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It's Not PMS, It's You
Ruth “Ruthless” Harper is on the verge of becoming managing partner at her all-male consulting firm and she won’t let anything stand in her way. That includes men, relationships, and that dreaded F word, FEELINGS—distractions she eliminated long ago.
After the worst day ever (a near-death experience and a public wedgie, for starters), Ruth realizes she doesn’t want to live and die alone. She puts together a business plan to find the perfect man and dives head first into the murky online dating pool. All she wants is a high-powered executive who understands how important her career is. If only it were that easy.
Problem is most men are intimidated by Ruth’s confidence and shocked by her bluntness. The exception being her landscape designer, Nick, whose cool demeanor and unsolicited dating advice are driving her nuts. He’s the antithesis of the business-oriented man Ruth envisions for herself, so why do all signs keep pointing back to him?
After the worst day ever (a near-death experience and a public wedgie, for starters), Ruth realizes she doesn’t want to live and die alone. She puts together a business plan to find the perfect man and dives head first into the murky online dating pool. All she wants is a high-powered executive who understands how important her career is. If only it were that easy.
Problem is most men are intimidated by Ruth’s confidence and shocked by her bluntness. The exception being her landscape designer, Nick, whose cool demeanor and unsolicited dating advice are driving her nuts. He’s the antithesis of the business-oriented man Ruth envisions for herself, so why do all signs keep pointing back to him?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2019
2536 people are currently reading
1783 people want to read
About the author
Rich Amooi
32 books638 followersRich Amooi is a Taleflick Discovery Winner, Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Recipient, Holt Medallion Finalist, and the Amazon Bestselling author of 24 romantic comedies, including It's Not PMS, It's You, Dying to Meet You, Royal Crush, and Men or Paws.
A former radio personality and wedding DJ, Rich now writes romantic comedies full-time in San Diego, California, and is happily married to a kiss monster imported from Spain. Rich believes in public displays of affection, silliness, infinite possibilities, donuts, gratitude, laughter, and happily ever after.
Get a FREE romantic comedy by visiting his website at https://www.richamooi.com.
A former radio personality and wedding DJ, Rich now writes romantic comedies full-time in San Diego, California, and is happily married to a kiss monster imported from Spain. Rich believes in public displays of affection, silliness, infinite possibilities, donuts, gratitude, laughter, and happily ever after.
Get a FREE romantic comedy by visiting his website at https://www.richamooi.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 472 reviews
November 24, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
…like me, she wouldn’t take crap from male colleagues who thought they could do or say whatever they wanted just because they were packing two olives and a cocktail weenie in their shorts.
Stewart was right next to him, a cocky grin on his face like he had just found out his penis was two inches long instead of one.
Run, you fool! There’s a chance you are going to be killed! Never call a woman wedgie girl!
There are certain things that women ask men that are problematic and have to be dealt with properly and delicately. Some are legitimate questions. Some are tricks. To this day, most men haven’t figured out which is which. It’s like playing a game of Russian Roulette when answering, only there is a bullet in every chamber.
“I own a bagel shop. I told you I made a lot of dough. Ha!” He laughed and slapped the table, causing the trout on his plate to go airborne for a brief second.
Wait, you sell toilets and your last name is Butts? That is classic. Do you mind if I keep the card? I want to show my friends. Good thing for you that your parents didn’t name you Harry or Seymour.
Could you see yourself with the last name of Butts? … Ruth Butts. It kind of has a nice ring to it. Can I get you anything else, Mrs. Butts? Butts, party of two! At your wedding, the guests will say, ‘Wow, I’ve never seen so many Butts in one place!’
I could see my first date approaching me and my BS detector was already pegging in the red. It was the way he walked. Was he going for a swagger like Mick Jagger or a drunk pimp limp? It was kind of a mix of the two. Or maybe he had an injured leg or a bad case of hemorrhoids.
My Review:
Rich Amooi is my go-to guy for a pleasurable, witty, and delightfully amusing rom/com. His stories are refreshingly light on conflict and a tonic for my beleaguered brain between intense thrillers and heartrending dramas. Not to say his tales are mindless fluff as his likable characters have considerable substance and are typically working through real-world issues while gathering insights and experiencing hard-won epiphanies, just in a more comical manner than most. I adore his humorous observations, easy to follow writing style, engaging storylines, and a unique sense of levity that injects a much-needed sense of buoyancy to my spirits and reading rotation. This is why his name is listed in ink, having earned a permanent slot on my list of favorites.
…like me, she wouldn’t take crap from male colleagues who thought they could do or say whatever they wanted just because they were packing two olives and a cocktail weenie in their shorts.
Stewart was right next to him, a cocky grin on his face like he had just found out his penis was two inches long instead of one.
Run, you fool! There’s a chance you are going to be killed! Never call a woman wedgie girl!
There are certain things that women ask men that are problematic and have to be dealt with properly and delicately. Some are legitimate questions. Some are tricks. To this day, most men haven’t figured out which is which. It’s like playing a game of Russian Roulette when answering, only there is a bullet in every chamber.
“I own a bagel shop. I told you I made a lot of dough. Ha!” He laughed and slapped the table, causing the trout on his plate to go airborne for a brief second.
Wait, you sell toilets and your last name is Butts? That is classic. Do you mind if I keep the card? I want to show my friends. Good thing for you that your parents didn’t name you Harry or Seymour.
Could you see yourself with the last name of Butts? … Ruth Butts. It kind of has a nice ring to it. Can I get you anything else, Mrs. Butts? Butts, party of two! At your wedding, the guests will say, ‘Wow, I’ve never seen so many Butts in one place!’
