What do you think?
Rate this book
A Happily Ever After Novel #2
Acting Happy
Acting Happy, the much anticipated sequel to the #1 international bestselling novel, Chasing Happy, is now available.
Ty Bateman isn’t as bad as the tabloids say, but being virtually imprisoned behind the windowless walls of his home to avoid the clicking cameras of a life of extreme celebrity will turn anyone jaded and distrustful. Needing a break from his tainted reality, he decides his secluded mountain cabin is the perfect place for an extended vacation from the madness. Rejuvenating his soul and making decisions about his future are his top priorities until he spots a blonde beauty in short-shorts carrying groceries out of the only store in town.
Kenzie Stanton learned the hard way that rainbows and fairy tales don’t exist. She swears if she ever gets back on her feet, and out of the hot water her ex landed her in, she’ll embrace a new life that’s relationship-free. When a tall, handsome man with sexy eyes and a smoking-hot body shows up in her family’s store, she has no trouble ignoring him…until his kindness and genuine nature truly test her resolve.
Kenzie and Ty are both hiding out in the mountains…for very different reason. But reality will only wait so long before it knocks on their doors. Even if Ty can break through Kenzie’s barriers, he’s not entirely sure his hurt beauty can withstand the mental brutality of being in the celebrity spotlight. For these two damaged souls, does the possibility of failure weigh to heavily to seek more from life than acting happy?
Ty Bateman isn’t as bad as the tabloids say, but being virtually imprisoned behind the windowless walls of his home to avoid the clicking cameras of a life of extreme celebrity will turn anyone jaded and distrustful. Needing a break from his tainted reality, he decides his secluded mountain cabin is the perfect place for an extended vacation from the madness. Rejuvenating his soul and making decisions about his future are his top priorities until he spots a blonde beauty in short-shorts carrying groceries out of the only store in town.
Kenzie Stanton learned the hard way that rainbows and fairy tales don’t exist. She swears if she ever gets back on her feet, and out of the hot water her ex landed her in, she’ll embrace a new life that’s relationship-free. When a tall, handsome man with sexy eyes and a smoking-hot body shows up in her family’s store, she has no trouble ignoring him…until his kindness and genuine nature truly test her resolve.
Kenzie and Ty are both hiding out in the mountains…for very different reason. But reality will only wait so long before it knocks on their doors. Even if Ty can break through Kenzie’s barriers, he’s not entirely sure his hurt beauty can withstand the mental brutality of being in the celebrity spotlight. For these two damaged souls, does the possibility of failure weigh to heavily to seek more from life than acting happy?
365 pages, ebook
Published March 22, 2016
38 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Rylie Roberts
5 books148 followersHollywood Binge novels debuting June 11, 2017 with co-author, Julia Bright. You can follow along by joining her newsletter at www.rylieroberts.com. Stay tuned. There’s more on the way.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 22, 2016
Acting Happy is the second book in the Texas Desires Series. It's also only the second book Rylie has written, and that surprises me. I can't wait for more! The first book follows Reed's story and now it's time for one of his best friends' Ty's. I love Reed but Ty is a total different type of man that I fell for instantly...
Ty Bateman is one of the biggest actors in the world. He has been working a crazy schedule over the last twelve years in the business. He wants to slow down, and the perfect start to his plan is the annual weekend trip with his four best friends. This year the destination is in the mountains. In the new home he bought to get away from the tabloids, work, and everything that comes along with it. He has four weeks to relax and figure out what he wants next. What he didn't expect on this trip was to find the woman that he would want to spend the rest of his life with...
After ten years of being away from home, Kenzie is back working for her parents at the only store in town. Since she left it seems she made one bad decision after another. She is suppose to be a social worker but now is a clerk. Instead of helping children she is stocking selves. Because of one extremely bad decision, she decided to swear off men. Forever. But that was before she saw him. She had no idea who he was except that he was sexy, charming, and was the new owner of a beautiful home in her mountain town. She was shocked to find out later that night that he was Ty Bateman. The Ty Bateman. And he wanted her. But why?
Ty has never been in a relationship. He never wanted someone to be his. His mother warned him that when he sees her, he will fall hard and fast. She was right. He never had to work so hard to get a date. But he knew she would be worth it. He could tell she had her walls built. He doesn't want to push but he did want to help. The more time they spent together, the more he was falling. She was it for him but she was holding back. He knew she had her insecurities because of who he is. She didn't think she could ever be good enough to be in his world. But he could tell there was more. What was she hiding? And would her secret break them or bring them closer together?
Kenzie knew Ty didn't want to be recognized while in the mountains but she had no idea how much that meant to him until he was home in LA. It's a lonely existence being him. He might be out on the town for the parties but he couldn't go anywhere without being seen and cameras in his face. That made his home, his safe haven. And when that safe haven is no longer safe, he just might break. Her Ty could be gone. Will Ty and Kenzie figure out a way to make their two worlds combine or will they break all together?
I love Ty! He is funny, sexy, charming, and so damn lovable. And Kenzie is a strong, beautiful, smart, and caring individual. Together, they are perfection. They have many obstacles to jump for a couple that just met but love is worth the fight. I will say I saw the length of the book and was worried it would take me a longer amount of time to finish but then I was hooked. I finished in two days. I can't wait for the third book! This group of friends are amazing.
Overall...its a sexy, sweet, and funny ride with some twists.
Quotes:
“You’re good to me.”
“You make it easy,” he yelled back.
“That’s the difference between you and every other person in my life. Nobody else cares if I’m happy.”
Ty Bateman held the power to destroy her.
Ty Bateman is one of the biggest actors in the world. He has been working a crazy schedule over the last twelve years in the business. He wants to slow down, and the perfect start to his plan is the annual weekend trip with his four best friends. This year the destination is in the mountains. In the new home he bought to get away from the tabloids, work, and everything that comes along with it. He has four weeks to relax and figure out what he wants next. What he didn't expect on this trip was to find the woman that he would want to spend the rest of his life with...
