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Legally Charming

(Ever After #1)

Lauren Smith (Goodreads Author)

3.78 · Rating details · 404 ratings · 165 reviews

THE RIGHT DRESS CAN CATCH THE EYE OF PRINCE CHARMING…

Felicity Hart has one goal: Completing her masters in art. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan. She reluctantly agrees to attend a Halloween party with her best friend. After sneaking away from the party and falling asleep in an unoccupied room, she wakes to the sexiest pair of eyes she’s ever seen. Eyes that belong ...more

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Kindle Edition, 372 pages

Published March 13th 2017

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Mar 13, 2017 CristiinaReads❀ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc-books

➳Charming? Yes, I need me some charm up in this place...

➳ARC kindly provided by publisher, in exchange for an honest review…

➳Follow Me On:
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Feb 09, 2017 Jen Ryland added it

So. Legally Charming wasn't a bad book, but the tropes it used weren't my favorite. This was a classic "virgin and the player" story that featured a sweet heroine who has no idea how attractive she is (a size 12 with long auburn hair, in case you were wondering) who meets cute with a successful, hard-driving Chicago lawyer.

While we are told a bunch of times that Felicity is smart (she's a grad student in art history) she was also WAY too "damsel in distress" for my taste. She faints in large cro So. Legally Charming wasn't a bad book, but the tropes it used weren't my favorite. This was a classic "virgin and the player" story that featured a sweet heroine who has no idea how attractive she is (a size 12 with long auburn hair, in case you were wondering) who meets cute with a successful, hard-driving Chicago lawyer.

While we are told a bunch of times that Felicity is smart (she's a grad student in art history) she was also WAY too "damsel in distress" for my taste. She faints in large crowds and gets so tired at parties that she has to take a nap. That's how she meets Jared, an ambitious real estate lawyer who has no time for romance (especially because his boss has decreed that if Jared doesn't marry his daughter, he won't make partner. That's so contrived that I won't even pick it apart, but at least the poor daughter in question seems like a nice person who will probably get her own book). In any case, the somewhat narcoleptic Felicity is napping in Jared's bed (very Goldilocks!) and he's so tired from all that big city lawyering that he just climbs on in with her. The rest is history.

I could have warmed up to these very familiar characters if they'd had a little more depth and individuality. Jared falls instantly in lust with Felicity but keeps reminding himself that has no time for love, just enough time for steamy shower sex. Then there's the issue of that pesky partnership blackmail. Jared doesn't have much personality besides being a textbook successful alpha guy love interest: fab apartment, cool job, good abs, just domineering enough to be compelling but not creepy. Felicity's main thought throughout the book is that falling in love with Jared will tank her career... but she's mostly worried because she claims that the only job market for art curators is in Los Angeles. HUH? Overall, she was just too much of a doormat to win me over.

Also, I could see a romance plot device I REALLY hate coming a mile away. (view spoiler)

What I did like: the art elements. Shana. And Layla. And even Thad, who has the worst name ever but turned out to be a good guy. Maybe he and Shana could work something out?

tl;tr If you love the ever-popular player and the virgin trope, this one's for you!

Read more of my reviews on YA Romantics or follow me on Bloglovin

The FTC would like you to know that the publisher provided me a free advance copy of this book, that free books can be enjoyable or not, and other readers may disagree with my opinion. ...more

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Mar 10, 2017 Claire Robinson rated it liked it

Shelves: shit-hot-series

3 - "We have all night..." Stars!

Lauren Smith is one of my favorite authors, her historical romances are some of the best I have ever read of that genre. Legally Charming is the first in her new Ever After series, and I suppose you would class them as modern day fairy tales, as for me Jared and Felicity’s story had definite leanings towards the Cinderella theme.

"You don’t walk away from chemistry we have. When I touch you? It makes my entire body burn. I’ve never felt that way about anybody else ...more

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Mar 14, 2017 Carmen Rae rated it really liked it

Shelves: amazon-reviewed, insta-or-fated, a-rr-review, hated-h-or-h, entangled-brazen

Legally charming is exactly as the name says. It was a completely charming read that was angst and drama light and was exactly what I needed for a relaxing long weekend read.

