Category Archives: Happily Inc Series

September 28, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Happily This Christmas by Susan Mallery

Title: Happily This Christmas by Susan Mallery
Happily Inc Series Book Six
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 283 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Susan Mallery, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances, proves there’s no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

There’s no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

Wynn Beauchene has a thriving business, a great kid and a mildly embarrassing crush on the guy next door—local cop Garrick McCabe. She’s a strong, independent woman who can’t help dreaming what-if about a man she barely knows. Until he needs her help…

Garrick’s pregnant daughter will be home for Christmas, and his house needs a woman’s touch. Garrick and his little girl were tight once and he’s hoping a small-town Christmas will bring her back to him. But thawing his daughter’s frosty attitude will take more than a few twinkle lights. Maybe sharing the holiday with Wynn and her son will remind her of the joy of family.

As the season works its magic on these wounded souls, Wynn realizes it’s time to stop punishing herself for a painful secret, while Garrick remains haunted by the ghosts of past mistakes. Will he allow Wynn to open the only gift she truly wants—his heart?

Review:

Happily This Christmas by Susan Mallery is a deeply affecting romance that is quite captivating. Although this latest release is the sixth romance in the Happily Inc series, it can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend the entire series.

Thirty-four year old Wynn Beauchene is a successful business owner and mom to fourteen year old Hunter. She is raising her son on her own and she has not been in a relationship for quite some time. But since her easy on the eyes neighbor Garrick McCabe moved in,  Wynn cannot stop thinking about him. When he asks for her help preparing his house for his estranged pregnant daughter to stay with him, she is delighted to assist him. As they spend time together, an easy friendship forms between them. Soon Wynn is fighting a serious attraction to him, but does he just view her as a friend?

Garrick was always very involved with his daughter Joylyn and they once shared a tight bond. So he was absolutely crushed when she abruptly stopped wanting to see him when she was a teenager. He never stopped trying to reconnect with her, but since he was making no progress, he changed careers. Garrick’s new job meant long stretches of time away from home and the gulf widened between him and Joylyn.  Garrick is hoping he and Joylyn can mend the rift between them but he is somewhat shocked at the changes in her personality.

Joylyn is at the miserable stage of her pregnancy and she misses her husband. She makes absolutely it absolutely clear to her father that she wants nothing to do with him.  But Wynn’s sunny personality and positive outlook help temper some of Joylyn’s unhappiness. As Joylyn begins to thaw her frosty attitude toward her father, will they recapture the close relationship they once shared?

Wynn is enjoying getting to know Garrick and including him and Joylyn in her and Hunter’s life.  Their evenings together are light and fun but underlying the easy camaraderie is her growing attraction to him.  Wynn is uncertain whether or not he returns her desire and she is reluctant to ruin their friendship by pushing for anything else. Garrick is not quite as cautious and once he makes the first move, they act on their passion for each other.  Wynn is ready to settle down, but does Garrick feel the same way?

Happily This Christmas is an enchanting holiday story of family, forgiveness and love.  Wynn and Garrick are vibrantly developed characters who are well-rounded and three-dimensional.  Joylyn is a frustrating character whose unhappiness is self-made. Garrick and Wynn’s relationship is fun to watch develop as they face realistic challenges trying to juggle family life with their budding romance.  With a late in the story conflict,  Susan Mallery brings this heartfelt romance to a joyous conclusion. Old and new fans of the delightfully charming Happily Inc series are sure to love this holiday romance.

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Filed under Contemporary, Happily Inc Series, Happily This Christmas, HQN Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery

October 23, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: Meant to Be Yours by Susan Mallery

Title: Meant to Be Yours by Susan Mallery
Happily Inc. Series Book Five
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 464 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In Happily Inc, love means never having to say “I do”…

Wedding coordinator Renee Grothen isn’t meant for marriage. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, plan. But she never could have planned on gorgeous, talented thriller writer Jasper Dembenski proposing—a fling, that is. Fun without a future. And the attraction between them is too strong for Renee to resist. Now she can have her no-wedding cake…and eat it, too.