After ten years of being away from home, Kenzie is back working for her parents at the only store in town. Since she left it seems she made one bad decision after another. She is suppose to be a social worker but now is a clerk. Instead of helping children she is stocking selves. Because of one extremely bad decision, she decided to swear off men. Forever. But that was before she saw him. She had no idea who he was except that he was sexy, charming, and was the new owner of a beautiful home in her mountain town. She was shocked to find out later that night that he was Ty Bateman. The Ty Bateman. And he wanted her. But why?
Ty has never been in a relationship. He never wanted someone to be his. His mother warned him that when he sees her, he will fall hard and fast. She was right. He never had to work so hard to get a date. But he knew she would be worth it. He could tell she had her walls built. He doesn't want to push but he did want to help. The more time they spent together, the more he was falling. She was it for him but she was holding back. He knew she had her insecurities because of who he is. She didn't think she could ever be good enough to be in his world. But he could tell there was more. What was she hiding? And would her secret break them or bring them closer together?
Kenzie knew Ty didn't want to be recognized while in the mountains but she had no idea how much that meant to him until he was home in LA. It's a lonely existence being him. He might be out on the town for the parties but he couldn't go anywhere without being seen and cameras in his face. That made his home, his safe haven. And when that safe haven is no longer safe, he just might break. Her Ty could be gone. Will Ty and Kenzie figure out a way to make their two worlds combine or will they break all together?
I love Ty! He is funny, sexy, charming, and so damn lovable. And Kenzie is a strong, beautiful, smart, and caring individual. Together, they are perfection. They have many obstacles to jump for a couple that just met but love is worth the fight. I will say I saw the length of the book and was worried it would take me a longer amount of time to finish but then I was hooked. I finished in two days. I can't wait for the third book! This group of friends are amazing.
Overall...its a sexy, sweet, and funny ride with some twists.
Quotes:
“You’re good to me.”
“You make it easy,” he yelled back.
“That’s the difference between you and every other person in my life. Nobody else cares if I’m happy.”
Ty Bateman held the power to destroy her.
March 27, 2016
Vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains, hottie superstar actor Ty (friend of Reed's from book 1) meets Kenzie, who's living with her parents after her divorce... and there's something else going on there, but we won't find out until 50% in.
Essentially this is all about Ty convincing K that he's really in love with her, K getting more comfortable with the idea of trusting a man after her awful marriage and then dealing with the publicity and the paparazzi once they've become a couple.
Reed and Lara are in this one -- Reed's still a jerk, but he's helpful. Ty is just hot -- with beard or without, he's in love and pretty romantic about it.
Fun read.
Essentially this is all about Ty convincing K that he's really in love with her, K getting more comfortable with the idea of trusting a man after her awful marriage and then dealing with the publicity and the paparazzi once they've become a couple.
Reed and Lara are in this one -- Reed's still a jerk, but he's helpful. Ty is just hot -- with beard or without, he's in love and pretty romantic about it.
Fun read.
April 20, 2016
It was okay. I liked Ty. Kenzie was love/hate. But I'll continue with this series.
March 28, 2016
Fun, flirty, sweet, and an exciting read! Acting Happy is a stand alone in the Texas Desires series by Rylie Roberts that had me hooked from beginning to end!
In Acting Happy we meet Ty Bateman and Kenzie Stanton. On paper these two would never work, Ty’s a huge movie star and Kenzie is a small town girl with a secret. So when the two of them meet, and the sparks fly, I knew I was going to be on one heck of a ride with these two.
Ty’s sick and tired of the business, and excited for a few weeks of vacation in the mountains in Tennessee. When his best friends Reed, Bray, Connor, and Cole show up for their yearly vacation together, and they make a beer run, Ty’s life is changed forever when he meets Kenzie.
Kenzie is back home, a place she thought she’d never be again, helping her parents run their store, and hoping against hope that her past doesn’t come back to haunt her. The last thing she needs is the attraction she has to Ty or him pursuing her, but that doesn’t stop it from happening.
Almost from the beginning of this book when we met Kenzie, we knew she was hiding something, but I didn’t know the extent of it till Ty found out as well. I wasn’t expecting everything she was hiding, so it was a shock to me as the reader as much as it was to Ty. My heart broke for her and it definitely helped explain why Kenzie acted the way she did. She’s been through so much during her life already. The way Ty handled the news wasn’t shocking to me, because by the time Kenzie opened up, we know how good of a guy Ty was and how he felt about her. Nothing she said could make him turn away, but what he did to help her, it made my heart so freaking happy, and I definitely fell in love with him right then and there!
Things are not easy for Ty and Kenzie throughout this entire story. What they feel for each other is solid, even if it takes a while for Kenzie to finally say it, and then there’s dealing with her past, and Ty’s fans. Every time I thought things were finally going to go in a good way for these two, something else comes up and I kept thinking “this will be the time that breaks them”. My heart went out to both of these characters while reading this book. The things they have to deal with, and everything they go through, all while trying to make a new relationship work, is something that could break even the strongest of couples.
Acting Happy is a beautifully written love story that played out like a movie while I was reading it. I loved the cameo’s we got of Reed and Lara and Kade from Chasing Happy. Seeing how they were doing was awesome, because I adored their story as well! Ty and Kenzie though? They definitely out rank Lara and Reed in my opinion. There is just something special about their story that made me fall in love with both of them so much!
The ending and the epilogue of this book was perfect, and I truly hope we get to see Connor, Cole, Bray, and maybe Julia’s stories in the future as I believe each of them would make an amazing book! If you’re looking for a sweet and sexy romance with tons of twists and turns, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Acting Happy by Rylie Roberts today!
