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Řekni něco legračního
V té chvíli mi to připadalo jako dobrý nápad. Zavolat Landonu Roderickovi, s nímž jsme se znali jako děti a na kterého jsem nikdy nedokázala zapomenout – přestože on tak snadno zapomněl na mě.
Jenže všechno zní jako dobrý nápad, když to před spaním přeženete s vínem, viďte? Měl to být jen jeden úplně bezvýznamný, praštěný telefonát. Místo toho jsem na něj vysypala všechno, co jsem celých těch třináct let potlačovala.
Nečekala jsem, že zavolá zpátky.
A už vůbec mě nenapadlo, že budou následovat týdny rozverných hovorů po telefonu, při nichž zároveň zjistím, jaký člověk Landon je.
Vyšlo najevo, že na mě ve skutečnosti nikdy nezapomněl. To zvláštní pouto, které jsme kdysi měli, vůbec nezmizelo. Hodně jsem mu o sobě prozradila, ale stále toho o mně spoustu nevěděl. A stejně tak i on měl svá tajemství.
Strávili jsme povídáním na dálku mnoho a mnoho hodin, a já přemýšlela, jak by mohlo vypadat naše setkání. Jednou večer jsem se znovu rozhodla. Tentokrát jsem jela na letiště a koupila si letenku do Kalifornie. Přišel čas zjistit, zda může jeden telefonní hovor dát dohromady dvě ztracené duše, nebo jestli zavolat mu opilá byla jen veliká chyba.
Jenže všechno zní jako dobrý nápad, když to před spaním přeženete s vínem, viďte? Měl to být jen jeden úplně bezvýznamný, praštěný telefonát. Místo toho jsem na něj vysypala všechno, co jsem celých těch třináct let potlačovala.
Nečekala jsem, že zavolá zpátky.
A už vůbec mě nenapadlo, že budou následovat týdny rozverných hovorů po telefonu, při nichž zároveň zjistím, jaký člověk Landon je.
Vyšlo najevo, že na mě ve skutečnosti nikdy nezapomněl. To zvláštní pouto, které jsme kdysi měli, vůbec nezmizelo. Hodně jsem mu o sobě prozradila, ale stále toho o mně spoustu nevěděl. A stejně tak i on měl svá tajemství.
Strávili jsme povídáním na dálku mnoho a mnoho hodin, a já přemýšlela, jak by mohlo vypadat naše setkání. Jednou večer jsem se znovu rozhodla. Tentokrát jsem jela na letiště a koupila si letenku do Kalifornie. Přišel čas zjistit, zda může jeden telefonní hovor dát dohromady dvě ztracené duše, nebo jestli zavolat mu opilá byla jen veliká chyba.
286 pages, Hardcover
First published August 19, 2017
About the author
Penelope Ward
85 books24.1k followersPenelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With over 2-million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With over 2-million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
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August 28, 2017LIVE! at 20% OFF (limited time) | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS |
LIVE EARLY! I AM INTRIGUED!
Stand-alone.
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Blurb:
It seemed like a good idea at the time. Look up Landon Roderick, that boy from childhood whom I’d never been able to forget—even though he so easily forgot about me—and call him.
Then again, anything sounds like a good idea when you’ve had a little too much wine before bed, right? It was supposed to be just a quick, meaningless, prank call. Instead, I went off on him—unloading thirteen years of pent-up emotions.
I didn’t think he’d call me back.
I certainly could never have anticipated the weeks of sexually tense phone conversations that followed as I got to know the man he’d become.
Turned out, Landon had never really forgotten me, either. That special connection we had was still there. I opened up to him, but there were also things about me he didn’t know. And he had his own secrets.
Over the countless hours we talked on the phone, I wondered what would happen if we actually saw each other. One night, I did something impulsive again. Only this time, I went to the airport and booked a ticket to California. We were about to find out if one phone call could bring two lost souls together or if my drunk dial really was all just a big mistake.
LIVE EARLY! I AM INTRIGUED!
Stand-alone.
LIVE! at 20% OFF (limited time) | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS |
Blurb:
It seemed like a good idea at the time. Look up Landon Roderick, that boy from childhood whom I’d never been able to forget—even though he so easily forgot about me—and call him.
Then again, anything sounds like a good idea when you’ve had a little too much wine before bed, right? It was supposed to be just a quick, meaningless, prank call. Instead, I went off on him—unloading thirteen years of pent-up emotions.
I didn’t think he’d call me back.
I certainly could never have anticipated the weeks of sexually tense phone conversations that followed as I got to know the man he’d become.
Turned out, Landon had never really forgotten me, either. That special connection we had was still there. I opened up to him, but there were also things about me he didn’t know. And he had his own secrets.
Over the countless hours we talked on the phone, I wondered what would happen if we actually saw each other. One night, I did something impulsive again. Only this time, I went to the airport and booked a ticket to California. We were about to find out if one phone call could bring two lost souls together or if my drunk dial really was all just a big mistake.
September 8, 2017
4.25 stars!
I absolutely loved Drunk Dial! I listened to the audio version of this book and the narration was amazing. I didn’t want to stop listening once I started. Rana and Landon’s friends to lovers story really hit the spot for me. I loved the way they came together, and the little twists I didn’t see coming. Definitely my favorite Penelope Ward book to date!
I absolutely loved Drunk Dial! I listened to the audio version of this book and the narration was amazing. I didn’t want to stop listening once I started. Rana and Landon’s friends to lovers story really hit the spot for me. I loved the way they came together, and the little twists I didn’t see coming. Definitely my favorite Penelope Ward book to date!
“It’s funny how the things that we once looked at as tragic are exactly what needed to happen, in retrospect.”
August 23, 2017
Drunk Dial has one of the best meet cutes that I've ever read. Seriously! From the get go, it's exciting, witty, it gives you little butterflies in your stomach and makes you so excited for everything to come. The banter and flow are exquisite. From that first phone call, I couldn't wait for the journey that these two would take me on.
Landon is so sincere about wanting to know Rana again, it's so sweet. She originally just wanted answers from him but once he picked up that phone call and realized who she was, you can feel exactly how much he wanted to talk to her. It's amazing. And sweet. And swoony. Landon is all of the things.
Landon planning a date is the best thing ever. When I read about the first date that these two went on, I'm pretty sure I had legitimate hearts in my eyes and I think I might have melted from swooning so hard. So prepare yourself ladies! This is serious stuff. Landon is the kind of guy that exemplifies top Book Boyfriends. He's just that good.
I don't know, I might be the only one, but I felt like this relationship moved very fast. From the first phone call to several, to the emotional intensity and the 'I love yous', I just felt like it moved extremely quickly but without really getting deep into the relationship and learning who they are as people now. They became very dependant on the other person quite early on. I think because of all of this, I ultimately had a harder time trying to connect with the characters as a couple.
So at this point, you're probably thinking, "but Shannon, you rated it 3.5 stars! Why would you do that if you've loved everything up until this point?" Well thanks for asking! Let me tell you. I felt like over the course of the book, this story went from out of this world with its vibrancy and charming hero, fun banter and exotic situation to for lack of a better word, 'meh' with its cheesy dialogue, predictable twists and scenarios and heavy nature. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for heaviness when dealing with important issues and such, but this book in particular when dealing with these issues, lost all of the vibrancy that I had initially loved about it.
Though I feel the need to mention that I do like that these characters talked to each other about their issues instead of just waiting for it to come out some how. This way, they controlled how information was received and it left little room for miscommunication, this eliminating couple drama from said dreaded secrets.
There's one little part of the storyline that I honestly can't figure out how it's suppose to fit in. It just doesn't make any sense to me because it doesn't lead anywhere. In the beginning it was kind of a deal but then completely phased out until no one cared anymore. Was there a point to this?
Cute story over all. I did indeed like it, my three star rating is more for the fact that I was head over heels in love with it in the beginning, but couldn't really care less by the end. I mean, come on! How could you read this and not fall for Landon? The beginning of this book for me was magic. It just turned from said magic to a sense of like, to then mildly entertaining but with an underlying feeling of uninspired. I don't know. Maybe I'm just grumpy? That's also a valid option.
***Revised to 3.5 stars because I really did like the beginning***
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
Clearing my throat, I did my best to sound like a composed woman, one who’d maybe just had a drunken demon exorcised from her. “Hello?”
He let out a deep breath. A moment of silence passed, until he finally said, “Rana Banana?”
Landon is so sincere about wanting to know Rana again, it's so sweet. She originally just wanted answers from him but once he picked up that phone call and realized who she was, you can feel exactly how much he wanted to talk to her. It's amazing. And sweet. And swoony. Landon is all of the things.
“What do you think I look like?”
“I’ve been picturing you like how you used to look but wearing a belly dancer outfit. It’s confusing. I honestly don’t know what to imagine.”
“So, you see me with short, black hair and a unibrow?”
“You said it, not me."
