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Men of Whiskey Row #3

The Pursuit of Happiness

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More than friends, less than lovers was the best way to describe Darby Sullivan and Avery Monroe's relationship. Sparks flew from the moment they met, but timing and circumstances kept them apart. Darby is known for being the charmingly wild and reckless Sullivan, with a love 'em and leave 'em attitude. But Darby has a secret: underneath all of that wildness is a nice guy who really just wants a nice girl that will love him the way he needs to be loved.

Well they just don't get any nicer than Ms. Avery Monroe, who also has a secret: underneath that ladylike niceness is a wild child DYING to get out. What happens when these two opposites finally come together? Find out just how far Darby and Avery will go in their pursuit of happiness.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2016

254 people are currently reading
236 people want to read

About the author

D.A. Young

24 books149 followers
D. A. Young is a best-selling author and lover of multilayered adventures. Food, traveling, and music are her passions. You can often find all three in the contemporary escapades she creates.

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5 stars
774 (55%)
4 stars
418 (29%)
3 stars
178 (12%)
2 stars
27 (1%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
Profile Image for TinaNoir.
1,892 reviews339 followers
November 3, 2016
DNF @ 30%

This is a third book in a series after a first full length and a novella. But it read like it was the thirteenth book or something. There are so many couples all popping up within the the first several chapters, all with their varying couple issues that I could not keep them straight. Who are all these people? They all had the substance of wet paper. The main couple disappeared for awhile while we get a look at all these other people.

Also holy head-hopping! One of the reasons why I found all these people so confusing is that I never knew whose POV I was getting. it changed so quickly sometimes from paragraph to paragraph.

The book was so busy checking in with all the eleventy-twelve characters it never actually settled on a real plot. The beginning felt like it was setting up a good action romantic suspense story, but that petered out in the first chapter. There was also a crudeness to the scene crafting that jerked me out of the story a few times.

No plot to really hang on, too many characters, odd scene shifts and the wandering POVs was just too much. So I gave up.
Profile Image for Mspraise50.
1,597 reviews65 followers
June 21, 2016
Another great read in this series.

The book did focus more on Avery and Darby's story but it also caught up with all the other couples too. I loved Avery and Darby's relationship and the love they share. I love how he calls her "Miss Avery". This was a great story and I would highly recommend it.

Now for Casey and Sid. Lord but she is treating her man poorly. He is going to give up on her if she does not get it together.
Profile Image for MARQUETTA.
1,198 reviews140 followers
dnf
October 29, 2017
DNF at 68%

This book s about everyone and the kitchen sink. The focus is not on Darby and Avery and this is a huge disappointment. I've never read a romance where the main couple isn't the focus. Why am I reading about every single couple in this series and the shit they're going through???? That's what novellas are for.
2,399 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2016
OMG!! Are you freaking kidding me!

Darby and Avery were worth waiting for! Darby may be my new book boo, lol. Damn, he is sexy as hell, dangerous and protective of all that is dear to him. Avery is a closet bad ass, and together they are perfect! Loved this book. Can't wait for the next installment! You go D. A., you did your damn thing with this one. Great book!
Author 6 books210 followers
May 30, 2018
Excellent and highly entertaining from start to finish.
Profile Image for Ashante Williams.
2,094 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2024
I'm gonna have to say it... Reading this series is like pulling teeth, but listening to it on audio is like nails on a chalkboard. The narrators are terrible. And that's putting out nicely. The make narrator had ever male character sounding like they grew up smoking 10 cartons a day and the female narrator was just over the top dramatic. Both of them had a terrible "country"accent. As for the story. This author is not my jam, just for t
the fact that he/she throws in everything but the kitchen sink in the story plus literally every character that's mentioned in the story gets POV within the book. This wouldn't be a problem if the book wasn't supposed to be centered on Avery and Darby. (This goes triple so far for the previous two books as well). This becomes annoying especially when the other pov's really have nothing to do with the main plot. I mean there are literally at least 6pov's in this book .. so unnecessary. I can't talk about this book anymore. I have one left in the box set and then I'll be done. Hopefully, I been finish.
Profile Image for Felicia.
48 reviews4 followers
April 27, 2020
5 dissatisfied stars

After reading the first book I was almost panting waiting to get to Darby and Avery's story... I am soooooo disappointed in the story Darby and Avery were given. An almost painful disservice. This book featured way too many couples and the white supremacists/kkk angle made me lose all interest. I gave the book 5 starts if you are a fan of ANY other couple in the series. They all have far more interesting stories than my favorite duo. I was looking forward to Darby being,,, well, wild. Darby and Avery's story was seriously tame and very boring. I was expecting scorching fire and got tepid water.

