Happily Ever Ninja (Knitting in the City Book 5)

Anyone who is married for more than five years will totally get the dynamics of the struggle of making a marriage work, but Penny Reid is the first author I've read that was able bring to life a story about real marriage and still make it into an enjoyable romance novel. Highly recommend!!

I love that this story focusing on a married couple who is struggling with his lengthy absences due to his job. Penny Reid tackles it head on without blinking and I felt both their frustrations. It reminds me how easy it is for your needs disappear in the face of trying to protect your partner. Unflinching. I also liked the ninja stuff. I'm a romantic suspense fan and enjoyed this foray. I could use more and if Ms. Reid should ever decided to write a romantic suspense, I'd read it.

This story epic and very beautifully written! Penny managed to convey all the nuances of marriage while telling a fantastic story. No, most of us don't go running around the globe rescuing our spouses from terrorists and blowing stuff up but the constant struggle to have the dishwasher loaded right is real. While Alex Greene remains my favorite alpha male I think Fe and Greg are my favorite story. I loved seeing everyday real life mirrored in these characters in a way that really resonated with me.

Loved how realistically marriage is portrayed. Not a fan of how Greg ignores Fionas skills in the name of loving her. Though that does get worked out. Over al I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.

Have you ever finished a book and knew your opinion on relationships had changed for the better? You approached this book looking for an escape, to get lost in the characters and their story, only to find yourself enraptured by its poignant truths–those man-in-the-mirror moments regarding your own relationship. The unwavering devotion–and the realistic emotional turmoil faced by these characters–pulls you into the story heart and soul, while hitting you with aha moment after aha moment. You closed the book–or in my case, turned off the e-reader–and released a cleansing breath, realizing you have been filled with hope.

Happily Ever Ninja, by Penny Reid, is one of these books. The loving, messy, real world relationship of Fiona and Greg leaves you wanting to go tell your significant other, wherever they may be, you love them and are grateful they are in your life. There isn't a dull moment in this book. The fact that Penny Reid can take the jacked up instances in a marriage and turn them into laugh out loud moments makes this books a must-read. This book has been a welcomed–and often quoted–addition to my library and home life. Thank you Penny Reid.

Amazing. Wonderful. Spectacular. Just finished and my heart is so full. I knew I would love it because it's from Penny, but I wasn't sure if I would fully *get* it since I'm not married. But wow, I still felt like I needed to underline the whole book for keeper quotes! I think the original love letters beginning the chapters just made it all the more special. So basically, I have all the warm fuzzies! Penny can basically do no wrong for me, and HEN is no exception. Once again, I whole-heartedly recommend this smart, sweet, special book!

I love Penny Reid's stories and her story telling skills. Her writing is tight, urbane, pithy, all those synonyms you never thought you'd use. Her humor radiates naturally, creating a gut-chuckle. Highly amusing.

Still I had a hard time liking this story at first. I was struggling with liking either protagonist. Fiona...when I first met her and subsequently read about her, well, I liked her. So I was confused that I didn't feel her authenticity in this story in the beginning. I didn't feel she was the woman Ms. Reid originally wrote. It annoyed me that she was swallowing so much that she was experiencing the symptoms that she was. I guess I just saw her differently, stronger and more assertive.

Greg bothered me even more. I adore Alpha males. I had trouble, though, deciding if his "Alpha-ness" was too over the top (into bullying) or if he was just an old grandmother. His treatment of Fiona was a real area of contention for me. Despite his insecurities, his questionable ethics leave me with a bad taste in my mouth.

And there was not, at that point, enough groveling in the world that would've made me (living vicariously through Fiona) forgive him.

I understand and embrace the, "I love you so much I would die without you" paradigm, and THAT wasn't enough to sway my emotions. I don't like Greg.

Having vented all that, I still enjoyed the story (while silently seething). It was a mature, introspective look into an enduring marriage that was floundering due to a lack of intimacy. Real life gets in the way.

