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Happily Inc #4
Not Quite Over You
Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances, proves there’s nowhere better than Happily Inc to rekindle first love.
Silver Tesdal has a head for business and a mouth made for kissing, and banker Drew Lovato has his eye on both. But ever since he was dumb enough to let her go, she’s kept him at a distance. When the bank turns her down for a loan, Drew sees a double opportunity—he can finance her brilliant, unique idea to rock Happily Inc’s wedding industry and win back her trust.
Despite her reputation, Silver’s not as tough as she seems. Losing Drew nearly destroyed her. Still, his kisses are as tempting as his offer to invest in her business. If she can’t quite get over him, maybe she should get under him and knock him out of her system once and for all.
But her best laid plans begin to unravel as Silver finds herself falling even harder than when they were high school sweethearts. Which means that she’ll have to come clean about the secret she’s been hiding from him for years—and risk losing him forever.
Silver Tesdal has a head for business and a mouth made for kissing, and banker Drew Lovato has his eye on both. But ever since he was dumb enough to let her go, she’s kept him at a distance. When the bank turns her down for a loan, Drew sees a double opportunity—he can finance her brilliant, unique idea to rock Happily Inc’s wedding industry and win back her trust.
Despite her reputation, Silver’s not as tough as she seems. Losing Drew nearly destroyed her. Still, his kisses are as tempting as his offer to invest in her business. If she can’t quite get over him, maybe she should get under him and knock him out of her system once and for all.
But her best laid plans begin to unravel as Silver finds herself falling even harder than when they were high school sweethearts. Which means that she’ll have to come clean about the secret she’s been hiding from him for years—and risk losing him forever.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2018
2315 people are currently reading
4443 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 726 reviews
October 1, 2018
2.5 stars?
I really liked Silver from the previous books and was eager to get to her story, especially when I read the premise of this one. Sadly, it was disappointing.
Silver and Drew are good enough characters. They’re both loyal and good and only want the best for the people they care about. Their relationship was interesting, but there wasn’t any chemistry at all. I struggled to care about their journey because they didn’t seem to care about each other. As feisty as Silver seemed in the previous books, I didn’t see her spark in this story.
Plot wise, it was okay. The conflict was stupid. There was far too much inner monologue and not enough actual conversation. The thread of story between Jasper and Wynn was disjointed and absolutely unnecessary. However, I did like all of the scenes with Autumn and those were the bright spots for me.
Overall, it was just such a let down. Everything just felt so resigned. I do like this cast of characters and I’ll definitely be reading the next one.
**Huge thanks to HQN Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Silver from the previous books and was eager to get to her story, especially when I read the premise of this one. Sadly, it was disappointing.
Silver and Drew are good enough characters. They’re both loyal and good and only want the best for the people they care about. Their relationship was interesting, but there wasn’t any chemistry at all. I struggled to care about their journey because they didn’t seem to care about each other. As feisty as Silver seemed in the previous books, I didn’t see her spark in this story.
Plot wise, it was okay. The conflict was stupid. There was far too much inner monologue and not enough actual conversation. The thread of story between Jasper and Wynn was disjointed and absolutely unnecessary. However, I did like all of the scenes with Autumn and those were the bright spots for me.
Overall, it was just such a let down. Everything just felt so resigned. I do like this cast of characters and I’ll definitely be reading the next one.
**Huge thanks to HQN Books for providing the arc free of charge**
November 16, 2025
A town relying on the wedding industry to survive, a quirky but endearing hometown cast and difficult family members, Not Quite Over You had all that and more.
I enjoyed the story but felt most of the issues were either self induced or personally allowed. Even after both characters had their "come to Jesus moment", were a friend or family member set them straight, they still didn't get it.
I really like the Happy, Inc. family. The series has been a delightful read. Not Quite Over You is a nice, easy going romance. It was the heavy dose of outside angst causing the drama that kept me from completely engaging...3.5 read for me.
I received this ARC copy of Not Quite Over You from HARLEQUIN - HQN. This is my honest and voluntary review. Not Quite Over You is set for publication October 23, 2018.
I enjoyed the story but felt most of the issues were either self induced or personally allowed. Even after both characters had their "come to Jesus moment", were a friend or family member set them straight, they still didn't get it.
I really like the Happy, Inc. family. The series has been a delightful read. Not Quite Over You is a nice, easy going romance. It was the heavy dose of outside angst causing the drama that kept me from completely engaging...3.5 read for me.
I received this ARC copy of Not Quite Over You from HARLEQUIN - HQN. This is my honest and voluntary review. Not Quite Over You is set for publication October 23, 2018.
November 14, 2018
Anonther amazingly adorable and funny and sweet and sexy and heartbreaking book in this great series!
I loved Drew and Silver and Autumn and Granpa and allll the others!
What's with Jasper ??? Will he get his own book??? PLEASE!
AMAZING SERIES! Why is Fool's Gold and Happily Inc not on TV yet????
♡
♡
♡
January 11, 2019
This book didn't make any sense. Why after all this time, when they've both been living in the same town, is the H now deciding to pursue the h, his ex? Have they not spoken in twelve years, since she turned down his marriage offer, even though they both live in this very small town? They've never had a chance to address the break-up and the adoption in all this time? And why one Earth would the h feel like she owed the H anything in regards to their daughter? He has not asked after her since before the daughter was born twelve years ago! Didn't ask how the birth went, didn't ask about the adoptive parents, nothing--and they live in the same town. And from the little I read, it doesn't seem there was some traumatic interaction or event that made communication between the H/h too difficult. She's just sad she lost her true love--instead of being balls out pissed this dude let her give birth and put their kid up for adoption without once ever checking in. And he's just like, alright I think I should try to get back together with this chick I deserted twelve years ago--like he didn't make a baby with her, leave her to birth the baby and put it up for adoption alone, then never talk to her about it again. He acts as if nothing happened, as if there's nothing he needs to be feel bad about. I know he asked her to marry him and she refused, but he still could've checked in. He's not acting like she broke his heart when she said no--he did it out of obligation, she said no, he forgot all about it for twelve f-ing years. Then one day he sees her in the bank and decides to try to start things up again? Why now? Why that day? This makes no sense. He seems like a total tool, and honestly she does too. I can't even. Why does she feel bad that she hasn't told him about her relationship with their daughter? When was she supposed to tell him--all those zero times he's asked about their child? Someone is phoning this shit in.
October 22, 2018
Not Quite Over You is the highly anticipated story of two high school sweethearts who get a second chance of finding their forever love. Silver Tisdale let Drew go all those years ago and doesn’t regret her decision. She feels she’s over him but a secret she’s held from him might be coming to light soon and she has to face him with it. Drew Lovato understood why she let him go all those years ago but regrets and wonders what if these days. When an opportunity comes to his attention to help out Silver with her business, he hopes he can convince her to mix a little pleasure with it.
There is no doubt that there is chemistry between Silver and Drew and it was a matter of time before they were together again. It was easy to slip back into what was familiar yet not, because he’s was a boy before and now he’s all man. There is a maturity between them now and a lot of reflection of what might have been between them if they hadn’t broken up. When Silver revealed her secret to Drew, he was upset at first but then he rationalized it and put himself in her shoes to see it from her perspective.
Working together as business partners was the first step in getting these two people back together again. Being around one another stirred those feelings again but this time there was more at stake. Silver has been a recurring character in the previous stories and is one of those characters that is charismatic, strong and independent. To see a vulnerable side of her was new but yet showed so much more to who she really is behind the strong façade she shows her friends. Drew gets a chance to be there for Silver and not take the easy way out like he did before. He also grows as a character and stands up to his parents to get them to understand what he wants what to do with his life and who should be in it.
I thoroughly enjoy returning to Happily Inc and all the characters that we’ve gotten to know along the way. Susan Mallery is an author that doesn’t disappoint with her fun and heartwarming romances. I love the quirky town that she has created with Happily Inc and the individuals who make up this town. There is also another minor storyline in conjunction with the main romance and I hope that we get to see if those two characters will get their own story in the future. Not Quite Over You is sure to be a fan favorite in the Happily Inc series.
November 8, 2018
I simply love Susan Mallery’s books.
October 21, 2018
I have read every book in this series. I really like the people and the town of Happy. Everyone is so friendly and quick to help lend a helping hand. The last two books I really enjoyed. This time I am sad to report that this book felt like it took a tiny step backwards. While, the story was good as well as the characters; I felt like I struggled some to connect with the characters.
Silver and Drew were good. Yet, this is where some of the magic from the prior books seemed to be missing. Silver is a sweetheart but she didn't have as much spunk. Plus, it might have been because she was exhausted from trying with the bank to get a loan approved but she came off as defeated. On the other hand, Drew, was Silver's knight in shining armor. Together they made a good couple. Yet, the sparks for me were "mild". Although, I was not feeling this book as much as some of the prior novels, this was still a good read.
Silver and Drew were good. Yet, this is where some of the magic from the prior books seemed to be missing. Silver is a sweetheart but she didn't have as much spunk. Plus, it might have been because she was exhausted from trying with the bank to get a loan approved but she came off as defeated. On the other hand, Drew, was Silver's knight in shining armor. Together they made a good couple. Yet, the sparks for me were "mild". Although, I was not feeling this book as much as some of the prior novels, this was still a good read.
August 28, 2019
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
I know, I know, I'm so far behind on this series. Okay, really I was only one book behind but it was out last year. I can only blame it on having so many books to review last year that things got away from me.
I so felt bad for Silver in this book. She had to deal with a ton of hateful people. Personally, I wanted to slap a bitch or two. She would have been justified. Of course, she's nicer than I am and didn't handle it like that.
But for a moment there I had my fingers crossed. Believe me, you'll feel the same way once you read the story.
I totally loved Silver and how hard she worked for her business. She put it first and nose down to the grindstone. The idea of her business is so much fun and there should be business like that in every state. Heck town. I guess I should look to see if there is before I start demanding it. Ha!