In Acting Happy we meet Ty Bateman and Kenzie Stanton. On paper these two would never work, Ty’s a huge movie star and Kenzie is a small town girl with a secret. So when the two of them meet, and the sparks fly, I knew I was going to be on one heck of a ride with these two.
Ty’s sick and tired of the business, and excited for a few weeks of vacation in the mountains in Tennessee. When his best friends Reed, Bray, Connor, and Cole show up for their yearly vacation together, and they make a beer run, Ty’s life is changed forever when he meets Kenzie.
Kenzie is back home, a place she thought she’d never be again, helping her parents run their store, and hoping against hope that her past doesn’t come back to haunt her. The last thing she needs is the attraction she has to Ty or him pursuing her, but that doesn’t stop it from happening.
Almost from the beginning of this book when we met Kenzie, we knew she was hiding something, but I didn’t know the extent of it till Ty found out as well. I wasn’t expecting everything she was hiding, so it was a shock to me as the reader as much as it was to Ty. My heart broke for her and it definitely helped explain why Kenzie acted the way she did. She’s been through so much during her life already. The way Ty handled the news wasn’t shocking to me, because by the time Kenzie opened up, we know how good of a guy Ty was and how he felt about her. Nothing she said could make him turn away, but what he did to help her, it made my heart so freaking happy, and I definitely fell in love with him right then and there!
Things are not easy for Ty and Kenzie throughout this entire story. What they feel for each other is solid, even if it takes a while for Kenzie to finally say it, and then there’s dealing with her past, and Ty’s fans. Every time I thought things were finally going to go in a good way for these two, something else comes up and I kept thinking “this will be the time that breaks them”. My heart went out to both of these characters while reading this book. The things they have to deal with, and everything they go through, all while trying to make a new relationship work, is something that could break even the strongest of couples.
Acting Happy is a beautifully written love story that played out like a movie while I was reading it. I loved the cameo’s we got of Reed and Lara and Kade from Chasing Happy. Seeing how they were doing was awesome, because I adored their story as well! Ty and Kenzie though? They definitely out rank Lara and Reed in my opinion. There is just something special about their story that made me fall in love with both of them so much!
The ending and the epilogue of this book was perfect, and I truly hope we get to see Connor, Cole, Bray, and maybe Julia’s stories in the future as I believe each of them would make an amazing book! If you’re looking for a sweet and sexy romance with tons of twists and turns, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Acting Happy by Rylie Roberts today!
April 8, 2016
ARC received for an honest review
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book in this series, Chasing Happy, so it was a no brainer when it came to reading Acting Happy. You can read this book without reading the first, but why could you want to miss out on the goodness?
What an adorable book. Ty and Kenzie are two people who you wouldn't expect to be together if you looked at them on paper.
But you never know what is behind the facade, what people are hiding behind their smiles.
From their first flirtatious meeting, I just couldn't get enough. I read with a smile on my dial as they took those steps into a relationship.
My heart ached for Kenzie as we learned more of her past, but it soared as she overcame it all.
I simply adored Ty's band of brothers - they are a motley crew but they are just the perfect group of friends.
Acting Happy is a fun, sexy, flirty read that I just didn't want to put down once I started.
And I can't wait to see who's story Ms Roberts brings us next!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book in this series, Chasing Happy, so it was a no brainer when it came to reading Acting Happy. You can read this book without reading the first, but why could you want to miss out on the goodness?
What an adorable book. Ty and Kenzie are two people who you wouldn't expect to be together if you looked at them on paper.
But you never know what is behind the facade, what people are hiding behind their smiles.
From their first flirtatious meeting, I just couldn't get enough. I read with a smile on my dial as they took those steps into a relationship.
My heart ached for Kenzie as we learned more of her past, but it soared as she overcame it all.
I simply adored Ty's band of brothers - they are a motley crew but they are just the perfect group of friends.
Acting Happy is a fun, sexy, flirty read that I just didn't want to put down once I started.
And I can't wait to see who's story Ms Roberts brings us next!
March 3, 2016
Acting Happy (Texas Desire #2) by Rylie Roberts is a fun, sweet, heart catching read. Acting Happy can be read as a standalone, but is more involving if you have read Book 1 in this series. We met the 5 best friends from West Texas in Book 1-Chasing Happy, Reed and Lara’s story. The 5 are spread across the world. Their jobs are- “Reed over there, he owns the world (CEO of a multi-faceted Company). Braden’s an attorney in Dallas. Connor’s military and Cole…He’s in the family business. They’re farmers. Like those massive sprawling farms…”
Ty Bateman, the movie star to end all move stars, and McKenzie Stanton, hospital social worker, are who’s story we now move on to in order to discover why they are “Acting Happy”.
Yes, they both have something to hide. Kenzie came home to the Smoky Mountains where she was raised to feel safe and Ty came to the place he had found to recharge and get back in touch with the real Him.
Ty is so struck by Kenzie the first time he sees her. But Reed points out to Ty, “She’s a beautiful, smart woman living alone with her parents in the mountains with a public servant degree that she’s not using. Something’s not right.”
Ty just wonders--“So because of his career, he couldn’t have a date or two with a normal, everyday kind of woman? He was stuck with women who were more ambitious than even he was when he first started in this business?”
Acting Happy shows us what Ty will do to keep Kenzie once He knows-- “He not only loved her, he instinctively knew she was his one and only. The one great love of his life. No one would ever fill this woman’s shoes. He could now begin his existence because he’d finally found her.”
Rylie Roberts’s book 2 in her Texas Desire series is great to read. I was looking forward to more stories from Rylie Roberts and was not disappointed by Acting Happy. I was given this book. I enjoyed this story more than Book 1. The twist, personal insecurities, and invasion of tabloid press in this story will keep you involved and turning page after page. I very much look forward to more stories from Rylie Roberts in this series.
