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. ***

While I really enjoyed this story, there were a couple of issues for me.  I felt that Jase was a little TOO hard on himself.  I know that small towns have long memories and it is really easy to fall into the trap of the hive mind in blaming him for something that happened in the past.  However, I just didn't see it in his interactions.  Maybe it is because he was so good at isolating himself but I would have liked to have seen a little more of why he felt the way he did.

I'm also not sure what Laurel thought would happen after she took money from Jase's sister.  I can get how it started but she definitely should have done something about it WAY before she did.  Readers realize this is going to blow up and she should have too.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed these two together.  When Jase lets himself, he's a good person and is good to those around him.  Laurel may have had it rough but she's got a good heart and the gumption to try for a better life.  A little battered, neither of them has had the best time of it but they find the support in each other that they need so together they can finally find a happy place.  And readers will enjoy being there with them when they do.

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

I used to read Harlequin romances like I was eating M&Ms. I LOVED those things and couldn’t get enough of them. While I don’t pick them up with the same enthusiasm, I will find a tempting story here or there. And I really was drawn in by the idea of Erin’s crush on David and his feeling like he’s not worthy. Major delivered on the blurb’s promise too :)

There’s a good amount of growth by both of them. Erin has spent a good portion of her life feeling … just ordinary. And sometimes even being told so by people she should be able to trust. With those kinds of long-held beliefs, her crush on the hottie brewmaster seems unattainable to her.

David had a rough childhood and like everybody everywhere he’s made some mistakes. Unfortunately his past has caused him to take them a little more to heart than maybe he should. Once he’s tuned into Erin’s attraction to him, he believes himself to be undeserving. But to help his nephew he’ll take whatever help she has to offer.

Time spent together is decidedly beneficial for both of them. Erin gets to see David for the man that he actually is (and not just a pretty face and a fine behind), but even better she actually gets to see herself for who SHE is. With David’s help, she starts to believe in herself a little more and become more willing to accept that she has something to give – to the town, to her students, and even to David.

David also benefits from their growing intimacy. Erin helps him see that he shouldn’t beat himself up so much for things that weren’t really his fault. That he can accept his mistakes, learn from them, and move on all the better.

It’s heartwarming to have them help support each other and grow together, closer and more assured in themselves and their relationship. A feel good read for sure!

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

Continuing her emotion-packed and oh-so-sexy Preload series, Cole brings another absolute knock-out with Elliott Redeemed. It kept my heart tied up in knots from the beginning and didn’t let me go even after the last page.

I’m going to start with my only complaint about this series. I just don’t get enough of the band together! That is one of the things that is so special about this group of guys – how they bonded as kids in a foster home and have been there through ups & downs ever since. I get that these stories are their chance to create their own individual lives and find a HEA, plus I had a similar issue with Jordan Reclaimed so I guess it shouldn’t be a big surprise, and it is FANTASTIC to get to see these guys more in depth … but I just really want to see that connection continue.

Elliott has a lot of scars he’s carrying around from his childhood – both physical and mental. He’s managed to find a way to subsist but he’s still not thriving. Meeting a young burn victim and finding out everything that has happened to the boy brings all of his own personal demons to the front, forcing him to face it or be swept up. His growing feelings for the boy’s mom only complicates things even more.

Kendalee is carrying a lot of weight at the moment. Her husband left her for another woman and she’s pretty much dealing with her son’s troubles all on her own. Meeting a sexy man, a surprise visit for Daniel while he’s in the hospital, is just one more thing she may not be up for … especially when she sees what a great heart Elliott has and how much he’s helping her son.

It amazes me how Cole can manage to pack so much into her stories every time but never brings the drama or shorts her characters. They are always complex, touching, and over before I’m ready to be done. Sexy, emotional, and funny when it needs to be, Elliott Redeemed is a must read!

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

In general I really enjoyed this book – it had all the things I’ve come to expect from Melissa Foster. The characters were detailed and interesting, their interactions popped and kept me entertained, and the story flowed so well that the book was over before I knew it.

But I did have a couple of smallish things. I really wished that we’d gotten a bit more of their history first hand. Foster makes sure that you get that there is a lot between them – they’ve known each other since they were kids, were (unbeknownst to each other) their first love, and have kept a connection to each other throughout the years. I just wish we’d gotten to experience it a little more, instead of through conversations and memories, because I think that it would have helped deepen their relationship.

The other thing is a personal preference … Zane is a bit of a manwhore. He’s a big time Hollywood actor with women throwing them at him and he doesn’t necessarily turn them down. I know that rakes make for great SOs once they find The One (at least in romance novels) but it just kinda squicks me out. We’re supposed to feel this thing between them (see above) and while I understand that they aren’t supposed to necessarily be acknowledging it to anyone, even themselves, the sleeping around just isn’t my personal favorite. Maybe I’m too old fashioned but it just didn’t sit all that right.

Buuuut, not enough for me to dislike the book because they really are cute together and once he makes a commitment Zane is definitely all in. And it is a joy to behold :)

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

I enjoyed being there while Risa and Jax fell in love.  Neither one of them is really looking for someone and, while they feel a pretty big pull toward one another, circumstances just want to get in their way.  Luckily they keep getting pushed together because they make an adorable couple. 