Silver and Drew just worked. You know how I feel about second chance romances but since there were kids the first time it worked for me. They both needed to grow up and enjoy a bit of life before they settled down.
I was a little shocked at their shared secret but understood what they did. Doing right sometimes hurts. More happens but I want you to read it for yourself.
You'll enjoy visiting with past characters and really getting into the lives of Drew and Silver. I was happy that he did what he did for her and that his grandfather supported him. Believe me when I say that so much happened in this story. By the end, you'll be like, wow, but won't want it to end.
Follow me @:
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I know, I know, I'm so far behind on this series. Okay, really I was only one book behind but it was out last year. I can only blame it on having so many books to review last year that things got away from me.
I so felt bad for Silver in this book. She had to deal with a ton of hateful people. Personally, I wanted to slap a bitch or two. She would have been justified. Of course, she's nicer than I am and didn't handle it like that.
But for a moment there I had my fingers crossed. Believe me, you'll feel the same way once you read the story.
I totally loved Silver and how hard she worked for her business. She put it first and nose down to the grindstone. The idea of her business is so much fun and there should be business like that in every state. Heck town. I guess I should look to see if there is before I start demanding it. Ha!
Silver and Drew just worked. You know how I feel about second chance romances but since there were kids the first time it worked for me. They both needed to grow up and enjoy a bit of life before they settled down.
I was a little shocked at their shared secret but understood what they did. Doing right sometimes hurts. More happens but I want you to read it for yourself.
You'll enjoy visiting with past characters and really getting into the lives of Drew and Silver. I was happy that he did what he did for her and that his grandfather supported him. Believe me when I say that so much happened in this story. By the end, you'll be like, wow, but won't want it to end.
Follow me @:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
July 25, 2018
***I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley.***
Not Quite Over You, by Susan Mallery, is the fourth book in the Happily series and it was decent. I’d previously read book 2.5 and this one fell into the same star range. There were some confusing details, but even worse for me, I didn’t feel the chemistry between Drew and Silver for a lot of the story. I couldn’t tell if the yearning was for what once was or pure sexual chemistry because if ever I’ve read a story where 2 characters could have a no-strings sexual relationship, this one was it.
Drew and Silver fell in love at the end of high school. Silver, trying not to repeat her mother’s mistakes, broke up with Drew before he left for college, certain that she knew what he wanted for his future even if he didn’t. When she finds out she’s pregnant, she and Drew give the baby up. Silver is taken in by the family adopting the child and they stay in touch. Fast forward a decade, now she’s back in the same town as Drew and has built a successful business. Drew wants to smooth things over with her and offers her a business opportunity she can’t refuse. They reconnect but Silver holds back any information about their child. She knows she has to come clean with Drew about her relationship with their child and family because they’re coming to town for a wedding.
This book wasn’t bad, but for me it lacked that pull-you-in-keep-you-reading excitement. After learning about Silver’s and Drew’s pasts, I was convinced neither had any feelings for the other any longer. At first, I failed to feel any chemistry between them whatsoever. When the relationship became physical, it really did seem like they were just having fun. At times, Drew’s attitude was irritating, and for a while I liked him less and less as the story progressed. I also found it weird that a grown man, a successful banker and businessman who was “well into his thirties” couldn’t convince his own parents that he didn’t want to follow in their footsteps. And don’t get me started on the weirdness of his parents coming home to try and secure him the job as the head of the bank. And speaking of his age, the math didn’t work out for me. He was 18 when he signed the adoption papers. If he was “well into his thirties” as stated by Drew, that suggests the child was somewhere between 14 and 16. I think she was 11. I can’t remember exactly but the detail just stuck out like a sore thumb to me.
I was pleased that the author didn’t make Autumn the thing that broke Silver and Drew up. It was nice seeing the 3 of them together with the family they might have had. That said, I need to give a shout out to Cade. Thank you, Cade, for telling Drew in no uncertain terms that he was not the victim in regard to the adoption or anything that came after.
I was annoyed at Silver and felt she came off as stupid when she, at 77% through the book, still couldn’t admit she was in love with Drew. Even worse, Drew couldn’t admit the depth of his feelings for Silver at 86%. The author wrote “Some great truth lurked just out of mental reach…” regarding his feelings, which just seemed ridiculous that a grown man with a previously emotionally intense relationship with the same woman couldn’t commit to loving her. For me it made both characters seem a bit dumb.
The inevitable breakup happens in a rather predictable way, which was fine. It made sense. What I didn’t like was how stubborn Silver was, waiting for Drew to come to her. Her objection to Drew’s first ‘I love you’ seemed silly. I would have thought she’d have been happy just to hear that he felt he same way as she did. The reconciliation was rushed and for me lacked romance and swoons. I found the whole thing a bit odd.
There was a subplot relationship between Jasper, one of Drew’s friends, and Wynn, one of Silver’s friends. It disrupted the story for me. It was slotted in with no connection to what was going on with either Drew or Silver. Perhaps it would have made more sense if I’d read all the other books. Either way, for me it was poorly executed and unneeded. If it was present to set up a further story for one or both characters, there were better ways to weave these characters in.
Overall this story was just ok for me. Maybe I’m just a mismatch with the author. If you’ve enjoyed other stories by Mallery, I’m sure you’ll like this book.
Not Quite Over You, by Susan Mallery, is the fourth book in the Happily series and it was decent. I’d previously read book 2.5 and this one fell into the same star range. There were some confusing details, but even worse for me, I didn’t feel the chemistry between Drew and Silver for a lot of the story. I couldn’t tell if the yearning was for what once was or pure sexual chemistry because if ever I’ve read a story where 2 characters could have a no-strings sexual relationship, this one was it.
Drew and Silver fell in love at the end of high school. Silver, trying not to repeat her mother’s mistakes, broke up with Drew before he left for college, certain that she knew what he wanted for his future even if he didn’t. When she finds out she’s pregnant, she and Drew give the baby up. Silver is taken in by the family adopting the child and they stay in touch. Fast forward a decade, now she’s back in the same town as Drew and has built a successful business. Drew wants to smooth things over with her and offers her a business opportunity she can’t refuse. They reconnect but Silver holds back any information about their child. She knows she has to come clean with Drew about her relationship with their child and family because they’re coming to town for a wedding.
This book wasn’t bad, but for me it lacked that pull-you-in-keep-you-reading excitement. After learning about Silver’s and Drew’s pasts, I was convinced neither had any feelings for the other any longer. At first, I failed to feel any chemistry between them whatsoever. When the relationship became physical, it really did seem like they were just having fun. At times, Drew’s attitude was irritating, and for a while I liked him less and less as the story progressed. I also found it weird that a grown man, a successful banker and businessman who was “well into his thirties” couldn’t convince his own parents that he didn’t want to follow in their footsteps. And don’t get me started on the weirdness of his parents coming home to try and secure him the job as the head of the bank. And speaking of his age, the math didn’t work out for me. He was 18 when he signed the adoption papers. If he was “well into his thirties” as stated by Drew, that suggests the child was somewhere between 14 and 16. I think she was 11. I can’t remember exactly but the detail just stuck out like a sore thumb to me.
I was pleased that the author didn’t make Autumn the thing that broke Silver and Drew up. It was nice seeing the 3 of them together with the family they might have had. That said, I need to give a shout out to Cade. Thank you, Cade, for telling Drew in no uncertain terms that he was not the victim in regard to the adoption or anything that came after.
I was annoyed at Silver and felt she came off as stupid when she, at 77% through the book, still couldn’t admit she was in love with Drew. Even worse, Drew couldn’t admit the depth of his feelings for Silver at 86%. The author wrote “Some great truth lurked just out of mental reach…” regarding his feelings, which just seemed ridiculous that a grown man with a previously emotionally intense relationship with the same woman couldn’t commit to loving her. For me it made both characters seem a bit dumb.
The inevitable breakup happens in a rather predictable way, which was fine. It made sense. What I didn’t like was how stubborn Silver was, waiting for Drew to come to her. Her objection to Drew’s first ‘I love you’ seemed silly. I would have thought she’d have been happy just to hear that he felt he same way as she did. The reconciliation was rushed and for me lacked romance and swoons. I found the whole thing a bit odd.
There was a subplot relationship between Jasper, one of Drew’s friends, and Wynn, one of Silver’s friends. It disrupted the story for me. It was slotted in with no connection to what was going on with either Drew or Silver. Perhaps it would have made more sense if I’d read all the other books. Either way, for me it was poorly executed and unneeded. If it was present to set up a further story for one or both characters, there were better ways to weave these characters in.
Overall this story was just ok for me. Maybe I’m just a mismatch with the author. If you’ve enjoyed other stories by Mallery, I’m sure you’ll like this book.
April 5, 2019
Einmal für immer, bitte ist der vierte Teil aus der Happily Inc Serie von Susan Mallery. Diesmal dreht sich alles um Silver, der Chefin von AlcoHaul, einer mobilen Bar, mit der sie die Hochzeiten im Ort unterstützt. Die Geschäfte laufen gut und sie muss immer wieder Termine absagen, weil die Kapazitäten fehlen.
So stellt Silver einen Antrag auf einen Kredit bei der Bank, der allerdings abgelehnt wird. Hier kommt dann Drew ins Spiel, der die Bank zwar mit leitet, aber an der Kreditentscheidung nicht beteiligt war. Drew bietet Silver an, als Teilhaber mit in die Firma einzusteigen und damit das nötige Kapital mit einzubringen, um zwei weitere Trailer zu kaufen.
Silver ist sich erst unschlüssig, waren Drew und sie doch ein Paar uns hatten ein Kind, das sie nach der Geburt zur Adoption freigegeben hatten. Trotzdem willigt sie ein und so werden Drew und sie Geschäftspartner.