Give Acting Happy a try; it will be well worth your time.
Thanks Rylie Roberts & Good Writing
Ty Bateman, the movie star to end all move stars, and McKenzie Stanton, hospital social worker, are who’s story we now move on to in order to discover why they are “Acting Happy”.
Yes, they both have something to hide. Kenzie came home to the Smoky Mountains where she was raised to feel safe and Ty came to the place he had found to recharge and get back in touch with the real Him.
Ty is so struck by Kenzie the first time he sees her. But Reed points out to Ty, “She’s a beautiful, smart woman living alone with her parents in the mountains with a public servant degree that she’s not using. Something’s not right.”
Ty just wonders--“So because of his career, he couldn’t have a date or two with a normal, everyday kind of woman? He was stuck with women who were more ambitious than even he was when he first started in this business?”
Acting Happy shows us what Ty will do to keep Kenzie once He knows-- “He not only loved her, he instinctively knew she was his one and only. The one great love of his life. No one would ever fill this woman’s shoes. He could now begin his existence because he’d finally found her.”
Rylie Roberts’s book 2 in her Texas Desire series is great to read. I was looking forward to more stories from Rylie Roberts and was not disappointed by Acting Happy. I was given this book. I enjoyed this story more than Book 1. The twist, personal insecurities, and invasion of tabloid press in this story will keep you involved and turning page after page. I very much look forward to more stories from Rylie Roberts in this series.
Give Acting Happy a try; it will be well worth your time.
Thanks Rylie Roberts & Good Writing
March 22, 2016
Do you love a heart happy read? Something that is fun, flirty, and just makes you giggle like a schoolgirl with her first crush? If you answered yes, then you absolutely must read Rylie Roberts’ newest release Acting Happy, Book Two in her Texas Desires Series. Now, I know what you are thinking… Ugh it’s book two! You can absolutely read this one as a standalone, however you’d be missing out on a tale of five childhood best friends all from West Texas. Although they are stretched apart from one end of the globe to another and their jobs may range from a farmer to a movie star, they are still deep rooted in love and friendship and are all missing that special woman in their lives.
In Acting Happy, you get to meet the famous Ty Bateman, a movie and television star who is burned out from being in the spotlight. Leaving the big city of LA and hiding away in the mountains of TN, Ty gets the chance to just be himself. Little did he know, he’d meet the woman of his dreams behind a local grocery store register. Kenzie is a broken woman who has recently returned home after seeing the real world and losing her naitivity. When Ty Bateman focuses his attention on her instead of lapping it up, Kenzie resists what is too good to be true until temptation takes over. Can these two find common ground?
Roberts does a fantastic job of writing every girl’s fantasy into book form, but also delivers it with a lighthearted humor that I found endearing. As I read, she had me smiling and hoping for a happily ever after- which is exactly what we all want from a romance, right. As much as I loved her first book Chasing Happy, I loved this one twice as much. Which, in the end, proves to me that Roberts is only perfecting her craft.
If you want to check out an Indie author with lots of potential for storytelling greatness, check out Robert’s Texas Desires series and become a part of her journey by falling in love her her boys of Texas just as I have.
In Acting Happy, you get to meet the famous Ty Bateman, a movie and television star who is burned out from being in the spotlight. Leaving the big city of LA and hiding away in the mountains of TN, Ty gets the chance to just be himself. Little did he know, he’d meet the woman of his dreams behind a local grocery store register. Kenzie is a broken woman who has recently returned home after seeing the real world and losing her naitivity. When Ty Bateman focuses his attention on her instead of lapping it up, Kenzie resists what is too good to be true until temptation takes over. Can these two find common ground?
Roberts does a fantastic job of writing every girl’s fantasy into book form, but also delivers it with a lighthearted humor that I found endearing. As I read, she had me smiling and hoping for a happily ever after- which is exactly what we all want from a romance, right. As much as I loved her first book Chasing Happy, I loved this one twice as much. Which, in the end, proves to me that Roberts is only perfecting her craft.
If you want to check out an Indie author with lots of potential for storytelling greatness, check out Robert’s Texas Desires series and become a part of her journey by falling in love her her boys of Texas just as I have.
March 31, 2016
Acting Happy is the second book in the Texas Desires series, and this one concentrates on Ty. He is a move star, very close to being burnt out. He has insisted on a holiday and has retreated to the mountains where he has organised a weekend with his buddies, to reground himself. Not long after he arrives, he sees Kenzie helping a lady with her shopping. It is one of those moments where your heart stops, and your breath catches in your throat. He NEEDS to know this woman. Unfortunately for him, Cole also sees her and wants the same. However, Ty lays his claim out there, and is also patient enough to wait for the weekend to end and Cole to go home. Kenzie has her own secrets and retreat and certainly didn't count on meeting Ty. Will their worlds ever be able to combine?
I enjoyed this book more than I liked Chasing Happy, simply because, although he knows what he wants, Ty didn't steamroll Kenzie either. He works with her and they are able to find a mutually agreeable compromise. I will say that I loved Reed's appearances in here. He grew on me in the previous book, and his support in this one just confirms how much he has grown and what a benefit Lara is to him.
One thing that I love about Rylie's books is that you don't just get to 'good bit' and then it's finished. No, with Rylie, you go on further and get more story of how they live, work and generally be together. This makes for a more well-rounded story for me, and I love that extra look into their lives.
Well written, with a smooth pacing, and excellent characters, this is completely enjoyable and definitely recommended by me.
* I received this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I enjoyed this book more than I liked Chasing Happy, simply because, although he knows what he wants, Ty didn't steamroll Kenzie either. He works with her and they are able to find a mutually agreeable compromise. I will say that I loved Reed's appearances in here. He grew on me in the previous book, and his support in this one just confirms how much he has grown and what a benefit Lara is to him.