I could see my first date approaching me and my BS detector was already pegging in the red. It was the way he walked. Was he going for a swagger like Mick Jagger or a drunk pimp limp? It was kind of a mix of the two. Or maybe he had an injured leg or a bad case of hemorrhoids.
My Review:
Rich Amooi is my go-to guy for a pleasurable, witty, and delightfully amusing rom/com. His stories are refreshingly light on conflict and a tonic for my beleaguered brain between intense thrillers and heartrending dramas. Not to say his tales are mindless fluff as his likable characters have considerable substance and are typically working through real-world issues while gathering insights and experiencing hard-won epiphanies, just in a more comical manner than most. I adore his humorous observations, easy to follow writing style, engaging storylines, and a unique sense of levity that injects a much-needed sense of buoyancy to my spirits and reading rotation. This is why his name is listed in ink, having earned a permanent slot on my list of favorites.
July 13, 2020
Eh. I really don’t know how I feel about this one!
On one hand we had the brilliantly written and wonderful snark and sass of the MC who didn’t let anyone get in her way, owning her life and showing guys that women are just as capable as men, especially in the first half of the book.
But on the other hand I didn’t really like our love interest that much, he kinda annoyed me and was surprisingly judgy. I also got slightly annoyed when our MC changed for him, like I get that she ‘changed for the better’ and ‘became happier’ and all that but I don’t know, she just seemed less kickass by the end of it all.
I don’t know! I’m just picky when it comes to romcoms ahah, but this was definitely entertaining most of the time. I did enjoy it!
On one hand we had the brilliantly written and wonderful snark and sass of the MC who didn’t let anyone get in her way, owning her life and showing guys that women are just as capable as men, especially in the first half of the book.
But on the other hand I didn’t really like our love interest that much, he kinda annoyed me and was surprisingly judgy. I also got slightly annoyed when our MC changed for him, like I get that she ‘changed for the better’ and ‘became happier’ and all that but I don’t know, she just seemed less kickass by the end of it all.
I don’t know! I’m just picky when it comes to romcoms ahah, but this was definitely entertaining most of the time. I did enjoy it!
November 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this romantic comedy. I was laughing from the first chapter and when I read the author's comments that the situation in that chapter was based on a real event in his wife's life, I laughed even more. Don't get me wrong, this is not just a comedy, there are some very serious issues dealt with in this book as well.
Ruth Harper is a woman who is quite happy with her life. She is a workaholic, single and driven to move up in her company. She has one friend, Dee, who also happens to be her personal assistant. All is going according to plan, until she has a near death experience. She realizes that there has to be more to life and has an epiphany. She decided she needs to find a man. Her dates once again, had me in stitches. Bagel Barney and Edward Butts (the man who owns a plumbing empire that specializes in toilets) were the dates from you know where. Ruth does not want to give up though. Then she realizes that the landscape technician who is working at her house makes her smile. I loved Nick. He wanted to make Ruth happy, but he knew she had to discover what she needed on her own. They were so good together. They made each other smile and laugh. Their banter was wonderful and the author developed their characters so well, it was as if I knew them. Then there was Ruth and Dee together. They were also so much fun together. Much of their interaction was done in text form and that got them into trouble more than once.
This was a story about a strong woman, who was not about to take any guff from a man. She went after what she wanted and with her sharp tongue, she was able to put just about anyone in their place. When she realized that her outlook on life was wrong, she wasted no time rectifying that. She was also a lovely, caring woman (although it took her a while to realize that) who ended up putting others before herself. All this because Nick taught her to relax, enjoy life and find what made her happy. This was the first book I have read by Rick Amooi, but it won't be the last. I will definitely be checking out his back list. I recommend this one to those who enjoy contemporary romance, especially with a lot of humour throw in. Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my copy of this book. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Ruth Harper is a woman who is quite happy with her life. She is a workaholic, single and driven to move up in her company. She has one friend, Dee, who also happens to be her personal assistant. All is going according to plan, until she has a near death experience. She realizes that there has to be more to life and has an epiphany. She decided she needs to find a man. Her dates once again, had me in stitches. Bagel Barney and Edward Butts (the man who owns a plumbing empire that specializes in toilets) were the dates from you know where. Ruth does not want to give up though. Then she realizes that the landscape technician who is working at her house makes her smile. I loved Nick. He wanted to make Ruth happy, but he knew she had to discover what she needed on her own. They were so good together. They made each other smile and laugh. Their banter was wonderful and the author developed their characters so well, it was as if I knew them. Then there was Ruth and Dee together. They were also so much fun together. Much of their interaction was done in text form and that got them into trouble more than once.
This was a story about a strong woman, who was not about to take any guff from a man. She went after what she wanted and with her sharp tongue, she was able to put just about anyone in their place. When she realized that her outlook on life was wrong, she wasted no time rectifying that. She was also a lovely, caring woman (although it took her a while to realize that) who ended up putting others before herself. All this because Nick taught her to relax, enjoy life and find what made her happy. This was the first book I have read by Rick Amooi, but it won't be the last. I will definitely be checking out his back list. I recommend this one to those who enjoy contemporary romance, especially with a lot of humour throw in. Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my copy of this book. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
September 26, 2021
3.5 Stars rounded to 4!
After having a near-death experience and finding out she wants someone in her life except her parents and a bestfriend because she don't want to die alone, Ruth “Ruthless” Harper vows to find her soulmate. She goes ahead and puts together a business plan with characteristics of business partner to find a life partner! But her best friend, Dee, helps her to set up some dates. Problem is most men are intimidated by Ruth’s confidence and shocked by her bluntness. Except for her landscape designer, Nick, who offers her some insight - both in dating and in life. After some disastrous dates and speed dating, Ruth realizes Nick, though not falling into any traits she wanted, is the person she wants...