This story was told in dual pov so as soon as I got inside Jared's head I was swooning. And to be honest it isn't that often I get a good swoon. He was sweet and caring but he had a massive case of the growling, possessive, domineering too. I am not sure if I loved him most when he was turning her over the lounge threatenin Legally charming is exactly as the name says. It was a completely charming read that was angst and drama light and was exactly what I needed for a relaxing long weekend read.

This story was told in dual pov so as soon as I got inside Jared's head I was swooning. And to be honest it isn't that often I get a good swoon. He was sweet and caring but he had a massive case of the growling, possessive, domineering too. I am not sure if I loved him most when he was turning her over the lounge threatening to spank her or wrapping her in blankets and talking sweet to her.

Alright I admit it I think I love him most because he managed to pull off both sides without it sounding stupid. Before I get too carried away in my lust fog I will admit he did a few stupid things but sadly for women everywhere that's normal for men and he was quick to fix it so I did give him a pass.

Felicity was OK for most of the book but she did a few of the things that drive me crazy in a heroine.

Firstly before anyone thinks I am anti feminist I am not, however if you start a relationship and one of you has a permanent house and well established career and you are just about to finish your college degree, your future job application hasn't been handed in to a highly competitive position that you possibly have no chance of being considered for then maybe you should realise that that isn't more important. It drives me nuts in real life when people buy trouble over what COULD happen. I actually had to put the book down and walk away from her for a bit.

I understood she had a dream she had worked towards for years but she was so worried about the possibility of the end she was jeopardising her now and what she had was awesome.

Sorry rant over. And despite my whining like a little bitch I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I loved Jared and once Felicity pulled her head out of her arse I didn't mind her either. So despite the fact I probably would have slapped her I did really enjoy it all and highly recommend it just if you're sensitive to the same issues maybe read it with a bottle of wine to take the edge off.

Check out my reviews here

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Feb 25, 2017 Michelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017, start-of-a-series, contemporary, standalone, contemporary-romance, sweet-guys, protective-alpha, march-2017, lauren-smith

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

photo 57bac355f23a2038029918aebd72ea_zpsz6scopeq.gif

Lauren Smith has written a charming modern tale romance that was a sophisticated blend of sweet and sexy in her newest release, Legally Charming. So in this day in age, is there such a thing as Prince Charming? Or are we all victims to the idea of the happily ever afters. Well, I’m here to tell you Lauren Smith has only one answer. Yes, they do exist. Although this Prince Charming may not be knocking on your door on a white horse or a gl ...more

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Feb 20, 2017 Dianne rated it really liked it

Shelves: 1-in-series, arc-read, author-requested-review, contemporary-romance, own

Sometimes a girl dreams of the perfect fairy tale romance, especially if you are known for being the studious and serious, shy type on the outside, but you have an inner passion that has never been unleashed. Felicity dreams of being swept off her feet by her knight in shining armor’s kiss, but she never expected him to show up in the middle of the night, or to be so willing to fulfill her every fantasy.

Jared has gone from high power Romeo to high power lawyer and the last thing he expected to f Sometimes a girl dreams of the perfect fairy tale romance, especially if you are known for being the studious and serious, shy type on the outside, but you have an inner passion that has never been unleashed. Felicity dreams of being swept off her feet by her knight in shining armor’s kiss, but she never expected him to show up in the middle of the night, or to be so willing to fulfill her every fantasy.

Jared has gone from high power Romeo to high power lawyer and the last thing he expected to find in his bed was his own Sleeping Beauty in a princess gown. Convincing Felicity she is worth the royal treatment is going to be a challenge and just when he thinks he has her right where he wants her, in his bed and in his arms, reality rears its ugly head and their newfound love may become a thing of dreams and it may take more than the heat of passion to have their happy ever after.

LEGALLY CHARMING by Lauren Smith is a modern day romance with the sweetness of an almost innocent fairy tale, but this time out, the wicked stepmother is actually the reality of life and work and responsibilities. Jared is the ultimate dream man, ever patient, ever trying to give Felicity the confidence and support she needs to turn her inner fire into the raging inferno she deserves, both between the sheets and in her aspirations. Felicity is focused on life and her goals, never imagining that a man like Jared would find anything to want from a woman like her. The attraction is there, the chemistry is there, the conflict is there, but can it be resolved?