One thing that I love about Rylie's books is that you don't just get to 'good bit' and then it's finished. No, with Rylie, you go on further and get more story of how they live, work and generally be together. This makes for a more well-rounded story for me, and I love that extra look into their lives.
Well written, with a smooth pacing, and excellent characters, this is completely enjoyable and definitely recommended by me.
* I received this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
April 11, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
This book is the second in the Texas Desires series and while it can be read as a standalone, I really suggest you give book 1, Chasing Happy, a chance. It's really good!
Ty Bateman, one of Hollywood's most sought after actors and leading man is nearly burned out, so he decides to take a 4-week vacation to decide what it is that he wants to do with his life. The last thing he expected was to find a woman he can't stop thinking about.
The last thing Kenzie Stanton expected when she came back home to hide from her previous life, was to find herself pursued by the gorgeous, charming Ty, who demolishes all the walls she's carefully put around her heart after a horrible relationship.
When real life comes knocking on their door, will whatever they've been building enough to survive it?
This was a great story and a very good continuation to the series. I loved seeing Reed and Lara and their group of friends. But above all, I loved getting to know Kenzie and Ty and see how well they worked together and on their issues to make a great foundation for a life together.
The book was fun, sweet, well-written and had some angst interspersed into it for good measure. It flowed well and left me wanting to read more of these fantastic group of friends! Very recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
This book is the second in the Texas Desires series and while it can be read as a standalone, I really suggest you give book 1, Chasing Happy, a chance. It's really good!
Ty Bateman, one of Hollywood's most sought after actors and leading man is nearly burned out, so he decides to take a 4-week vacation to decide what it is that he wants to do with his life. The last thing he expected was to find a woman he can't stop thinking about.
The last thing Kenzie Stanton expected when she came back home to hide from her previous life, was to find herself pursued by the gorgeous, charming Ty, who demolishes all the walls she's carefully put around her heart after a horrible relationship.
When real life comes knocking on their door, will whatever they've been building enough to survive it?
This was a great story and a very good continuation to the series. I loved seeing Reed and Lara and their group of friends. But above all, I loved getting to know Kenzie and Ty and see how well they worked together and on their issues to make a great foundation for a life together.
The book was fun, sweet, well-written and had some angst interspersed into it for good measure. It flowed well and left me wanting to read more of these fantastic group of friends! Very recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
April 8, 2016
Kenzie Stanton never thought she would move back home to the town that she wanted to get away from. She has sworn that when she gets out of the trouble her ex landed her in, she won't have another relationship. It's too bad she can't this through her matchmaking mother's head. The day a hot man shows up in her family's store, is the day her life is turned upside down again. Ty Bateman has become a cynical, take charge TV and movie star since experiencing the life as a famous celebrity. The time has come for his yearly weekend with the guys, and it couldn't have come at a better time. He bought a secluded mountain cabin to get a break from insane reality, ans just breathe without the paps chasing him. The day he sets eyes on Kenzie, the spark is instant for him. But will his life be too brutal on the hurt Kenzie?
Although it took me a bit to get into this story fully, once I did, I enjoyed it. The character development is good, with a hilarious cast of secondaries. A sweet, and well written storyline flows smoothly. Rylie Roberts does a good job keeping me on my toes, as I had to know what happened to Kenzie in the past. I'm interested in reading the rest of this series, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Although it took me a bit to get into this story fully, once I did, I enjoyed it. The character development is good, with a hilarious cast of secondaries. A sweet, and well written storyline flows smoothly. Rylie Roberts does a good job keeping me on my toes, as I had to know what happened to Kenzie in the past. I'm interested in reading the rest of this series, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 11, 2016
Acting Happy -Rylie Roberts
5 stars--review by Amanda B.
Ty and Kenzie are the most unlikely of couples but are so sweet together that it hurts my teeth...They are both looking for change and find it in one another. Their courtship in Tennessee is so normal while Ty’s life in LA is so demanding and cruel… He's sick of his life and contemplating a complete life overhaul when he buys a chair in a little country store that changes the course of his life. And sometimes it's great for your parents to intervene!
The characters in the book are well developed and written with plenty of room for expansion in later works. Ty’s friends are a motley crew of different lifestyles and outlooks that add so much depth to the characters. Kenzie is down home and down trodden just enough to bring out Ty’s alpha side! And let's me just say it's hot!
This was my first work from Ms. Roberts and I enjoyed it immensely. There wasn't an overabundance of self talking or monologues which can get really old, and the conflict and resolution was believable and well written. This is #2 in this Happy series, with Chasing Happy coming first and Mission Happy coming out soon.
5 stars--review by Amanda B.
Ty and Kenzie are the most unlikely of couples but are so sweet together that it hurts my teeth...They are both looking for change and find it in one another. Their courtship in Tennessee is so normal while Ty’s life in LA is so demanding and cruel… He's sick of his life and contemplating a complete life overhaul when he buys a chair in a little country store that changes the course of his life. And sometimes it's great for your parents to intervene!
The characters in the book are well developed and written with plenty of room for expansion in later works. Ty’s friends are a motley crew of different lifestyles and outlooks that add so much depth to the characters. Kenzie is down home and down trodden just enough to bring out Ty’s alpha side! And let's me just say it's hot!
This was my first work from Ms. Roberts and I enjoyed it immensely. There wasn't an overabundance of self talking or monologues which can get really old, and the conflict and resolution was believable and well written. This is #2 in this Happy series, with Chasing Happy coming first and Mission Happy coming out soon.
March 28, 2016
This was the first book that I've read by Rylie Roberts and as soon as I finish I went and bought book 1 in this series! I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for more in the series to come!