Mich hat dieses Buch wieder gut unterhalten, trifft man doch auf alte Bekannte und auch die Geschichte von Cade und Bethany wird weitergeführt. Was ich allerdings schade fand, dass Wynn uns Jaspers Geschichte nur so nebenbei angekratzt wurde. Hier hätte ich mir doch ein eigenes Buch gewünscht.
Allerdings habe ich bei https://happilyinc.susanmallery.com/ gesehen, dass im Oktober ein weiteres Buch erscheinen wird, in dem Jasper die Hauptrolle spielen wird. Ich bin gespannt, wann dann die deutsche Übersetzung dazu kommt.
Alles in allem ist es nicht das stärkste Buch der Serie, trotzdem habe ich es gerne gelesen und ich war sehr gespannt, wie sich die Verwicklungen am Ende wieder auflösen. Denn ein Happy End ist bei solchen Büchern ja Pflicht.
Für Fans der Serie ist es auf jeden Fall empfehlenswert, Neueinsteigern würde ich jedoch raten, vorher erst die anderen Bände zu lesen um die Zusammenhänge besser zu verstehen.
Von mir daher eine Leseempfehlung
So stellt Silver einen Antrag auf einen Kredit bei der Bank, der allerdings abgelehnt wird. Hier kommt dann Drew ins Spiel, der die Bank zwar mit leitet, aber an der Kreditentscheidung nicht beteiligt war. Drew bietet Silver an, als Teilhaber mit in die Firma einzusteigen und damit das nötige Kapital mit einzubringen, um zwei weitere Trailer zu kaufen.
Silver ist sich erst unschlüssig, waren Drew und sie doch ein Paar uns hatten ein Kind, das sie nach der Geburt zur Adoption freigegeben hatten. Trotzdem willigt sie ein und so werden Drew und sie Geschäftspartner.
Mich hat dieses Buch wieder gut unterhalten, trifft man doch auf alte Bekannte und auch die Geschichte von Cade und Bethany wird weitergeführt. Was ich allerdings schade fand, dass Wynn uns Jaspers Geschichte nur so nebenbei angekratzt wurde. Hier hätte ich mir doch ein eigenes Buch gewünscht.
Allerdings habe ich bei https://happilyinc.susanmallery.com/ gesehen, dass im Oktober ein weiteres Buch erscheinen wird, in dem Jasper die Hauptrolle spielen wird. Ich bin gespannt, wann dann die deutsche Übersetzung dazu kommt.
Alles in allem ist es nicht das stärkste Buch der Serie, trotzdem habe ich es gerne gelesen und ich war sehr gespannt, wie sich die Verwicklungen am Ende wieder auflösen. Denn ein Happy End ist bei solchen Büchern ja Pflicht.
Für Fans der Serie ist es auf jeden Fall empfehlenswert, Neueinsteigern würde ich jedoch raten, vorher erst die anderen Bände zu lesen um die Zusammenhänge besser zu verstehen.
Von mir daher eine Leseempfehlung
November 6, 2018
Not Quite Over You is the fourth book in the Happily Inc series. This is Silver and Drew's story. I have to admit, that overall, I have been pretty underwhelmed with this series so far; this latest installment included. The main reason has been the main couple in each book. Like Silver and Drew, I have just not felt the attraction or any heat between them to make their HEAs believable.
In this book, Silver and Drew were in love the summer before he went off to college. Silver broke up with him so he would leave and be able to spread his wings. With this being a second chance romance, you would think there would be more emotion and at least attraction. But that really wasn't any. To me, they were probably to most boring couple out of the four we have read about so far.
The story also felt unfocused as we don't spend most of our time with the main couple. Instead, there is a lot of time spent focusing on Bethany and Cade and their "royal"shower and wedding problem. I didn't read their novella, but I found Bethany's whining about her royal family a bit over the top. I also could have done without the Wynn/Jasper storyline. It really added nothing to the book. Wynn's story has been hinted at over the past 3 books now. It would have been nice to get some closure on it here, but instead, we just get more of the same teaser.
Overall, this was just an OK read for me again. The HEA was cute, so it had that going for it. I still am a big fan of this author and her other books. I just wish I clicked more with this series.
In this book, Silver and Drew were in love the summer before he went off to college. Silver broke up with him so he would leave and be able to spread his wings. With this being a second chance romance, you would think there would be more emotion and at least attraction. But that really wasn't any. To me, they were probably to most boring couple out of the four we have read about so far.
The story also felt unfocused as we don't spend most of our time with the main couple. Instead, there is a lot of time spent focusing on Bethany and Cade and their "royal"shower and wedding problem. I didn't read their novella, but I found Bethany's whining about her royal family a bit over the top. I also could have done without the Wynn/Jasper storyline. It really added nothing to the book. Wynn's story has been hinted at over the past 3 books now. It would have been nice to get some closure on it here, but instead, we just get more of the same teaser.
Overall, this was just an OK read for me again. The HEA was cute, so it had that going for it. I still am a big fan of this author and her other books. I just wish I clicked more with this series.
did-not-finish
January 9, 2020I haven't read a Susan Mallery book yet, but being a cozy romance fan I knew our paths would cross one day. Unfortunately this one didn't jive with me and I DNF'd about halfway through. I struggled with the unrealistic plot; I struggled with the length of time Drew and Silver didn't communicate but then suddenly became business partners. I tried to keep going, I just didn't think it was fair if I wasn't fully enjoying it.
I can tell that the author creates charming characters and will certainly pick up one of her other books! I recently bought a copy of her book When We Found Home and excited to read that one as I've heard good things.
I want to thank the publisher for accepting my NetGalley read request.
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
I can tell that the author creates charming characters and will certainly pick up one of her other books! I recently bought a copy of her book When We Found Home and excited to read that one as I've heard good things.
I want to thank the publisher for accepting my NetGalley read request.
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
April 5, 2022
"Einmal für immer, bitte" handelt von Silver und Drew. Die beiden waren in der Highschool ein Paar, aber ihrer jungen Liebe kam das Leben in die Quere und weder Drew noch Silver waren damals bereit, sich zu binden und ein verantwortungsvolles Erwachsenenleben zu führen.
Während Silver über Drew hinweg ist und auch nicht auf der Suche nach einer neuen Liebe ist, bedauert Drew, dass er sie vor all den Jahren hat gehen lassen und hofft auf eine zweite Chance mit ihr. Als sich ihm die Gelegenheit bietet, Silver mit AlcoHaul, einer mobilen Bar, zu helfen, hofft er, ihr wieder näher zu kommen. Doch Silver hat ein Geheimnis vor ihm, das sie unbedingt bewahren will.
Es besteht kein Zweifel, dass die Chemie zwischen Silver und Drew stimmt, und es war nur eine Frage der Zeit, bis die beiden wieder ein Paar sein würden. Es fällt ihnen leicht, zu ihrer vertrauten Beziehung zurückzukehren, und doch hat sich ihre Beziehung verändert, jetzt, da sie beide erwachsen sind. Ihre Beziehung ist reifer geworden und sie denken viel darüber nach, was zwischen ihnen hätte sein können, wenn sie sich nicht getrennt hätten. Ich war wirklich angenehm überrascht, wie erwachsen Drew mit Silvers Geheimnis umgegangen ist.
Silver war schon in früheren Geschichten präsent und gehört zu den Charakteren in Happily Inc., die sehr charismatisch, stark und unabhängig sind. Ihre verletzliche Seite zu sehen, war neu und zeigte, dass hinter der starken Fassade, die sie ihren Freunden zeigt, viel mehr steckt. Drew bekommt die Chance, für Silver da zu sein und nicht wieder den einfachen Weg zu gehen. Drew entwickelt sich auch als Charakter weiter und setzt sich seinen Eltern gegenüber durch, damit sie verstehen, was er mit seinem Leben anfangen will und wer ein Teil davon sein soll. Besonders gefallen hat mir die Ernsthaftigkeit, mit der er Silver zu helfen versucht, ohne dabei anmaßend zu sein. Die beiden sind wirklich ein tolles Team!
Ich genieße es wirklich, zu Happily Inc. und all den Charakteren, die wir im Laufe der Geschichte kennengelernt haben, zurückzukehren. Susan Mallery ist eine Autorin, die mich mit ihren lustigen und herzerwärmenden Liebesromanen nie enttäuscht. Die Geschichte von Silver und Drew war vielleicht nicht voller verzehrender Leidenschaft und Abenteuer, aber es war eine schöne Geschichte, die mich zufrieden zurückgelassen hat.
Während Silver über Drew hinweg ist und auch nicht auf der Suche nach einer neuen Liebe ist, bedauert Drew, dass er sie vor all den Jahren hat gehen lassen und hofft auf eine zweite Chance mit ihr. Als sich ihm die Gelegenheit bietet, Silver mit AlcoHaul, einer mobilen Bar, zu helfen, hofft er, ihr wieder näher zu kommen. Doch Silver hat ein Geheimnis vor ihm, das sie unbedingt bewahren will.
Es besteht kein Zweifel, dass die Chemie zwischen Silver und Drew stimmt, und es war nur eine Frage der Zeit, bis die beiden wieder ein Paar sein würden. Es fällt ihnen leicht, zu ihrer vertrauten Beziehung zurückzukehren, und doch hat sich ihre Beziehung verändert, jetzt, da sie beide erwachsen sind. Ihre Beziehung ist reifer geworden und sie denken viel darüber nach, was zwischen ihnen hätte sein können, wenn sie sich nicht getrennt hätten. Ich war wirklich angenehm überrascht, wie erwachsen Drew mit Silvers Geheimnis umgegangen ist.