After years in the military, Jasper is convinced he’s too damaged for relationships. So a flirtation—and more—with fiery, determined Renee is way too good to pass up…until his flame becomes his muse.

Renee is an expert at averting every crisis. But is she finally ready to leap into the one thing that can never be controlled: love?

Review:

Meant to Be Yours by Susan Mallery is a gratifying romance that is quite heartening.  Although this newest release is the fifth installment in the Happily Inc. series, it can easily be read as a standalone.  However, I highly recommend the other books in this marvelous series.

Renee Grothen loves her job as a wedding planner but she has no desire to marry. With a couple of devastating heartbreaks behind her, she would much rather indulge in a no strings fling. And the man who immediately comes to mind? Mystery author Jasper Dembenski. He is well-known for avoiding relationships so Renee seizes the opportunity to indulge in a scorching hot fling with him. But when Jasper needs assistance with writing a female character into his latest work in progress, he begins spending time with Renee at the wedding planning business.  Their arrangement is suddenly complicated by a surprising friendship and before long their feelings for one another begin to deepen. But with both Renee and Jasper still dealing with wounds from their respective pasts, is there any chance for a future together?

Renee is wonderful woman who has no trouble speaking her mind or standing up for herself. She is a calming influence with their clients and she is unflappable when problems arise. Renee has been attracted to Jasper for a while so she is quick to seize the change to enter into a no strings fling with him.  She is also amenable to helping him with research for his novel and their relationship quickly evolves into friendship.  Just as Renee is on the verge of startling career opportunity, she fears her past could ruin the life she has made for herself in Happily Inc.

When Jasper first  settled in Happily Inc., he was still struggling with PTSD from his military service. He lives outside of town and he initially kept to himself. Over the years, Jasper has made several friendships with the townspeople and he has become more active in the community. But the one thing that has not changed is Jasper’s insistence he is not marriage material, so he is quite agreeable to a friends with benefit arrangement with Renee.  Needless to say, Jasper is rather shocked once he realizes how much he enjoys Renee’s company outside the bedroom.

Renee and Jasper’s relationship is not without a few hiccups and bumps. Jasper does not always respect Renee’s viewpoint and he makes some ill-advised decisions.  Renee is quick to call him on his behavior and he is just as swift to realize he is in the wrong and make amends. Jasper is the first to realize his feelings for Renee run much deeper than friendship but will she be receptive to taking their relationship to the next level?

Meant to Be Yours is a winsome romance with endearing characters and a unique storyline. Renee and Jasper are well-rounded characters with relatable strengths and all too human shortcomings. The secondary cast of characters is quirky yet appealing.  Jasper and Renee’s relationship is a wonderful blend of sizzling hot love scenes and sweet, ordinary time in each other’s company. With the future of their relationship hanging in the balance, Susan Mallery brings this enchanting novel to a heartfelt conclusion. Old and new fans are going to love this newest addition to the warmly inviting Happily Inc. series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Happily Inc Series, HQN Books, Meant to Be Yours, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery

October 21, 2018 · 11:58 pm

Review: Not Quite Over You by Susan Mallery

Title: Not Quite Over You by Susan Mallery
Happily Inc Series Book Four
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances, proves there’s nowhere better than Happily Inc to rekindle first love.

Silver Tesdal has a head for business and a mouth made for kissing, and banker Drew Lovato has his eye on both. But ever since he was dumb enough to let her go, she’s kept him at a distance. When the bank turns her down for a loan, Drew sees a double opportunity—he can finance her brilliant, unique idea to rock Happily Inc’s wedding industry and win back her trust.

Despite her reputation, Silver’s not as tough as she seems. Losing Drew nearly destroyed her. Still, his kisses are as tempting as his offer to invest in her business. If she can’t quite get over him, maybe she should get under him and knock him out of her system once and for all.

But her best laid plans begin to unravel as Silver finds herself falling even harder than when they were high school sweethearts. Which means that she’ll have to come clean about the secret she’s been hiding from him for years—and risk losing him forever.