Ty the handsome movie star who is tired of the life he lives. Kenzie the shy beautiful girl who is stuck in a situation after living a sheltered life - being in the wrong place and trusting the wrong person. She's been burned, he's been burned and the two have a connection that is fast and furious - scaring both in two total opposites ways. To me they were perfection together. Kenzie was able to show Ty what love truly could be. Ty gave Kenzie the confidence to trust who she really was and see that she could allow people into her life that loved her for her, and no what she could do for them.
They both had their own set of baggage and at times it did get a little over the top with the self doubt on both sides, but I loved their connection, their chemistry and loved their friends who helped them a long the way.
Really a great book and can't wait to go back and read book 1 in the series!
Ty the handsome movie star who is tired of the life he lives. Kenzie the shy beautiful girl who is stuck in a situation after living a sheltered life - being in the wrong place and trusting the wrong person. She's been burned, he's been burned and the two have a connection that is fast and furious - scaring both in two total opposites ways. To me they were perfection together. Kenzie was able to show Ty what love truly could be. Ty gave Kenzie the confidence to trust who she really was and see that she could allow people into her life that loved her for her, and no what she could do for them.
They both had their own set of baggage and at times it did get a little over the top with the self doubt on both sides, but I loved their connection, their chemistry and loved their friends who helped them a long the way.
Really a great book and can't wait to go back and read book 1 in the series!
April 6, 2016
Ty and Kenzie are the most unlikely of couples but are so sweet together that it hurts my teeth...They are both looking for change and find it in one another. Their courtship in Tennessee is so normal while Ty’s life in LA is so demanding and cruel… He's sick of his life and contemplating a complete life overhaul when he buys a chair in a little country store that changes the course of his life. And sometimes it's great for your parents to intervene!
The characters in the book are well developed and written with plenty of room for expansion in later works. Ty’s friends are a motley crew of different lifestyles and outlooks that add so much depth to the characters. Kenzie is down home and down trodden just enough to bring out Ty’s alpha side! And let's me just say it's hot!
This was my first work from Ms. Roberts and I enjoyed it immensely. There wasn't an overabundance of self talking or monologues which can get really old, and the conflict and resolution was believable and well written. This is #2 in this Happy series, with Chasing Happy coming first and Mission Happy coming out soon.
Review by Amanda
The characters in the book are well developed and written with plenty of room for expansion in later works. Ty’s friends are a motley crew of different lifestyles and outlooks that add so much depth to the characters. Kenzie is down home and down trodden just enough to bring out Ty’s alpha side! And let's me just say it's hot!
This was my first work from Ms. Roberts and I enjoyed it immensely. There wasn't an overabundance of self talking or monologues which can get really old, and the conflict and resolution was believable and well written. This is #2 in this Happy series, with Chasing Happy coming first and Mission Happy coming out soon.
Review by Amanda
April 18, 2016
Acting Happy is the 2nd book in the Texas Desires series. This series follows 5 childhood friends from West Texas. This books starts with the 5 friends meeting up for their annual vacation at Sexiest Man and popular actor Ty Bateman's home in the Smoky Mountains. While stocking up on groceries at the local store, they meet Kenzie Stanton the daughter of the store owners. Ty immediately feels a connection to the beautiful and reserved Kenzie.
Kenzie has recently returned home after divorcing her abusive husband who helped land her in legal troubles. She has sworn off men and is resistant to spending time with Ty.
However, once these two spend some time together, there's no denying their attraction.
Ms Roberts takes her readers along as these two characters learn to let go of the hurts of the past and learn to trust each other. Ty was an easy hero to love and from the start I wanted good things to happen for Kenzie.
This book can be read as a stand alone but I am excited to reading the first book of the series and the future releases as well.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kenzie has recently returned home after divorcing her abusive husband who helped land her in legal troubles. She has sworn off men and is resistant to spending time with Ty.
However, once these two spend some time together, there's no denying their attraction.
Ms Roberts takes her readers along as these two characters learn to let go of the hurts of the past and learn to trust each other. Ty was an easy hero to love and from the start I wanted good things to happen for Kenzie.
This book can be read as a stand alone but I am excited to reading the first book of the series and the future releases as well.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2016
When a country boy makes it big and achieves his dreams, but never forgets his childhood friends it makes for one boys trip to a cabin in the mountains away from all the paparazzi and gossip. Ty is one of the most popular actors around, but sometimes just wants to be done with it all and have a life with a wife, picket fence, and kids. He and his friends get together to kick back and relax in his cabin and catch up. When they go to the local mom and pop store, they see a beautiful woman and Ty instantly feels things he hasn't felt for a woman ever. Kenzie sees the men and even though they are handsome, she is not in the market for a relationship. Ty feels this may be his chance at happiness, but isn't sure he should let his world attack Kenzie. Ty and his friends are as close as brothers and when they need it, the others will do anything to help. I loved this whole story and enjoyed how there were funny scenes, some suspense, and most of all, lots and lots of super hotness!!!!
April 7, 2016
This is an amazing story of love, courage and learning to trust again. I am always amazed when I read a book about a couple who defy the odds and decide to give each other a chance. I also love a story that moves slow and does not jump right into insta love.
This is the story of Kenzie and Ty. Kenzie works in a hospital as a social worker helping others. She has always wanted to help others out and working in the hospital does just that. Ty is a celebrity movie star. He is known as a bad boy and has a bad rep but deep down inside he is a huge bear.
So when he decides to spend some times with his best friends he rents a cabin in the middle of nowhere where he meets a sexy women he just has to find out who she is. But what he doesn't know is that Kenzie is not looking for love. She has been burned and she is all set with love.
Will Ty break down her walls or will he walk away from the woman that could change his life.....
This is the story of Kenzie and Ty. Kenzie works in a hospital as a social worker helping others. She has always wanted to help others out and working in the hospital does just that. Ty is a celebrity movie star. He is known as a bad boy and has a bad rep but deep down inside he is a huge bear.