Landon planning a date is the best thing ever. When I read about the first date that these two went on, I'm pretty sure I had legitimate hearts in my eyes and I think I might have melted from swooning so hard. So prepare yourself ladies! This is serious stuff. Landon is the kind of guy that exemplifies top Book Boyfriends. He's just that good.
“Who’s this?”
For the first time, Landon’s mouth curved into a slight smile. “This is my girl, Ace. She just doesn’t know it yet.”
I don't know, I might be the only one, but I felt like this relationship moved very fast. From the first phone call to several, to the emotional intensity and the 'I love yous', I just felt like it moved extremely quickly but without really getting deep into the relationship and learning who they are as people now. They became very dependant on the other person quite early on. I think because of all of this, I ultimately had a harder time trying to connect with the characters as a couple.
"I overreacted. I’m so flawed.”
“Yeah, well, so are some of the most beautiful diamonds. There’s nothing wrong with having flaws. They’re what make us human.”
So at this point, you're probably thinking, "but Shannon, you rated it 3.5 stars! Why would you do that if you've loved everything up until this point?" Well thanks for asking! Let me tell you. I felt like over the course of the book, this story went from out of this world with its vibrancy and charming hero, fun banter and exotic situation to for lack of a better word, 'meh' with its cheesy dialogue, predictable twists and scenarios and heavy nature. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for heaviness when dealing with important issues and such, but this book in particular when dealing with these issues, lost all of the vibrancy that I had initially loved about it.
Though I feel the need to mention that I do like that these characters talked to each other about their issues instead of just waiting for it to come out some how. This way, they controlled how information was received and it left little room for miscommunication, this eliminating couple drama from said dreaded secrets.
"You can’t put out a fire by dancing around it. You have to deal with it, douse it with water until there’s nothing left. Once the fire’s out, you can either choose to rebuild or abandon the rubble."
There's one little part of the storyline that I honestly can't figure out how it's suppose to fit in. It just doesn't make any sense to me because it doesn't lead anywhere. In the beginning it was kind of a deal but then completely phased out until no one cared anymore. Was there a point to this?
Cute story over all. I did indeed like it, my three star rating is more for the fact that I was head over heels in love with it in the beginning, but couldn't really care less by the end. I mean, come on! How could you read this and not fall for Landon? The beginning of this book for me was magic. It just turned from said magic to a sense of like, to then mildly entertaining but with an underlying feeling of uninspired. I don't know. Maybe I'm just grumpy? That's also a valid option.
We were both silent until he said, “Don’t stop talking to me, Rana.”
***Revised to 3.5 stars because I really did like the beginning***
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2017
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
He tasted like sugar and cigarettes, and all I wanted anymore in this life was to just keep doing this. I hadn’t realized exactly how starved I was, how badly I had needed the contact. But going from zero to Landon was like not eating for years only to be met with the most decadent of foods.
DRUNK DIAL is a sweet & sexy ��friends to lovers” romance filled with Penelope Ward’s signature brand of snarky humor. I predict that many a reader will be swooning over Ms. Ward’s latest charismatic Hero—Landon Roderick!
Rana Salome's has faced many challenges in her life and at twenty-six, she never dreamed she’d be making a living as a belly dancer and sharing a tiny apartment with a deranged roommate, but somehow she perseveres. One night after having too many glasses of wine, she decides to google her long lost friend from her childhood and gathers enough liquid courage to call him. Landon Roderick and Rana were best friends back in Junior High. He used to write her cute and silly notes on a daily basis and thirteen years later, Rana still holds onto them. She reads them when times are tough and Rana’s in need of a “pick me up”. It only takes a few seconds for Landon to realize who Rana is and to say that he is tickled to be talking to his old buddy is quite the understatement. They seem to hit it off quickly and it’s as if no time has passed since they last spoke to each other.
Their texts turn flirtatious and after they exchange a few pics it only seems to intensify their attraction towards each other, although it would seem they always had feelings that went beyond friendship. The problem is, Landon lives in Southern California and Rana still lives back in Detroit. Trying to pursue a romance while living in different states proves to be challenging and when they eventually are reunited briefly when Rana comes to visit Landon, the distance feels beyond unbearable for the couple.
Both Landon and Rana have made some poor life decisions in the past and fear that it could negatively impact their relationship. They both realize that there’s no way they can move forward without being completely forthcoming with each other. As the story progresses we are left to wonder whether the couple will be able to leave the past behind them and will they continue to pursue a long distance relationship, or will they find a way to live in the same zip code?
Landon was a pretty amazing character. Penelope Ward has a true gift for creating some swoon-worthy heroes, but I wasn’t really crazy about the heroine. I honestly was wondering why Landon was so in love with her because I didn’t feel she was worthy of being put up on the pedestal that he placed her on.
DRUNK DIAL is currently available! Ladies, get ready to fall in love with Landon Roderick!!
Amazon ➜ http://amzn.to/2fXfzKn
iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2tq7dRz
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/2xeEH2H
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2ihXnMD
Audio ➜ http://amzn.to/2fWnsQg
Paperback ➜ http://amzn.to/2uTAipm
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
He tasted like sugar and cigarettes, and all I wanted anymore in this life was to just keep doing this. I hadn’t realized exactly how starved I was, how badly I had needed the contact. But going from zero to Landon was like not eating for years only to be met with the most decadent of foods.
DRUNK DIAL is a sweet & sexy ��friends to lovers” romance filled with Penelope Ward’s signature brand of snarky humor. I predict that many a reader will be swooning over Ms. Ward’s latest charismatic Hero—Landon Roderick!
Rana Salome's has faced many challenges in her life and at twenty-six, she never dreamed she’d be making a living as a belly dancer and sharing a tiny apartment with a deranged roommate, but somehow she perseveres. One night after having too many glasses of wine, she decides to google her long lost friend from her childhood and gathers enough liquid courage to call him. Landon Roderick and Rana were best friends back in Junior High. He used to write her cute and silly notes on a daily basis and thirteen years later, Rana still holds onto them. She reads them when times are tough and Rana’s in need of a “pick me up”. It only takes a few seconds for Landon to realize who Rana is and to say that he is tickled to be talking to his old buddy is quite the understatement. They seem to hit it off quickly and it’s as if no time has passed since they last spoke to each other.
Their texts turn flirtatious and after they exchange a few pics it only seems to intensify their attraction towards each other, although it would seem they always had feelings that went beyond friendship. The problem is, Landon lives in Southern California and Rana still lives back in Detroit. Trying to pursue a romance while living in different states proves to be challenging and when they eventually are reunited briefly when Rana comes to visit Landon, the distance feels beyond unbearable for the couple.
Both Landon and Rana have made some poor life decisions in the past and fear that it could negatively impact their relationship. They both realize that there’s no way they can move forward without being completely forthcoming with each other. As the story progresses we are left to wonder whether the couple will be able to leave the past behind them and will they continue to pursue a long distance relationship, or will they find a way to live in the same zip code?
Landon was a pretty amazing character. Penelope Ward has a true gift for creating some swoon-worthy heroes, but I wasn’t really crazy about the heroine. I honestly was wondering why Landon was so in love with her because I didn’t feel she was worthy of being put up on the pedestal that he placed her on.
DRUNK DIAL is currently available! Ladies, get ready to fall in love with Landon Roderick!!
Amazon ➜ http://amzn.to/2fXfzKn
iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2tq7dRz
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/2xeEH2H
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2ihXnMD
Audio ➜ http://amzn.to/2fWnsQg
Paperback ➜ http://amzn.to/2uTAipm
Read
August 20, 2017HOLY FUCKING SQUEEEEEEEE!!!!! OMG!!! I'm wiping away happy tears as I write this because I just finished reading an AMAZING new book that I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVED!!!! Gah. The FEEEELS!! It's a second chance romance with one of the most HEART-WARMING, SEXY, SWEET, SWOONY, HEALING, ROMANTIC, ADDICTIVE, and BEAUTIFUL stories I've read all year!!! The hero and heroine are both very flawed people who so clearly love each other with every part of their hearts and it was just such a cathartic experience reading their story as they reconnected after so many years apart and found their way back to each other!!! Despite both of their rocky pasts, they were such a FUNCTIONAL couple and I just ADORED THIS BOOK!!!! It's a TOP FAVORITE!!!!!
➜ http://amzn.to/2fXhEWM
➜ http://amzn.to/2fXhEWM
August 25, 2017
A heads up that I am about to change Drunk Dial to its permanent price of $4.99. The limited-time release sale of $3.99 won't last much longer. Grab it before it changes! This will be the ONLY sale for the book. A fun, emotional, sexy, STANDALONE second-chance romance that USA TODAY's HEA blog calls, "An Absolute Winner."