Silver war schon in früheren Geschichten präsent und gehört zu den Charakteren in Happily Inc., die sehr charismatisch, stark und unabhängig sind. Ihre verletzliche Seite zu sehen, war neu und zeigte, dass hinter der starken Fassade, die sie ihren Freunden zeigt, viel mehr steckt. Drew bekommt die Chance, für Silver da zu sein und nicht wieder den einfachen Weg zu gehen. Drew entwickelt sich auch als Charakter weiter und setzt sich seinen Eltern gegenüber durch, damit sie verstehen, was er mit seinem Leben anfangen will und wer ein Teil davon sein soll. Besonders gefallen hat mir die Ernsthaftigkeit, mit der er Silver zu helfen versucht, ohne dabei anmaßend zu sein. Die beiden sind wirklich ein tolles Team!
Ich genieße es wirklich, zu Happily Inc. und all den Charakteren, die wir im Laufe der Geschichte kennengelernt haben, zurückzukehren. Susan Mallery ist eine Autorin, die mich mit ihren lustigen und herzerwärmenden Liebesromanen nie enttäuscht. Die Geschichte von Silver und Drew war vielleicht nicht voller verzehrender Leidenschaft und Abenteuer, aber es war eine schöne Geschichte, die mich zufrieden zurückgelassen hat.
November 10, 2018
Silver Tesdal is not looking for love. She have her friends (and glad that they found good men) and she's happy in her professional life, being her own boss and working as a bartender for special events in her traveling bar. But when the bank turn down her loan request for buying two more Airstream vans to expand her business, it'll bring back one of her ex in her life.
Life got in the way of young love. Or more precisely, neither Drew, nor Silver was ready for commitment and living adult life at the time. So they broke up. There was no resentments, despite the big decisions and living in the same town, they continued to see each other on the street or at a local store, they just didn't stay in contact. But lately, Drew found himself thinking about Silver, and when the bank he work for denied her credit, he see an opportunity to buy into her business, if she wants him as a minority partner, but also the occasion to spend time with her and maybe rekindling their attraction?
Many things were a pleasant surprise while I was reading this book. Like the secret that Silver was keeping from the hero. It's one we read about before but there was a little twist that I found really interesting and I like what the author did with this. I like that both MC had to take care of someone for a little while. I like characters with asserted personality and they both were. Drew was also one of the pleasant surprise. I liked how he saw the heroine as a combination of determination and sass. Or to hear him think that he never felt as comfortable with other women as he did with her. The author made me believe that he really love her for who she is. But what really stood out for me about him, was his curiosity and how he took things seriously (without being a rigid guy). When he became Silver's partner, he did his homework and took a real interest in her work and expertise. And he offered ideas but he never tried to control the operations. Silver was great too and I loved her authenticity.
This book might not have been a thrilling ride, with consuming passion and adventures, but it was a beautiful tale about how the past doesn't define who you are, and that doing the right thing doesn't mean the same for everyone, but it left me with a feeling I adore when I finish a book ; it left me with contentment.
Life got in the way of young love. Or more precisely, neither Drew, nor Silver was ready for commitment and living adult life at the time. So they broke up. There was no resentments, despite the big decisions and living in the same town, they continued to see each other on the street or at a local store, they just didn't stay in contact. But lately, Drew found himself thinking about Silver, and when the bank he work for denied her credit, he see an opportunity to buy into her business, if she wants him as a minority partner, but also the occasion to spend time with her and maybe rekindling their attraction?
Many things were a pleasant surprise while I was reading this book. Like the secret that Silver was keeping from the hero. It's one we read about before but there was a little twist that I found really interesting and I like what the author did with this. I like that both MC had to take care of someone for a little while. I like characters with asserted personality and they both were. Drew was also one of the pleasant surprise. I liked how he saw the heroine as a combination of determination and sass. Or to hear him think that he never felt as comfortable with other women as he did with her. The author made me believe that he really love her for who she is. But what really stood out for me about him, was his curiosity and how he took things seriously (without being a rigid guy). When he became Silver's partner, he did his homework and took a real interest in her work and expertise. And he offered ideas but he never tried to control the operations. Silver was great too and I loved her authenticity.
This book might not have been a thrilling ride, with consuming passion and adventures, but it was a beautiful tale about how the past doesn't define who you are, and that doing the right thing doesn't mean the same for everyone, but it left me with a feeling I adore when I finish a book ; it left me with contentment.
October 23, 2018
In the newest addition to the Happily Inc. series, Mallery gives us the story of Silver Tedal and Drew Lovato.
Lovers when they were teenagers, they went their separate ways when Drew left for college. Silver wound up pregnant and put the baby up for adoption. That was the end of story as far as Drew knew. But Silver kept in touch with the birth family, even living with them for a time, and has been a distant, yet constant, person in her daughters life. A daughter who is now 11 and unknown to Drew.
This was a lovely little story about rekindled love, first love, and the effects of one decision on so many lives. With her usual easy writing style, Mallery draws her characters perfectly, moves them through their lives with precision, and makes you want to be BFF’s with them all.
I was given an arc of this book from Netgalley for an honest opinion, and that opinion is this is a good book. 4 stars from me.
Lovers when they were teenagers, they went their separate ways when Drew left for college. Silver wound up pregnant and put the baby up for adoption. That was the end of story as far as Drew knew. But Silver kept in touch with the birth family, even living with them for a time, and has been a distant, yet constant, person in her daughters life. A daughter who is now 11 and unknown to Drew.
This was a lovely little story about rekindled love, first love, and the effects of one decision on so many lives. With her usual easy writing style, Mallery draws her characters perfectly, moves them through their lives with precision, and makes you want to be BFF’s with them all.
I was given an arc of this book from Netgalley for an honest opinion, and that opinion is this is a good book. 4 stars from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2018
**FULL REVIEW**
I'll admit, when I started reading this book, I did not realize it was by a well-known author. Maybe it's because it's an "ARC" copy from Netgalley (thank you), there are errors that are usually fixed before publication...but to me, it read almost amateur. I don't claim to be some professional, but I do read a lot from many spectrums...just not what I had expected from a seasoned author. In some ways it gave me hope; everyone is human, and even esteemed authors have errors. So thankful for editors and proofreaders! Now, about the book...
WONDERFUL, easy, and sweet read. I had my hang-ups with each character individually, but everything came together as a whole. This is the first Happily Inc. book I've read so the mingling of multiple characters with backstories of their own gives me a reason to go back and find out the details...especially, Wynn and Jasper. While I felt their blurbs between the drama of Silver and Drew were a little off-putting and out of place, I know that's how these series usually roll so I used it as a positive in pulling me toward where their story takes them...
But, Silver and Drew? Now, that's some fire right there...the fear of unrequited love is real and I felt that...deep in my soul. Mallery nailed both of their fears of failure and shortcomings in a way that made them relatable. A hardworking entrepreneur and the sexy businessman...one sassy, the other a sweetheart. Great combination.
I do wish, however, their communication was better. They were business partners and lovers...I also wished to see a little more from Grandpa Frank. He was my favorite supporting character, for sure! But overall, the flow was good, the story was solid, and the outcome...well, you'll just have to read and find out.
**4 AlcoHaul, Stars**
I'll admit, when I started reading this book, I did not realize it was by a well-known author. Maybe it's because it's an "ARC" copy from Netgalley (thank you), there are errors that are usually fixed before publication...but to me, it read almost amateur. I don't claim to be some professional, but I do read a lot from many spectrums...just not what I had expected from a seasoned author. In some ways it gave me hope; everyone is human, and even esteemed authors have errors. So thankful for editors and proofreaders! Now, about the book...
WONDERFUL, easy, and sweet read. I had my hang-ups with each character individually, but everything came together as a whole. This is the first Happily Inc. book I've read so the mingling of multiple characters with backstories of their own gives me a reason to go back and find out the details...especially, Wynn and Jasper. While I felt their blurbs between the drama of Silver and Drew were a little off-putting and out of place, I know that's how these series usually roll so I used it as a positive in pulling me toward where their story takes them...
But, Silver and Drew? Now, that's some fire right there...the fear of unrequited love is real and I felt that...deep in my soul. Mallery nailed both of their fears of failure and shortcomings in a way that made them relatable. A hardworking entrepreneur and the sexy businessman...one sassy, the other a sweetheart. Great combination.
I do wish, however, their communication was better. They were business partners and lovers...I also wished to see a little more from Grandpa Frank. He was my favorite supporting character, for sure! But overall, the flow was good, the story was solid, and the outcome...well, you'll just have to read and find out.
**4 AlcoHaul, Stars**
November 1, 2018
What can I say about a clueless hero that has a heart of gold, but had feet of clay as a teen? That’s Drew Lovato – hometown golden boy. Or what to say about a heroine who has no idea what she is worth – to herself and others – because she has been badly…bruised is a good word…when life has knocked her down? Considering she has gotten up, brushed herself off, and made something of herself, she should be proud. Only there are some that keep reminding her which side of the tracks she came from…
Drew has a lot to learn about life and Silver; most of his “schooling” comes from a pint sized whirlwind by the name of Autumn. What a fantastic journey he has! It made me smile, it made me want to smack him upside the head sometimes, and most of all it put me firmly in his corner, cheering him on. Even though he grew up with money and family prestige, he needed to face some pretty strong characters in his family in order to grow up and fight for what he wanted.
And Silver… She is strong and smart and beautiful and sassy as all get-out. Underneath it all, she is still hurting from her teenage love and breakup with Drew but she has made something of herself. When she finally realizes no one can take that away from her, she opens herself to many possibilities.
As with most of Ms. Mallery’s characters, there is love, and snootiness, and down-to-earthness (I know it’s not a word but it fits!), and fun, and snark. Gotta have snark. Seriously, Not Quite Over You was a great read, with ups and downs, fun and tears, but most of all, love. I really enjoyed this book and it has become one of my favorites of this author.