Ms. Smith has kept this tale light, with a low angst level, which is a big plus! A nice read for romantics that want that fairy tale magic, pumpkin or not!

I received this copy from Lauren Smith in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Ever After - Book 1
Publication Date: March 13, 2017
Publisher: Lauren Smith
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 372 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

...more

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Feb 11, 2020 Syndi rated it it was ok

Just as the title said, this book is an over dose of charming. At one point I feel suffocated with the OTT charming. Jared is just too good to be true. And Felicity... she is too virginal. She is weak. a very weak character. I can not believe that she is even being consider for any job.

Like the other books by Miss Smith, this book is dragging in the middle. I feel like the middle is just an empty nonsense. Weak plot and no significant development on the characters, plot and drama. I am bored.

...more

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Mar 18, 2017 Chitra *CJ* rated it liked it

Shelves: safety-first, v-card

A sweet read.
When a Halloween party and her birthday leads Felicity to her best friend Layla's boyfriends house, she never expected to fall asleep and wake up to her own Prince Charming Jared in her bed.
The first meeting is insta attraction, and they slowly pursue their relationship- with them eventually expressing their feelings and taking one step at a time.

The heroine is a curvy introvert, the hero a workaholic. Both not looking for a relationship. But that changes..

The first half was a bit t ...more

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Jan 05, 2017 Sissy's Romance Book Review rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 100-stars, arc-author-publisher, series, hot-steamy, 5-star, some-what-alpha, first-book-in-a-series, contemporary

LEGALLY CHARMING 'Legally Charming' by Lauren Smith is book One in the "Ever After" series. This is the story of Felicity Hart and Jared Redmond. I am a big fan of Ms. Smith writing so of course I loved this book! But I truly think you will enjoy it too. Felicity is a hard working student trying to get her Masters in Art and loves history. Jared too is hardworking but he didn't used to be...used to be a party boy. But know due to life lessons he is a workaholic. When Felicity goes to her best fr ...more

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Feb 21, 2017 Michelle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

This is my first contemporary from the wonderfully talented Lauren Smith. She has several contemporaries but I have only read her historical novels which I highly recommend (start with His Wicked Designs). This book would be my 5th book from her that I have read and let me tell you, she did not disappoint.

We have Jared, a lawyer heading towards becoming partner at his firm and Felicity who is very close to earning her graduate degree before moving away to her dream job. They both have worked so This is my first contemporary from the wonderfully talented Lauren Smith. She has several contemporaries but I have only read her historical novels which I highly recommend (start with His Wicked Designs). This book would be my 5th book from her that I have read and let me tell you, she did not disappoint.

We have Jared, a lawyer heading towards becoming partner at his firm and Felicity who is very close to earning her graduate degree before moving away to her dream job. They both have worked so very hard to get where they are and certainly never expected for either of them to meet and fall in love. Jared doesn't really have the same insecurities Felicity has. However, Jared has more money and position so him having less insecurities makes total sense to me. Felicity has her insecurities about herself and their relationship. I think all of her worries are very legitimate. She is worried if she is not good enough for him, or how they could really be together if she plans to move across the country for her dream job. She has many doubts, all reasonable and not overly dramatic in any way. This made their relationship very realistic. They had doubts, problems to overcome and it seemed like they fought for their happiness in the end. Yes, there were moments when Felicity could have used a pinching to snap her out of her insecurities but that is what her best friend was for. (I love Layla!)

I could easily relate to Felicity. She is someone I saw a lot of myself but I could also admire how hard she has worked to go to school and support herself. Jared is a complete dreamboat with a heart of gold and naughty side I quite enjoyed.

For me this book was about discovery, decisions and first times. Like falling in love and trying something new and unexpected. It was about making the choice of staying or going, giving up or fighting until the end. I cried a lot towards the end because I could feel their struggles but the ending makes it all worth it.