So when he decides to spend some times with his best friends he rents a cabin in the middle of nowhere where he meets a sexy women he just has to find out who she is. But what he doesn't know is that Kenzie is not looking for love. She has been burned and she is all set with love.
Will Ty break down her walls or will he walk away from the woman that could change his life.....
May 1, 2016
This story makes my heart happy. It’s sweet and sexy with some flirty fun. Ty and Kenzie just mesh together. They’ve both been “acting happy” for so long when something comes a long to really make them happy they don’t recognize those feelings. Together these two will heal each other so they can stop “acting happy” and start being happy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series but this book was so much better then the first. Rylie Roberts’ writing gets better with each story and book. I was intrigued from the very beginning and couldn’t get enough of Ty and Kenzie. This could be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading Chasing Happy first.
I can’t wait for more in this series and what Rylie has in store for us.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series but this book was so much better then the first. Rylie Roberts’ writing gets better with each story and book. I was intrigued from the very beginning and couldn’t get enough of Ty and Kenzie. This could be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading Chasing Happy first.
I can’t wait for more in this series and what Rylie has in store for us.
June 4, 2016
This is the second book in this amazing series. This time it is Ty & Kenzie, and while I didn't read the first book, I think it would have helped know more about the others in the series as well.
This was full of fun and laughs, but still a sweet love story. However, it isn't all rainbows and sunshine. Like real life, there are ugly parts that cause problems and could possibly make the good parts end if you let it. What happens when one is rich and famous and the other is the person next door?? Will they make it through everything or will they end apart?
I loved this story, and was hooked and pulled in, just like in my favorite movies, shows, and books. I can't wait for what happens next in this series.
This was full of fun and laughs, but still a sweet love story. However, it isn't all rainbows and sunshine. Like real life, there are ugly parts that cause problems and could possibly make the good parts end if you let it. What happens when one is rich and famous and the other is the person next door?? Will they make it through everything or will they end apart?
I loved this story, and was hooked and pulled in, just like in my favorite movies, shows, and books. I can't wait for what happens next in this series.
March 31, 2016
This was my first book by this author and I must I loved this book! It had relatable characters that you just have to love. Kenzie and Ty both come from not so great pasts that hold them back from relationships. Yes Ty is a big time movie star but he's just a regular country boy at heart. Kenzie, was a bit of a wallflower and got into the wrong crowd with the wrong guy.. I kinda relate to her the most, mostly because there's a lot of similarities between us. I must say Ty is a true gentleman, he's patient with her and does everything to make her happy and trust him. He also accepts her and makes the past go away.. This was a funny and sexy read, I'll highly enjoyed it
March 31, 2016
I love Acting Happy. What a sweet story? I fell in love with Rylie Roberts' first book Chasing Happy so I preordered Acting Happy I wasn't disappointed. Ty Bateman famous Hollywood actor fell hard for Kenzie Stanton a small town girl going through some ugly things in her life. The book was fun, sweet, sexy and such a heart warming story. It was also nice to see the characters from Chasing Happy in this book as well since they were childhood friends. Five Fantastic Stars.
April 9, 2016
I recieved this for an honest review.. first I have to say I absolutely LOVE Rylie Roberts and her writing style.. I was so very excited for this book and let me tell you I was not disappointed this book just made me all kinds of happy...
This is Ty and Kenzie's story and I was sucked in from page one until the end!! This book is a fun and sexy read... This book is wonderfully written with just enough of everything to keep this little bookworm happy and acting all kinds of happy!!!
This is Ty and Kenzie's story and I was sucked in from page one until the end!! This book is a fun and sexy read... This book is wonderfully written with just enough of everything to keep this little bookworm happy and acting all kinds of happy!!!
April 15, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for a honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Stacy Aube for Cutting Muse Blog Review.
This is the first book I have read by Rylie. It was a great story. I got emotional at times. I really wished I started with the first book in the series. I will however have to read the next book.
This is the first book I have read by Rylie. It was a great story. I got emotional at times. I really wished I started with the first book in the series. I will however have to read the next book.
March 27, 2016
Loved this book
Loved ty and Mackenzie, this also blended with yr first book chasing happy. The roller coast of feelings and emotions, can't wait to read your next book.
Loved ty and Mackenzie, this also blended with yr first book chasing happy. The roller coast of feelings and emotions, can't wait to read your next book.
February 22, 2019
Acting Happy is part of a series where it is not completely necessary that you have to read "Chasing Happy" first but it will help you with some of the side characters and will give away the ending to the first book. I would personally recommend reading Chasing Happy first.
"Acting Happy" is a story about an actor who just needs a break from his career and a breath of fresh air. He decides to take that fresh air up in the mountains. What he didn't expect to find there was "Kenzi" a down to earth girl who doesn't even realize who he is at first. He is captivated by her and wants to get to know her.
Kenzi is back at the mountains for a completely different reason. Her world turned upside down so quickly she didn't even realize what was occurring under her own nose until it was too late for her. Fresh from heartache she is not ready to start a new relationship so she decides this will be a non commitment thing with Ty.
Ty and Kenzi are a good couple that I end up really liking. You can immediately realize the change in Ty after he spends some time with her, even his personal assistant can see it. But they do have their ups and downs but they are really good for each other. Some things happen that neither of them can control and it takes him a little to realize this but he does everything in his power to fix it.
Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend the book to someone who is looking for a romance where he rescues her but in the end he was also rescued in an emotionally mental way. (If that makes any sense) If you liked the first book defiantly read this one! It has a HEA.
"Acting Happy" is a story about an actor who just needs a break from his career and a breath of fresh air. He decides to take that fresh air up in the mountains. What he didn't expect to find there was "Kenzi" a down to earth girl who doesn't even realize who he is at first. He is captivated by her and wants to get to know her.