Drew has a lot to learn about life and Silver; most of his “schooling” comes from a pint sized whirlwind by the name of Autumn. What a fantastic journey he has! It made me smile, it made me want to smack him upside the head sometimes, and most of all it put me firmly in his corner, cheering him on. Even though he grew up with money and family prestige, he needed to face some pretty strong characters in his family in order to grow up and fight for what he wanted.
And Silver… She is strong and smart and beautiful and sassy as all get-out. Underneath it all, she is still hurting from her teenage love and breakup with Drew but she has made something of herself. When she finally realizes no one can take that away from her, she opens herself to many possibilities.
As with most of Ms. Mallery’s characters, there is love, and snootiness, and down-to-earthness (I know it’s not a word but it fits!), and fun, and snark. Gotta have snark. Seriously, Not Quite Over You was a great read, with ups and downs, fun and tears, but most of all, love. I really enjoyed this book and it has become one of my favorites of this author.
October 23, 2018
I probably say this on every review of this series, but I want to live in Happily Inc! This sounds like a wonderful small town and while not perfect has enough positive that draws me into the town.
I also love this story because I was part of a (large!) group that helped create one of the characters in the book and the basic story line. This was at the author's Girlfriend Getaway in 2017. We came up with Mr. Whiskers. I was rooting for a turtle, but a bunny won out. Either way, I really enjoyed seeing how the author took our ideas and weaved them into the story.
This book focuses on Silver and Drew. I admire Silver for everything she has gone through in her life and for creating AlcoHaul. What a unique idea for a business which fits perfectly into the town and Weddings Out of the Box. Drew has his own issues, mainly his mother. I am still shocked at how callous she is towards Drew and refusing to listen to what he wants from life. Thankfully his father is down to earth and can see what Drew really wants.
Silver and Drew have a past but they are able to work through it all. There are ups and downs, but if everything went smoothly with no issues then the book wouldn't be as engaging. I was a little surprised at a few events near the end, but when I thought about how certain situations played out, it is probably for the best.
I also enjoyed a little peek into Jasper and Wynn's life/relationship. There is a lot more to tell regarding Wynn and I can't wait to hear her back story. We know there is one based on her comments to Jasper and her rules for their relationship.
I also love this story because I was part of a (large!) group that helped create one of the characters in the book and the basic story line. This was at the author's Girlfriend Getaway in 2017. We came up with Mr. Whiskers. I was rooting for a turtle, but a bunny won out. Either way, I really enjoyed seeing how the author took our ideas and weaved them into the story.
This book focuses on Silver and Drew. I admire Silver for everything she has gone through in her life and for creating AlcoHaul. What a unique idea for a business which fits perfectly into the town and Weddings Out of the Box. Drew has his own issues, mainly his mother. I am still shocked at how callous she is towards Drew and refusing to listen to what he wants from life. Thankfully his father is down to earth and can see what Drew really wants.
Silver and Drew have a past but they are able to work through it all. There are ups and downs, but if everything went smoothly with no issues then the book wouldn't be as engaging. I was a little surprised at a few events near the end, but when I thought about how certain situations played out, it is probably for the best.
I also enjoyed a little peek into Jasper and Wynn's life/relationship. There is a lot more to tell regarding Wynn and I can't wait to hear her back story. We know there is one based on her comments to Jasper and her rules for their relationship.
November 4, 2018
Silver Tesdal owns a portable bar that serves the weddings and many events in Happily Inc. She wants to expand her business and goes to the bank for a loan - where she is turned down. Drew Lovato works for the bank and is in line to take it over but not in time to help Silver now. So he devises a plan that doesn't initially sit well with Silver. The two had a relationship he summer after high school but Silver broke up with Drew before he went to college. Then she found out she was pregnant.
Fast forward over a decade and Drew and Silver are living and working in Happily Inc again. Drew manages to become business partners with Silver. She is reluctant at first but then gives in because what he says business-wise makes sense and she wants to expand. The thing is, they had a child together and Silver kept in touch with her and now she has to share that knowledge with Drew.
There were elements of this book I really liked - the humor, the friendships, the emotions. I also liked Silver and Drew as people but I didn't feel the spark between them as a couple. They had really good moments together but they were supposedly so 'hot' together in the past but it wasn't in their present story.
I like this series and look forward to continuing with it but Silver and Drew's story was so-so for me.
Fast forward over a decade and Drew and Silver are living and working in Happily Inc again. Drew manages to become business partners with Silver. She is reluctant at first but then gives in because what he says business-wise makes sense and she wants to expand. The thing is, they had a child together and Silver kept in touch with her and now she has to share that knowledge with Drew.
There were elements of this book I really liked - the humor, the friendships, the emotions. I also liked Silver and Drew as people but I didn't feel the spark between them as a couple. They had really good moments together but they were supposedly so 'hot' together in the past but it wasn't in their present story.
I like this series and look forward to continuing with it but Silver and Drew's story was so-so for me.
December 11, 2018
This wasn't a bad book. However, for a bunch of adult they seemed really immature at times. They definitely could have handled things a lot differently. The good news is that Drew & Silver finally got it together in the end. My one other complaint is that they should have left all that mess out with Jasper & Wynn. That women is so ridiculous and needs to go away.
December 3, 2018
This couple took the long road but it was worth it to become who they needed to be for each other. The two sisters need their heads smacked together. I do hope this series continues because I've really enjoyed it.
May 5, 2019
Erhalten über netgalley im Austausch für eine ehrliche Rezension.
Das Susan Mallory Liebesdramadrehbuch ist auch hier wieder schematisch vorhanden.
Leider gefielen mir beide Protagonisten nicht. Es passte alles so gut, dass man der Autorin ein bisschen Faulheit unterstellen muss.
Das Susan Mallory Liebesdramadrehbuch ist auch hier wieder schematisch vorhanden.
Leider gefielen mir beide Protagonisten nicht. Es passte alles so gut, dass man der Autorin ein bisschen Faulheit unterstellen muss.
June 21, 2019
Bei "Einmal für immer bitte" von Susan Mallery handelt es sich um den vierten Band der Happily Inc - Reihe der Autorin, bei dem sich alles um die Bewohner des kleinen Örtchens "Happily Inc" und seinem speziellen Charme dreht. Da mir die ersten Bände der Reihe sehr gut gefallen haben, habe ich mich auf diesen Band selbstverständlich sehr gefreut. Und ich wurde beim Lesen auch nicht wirklich enttäuscht. Man wird direkt von den Bewohnern in den Bann gezogen und mitgerissen.
Im Mittelpunkt dieses Romans stehen Silver und Drew. Silver ist Besitzerin einer mobilen Bar. Als sie sich vergrößern möchte, der Kredit aber von der Bank abgelehnt wird, bietet ihr ausgerechnet ihr Ex-Freund Drew Hilfe an. Allerdings möchte er ihr das Geld nur im Gegenzug einer geschäftlichen Partnerschaft geben. Silver ist hin- und hergerissen. Wenn sie zustimmt, muss sie sich wieder auf ihn einlassen und eng mit ihm zusammenarbeiten. Dabei läuft sie dann jedoch Gefahr ein großes Geheimnis, welches sie seit ihrer Trennung mit sich rum trägt, lüften zu müssen.
Silver und Drew sind generell sehr liebenswerte Charaktere. Wobei ich gestehen muss, dass mir Drew noch ein wenig besser gefallen hat, da er trotz seiner familiären Hintergründe mehr als bodenständig und sehr viel Gemeinschaftssinn besitzt. Silver war mir persönlich anfangs ein wenig zu unnahbar, so dass es nicht leicht fiel sich zunächst in sie hineinzuversetzen. Dies hat jedoch mit dem Geheimnis zu tun, welches sie verbirgt. Als dieses nach und nach ans Licht kommt, wird sie auch offener.
Generell sind die Figuren in diesem Roman wieder sehr durchdacht und harmonisieren sehr gut miteinander. Positiv ist vor allem zu vermerken, dass nicht jede Figur unbedingt um die Gunst der Leser kämpft, sondern teilweise aufgrund ihrer missgünstigen oder ablehnenden Haltung sogar eher abschrecken. Aber gerade ihre Art sorgt immer wieder für Auflockerung der Handlung.
Susan Mallery Schreibstil ist erneut sehr erfrischend, so dass man sich von Spannungsspitze zu Spannungsspitze bewegt. Und auch wenn die Handlung über viele Etappen hin ziemlich hervorsehrbar ist, kann sie mit kleinen Überraschungen die Handlung immer wieder in neue Bahnen lenken.
Wie man es von ihren bisherigen Romanen kennt, enthält auch dieser Roman neben einer sehr spannenden Haupthandlung mindestens einen Nebenstrang, der in der Regel immer mit in die Haupthandlung mit eingebunden wird. Allerdings muss ich hier nun leichte Kritik üben. In diesem Roman ist es Susan Mallery nicht so recht gelungen, die Nebenhandlung in die Haupthandlung mit einzubinden bzw. sie verknüpft diese erst mehr als spät. Dadurch wirkte die Nebenhandlung zunächst ein wenig deplatziert und kann auch keine echten Emotionen wecken.
Fazit:
Die Haupthandlung in "Einmal für immer bitte" von Susan Mallery überzeugt bis in alle Spitzen. Die Nebenhandlung wirkt allerdings ein wenig deplatziert und emotionslos! Dennoch freue mich aber auch schon auf den nächsten Band und die Bewohner der Happily Inc. - Reihe.
Für mich eine unbedingte Leseempfehlung, vor allem wenn man die bisherigen Bände oder die Fools Gold - Reihe der Autorin bereits gelesen hat!