Amazon ➜ http://amzn.to/2fXfzKn
iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2tq7dRz
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/2xeEH2H
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2ihXnMD
Audio ➜ http://amzn.to/2fWnsQg
Paperback ➜ http://amzn.to/2uTAipm
Amazon ➜ http://amzn.to/2fXfzKn
iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2tq7dRz
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/2xeEH2H
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2ihXnMD
Audio ➜ http://amzn.to/2fWnsQg
Paperback ➜ http://amzn.to/2uTAipm
August 31, 2017
➦Ok, so imagine... You get piss drunk and call someone from your past who has wronged you and bitch them out.
➦But then he calls you back and calls you out on your shit!
➦What would you do? Would you be an adult about it and listen and possibly make amends or would you, I dunno...
➦If you picked option #2 perhaps you might be in need of some anger management, just saying. :D
➦This was probably my favorite book by Penelope Ward. I kept waiting for a crazy cat aka subplot to get out of the closet and fuck it all up lol Pardon my french.
➦I was waiting for the drama llama but it never happened and, by that, I was so very pleasantly surprised.
➦I will recommend this book to anyone who likes "childhood friends" tropes and books that have characters reunite after years of separation. Oh, and tattooed heroes. And audiobook - verra nice, because Andi Arndt, d'uh.
August 23, 2017
4.5 Stars
"I wonder what you'd think of me now, Landon."
A very enjoyable read. Although the I love yous were a bit quick the storyline itself was pretty terrific!
"I wonder what you'd think of me now, Landon."
A very enjoyable read. Although the I love yous were a bit quick the storyline itself was pretty terrific!
Shelved as 'author-i-won-t-read'
July 23, 2017Not a review but a prediction based on Wards past books...
1 - Book will probably divided into two parts...Past and Present
2 - H and h probably dated in the past and it ended badly
3- H will have loud obnoxious sex with his current girlfriend so that he h can hear as a form of revenge
4 - There will be a child with OW or OM involved
And last but not least...
5 - h will be a doormat
1 - Book will probably divided into two parts...Past and Present
2 - H and h probably dated in the past and it ended badly
3- H will have loud obnoxious sex with his current girlfriend so that he h can hear as a form of revenge
4 - There will be a child with OW or OM involved
And last but not least...
5 - h will be a doormat
August 20, 2017
DRUNK DIAL: Is a new, sexy, standalone romance novel by Penelope Ward. In this we have the privilege of meeting the gorgeous hot tatted up Landon Roderick and belly dancer Rana Saloomi.
Our story was a lot like a Rubik's Cube - colourful and complicated. It took years to work it out, but then suddenly like magic, on a random Sunday, everything all came together.
These two unlikely duo met way back in their early teens when Rana’s family lived in Landon’s families converted garage on their property. Landon used to tease her relentlessly, leave her little notes and his nickname for her was ‘RAH na Ba NAH na’
Why do you always look away when you catch me staring at you? Sometimes I'm trying to send you telepathic messages and you totally ruin it. You haven't started barking like a dog so I'm guessing you didn't get my last command.
For the time her family lived there he was everything to her. But when her family uproots and suddenly left that was the last time she ever saw him again.
But needless to say every now and then her mind would always wander back to the boy that stole her first crush. Now both twenty-six she wonders what his life is like now.
One night after work as a belly dancer, one bottle of wine later she thinks why the heck not look up Landon, drunk dialling his number seemed like an even better idea. Then drunk rambling down the mouthpiece giving him a piece of her mind seemed like such a brilliant idea at the time too.
It would've been romantic if I wasn't drunk as a skunk when I dialed him.
Cold reality when she ends the call and she’s sitting there wondering what the fuck she’d just done.
Moments, seconds, minutes later the phone rings and rings picking up she never expected to hear his voice from just moments ago reconnecting so soon afterwards after she'd hung up on him.
Day by day, night by night over the continent they reconnect via phone calls, all walls come tumbling down, slowly they let the other in, lines become blurred when their feelings transgress from friends to unchartered waters. A slow burn romance ensues, devastating secrets are revealed, that to others may break them but only made them stronger.
This was a sickly, sweet emotional novel, from start to finish I was absorbed in their story, their ups and downs, their triumphs, their sexy times. You could even go so far as calling this a second chance romance, I loved how slowly their reconnection progressed, I loved how he didn't try changing her, he accepted her flaws and all and vise versa, secrets revealed, and it ended perfectly on a high note though I would've loved to have read if she'd reconnected or found her mother. Other than that this was a perfect Sunday read.
* Teaser used is off the Authors facebook page *
August 24, 2017
Well, Ms Penelope didn’t surprise me… She is stuck on her usual formula in this book again!
1. Put the heroine in a vulnerable/humiliating situation or at least a funny or needy one.
Cocky Bastard: She needs a ride as her vehicle is broken.
Neigbor dearest: Her intimate phone conversations are overheard by her neighbor and she is embarrased.
Roomhate: She has to listen to her ex having loud sex in the next room because they have to stay in the same house somehow.
2. Include some “sexy-fun banter”.
Dirty texting, virtual sex will all help.
3. If possible include animals.
Dogs (Neighbor Dearest) would be lovely but even a goat (Cocky Bastard) will do the trick.
4. Immediate connection
Insta-lust/Insta-love, insta-whatever possible
5. Some happy time between the couple
Getting to know each other, hot sexy times
6. Come 50-60% of the book, change the mood of the story suddenly
Put some heavy / depressing / problematic subjects in it.
Let this heavy depressing mood dominate the second half of the book
Roomhate: Baby from ex
Playboy Pilot: Supposed baby from ex
Cocky Bastard: Prison sentence
Neigbor dearest: Serious illness
etc.
7. Then, create a very happy end.
A cheese fest would definitely help.
8. Don’t forget to include an epilogue that makes sure they are married with children or at least with a bun in the oven.
Yeap, this is the formula Penelope Ward likes very much in my opinion and it is used in DRUNK DIAL as well.
**********************************************
DRUNK DIAL
1. Heroine makes an embarrasing/funny move -> Check
Drunk dialling and ranting.
2. Telephone conversations -> Check
Dirty texting, virtual sex etc
3. Animal-> Check
Snake
4. All kinds of insta -> Check
Immediate connection (on the phone)
Insta-lust (over a selfie picture)
Insta-love (when they meet in person)
5. Happy times -> Check
Cheesy but sweet and romantic dates, unbelievabe gifts and gestures, hot sex
6. Heavy issues -> Check
7. Happy happy end in which all problems are solved -> Check
Wedding and all...
8. Epilogue: Traditional happy family life -> Check
Definitely a bun in the oven!
**********************************************
Yeap… Same formula used again…
I wish Ms. Ward would change this formula and use something else from now on.
And when writers are planning the plot twists, I believe they should focus on one thing only.
A serious illness in Neighbor Dearest and the prison sentence in Cocky Bastard was like that, which was OK.
But in DRUNK DIAL, more than one or two heavy issues are dealt with, which spoils the focus of the story. Also, there are way too many coincidences.
**********************************************
Is it good - recommendable?
Well, it is readable. The first part is really very sweet, but the second half is definitely boring.
The characters are both likable, which helps to get through the boring parts.
Here is the belly dancer Rana and tattooed hot chef Landon with piercings and all.
**********************************************
Is it a second chance romance?
NO! Thank God, no!
I very rarely like second chance romances so I do not prefer to indulge in them much.
As this wasn’t a second chance romance, I was OK with her drunk dialing. If they had been lovers in the past, I would be unhappy about her trying to reach him first.
Rana and Landon were friends in the past when they were 12-13 years old. Then, Rana's parents moved from the city and they didn’t see each other again until she found Landon's number and drunk dialed him because she never forgot him.
**********************************************
Anything weird?
Why was the psychotic Lenny character created? What did it serve? It was really weird and unnecessary in my opinion, not serving anything.
Also, how desperate should a girl be to live with a male roommate, whom she thinks he will kill her.
WTF?!!
**********************************************
Safety Check
- Read the spoilers about heavy issues for triggers. I have no other warnings.
- No cheating between MCs
**********************************************
My Rating
First half of the book: 4 stars
Second half of the book: 2 stars
3 it is!
**********************************************
P.S. Special thanks to my gr friend Shannon, who prepared me for the plot twists or otherwise, I would be ranting in a more angry way now.
So, I didn't go in blind - I just wanted to read it for the first sweet and hot part that Shannon mentioned in her review. And I don't regret reading it.
I don't want to stop reading Penelope Ward because I loved Cocky Bastard and Neighbor Dearest very much but I will always regret reading Playboy Pilot and RoomHate.
I will still give her books a chance in the future but I do wish she got rid of her common and cliché plot planning.
1. Put the heroine in a vulnerable/humiliating situation or at least a funny or needy one.
Cocky Bastard: She needs a ride as her vehicle is broken.
Neigbor dearest: Her intimate phone conversations are overheard by her neighbor and she is embarrased.
Roomhate: She has to listen to her ex having loud sex in the next room because they have to stay in the same house somehow.
2. Include some “sexy-fun banter”.
Dirty texting, virtual sex will all help.