Risa has an extremely soft heart - caring and hard-working for her patients & their people.  That dedication has her in Jax's orbit and she's finding him awfully tempting.  One of those super-awesome southern gentleman, Jax was raised right but he's still got a bit of a bad boy streak in him :)  Sexy, attentive, and sharp, he's just about perfect ... except he's also military and that's a big no-no for Risa.  But he's also determined and turns his considerable charm on her.  

My only real complaint came at the very end.  There's this aha! moment with who was causing trouble (although it isn't hard to figure out) but it isn't explained.  I have absolutely no idea why Jax was able to figure it out.  Maybe I skimmed over an important detail in my zest to find out what happened next (which kept me turning pages quickly through a lot of the book) but if I missed it then I'm sure others will too.

Other than that, I will say that I was a little disappointed with Risa.  When the big conflict in their relationship comes up (which pretty much all romances have at some point) she shuts down.  Totally reverts to teenage drama and she should be mature enough to handle things better.  But then the resolution would have been a little too easy, I guess :) 

For a first introduction to Chianese and this series (while this is the second book it can easily stand on its own), I found A Hero to Love a delightful read.  I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next - I understand that it is Risa's uber-cool friend, Fiona.  I'm anxious to see who gets to be her HEA!

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

*3.5 Stars*

I have to admit, I’m not sure that I actually found Red to be that good of a therapist.  Unfortunately she lets her personal feelings take over and influence her interactions with Sam and, while he isn't her patient, she should know better.  She recognizes it at one point but I think she didn’t take his feelings into consideration as much as she should have, as even just a normal person would.  And definitely not for a trained professional. 

But I also felt really bad for her with the way her friends treated her a couple of times.  I don’t know if the author intended for us to pick up on a personality trait of her's instead but I felt like she was the injured party.  There is one part where she’s helping a friend try on a wedding dress and gets cut off in the middle of a statement.  It just seemed rude and awful from someone who was supposed to be her great friend.  She does make some good strides by the end of the story.  While she still has some issues to work out and I really hope she continues to work on things - for her sake and for Sam's.   

Sam, though, absolutely stole the story for me - he’s so conflicted and for so many reasons.  From the very beginning his troubles just grabbed onto my heart and didn’t let go.   Between his up-bringing and his time in the military the poor man never had a chance of being all that well-adjusted.  Luckily he’s finally reached a stage in his life, and found a person he wants to commit to, that he’s willing to look his demons in the eye and come out the other side. 

A complex story with thorny personal issues, Kisses Sweeter Than Wine isn't an easy read but seeing Sam finally face his troubles makes it all worth while.  Maybe if I'd read the previous stories I'd have been even more involved in this couple, I don't know, but I can definitely say that he won me over.  

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

Sam really needed some time to himself to recharge and evaluate his life. His rocker lifestyle has started to take a toll and he’s moving ever closer to being a horrible cliché. A cabin in the middle of nowhere, isolation, and a chance to get his head on straight is all he wants. But he doesn’t count on his sexy landlord.

Faith leads a very quiet life and is happy that way. Her newest tenant may have some strange requests (and come across as a grump) but she could use the money. Especially as things get a little heated with her in-laws. But a she gets to know Sam a little better she realizes that there is more to him than she thought … and she’s interested in finding out even more.

There’re troubles for both but things are relatively drama free between the two of them. Sam is very supportive and gives of himself once he gets involved. Faith has some problems thanks to her past but she does her best to handle them and look forward to the future. Especially a future that includes Sam. Storming the Castle is a lovely read of people getting to each other, taking stock of their lives, and deciding the direction they want to go.

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

I think that some readers may have a problem with Kayla. She’s at a crossroads in her life and she seems to have spent quite a bit of time moping about it instead of actually doing anything constructive. Doesn’t even seem like she’s done any real soul searching. Instead she seems to be waiting for things to come to her and push her where she needs to be. Lucky for her she runs into Liam.

Liam has always lost any coolness he might have when he’s around Kayla. As they spends some time together, though, things start to change and their attraction begins to grow. He shows himself to be an awesomely sexy closet alpha that is just looking for the right woman to complete his life. Unfortunately his role as the family fixer may throw their romance a few curve balls.

It’s not easy juggling everything for everyone but Liam has a need to try and it just happens to conflict with Kayla’s issues stemming from her relationship with her own family. I’m not saying that there isn’t a problem with the Patrick family dynamic, just that unfortunately it crosses uncomfortably with the Gallagher’s. It’s not a good situation for either of them but luckily they work through it well and quickly.

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

I absolutely LOVE the way that Dade handles Miles and his issues. There’s a lot of understanding there for what he is going thru, has gone thru, and will face in his future. She gave me a lot to think about and I think that is always a sign of a well-done book. I also think that she gave Mary and her problems a fair shake as well. Her’s may not have been as dramatic as Miles’s but they are just as impactful and she needs to address them before she can make a life she truly enjoys.

The romance between the two is super sweet and relatively low key. There’s very little angst there, instead it is humorous and touching and expands slowly as they two get to know each other. My only complaint, and it is because I really enjoyed these two so much, is that the ending was a little abrupt. I would really have liked to have an epilogue or one more chapter just so I could have gotten a touch more of their HEA :)

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