description
Profile Image for Jenn.
66 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2025
Let us Begin ✏️
Overall Plot Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ /
Execution of Spice: 4/5⭐

Tropes/Triggers:
Blatant racism(there are a couple parts that are read from a racists POV and they could potentially be upsetting to some people, Alpha male syndrome, bi-racial couple, Murder, pregnancy, sort of breeding kink, Sexual content(explicit)

Format I read: Audiobook 🎧
Audio version: Dual Narration
Narrators and performance:
Morae Brehon: 1/5 ⭐
Sean Crisden: 4.5/5 ⭐
I found Morae's voice whiny and her inability to do accents literally made me cringe. I hated the chapters that she narrated.
Sean does great accents and his tone has more inflection, bringing the characters a sense of personality.

The Author wrote this book in a 3rd person, multiple POV, sometimes referred to as Omniscient POV.
-Now, I actually enjoy switching POV between chapters, like many romance books do, but this story switches constantly even during conversations mid-chapter. Normally I hate Omniscient POV because the constant switching of POV takes me out of the story. This book was no different. And the fact that the POV changed multiple times PER chapter made the Dual Narration type for this book redundant. Would have been better off just having Sean Crisden do the whole thing in that case. It would have felt a little more manageable if the author hadn't extended to pretty much every character.

Pros of the Story 👍
-I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first, probably because I like Avery's character more than Noelle's. Just personal preference really.

Cons of the Story 👎
-Really what I'm mostly hung up on is the POV style the author used. I hate it. With a passion. But I'm enjoying the storyline. And Holt... Now I SERIOUSLY want to know what's up with him.

In summary 📝
7.5/10 would recommend
Doubtful I will read again.
Profile Image for Nene.
1,787 reviews26 followers
February 27, 2019
Awesome Read!

I truly enjoyed this book. This book had you laughing out loud. I love Darby and Avery relationship, I would recommend this book and can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for N0iR.
66 reviews13 followers
Read
May 21, 2020
It was a lot going on in this book. I just couldn't get to the point and the good stuff. But then again I probably shouldn't start from the middle of a sequel series.
Profile Image for CoCoFierce .
118 reviews4 followers
June 23, 2016
The latest book in this growing series is The Pursuit of Happiness this is Darby and Ms. Avery story. In the last book ( New Beginnings) we were left with quite a cliffhanger. This story picks up where that one left off. Let me tell you I absolutely loved this story.

Darby was known as the wild child, the love them and leave them type. At the beginning of this story we get a little flashback on how his past helped shaped the man he is today. I will admit Darby was a playboy but meeting the spicy Ms. Avery has turned his world upside down.

Ms. Avery is a woman wanting to break free of the self-imposed prison she is in. Darby makes her want to be the woman she has always dreamed of becoming but insecurities has stopped her. Darby has a lot of baggage including a few surprises but can Ms. Avery ride it out with him?

I loved that even though these two had their issues as readers we got to see them work through them and develop their relationship. One issue I had is that although this book is a series the author does focus on all the characters and just when you are starting to get into one characters storyline it’s a transition to the next character. Don’t get me wrong I love catching up with all the characters but if this is to be a story about two characters the main focus needs to be on them. Because this series has a few characters each with great stories that need to be told I think the author could benefit from a family tree. With all the anguish between Alexi & ViVi I would love to see more how this storyline was going to play out. ( I know, I know their story is coming, but I am on pins & needles with the bombshell that just dropped). I did love the meeting in the chop shop with three of the main characters. D.A. Young knows how to keep the readers interested and on the edge of their seat. I cannot wait to see how this all will play out. Readers if you are looking for a well told story with depth and layers please one click this author. You will not be disappointed. Please read this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.
Profile Image for Laverne Brewster.
1,392 reviews18 followers
September 9, 2019
2.00 Stars. (BW/WM). Audiobook with narration by Morae Brehon and Sean Crisden. Disjointed. Confusing. The story supposedly features Darby Sullivan and Avery Monroe and their road to love, romantic bliss, marriage and eternal happiness; but quickly after a chapter or so, the storyline diverges from this couple and splits into stories about several different couples who are struggling with various issues. The main characters are lost and relegated to having sex in an abyss of plotlessness. The story’s opening on slaughter of ugly name calling...wetbacks and dim witted didn’t make sense to me, I attributed my confusion to not reading book two after book one; I inadvertently read this book instead. I’ll go back and read book two, if that changes my opinion of this book, I will revise my review; however, I doubt it, each of the books in this series is about a different Sullivan brother. I hate trilogies.
5 reviews
March 12, 2018
All Over The Place

