Category Archives: Susan Mallery

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

Review: California Girls by Susan Mallery

Title: California Girls by Susan Mallery
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 464 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The California sunshine’s not quite so bright for three sisters

who get dumped in the same week…

Finola, a popular LA morning-show host, is famously upbeat until she’s blindsided on live TV by the news that her husband is sleeping with a young pop sensation who has set their affair to music. While avoiding the tabloids and pretending she’s just fine, she’s crumbling inside, desperate for him to come to his senses and for life to go back to normal.

Zennie’s breakup is no big loss. Although the world insists she pair up, she’d rather be surfing. So agreeing to be the surrogate for her best friend is a no-brainer—after all, she has an available womb and no other attachments to worry about. Except…when everyone else, including her big sister, thinks she’s making a huge mistake, being pregnant is a lot lonelier—and more complicated—than she imagined.

Never the tallest, thinnest or prettiest sister, Ali is used to being overlooked, but when her fiancé sends his disapproving brother to call off the wedding, it’s a new low. And yet Daniel continues to turn up “for support,” making Ali wonder if maybe—for once—someone sees her in a way no one ever has.

But side by side by side, these sisters will start over and rebuild their lives with all the affection, charm and laugh-out-loud humor that is classic Susan Mallery.

Review:

Featuring three sisters whose lives implode on the same day, California Girls by Susan Mallery is a poignant novel of self discovery, new beginnings and healing.

Finola Corrado is happily married to Felix and looking forward to taking their marriage to the next level. The host of a popular morning show, she is stunned when her husband confesses he is having an affair. Depressed and brokenhearted, Finola is hurt by the accusation she is partly responsible for the state of her marriage.  She is not exactly the most empathetic woman and she is also a bit shallow.  As the weeks pass and her heartbreak plays out in the public eye, will Finola continue to hope Felix will come back to her?

Ali Schmitt is blissfully planning her upcoming wedding to her fiancé Glen. Surprised to find Glen’s brother Daniel on her doorstep, she is shocked when he tells her Glen is calling off the wedding. Taken aback by his offer to help as she cancels the wedding preparations, she is grateful for his steadfast support. Reflecting on her relationship with Glen, Ali comes to a few unexpected conclusions about herself and her engagement.  As she emerges from the painful break-up, she has newfound confidence that provides the boost she needs to go after what she wants.  Ali is also a bit shaken by the discovery that her feelings for Daniel go deeper than friendship. Will Ali have the courage to see if she and Daniel have a future together?

Zennie is self-confident and content with her life. She has a wonderful circle of friends whom she sees quite often. She is physically active and enjoys running, hiking, surfing and rock climbing. Zennie dates but she is not really looking for a permanent relationship.  When her latest romance fizzles, she decides to temporarily stop dating. The timing is fortuitous since her best friend  Bernie and her husband Hayes ask her to be their surrogate. Zennie does not hesitate to say yes but once she is pregnant, she realizes she might not have given enough thought to how drastically her life will change. Someone from her past offers unexpected assistance but what will happen to their friendship once Zennie gives birth?

California Girls is an introspective, funny and heartwarming novel featuring three sisters who are facing personal challenges. The women are vibrantly developed but some of the sisters are more likable than others. The storyline is quite captivating with each of the women discovering hidden strengths as they overcome their respective challenges.  The romantic element is subtle and enhances the sisters’ growth as they recover from their painful breakups. The story has plenty of heart and sparkling wit and Susan Mallery  brings this thought-provoking novel to an emotional and uplifting conclusion.

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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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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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Review: When We Found Home by Susan Mallery

Title: When We Found Home by Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Length: 432 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Life is meant to be savored, but that’s not easy with no family, limited prospects and a past you’d rather not talk about. Still, Callie Smith doesn’t know how to feel when she discovers she has a brother and a sister—Malcolm, who grew up with affection, wealth and privilege, and Keira, a streetwise twelve-year-old. Callie doesn’t love being alone, but at least it’s safe. Despite her trepidation, she moves into the grand family home with her siblings and grandfather on the shores of Lake Washington, hoping just maybe this will be the start of a whole new life.

But starting over can be messy. Callie and Keira fit in with each other, but not with their posh new lifestyle, leaving Malcolm feeling like the odd man out in his own home. He was clever enough to turn a sleepy Seattle mail-order food catalog into an online gourmet powerhouse, yet he can’t figure out how to help his new sisters feel secure. Becoming a family will take patience, humor, a little bit of wine and a whole lot of love. But love isn’t Malcolm’s strong suit…until a beautiful barista teaches him that an open heart, like the family table, can always make room for more.

In this emotional, funny and heartfelt story, Susan Mallery masterfully explores the definition of a modern family—blended by surprise, not by choice—and how those complicated relationships can add unexpected richness to life.

Review:

When We Found Home by Susan Mallery is a thoughtful and heartwarming novel about three half-siblings who are trying to make the most of their unexpected family connection.

Thirty-four year old Malcolm Carlesso lives with his beloved grandfather, Alberto, and he also runs the family business. Although he did not meet Alberto until he was twelve years old, they are quite close but he never really had much of a relationship with his now deceased father. Malcolm has not had a serious relationship since his engagement ended, so he is surprised when barista, Delaney Holbrook, catches his eye. At the same time he is trying to navigate his unexpected attraction to Delaney, Malcolm is trying to come to terms with the stunning discovery he has two half-sisters whom he has never met.