Ruth is a very strong, confident and a career-oriented woman and she won't be intimidated by a boardroom filled by all men. She goes for the things she want. But she is also kind and compassionate. Nick, on the other hand, is pretty relaxed, does what he wants and enjoys life to it's fullest. He is humble.
I blew out a frustrated breath and covered my face with my hands. “Why does every possible embarrassing moment of my adult life happen when I’m with you?”
“I guess I’m here to keep you humble.”
I loved all the characters in the book. Be it the main characters or the others. (Dee was the best!) Ruth's character development was quite realistic. I also loved Judy's character. It provided a great insight to the story. Also, one of the best things was - chapters from Nick's POV! Another thing I really loved was - this is a clean romance. (I didn't know such a thing existed and had a name until now!)
In the end, I wanted Nick to grovel. He got off pretty easy. Apart from that, I enjoyed reading It's Not PMS, It's You. It is a cute, quick and funny read. The title is fun. The cover is promising. And you won't regret reading this book. This is my first book by Rich Amooi, but I would be checking other books by this author.
After having a near-death experience and finding out she wants someone in her life except her parents and a bestfriend because she don't want to die alone, Ruth “Ruthless” Harper vows to find her soulmate. She goes ahead and puts together a business plan with characteristics of business partner to find a life partner! But her best friend, Dee, helps her to set up some dates. Problem is most men are intimidated by Ruth’s confidence and shocked by her bluntness. Except for her landscape designer, Nick, who offers her some insight - both in dating and in life. After some disastrous dates and speed dating, Ruth realizes Nick, though not falling into any traits she wanted, is the person she wants...
Ruth is a very strong, confident and a career-oriented woman and she won't be intimidated by a boardroom filled by all men. She goes for the things she want. But she is also kind and compassionate. Nick, on the other hand, is pretty relaxed, does what he wants and enjoys life to it's fullest. He is humble.
I blew out a frustrated breath and covered my face with my hands. “Why does every possible embarrassing moment of my adult life happen when I’m with you?”
“I guess I’m here to keep you humble.”
I loved all the characters in the book. Be it the main characters or the others. (Dee was the best!) Ruth's character development was quite realistic. I also loved Judy's character. It provided a great insight to the story. Also, one of the best things was - chapters from Nick's POV! Another thing I really loved was - this is a clean romance. (I didn't know such a thing existed and had a name until now!)
In the end, I wanted Nick to grovel. He got off pretty easy. Apart from that, I enjoyed reading It's Not PMS, It's You. It is a cute, quick and funny read. The title is fun. The cover is promising. And you won't regret reading this book. This is my first book by Rich Amooi, but I would be checking other books by this author.
November 22, 2019
Oh my goodness!!! What a fantastic 5 star read!!
How does Rich Amooi do it - writing a woman's voice who is strong, confident and powerful. I absolutely loved this Rom/Com and kept me smiling the entire time I was reading this.
You will absolutely find yourself rooting for Ruthless Ruth the entire time - she is passionate and is absolutely kicking it at her consulting firm ran by men and on her way up to making partner.
Just like her success in her profession, she sees that making a business plan for her personal life will lead her to not dying alone. Her BFF Dee is one amazing character you will absolutely love.
For an amazing read, pick this book up for an amazing romantic comedy. I was laughing with tears right from the start and to a beautifully satisfying ending. I highly recommend this book for those who would enjoy a contemporary romance. I am going to be reading all of Rich Amooi's other books as I am now a huge fan!!
How does Rich Amooi do it - writing a woman's voice who is strong, confident and powerful. I absolutely loved this Rom/Com and kept me smiling the entire time I was reading this.
You will absolutely find yourself rooting for Ruthless Ruth the entire time - she is passionate and is absolutely kicking it at her consulting firm ran by men and on her way up to making partner.
Just like her success in her profession, she sees that making a business plan for her personal life will lead her to not dying alone. Her BFF Dee is one amazing character you will absolutely love.
For an amazing read, pick this book up for an amazing romantic comedy. I was laughing with tears right from the start and to a beautifully satisfying ending. I highly recommend this book for those who would enjoy a contemporary romance. I am going to be reading all of Rich Amooi's other books as I am now a huge fan!!
November 25, 2019
I've really become a fan of this author after the last two that I read and loved. And let's just say I'm not getting any younger instead of talking about how I'm getting older, three years away from 50 as of this past October. So the title and of course synopsis of this one called to me. It still makes me feel old to have a character that is 45 years old with an adult daughter like Nick has, but I guess it's only true! Now, while I may not be quite the workaholic that Ruth is, I definitely get where she's coming from. I do work two jobs, and could probably quit one and just stop buying as much stuff as I do, but I am lonely and can't seem to meet anyone, so I think my stuff makes me happy, so I have to keep working in order to buy it. It's a vicious circle.
But about the book, Ruth was hilarious, and her dating misadventures even better! I loved her friend Dee, and it was impossible not to fall in love with Nick. While I wish we'd maybe had a few more chapters from his point of view towards the middle, we always got his chapters when we needed him. Their whole relationship development was perfect, how it started as acquaintances with attractions to each other, to friends who were attracted to each other, to finally giving in and just accepting that everyone around them was right and they were meant for each other. The big end obstacle to overcome came right when I expected it to, and almost at the exact moment I expected, but even though it started out as what I thought would do it, it quickly changed and I was definitely surprised and saddened. I do like that the author was able to fix or wrap up the issue in a way that was quick and not over drawn out like they can be sometimes.
