being the more "chatty" one out of the couple. Definitetly a brooding alpha mind you. I loved that he was all about his girl and doing what's right for her. I enjoyed the hell out of him working through his feelings, his inner monologue and fighting unsuccessfully to stay away from Cora. His honesty and truth towards Cora was a delight to see and I think he handled it all like a champ.
The plots are always cray in these stories and can honestly go anywhere at any point. This was no exception here. I mean you love to hate the crazy ex right?. Hate because the bitch is crazy but love that little drama that keeps you hella entertained. The plot is well thought out and executed perfectly. The story is seamlessly with a little of everything to keep things interesting and fresh. It's more of a slow burn, super teasing and drawn out but well worth the wait I tell you. The chemistry of course was on point smoking hot and the connection palpable from that first meeting. It's not all hearts and flowers from them in fact their journey is pretty rough both mentally and physically but that ending is worth it all. I of course love that the free kids are all grown up and flying the nest. It's a pleasure and totally crazy reading them as adults now seeing where the original free guys are. Of course always a pleasure getting to see the older crew because they are what made me love this author in the first place.
Lani really does an exceptional job of interlinking all the story's so freaking seamlessly. It's almost hard to believe that this is how far she's come in such a short time. Everything fits so perfectly and I'm loving the second gen just as much as the first. (Even though they'll always have a special place in my heart.) this is a standalone however to get the most out of it and understand the background you're better off starting from the beginning. Just my opinion though.
She did it again. Wtf with those sneaky teasers of what's to come, possible happenings + Conflicts .... SHE'S A TEASE. Another fabulous book I devoured.
So Cora is definitely not what I expected!. Especially with Ember as her mom one would think she surly would be loud and proud?. Absolutely not that girl is her fathers daughter right down to the ground with the tiny exception of her comic drawings... that's definitely more Embers humour me thinks.
Extremely introverted it's fair to say people are not her thing. She was super cute, quirky and very different to every other heroine Lani has written. The girl has layers... I enjoyed the hell out of getting to know her character. The good, bad and ugly. She had depth was extremely relatable and while is timid in comparison to others is a certified badass in her own right. I mean common... with a dad like Gabe what can we expect huh?.
Coke. Mmmmhm that gravely growl to his voice had me all kinds of curious even before I got his story. I expected him to be the silent type but he actually surprised me in being the more "chatty" one out of the couple. Definitetly a brooding alpha mind you. I loved that he was all about his girl and doing what's right for her. I enjoyed the hell out of him working through his feelings, his inner monologue and fighting unsuccessfully to stay away from Cora. His honesty and truth towards Cora was a delight to see and I think he handled it all like a champ.
The plots are always cray in these stories and can honestly go anywhere at any point. This was no exception here. I mean you love to hate the crazy ex right?. Hate because the bitch is crazy but love that little drama that keeps you hella entertained. The plot is well thought out and executed perfectly. The story is seamlessly with a little of everything to keep things interesting and fresh. It's more of a slow burn, super teasing and drawn out but well worth the wait I tell you. The chemistry of course was on point smoking hot and the connection palpable from that first meeting. It's not all hearts and flowers from them in fact their journey is pretty rough both mentally and physically but that ending is worth it all. I of course love that the free kids are all grown up and flying the nest. It's a pleasure and totally crazy reading them as adults now seeing where the original free guys are. Of course always a pleasure getting to see the older crew because they are what made me love this author in the first place.
Lani really does an exceptional job of interlinking all the story's so freaking seamlessly. It's almost hard to believe that this is how far she's come in such a short time. Everything fits so perfectly and I'm loving the second gen just as much as the first. (Even though they'll always have a special place in my heart.) this is a standalone however to get the most out of it and understand the background you're better off starting from the beginning. Just my opinion though.
She did it again. Wtf with those sneaky teasers of what's to come, possible happenings + Conflicts .... SHE'S A TEASE. Another fabulous book I devoured.