This book was so much to read that I really didn't want to put it down. It was fun, adorable, sweet but also super sexy and a bit naughty as well. The story worked well and I really enjoyed it overall. I can't wait to see what is next for Lauren Smith.

I received this ARC via Netgalley. ...more

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Feb 26, 2017 Cocktails and Books rated it liked it

Shelves: contemporary-romance, 2017-reading-challenge

This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

Lauren Smith captured my interest when she wrote the Her British Stepbrother series so I was excited to read this first book in a new series.

Felicity and Jared meet when Jared discovers Felicity asleep in his bed. From that moment these two find themselves unable to stay away from each other. Despite being in different places in their life, they can't deny the draw.

The chemistry between Jared and Felicity is very hot. But it isn't just the ...more

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Jan 11, 2017 Heather andrews rated it it was amazing

I loved how supportive, and sweet Jared was when his woman wasn't feling well, “honey, you aren’t ruining anything. I’d rather be right here with you on the floor of my bathroom than back in Chicago.” His gentle chuckle was a balm to her, and she exhaled slowly... " I loved that Jared would shower Felicity with compliments, “eff, you look amazing, Felicity. It’s not exactly manly to admit this, but I just about came in my trunks.” I really loved this book, and Jared. ...more

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May 19, 2017 Tiff at Mostly YA Lit rated it it was ok

Review originally posted on Mostly YA Lit:

Compelling enough to keep me reading, but really, really frustrating because the heroine is painted as a total damsel-in-distress, even though we’re constantly told how strong she is. Legally Charming is the tale of Felicity, an art history grad student who mostly spends all of her days studying and trying to achieve her goal of becoming a museum curator. When she accidentally ends up in the bed of Jared, her best friend’s boyfriend’s brother, they end u Review originally posted on Mostly YA Lit:

Compelling enough to keep me reading, but really, really frustrating because the heroine is painted as a total damsel-in-distress, even though we’re constantly told how strong she is. Legally Charming is the tale of Felicity, an art history grad student who mostly spends all of her days studying and trying to achieve her goal of becoming a museum curator. When she accidentally ends up in the bed of Jared, her best friend’s boyfriend’s brother, they end up unable to resist one another even though external forces say they should stay apart.

I really enjoyed the portrayal of Jared, the buttoned-down, sexy, smoldering lawyer. I also really enjoyed how he introduced Felicity into the world of sex (she was a virgin). He’s your classic alpha male with a heart, but I liked him.

Like I mentioned before, I found Felicity incredibly frustrating because “normally” she’s not a klutz, or someone who needs help – but she is around Jared. Yet we never really saw any evidence that she wasn’t a damsel when she wasn’t around him. She also had major self-esteem issues that I found irritating – it’s the classic “beautiful but doesn’t know it” “sexy and can’t believe she is” thing that just drives me up the wall. While I understood her issues with class and wealth (she grew up quite poor and has had to work for her entire career/course of study), I didn’t understand how a girl who has a great family, that obviously cares deeply for her and encourages her, could feel so down on herself. And I’m saying that as a person who has self-esteem issues!

My other issue with this book is that I could see all the seams – all the tropes, the machinations of getting the characters together, breaking them apart…I saw it all coming. Yes, this is romance, and romance is rife with tropes. But it just felt like there was a lot of telling and not showing. I kept being pulled out of the narrative because it just didn’t feel real enough or compelling enough to make those seams disappear.

What I did like was the discussions of art and real estate, the flavour of Chicago, and all the secondary characters. I was very interested in seeing more from Jared’s best friends – which is good, because the series continues with them.

Overall, a quick and okay read. I wish it was less predictable, but it’s an enjoyable read if you’re looking for a modern-day damsel and prince kind of thing.

...more

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Jan 29, 2017 Julia Griffis - The Romance Bibliophile rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs

Legally Charming was absolutely amazing and I loved reading every single page of this book! The storyline captured my interest from the very beginning, and the characters completely stole my heart.

Jared and Felicity were extremely likable characters in every possible way. They were both inherently good people without an evil bone in their bodies, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with them and their story. I was enthralled from the first page to the last, and I was so happy to have gone on t Legally Charming was absolutely amazing and I loved reading every single page of this book! The storyline captured my interest from the very beginning, and the characters completely stole my heart.