Once again, I'll say that this author is going to be one I'll be checking out all his new stuff, and I need to find time to go back and ready his books I've missed out on.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature
But about the book, Ruth was hilarious, and her dating misadventures even better! I loved her friend Dee, and it was impossible not to fall in love with Nick. While I wish we'd maybe had a few more chapters from his point of view towards the middle, we always got his chapters when we needed him. Their whole relationship development was perfect, how it started as acquaintances with attractions to each other, to friends who were attracted to each other, to finally giving in and just accepting that everyone around them was right and they were meant for each other. The big end obstacle to overcome came right when I expected it to, and almost at the exact moment I expected, but even though it started out as what I thought would do it, it quickly changed and I was definitely surprised and saddened. I do like that the author was able to fix or wrap up the issue in a way that was quick and not over drawn out like they can be sometimes.
Once again, I'll say that this author is going to be one I'll be checking out all his new stuff, and I need to find time to go back and ready his books I've missed out on.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature
June 10, 2021
OUCH ... I DON'T GET IT
I winced and my lip might have curled. Such dry writing that wasn't clever or engaging. Sadly, it's a prime example of an unconvincing female perspective and a male author's feeble attempt to sound and act like a woman, but failing miserably. It missed the mark for me on both counts. Maybe I'm the only one, but I didn't identify with Ruth at all. We sure didn't share the same gender. Even that lame-ass title has a sexist ring to it that only a guy would think is catchy, but just fell flat. No woman I know would have slapped it on a book cover. PMS isn't generally a rom-com knee-slapper to any woman, especially from a man trying to think like a woman. If one ever experienced it, they'd know why. And where are the promised laughs?
So this book started off on the wrong foot with me and never recovered. My book standards are climbing by the day in 2021, and I'm not settling for less. I definitely didn't read the same book as those 5-star reviews.
I winced and my lip might have curled. Such dry writing that wasn't clever or engaging. Sadly, it's a prime example of an unconvincing female perspective and a male author's feeble attempt to sound and act like a woman, but failing miserably. It missed the mark for me on both counts. Maybe I'm the only one, but I didn't identify with Ruth at all. We sure didn't share the same gender. Even that lame-ass title has a sexist ring to it that only a guy would think is catchy, but just fell flat. No woman I know would have slapped it on a book cover. PMS isn't generally a rom-com knee-slapper to any woman, especially from a man trying to think like a woman. If one ever experienced it, they'd know why. And where are the promised laughs?
So this book started off on the wrong foot with me and never recovered. My book standards are climbing by the day in 2021, and I'm not settling for less. I definitely didn't read the same book as those 5-star reviews.
April 7, 2020
My Only comment is a guy wrote this book, just an interesting fact.
November 18, 2019
Do we think I can get through at least one review of Amooi’s books without gushing?? Erm…that would be a big fat NO! How can I not?! If you have read my other reviews of his books you will I am constantly applauding the way he can get into a woman’s head. He just well gets its! In his latest book, it is no different! And I am so excited to be one of the bloggers to kick off the tour!!
I always get a book hangover from his books, they make me feel so happy and they are always about finding a happy medium and of course love! Again, I flew through this book, one minute I was starting the book the next I was at the end. I feel so bereft! I loved Ruth! Having to fight her way up in a man’s world is no easy feat, but she has definitely got her way and she is damn good at her job. However, when we first meet her….well she is not at her best! In a spin class, trying to navigate herself out of a wedgie! If I had been drinking my cup of tea I would have spat it out everywhere!
What we don’t realise is that damsel in distress is not one who needs saving and the very man she is saved by is the same man coming to feng shui her garden! I need me a Nick to come and sort out my garden because it sounded beautiful and well I do need my garden sorted, no other reason!
Ruth and her best friend Dee were brilliant together, I laughed at the text messages and the blind dates that Dee set Ruth on, especially when Nick turned up at one. Plus the way that Ruth wants to structure all her dates and writes a business plan type document for Dee was funny, it shows you just how out of touch she is with love. I couldn’t get through this review without mentioning one disastrous date – Barney Bagel, I couldn’t imagine a worse date and then he kept turning up! It was just comical.
I always fall in love with Amooi’s characters, they make laugh, cry and sigh. This is my happy place, lost in his world of writing! What Amooi writes are believable love stories, there is no cheese in his books. To me, this could happen in the “normal” world and I think this is why I love them so much, and always want more! I mean seriously how are his books not already movies I will never know!
What can I say that I haven’t said before, how when you are in Amooi’s world you really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It is always sunny and there is always so much love. Yeah, that has come from me, the one who loves horror more than anything, this is my light! Anytime there is a book with the name Rich Amooi on the cover, please do not talk to me I don’t want to be interrupted.
I always get a book hangover from his books, they make me feel so happy and they are always about finding a happy medium and of course love! Again, I flew through this book, one minute I was starting the book the next I was at the end. I feel so bereft! I loved Ruth! Having to fight her way up in a man’s world is no easy feat, but she has definitely got her way and she is damn good at her job. However, when we first meet her….well she is not at her best! In a spin class, trying to navigate herself out of a wedgie! If I had been drinking my cup of tea I would have spat it out everywhere!
What we don’t realise is that damsel in distress is not one who needs saving and the very man she is saved by is the same man coming to feng shui her garden! I need me a Nick to come and sort out my garden because it sounded beautiful and well I do need my garden sorted, no other reason!
Ruth and her best friend Dee were brilliant together, I laughed at the text messages and the blind dates that Dee set Ruth on, especially when Nick turned up at one. Plus the way that Ruth wants to structure all her dates and writes a business plan type document for Dee was funny, it shows you just how out of touch she is with love. I couldn’t get through this review without mentioning one disastrous date – Barney Bagel, I couldn’t imagine a worse date and then he kept turning up! It was just comical.