3. If possible include animals.
Dogs (Neighbor Dearest) would be lovely but even a goat (Cocky Bastard) will do the trick.
4. Immediate connection
Insta-lust/Insta-love, insta-whatever possible
5. Some happy time between the couple
Getting to know each other, hot sexy times
6. Come 50-60% of the book, change the mood of the story suddenly
Put some heavy / depressing / problematic subjects in it.
Let this heavy depressing mood dominate the second half of the book
Roomhate: Baby from ex
Playboy Pilot: Supposed baby from ex
Cocky Bastard: Prison sentence
Neigbor dearest: Serious illness
etc.
7. Then, create a very happy end.
A cheese fest would definitely help.
8. Don’t forget to include an epilogue that makes sure they are married with children or at least with a bun in the oven.
Yeap, this is the formula Penelope Ward likes very much in my opinion and it is used in DRUNK DIAL as well.
**********************************************
DRUNK DIAL
1. Heroine makes an embarrasing/funny move -> Check
Drunk dialling and ranting.
2. Telephone conversations -> Check
Dirty texting, virtual sex etc
3. Animal-> Check
Snake
4. All kinds of insta -> Check
Immediate connection (on the phone)
Insta-lust (over a selfie picture)
Insta-love (when they meet in person)
5. Happy times -> Check
Cheesy but sweet and romantic dates, unbelievabe gifts and gestures, hot sex
6. Heavy issues -> Check
7. Happy happy end in which all problems are solved -> Check
Wedding and all...
8. Epilogue: Traditional happy family life -> Check
Definitely a bun in the oven!
**********************************************
Yeap… Same formula used again…
I wish Ms. Ward would change this formula and use something else from now on.
And when writers are planning the plot twists, I believe they should focus on one thing only.
A serious illness in Neighbor Dearest and the prison sentence in Cocky Bastard was like that, which was OK.
But in DRUNK DIAL, more than one or two heavy issues are dealt with, which spoils the focus of the story. Also, there are way too many coincidences.
**********************************************
Is it good - recommendable?
Well, it is readable. The first part is really very sweet, but the second half is definitely boring.
The characters are both likable, which helps to get through the boring parts.
Here is the belly dancer Rana and tattooed hot chef Landon with piercings and all.
**********************************************
Is it a second chance romance?
NO! Thank God, no!
I very rarely like second chance romances so I do not prefer to indulge in them much.
As this wasn’t a second chance romance, I was OK with her drunk dialing. If they had been lovers in the past, I would be unhappy about her trying to reach him first.
Rana and Landon were friends in the past when they were 12-13 years old. Then, Rana's parents moved from the city and they didn’t see each other again until she found Landon's number and drunk dialed him because she never forgot him.
**********************************************
Anything weird?
Why was the psychotic Lenny character created? What did it serve? It was really weird and unnecessary in my opinion, not serving anything.
Also, how desperate should a girl be to live with a male roommate, whom she thinks he will kill her.
WTF?!!
**********************************************
Safety Check
- Read the spoilers about heavy issues for triggers. I have no other warnings.
- No cheating between MCs
**********************************************
My Rating
First half of the book: 4 stars
Second half of the book: 2 stars
3 it is!
**********************************************
P.S. Special thanks to my gr friend Shannon, who prepared me for the plot twists or otherwise, I would be ranting in a more angry way now.
So, I didn't go in blind - I just wanted to read it for the first sweet and hot part that Shannon mentioned in her review. And I don't regret reading it.
I don't want to stop reading Penelope Ward because I loved Cocky Bastard and Neighbor Dearest very much but I will always regret reading Playboy Pilot and RoomHate.
I will still give her books a chance in the future but I do wish she got rid of her common and cliché plot planning.
August 22, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Drunk dialing? Have you ever done it? Well, I have and to say it's embarrassing when you sober up is soooo true. But what happens when a drunk dial leads to two former friends reconnecting that soon leads to a love connection? In the case of Penelope Ward's latest standalone, Drunk Dial she has readers ringing and dialing in to a modern romance that has steam, humor, heart and raw emotions.
One drunken night, Rana Saloomi decides to google up and dial Landon Roderick. It is there she goes on drunken spiel and tells Landon off about what happened thirteen years ago. Taken aback Landon calls back Rana and they try to clear up a miscommunication. Soon that one drunken phone call leads them to exchanging text messages and phone calls.
After several texts and phone conversations, Rana and Landon develops this deep friendship that also blurs into romantic feelings. As they tell each other secrets, they soon began to break down walls. Well these walls aren't broken down rapidly as Landon and Rana both carry a broken past and secrets.
Flawed. Real. Vulnerable. Scared. Yup, these words practically sums them both up. But the beautiful aspect of this is that it makes readers like myself able to connect with Landon and Rana. Their slow burn romance is what makes this love connection so real and palpable. There was no need to rush for sex because their chemistry alone will have your hearts flutter with each call and text. Yes, it will leave a big fat smile on your face.
So what happens when Rana and Landon are finally a couple? Can their relationship survive the long distance? Him being in California and Rana in Michigan?
Drunk Dial was your emotional slow burn romance that made you feel. Feel for the characters and most importantly feel the love radiating between them. I love everything about this book from the writing, witty dialogue, and the romance. So if you are ready to dial in a sweet and heartfelt love story then you better answer that Drunk Dial.
Penelope Ward
Drunk dialing? Have you ever done it? Well, I have and to say it's embarrassing when you sober up is soooo true. But what happens when a drunk dial leads to two former friends reconnecting that soon leads to a love connection? In the case of Penelope Ward's latest standalone, Drunk Dial she has readers ringing and dialing in to a modern romance that has steam, humor, heart and raw emotions.
One drunken night, Rana Saloomi decides to google up and dial Landon Roderick. It is there she goes on drunken spiel and tells Landon off about what happened thirteen years ago. Taken aback Landon calls back Rana and they try to clear up a miscommunication. Soon that one drunken phone call leads them to exchanging text messages and phone calls.
After several texts and phone conversations, Rana and Landon develops this deep friendship that also blurs into romantic feelings. As they tell each other secrets, they soon began to break down walls. Well these walls aren't broken down rapidly as Landon and Rana both carry a broken past and secrets.
Flawed. Real. Vulnerable. Scared. Yup, these words practically sums them both up. But the beautiful aspect of this is that it makes readers like myself able to connect with Landon and Rana. Their slow burn romance is what makes this love connection so real and palpable. There was no need to rush for sex because their chemistry alone will have your hearts flutter with each call and text. Yes, it will leave a big fat smile on your face.
So what happens when Rana and Landon are finally a couple? Can their relationship survive the long distance? Him being in California and Rana in Michigan?
Drunk Dial was your emotional slow burn romance that made you feel. Feel for the characters and most importantly feel the love radiating between them. I love everything about this book from the writing, witty dialogue, and the romance. So if you are ready to dial in a sweet and heartfelt love story then you better answer that Drunk Dial.
Penelope Ward
August 22, 2017
I liked this one a lot. The beginning was super epic. However, it kinda fizzled out sometime in the middle. It's also very insta love, which I couldn't quite get into. But I still liked it a lot. The heroine is super funny and the hero is super swoony. I still found it to be interesting and somewhat original. I recommend if you're looking for something a little different.
August 27, 2017
“In many ways, our story was a lot like the Rubik’s Cube – colourful and complicated.”
I am a huge Penelope Ward fan and I will read absolutely anything she produces, so to say this was something I was really looking forward to, would be a massive understatement. I always love her storytelling and her ability to pull me in from the get go and to leave me completely satisfied by the end. If you’re anything like me and love your ‘friends to lovers’ trope, then I am sure you will devour this one and love it as much as I did.
Landon and Rana are childhood friends who haven’t seen or spoken to each other since they were thirteen years old. They have recently reconnected through the most unlikely of circumstances. One night, after a few too many drinks, Rana decides to drunk dial Landon and tell him exactly what she thinks of him and the way they left their friendship so many years ago. The problem with drunk dialling anyone is when the call is over you have a major case of “what the hell have I just done” and then proceed to be mortified as the embarrassment sets in. Rana is no exception to this and I really felt her embarrassment. This scene was absolutely hilarious to me and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.
“Oh my. It was him – a selfie.
Fuck. Me. He was beatuful.”
After this first drunk call, Landon and Rana soon make calls to each other regularly and what starts out as witty banter between the two, soon turns into an undeniable connection. Their attraction towards each other develops, so much so that neither can ignore it and love blossoms. There are a few massive problems that stand in the way; not only does Landon live in California and Rana live in Michigan, but they are both harbouring secrets. They need to own up to these secrets in order to continue their relationship and the undeniable love they have for each other. Will they both be able to accept each other’s past, to make a life together in the future?
Once again Penelope Ward has created another swoony hero for her readers to fall in love with. There was really nothing not to love about Landon. He was sweet and sexy with plenty of ink and piercings to make you have hot flushes whilst reading. What I especially loved about him was, yes, he has made some mistakes in the past but, he doesn’t shy away from them. Landon owns his past and has learnt from his mistakes in order to make something of his life.
Drunk Dial is a sweet friends to lovers story with just the right mix of emotion and humor to keep you fully invested from start to finish. If you are on a search for your next BBF, then I strenuously suggest you meet Landon, he will melt your heart and make you fall in love.
October 13, 2017
If ever a drunk dial was to turn out to be any good, this would be the way it was meant to be.
I enjoyed the story, I just didn't feel a lot throughout it. Not a bad thing, it was sweet, it was cute, it actually was a beautiful love story. I just didn't love it.
But I did love Landon Roderick. He was so caring, so passionate, so real. I loved how he took control and made decisions. He was sweet, he was so loving and understanding of Rana's past. He made this book for me.
In the beginning I loved Rana, in the middle I can say I tolerated her. In the end, she redeemed herself and I liked her :-)) The actual story was good, there were parts I just expected more. What more I don't know, however I still enjoyed 💗
I enjoyed the story, I just didn't feel a lot throughout it. Not a bad thing, it was sweet, it was cute, it actually was a beautiful love story. I just didn't love it.
But I did love Landon Roderick. He was so caring, so passionate, so real. I loved how he took control and made decisions. He was sweet, he was so loving and understanding of Rana's past. He made this book for me.
In the beginning I loved Rana, in the middle I can say I tolerated her. In the end, she redeemed herself and I liked her :-)) The actual story was good, there were parts I just expected more. What more I don't know, however I still enjoyed 💗
August 17, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Rana Saloomi lived a safe but lonely life. As a belly dancer, she revealed herself to the world, but protected her heart from the possibility of being hurt. One drunken night led to a phone call to a boy from her past and the chance for fulfilling future.
Landon Roderick was no longer the clean cut boy Rana used to know. The tattooed hottie went away to searched for answers only to find his true self. Everything was going well in his life until she reappeared and made him realize what he's been missing.
I really like Landon's laid back personality. He was funny, attentive and protective. And I have to admit visualizing the cover model as the character helped a lot in making him sexy for me lol!
Rana was highly likable. She was kind, but sometimes her insecurities held her back.
The story overall was very entertaining. The two characters really clicked with each other. I love their background stories with how they met and found each other again. The secondary characters also added layers to the story. There were plenty of funny moments and sexy moments to satisfy anyone's needs.
Drunk Dial is a story of a couple finding each other again, and completing the missing pieces. It would appeal to readers looking for a lighthearted second chance romance.
🍹 📞 🍹 . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . 🍹 📞 🍹
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Rana Saloomi lived a safe but lonely life. As a belly dancer, she revealed herself to the world, but protected her heart from the possibility of being hurt. One drunken night led to a phone call to a boy from her past and the chance for fulfilling future.
Landon Roderick was no longer the clean cut boy Rana used to know. The tattooed hottie went away to searched for answers only to find his true self. Everything was going well in his life until she reappeared and made him realize what he's been missing.
His hands may have been calloused; his arms may have been inked; he may have looked dangerous, but Landon was as gentle as he was protective.
I really like Landon's laid back personality. He was funny, attentive and protective. And I have to admit visualizing the cover model as the character helped a lot in making him sexy for me lol!
“You’re obsessed with the idea of me— the mystique. The reality is a mess.”
Rana was highly likable. She was kind, but sometimes her insecurities held her back.
The story overall was very entertaining. The two characters really clicked with each other. I love their background stories with how they met and found each other again. The secondary characters also added layers to the story. There were plenty of funny moments and sexy moments to satisfy anyone's needs.
“It’s funny how the things that we once looked at as tragic are exactly what needed to happen, in retrospect.”
Drunk Dial is a story of a couple finding each other again, and completing the missing pieces. It would appeal to readers looking for a lighthearted second chance romance.
🍹 📞 🍹 . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . 🍹 📞 🍹
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 11, 2021
REVIEW: 2 STARS
SO, I REALIZE that I won't have a common rating....and this review won't be one of a popular opinion. I understand that, and I respect that, but I've always prided myself on the honesty in my reviews no matter how against the grain I am. My reviews are my personal opinion only, and I will always be as respectful as possible. With that being said, this book wasn't my favorite by Penelope Ward. I have read others I have enjoyed, but this one missed the mark for me.
I wish I could say the words flowed, but for me, they had a staccato rhythm to them and were pieced together. Abrupt. Short. Words. They just didn't flow, which didn't help the overall flow of the story for me. Many emotions and actions felt very forced, for the lack of a better word. I also felt like I was being told what was happening, and I was on the outside looking in. That is one of my biggest pet peeves for a book that is supposed to be really emotional. Many times, an author's words take you away, lift you up and you just move with the words/emotions/actions of the storyline. I felt no emotion, no attachment, no drive from the words in this story at all, and that saddened me more than anything else. This story had the ability to be amazing. The scenario itself? I could see where she was taking this book. I loved the idea of a reconnection for a second chance romance. Unfortunately, the scenario, the characters, the drama.....it was made up mostly of eye-roll-worthy happenings. In reality, it just didn't gel for me.
First and foremost, Rana was the most annoying heroine I have read all year. And I don't say that lightly. I don't mean any disrespect because I would hate to have my reviews picked apart, just as an author would hate to have their books picked apart. But this one took the cake. She was jealous for NO reason AT ALL for anything and everything that had NOTHING to do with her in any way. She basically told him she forgives him for his mistakes and everyone makes them, yet there was no forgiveness due by her. And who is to say it was a mistake what Landon did? I was literally fuming....she was judging when he was lost. I just didn't get it. She was insecure, but 'fixed' the issues, yet she was STILL insecure. She hid behind her insecurity in many scenes, but in other scenes, she seemed to be just fine. It was a weird dynamic to her as a whole. Landon was a super possessive guy, and we all know how much I love those kinds of men. The more possessive, the better, in my opinion. I love them all. His seemed outta whack for me, but he didn't annoy me like Rana did. There was a serious helping of cheesiness in this book, but you can generally look past it.
I felt like I was just getting madder and madder at the drama, the happenings going on in the book. I highlighted so many things that made me roll my eyes, or say "huh?" because there was just so much. I love the Vi/Pen duo, and that writing always seems flawless....it just flows effortlessly. But why didn't this book work for me? It was petty. Contrite. Immature. Selfish. It was not emotional at all for me. Sure, I read those words, but there was zero connection and zero feelings. I've actually somewhat been in Rana's position before, so I should have been able to relate at least a little bit....and yet, I just couldn't. She grated on my nerves. I don't want to say that. I actually hate saying it. I'm not being rude, but feeling sadly disappointed.
Were there any outside mitigating factors that would have offended my thoughts on this book? I honestly asked myself that. I didn't want to be the only one that just didn't enjoy this book. Hate is a strong word, but it's a valid one for this book...I hated Rana.
I realize the ramifications of leaving an honest, but negative review, so please don't blast me. I love reading and reviewing, but this one just didn't work for me. But I have to be honest. I've prided myself on my honesty on every book review I've ever done, negative or not. It's always an honest opinion. Never disrespectful, but always based on my feelings about the book and the characters. I could only discuss so much so that I wouldn't give away any of the plot so as to not take away from anyone else's reading enjoyment.
I'm so sad that I felt this way.....beyond sad. I just didn't enjoy this one at all. It got to the point that the actions and drama became comedic in a sense.
SO, I REALIZE that I won't have a common rating....and this review won't be one of a popular opinion. I understand that, and I respect that, but I've always prided myself on the honesty in my reviews no matter how against the grain I am. My reviews are my personal opinion only, and I will always be as respectful as possible. With that being said, this book wasn't my favorite by Penelope Ward. I have read others I have enjoyed, but this one missed the mark for me.
I wish I could say the words flowed, but for me, they had a staccato rhythm to them and were pieced together. Abrupt. Short. Words. They just didn't flow, which didn't help the overall flow of the story for me. Many emotions and actions felt very forced, for the lack of a better word. I also felt like I was being told what was happening, and I was on the outside looking in. That is one of my biggest pet peeves for a book that is supposed to be really emotional. Many times, an author's words take you away, lift you up and you just move with the words/emotions/actions of the storyline. I felt no emotion, no attachment, no drive from the words in this story at all, and that saddened me more than anything else. This story had the ability to be amazing. The scenario itself? I could see where she was taking this book. I loved the idea of a reconnection for a second chance romance. Unfortunately, the scenario, the characters, the drama.....it was made up mostly of eye-roll-worthy happenings. In reality, it just didn't gel for me.