I really enjoyed this author's first book in the 'Whiskey Row' series but this book had way too much going on. I like a book that has a good subplot but this book was subplotted to death. It was supposed to be about Darby and Avery's love story but they made up at the very beginning of the story. So, we're left with a story about them coming to love a little boy who is placed in their care; and about Darby's surrogate mom and dad's romance. There are also separate subplots involving Kat, Ella, Ginger...you see where I'm going with this. If you enjoy books with random hot sex scenes and no real story line, then this is the book for you but if you're looking for a solid story, skip this one.
Profile Image for Ms Shay.
7 reviews
January 14, 2020
Loooooved this book. Team Avery & Darby for life!!
Avery was just the sweet but spicy woman he needed especially after she came out of her shell of doubt since ridding herself of that douche bag boyfriend. Darby was just the guy she needed to remind her how beautiful she was and bring out her inner kink as well...

I was SO proud when she took some well deserving me time to fi d oit who she was as a person, I especially loved how Darby watched her through Intel and popped up in Greece to go get his woman back after he was alerted some unsavory creatures were planning to approach her.
I really enjoyed DJ, and baby Ruby. Couldnt help but love them. And I love the fact that this series, past main characters are very much involveed with the new main characters. It was a lovely mixture!!
Profile Image for Shanae’.
11 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2023
Be prepared to pay attention because this book gives you a little bit of everyone’s relationship, not just the main characters. While I loved the stories and enjoyed the humor, I am finding it hard to believe that EVERY, SINGLE MAN in that town is in love or falls in love with a black woman. The town is supposed to be super diverse, but it isn’t coming across that way.
Profile Image for Natashia.
135 reviews9 followers
June 30, 2016
The Row

Love my peeps from Whiskey Row!! Darby and Avery's story was so sweet but also full of outside drama! Really can't wait for Casey and Sidra!
Profile Image for Jessica.
456 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2018
I Know I was curious what was going to happen between these two. And If you’re like me you wanted to know what could possibly happen to get these two together, since Avery seems to be stuck on her judgmental fiancé. YUCK.

But what happens is something that would be happy to have read here, and happy for Avery even more than you do.

I enjoy the fact that Avery finally goes out and explore and finds out who she is as a person. Made me shout, “YES FINALLY!” I enjoy reading this book and see Avery stand up for herself. She is no one punching bag, and as much as her friends try to make her see that she bad all by herself. It takes for her to really see that in order for herself to find happiness.

The surprises in this book is breath taking and funny. I really enjoy DJ, and baby Ruby. You cannot help but love them, I love the new phase that Noelle take on. And I love the fact that this series, past main characters are very much involve with the new main character. I enjoy the fact that they have their own little scenes in this book, and that D.A Young did not forget about them.

I feel so horrible for DJ and everything he been through and so happy with the way that things ends out. All I have to say is that Avery is a very, very, smart cookie.
Profile Image for Candace.
36 reviews
January 17, 2023
A pretty good read

This book was good, one thing the author succeeds is creating chemistry between characters, however, Avery and Darby's story felt somewhat surface level and their chemistry is mostly seen in the pervious two books. This is due their story basically being developed in the first two books of this series and 'Pursuit of Happiness' just served as somewhat of a short wrap up of their story.

Again I don't enjoy how the focus isn't on one couple but multiple simultaneously, but it's slowly growing on me lol . So, if you are going to start reading this series I don't believe any book will solely have the focus of one couple, this is something that readers either enjoy or hate so be aware.

Maybe this is me being anal about a joke between fictional lovers but the quote " I just kept wonderin' if it will ever be the same down there" this was said by Darby to Noelle after she gave birth to their son and needed stitches. This grinds my gears so much I don't really think I need to explain why.