I always fall in love with Amooi’s characters, they make laugh, cry and sigh. This is my happy place, lost in his world of writing! What Amooi writes are believable love stories, there is no cheese in his books. To me, this could happen in the “normal” world and I think this is why I love them so much, and always want more! I mean seriously how are his books not already movies I will never know!
What can I say that I haven’t said before, how when you are in Amooi’s world you really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It is always sunny and there is always so much love. Yeah, that has come from me, the one who loves horror more than anything, this is my light! Anytime there is a book with the name Rich Amooi on the cover, please do not talk to me I don’t want to be interrupted.
November 7, 2019
Before even the end of the first chapter I was laughing my head off.
There is just something about Ruth and some of the embarrassing situations she gets herself into that are just so so amusing. Then again, really early on, there was a moment of high drama that shows that the author isn't just great with comedy, he can really amp up the adrenaline too.
That being said don't read the opening chapters on a plane if you are a nervous flyer!
I love Nick and Ruth, they are fabulous, complete and utter opposites but any scenes they are both in together are just so amusing and fun to read. I also loved Ruth's banter with her best friend Dee.
Oh and Ruth's attempts at online dating, I've not seen that set of scenarios play out before, completely hilarious. And if you like a lot of food based talk keep your eyes out for Bagel Barney.
Oh and Karma is fabulous, so so adorable and a really touching moment involving her too.
There is just so much to enjoy in this book, I really loved it all. Rich Amooi is fast becoming one of my favourite rom com authors. The writing flows so well, the characters are great, and I love the dialogue. If you want to read a really amusing book, then I definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
There is just something about Ruth and some of the embarrassing situations she gets herself into that are just so so amusing. Then again, really early on, there was a moment of high drama that shows that the author isn't just great with comedy, he can really amp up the adrenaline too.
That being said don't read the opening chapters on a plane if you are a nervous flyer!
I love Nick and Ruth, they are fabulous, complete and utter opposites but any scenes they are both in together are just so amusing and fun to read. I also loved Ruth's banter with her best friend Dee.
Oh and Ruth's attempts at online dating, I've not seen that set of scenarios play out before, completely hilarious. And if you like a lot of food based talk keep your eyes out for Bagel Barney.
Oh and Karma is fabulous, so so adorable and a really touching moment involving her too.
There is just so much to enjoy in this book, I really loved it all. Rich Amooi is fast becoming one of my favourite rom com authors. The writing flows so well, the characters are great, and I love the dialogue. If you want to read a really amusing book, then I definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 22, 2019
This was funny, romantic and sweet...and pretty PG...LOL
I was honestly surprised how much I enjoyed it without the explicit sex...LOL
(damn, I must not be feeling right...)
anyway, it's smth you'll enjoy no matter the preference *wink*
I was honestly surprised how much I enjoyed it without the explicit sex...LOL
(damn, I must not be feeling right...)
anyway, it's smth you'll enjoy no matter the preference *wink*
December 29, 2019
I didn't expect to love this story as much as I would!
November 19, 2019
OK, I’m gonna call it; I’ve finally found the unicorn. The male author who can write a romance novel and make the heroine believable and funny. Not only that but in Ruth Harper, Rich Amooi has created a genuinely relatable heroine; Ruth is brilliant, successful, driven and beautiful - and a hot mess in her personal life. A professional perfectionist workaholic, she’s 45 and just starting to realize she’s letting life pass her by in her race to the top. Meeting Nick, a landscape gardener who’s deliberately chosen a change of pace after a stress-induced health scare, makes Ruth start to think about slowing down herself and maybe looking for a little romance along the way.
This was such a fun read and Ruth was such a relatable heroine, from the wedgie disaster she suffers right at the start of the book through some viscerally satisfying smackdowns she delivers to men who thought they could best her at her own game. Anyone who’s ever tried online dating will find themselves cringing in all-too-familiar horror at the disastrous dates Ruth finds herself on. I giggled every time Barney showed up to plague Ruth yet again with his delusions of grandeur. Something else I really liked was that Ruth and Nick are both in their mid-forties, a nice change from the usually-much-younger protagonists who are the norm in the genre. These people are mature enough to know what they want, know their own needs and wants and not waste time on dead ends.
A funny, wry, self-deprecating love story for the career woman who wants it all, this was delightful and I’m really looking forward to discovering more by this author. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources.
This was such a fun read and Ruth was such a relatable heroine, from the wedgie disaster she suffers right at the start of the book through some viscerally satisfying smackdowns she delivers to men who thought they could best her at her own game. Anyone who’s ever tried online dating will find themselves cringing in all-too-familiar horror at the disastrous dates Ruth finds herself on. I giggled every time Barney showed up to plague Ruth yet again with his delusions of grandeur. Something else I really liked was that Ruth and Nick are both in their mid-forties, a nice change from the usually-much-younger protagonists who are the norm in the genre. These people are mature enough to know what they want, know their own needs and wants and not waste time on dead ends.
A funny, wry, self-deprecating love story for the career woman who wants it all, this was delightful and I’m really looking forward to discovering more by this author. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources.
April 11, 2023
Look at me enjoying a romance book with no smut. Also with characters in their 40s? Sign me up. This was a lighthearted and funny romcom, with a woman who is successful and knows exactly what she wants, and a man who is smitten with her badassery.
May 8, 2020
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this. This is a new author for me, and it was a delight to find that the content lives up to the clever, attention-grabbing title.
A go-getter with a major Type A personality, Ruth Harper is tough and ruthless enough to survive and thrive in her competitive, testosterone-heavy work environment. Her company expects all its employees to sacrifice their social lives to chase bigger and more lucrative company acquisitions, which they quickly dismantle and sell off in pieces.