Review:

Not Quite Over You by Susan Mallery is a charming second at love romance. Although this latest release is the fourth installment in the Happily Inc series, it can be read as a standalone.

Silver Tesdal is hoping to expand her business but none of the local banks are willing to give her a loan.  So it is quite surprising when her  ex-boyfriend from high school, Drew Lovato, offers to provide the funding she needs in exchange for a share of her business. Uneasy about letting him back into her life, Silver reluctantly agrees after she negotiates better terms than his previous offer. Their working relationship hits a few snags but personally? She and Drew are quickly heating up the sheets. However, Silver has been keeping a secret from Drew for the past twelve years and due to circumstances beyond her control, she is going to have to come clean with him. How will Drew react to this stunning disclosure?

Drew is from a wealthy background and in fact, he works in the family owned bank. He is quite content with his life but his mother refuses to give up trying to micromanage his future.   Despite the logical next step in his career, Drew has dreams of doing more to help  local businesses in the community. Although he knows he and Silver made the right decision to end their relationship years earlier, there is still a simmering attraction between them. He genuinely wants to help her grow her business, but Drew is also hoping to reconnect with her on a personal level. However, Drew is blindsided by her shocking revelation but is his reaction fair to Silver?

Drew and Silver are a lovely couple and they easily slip into a casual relationship.  However, despite her business successes, Silver’s childhood has left its scars which leads to self-doubt when manipulated by Drew’s interfering family members. In spite of Drew’s continued refusals to join the family business, his mother will not take him seriously. Drew and Silver both lack emotional self-awareness and it takes both of them an incredibly long time to sort out their feelings for one another. There is a bit of drama since Silver’s knee-jerk reaction is to run away when trouble arises but the conflict between them is fairly short-lived.

Not Quite Over You is an engaging love story that old and news of the Happily Inc series will enjoy. Silver and Drew are appealing characters whose strengths and shortcomings are easy to relate to. Silver and Drew’s romance is believable and it is quite enjoyable watching them fall in love again.  Drew’s mother is very irritating but Grandpa Frank and Silver’s friends are wonderful. Susan Mallery provides very intriguing glimpses of Wynn and Jasper which will leave readers eager to see what will the future holds for them.

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Filed under Contemporary, Happily Inc Series, Harlequin, HQN Books, Not Quite Over You, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery

September 16, 2018 · 11:56 pm

Review: Why Not Tonight by Susan Mallery

Title: Why Not Tonight by Susan Mallery
Happily Inc Series Book Three
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Susan Mallery welcomes you to Happily Inc, where true love isn’t just for fairy tales…

Natalie Kaleta will do anything for the artists at her gallery, including risk life, limb and the effect of humidity on her naturally curly hair. Braving a downpour to check on reclusive Ronan Mitchell, Natalie gets stranded by a mudslide at his mountain home, where the brooding glass artist reveals his playful side, sending her inconvenient crush from under-the-radar to over-the-top.

After a secret tore apart his family and made him question his sense of self, Ronan fled his hometown for Happily Inc, but the sunny small town can’t fix his damaged heart. He won’t give in to his attraction for beautiful, perpetually cheerful Natalie. She’s untouched by darkness—or so he thinks.

Natalie knows that when a heart goes through the flame, it comes out stronger. Life may not be a fairy tale, but sometimes dreams do come true. Why not this one? Why not tonight?

Review:

Why Not Tonight by Susan Mallery is an adorably charming contemporary romance. This newest release is the third installment in the winsome Happily Inc series but it can be read as a standalone.

Natalie Kaleta is an extremely upbeat, cheery and feisty young woman. She has endured her fair share of heartache yet she never lets her losses drag her down. While Natalie works part-time in an art gallery, she is also creating unique mixed media art that is selling quite well.  Despite her optimistic outlook and contentment with her life, she craves a family of her own. With an abysmal track record when it comes to men, Natalie is carefully weighing her options for both her personal and professional lives.

Ronan Mitchell is a moody yet incredibly gifted and  very successful artist.  He, along with his two brothers, Nick and Mathias, share a work space at the gallery where Natalie works. The three men have each wrestled with the lingering effects of their dysfunctional childhood but Ronan has yet to make peace with his past. A stunning revelation completely upended his world and instead of confronting these issues, he pulls away.  Ronan has chosen to isolate himself from his family as he holes up in his secluded mansion and avoids facing his problems.

When Natalie goes to check on Ronan when no one has heard from him in a while, she becomes stranded with him at his home due to a severe storm.  Both are surprised by how much they enjoy one another’s company and an unexpected attraction lies under the surface as they get to know each other better. Natalie has always admired his artwork and she is delighted to discover the more playful facets of his personality. Ronan is quite taken with Natalie and her cheerful and optimistic attitude lifts his spirits immensely. After they go back to their regular lives, Ronan leaves his self-imposed exile, his creativity returns and his relationship with his brothers improves.  Natalie and Ronan then embark on a no strings romance that is light-hearted and quite steamy.  However, Ronan has yet to face his demons and when he reverts back to his typical behavior, their future together hangs in the balance.

Why Not Tonight is a captivating romance that is heartfelt and engaging. Natalie is a lovable character who is no pushover and has no problem speaking her mind. Ronan’s inability to forgive and appreciate what he has is frustrating but his many positive traits offset his flaws. The conflict that arises is a bit predictable but the quick and realistic resolution will delight readers. This latest addition to Susan Mallery’s Happily Inc series is an emotionally satisfying and uplifting novel that old and new fans are going to love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Happily Inc Series, Harlequin, HQN Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery, Why Not Tonight

September 25, 2017 · 11:57 pm

Review: Second Chance Girl by Susan Mallery

Title: Second Chance Girl by Susan Mallery
Happily Inc. Series Book Two
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Susan Mallery, read the second irresistible installment in the Happily Inc series!

Mathias Mitchell’s easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his “no promises, no pain” lifestyle. Yet he can’t stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes.

Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she’s not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she’ll always come first in his heart?

Don’t miss You Say It First, the first book in the Happily Inc series.

Review:

Set in a small town that caters to destination weddings, Second Chance Girl is an endearing addition to Susan Mallery’s Happily Inc. series. In this second outing, the Lund sisters, Carol and Violet, embark on romances that have their own set of obstacles to overcome on their way to happily ever after.

Carol is a gamekeeper on the town’s animal preserve and although she knows it will not go anywhere, she is crushing on her man-whore neighbor Mathias Mitchell, who favors one-night stands with visiting bridesmaids.  She knows she is not beautiful or special enough to attract Mathias so she ignores her attraction when they unexpectedly become friends.  When an evening of drinking culminates with a surprising admission from Mathias, Carol is delighted to indulge her fantasies about her sexy neighbor. However, the next day reinforces her insecurities and their once easygoing friendship becomes strained.

After a stunning revelation from his famous and temperamental artist father, Mathias feels doubly betrayed when his brother Ronan retreats both emotionally and physically. Needless to say, Mathias is unwilling to risk another emotional betrayal so he ignores his unanticipated attraction to his quiet and unassuming neighbor.  He also plays it safe when it comes to career and he confines his glasswork to creating  stunning dishware.  However, his creativity is reawakened after Mathias observes Carol’s tender interactions with her lonely giraffe, Millie.

Spending quiet evenings with Carol is a balm to Mathias wounded soul but their mutual attraction is becoming impossible to resist.  However, when things between them go awry, Carol is afraid to ask too many questions about what went wrong. At the same time, Mathias is garnering his courage to explore his sizzling desire for his lovely neighbor. Just when things are finally heating up between them, Mathias gets another reminder that love equals betrayal and he unequivocally  shuts down their budding romance. Will Carol find the confidence and courage she needs to challenge Mathias’s assumption that their relationship will eventually result in heartache?

Carol’s sister Violet also unexpectedly finds herself in a new relationship when Ulrich Sherwood, the Duke of Sherwood, arrives in town to confront her about her friendship with his grandmother. Although Ulrich has no recollection of having met Violet before, Violet has very fond memories of his kind words helping her feel better about herself when she was going through an ugly duckling stage as a teenager. Circumstances force Ulrich to remain in town and to both of their surprise, romance blooms between them. Is their relationship destined to be more than just a vacation fling?

Second Chance Girl is an enchanting romance between an emotionally damaged yet sexy man and an insecure but adorable woman.  This charming couple gradually transitions from friends to lovers but their respective emotional baggage quickly threatens to derail their relationship when an unpleasant family visit brings painful reminders of past betrayals. Despite the all too realistic problems that Carol and Mathias must overcome, this latest installment Susan Mallery’s Happily Inc. series is a light-hearted and witty read that old and new fans are sure to love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Happily Inc Series, Harlequin, HQN Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Second Chance Girl, Susan Mallery

August 20, 2017 · 11:57 pm

Review: You Say It First by Susan Mallery

Title: You Say It First by Susan Mallery
Happily, Inc Series Book One
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances invites you to visit Happily Inc., a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale!

Sculptor Nick Mitchell grew up in a family of artists and learned from his volatile father that passion only leads to pain. As he waits on a new commission, he takes a day job as a humble carpenter at a theme wedding venue. The job has its perks—mainly the venue’s captivating owner, Pallas Saunders.

Pallas adores Weddings in a Box. But if she can’t turn the floundering business around, she’ll have no choice but to cave to her domineering mother and work at the family’s bank. Then when a desperate bride begs Pallas for something completely out of the box, her irresistible new hire inspires her. Nick knows she doesn’t belong behind a desk, and she knows in her heart that he’s right—where she really belongs is in his arms.

Don’t miss the next book in the Happily Inc. series, Second Chance Girl!

Review:

The first installment in Susan Mallery’s new series, Happily Inc, You Say It First is a sweet yet sassy romance between a couple who are both carrying their fair share of emotional baggage.

Nick Mitchell is temporarily staying with his brothers, Ronan and Mathias, as he waits to hear if he has been selected to create a sculpture that will take him to Dubai for two years. Working as a part-time carpenter for Weddings in a Box owner Pallas Saunders sounds like the perfect way to fill his time while he waits. Growing up with his famous yet extremely temperamental artist father, Nick has decided passion is to be avoided at all costs so he resists romantic entanglements. However, since his time in town comes with an expiration date, will Nick give in to his unexpected attraction to Pallas?

Pallas always planned to work in her  family’s bank but her life took a few surprising detours and she now owns a destination wedding business. Weddings in a Box is on somewhat shaky financial ground but with plenty of weddings booked for the next several months, she is hopeful she can turn things around. When her mother finally presents her with a long anticipated job offer, Pallas’s reaction surprises both herself and her mom.  She feels like she can never live up to her mother’s expectations and she hates that she feels like she has to earn her mother’s love.  Because Pallas always falls short with her mother, she shies away from relationshops since she does not want to feel pressured to earn a man’s love. Since Nick is only going to be in town a short time, will Pallas decide to embark on a steamy no strings fling?

The romance between Pallas and Nick is slow growing and an absolute joy to watch unfold. Nick is honest with her right from the beginning that he is only interested in a short term relationship. Pallas  is relieved there is no pressure on her to earn his approval or love, so there is a decided lack of conflict as they indulge in some steamy interludes.  Outside of the bedroom, they are friends who work well together as they bounce ideas off each other after she is presented with an opportunity to stretch her creative wings for an upcoming wedding. Pallas grows both personally and professionally throughout their relationship but has Nick made any progress on conquering the demons that plague him?

You Say It First is a very heartwarming romance that is quite engaging.  Nick and Pallas are brilliantly developed lead protagonists whose foibles and frailties that make them easy to relate to. The supporting cast of characters is somewhat quirky yet immensely appealing. Old and new fans of Susan Mallery  will be absolutely delighted to immerse themselves in this first installment of the Happily Inc series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Happily Inc Series, Harlequin, HQN Books, Rated B, Review, Romance, Susan Mallery, You Say It First