I also felt the situation in Nigeria, while so realistic and scary, was too...much. That's not quite the right word, but it's the closest I can come to, at this point in time.

I still love Ms. Reid and will not abandon her over my ambivalent feelings. I'm looking forward to her next books.

Sometimes you read a book that is remarkable. This is one of those times. This makes me wish I was a writer to be able to describe just how great this book is. Penny Reid makes me long for her next book. My only complaint about this book is that it is so good I wish it was a lot longer and had several sequels. Penny Reid shows that enduring love is not a simple thing, but it is such a breathtakingly beautiful one. Loved this so much I have already read it twice. Penny Reid is one fabulous writer.

I have been waiting for this book like forever and I am happy that I loved it.

Fiona and Greg have been together for 18 years and married for 14 years. The story is about the love between 2 people and for their family but also about sacrifice, communication, mundane things like folding the laundry and cleaning the house. What struck me most is the fact that Fiona and Greg have spent so much time apart. It was not was I expected. And I could sometimes slug Greg, but maybe that was the authors intention :-)) I was amazed at badass Fiona, but in the end could also understand a bit of Greg.

The fact we also got to visit the other knitters again was so much fun. I love Janie/Quinn so that was a treat for me.

In short, this is a very special and original book in the beloved and very smart Penny Reid way!!!

Loved it. Actually I love all Pennys books. This she's been warning g us about being weird, but it wasn't at all, still her usual awesome style, the couple is just married in-sted of endnu up getting married and their issues and aktivitets were different.

Ms Reid has amazing ability to create realistically, unique characters. And make each book an individual tale. Different from the others. This was amazing, exciting, fun, thought provoking, sexy, and sweet. Loved it.

I loved this book! Greg was exasperating but out of this world amazing as well, truly a match for Fiona who you get to meet a little more in each book. Penny Reid has this ability to write how a real person would think and rationalize and feel and react towards things. In this book that's especially true from the point of view of Fiona, I was hurt and angry and felt what she felt as i read this book and that to me made this a read worth reading a couple of hundred times. Can't wait for the next book!

Fiona and Greg. They are adorable.

Penny Reid has done it again. Given us a look into relationships that if you've ever been marked to someone who travels for a living, you will see yourself in some way. I am not ex-cia but I was totally felt like Fiona so many times. The book is just lovely. Sadly I read it in a week where my husband I was in town and he happened to mention that the house was a wreck. There was nothing I could do to remedy the situation until I finished the book.

And the sweet next door neighbor.

Just feels. All the feels.

Goodness, it took forever to finish this latest installment; yet only because real life reared it’s ugly head & demanded precedence.
*huff*
As always, I did manage to complete, would like to thank Penny Reid for puffy dark eyes I’m sporting - is all because I had to find time (usually when I should’ve been sleeping) to conclude this.

I have read everything this author has published and always liked the character of Fiona, so when her book came out, I jumped on it right away. I'd read the 'prequel' already, so I thought I knew what I was getting into but...

The story of a marriage that is at a crossroads 14 years down the road was intriguing for me, since it is seldom explored in romancelandia. Fiona has two kids and and absentee husband, though this absence is by mutual consent. She's so busy being wonder woman that she is losing herself.

The prequel set the parameters of the story for me. Greg and Fiona met in college, where he was an older student on the G.I. Bill and she was a somewhat sheltered 18 y/o freshman. He fell in love with her at first sight and became obsessed with her, though he tried valiantly to give her space before shackling her to himself. This is my interpretation of the prequel. I got a real sense of Fiona from the start but Greg eluded me. I'm still not sure about some of the things that made him the way he is; I'd need more details on his past.

In the present story, I loved Fiona and all her travails. The idea that the little things in life, while not appreciated, are just as important as the huge things resonates with any person who has been in a long-term relationship. However...

Greg was a big problem for me. I get where he was coming from and his need to protect Fiona at all cost, but I cannot forgive him his high-handed method of doing this. I didn't buy that he respected or even appreciated Fiona and all she brought to the relationship. He fell in love with her, but wanted her to be other than herself for his peace of mind (my interpretations).

