With her Fool's Gold series, Mallery is known for bringing readers quirky, humorous stories that somehow manage to be lighthearted with depth.  And with Happily Inc she does it again!  SQUEEEE!  As we've come to expect, her characters are great with the zingers but can bring you to tears ... and not just with laughter.  They have issues - real ones that you can totally get behind - and they have to deal with them before they can find their happy.

Pallas's has to do with her mother.  For some reason her mom is really hard on her and nothing Pallas does is good enough, although she's spent her whole life trying.  She's at a crossroads in her life, though, having just inherited a wedding planning business while her mom wants her to work for the family bank.  Pallas has to decide what is right for her. 

Nick's issues have to do with his father and returning readers from Fool's Gold will be familiar with the backstory (but new readers should have no trouble catching up - Mallery's a pro at giving you the info you need).  His stay in Happily Inc is just a stop on his way to whatever he's doing next, giving him a chance to connect with his brothers.  He definitely didn't plan on Pallas and the kinds of feelings he's developing for her.  He's seen what that does to a person and he has no intention of getting that involved.   If you are familiar with Mallery's work you know how that turns out ... when does anything go as you expect it to?  :)  

For me the fluidity of Mallery's stories really keeps me coming back for more.  I mean, the snappy dialogue and fun people are definitely at the top of that list, but she knows how to wrap everything together so that it works seamless towards that HEA.  Both Nick and Pallas work on their family issues (although Nick's can't be 100% resolved because he has brothers who need their own stories) and their concerns over the future, including whatever hangups are involved with committing to their relationship.  It's pretty common in Mallery's stories but she makes it seem fresh when she does it.  Every.  Single.  Time.  I don't know how but she's gotta have some kinda of magic going on.  And I am so ready to see what she has in store for us next!

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***