Jared and Felicity were extremely likable characters in every possible way. They were both inherently good people without an evil bone in their bodies, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with them and their story. I was enthralled from the first page to the last, and I was so happy to have gone on this journey with them. I loved Jared and Felicity’s immediate chemistry together and how their relationship developed throughout. The banter between the two of them was amazing and it had me smiling on almost every page. The book was written in third person and I loved reading Jared and Felicity’s story from both of their POV. I loved the relationship that Jared and Felictiy had, not only with each other, but with their friends and families as well. Lauren Smith’s writing style was phenomenal and I thought the flow of the story was excellent. She did an incredible job writing and telling Jared and Felicity’s story, and she definitely made me want to read more of her books. There were plenty of pleasant surprises throughout this novel and I never once found myself bored while reading it. I literally loved every single thing about Legally Charming, even the perfect title, and I honestly couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. Jared and Felicity’s story was truly incredible and one that I will remember for a very long time to come.

Legally Charming was my first Lauren Smith novel and it most certainly will not be my last. Jared and Felictiy’s story was full of heart, humor and romance, and had so many irresistibly sweet and sexy moments that had me swooning at every turn. I completely fell head over heels in love with this book and would highly recommend adding it to your TBR list. Legally Charming was definitely a Top 2017 Favorite for me, and I honestly cannot wait to see what Lauren has in store for Thad’s and Angelo’s stories in the books to come in the Ever After series!

ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much, Lauren!

For more book reviews and other content, please visit my blog: https://theromancebibliophile.com/ ...more

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Mar 02, 2017 Paula Phillips rated it really liked it

Felicity Hart is not your partying type of girl; she is the one who studies and is headed places. Currently, she is doing her Masters in Arts and has big plans to move across to California and became a Museum Curator. Dragged along to her two friends Layla and Tanner's Halloween party, she decides to have some fun and dresses up as a princess. Tanner's brother isn't due to a home that night, so Layla gives Felicity his bedroom. What happens next though is that Jared does decide to come home and ...more

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Jan 12, 2017 Jessica Alcazar rated it really liked it

Shelves: pr-give-me-books, reviewed-amazon, library-kindle-doc, smith-lauren, 2017-blog-tour-read

I first feel in love with Lauren Smith when I read her Stepbrother Trilogy and then I started reading her League of Rogues series and I was a goner .... :)

Legally Charming did not disappoint for me. It was a sorta/kinda modern day Cinderellaish story. It was sweet and romantic and it even had a modern day wicked step-mother that called herself life and career. I'll explain in case someone doesn't get it. These two crazy kids meet in a very unique setting. Their journey is quick. One might even s ...more

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Mar 08, 2017 Laura rated it it was ok

***ARC Provided by the Publisher and Sassy Savvy Fabulous PR***

I wanted to like this book. I really did.

Unfortunately, the want and what I got was not the same thing. The writing, for me, was a little unpolished and that left me feeling that the dialog was a little stilted and that people wouldn't really say the things they said in the book.

Unfortunately, the meet cute for the 2 of them was something I was not able to get past. You do not meet someone for the first time and then agree to sleep n ...more

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Mar 13, 2017 Tania's Book Blog rated it it was amazing

**ARC received voluntarily for review**

This is the first book I've read by this author and she didn't disappoint. Felicity Hart had self esteem issue and wasn't realizing how gorgeous she was. She was a hard working college student that had dreams and plans. She didn't have time for love or think that anyone will ever be interested in her.

Jared Redmond was a young attorney that was all about his job. He has no time for relationships. Until he saw Felicity in his apartment with her bff who happen ...more

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May 05, 2017 Sangria rated it really liked it

Shelves: friends-to-lovers, v-card, baby, series-books-part-of, to-read-series, series-first-book

Wow.....that was a good surprise.

I've read lots of Lauren Smiths historical romances, she has some good ones. In fact The Shadows of Stormclffe Hall is one of my favorites. So this was a sweet surprise of a contemporary romance.