Note: 2 (💗💗💗💗)
Im Mittelpunkt dieses Romans stehen Silver und Drew. Silver ist Besitzerin einer mobilen Bar. Als sie sich vergrößern möchte, der Kredit aber von der Bank abgelehnt wird, bietet ihr ausgerechnet ihr Ex-Freund Drew Hilfe an. Allerdings möchte er ihr das Geld nur im Gegenzug einer geschäftlichen Partnerschaft geben. Silver ist hin- und hergerissen. Wenn sie zustimmt, muss sie sich wieder auf ihn einlassen und eng mit ihm zusammenarbeiten. Dabei läuft sie dann jedoch Gefahr ein großes Geheimnis, welches sie seit ihrer Trennung mit sich rum trägt, lüften zu müssen.
Silver und Drew sind generell sehr liebenswerte Charaktere. Wobei ich gestehen muss, dass mir Drew noch ein wenig besser gefallen hat, da er trotz seiner familiären Hintergründe mehr als bodenständig und sehr viel Gemeinschaftssinn besitzt. Silver war mir persönlich anfangs ein wenig zu unnahbar, so dass es nicht leicht fiel sich zunächst in sie hineinzuversetzen. Dies hat jedoch mit dem Geheimnis zu tun, welches sie verbirgt. Als dieses nach und nach ans Licht kommt, wird sie auch offener.
Generell sind die Figuren in diesem Roman wieder sehr durchdacht und harmonisieren sehr gut miteinander. Positiv ist vor allem zu vermerken, dass nicht jede Figur unbedingt um die Gunst der Leser kämpft, sondern teilweise aufgrund ihrer missgünstigen oder ablehnenden Haltung sogar eher abschrecken. Aber gerade ihre Art sorgt immer wieder für Auflockerung der Handlung.
Susan Mallery Schreibstil ist erneut sehr erfrischend, so dass man sich von Spannungsspitze zu Spannungsspitze bewegt. Und auch wenn die Handlung über viele Etappen hin ziemlich hervorsehrbar ist, kann sie mit kleinen Überraschungen die Handlung immer wieder in neue Bahnen lenken.
Wie man es von ihren bisherigen Romanen kennt, enthält auch dieser Roman neben einer sehr spannenden Haupthandlung mindestens einen Nebenstrang, der in der Regel immer mit in die Haupthandlung mit eingebunden wird. Allerdings muss ich hier nun leichte Kritik üben. In diesem Roman ist es Susan Mallery nicht so recht gelungen, die Nebenhandlung in die Haupthandlung mit einzubinden bzw. sie verknüpft diese erst mehr als spät. Dadurch wirkte die Nebenhandlung zunächst ein wenig deplatziert und kann auch keine echten Emotionen wecken.
Fazit:
Die Haupthandlung in "Einmal für immer bitte" von Susan Mallery überzeugt bis in alle Spitzen. Die Nebenhandlung wirkt allerdings ein wenig deplatziert und emotionslos! Dennoch freue mich aber auch schon auf den nächsten Band und die Bewohner der Happily Inc. - Reihe.
Für mich eine unbedingte Leseempfehlung, vor allem wenn man die bisherigen Bände oder die Fools Gold - Reihe der Autorin bereits gelesen hat!
Note: 2 (💗💗💗💗)
December 31, 2018
Originally published at Reading Reality
This isn’t exactly a second chance at love romance. It’s more like an “unfinished business” romance. Well, it’s also a second chance at love romance, it’s just that it feels more like they picked up where they left off because they just never got it out of their systems the first time. As the title implies, Silver and Drew never got over each other.
All the way back in high school, Silver and Drew were head over heels for each other. For three whole months. One glorious summer. The summer before Drew left for college. And when he left town, Silver let him go.
I don’t mean let him go to college, her permission was not required. I mean let him go as in broke up with him. She knew that time and distance was going to do that anyway, and that it was better to make a clean break.
When she discovered she was pregnant, that option almost went off the table. But again, Silver made the mature decision. She did go to tell him about the baby, and when his reaction was to offer to marry her, but seemingly not out of love, she handed him the paperwork for her to give the baby up for adoption. And he signed.
Twelve years later Silver is still in Happily and Drew has been back for almost a decade, an officer in his family’s bank. A bank that has just turned Silver down for a business loan to expand her AlcoHaul business.
The town of Happily is a destination wedding town, and Silver’s burgeoning business creates signature drinks for the many (many, many) themed weddings and brings her customized trailer filled with drinks and a full bar to venues all over town. Hence the catch name, AlcoHaul. Because that’s what she does, haul alcohol all over Happily.
Silver is also part of the “brain trust” that helps Pallas design and put together her “Weddings Out of the Box”. The details of how that came about are in the first book in this series, You Say It First.
Drew has seen Silver’s business plan, and he wants to help. Yes, he does have hopes of getting back together, but he’s also a savvy businessman with a heart. First, her plan is solid, and so is her business. She’s a good investment. Second, he believes the bank should be using its resources to help the town, and one way to do that is to help local businesses. He’s not a bleeding heart, he just wants the local bank to invest in the town that supports it for the betterment of both.
His family, or at least his aunt Libby, currently has a hate-on for Silver, for no reason that is ever made clear, and makes sure Silver’s loan application is turned down. It’s fairly obvious that Libby just wanted to watch Silver jump through the hoops so she could shoot her down at the end.
So Drew offers to buy a minority share of Silver’s business so that she can expand. But their unfinished business with each other makes her wary of accepting his help. It takes a few days for her to come to the conclusion that it is good business for both of them, whatever else happens.
What happens, of course, is that working together leads them right back to where they were all those years ago – but with a bit more maturity and a lot more baggage. The spark is certainly still there, and blazes back into life all too easily.
But all the factors that pushed them apart in the past are still unresolved in the present. They may be older and a bit wiser, but Silver is still from the wrong side of the tracks and Drew is the scion of one of Happily’s most prominent families. A family that has plans for him that definitely don’t include a woman who owns a bar. Or even three bars.
The first time around, Silver and Drew were too young to fight for each other. It would be easy to give up again. Neither of them has any experience fighting for what they want when it comes to matters of the heart.
They’ll have to learn this time – and fast.
Escape Rating B-: On the one hand, I liked the relationship between Silver and Drew, because they were both really neat people. Silver was right back in high school. They did need to break up – not because they didn’t love each other, but because they weren’t mature enough to deal with a long-distance relationship. Silver knew that she wanted to stay in Happily, and Drew needed to leave – at least long enough to appreciate what he’d left behind.
It was also great that they weren’t angsty about both living in town. They didn’t interact, but they didn’t seem to go out of their way to avoid each other. They’d had what they’d had, and it was over. At least it was mostly over.
Drew wants to try again – even if he isn’t quite ready to admit that to himself at the beginning – but Silver is afraid to trust him. She’s also afraid to trust herself, which is much more the crux of her journey in this story. She’s so afraid of being like her mother that she almost succeeds in turning herself off completely – and gets a bit too over the top angst when she finally realizes that Drew is already back inside her defenses. She’s afraid to fall in love again, only to eventually figure out that she never fell out of love with Drew in the first place – and to have several panic attacks about it.
The difficult part of this story for me, and the reason why it’s only a B- story, is the involvement of Drew’s family – or at least the involvement of two particular members of it. The two villains of this piece, and they definitely are villains, are Drew’s Aunt Libby and his mother Irene. The rest of his family is pretty terrific, especially his Grandpa Frank, but his mother and her sister are a pair of Cruella de Villes.
And we’re never sure why.
Libby was also the villain in the first book, You Say It First. She’s Pallas’ mother, and the woman never, ever, ever has a decent thing to say about her daughter. She spends that entire book cutting Pallas down at every single turn, and Pallas just takes it for entirely too much of the story.
Libby continues her evil ways in Not Quite Over You, blocking Silver’s loan application, undermining Drew at the bank, and generally attempting to score off against her sister Irene at every turn using Drew as a proxy.
Drew’s mother Irene is just as bad, in her own way. Irene, along with Drew’s father, left Happily to open a high-powered lobbying firm in Washington DC. She has determined what Drew’s life course will be and simply doesn’t listen to anything he says about what he wants. He wants to stay in Happily and eventually run the bank. He does not want to come to DC and join the family firm. Her inability to accept that Drew has plans of his own for his life – after all, he’s pushing 30 and his plans are quite good plans – gets to the point where she is not merely manipulative to the max, but also lying to Drew’s father and everyone else as well as using Drew’s phone to get Silver into places where she can lie to her and cut her down as well.
It’s not well-meaning parenting gone astray, it’s vicious and cruel and needs to be both explained and then resolved. She’s so evil that she, along with her sister Libby, need to get some just desserts delivered and it doesn’t happen, which left me feeling like the story isn’t done. Call it a bit of unfinished business. Hopefully both Libby and Irene get what’s coming to them in a future book in the series.
This isn’t exactly a second chance at love romance. It’s more like an “unfinished business” romance. Well, it’s also a second chance at love romance, it’s just that it feels more like they picked up where they left off because they just never got it out of their systems the first time. As the title implies, Silver and Drew never got over each other.
All the way back in high school, Silver and Drew were head over heels for each other. For three whole months. One glorious summer. The summer before Drew left for college. And when he left town, Silver let him go.
I don’t mean let him go to college, her permission was not required. I mean let him go as in broke up with him. She knew that time and distance was going to do that anyway, and that it was better to make a clean break.
When she discovered she was pregnant, that option almost went off the table. But again, Silver made the mature decision. She did go to tell him about the baby, and when his reaction was to offer to marry her, but seemingly not out of love, she handed him the paperwork for her to give the baby up for adoption. And he signed.
Twelve years later Silver is still in Happily and Drew has been back for almost a decade, an officer in his family’s bank. A bank that has just turned Silver down for a business loan to expand her AlcoHaul business.
The town of Happily is a destination wedding town, and Silver’s burgeoning business creates signature drinks for the many (many, many) themed weddings and brings her customized trailer filled with drinks and a full bar to venues all over town. Hence the catch name, AlcoHaul. Because that’s what she does, haul alcohol all over Happily.