Ultimately, I don't know if this book will find a home in my often-re-read book shelf, since Greg just annoyed me so much. I'll have to think about this for a while and give the book another try when I'm over being so mad at some of his actions.

This is my first review. This, despite the fact that I am a voracious reader. Voracious. I believe I have all of Penny Reid's books. I was enchanted with her first Knitting in the City book, "Neanderthal Seeks Human." I was once again enchanted and very pleasantly surprised with this book, #5 in the series. Not that I haven't enjoyed the originality of all the other books in the series. It was wonderful to see the long term relationship Greg and Fiona represented. All the good times, bad times, frustrating times. I love Fiona's bada** ways, the surprising part to me in this book. She was legit in her ninja-ness. If you haven't read #4.5 in the series "Ninja At First Sight," I highly recommend you to do so. Wonderful insight to their relationship beginnings. Love at first sight is always a joy to read about. Keep it up Ms. Reid! Thank you for what you do!

This author makes every lead someone you wish was in your own life. I didn't know what to expect since I knew these two were already married. While my personal preference remains the intrigue and excitement of a new romance, this is a beautiful story - real, proven love that's still believably passionate and filled with romance and spark and moments of wonder. And funny as hell.

One of my favorites of Penny. The relationship between Fiona & Greg feels real, like a real marriage, with real marriage issues. Penny explores the intricacies of a married couple and the ways they work together to maintain a healthy relationship. Of course, she does it in the awesome way of Penny Reid, which is filled with humor, wit, and sexiness.

How is it possible to knit together so many different worlds (mother, friend, bad-ass ninja fighter, African politics, environmental issues, the CIA and EU) and not make it confusing? So many things in this book speak to me. I recognize myself and my problems in some parts and go along with the adventure in others. Perfect!

No words can express how much I love reading Penny Reid's works but Happily Ever Ninja was just epic! Everything you can ever want in a contemporary romance dealing with married life and then some because you know this is a Penny Reid book after all!

I absolutely love this author! this whole series is one of my favorites. Each and every character has their own personality and the group as a whole is a great delight to read about. As usual the writing is superb, the book just flows and lets your mind wonder. I loved Fiona and Greg and their relationship. Their marriage is atypical and yet their struggles seem very real and common place. Overall great read!

I absolutely love this author! this whole series is one of my favorites. Each and every character has their own personality and the group as a whole is a great delight to read about. As usual the writing is superb, the book just flows and lets your mind wonder. I loved Fiona and Greg and their relationship. Their marriage is atypical and yet their struggles seem very real and common place. Overall great read!

I love Penny Reid books. They are smart, insightful, fun and intelligent. How could anyone ask for anything more? And this book ( especially to one who has been married for 39 years) hit home. Her insight into married life was wonderful. I have felt every one of the emotions expressed in this book. Please Penny Reid, don't ever stop writing. The contemporary Romance world needs you!!!!!

Who knew Fiona had this huge secret ability lurking in her. At first I started to think this story has strayed so far from knitting club; then, it began to wrap itself around my heart as it broke down the paradoxes of marriage. It ended being a crazy gem.

Slow to start, but definitely picked up once the action kicked in.
Surprisingly relatable and just as heart-stuttering and full of sexy times as a new romance (I.e. protagonists not already married at the beginning of the novel). As all of Penny Reid’s Work, it was a great story full of many laugh out loud moments. Can’t wait for the next one!

Into a passionate marriage with 2 imperfect people. Gregwas so redeeming in the way he loved Fiona but so tunnel-visioned I was frustrated along with her. And Fiona was so good at everything that I never realized it waa enabling. But I loved them. And i loved the notes at the start of every chapter.

I listened to the audio for the first 14 chapters then switched to the ebook because I needed to finish and couldn't wait. The narrators were good and even though I don't typically like 2 people it really worked with this book. I've been a fan of this series since the start and this book delivers what I come to expect. Penny Reid is one of my auto-buy authors.