First and foremost, Rana was the most annoying heroine I have read all year. And I don't say that lightly. I don't mean any disrespect because I would hate to have my reviews picked apart, just as an author would hate to have their books picked apart. But this one took the cake. She was jealous for NO reason AT ALL for anything and everything that had NOTHING to do with her in any way. She basically told him she forgives him for his mistakes and everyone makes them, yet there was no forgiveness due by her. And who is to say it was a mistake what Landon did? I was literally fuming....she was judging when he was lost. I just didn't get it. She was insecure, but 'fixed' the issues, yet she was STILL insecure. She hid behind her insecurity in many scenes, but in other scenes, she seemed to be just fine. It was a weird dynamic to her as a whole. Landon was a super possessive guy, and we all know how much I love those kinds of men. The more possessive, the better, in my opinion. I love them all. His seemed outta whack for me, but he didn't annoy me like Rana did. There was a serious helping of cheesiness in this book, but you can generally look past it.
I felt like I was just getting madder and madder at the drama, the happenings going on in the book. I highlighted so many things that made me roll my eyes, or say "huh?" because there was just so much. I love the Vi/Pen duo, and that writing always seems flawless....it just flows effortlessly. But why didn't this book work for me? It was petty. Contrite. Immature. Selfish. It was not emotional at all for me. Sure, I read those words, but there was zero connection and zero feelings. I've actually somewhat been in Rana's position before, so I should have been able to relate at least a little bit....and yet, I just couldn't. She grated on my nerves. I don't want to say that. I actually hate saying it. I'm not being rude, but feeling sadly disappointed.
Were there any outside mitigating factors that would have offended my thoughts on this book? I honestly asked myself that. I didn't want to be the only one that just didn't enjoy this book. Hate is a strong word, but it's a valid one for this book...I hated Rana.
I realize the ramifications of leaving an honest, but negative review, so please don't blast me. I love reading and reviewing, but this one just didn't work for me. But I have to be honest. I've prided myself on my honesty on every book review I've ever done, negative or not. It's always an honest opinion. Never disrespectful, but always based on my feelings about the book and the characters. I could only discuss so much so that I wouldn't give away any of the plot so as to not take away from anyone else's reading enjoyment.
I'm so sad that I felt this way.....beyond sad. I just didn't enjoy this one at all. It got to the point that the actions and drama became comedic in a sense.
August 21, 2017
Rana and Landon were best friends for a while when they were 13. Rana's family used to live on Landon's family's property. Until they were kicked out for not paying rent.
Now they're both 26 and one drunken night Rana calls Landon to let him know what she thinks of him and his family - he never even said goodbye back then.
And thus starts a very weird, but very exciting & adorable phone-friendship / courtship. With Rana in Detroit, Michigan and Landon in Venice, California.
But they might see each other sooner than they imagined ....
What will happen to Rana & Landon?
Will there be a chance for a HEA?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!
═════════════════════
I was so looking forward to reading this!
And I loved it!!
First of all - the cover! Phew!!!!
I love that Penelope really wrote Landon after Vadim on the cover - the tattoos, the ear stud. Perfect!
Many covers these days suck - I just read a book about a blond surfer guy and the guy on the cover had short dark hair :/
Anyway - this book was really adorable.
Heartbreakingly moving and full of hope and second chances and very funny moments ... I really enjoyed reading it.
Both Landon and Rana are very broken and lonely people. They need each other to heal and start living again. Not that they're dead now, but they're just going through the daily motions - especially Rana with her dancing job.
And both have not yet really dealt with whatever happened in their pasts.
But how can they get their HEA when he's in California and she's in Michigan???
This reader definitely had an amazing time watching them fight for their Happily Ever After!!!
DRUNK DIAL was such a heartbreakingly moving & funny & romantic & sexy love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Landon - this one is MINE!!!
and I mean Landon in the book and Vadim on the cover!!! ☺
If I had to name some things I didn't love-love. Maybe Landon was a bit too softish. I loved him sooo much....but the way he talked and acted ... it was not really the bad-boy I was expecting.
And another tiny little thing, but I'll put that in a spoiler thingy, but don't worry, it's just something about my weirdness - I misunderstood something, please don't read it if you haven't yet read the book - come back later to read it!!!!
♡
♡
♡
♡
♡
♡
September 9, 2017
Get it here:
Amazon * Barnes & Noble
For me Drunk Dial felt like a mix of a long-lost-lovers story along with a friends-to-lovers one. Rana and Landon had such an easy relationship that they fell into effortlessly so I couldn't help but feel like I was reading about two characters finding their soul mate.
I though it was brilliant how Penelope Ward had these two people tangled in a web of lust and need but also with so much sweetness that it balanced it out. The story was unique, at least for me, and I liked that it all worked out where I never doubted the connection between Rana and Landon. Despite the fact that they started a relationship while hundreds of miles apart, it was still very evident that these two were meant for one another.
Amazon * Barnes & Noble
For me Drunk Dial felt like a mix of a long-lost-lovers story along with a friends-to-lovers one. Rana and Landon had such an easy relationship that they fell into effortlessly so I couldn't help but feel like I was reading about two characters finding their soul mate.
I though it was brilliant how Penelope Ward had these two people tangled in a web of lust and need but also with so much sweetness that it balanced it out. The story was unique, at least for me, and I liked that it all worked out where I never doubted the connection between Rana and Landon. Despite the fact that they started a relationship while hundreds of miles apart, it was still very evident that these two were meant for one another.
August 30, 2017
4 'Tell me something funny' Stars!
Another fantastic and emotional love story by Penelope Ward! She always gets to surprise me with her twists and mysteries and Drunk Dial was no exception. A great list of characters, a couple with amazing chemistry, some drama and a happy ending: I am sure satisfied after reading this!
Drunk Dial is a standalone novel and it kind of portrays a very curious (and entertaining) friends to lovers romance. Rana and Landon were best friends for a while when they were little but out of the blue they were forced to separate. After many years later they haven't forgotten each other and imagine how they reconnect: Rana drunk dials Landon (very pissed on how things ended).
“I’m totally fucking obsessed with you, Rana.”
“You’re obsessed with the idea of me—the mystique. The reality is a mess.”
“What reality isn’t? A relationship is about appreciating the good, the bad, and the ugly. No one is perfect.”
I find Penelope's stories very focused on the feelings and secrets around the main characters and I have to say, I really enjoy that! The woman always manages to surprise me (and break my heart in the process!) with all that happens. I do feel the relationship was well-developed and of course, everything turned up great at the end.
“There’s no part of me that wants to be gentle. Don’t you dare hold back with me. Ask me for anything you want. Just be careful, because I will give it to you.”
“I’m coming home, Banana.”
Therefore, my rating for Drunk Dial is 4 STARS because it was a brilliant and surprising love story with a great couple that has lots of chemistry (in and out of the bedroom!). I feel pretty good after finishing this so a big thumps up for Penelope Ward's newest release!
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Another fantastic and emotional love story by Penelope Ward! She always gets to surprise me with her twists and mysteries and Drunk Dial was no exception. A great list of characters, a couple with amazing chemistry, some drama and a happy ending: I am sure satisfied after reading this!
Drunk Dial is a standalone novel and it kind of portrays a very curious (and entertaining) friends to lovers romance. Rana and Landon were best friends for a while when they were little but out of the blue they were forced to separate. After many years later they haven't forgotten each other and imagine how they reconnect: Rana drunk dials Landon (very pissed on how things ended).
“I’m totally fucking obsessed with you, Rana.”
“You’re obsessed with the idea of me—the mystique. The reality is a mess.”
“What reality isn’t? A relationship is about appreciating the good, the bad, and the ugly. No one is perfect.”
I find Penelope's stories very focused on the feelings and secrets around the main characters and I have to say, I really enjoy that! The woman always manages to surprise me (and break my heart in the process!) with all that happens. I do feel the relationship was well-developed and of course, everything turned up great at the end.
“There’s no part of me that wants to be gentle. Don’t you dare hold back with me. Ask me for anything you want. Just be careful, because I will give it to you.”
“I’m coming home, Banana.”
Therefore, my rating for Drunk Dial is 4 STARS because it was a brilliant and surprising love story with a great couple that has lots of chemistry (in and out of the bedroom!). I feel pretty good after finishing this so a big thumps up for Penelope Ward's newest release!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
Want to read
August 22, 2017Seeing that it is Penelope Ward's book why do i feel like that the heroine's gonna find out a girlfriend on the other end😛
April 2, 2020
I'm so upset that this didn't give me the Penelope Ward Feels I'm so used to. Didn't connect with the characters at all but I still love this author and will still be fangirling the fuck outta her. Can't wait for her next one <3
August 20, 2017
4 Stars!
Rana Saloomi is a beautiful, single 26 yr. old woman from Michigan. She enjoys her job as a belly dancer, but doesn't have much of a social life. One evening she gets brave after too much wine & makes an impulsive decision to look up her old childhood friend Landon Roderick. He's the boy she could never forget. They were friends in junior high for about a year before she moved. She hadn't seen him since she was 13, but as a kid, hanging out with him was what she lived for. She had a huge crush on him, & he meant everything to her. She still wondered about him often. Curious what he's up to these days, she drunk dials him. Rana isn't even sure Landon will remember her, but it turns out he hasn't forgotten her either. She tells him off in her tipsy state and figures she'll never hear from him again.