Malcolm’s youngest sister is twelve year old Keira who, before moving in with them, was in the foster care system. She is spirited, perceptive and due to her life circumstances, mature beyond her years.  Since Malcolm is really not a people person, he has no idea how to relate to a twelve year old, so Keira does not exactly have a close relationship with him.  She has, however, formed an endearing friendship with Delaney, since she sees her most mornings before school.

Malcolm’s other half-sister, twenty-six year old Callie Smith, lives a low-key life and works two jobs to make ends meet.  She is leery of accepting the her newfound family’s offer to move to Seattle, but she decides to give them a chance. Overwhelmed by their generosity, Callie insists on making her own way once she begins living with them. She and Keira immediately hit it off but Callie and  Malcolm are rather wary of one another.  Callie wants to make the most of this opportunity that has been offered to her, but will her reluctance to reveal the truth about her past ruin the new life she is building?

Malcolm’s love interest, Delaney, has experienced a lot of upheaval during the past eighteen months. She has recently decided to switch careers and she is struggling with whether or not she made the right choice. Delaney is also still trying to come to terms with a tragic loss and she is having difficulty moving forward. She is quite happy with her budding romance with Malcolm and her advice to him about Keira has helped smooth over the rough edges of their relationship. However, Delaney’s inability to amke peace with her past could ruin her chance at happiness.

When We Found Home is a heartfelt and uplifting novel of new beginnings. The siblings’ attempts to navigate their new relationships are realistic and the problems they encounter ring true.  The romantic relationships are beautifully incorporated into the storyline and add to the various characters’ growth.  Old and new fans of Susan Mallery  will greatly enjoy this charming story of healing.

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Review: Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery

Title: Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery
Mischief Bay Series Book Four
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 432 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The grass is always greener on your sister’s side of the fence…

Divorce left Harper Szymanski with a name no one can spell, a house she can’t afford and a teenage daughter who’s pulling away. With her fledgling virtual-assistant business, she’s scrambling to maintain her overbearing mother’s ridiculous Susie Homemaker standards and still pay the bills, thanks to clients like Lucas, the annoying playboy cop who claims he hangs around for Harper’s fresh-baked cookies.

Spending half her life in school hasn’t prepared Dr. Stacey Bloom for her most daunting challenge—motherhood. She didn’t inherit the nurturing gene like Harper and is in deep denial that a baby is coming. Worse, her mother will be horrified to learn that Stacey’s husband plans to be a stay-at-home dad…assuming Stacey can first find the courage to tell Mom she’s already six months pregnant.

Separately they may be a mess, but together Harper and Stacey can survive anything—their indomitable mother, overwhelming maternity stores and ex’s weddings. Sisters Like Us is a delightful look at sisters, mothers and daughters in today’s fast-paced world, told with Susan Mallery’s trademark warmth and humor.

Review:

Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery is a winsome story about three generations of women and their sometimes complicated relationships. This  fourth installment in the Mischief Bay series easily stands on its own, but I highly recommend the previous books as well.

Forty-two year old Harper Szymanski is a divorced mom who loves her sixteen year old daughter Becca but works long hours trying to keep her virtual assistant business going.  She is a people pleaser who lets people walk all over her since she has a difficult time standing up for herself.  Her relationship with her mother Bunny is a bit of a mess since Bunny is firmly stuck in the ’50s where a man is always right and a woman should always put her husband and family’s needs before her own.

Harper’s younger sister, forty year old Stacey Bloom, is a super smart and socially awkward scientist who works on the cutting edge of MS research. She and her husband Kit are about to become first time parents and Stacey is greatly concerned over her lack of maternal instincts. She is also worried about Bunny’s reaction to their nontraditional plan for Kit to become a stay at home dad while she continues  working. But what troubles Stacey the most are her fears about what effect a baby will have on her and Kit’s relationship.

Becca is a typical teen who is insecure, somewhat self-absorbed and struggling with the loss of one of her closest friend’s after she moves out of state. She is also quite unhappy with the situation with her father who makes promises to her that he never keeps. He has virtually disappeared from her life which leaves her feeling unloved. Just when Becca reaches her lowest point, she meets Kit’s nephew, Ashton, and their friendship becomes a highlight in her life.

One of Harper’s favorite clients, Lucas Wheeler, is a fifty year old cop whose dating life is an endless array of short term relationships with vapid young women in their early twenties. He is a frequent visitor in their home whose friendship she greatly treasures. Lucas is surprisingly attentive to Becca and he becomes a father figure of sorts after he spend a lot of time with her helping her get her driver’s license.  Lucas and Harper unexpectedly fall into a relationship but since she is so different from the women he typically dates, will there be a shelf-life to their fling?

Sisters Like Us is an emotionally compelling novel that is poignant yet humorous. The chapters alternate between Harper, Stacey and Becca’s points of view as each of them attempt to overcome their personal issues. Harper and Stacey are both struggling with Bunny’s negative influence in their lives as she continues to make them both feel inadequate. Becca matures with guidance and advice from Lucas and a surprise romance of her own. Lucas and Harper’s transition from friends to lovers is understated and their interactions are laugh out loud funny and quite moving. Old and new fans of  Susan Mallery are going to love this newest addition to the enchanting Mischief Bay series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Mischief Bay Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sisters Like Us, Susan Mallery, Women's Fiction