Silver is also part of the “brain trust” that helps Pallas design and put together her “Weddings Out of the Box”. The details of how that came about are in the first book in this series, You Say It First.
Drew has seen Silver’s business plan, and he wants to help. Yes, he does have hopes of getting back together, but he’s also a savvy businessman with a heart. First, her plan is solid, and so is her business. She’s a good investment. Second, he believes the bank should be using its resources to help the town, and one way to do that is to help local businesses. He’s not a bleeding heart, he just wants the local bank to invest in the town that supports it for the betterment of both.
His family, or at least his aunt Libby, currently has a hate-on for Silver, for no reason that is ever made clear, and makes sure Silver’s loan application is turned down. It’s fairly obvious that Libby just wanted to watch Silver jump through the hoops so she could shoot her down at the end.
So Drew offers to buy a minority share of Silver’s business so that she can expand. But their unfinished business with each other makes her wary of accepting his help. It takes a few days for her to come to the conclusion that it is good business for both of them, whatever else happens.
What happens, of course, is that working together leads them right back to where they were all those years ago – but with a bit more maturity and a lot more baggage. The spark is certainly still there, and blazes back into life all too easily.
But all the factors that pushed them apart in the past are still unresolved in the present. They may be older and a bit wiser, but Silver is still from the wrong side of the tracks and Drew is the scion of one of Happily’s most prominent families. A family that has plans for him that definitely don’t include a woman who owns a bar. Or even three bars.
The first time around, Silver and Drew were too young to fight for each other. It would be easy to give up again. Neither of them has any experience fighting for what they want when it comes to matters of the heart.
They’ll have to learn this time – and fast.
Escape Rating B-: On the one hand, I liked the relationship between Silver and Drew, because they were both really neat people. Silver was right back in high school. They did need to break up – not because they didn’t love each other, but because they weren’t mature enough to deal with a long-distance relationship. Silver knew that she wanted to stay in Happily, and Drew needed to leave – at least long enough to appreciate what he’d left behind.
It was also great that they weren’t angsty about both living in town. They didn’t interact, but they didn’t seem to go out of their way to avoid each other. They’d had what they’d had, and it was over. At least it was mostly over.
Drew wants to try again – even if he isn’t quite ready to admit that to himself at the beginning – but Silver is afraid to trust him. She’s also afraid to trust herself, which is much more the crux of her journey in this story. She’s so afraid of being like her mother that she almost succeeds in turning herself off completely – and gets a bit too over the top angst when she finally realizes that Drew is already back inside her defenses. She’s afraid to fall in love again, only to eventually figure out that she never fell out of love with Drew in the first place – and to have several panic attacks about it.
The difficult part of this story for me, and the reason why it’s only a B- story, is the involvement of Drew’s family – or at least the involvement of two particular members of it. The two villains of this piece, and they definitely are villains, are Drew’s Aunt Libby and his mother Irene. The rest of his family is pretty terrific, especially his Grandpa Frank, but his mother and her sister are a pair of Cruella de Villes.
And we’re never sure why.
Libby was also the villain in the first book, You Say It First. She’s Pallas’ mother, and the woman never, ever, ever has a decent thing to say about her daughter. She spends that entire book cutting Pallas down at every single turn, and Pallas just takes it for entirely too much of the story.
Libby continues her evil ways in Not Quite Over You, blocking Silver’s loan application, undermining Drew at the bank, and generally attempting to score off against her sister Irene at every turn using Drew as a proxy.
Drew’s mother Irene is just as bad, in her own way. Irene, along with Drew’s father, left Happily to open a high-powered lobbying firm in Washington DC. She has determined what Drew’s life course will be and simply doesn’t listen to anything he says about what he wants. He wants to stay in Happily and eventually run the bank. He does not want to come to DC and join the family firm. Her inability to accept that Drew has plans of his own for his life – after all, he’s pushing 30 and his plans are quite good plans – gets to the point where she is not merely manipulative to the max, but also lying to Drew’s father and everyone else as well as using Drew’s phone to get Silver into places where she can lie to her and cut her down as well.
It’s not well-meaning parenting gone astray, it’s vicious and cruel and needs to be both explained and then resolved. She’s so evil that she, along with her sister Libby, need to get some just desserts delivered and it doesn’t happen, which left me feeling like the story isn’t done. Call it a bit of unfinished business. Hopefully both Libby and Irene get what’s coming to them in a future book in the series.
December 31, 2018
NOT QUITE OVER YOU
(Happily Inc: #4)
Written by Susan Mallery
(Narrated by Tanya Eby)
2018; HQN Books (352 Pages)
(Audio length: 8 hours and 12 minutes)
Genre: fiction, series, romance, contemporary, small town, weddings
Rating: 3 STARS
I was looking forward to Silver and Drew's story of being high school sweethearts, but this turned out to be my least favourite in the series. The chemistry was so-so and the storyline seem to force conflict that wasn't there and things turned out okay too easily. I did like that it tied up some other storylines.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
(Happily Inc: #4)
Written by Susan Mallery
(Narrated by Tanya Eby)
2018; HQN Books (352 Pages)
(Audio length: 8 hours and 12 minutes)
Genre: fiction, series, romance, contemporary, small town, weddings
Rating: 3 STARS
I was looking forward to Silver and Drew's story of being high school sweethearts, but this turned out to be my least favourite in the series. The chemistry was so-so and the storyline seem to force conflict that wasn't there and things turned out okay too easily. I did like that it tied up some other storylines.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
October 23, 2024
It took me a while to warm up to Drew given his history with Silver as described in one of the prior books but I eventually did start to like him. I enjoyed this story but not as much as Books 1-3. Worth a read though.
Graphic sex.
Graphic sex.
January 13, 2020
Two-haiku review:
She owns trailer bar
Mom thinks he's too good for her
She let him go once
Well drawn characters
Familiar friends from series
Enjoyable read
She owns trailer bar
Mom thinks he's too good for her
She let him go once
Well drawn characters
Familiar friends from series
Enjoyable read
December 3, 2018
Good second chance romance. It can be read as a stand-alone but is better read in order for the backgrounds of the other characters. Silver and Drew were high school sweethearts and very much in love despite the obstacles. Drew was from a wealthy family, while Silver was from the wrong side of the tracks. When it was time for Drew to leave for college, Silver broke up with him. She felt he would be better off without her holding him back, and could experience college life as it was meant to be.
Twelve years later, Drew is back in Happily, Inc., and still drawn to Silver. Silver has created a good life for herself as the owner/operator of a traveling bar business. She is doing well enough that she wants to expand, but the local bank has turned down her loan application. When Drew found out, he offered to finance Silver's expansion himself, by buying in as a minority partner. Silver isn't so sure that she wants to chance that close an involvement with him.
I really liked both Silver and Drew. Silver is feisty, independent, and determined. She has fought hard to make her business a success, overcoming the obstacles in her path. I loved her creativity in her business as she took her strengths and ran with them. She is also fiercely independent, determined to make it on her own. She has made mistakes in the past, but she admits them and moves on. Drew is a great guy. Silver's background had never mattered to him; it was the person she was that he loved. Though their breakup hurt him, he later admitted that she had been right about his need to spread his wings. He's older and wiser now and wants to get to know her again. Drew also had to fight a battle on a second front, as family expectations butted up against Drew's plans for his future.
I enjoyed the rekindling of their relationship. The sparks between them were there from the beginning, and Drew was all for following up on them. Silver is a bit more cautious, not wanting to risk her heart again. When Silver decided to accept Drew's offer, she also had the strength to negotiate the terms the way she wanted them. I enjoyed the way that Drew was determined to be more than just a silent partner, and the effort he put in to learn the business. He also stuck to learning and backup and didn't try to take things over. I loved seeing them get to know each other again, and how the chemistry between them continued to build. When they finally gave in to the passion, they were determined to keep it casual, but neither could stop the way their feelings for each other continued to grow. Through it all, Silver is haunted by a secret she has kept from Drew. She has to find a way to tell him before he finds out for himself. I ached for Silver because she was afraid it would ruin what had been building between them. I was pretty impressed with Drew, who, once he got past his initial knee-jerk reaction, was able to see things from Silver's point of view. There was also some interference from Drew's mother, whose attitude did a number on Silver's insecurities. Drew had some things he had to face also, and I loved the source of some of the advice he got. The ending was terrific, with a couple of unexpected twists.
There was a secondary story going on that I wouldn't exactly call a romance. Wynn and Jasper have had an understanding for a while. Wynn laid down the rules, and Jasper has gone along. But something happened that went against those rules and Jasper knew he'd been living on borrowed time. If Wynn found out, there would be trouble. Part of the problem is that Jasper seems to have developed a yearning for something more, but Wynn is determined to keep her life as it is. I ached for Jasper, and really wanted to shake Wynn. I'm curious to see if something develops later between them, or if they are destined for other people.
I loved catching up with other residents of Happily, Inc. The previous couples are all moving forward with their relationships, and I loved seeing all the interactions. I especially enjoyed the various meetings that Drew was involved in and his amazement and appreciation for the intertwined businesses. I still want to shake Libby and her uptight snottiness toward those she deems unworthy. The real "winner" of this book, though, was Drew's mother. I detested the way that she had planned out Drew's life and how she completely ignored his attempts to show her that he had his own plans. Her plans to suck up to Bethany's parents were irritating. I hated the way she treated Silver, and her completely callous reaction to what Drew told her was nuts. If I were Drew, I would have cut her completely out of my life. Though I initially thought his father was just as bad, he turned out to be much better than I expected. I liked seeing more of Grandpa Frank. I love how he keeps his fingers in the pies of the people of Happily, Inc., and his help in Drew and Silver's relationship was just what they needed. I also loved Autumn, who was bright and amazingly insightful. She has some interesting conversations with both Silver and Drew.