If your in the mood to read about a geniunly good guy, and a simple, shy h this is a good easy read. It's romance and relationships and pretty simple and straightforward. I just finished a long series, so it was a nice pallet cleanser before I start the one I'm about to ...more

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Mar 17, 2017 Catherine (The Sassy Bookster) rated it liked it

3.5 Stars

The cover of this book was my single reason for wanting to read this book. A guy in a white shirt does it for me EVERY TIME, so I was salivating over the cover and barely registered the synopsis. And it was a good way for me to sample Ms. Smith's writing for the first time.

LEGALLY CHARMING is a cute, entertaining and sweet take on the classic fairy-tales and for me it was an easy read with little drama, not the kind that blow your socks off but more the kind that is intended to be uncom ...more

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Mar 13, 2017 Renee at Book Happiness rated it really liked it

I received this for an honest review!!

Jared and Felicity were just amazing together.. I truly found myself LOVING this book... I just love the reformed bad boy and good girl!!

Once I picked up this book I could barely put it down!!

This is a new author to me and I have to say I need to read more from Lauren!!!

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May 20, 2018 Sophia rated it liked it

Shelves: con-rom-extra-spicy

I have been a fan of the author's historical romances for a few years now and always meant to try her contemporaries. Finally, I'm getting the chance after winning a copy of Legally Charming in a giveaway. A spicy modern fairytale retelling seemed just the thing.

Legally Charming opens with the Cinderella ball aka a best friend's Halloween party where serious minded, but also seriously tired dedicated art student, Felicity Hart, slips into an empty bedroom to catch a few winks and wakes up to dis I have been a fan of the author's historical romances for a few years now and always meant to try her contemporaries. Finally, I'm getting the chance after winning a copy of Legally Charming in a giveaway. A spicy modern fairytale retelling seemed just the thing.

Legally Charming opens with the Cinderella ball aka a best friend's Halloween party where serious minded, but also seriously tired dedicated art student, Felicity Hart, slips into an empty bedroom to catch a few winks and wakes up to discover she crawled into Prince Charming's bed.
Jared isn't that guy any more who fools around, but he gives into temptation when delectable Felicity is right there all innocent and virginal and just as attracted to him.

The story had some fun winks to the series' fairytale theme and I enjoyed how the author brought into a modern story. There's a cuteness quality to it and it leans heavy on the prince falling for his Cinderella on first sight. Much of this story is an easy read as far as light and easy. It read quickly though I confessed to skimming a few times when it came to a part of the conflict that annoyed me, but not enough to destroy my overall enjoyment of the story.

Jared was a handsome princely guy who's a workaholic lawyer with ambitions to make partner. These ambitions are complicated by the boss dangling a contract of sorts that has nothing to do with real estate involving the boss' daughter. Jared's cleaned up his act with women and is ripe for someone innocent and sweet like Felicity. He gets to teach her a thing or two about how sexy and beautiful she is and they both learn that there may be more to life than work or school.
Felicity was an art student with strong ambitions and plans that involve a dream job across the country just when things are getting serious with Jared. She's a strong person about her independence.

For most of the book, I was cruising along enjoying what I was getting particularly some swoony Jared moments and I was curious who would have to give in on their dream for them to be together. But, there were a few smaller things that did get to me. They're going to sound like a big deal, but I was only moderately bothered by them. I had a tough time buying in to the boss trying to leverage a guy into being with his daughter particularly in a law firm. Maybe if Jared really had been a royal prince charming...
Then there was Felicity's character and some of her actions. I'm told she is a strong, independent woman, but I certainly wasn't seeing evidence of it down to the fact that she seemed helpless. And, she was totally hung up about her body no matter how many affirmation statements she got from others. She's gorgeous, came from a good family, has good friends and she's driven, but she has serious self-esteem issues and this sense of being low class riding her and I couldn't understand why. Jared comes from money, but he's not holding that against her.