I have a niece in the banking industry who's been dealing with gender discrimination for years. The snarky, demeaning comments Ruth must combat from Mason (a co-worker) and Stewart Peters (arch-rival from another investment company) are, sadly, a good representation of the crap my niece regularly deals with. The same traits that mark a man a shrewd negotiator cause a woman to be labelled a ball-busting bitch.
In Ruth's case, at least her boss Gary Stansfeld appreciates her hard work and is grooming her to step into his job when he retires, which will be soon. And she has a fantastic gal Friday, Dee, who's also her best friend.
However, when her flight back from an important business meeting turns into a near-death experience, she does some self-reflection and decides she needs to make some changes. First, she reconnects with her parents. Then she starts working on acquiring a boyfriend.
That's where much of the book's humor comes from. In typical Type A fashion, Ruth starts by listing all the qualifications she's looking for as if it's a job. Dee sets up Ruth's profile on a dating app and schedules lunch dates with prospective winners who turn out to be less than appealing. And then there's Ruth's speed dating event experience. I'm sure single folks trying to find that special someone out there will relate.
The author softens Ruth's character even more with various situations where her clutziness comes into play. All create major embarrassment and are eminently relatable.
I haven't said anything yet about the guy who unexpectedly enters her life about the same time. Nick Morris isn't a potential date - he's her landscaper. She's getting a bunch of installation work done in her backyard including a gazebo, a fountain, new trees and plants. Nick works hard but, unlike Ruth, he knows how to relax. His ex-wife was a work-a-holic like Ruth, so he spots all the signs. He also happens to be the guy who was directly behind her in the spinning class where she tried to unwedge the uncomfortable wedgie from her pants and ended up taking an ungraceful tumble from her bike.
It's a humorous story that's also right on the mark regarding the difficulty women face in many pockets of the working world. In addition, it makes the point that a successful career doesn't mean much unless you also get enjoyment from your personal life - and that's true for men as much as women.
My only complaint is that Dee is way too good to be true. Unless she's also a private investigator or she's got one on speed dial, I can't imagine how she digs up information about the secret extramarital affairs and shady financial dealings of Ruth's adversaries. She hands Ruth some pretty incredible ammunition.
The relationship between Ruth and Nick is fun to read, as are all the elements I mentioned above. The writing is excellent, and I do appreciate that this very female-friendly romance is authored by a man. Content is clean.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. This is a new author for me, and it was a delight to find that the content lives up to the clever, attention-grabbing title.
A go-getter with a major Type A personality, Ruth Harper is tough and ruthless enough to survive and thrive in her competitive, testosterone-heavy work environment. Her company expects all its employees to sacrifice their social lives to chase bigger and more lucrative company acquisitions, which they quickly dismantle and sell off in pieces.
I have a niece in the banking industry who's been dealing with gender discrimination for years. The snarky, demeaning comments Ruth must combat from Mason (a co-worker) and Stewart Peters (arch-rival from another investment company) are, sadly, a good representation of the crap my niece regularly deals with. The same traits that mark a man a shrewd negotiator cause a woman to be labelled a ball-busting bitch.
In Ruth's case, at least her boss Gary Stansfeld appreciates her hard work and is grooming her to step into his job when he retires, which will be soon. And she has a fantastic gal Friday, Dee, who's also her best friend.
However, when her flight back from an important business meeting turns into a near-death experience, she does some self-reflection and decides she needs to make some changes. First, she reconnects with her parents. Then she starts working on acquiring a boyfriend.
That's where much of the book's humor comes from. In typical Type A fashion, Ruth starts by listing all the qualifications she's looking for as if it's a job. Dee sets up Ruth's profile on a dating app and schedules lunch dates with prospective winners who turn out to be less than appealing. And then there's Ruth's speed dating event experience. I'm sure single folks trying to find that special someone out there will relate.
The author softens Ruth's character even more with various situations where her clutziness comes into play. All create major embarrassment and are eminently relatable.
I haven't said anything yet about the guy who unexpectedly enters her life about the same time. Nick Morris isn't a potential date - he's her landscaper. She's getting a bunch of installation work done in her backyard including a gazebo, a fountain, new trees and plants. Nick works hard but, unlike Ruth, he knows how to relax. His ex-wife was a work-a-holic like Ruth, so he spots all the signs. He also happens to be the guy who was directly behind her in the spinning class where she tried to unwedge the uncomfortable wedgie from her pants and ended up taking an ungraceful tumble from her bike.
It's a humorous story that's also right on the mark regarding the difficulty women face in many pockets of the working world. In addition, it makes the point that a successful career doesn't mean much unless you also get enjoyment from your personal life - and that's true for men as much as women.
My only complaint is that Dee is way too good to be true. Unless she's also a private investigator or she's got one on speed dial, I can't imagine how she digs up information about the secret extramarital affairs and shady financial dealings of Ruth's adversaries. She hands Ruth some pretty incredible ammunition.
The relationship between Ruth and Nick is fun to read, as are all the elements I mentioned above. The writing is excellent, and I do appreciate that this very female-friendly romance is authored by a man. Content is clean.
November 29, 2019
4☆ A Laugh Out loud, Endearing Romance!
I have to say that this books opening chapter has to be one of my favourites. It had me laughing out loud and grimacing all at the same time!
Just to give you a lil insight.... it involves... a spin class, a wedgie and a hunky stranger!
Ruth is a headstrong workaholic who knows what she wants, isn't afraid to go get it and don't let any man intimidate her.
But one thing is missing and that's a boyfriend.
So she decides to go jump right in on the dating scene, with some hilarious consequences!
But one person who does seem to be having an effect on her, and that's Nick!
She hired Nick to turn her garden into something tranquil to ease the stresses.
The more she gets to know him the more she's warming to his charms.
I adored Ruth and Nick's relationship, it was so heart warming and their banter was brilliant. It was just so lovely to see them grow.
Oh and one other relationship I have to mention and that is Ruth and BFF Dee (also her assistant). She is as ballsy as Ruth, Witty, loyal, always there for her no matter what. I wish I had a BFF as wonderful as Dee!
It’s Not PMS, It’s You is a heart warming, laugh out loud, feel good romance that was a delight to read.
The Characters are superbly written and believable.
Rich Amooi's writing style flows along seamlessly, it's witty, funny, engaging, compelling and he is definitely on my to watch out for list!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/1...
I have to say that this books opening chapter has to be one of my favourites. It had me laughing out loud and grimacing all at the same time!
Just to give you a lil insight.... it involves... a spin class, a wedgie and a hunky stranger!
Ruth is a headstrong workaholic who knows what she wants, isn't afraid to go get it and don't let any man intimidate her.
But one thing is missing and that's a boyfriend.
So she decides to go jump right in on the dating scene, with some hilarious consequences!
But one person who does seem to be having an effect on her, and that's Nick!
She hired Nick to turn her garden into something tranquil to ease the stresses.
The more she gets to know him the more she's warming to his charms.
I adored Ruth and Nick's relationship, it was so heart warming and their banter was brilliant. It was just so lovely to see them grow.
Oh and one other relationship I have to mention and that is Ruth and BFF Dee (also her assistant). She is as ballsy as Ruth, Witty, loyal, always there for her no matter what. I wish I had a BFF as wonderful as Dee!
It’s Not PMS, It’s You is a heart warming, laugh out loud, feel good romance that was a delight to read.
The Characters are superbly written and believable.
Rich Amooi's writing style flows along seamlessly, it's witty, funny, engaging, compelling and he is definitely on my to watch out for list!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/1...
September 10, 2020
Can't stop laughing
I don't usually leave reviews. Normally I read Recency Romance, Highlander Romance, etc.etc. I came across this book by accident and thought what had I got to lose ?...I can always stop reading.... Right? I was caught after the first page. A wonderfully written romantic comedy. I love the characters. In my mind I became Ruth !!!! What a great different genre for me. Do yourself a favor and take a step back from worries and read this. Rich Amooi, is now one of my favorite authors. Enjoy.....you won't be sorry.
I don't usually leave reviews. Normally I read Recency Romance, Highlander Romance, etc.etc. I came across this book by accident and thought what had I got to lose ?...I can always stop reading.... Right? I was caught after the first page. A wonderfully written romantic comedy. I love the characters. In my mind I became Ruth !!!! What a great different genre for me. Do yourself a favor and take a step back from worries and read this. Rich Amooi, is now one of my favorite authors. Enjoy.....you won't be sorry.
September 9, 2020
Here it is..... a romcom with people who aren't in their 20s, who just happen to stumble upon the dream job and dream guy. This one is about what life is more often like. About what happens if you invest 10 years of your life in one thing, only to one day realise it's no longer everything you want.
The plot is a nice pace, and the characters are quirky and relatable. The audio narration is great.
Definitely recommend for a quick and easy read / listen.
The plot is a nice pace, and the characters are quirky and relatable. The audio narration is great.
Definitely recommend for a quick and easy read / listen.
May 31, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely adored this story and urge those looking for a little romance with a smattering of comedy to treat themselves to this delicious read. 😊
I absolutely adored this story and urge those looking for a little romance with a smattering of comedy to treat themselves to this delicious read. 😊
December 4, 2019
It's Not PMS, It's You By: Rich AmooiA Great Read That Doesn't Disappoint... One-Click "It's Not PMS, It's You!"
She's been work, Work, WORK... And absolutely NO PLAY!
Striving to Climb UP that Corporate Ladder...
Rung by Rung without stop'n to DATE or Smell the Flowers along the WAY!
But THAT'S about to Change,
As She's just had an epiphany...
And Now She's decided She doesn't want to END Up alone,
Sooo She's gonna have to DATE a few Toads...
To find the Mr. Right that'll fit Her Unique Personality!
But Hey... She's a Motivated professional,
Sooo She knows how to make a Game PLAN!
Only She Falls for SomeOne...
Who's NOTHING remotely like WHO She thought She was Searching for!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Rich Amooi's "It's Not PMS, It's You." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
My Rating Sytem:
4🌟:I like IT a lot. Great, Solid Story w/ few if any inconsistencies or errors. This is a HIGH Rating, & I rarely give OUT a Higher Rating.
If My Review is helpful to you, please check the box below~ Thank You.
November 17, 2019
One thing I love about Amooi’s books is how relatable the characters are. They have their flaws. They make mistakes. They get into ridiculous situations. The men aren’t a misunderstood jerk whose heart is thawed by The One. The women aren’t obsessed with finding a man and are comfortable in their own skin. When the pair fall in love, it isn’t cheesy or trite. Nor is it Instalove. Instead it’s affection that stems from friendship. This book is no different.
She is a hardcore business woman who cowers to no one. He’s the landscaper she’s hired to redo her backyard into a Zen paradise. She likes control and carries too much stress. He’s been there, done that, and has the scar to prove it. She keeps finding herself in embarrassing situations when he’s around. He doesn’t seem to think less of her for her weaknesses.
One of the best parts of this book are the idea of family - the ones you’re born with and the ones you adopt along the way. Family is an integral part of this story and it’s all the better for it. I closed this book feeling satisfied and with a decision to find a fountain for relieving stress. Read the book and you’ll understand what I mean.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She is a hardcore business woman who cowers to no one. He’s the landscaper she’s hired to redo her backyard into a Zen paradise. She likes control and carries too much stress. He’s been there, done that, and has the scar to prove it. She keeps finding herself in embarrassing situations when he’s around. He doesn’t seem to think less of her for her weaknesses.
One of the best parts of this book are the idea of family - the ones you’re born with and the ones you adopt along the way. Family is an integral part of this story and it’s all the better for it. I closed this book feeling satisfied and with a decision to find a fountain for relieving stress. Read the book and you’ll understand what I mean.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2020
I'm not entirely sure why I even finished the book. The style was oddly wooden - while the text messages between Ruth and Dee were fun, actual dialogues often felt forced and the whole flow of the book was off. I liked that the leads were older (at least by romance novel standards) and Nick had a lot going for him in the beginning. I lost all interest in his happiness when he was a whiny ass about Ruth's work function and her having to work at the last minute. Yes, that sucked for him but come on, dude! They've known each other for a week? Two weeks? Calm the fuck down. There was also very little depth to the characters, considering how long the book was. I still don't know Ruth or "Nicky" (dear Lord, die that nickname annoy me).
The whole "I've been buying and chopping up companies for a living but someone else made me see the error in my ways" was also very "Pretty Woman". They even talk about the I love Lucy scene that Richard Gere and Julia Roberts watched 🙄
The whole "I've been buying and chopping up companies for a living but someone else made me see the error in my ways" was also very "Pretty Woman". They even talk about the I love Lucy scene that Richard Gere and Julia Roberts watched 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2020
Delightful
Delightful! Great feel good story. Very entertaining characters and the story is original. Really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Rich Amooi’s books.
Delightful! Great feel good story. Very entertaining characters and the story is original. Really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Rich Amooi’s books.
November 18, 2020
I watched the author interview on one of the many YouTube channels I follow, sans subscription, though. It is indeed a surprise that a man can write romantic comedies and thrive. Of the many titles Rich has written, this one stood out for obvious reasons.
The beginning grips you as the two main characters run into each other at a gym in a rather uncomfortable and funny situation.
And, thus begins an emotional and funny story. I loved how Rich expresses emotions. Each chapter is detailed and paced perfectly. It is not too fast and does no overwhelm you, it is not too slow and does not bore you - something I should learn to incorporate in my writing.
There is one thing that stood out like a sore thumb. When parents are in the scene, the dialogue tag says:
"Hi," my mom says.
"Hello," my dad says.
Reading "my mom" and "my dad" got annoying. I mean, it is written in the first person and we know it is her parents. But I know little. Perhaps, this is the right way to write things.
The beginning grips you as the two main characters run into each other at a gym in a rather uncomfortable and funny situation.
And, thus begins an emotional and funny story. I loved how Rich expresses emotions. Each chapter is detailed and paced perfectly. It is not too fast and does no overwhelm you, it is not too slow and does not bore you - something I should learn to incorporate in my writing.
There is one thing that stood out like a sore thumb. When parents are in the scene, the dialogue tag says:
"Hi," my mom says.
"Hello," my dad says.
Reading "my mom" and "my dad" got annoying. I mean, it is written in the first person and we know it is her parents. But I know little. Perhaps, this is the right way to write things.
November 26, 2019
This was such an enjoyable,entertaining and also thoughts provoking read.
Ruth and Nick have opposite personalities, they are like the yin and the yang.She is a ruthless,stressed workaholic. He is a relaxed, exterior designer who always takes time for himself. Ruth hires Nick to fix up her her backyard and the chemistry between them is clear since their first encounter even if the situation is also pretty funny. They are opposites but both of them miss Love in their lives and maybe this will be their time to find their happily ever after.
I really liked their interactions and I started cheering for them since the first chapter.
I recommend to start reading this story as soon as possible if you need to unwind and have a good time.
I've never read any novel written by Rich Amooi but it was such a pleasure that I'm already looking for his previous works.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
September 14, 2023
Loved Ruth's "Don't mess with me", no nonsense approach to the arrogant men that didn't want her to succeed in their corporate world. Ruth has given up everything to become managing partner at her consulting firm, when her office enemy along with her supervisor, gang up on her and cost her her job.
Let's just say that revenge is not only sweet, it's absolutely delicious!
Great story and that speed dating scene is laugh out loud hilarious!
November 1, 2019
Every time I start a book by Amooi, I know a few things will happen....I'll laugh, I'll fall in love with the characters, I'll be sad when the book is done, and I'll have a major book hangover. The characters are a little corny but oh so lovable. This story was no different. It might be my favorite of his thus far (I say that every time I read his books because its always true).
December 2, 2019
This was SUCH a cute and hilarious romance story! I loved it so much and cannot wait to check out more stories by this author. It was so good!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2020
This was such a delightful and refreshing book. I’ve been so frustrated with misleading so-called “romantic comedies” lately it was a pleasure to come across this title. Ruth the “Ruthless” was badass, original, and hilarious. I’d read all day from her POV and I’m pretty sure i’ll enjoy every second. Obviously this says a lot about the author’s writing style; they had a great sense of humor and it was such a pleasant surprise! I appreciate good sarcasm since it’s not that often you come across it. Also, the equal alternation between romance, bad-assery, friendship and familial love was greatly appreciated on my part. I enjoyed every single second. This book made me believe a coming-of-age can definitely happen in your 40s. I love Ruth’s character development throughout the book, and her change in priorities. I especially love how supportive her parents are and how they welcomed her with open arms once she knew their worth and realized that she’d been taking them for granted. I loved Nick, Brandon, Dee, Judy, KARMA!!, Nick’s family... I also had a blast reading about Ruth’s dates, especially Barney; I couldn’t stop laughing at his food idioms, they were hilarious. Although Mason was a pain in the butt, I loved the scenes in which Ruth roasted him. This is what I’d call a good rom-com. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for new (and old!) releases by this author if they’re anywhere as good as this book!
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