Twelve years later, Drew is back in Happily, Inc., and still drawn to Silver. Silver has created a good life for herself as the owner/operator of a traveling bar business. She is doing well enough that she wants to expand, but the local bank has turned down her loan application. When Drew found out, he offered to finance Silver's expansion himself, by buying in as a minority partner. Silver isn't so sure that she wants to chance that close an involvement with him.
I really liked both Silver and Drew. Silver is feisty, independent, and determined. She has fought hard to make her business a success, overcoming the obstacles in her path. I loved her creativity in her business as she took her strengths and ran with them. She is also fiercely independent, determined to make it on her own. She has made mistakes in the past, but she admits them and moves on. Drew is a great guy. Silver's background had never mattered to him; it was the person she was that he loved. Though their breakup hurt him, he later admitted that she had been right about his need to spread his wings. He's older and wiser now and wants to get to know her again. Drew also had to fight a battle on a second front, as family expectations butted up against Drew's plans for his future.
I enjoyed the rekindling of their relationship. The sparks between them were there from the beginning, and Drew was all for following up on them. Silver is a bit more cautious, not wanting to risk her heart again. When Silver decided to accept Drew's offer, she also had the strength to negotiate the terms the way she wanted them. I enjoyed the way that Drew was determined to be more than just a silent partner, and the effort he put in to learn the business. He also stuck to learning and backup and didn't try to take things over. I loved seeing them get to know each other again, and how the chemistry between them continued to build. When they finally gave in to the passion, they were determined to keep it casual, but neither could stop the way their feelings for each other continued to grow. Through it all, Silver is haunted by a secret she has kept from Drew. She has to find a way to tell him before he finds out for himself. I ached for Silver because she was afraid it would ruin what had been building between them. I was pretty impressed with Drew, who, once he got past his initial knee-jerk reaction, was able to see things from Silver's point of view. There was also some interference from Drew's mother, whose attitude did a number on Silver's insecurities. Drew had some things he had to face also, and I loved the source of some of the advice he got. The ending was terrific, with a couple of unexpected twists.
There was a secondary story going on that I wouldn't exactly call a romance. Wynn and Jasper have had an understanding for a while. Wynn laid down the rules, and Jasper has gone along. But something happened that went against those rules and Jasper knew he'd been living on borrowed time. If Wynn found out, there would be trouble. Part of the problem is that Jasper seems to have developed a yearning for something more, but Wynn is determined to keep her life as it is. I ached for Jasper, and really wanted to shake Wynn. I'm curious to see if something develops later between them, or if they are destined for other people.
I loved catching up with other residents of Happily, Inc. The previous couples are all moving forward with their relationships, and I loved seeing all the interactions. I especially enjoyed the various meetings that Drew was involved in and his amazement and appreciation for the intertwined businesses. I still want to shake Libby and her uptight snottiness toward those she deems unworthy. The real "winner" of this book, though, was Drew's mother. I detested the way that she had planned out Drew's life and how she completely ignored his attempts to show her that he had his own plans. Her plans to suck up to Bethany's parents were irritating. I hated the way she treated Silver, and her completely callous reaction to what Drew told her was nuts. If I were Drew, I would have cut her completely out of my life. Though I initially thought his father was just as bad, he turned out to be much better than I expected. I liked seeing more of Grandpa Frank. I love how he keeps his fingers in the pies of the people of Happily, Inc., and his help in Drew and Silver's relationship was just what they needed. I also loved Autumn, who was bright and amazingly insightful. She has some interesting conversations with both Silver and Drew.
November 8, 2018
Reviewed for www.buriedunderromance.com
NOT QUITE OVER YOU, the fourth installment of the Happily, Inc. series by best-selling author Susan Mallory, is another heartwarming visit to the quirky little town that bears the same name as the series. Filled with even quirkier characters, it won’t take the readers long to get involved with their lives and loves.
This story belongs to Silver Tesdal, the feisty young woman with a questionable reputation. Most of the town of Happily, Inc. is built around the wedding business. Silver has found her niche with her own business, Alcohaul, which consists of a bar built into an old Airstream trailer that she can move from event to event. When she wants to expand her business by buying two more trailers, she is turned down by the town fuddy-duddy at the bank. She runs into former high school sweetheart Drew who is an officer of the bank which is owned by his family. He wants to help her, not only for old-time’s sake, but because he still has feelings for her. He offers to loan her the money for the trailers from his personal funds and he also offers to become a working share-holder in her business. Silver reluctantly agrees because she sees no other way to buy the trailers, but she’s not sure it’s such a good idea. She’s worried because, not only is she still in love with Drew, but also because she has been hiding a huge secret from him for years. Where do they go from here? Stay tuned!
Silver is a great heroine. She’s feisty, independent and determined to make her business a success. There is a vulnerability about her, too, especially when it comes to Drew. Drew, on the other hand, while a success at what he does, comes from a very privileged background and he has largely been shaped by his parents and what they want for him. His investment in Silver and her business is a symbolic declaration of independence from his family and their expectations.
The cast of secondary characters, many of whom have appeared in earlier books in the series, add considerable depth and warmth to the story. The complex, well-written story keeps you involved from start to finish, and leaves you holding your breath for the next installment.
NOT QUITE OVER YOU can be easily read as a standalone novel, but after reading this wonderful story, you are going to want to go back to read the other books in the series. Susan Mallery, you have another hit!
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
NOT QUITE OVER YOU, the fourth installment of the Happily, Inc. series by best-selling author Susan Mallory, is another heartwarming visit to the quirky little town that bears the same name as the series. Filled with even quirkier characters, it won’t take the readers long to get involved with their lives and loves.
This story belongs to Silver Tesdal, the feisty young woman with a questionable reputation. Most of the town of Happily, Inc. is built around the wedding business. Silver has found her niche with her own business, Alcohaul, which consists of a bar built into an old Airstream trailer that she can move from event to event. When she wants to expand her business by buying two more trailers, she is turned down by the town fuddy-duddy at the bank. She runs into former high school sweetheart Drew who is an officer of the bank which is owned by his family. He wants to help her, not only for old-time’s sake, but because he still has feelings for her. He offers to loan her the money for the trailers from his personal funds and he also offers to become a working share-holder in her business. Silver reluctantly agrees because she sees no other way to buy the trailers, but she’s not sure it’s such a good idea. She’s worried because, not only is she still in love with Drew, but also because she has been hiding a huge secret from him for years. Where do they go from here? Stay tuned!
Silver is a great heroine. She’s feisty, independent and determined to make her business a success. There is a vulnerability about her, too, especially when it comes to Drew. Drew, on the other hand, while a success at what he does, comes from a very privileged background and he has largely been shaped by his parents and what they want for him. His investment in Silver and her business is a symbolic declaration of independence from his family and their expectations.
The cast of secondary characters, many of whom have appeared in earlier books in the series, add considerable depth and warmth to the story. The complex, well-written story keeps you involved from start to finish, and leaves you holding your breath for the next installment.
NOT QUITE OVER YOU can be easily read as a standalone novel, but after reading this wonderful story, you are going to want to go back to read the other books in the series. Susan Mallery, you have another hit!
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
October 23, 2018
My Review:
I swear this series gets better and better with each book...which is saying something because every single book in it has been amazing. I loved Drew and Silver's story, but I'm a huge sucker for a second chance at love story and this is a good one.
Drew and Silver had three months together the summer before Drew went to college. Silver knew he needed to be free to go to college, so she broke up with him and let him go. Something that he didn't understand, but didn't fight too hard. That was twelve years ago and while Drew has been back in town for 2-3 years, they haven't really reconnected except on a surface level.
Silver owns an RV party bar that she uses to bartend at weddings, but she's always turning down work so she wants to expand. Drew's bank is her last option for a loan, but his aunt is in charge of the loan department and she hates Silver, so Silver doesn't get the loan. When Drew finds out, he approaches her with a proposal that brings them so that they are working closely together a lot.
Something that isn't good, because Happily Inc may be a small town, but Silver has managed to keep her secrets. Secrets that are threatened as she gets closer and closer once again to Drew.
This book is all about what makes second chance at love stories so good. Seriously, one of my favorite tropes ever and this one had all the elements that I loved. But at the heart of that is Silver. She's a heroine who knows her own mind and while she always loved Drew, she never regretted what she had to do. She owns it. She's mature enough now as she was at 18 to realize they wouldn't have the happy, healthy lives they have now if they'd made different choices back then. That makes her a fantastic heroine.
I just loved this book...so many great moments and a romantic story to boot. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest and voluntary review.
I swear this series gets better and better with each book...which is saying something because every single book in it has been amazing. I loved Drew and Silver's story, but I'm a huge sucker for a second chance at love story and this is a good one.
Drew and Silver had three months together the summer before Drew went to college. Silver knew he needed to be free to go to college, so she broke up with him and let him go. Something that he didn't understand, but didn't fight too hard. That was twelve years ago and while Drew has been back in town for 2-3 years, they haven't really reconnected except on a surface level.
Silver owns an RV party bar that she uses to bartend at weddings, but she's always turning down work so she wants to expand. Drew's bank is her last option for a loan, but his aunt is in charge of the loan department and she hates Silver, so Silver doesn't get the loan. When Drew finds out, he approaches her with a proposal that brings them so that they are working closely together a lot.
Something that isn't good, because Happily Inc may be a small town, but Silver has managed to keep her secrets. Secrets that are threatened as she gets closer and closer once again to Drew.
This book is all about what makes second chance at love stories so good. Seriously, one of my favorite tropes ever and this one had all the elements that I loved. But at the heart of that is Silver. She's a heroine who knows her own mind and while she always loved Drew, she never regretted what she had to do. She owns it. She's mature enough now as she was at 18 to realize they wouldn't have the happy, healthy lives they have now if they'd made different choices back then. That makes her a fantastic heroine.
I just loved this book...so many great moments and a romantic story to boot. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest and voluntary review.
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