All in all, it was a decent start to a fun and charming series with some easy-going, spicy hot modern fairytale themed stories. I enjoyed this first-time contemporary with the author and wouldn't mind reading more. Those who enjoy low-angst, sweet and spicy contemporary romance should give this one a go. ...more

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Mar 08, 2017 Kahea rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, fiction, oh-the-angst, reviewed, 2017-books-read, arc, new-adult, 4-stars, based-on-a-fairytale, dirty-talking-alpha-males

***4 “Can Jared by MY Prince Charming?” Stars***

This Cinderella-esque retelling had me going all over the place feels wise. It was most definitely a dopey smile, swoon worthy, smexy as sin read but it also had me growling and wanting to reach in and throttle some sense into the characters as well as I turned the pages to see if Jared and Felicity would get their fairy tale ending.

Jared is the definition of a workaholic. He’s put everything into his job and attaining a partnership, effectivel ***4 “Can Jared by MY Prince Charming?” Stars***

This Cinderella-esque retelling had me going all over the place feels wise. It was most definitely a dopey smile, swoon worthy, smexy as sin read but it also had me growling and wanting to reach in and throttle some sense into the characters as well as I turned the pages to see if Jared and Felicity would get their fairy tale ending.

Jared is the definition of a workaholic. He’s put everything into his job and attaining a partnership, effectively digging himself into an early grave, and has forgotten what it means to enjoy life to it’s fullest. I adored Jared, I seriously want him to come and be my Prince Charming. He has that alpha male vibe but he’s not all broody, he’s more playful and charming and it’s an extremely potent combination that will melt your panties. But for all that charm, he’s gotten himself firmly set on work being everything. He has cause, but it’s a bit extreme. Thankfully, he comes to realize that all work and no play definitely make Jared a sad and boring boy.

Felicity has had to work hard her entire life and being able to take care of herself and accomplish her goals is a point of pride, and one that she holds on to like a lifeline. I had a bit of a time with Felicity. I loved and admired her drive and determination to achieve her goals, she works hard and doesn’t expect hand outs. She’s got a good heart mixed with a sass and little bit of sexy vixen, but her insecurities killed me. She didn’t want to be a damsel in distress, she wanted to be an independent woman, but would fall apart at even the slightest hint that she wasn’t good enough and blow it out of proportion to what was really going on. To say the least it was a trying experience.

Jared and Felicity’s road to their HEA had that one step forward, two steps back feel to it because of how tunnel visioned they both were as well as Felicity’s insecurities. And if it hadn’t been for how good they were together when neither were actually thinking about anything but being together I may not have finished the book. But I did and I’m happy I did because the highs and lows were worth it in the end. As much as I liked Felicity, and I did like her, Jared reigns supreme here. He had his moments and was far from perfect, but the man was determined to follow his heart and did everything he could to show Felicity how much he wanted and loved her for her.

This was a fun read and I was hooked from the first time Jared and Felicity collided. There were ups and downs, but it was all well worth it, especially Jared. I like how everything played out in the end and that some possible roads weren’t traveled. The supporting characters were all well written, Layla was a blast, I’m crossing my toes that Thad and Angelo will be getting their own HEA’s and hoping Sabine and Shana will as well.

~ Copy provided by Barclay Publicity ~
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Feb 28, 2017 Jackie (Jackie's Book World) rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: anyone

Shelves: jackie-s-favorites-shelf, romance, book-tour, adult-fiction, contemporary, earc, mature-content, secrets, family-relationships, friendships

***Review to come. :)***

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Mar 13, 2017 Donna ~ The Romance Cover rated it liked it

Shelves: 3-star-2017

Legally Charming (Ever After #1) by Lauren Smith
3 stars!!!

“Sometimes a girl wants to know if a man will fight for her. So if you want her bad enough, fight for her.”

Lauren Smith is a new to me author and I was drawn to this book because of “Legal” being in the title. I do love books set in that domain and hot lawyers are definitely easy to read about. Legally Charming is a book I enjoyed, it was what I deem an “easy read,” everything was nice, sweet with a little angst and a lot of i Legally Charming (Ever After #1) by Lauren Smith
3 stars!!!

“Sometimes a girl wants to know if a man will fight for her. So if you want her bad enough, fight for her.”