-"Will you drunk dial me again? I feel like I'm not done with your crazy."
-"You're good for my soul, Rana."
Rana is shocked when Landon calls her back & they begin talking daily. They talk for weeks & the sexual tension continues to grow. The connection between them is still there. They share an intense mutual attraction & have both changed a lot over the years. Tomboy Rana now has an exotic look & Landon is tatted up, muscular, and looks like a bad boy rockstar. They took different paths through the years, but now that they've reconnected they're both crazy about each other. The only problem is Landon lives in California & Rana lives in Michigan. One spontaneous flight changes everything when they finally reunite face to face. Their greatest fantasy becomes reality, but will secrets from their past threaten the relationship their building, or will live conquer all?
I really enjoyed this second chance love story about two best friends who reunite years later & fall in love. Landon was absolutely delish!!!
-I've never wanted anyone like I want you.
-I craved him.
-Having his hands on me was quickly becoming my favorite thing.
Rana Saloomi is a beautiful, single 26 yr. old woman from Michigan. She enjoys her job as a belly dancer, but doesn't have much of a social life. One evening she gets brave after too much wine & makes an impulsive decision to look up her old childhood friend Landon Roderick. He's the boy she could never forget. They were friends in junior high for about a year before she moved. She hadn't seen him since she was 13, but as a kid, hanging out with him was what she lived for. She had a huge crush on him, & he meant everything to her. She still wondered about him often. Curious what he's up to these days, she drunk dials him. Rana isn't even sure Landon will remember her, but it turns out he hasn't forgotten her either. She tells him off in her tipsy state and figures she'll never hear from him again.
-"Will you drunk dial me again? I feel like I'm not done with your crazy."
-"You're good for my soul, Rana."
Rana is shocked when Landon calls her back & they begin talking daily. They talk for weeks & the sexual tension continues to grow. The connection between them is still there. They share an intense mutual attraction & have both changed a lot over the years. Tomboy Rana now has an exotic look & Landon is tatted up, muscular, and looks like a bad boy rockstar. They took different paths through the years, but now that they've reconnected they're both crazy about each other. The only problem is Landon lives in California & Rana lives in Michigan. One spontaneous flight changes everything when they finally reunite face to face. Their greatest fantasy becomes reality, but will secrets from their past threaten the relationship their building, or will live conquer all?
I really enjoyed this second chance love story about two best friends who reunite years later & fall in love. Landon was absolutely delish!!!
-I've never wanted anyone like I want you.
-I craved him.
-Having his hands on me was quickly becoming my favorite thing.
August 31, 2017
I loved this beautiful story from beginning to end. So much love between Rana and Landon. FIVE FABULOUS STARS!
August 17, 2017
4★★★★ Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rana Saloomi; grew up believing she wasn't pretty and often looking like a tomboy. Living with a beautiful mother that didn't care about her really affected the way she looked at herself. After her mother run away with another man; she rebel against her father and got in a lot of trouble. Not only did she have gotten in trouble but she made a lot of mistakes that scar her for life.
Landon Roderick used to have it all and one truth changed his life forever.�� He moved from Michigan to California searching for answers he never really got. Instead he made bad choices; he grew up to be smoking hot but with his tatted body and piercing he was a total bad boy. Landon was putting his life together and making his business grows until he got a call that brought his past back and new choices he had to make.
Rana had the biggest crush on Landon since little. They lived together until her parents disappeared; leaving everything behind and so she left Landon. However; things were not as it seemed she always believed Landon had forgotten about her, so she resented him for it. One drunken night she looked him up and dials him.
Landon and Rana reconnect after that silly phone call. Rana had made so many mistakes that she invested her time working as a dancer at a restaurant and never let any man in to do more heart breaking damage. Landon was a player he always wanted a connection but he hadn't found the right person. The long conversations made these two connect and each day that passed they become more and more attractive to one another.
I really liked this story a lot. Landon was so sweet and understanding; their first date over the phone was absolutely amazing I seriously loved it. Rana was a hilarious character because without even thinking she would make Landon laugh and I felt that they were perfect for each other. The side characters were likable specially Lilith; she was a smart and funny little girl who Rana cared for a lot and I absolutely adored their times together. Rana's father was unique and special, he was supportive and a loving father to her.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. I was hooked from page one, I grin and laugh so much and even had teary eyes on one special scene. Readers who enjoy second chance romance will find this book appealing.
🍹 📞 (F)BR With War 📞 🍹
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rana Saloomi; grew up believing she wasn't pretty and often looking like a tomboy. Living with a beautiful mother that didn't care about her really affected the way she looked at herself. After her mother run away with another man; she rebel against her father and got in a lot of trouble. Not only did she have gotten in trouble but she made a lot of mistakes that scar her for life.
Landon Roderick used to have it all and one truth changed his life forever.�� He moved from Michigan to California searching for answers he never really got. Instead he made bad choices; he grew up to be smoking hot but with his tatted body and piercing he was a total bad boy. Landon was putting his life together and making his business grows until he got a call that brought his past back and new choices he had to make.
Rana had the biggest crush on Landon since little. They lived together until her parents disappeared; leaving everything behind and so she left Landon. However; things were not as it seemed she always believed Landon had forgotten about her, so she resented him for it. One drunken night she looked him up and dials him.
"I'd lived for so many years feeling alone and scared. For the first time in my life, I felt truly safe."
“It’s funny how the things that we once looked at as tragic are exactly what needed to happen, in retrospect.”
Landon and Rana reconnect after that silly phone call. Rana had made so many mistakes that she invested her time working as a dancer at a restaurant and never let any man in to do more heart breaking damage. Landon was a player he always wanted a connection but he hadn't found the right person. The long conversations made these two connect and each day that passed they become more and more attractive to one another.
I really liked this story a lot. Landon was so sweet and understanding; their first date over the phone was absolutely amazing I seriously loved it. Rana was a hilarious character because without even thinking she would make Landon laugh and I felt that they were perfect for each other. The side characters were likable specially Lilith; she was a smart and funny little girl who Rana cared for a lot and I absolutely adored their times together. Rana's father was unique and special, he was supportive and a loving father to her.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. I was hooked from page one, I grin and laugh so much and even had teary eyes on one special scene. Readers who enjoy second chance romance will find this book appealing.
🍹 📞 (F)BR With War 📞 🍹
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Read
October 20, 20174 Stars
This book hit me from the depths of my kindle library at just the right time. I needed a quick, mostly light hearted read and for the most part, Drunk Dial suited me to a T. I love the idea of Rana and Landon reconnecting after all of that time (thirteen years!) and the notes Rana saved for all of those years from Landon were freaking adorable.
The instalove force is strong with this one and I could've used a scosh more relationship angst. It's not quite at the cavity-inducing level of sweetness but it aint far off, either.
This book hit me from the depths of my kindle library at just the right time. I needed a quick, mostly light hearted read and for the most part, Drunk Dial suited me to a T. I love the idea of Rana and Landon reconnecting after all of that time (thirteen years!) and the notes Rana saved for all of those years from Landon were freaking adorable.
The instalove force is strong with this one and I could've used a scosh more relationship angst. It's not quite at the cavity-inducing level of sweetness but it aint far off, either.
September 9, 2019
DNF. This quote turned me off.
“I can’t do this forever. I haven’t been with anyone since before the night you sent me the photo of your ass. But I’m a man, and I have needs. Either you let me see you, let me be with you, or I’m going to have no choice but to take this sexual energy out on someone else. Is that what you really want? You want me to give someone else what’s meant for you?”
“I can’t do this forever. I haven’t been with anyone since before the night you sent me the photo of your ass. But I’m a man, and I have needs. Either you let me see you, let me be with you, or I’m going to have no choice but to take this sexual energy out on someone else. Is that what you really want? You want me to give someone else what’s meant for you?”
August 20, 2017
I feel like my heart just abandoned me, leapt out of my chest for good, and ended up skipping through galaxies beyond. And I need to retrieve and pick it back up from wherever it decided to land on. Seriously. Penelope Ward has officially set my entire body in a constant, mesmerizing and delicious state of overdrive—my mind is completely blown to shards, my heart is bursting at the seams with so much love and feels, my tummy is filled with crazy mad butterflies, and my emotions... well, it's pretty all over the place at the moment.
I couldn't even begin to tell you how many times I've laughed out loud or almost screamed "oh my god" at the top of my lungs for so many reasons in the duration that I've devoured this book. I know for a fact that saying I LOVED IT won't even do what I feel for this book any damn justice. It's so much more than that. I'M OBSESSED. I won't ever get over this or forget it any time soon. And don't be fooled by the title because this book is one you definitely won't see coming, ripping through your senses and slamming your poor little heart around like it's had more than the amount of caffeine it could take in a day.