I love Penny Reid, and I love everything about her books. Happily Ever Ninja made me laugh, cry, and get really pissed off. I love that Fe is a badass! Please, if you haven't read Ninja at First Sight, read it before reading HEN. It is included in the beginning of this book.
Although I sometimes wanted to punch him in the face, I did love Greg, he's swoon-worthy! ;)

So far my favorite in this series; has even given me a few pointers in this marriage thing!lol. The love, the spice, the danger, the enduring friendships and the comedy are all present. Perfect combination for a beautiful romance! Thank you Penny, I'm living vicariously through your novels!

Gotta love a romance about a married couple!!!!!! It is nice to see a book with the same humor and adventure as the rest of this series but focusing on the maintenance of forever love instead of the uncertainty and excitement of new love. Gotta say this may be my favorite penny Reid novel yet, and I've read them all!

I absolutely love that this story is about a married couple. Everyone loves that feeling of falling in love but to focus on the challenges of choosing to stay in love, in my opinion, is a topic that more romance authors should focus on. It's not necessary to read the prequel, but I recommend it because it was lovely.

Very enjoyable read. Loved Fiona's strong character. The plot twist was a very welcome surprise for a housewife living in Chicago. I really do love Penny Reid's novels and this one was no different. Also, Greg is sweet & loving (in his own pig-headed way.) The Knitting in the City series is still on my auto-buy lisy.

So disappointed, so very disappointed, and I don't think it was just me building up (false) hype and hope. This was supposed to be and I guess is the story of long-married Fiona and Greg, Fiona of the pubescent brain tumor and Greg of the whatever. In such a fun Knitting in the City series of mid-late 20s finding love this was promised as being a mid-late 30s / early 40s sustaining love story.

Instead it is horrendously misogynistic, with Greg being a self-involved and entitled jerk and Fiona promoting such behavior while baking coconut cakes. Fiona? Haven't we all along read about her as being so kick-ass and cool? But not in this book. Instead she has completely supplanted her life so Greg can "be happy." Sure, she can still bake a coconut cake and be kick-ass, but not as described in this book. Not at all.

So no reading about how a long-married couple with children makes it work, figures it out. Rather, hare-brained kidnapping / rogue CIA hijinks in sub-Saharan Africa ensue (and this author continues to be dreadful when she pursues these ridiculous plotlines -- looking right at the Las Vegas bridal shower) with a surprise! pregnancy which, as we all know from real life, a-l-w-a-y-s equals nothing but smooth sailing and happy times. Ahem.

This story could and should have been so much more, so much better. The author is a terrific writer, clearly terrifically bright and resourceful, but this story was crap. Oh well.

I enjoyed reading a romance about a married couple. Also, I admired the heroine. She was an odd balance of normal housewife and badass. I found the way the hero spoke was weird - does anyone actually speak that formally and quote that much Shakespeare?

Penny Reid does it again. You will never be disappointed with the way this author tells a story.

I always get this feeling of ...yup, I feel that way too...when I read her books. They may be fictional but the feelings they exude are so relatable.

Knitting in the City and the spin off series has been an absolute favorite of mine.

All wonderfully written smart, independent characters with tons of humor.

FIVE STAR READ

I have waited to read this book until spring break...I knew it would be good, and wanted to take my time. Penny has a way with relationships and conversations. You want to know those people too, and in the end, you feel like you do. They are lovely characters!

You learn about another couple in the Knitting series. They're a tad older but the back stories are filled in. Satisfying, although this isn't my favorite couple in the series. I like Fiona but Greg is less appealing and somewhat annoying. That said, I do recommend their story if you're a fan of the series.

There is a plot line to this book -relationships. It was hard for me to read at times with all the mistakes I've made. It's too late for me but readers out there -read this book -share this book -memorize lines from this book! Believe in this book and this amazing author and this incredible group of knitters.