July 6, 2018
Another amazing book written by a truly talented author Lani Lynn vale has written some of my favorites stories her books always find their way on the top of my list after the the first page . If she is a new author to you you need to get her books as soon as possible you wont regret it and to those who are on the Lani train this is already in your kindles and you don't need me to tell you how incredible this Ain't doin it is you'll just know . I'm a huge fan of next gen and seeing the children of characters that I fell in love with find love well that is just a cherry on top for me plus we get to see how that couple is doing . Coke is mentioned alot in Get you some (but this can be read as a standalone ) he is oh so yummy I would totally do that one thing that he always wanted but was never given but sadly Cora beat me to it .....I'm so not pouting , more about him he's an great father , protective , HOT , and would so love to hear his gravely voice . Cora was another awesome heroine to add to my list I felt really connected to her she's the daughter of Gabe he was the hero in Highway Don't Care side note there is a mini spoiler that does occur in Ain't doin it if you haven't read it but plan to I suggest that you get it first . Coke and Cora just make the perfect couple they were funny , HOT , smart , protective , and would do anything for the ones they love . Lani does introduce some new characters and possible coupling in future stories to come I can't wait to see what's to next for one of my top favorite authors you don't want to miss it .
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10 Chemistry=10 steam=7
romance=6 humor=7 darkness level=4 action=4 mystery=3
enjoyment=9 angst=3 story line=9 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover= 10 stars=5
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10 Chemistry=10 steam=7
romance=6 humor=7 darkness level=4 action=4 mystery=3
enjoyment=9 angst=3 story line=9 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover= 10 stars=5
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
July 7, 2018
Sweet, snarky, sexy….
I LOVED Coke and Cora’s story! L-O-V-E-D it! This author knows people – how they think, feel and get by in this wonky world. They are flawed, as close to not perfect as you can get, but that makes these characters shine even more…
Coke was as cranky, steady and solid as the glimpses of him showed in Get You Some. A bad marriage and a crazier ex couldn’t take away the good father, the good man, he really was. His relationship with his daughter spoke volumes for his integrity and his capacity for love. When his new, much younger, neighbour challenged him, tempted & tormented him, he tried to be honorable. He tried really hard…
Cora is my new favourite in this series. Dealing with challenges of her own, she fought for her independence, determined to stand on her own two feet. She was funny, caring and compassionate – a beautiful partner for Coke. They were so deserving of each other – to feel the love and “got your back” support of someone who loved you selflessly… Seriously, these two together melted my heart…
As usual, this author had me laughing, ranting and oohing and awwing as love played out with drama on drama in the background. Intriguing twists and turns, and secondary characters – family and enemies alike – helped make this one of my favourite stories of the year!
July 6, 2018
I tell ya, I fall into every single one of Lani Lynn Vale’s stories! Her characters seem to grab you right by the heart and they don’t let go! I knew once I read Get You Some that I was going to adore Coke! Of course I did! Who isn’t going to love a man when he defends and helps a woman who the entire town shuns? I fell for him and his ability to give June some sort of normal life! And Cora… Cora is amazing even if she doesn’t believe it!
As I’ve come to expect from Ms. Vale there is a bit of suspense. However, what really pulled me in was the humor that was injected into it! I don’t recall the last book where I have been so thoroughly entertained… oh wait, perhaps it was Ms. Lani Lynn Vale’s last book! I love seeing characters from the other books. I love the banter and the back and forth that these characters toss out! This is just a fun and upbeat book and series. I can’t wait for more! There’s this flow that Ms. Vale has while writing that I just can’t stop the reading.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
As I’ve come to expect from Ms. Vale there is a bit of suspense. However, what really pulled me in was the humor that was injected into it! I don’t recall the last book where I have been so thoroughly entertained… oh wait, perhaps it was Ms. Lani Lynn Vale’s last book! I love seeing characters from the other books. I love the banter and the back and forth that these characters toss out! This is just a fun and upbeat book and series. I can’t wait for more! There’s this flow that Ms. Vale has while writing that I just can’t stop the reading.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
November 1, 2018
My favorite book in the series so far. It had very likable main characters, bad guys that were actually integrated throughout the story & hot, sexy times.
Coke & Cora just jived so well together. Their chemistry, their personalities, their sexual compatibility... They just fit together like two puzzle pieces & that was awesome.
REALLY wish that Beatrice would've gotten more than that penitentiary nonsense but I'll take what I can get, I suppose. She has caused trouble for Coke, for so many years, so I think she deserved to die a fiery death. But... that's just me. *shrugs*
I liked seeing possible future couples being set up for their stories but I'm not super thrilled about the Frankie/Luca connection. (I don't wanna have to be mad at these particular fictional characters.) Here's hoping we get Katy's happily ever after first!
On to the next book in the series, Too Bad So Sad, featuring Tyler & Reagan. Excited to see the chief of police brought down to his knees!