Landon Roderick, in what freaking universe did you come from? Can I just hand over my heart and soul to you? Here, I'm offering them up in a silver platter. Take them. God, this guy might not be the perfect man you're expecting at all—he totally has his own flaws and committed his fair share of mistakes and even regrets—but those are also what made him who he is today. He grew beautifully inside and out, and learned so much from everything he went through. They might not all be happy, colorful moments he's proud of, but with how and where he is now? He should be beyond proud. I know I am. My heart is just screaming and brimming with so much love and pride for this guy. And I'm head over heels in love with him. I want my very own Landon Roderick, complete with that Landon's Lunch Box replica. Wait, did I mention that already? Yes? Well, that's because it needs to be repeated a million times.
Rana Saloomi is not a character that just blends in the background or gets overshadowed by anyone else. No, she was built to stand out with that fierce personality and sassiness she owns and wears like an armor. I freaking loved her huge heart and vibrant spirit. She's been through so much more than any woman her age should have, but she didn't let that stop her from getting back up. From trying her best to make up for her shortcomings. I adored her unwavering strength—it's really what shone the most to me. That no matter how panicked or down she already was, Rana still found it within herself to laugh or crack jokes, or just naturally blurt out the craziest, weirdest things and remain positive. She was pure sunshine and iridescent rainbows. No wonder other people want to be like her...
Every secret revealed by these two are like hits to a shaking, craving junkie. Or morsels of chocolate to a chocolate addict. Their chemistry was so profoundly earth-shattering, their connection so palpable and unlike any other I've read about before. It was absolute perfection. If it isn't already obvious with how much I'm raving over this, I loved every single thing about Drunk Dial—the characters, the spellbinding plot, the build up of the story, the tension, even the suspense of anticipating what's going to happen next. All of it. I also loved how the author constantly kept her readers on their toes, guessing what her character's next move will be. It's refreshing and very compelling that you truly won't be able to put the book down.
Reading this was an exquisite thrill of a ride. It's a gripping story that doesn't only aim to entertain or inspire, but also relays a message, a lesson that every single one of us needs to be reminded of always. I swear, Penelope Ward never ceases to astound me with every tale she releases. As usual, she continuously dropped bombs left and right, and you just won't be able to hold in all the giddiness, the feels and the swooning you'll experience all throughout.
Drunk Dial couldn't have been written more remarkably than it already is and has certainly shot up to the top of my best reads of the year list before I was even halfway through. Read this book. Meet Rana Banana and Landon. Laugh with them. Feel with them. Have heaps of fun with them. It's worth everyfreakingthing, TRUST ME. Easiest gazillion star rating I've ever given.
”Tell me something funny.“
I couldn't even begin to tell you how many times I've laughed out loud or almost screamed "oh my god" at the top of my lungs for so many reasons in the duration that I've devoured this book. I know for a fact that saying I LOVED IT won't even do what I feel for this book any damn justice. It's so much more than that. I'M OBSESSED. I won't ever get over this or forget it any time soon. And don't be fooled by the title because this book is one you definitely won't see coming, ripping through your senses and slamming your poor little heart around like it's had more than the amount of caffeine it could take in a day.
Landon Roderick, in what freaking universe did you come from? Can I just hand over my heart and soul to you? Here, I'm offering them up in a silver platter. Take them. God, this guy might not be the perfect man you're expecting at all—he totally has his own flaws and committed his fair share of mistakes and even regrets—but those are also what made him who he is today. He grew beautifully inside and out, and learned so much from everything he went through. They might not all be happy, colorful moments he's proud of, but with how and where he is now? He should be beyond proud. I know I am. My heart is just screaming and brimming with so much love and pride for this guy. And I'm head over heels in love with him. I want my very own Landon Roderick, complete with that Landon's Lunch Box replica. Wait, did I mention that already? Yes? Well, that's because it needs to be repeated a million times.
Rana Saloomi is not a character that just blends in the background or gets overshadowed by anyone else. No, she was built to stand out with that fierce personality and sassiness she owns and wears like an armor. I freaking loved her huge heart and vibrant spirit. She's been through so much more than any woman her age should have, but she didn't let that stop her from getting back up. From trying her best to make up for her shortcomings. I adored her unwavering strength—it's really what shone the most to me. That no matter how panicked or down she already was, Rana still found it within herself to laugh or crack jokes, or just naturally blurt out the craziest, weirdest things and remain positive. She was pure sunshine and iridescent rainbows. No wonder other people want to be like her...
Every secret revealed by these two are like hits to a shaking, craving junkie. Or morsels of chocolate to a chocolate addict. Their chemistry was so profoundly earth-shattering, their connection so palpable and unlike any other I've read about before. It was absolute perfection. If it isn't already obvious with how much I'm raving over this, I loved every single thing about Drunk Dial—the characters, the spellbinding plot, the build up of the story, the tension, even the suspense of anticipating what's going to happen next. All of it. I also loved how the author constantly kept her readers on their toes, guessing what her character's next move will be. It's refreshing and very compelling that you truly won't be able to put the book down.
Reading this was an exquisite thrill of a ride. It's a gripping story that doesn't only aim to entertain or inspire, but also relays a message, a lesson that every single one of us needs to be reminded of always. I swear, Penelope Ward never ceases to astound me with every tale she releases. As usual, she continuously dropped bombs left and right, and you just won't be able to hold in all the giddiness, the feels and the swooning you'll experience all throughout.
Drunk Dial couldn't have been written more remarkably than it already is and has certainly shot up to the top of my best reads of the year list before I was even halfway through. Read this book. Meet Rana Banana and Landon. Laugh with them. Feel with them. Have heaps of fun with them. It's worth everyfreakingthing, TRUST ME. Easiest gazillion star rating I've ever given.
”Tell me something funny.“
August 21, 2017
~*~ 4 1/2 STARS ~*~
What can I say that I haven't already said about this FABULOUS WRITER...I honestly feel like a broken record every time I write a review for Ms. Ward, because EVERY SINGLE STORY that she releases into the wild is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! Drunk Dial gives us a unique storyline with some pretty unforgettable characters. They are flawed. They are relatable. They are beautiful. There are a couple of reveals throughout the story that were surprising and intense. The chemistry, of course, was OFF THE CHARTS, and the impeccable writing was ON POINT all throughout. Cover to cover, DRUNK DIAL was UNPUTDOWNABLE! I always go in thinking that I know what to expect from a Penelope Ward romance, but in the end, she ends up surprising me EVERY SINGLE TIME.
What can I say that I haven't already said about this FABULOUS WRITER...I honestly feel like a broken record every time I write a review for Ms. Ward, because EVERY SINGLE STORY that she releases into the wild is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! Drunk Dial gives us a unique storyline with some pretty unforgettable characters. They are flawed. They are relatable. They are beautiful. There are a couple of reveals throughout the story that were surprising and intense. The chemistry, of course, was OFF THE CHARTS, and the impeccable writing was ON POINT all throughout. Cover to cover, DRUNK DIAL was UNPUTDOWNABLE! I always go in thinking that I know what to expect from a Penelope Ward romance, but in the end, she ends up surprising me EVERY SINGLE TIME.
August 20, 2017
I love Penelope Ward and her books.
I absolutely love how these characters reconnected after 13 years through a drunk phone call. And while this story was sweet, I wish I connected more to it and the characters.
Rana and Landon knew each other as kids when she and her family lived in his family's garage apt. Until they couldn't afford to pay rent and were kicked out. Thirteen years later, Rana has never forgotten him so drunk dials him to give him a piece of her mind.
But what's supposed to be one conversation turns to more as the characters reconnect and build a friendship that becomes something neither expected.
For me, the reconnecting part happened way too fast as well as the codependency to have to talk and see each other. I wanted to connect to them and their feelings so badly but I just didn't. Besides her looks and telling him something funny, I didn't understand what they liked/loved in each other to bring their relationship forward. I didn't feel their love and passion for each other and just wanted more.
Denise loved this book so I'm so happy for that. This wasn't one of my favorites from this author but I did enjoy the journey to get to the HEA.
I absolutely love how these characters reconnected after 13 years through a drunk phone call. And while this story was sweet, I wish I connected more to it and the characters.
Rana and Landon knew each other as kids when she and her family lived in his family's garage apt. Until they couldn't afford to pay rent and were kicked out. Thirteen years later, Rana has never forgotten him so drunk dials him to give him a piece of her mind.
But what's supposed to be one conversation turns to more as the characters reconnect and build a friendship that becomes something neither expected.
For me, the reconnecting part happened way too fast as well as the codependency to have to talk and see each other. I wanted to connect to them and their feelings so badly but I just didn't. Besides her looks and telling him something funny, I didn't understand what they liked/loved in each other to bring their relationship forward. I didn't feel their love and passion for each other and just wanted more.
Denise loved this book so I'm so happy for that. This wasn't one of my favorites from this author but I did enjoy the journey to get to the HEA.
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