I don't even want to talk about Vivi until I get to her book where she will be a 'main character'.
427 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2018
Darby & Avery

I LOVEEEEEEEEE this series!!! Oh my goodness, the laugh out loud moments are phenomenal. I will definitely be recommending this series to others. The love story is built upon the careers of the characters as well; therefore the suspense unfolds within what the men do as a job. Now Darby shooting people, working within his security firm, pure sexiness! But, Ms. Avery being fearless come on girl... Thank you for not writing in a wimpy female lead... 👍 Yes!!! I can't wait for Casey, I know he will have me laughing in stiches (after I have worked her over, at least buy me a steak or leave a $20 bill on the nightstand... Tooo funny). One must purchase this series if you want steamy romance, a story with suspense, a scene to unfold and laughing to make you literally laugh for at least 5 minutes... This series is for you. I am loving it!
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,164 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2022
OMG this was so good

I loved this book. The character development and the storyline plot was on point. The brothers and their friends have such an easy rapport with each other that gives comic relief at just the right time. I can't wait for the next installment to see what happens to Alexei and Vivi, Casey and Sidra, and Holt and Kat. I'm also wondering what's in store for Guy as well.

NOTE: This ebook was re-read in conjunction with Audible.com. The narrators Morae Brehon, and Sean Crisden really made the story come to life, especially Sean. I just love his sexy voice. He also does and except Russian accent and Spanish accent.
Profile Image for Rebecca Azizov.
496 reviews11 followers
Read
March 5, 2022
It's review time 🎧
Blurb 📜:

Warning ⚠️: interracial romance, obsession, brothers, hot!

Narrator score🎧 ; both narrators are amazing I love them both so much they did great especially Sean with his accent 😍😍😍

Level of steam🔥: all the books are very hot. This whole series is extremely hot.

Level of anxiety and sadness 😱😢: you have some drama in each book but I don't think it is too much... it is good though so I enjoyed it.

The book itself📖: this series is great. I love it . Each character was different and sweet in its own way. The stories where good and interesting which I loved.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
December 8, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)

Happiness is shown from a couple of people's points of view. It shows that sometimes making one person happy (a white supremacist) against those people that happiness impacts.
It also shows that killing off supremacists only brings you down to their baser levels.
Yes, it's a romantic fiction but that doesn't stop such a story from reaching a wider point of view.
Punch and Judy shows had once been used to give an audience a different political concept than the government would allow.
564 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2018
This saga gets better & better!

More danger, suspense, mystery, ever evolving characters, New characters, sappy romance interspersed with some sizzling eroticism too hot for me to handle, major tear-jerking moments with the cliff-hanger ending. Now I'm alright with the cliff-hanger in this series. That's because I know I have something worthy to look forward too. Thank God I'm off because I'm about to slide right into Book 4. It's 5am...😄 I finally found something my Insomnia is good for! 😆
44 reviews
June 6, 2019
Absolutely love, love, love this series. Lex and Vivi are perfect for each other, their temperaments compliment each other perfect. Vivi was stupid for staying away from him, but she pulled it together in the end and when back to her man, who's been waiting patiently for 20 years for her to come back to him. Although they have seen each other during their separation. The characters in this series are great, we described, closely knit, and have such a great relationship with each other. They're funny and will keep you laughing and oh so country.
Profile Image for QUEENFATFAT.
21 reviews
November 5, 2020
FINALLY

Great read Kept you locked in like the prior books to the WHISKEY ROW series! SUSPENSE I didn’t expect From D. A. Young. I loved the fact that the book touched on Racism and abuse etc and how to handle it when children are sadly been influenced and forced to do and or be a monster.. I can go on and on about another Great Book By D. A Young but I’d rather you all go and READ Sweet Obsessions and the second book then this one YOU MUST START FROM THE BEGINNING of the SERIES of the men OF WHISKEY ROW.. xoxo - 👑QueenFatFat👑
283 reviews
June 25, 2023
“You tired of running, baby? Because I’m hot on your heels and keeping up!!!!

She floored me with this line!! I love this series so much, I love the characters, their growth, I love everyone’s story that’s added in so we see what’s going on with them still and what to look forward to in the next book, whoever it may be. I love their love story, alpha males for strong women but most of all these men of Whiskey Row be putting it down!!!!!!😘 On to the next read and I can’t wait!!!
Profile Image for Ann.
2,298 reviews8 followers
June 5, 2024
There are a lot of characters in this series and each book continues to feature all of them. The storyline jumps around so much it can be hard to follow at times. There are inconsistencies in the books and the horrible southern accent is cringe worthy. I got this as a box set but I’m reviewing each book separately hoping they will get better- smooth out- something….. About midway through each book I say this is going to be the last one, then there’s a cliffhanger and I continue. I gave this one 3 stars instead of the 2 it probably deserves because I keep reading them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews

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