Side Note: I'm a bit confused about Coke's age. It said he was 35 but I swear he was supposed to be more like early forties. Hmm...
Coke & Cora just jived so well together. Their chemistry, their personalities, their sexual compatibility... They just fit together like two puzzle pieces & that was awesome.
REALLY wish that Beatrice would've gotten more than that penitentiary nonsense but I'll take what I can get, I suppose. She has caused trouble for Coke, for so many years, so I think she deserved to die a fiery death. But... that's just me. *shrugs*
I liked seeing possible future couples being set up for their stories but I'm not super thrilled about the Frankie/Luca connection. (I don't wanna have to be mad at these particular fictional characters.) Here's hoping we get Katy's happily ever after first!
On to the next book in the series, Too Bad So Sad, featuring Tyler & Reagan. Excited to see the chief of police brought down to his knees!
Side Note: I'm a bit confused about Coke's age. It said he was 35 but I swear he was supposed to be more like early forties. Hmm...
July 7, 2018
I was really looking forward to Coke and Cora's story after meeting Coke and his ape$h!+ crazy ex-wife in Get You Some, but I have to admit, this wasn't my favorite in the bunch. I loved Coke and I liked Cora and I loved the requisite craziness that ensued, but the plot almost seemed a bit haphazard - like... what I can I do to these people next? I am stoked to find out what becomes of Frankie and Luca, but I just didn't feel invested in Coke and Cora like I wanted to be, especially since I really did adore Coke and he deserved an HEA. Not that Cora didn't but I just feel sort of meh about her. Anywho... I'm still down for whatever ride Lani Lynn Vale offers up next! 3 out of 5 wine glasses.
November 6, 2019
Finding Love when your not even looking.
I loved the quirkinesses of this story, throw in the characters who have engaged as they converse back and fourth.
When Cora confronts her neighbor and the incessant noise he’s making she’s not prepared for him or these feelings that are running through her. More of a loner she’s comfortable in her own space. She’s a different from any other lead I’ve read. She’s quirky, and she’s not perfect.
Coke has been content with his life since having left the military he’s home. Only downside is his crazy ex wife and I mean CRAZY!
Meeting his new younger neighbor gives him a jolt. He thought he’d had his chance at happily ever but seeing her has him thinking about forever.
I loved the quirkinesses of this story, throw in the characters who have engaged as they converse back and fourth.
When Cora confronts her neighbor and the incessant noise he’s making she’s not prepared for him or these feelings that are running through her. More of a loner she’s comfortable in her own space. She’s a different from any other lead I’ve read. She’s quirky, and she’s not perfect.
Coke has been content with his life since having left the military he’s home. Only downside is his crazy ex wife and I mean CRAZY!
Meeting his new younger neighbor gives him a jolt. He thought he’d had his chance at happily ever but seeing her has him thinking about forever.
April 2, 2022
French & English reviews
Une romance sympathique entre une héroïne attachante talentueuse et timide et un badass ex-militaire sexy à la voix rauque !
Même si j'ai moins accroché à l'héroïne (que j'ai trouvé un peu fade par rapport aux autres ...), j'ai beaucoup aimé l'histoire avec l'ex dingue et tout le drama =)
Bref, une romance que j'ai dévoré aussi vite que les précédentes =) Et j'ai hâte de lire l'histoire avec Tyler =D
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A sympathetic romance between an endearing, talented and shy heroine and a sexy, raspy-voiced ex-military badass !
Even if I found the heroin less endearing (I found her a bit bland compared to the others ...), I really liked the story with the crazy ex and all the drama =)
In short, a romance that I devoured as quickly as the previous ones =) And I can't wait to read the story with Tyler =D
Une romance sympathique entre une héroïne attachante talentueuse et timide et un badass ex-militaire sexy à la voix rauque !
Même si j'ai moins accroché à l'héroïne (que j'ai trouvé un peu fade par rapport aux autres ...), j'ai beaucoup aimé l'histoire avec l'ex dingue et tout le drama =)
Bref, une romance que j'ai dévoré aussi vite que les précédentes =) Et j'ai hâte de lire l'histoire avec Tyler =D
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A sympathetic romance between an endearing, talented and shy heroine and a sexy, raspy-voiced ex-military badass !
Even if I found the heroin less endearing (I found her a bit bland compared to the others ...), I really liked the story with the crazy ex and all the drama =)
In short, a romance that I devoured as quickly as the previous ones =) And I can't wait to read the story with Tyler =D
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