Lauren Smith is a new to me author and I was drawn to this book because of “Legal” being in the title. I do love books set in that domain and hot lawyers are definitely easy to read about. Legally Charming is a book I enjoyed, it was what I deem an “easy read,” everything was nice, sweet with a little angst and a lot of insta love.

Felicity Hart was a likeable character in so far as she was sweet, innocent and naïve, but for me the damsel in distress act did get a little old after a while. For someone extremely intelligent, I found her very flaky and she was just a little too wet for me to warm up to. Felicity was very insecure about herself, especially her curves, and she couldn’t see the beautiful woman underneath despite who and how many times people told her otherwise. Felicity was however extremely independent which was a fantastic trait, even if rather annoying at times when you just wanted her to accept help when she really needed it. Overall though, I liked her.

Jared Redmond was your typical red blooded, alpha lawyer. Jared worked all the hour’s god sends to further his career and hopefully make partner in the firm that is owned by his ex-girlfriend’s father (cue drama). He wasn’t a defender or prosecutor but worked in real estate law which is apparently just as demanding. Jared had no time for romance or relationships, his work ethic had only one track, focus, focus, focus. Jared was extremely good at his job and that is the way he wanted it to stay or at least did until he wandered in on a sleeping Felicity in his bed.

“…You don’t walk away from the chemistry we have. When I touch you? It makes my entire body burn. I’ve never felt that way about anyone else.”

Legally Charming was the proverbial player to love sick puppy story line and was predictable, the little plot twist I could see coming a mile away and the ex-girlfriend drama was a foregone conclusion, but for an easy read this was perfect. Personally, I would have liked a little more depth to the characters but Lauren Smith surprised me when my eyes were leaking at one point so the emotional connection I crave was there. I was curled up on my sofa reading away without a care in the world, this was a great lazy weekend read.

www.theromancecover.com
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Mar 09, 2017 Isha Coleman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads, netgalley

ARC Review: Legally Charming (Ever After) by Lauren Smith

Life is not always a fairy tale, but it's nice to pretend that it is. Perhaps that's my draw to author Lauren Smith. With all of the harshness life throws out on a daily basis, it's nice to live among the clouds for a little while. Legally Charming is like escaping into a dream. Ms. Smith brought the same brand of enchantment that drives her regency romance into her modern day journey of love. Jared and Felicity are existing but not living ...more

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Mar 13, 2017 The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-s

3.5 stars!
Cute, sappy read! I loved that the ex girlfriend in this book was NOT a total bitch. She was kind! Finally-women supporting women, even when its with their ex boyfriend!

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Jun 20, 2017 Amy ~ Love At 1st Read rated it it was amazing

What a great start to what promises to be a totally swoon worthy series! Who doesn’t love the rich guy/poor girl romance trope? There’s nothing like watching two characters fret over their differences before realizing how perfectly they complete each other and find their way to building a real and thriving love.
Felicity Hart has one goal: completing her masters in art and securing a curator position. Jared Redmond has one goal: making partner in his law firm. Neither has time for anything or ...more

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Apr 07, 2017 Laura rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017-reads, instalove, oklahoma-author

This book was a joy to read! Highly recommended!

I loved this book for a lot of reasons. After reading a handful of harsh, gritty, and difficult books, this book was a welcome reprieve. This book has a hopeful tone, the characters are generally upbeat, and no major catastrophe befalls anyone. There's plenty of bumps along the road to HEA, but no major angst.

Felicity is an art history grad student employed part time at a gallery. Money is tight for her, but she's got her end goal in sight and she' ...more

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Mar 17, 2017 Char Sowers rated it it was amazing

"Legally Charming" by Lauren Smith - *****
"Legally Charming" is a thoughtful, sexy, almost instant love romance. Lauren Smith's writing style is beautiful. Her descriptions have a lyric quality that sometimes make me catch my breath. The Hero, Jared Redmond, is a stressed out, workaholic attorney who takes little time to live and smell the roses. Once he meets the Heroine, Felicity Hart, everything changes for him in an instant even though he fights his feelings. Felicity, is getting her masters ...more

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About Lauren Smith

Lauren Smith

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Lauren Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling author and an Oklahoma attorney. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres includi ...more