Kenzi is back at the mountains for a completely different reason. Her world turned upside down so quickly she didn't even realize what was occurring under her own nose until it was too late for her. Fresh from heartache she is not ready to start a new relationship so she decides this will be a non commitment thing with Ty.
Ty and Kenzi are a good couple that I end up really liking. You can immediately realize the change in Ty after he spends some time with her, even his personal assistant can see it. But they do have their ups and downs but they are really good for each other. Some things happen that neither of them can control and it takes him a little to realize this but he does everything in his power to fix it.
Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend the book to someone who is looking for a romance where he rescues her but in the end he was also rescued in an emotionally mental way. (If that makes any sense) If you liked the first book defiantly read this one! It has a HEA.
July 7, 2017
Ty is a very famous actor who needed a break from Hollywood. He vacations in the mountains for a few weeks, and falls hard for a local girl. Kenzie just moved back home after a failed marriage and some serious drama. Their connection is immediate, but starting a new relationship in the public eye isn't easy. This is Book 2, but definitely works as a standalone. Great characters, great storyline.
June 7, 2016
5 of 5 stars
This was book 2 in the Texas Desires series. It was the story of Kenzie Stanton and Ty Bateman and I loved it.
Ty and Kenzie meet when Ty comes to her quite mountain town for a little R&R away from the spotlight that is his life. Ty is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood and it's taking its toll on him mentally. When he sees Kenzie its love at 1st sight for him and he finds himself breaking all of his own rules and typical behaviors just to be around her. But Kenzie has a lot of hurt and heartbreak in her past causing her to doubt her own head, heart and Ty himself. This story takes them from their mountain hideaway to the paparazzi filled streets of LA where they have to try to overcome not only emotional and past baggage, but also that of the very fierce and brutal world of the rich and famous.
Ty and Kenzie are an amazing couple of characters. While Ty might have been a cynical and hardened actor, when it came to Kenzie he was sweet, considerate, attentive and pretty much everything you could want in a hero of the story. He was constantly thinking of her and ways that he could make her happy or protect her. I loved him. Kenzie had some really horrible things happen to her in her past. And those things make her hesitant of allowing anything to develop between her and Ty. She tries fighting it and running from it, but Ty is there at every turn. I really liked that while she was very hurt by her past and it certainly had left its mark on her I don't feel like the author let it turn her into a "woe is me" character. She didn't want pity, and I don't think that she put Ty through any unnecessary hardship due to her past. She was justifiably cautious and it made perfect sense that she was not ready to just jump into something with someone, especially such a high profile someone as Ty.
I was very happy that even though this book was the second in the series, I didn't feel like I missed a whole lot by not having read the 1st book. I do, however feel interested in seeing Reed and Lara's story from Chasing Happy and have every intention of buying it just so I can check out their beginnings as they do appear in this one and their road to being together is mentioned in this book but not gone into in great detail. I recommend this book, and hope to read a book for the rest of this group of friends.
September 2, 2016
This is only the second novel written by Rylie Roberts, and once again she did an amazing job. It's hard to believe she has so little experience when she really does write like an absolute pro.
These are the sort of stories that I love. Sweet, romantic, lighthearted stories. There are no massive plot twists or drama, no cheating or big scandals etc. There are enough crazy, sad things happening in the real world, I like my fantasy world to have happy endings. Ty was gorgeous, wealthy and absolutely smitten with Kenzie from the moment he laid eyes on her. I loved how he relentlessly pursued her and didn't just give up when she tried to push him away. I love a man who knows what he wants and won't let anything stand in his way. Kenzie was so sweet and had got a raw deal in her previous marriage. I was happy that this couple got their happily ever after.
Like her first book, the writing style of this book was fantastic. So well written, good plot, lovely characters. I'm looking forward to her next book!
These are the sort of stories that I love. Sweet, romantic, lighthearted stories. There are no massive plot twists or drama, no cheating or big scandals etc. There are enough crazy, sad things happening in the real world, I like my fantasy world to have happy endings. Ty was gorgeous, wealthy and absolutely smitten with Kenzie from the moment he laid eyes on her. I loved how he relentlessly pursued her and didn't just give up when she tried to push him away. I love a man who knows what he wants and won't let anything stand in his way. Kenzie was so sweet and had got a raw deal in her previous marriage. I was happy that this couple got their happily ever after.
Like her first book, the writing style of this book was fantastic. So well written, good plot, lovely characters. I'm looking forward to her next book!
November 5, 2016
This is the 2nd book in Rylie Roberts 'A Texas Desires series', which follows 5 best friends in Chasing Happy, (Reed and Lara) Acting Happy (Ty and Kenzie) This book is about sexy successful movie star Ty Bateman and gorgeous small town girl Kenzie Stanton. Rylie Roberts has fast become one of my favourite authors of all times. Her books are entertaining and masterfully written. It amazes me that this is only Rylie's 2nd book! This book is well written and compelling from beginning to end with lots of twists and turns to keep you interested but also a sweet romance that keeps everything grounded. The story flows easily and captivates you from the first page. Rylies' books are special and I think she is one of the best contemporary romance writers of 2016. She brings her characters to life so vividly you can't help but fall for each one. This is a fun, sexy yet complicated romance that leaves you smiling long after. I had a few laugh out loud moments as well. I LOVED it and can not wait for the next instalment Mission Happy. I ABSOLUTELY recommend all the books in this series.
March 23, 2016
I Love this so much!! Acting Happy is the perfect second book in this series. You have some of the gang from Chasing Happy which I love. And I love Kenzie and Ty together. Once I started reading I didn't want to stop and I can't wait till the next in the series.
July 10, 2016
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
The second book in the Texas desires series, this book is about friends, family and finding happiness without having to try.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
The second book in the Texas desires series, this book is about friends, family and finding happiness without having to try.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews