Welcome to Mayhem, Minnesota, with its sweater-wearing cats and ultra-competitive trivia nights. Where love really does conquer all...if you’ll let it.
Walker O’Halloran is finally ready to shed her “wild child” persona. Bartending at her family’s pub, babysitting her adorable niece and nephews, and getting her degree during the day. What she doesn’t do is date--or even think about dating. Ever. Until he walks into her bar, looking like a former Mr. Quarterback of the Football Team and Student Council President all rolled into one. No, thank you.
Mason Stevens has a secret—and it prevents him from knowing if someone is truly interested in him, or just what he can do for them. Until he meets Walker. She’s the first person in ages who doesn’t recognize him, and her grouchy attitude feels like the greatest challenge of his life. And he’s ready for it.
But the more time they spend together, the more he’s desperate to come clean—it’s just never the right time. Until the paparazzi do it for him…
It’s been about a year since I last visited Mayhem and after binging the first three books in the series initially I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Walker’s story.
Snarky, snarly, and fiercely protective of her family, the ‘wild-child’ of the O’Halloran clan has started seeing things in her life a little differently lately, what with her sisters all settling down around her. So doing a good deed in giving Mason Stevens a lift home after his friends mistakenly leave him behind in the bar one night, causes an unexpected ripple effect in that it starts a relationship that Walker would never have expected to go as far as it does. Reason being is the all-American boy next door Mason is nothing like the type of loser, I mean guy she usually goes for. And as the ripples of their deepening connection spread out, it makes Walker question whether she should be broadening her horizons and you know, tasting other flavours of things in other areas of her life, and I’m not just talking about pie!
"You don’t get to choose who you fall for. It just… happens. No matter how much you want to undo it. No matter how hard you try to fight it…. That kind of attraction runs so deep that there is no way out-except to let it run it’s course."
I loved Mason, I loved his brother Emmet as much, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the familial and ex drama on Mason’s side especially in the second half of the story, but the book as a whole was a really enjoyable read. I love the town of Mayhem, it’s residents, Pastor Romance and the O’Halloran family in general. Lauren manages to keep things sexy without getting down to the actual nitty-gritty, and the humour in a lot of what happens keeps things from getting to heavy. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next book in the series.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Mismatched in Mayhem is a sweet romance with just enough quirk to keep fans of small town romances entertained without going over the top. Mayhem, Minnesota is a charming town with a semi-famous cat sweater store and a psychic who makes delicious pie, so for me it was impossible not to be drawn into the world L.E. Rico has created immediately – it was just too cute.
At the heart of Mismatched in Mayhem is the romance between bartender and pub manager Johnny Walker Black O’Halloran and grad student Mason Stevens. Mason grabbed my heart from the first and didn’t let go. He’s a total sweetheart and all-around good guy, so it was insanely easy to fall for him. The budding mineralogist has a huge heart, does his best to take care of the people he loves, and just wants someone who loves him for him. It’s not easy for him to find that because his mother is an incredibly famous actress. That’s why he’s immediately taken with Walker when she has no idea who he is. For me, Walker was the weak point in the book. She was once a wild child who now has gone to a totally different extreme since her father’s death. She has closed off a lot of her world, which I understood to an extent. It feels like I might be missing some information because I haven’t read the previous Whiskey Sisters books, so I didn’t totally understand why Walker tries so hard to push Mason away. I did like Walker’s relationship with her family and her friendship with Mason’s brother. It’s just her romance with Mason that didn’t always work for me. Mason is prom king level of perfect in looks and attitude, which is so not her type. But his charm and persistence make her want to give the guy a chance. There’s a lot of push-pull and I didn’t wholly understand why Mason was so determined to win over Walker, aside from the fact that she didn’t know his famous parents and the more important fact that the plot calls for it.
The romance between Walker and Mason has some fun and sweet moments, but the push-pull and manufactured drama you could see coming from a mile away wore on me at times. The dreaded “big misunderstanding” comes into play in this story and I freely admit that’s something I tend to loathe in stories unless it’s exceptionally well done, so those who aren’t so bothered by it may not be as turned off by this twist. I had an overall feeling best conveyed as “meh” toward the romance. It was fine, but there was just something missing that made me feel like Walker and Mason didn’t “click” as a couple. Opposites attracting is fun in theory, but the author really has to sell it for it to work and for me it didn’t in this case. Still, I enjoyed Walker’s personal journey and Mason was such a sweetheart that I still liked the book well enough. And Mayhem itself was so charming that I would definitely read another Whiskey Sisters book.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you to Rockstar and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Mismatched In Mayhem By: L.E. Rico,
*REVIEW* ❤❤❤❤ Mismatched In Mayhem is fourth in a series that I have not read, but this did not detract from my understanding or enjoyment of this story. Mayhem is a quirky little town with a myriad of colorful characters who add a bit of authenticity and fun. Walker is a local bartender with great responsibility heaped on her after her father's death, as well as guilt about wanting to be somewhere else. She and her sisters inherited this place, and although Walker loves her family, in the back of her mind, dreams simmer and burn. Circumstances lead Walker into the path of a guy named Mason. He is a grad student with a secret-his mother is famous. Mason is glad to be unrecognized for once. Walker doesn't know who he is. Mason helps Walker open her mind to future plausible plans and ideas. Walker aids Mason in getting real about his status and accepting it in a positive way. A genuine relationship forms, but will Walker and Mason pursue this new adventure or go their separate ways? The story is an intriguing read with heart, humor, angst, love and family. As Walker and Mason spend time together, they begin to understand the importance of truth telling and open minded thinking. Will they survive and thrive or wither on the vine? Take a peek into Mayhem, a nice place for romance readers, to find the answers!
A wonderful charming story that kept me awake simply because I had to finish it as fast as I could. This is my first book by this author and also from this series but I really enjoyed reading it, characters are lovable, storyline is great, it made me smile, it touched my heart...I recommend it. I will read the first 3 books for sure and I can't wait for the new ones from the author too.
“Are you familiar with the expression ‘looks can be deceiving’? Or, how about that old chestnut, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’? In my opinion, these sayings easily apply to Mismatch in Mayhem. The cover screams sweet and playful, but I didn't find the story to be just that. Last year I devoured the previous three books (Blame it on the Kiss, Mischief and Mayhem, and Mistletoe in Mayhem) by binge reading them. I couldn't get enough of the O’Halloran sisters or Mayhem, Minnesota. The stories were funny and most the time light-hearted. That's what I was expecting with this story. But it's not what I got. Mismatched in Mayhem is serious and deep, with only a few of the antics I’ve come to expect from the Whiskey Sisters series. This is a standalone read, however, if you are a fan of the series know that L.E. Rico pretty much left all the over-the-top outrageousness on the editing floor.
Johnnie Walker Black O’Halloran known as Walker is the third of the four O’Halloran sisters, also known as the Whiskey Sisters. Out of the four ladies, she's the one who spends the most time working at and running the family bar, O’Halloran's. She's also the one who was with their father when he unexpectedly died almost five years ago. At 24, Walker is a grumpy old maid. While she's been taking classes at the local community college for a couple of years, she still doesn’t have a major or knows what she wants to do.
Mason Stevens is in Mayhem to let off some steam with his college friends. Things are going great until he goes to the restroom and returns to find his friends have left him and that once again his phone battery has died. In an uncharacteristic move, Walker offers to drive Mason back to his dorm. Little does she know Mason isn't your typical grad student and her life is about to change more than she could ever have imagined.
Part of the beauty of Mismatched in Mayhem is uncovering just who Walker is. Without giving anything away, I can say that Walker feels more than she will ever admit and that she's smarter and braver than she gives herself credit for. When I started reading the story, I was a little upset that the series fast-forwarded 5 years and that Walker's forever wasn't who I wanted it to be. But Mason Stevens is just who Walker needed. He's a smart, funny, patient, caring guy who isn’t easily turned off by Walker’s grumpy prickly attitude. He truly has a heart of gold.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Mason’s younger brother, Emmet. Emmet is a college student. He's also autistic. Emmet sees and says things no one would say. In his own way, he puts a person in their place or on the path they should be on. I found Emmet to be the person who truly brought Walker and Mason together.
Mismatched in Mayhem takes place in a small Minnesota town. The people there are at times eccentric and over-the-top. But there is no denying that they truly care about their own. The story is different from its predecessors, however, it is still touching and requires tissues to be nearby.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“She is nice, she just doesn’t know that she is.”
“Some things--some people--are worth the wait.”
“I know sometimes the only thing scarier than failure is the possibility of success.”
“I’ve got the strength of God holding me up every moment of every day.”
“I believe that there are angels around us every moment of every day. Some of them are the people we’ve loved and lost.”
“I’m afraid of the reporters and the cameras. But I wouldn’t stop being Mason’s brother.”
**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed.**
Mismatched in Mayhem by LE Rico a fabulous four-star read. I was so tempted to give this five-stars as it deserved it in parts, but there were also a few parts that dragged a little. The characters and the story were great and well done, but the padding for the story just got a bit too much at times. I didn’t realise that this was number four in the Whisky sister’s series, and I will be gong back to read the rest as the sisters each had such great stories to tell. I really identified with Walker, she had a great softness to her under the harsh bartender shell, she shows it when she interacts with Farther Romance and Jake, but she is also a great watcher, watching life and doing what she can. Mason Stevens is a great character most of the time, but I did want to shake him once or twice, but not as much as I did his parents, it took a while for me to warm to them. This story had great depth and gave us some great characters, it also showed us different sides of people and that was surprising and very well done. I will be looking out for this author as I enjoyed the story and the writing.
I was thrilled to be back in Mayhem and having a chance to drop in on some of my favorite book characters of all time, the Whiskey sisters, Father Romance and the rest of the town folk. Happy to have Lauren back once again writing this hilarious, captivating and as always borderline nuts story!
We're back at O'Halloran's Pub with Walker front and center. Walker basically runs the pub, takes classes part time and has decided to try and shed her wild child image. Walker is carrying a lot more than just full time plus work and school. One night while closing the bar she does something very out of character and gives a stranded patron Mason, a ride home back to where he attends college. Even Walker wonders what possessed her to do such a thing. Mason is a great guy and rooms there with his brother. Honestly his brother half stole the story for me, I loved him. Mason ends up taking a liking to Walker and starts visiting the pub, gets roped into Trivia Night run by Father Romance and Walker can't help but start looking at Mason a little differently than the other guys. Of course her sisters are encouraging her, all the while she denies anything that's going on. Mason also has something he's not sharing because of who he is and who his family is. It's incredible to watch the relationship between these two unfold along with the relationship Walker develops with Mason's brother. There's so much push and pull between Mason and Walker. Mason encourages Walker to take a chance to further her education when an offer comes to her. The story is so tightly woven and well written and once again I am totally in love with these characters and the shenanigans and love the people of Mayhem share. Lauren writes them so cleverly and perfect. Once again another winner from Lauren and an easy 5 star read. You won't want to miss this one. If you haven't read the other books in the series, treat yourself to these. They are the best.
First book that I have read from this author and I like it. Cute and quick read. The characters and the storyline were really good. You don’t need to read the others in the series to read this story.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Mismatched in Mayhem (Whiskey Sisters Book 4) by L.E. Rico 248 pages Description: Welcome to Mayhem, Minnesota, with its sweater-wearing cats and ultra-competitive trivia nights. Where love really does conquer all...if you’ll let it.Walker O’Halloran is finally ready to shed her “wild child” persona. Bartending at her family’s pub, babysitting her adorable niece and nephews, and getting her degree during the day. What she doesn’t do is date--or even think about dating. Ever. Until he walks into her bar, looking like a former Mr. Quarterback of the Football Team and Student Council President all rolled into one. No, thank you. Mason Stevens has a secret—and it prevents him from knowing if someone is truly interested in him, or just what he can do for them. Until he meets Walker. She’s the first person in ages who doesn’t recognize him, and her grouchy attitude feels like the greatest challenge of his life. And he’s ready for it.But the more time they spend together, the more he’s desperate to come clean—it’s just never the right time. Until the paparazzi do it for him… 📘{My thoughts}📘 The two of these characters were so fun to read about. I love when couples can learn and grow from each other. There is also a wonderful group of secondary characters. I loved the authors writing style and the fact she described all of the scenes so well. I fell in love with this town so much that I wanted to move there. The characters are well developed and the plot is very attention grabbing.The author did an amazing job with this story and i can’t wait to read more! Even though this is book #4 it can be read as a stand alone. It was a quick easy read and I was able to finish it in a little over an hour. This was my first time reading a book by L.E. Rico but I will definitely be reading more books from this author in the future.
And as with any book you read PLEASE leave the author a REVIEW. Reviews are very important to authors and is what keeps them writing.
Thank you to NetGalley ,the publisher and the author for the chance to read and review this amazing 4 star read for an honest review ! #netgalley #LERico #MismatchedinMayhem
Mismatched in Mayhem was so much fun to read. Somehow I haven't read the first two full-length books in the series (I will, though--you'd better believe I will!) but instead read the two novellas in book 3? I have no idea why. But honestly, this worked just fine as a standalone--but the quirky characters and crazy town (cat sweaters...trivia night...physic pies...) will definitely have you coming back to Mayhem for more.
I loved reading Walker and Mason's story--even before Mason got his these-are-the-beat-points-of-a-romance-story education (from rom-coms! via his mom...)--after that, I was pretty much a goner. It's at turns quirky and funny and swoony--honestly, I didn't want the book to end, though gosh darn it that ending is so darn adorable I'm really glad it did.
I can't wait for Bailey's book! Though in the meantime I do have Jameson and Hennessy's books to get me through... :D
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
What a fun town Mayhem is! I will definitely have to read about Walker's sisters in the previous 2 books. Walker doesn't date. She works hard, studies hard and loves her family. That is until Mason walks into her family's bar. Or I should say when he is abandoned at the bar. Walker steps out of the norm and offers him a ride home. Mason is smitten from then on and tries to get Walker on a date. Really enjoyed reading about Walker and Mason and the crazy small town of Mayhem. Mason's got a secret and he tries to tell Walker before she finds out the wrong way. Except Walker keeps telling him she doesn't want to talk about family. Just when they finally get going the secret is revealed. Loved the banter between Walker and Mason, her family and his family as well. This was a quick and enjoyable read.
It's been a while since I last visited Mayhem, Minnesota and I have to say, I enjoyed my return a lot. As Mismatched in Mayhem was an entertaining, sweet and engaging tale. That captured my attention from the very beginning. Thanks in part to a perfectly paced storyline, but also because of the characters, who are truly an eclectic lot. And I loved the introduction of Emmett, an autistic character who was very believable and endearing.
And so, for me this really was a wonderfully comfortable and charming read. That I would happily recommend to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Mismatched in Mayhem by LE Rico a fabulous four-star read. I was so tempted to give this five-stars as it deserved it in parts, but there were also a few parts that dragged a little. The characters and the story were great and well done, but the padding for the story just got a bit too much at times. I didn’t realise that this was number four in the Whisky sister’s series, and I will be gong back to read the rest as the sisters each had such great stories to tell. I really identified with Walker, she had a great softness to her under the harsh bartender shell, she shows it when she interacts with Farther Romance and Jake, but she is also a great watcher, watching life and doing what she can. Mason Stevens is a great character most of the time, but I did want to shake him once or twice, but not as much as I did his parents, it took a while for me to warm to them. This story had great depth and gave us some great characters, it also showed us different sides of people and that was surprising and very well done. I will be looking out for this author as I enjoyed the story and the writing.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This was a good solid read but for me there were a few parts that seemed to drag more than others. Walker and Mason didn't seem like they would be a couple. Walker took the death of her father harder than her sisters (at least I think she did.) She is a bit harsh but we do see her softer side when she interacts with some of the characters.
While Mason is clean cut,all American I would say but he is holding onto a secret that could end them before they really begin. This two had to work for their relationship. Way more than I thought they should have. I excepted this to be a lighter read since it is a romantic comedy but it was a bit heavier. That didn't take anything a way, it is still a good read.
When he glances back down again, he finds me staring. At him.“Come here,” he says quietly, opening his arms to me.For a second, I fell bashful, and it’s such a foreign feeling for me. I loathe the feeling of vulnerability. But it’s not just a feeling. It’s what I am. And somehow, that’s never a problem when I’m with him.I step forward and he draws me against his large, broad body, making me feel delicate and fragile—like a bird. A bird he could easily crush. I know this now. But I go to him anyway. Because my heart won’t let me not go to him. So I stand on my tiptoes, wrapping my arms around his neck, and pressing my lips to his. This is my answer to his apology. This is my promise to him. This is the moment that finally frees me from the self-imposed curse that’s plagued me for so long.When we finally stop kissing, we’re still attached—every part of me touching every part of him. We’re staring at each other, and I feel an intensity between us that sends a wave of heat throughout my entire body. He puts his hands on either side of my face, stroking my skin with his thumbs.“How’d I get to be so lucky?” he whispers, more to himself than to me.“I don’t… What do you mean?”“You have absolutely no idea, do you?”I don’t. Maybe I’m dense, but I don’t have any clue what it is that he’s trying to tell me. “Mason, I don’t—”Before I can finish, he’s scooped me off my feet and into his arms. “Johnny Walker Black O’Halloran, you have well and truly stolen every bit of my heart. And, if you’ll have me, it would my great honor to spend tonight showing you just how much that means. Just how much you mean to me.”I want to believe him. But…“Look at me,” he commands, sensing my reluctance. “Look at my face.”I do, scanning every inch from forehead to chin.“Look in my eyes.”I do, settling my gaze there.“Do you see it?” he asks. “Do you see how much I care for you, Walker?”My acknowledgment comes slowly. It’s a nod that arrives only when I do see it for myself.“I do. And I…I think I…I might…”His lips are on mine again before I can struggle with the words for too long. And then, I press my lips against his ear, and I whisper.“Stay.”
As far as Mason, the hero, goes, he and this lady love are a match made in Heaven. If only he could convince Walker, the heroine, of that. It seems he’s going to have to move Heaven and Earth to get her to see things his way. Well, if anyone can do it, this very determined romantic at heart hero is the man for the job. It’s actually kind of surprising the lengths this fella went through just to go on a date with her. His smooth moves, however, were a couple times fumbled by his own knuckleheaded thinking/decisions, even though he thought he was doing the right thing at the time.
With lots of relationship angst, Walker is ever so very slow to risk her heart and walk the path of true love with Mason. Of course, it didn’t help there were meddling forces and circumstances tripping them up along the way. Walker’s own secret emotional baggage rears its head, so those demons can finally be slain. Strange thing is I felt left out of the loop there, because we are not told all the specific details of why she feels the cause of what happened in the past. I’m guessing that was addressed in a previous book but accidentally omitted here.
Mason had me at hello, folks. Though some may find his tenacity a tad bit cray-cray considering she gave him such a constant hard time, and he barely knew her. This avid romantic at heart could overlook it, because I love it when the hero sees and fights for love.
The great supporting cast of characters added to the atmosphere of the story line and romance. I found this charming small town hilarious yet comfortably warm and friendly. There was an unexpected tear jerker scenario that banned family and friends together to help someone in need/despair. It was especially a shining moment for Walker. The on and off humor kept things relatively light, except for the doom and gloom of relationship angst. What you won’t find here is graphic steam. With only an implied intimate night together, any racy/smexy time together is kept private and confidential for this main couple’s eyes only.
The slow pace was a little frustrating. I’m a little conflicted whether to backtrack and read the previous books, which features Walker’s sisters. Book 1 is a solid possibility. Book 2 features a divorced sister falling for her ex-brother in law, while raising a child by his bro. Yeah, that’ll be one complicated hot mess, huh. However, I enjoyed the writing here enough curiosity is getting the best of me. I LOVED Donovan, the manly mountain of muscle who worked in the pub’s kitchen and was alpha protective of everyone. He, oh, so deserves a magnificent lady love to sweep him off his feet!
Title: Mismatched in Mayhem, Series: Whiskey Sisters (Book 4), Author: Lauren E. Rico (L.E. Rico), Pages: 200, stand-alone but part of a series, very determined hero, insta-love for him, both celibate awhile, relationship angst, ex makes an appearance, no cheating, no OM drama, no real love triangle, great supporting cast of characters, slow paced.
Book 1 - Blame it on the Bet Book 2 - Mischief in Mayhem Book 3 - Mistletoe in Mayhem (boxed set) Book 4 - Mismatched in Mayhem
(I voluntarily read and reviewed a post release copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
This book has light cursing (no f-bombs) and fade to black sex. If those things will cause you to leave a bad review, there's nothing to worry about here. This is part of a larger series but it totally stands alone. That said, you really should read the previous books in this series because they are amazing and they add a ton of backstory to this crazy town and the wonderful people who inhabit it.
The Mayhem series is one of my all time favorite romance series – all of the stories have so much to offer because they aren't your usual, formulaic stories. There is so much depth and so many layers to this story that I honestly didn't want to stop reading until I'd finished it.
Walker and Mason were wonderful. I loved the way that they developed their relationship so organically and so hesitantly. I adored Walker and her prickly, sassy, “take no crap” attitude, and the way that Mason just didn't care about that, he was determined to crack her crusty outer shell. Mason might have been a little misguided, but he was well-intentioned and I was rooting for him from the moment that he matched her sass-for-sass.
Although the main story is obviously the relationship between Walker and Mason and that is really great, the book has so many layers that incorporate the other characters that are such big parts of their lives. Father Romance was once again an amazing person and I loved everything he did to support Walker (I'm being vague on purpose because he is too good to be spoiled.) I also loved Emmet and, more importantly, the way that Walker “got” him rather than treating him as less than. My heart wanted to burst during their most important scene (again, being vague so as not to spoil) and I loved that Emmet, despite being so private, took to her so easily.
If you enjoy a book that will make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and wish that a fictional town was real, you have got to read this entire series, but especially this book. I will be so sad the day that we run out of O'Halloran sisters and have to leave the town of Mayhem.
This was SUCH a good read! I actually feel bad that I'm only stepping into the series at BOOK FOUR, I enjoyed it so much....but then again, that means there are other stories to pursue while waiting for the next in this series. Woot woot!
If you're a Contemporary Romance reader, the basic storyline will not impress...it's been done before...but the author keeps it from feeling stale by creating memorable characters full of spark, spunk, and heart....by including details that keep it in the now...by making sure to pull your heartstrings and give you that little ZING of "aww" even when you least expect it.
I loved the familial connections, even when they were overstepping their own boundaries...hello famous parents of Mason because I'm TOTALLY looking at you! I loved Emmett despite his limitations or perhaps because of them...being on the spectrum is something people, families, have to deal with, but sometimes that straight forward nature gets to the bottom of things faster than all the games we play. I loved Walker and her entire top shelf named family...they were there for each other and not afraid to call BS when they saw it. I loved Mason even if his timing was bad...his heart was always in the right place and he didn't just sit on his haunches or move on without a backwards glance. He knew his heart and helped her acknowledge hers and THAT along with all the warm fuzzy (unexpected) moments will keep you turning epages in the end.
What I Loved: Walker, our main character, is amazing. I loved her personality and her attitude. She is definitely a shining star in this story.
How I Felt: I loved the characters in this book. I previous mentioned that I loved Walker’s character, but there are so many people to love in this story. Mason, Walker’s love interest, is so easy to fall for. Father Romance is adorable and I loved the interactions between Walker and him.
I was a little drawn out of the book with Mason’s family issues towards the end. I could have done without so much of that in the story. The remainder of the story line, was quite enjoyable. I liked that Mason has this secret and he’s trying to hard to keep it from Walker. It made just the right amount of drama without being stressful to read.
Overall: This is a fun, romantic read with good writing to make you laugh and sigh in delight.
To Read or Not To Read: Mismatched in Mayhem is the fourth book in the series Whiskey sisters. I had not previously read the earlier books in the series. While I understood everything that was happening in this book, I do think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I had read the first books. I would suggest that you read the earlier books before starting this one so that you get the most enjoyment out of it.
I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book for free. I am leaving my honest, unbiased review voluntarily.
This was a cute, sugary HEA (Happily Ever After) romance that is sure to get anyone out of their reading slump, which I can attest too. First, this is part of the Whiskey Sisters series but it stands alone on its own. The reason I bring this up is all 4 sisters have the most amazing names in the world. This story follows Johnny Walker, Walker to her friends and family, as she falls in love with Mason the son of a hollywood actress. This story is full on angst as both characters deal with the realization of who Mason's mother is along with a alcoholic ex-girlfriend that doesnt know how to tell her new fiance that she has a problem. I laughed until I was crying when we met Winston Churchill and his arch-nemesis Prince Harry and Meghan along with the owner of the pie shop who has a psychic ability like no other. The family dynamic and the cuteness of this small town has me interested in reading the other 3 sisters stories.
Thank you to netgalley, L.E. Rico and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to review this book for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It isn't often that a book has me this alternating between laughing out loud and hard crying, but this book sure did.
I love Walker. She's prickly. She's caring unwarranted guilt, she's drifting a bit aimlessly in part due to the guilt. She's also smart, funny and caring. Just look at the way she is with her sister's kids and you'll know she loves and loves deeply.
Mason, sigh. He's got all the same good qualities as Walker. They really are perfect for each other. He's also determined enough, not to give up when Walker puts her walls up. Sadly, his baggage can be a show stopper and he worries too much that Walker will shut him down when she knows. As to be expected, the not telling her causes more issues that the baggage itself.
These two are both so amazing with Walker's brother. That's when you can really see how good they'll be as a couple.
The town of Mayhem is the source of a lot of the laughter. What a quirky set of characters live there. The conflict between Mason and Walker had me in tears. It was just heartbreaking.
This was my first Rico books but will not be the last! I'm pretty stingy with my 5 star reviews so I'll definitely be looking for more of this series and author.
A lovely return to the Whiskey sisters! I've read all this series, and thoroughly enjoyed every story about the O'Halloran sisters who run an Irish pub in a little town called Mayhem.
This time is the turn of Walker, who works in the bar, but whilst very friendly to the patrons tends to keep to herself on the romantic front, thinking she doesn't deserve happiness because of events that happened in the past.
But then in walks Mason, and there is definitely chemistry there. So much so that when his friends all mistakenly leave him behind after a night out Walker ends up giving him a lift home. He is the total opposite of the type of guy she would normally go for, but they just end up getting closer and closer. Of course there are glitches along the way with family issues, all Mason's 'family issues', and Walker's reticence to get involved, but eventually they work everything out.
If you haven't read any of this series I would highly recommend it, there's some great quirky characters in the town, including a pie shop run by psychic Lydia, and a cat sweater shop called the Knitty Kitty that caters to celebrities pets! Mad but so much fun, with deeper issues touched on too. Highly enjoyable.
Walker O’Halloran is taking a new approach to her life, a more responsible and calmer one. Now that she and her sister's have become owners of their families pub she knows that is where her priorities should lie. Not to mention it conveniently makes her too busy to date or pay attention to any man... that is until Mason Stevens comes waltzing through the door!
Mismatched in Mayhem is a charming story brimming with humor and heart, and laced with bits of drama and emotion too. This one turned out to be a very enjoyable first read for me, the characters quickly made me feel welcome in their world, and were also quick to steal my heart too. Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it's characters will tell you a story that will touch your heart, make you laugh and make your heart skip a beat!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Walker O’Halloran runs the family bar with her sisters and takes classes at the community college when graduate student Mason Stevens entered her life. He was left behind after his friends spent an evening at the bar so Walker gave him a ride home and he really wanted her phone number but she shot him down because she didn’t date customers. Mason has a hard time with dating because he wasn’t sure if people wanted to meet him or his mother who was a movie star. He needs to tell her or the tabloids were going to do it for him.
Mismatched in Mayhem by L.E. Rico made me laugh a lot about the people that lived in Mayhem and the Knitty Kitty especially what the cats would look like in the sweaters. You need to read Mismatched in Mayhem if you like your romance with a side of laughter.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a good read! The writing flowed well, and I liked Mason and Walker together for the most part. Walker was WAY stubborn and it did get a little old how often she pushed Mason away. Now for his part, Mason made it easy for Walker to have an excuse to do it. The first "misunderstanding" I blame Walker as much as Mason. She didn't want to hear anything about his family so she wouldn't have to talk about hers. The second one, I wanted to smack Mason when he didn't immediately call her and tell her what was going on with Cassandra. I would rather have a voicemail telling me everything than to walk up on something out of context. I do love how all of the sisters get some help from their parents. I was tearing up on those parts. I love all the secondary characters in this series, they add so much to the story. The ending was very sweet and perfect for these 2. I can't wait to find out what happens with Bailey! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
****Mismatched in Mayhem is a delightful young adult read. Walker and her three sisters inherited the family pub when their dad passed. Walker has let feelings of guilt prevent her from doing anything other than work and school. Fear of failure has kept her from totally committing to a college degree. Grad student Mason is determined to change that. He wants a relationship, but he has that pesky Hollywood connection that has him on reporters’ radar. What follows is a book that should make young adult readers happy that that they invested their time. The author has written a sweet, quirky, funny and often revealing story set in Mayhem, Michigan, a small town populated with characters that are well, characters...like Fr. Romance, some four legged critters with royal names, and a psychic pie shop owner. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley.
First I have to say I love several of the words Walker would say that brought a smile to my face. Her use of "Dude!" and her niece's nickname were awesome and captured the fun side of her. I really do need to read the two novellas in this series.
On to the story itself. I loved how Mason brought about these long lost feelings and desires in Walker. He made her come back to life, go for things she wanted, and to feel, not simply exist. Did he get himself in a whole heap of trouble that could have been avoided with communication, oh yeah! But he has a great heart with the best of intentions. The scenes he, and Walker, had with his brother Emmett were so heartwarming. I loved those the most. I am glad Walker and Mason got their happy ever after because they just really fit together.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
Time to head back to the small town of Mayhem, the most unique place in Minnesota!
Walker works at the family bar and meets Mason one night when his friends mistakenly leave him there after a night out. The attraction he has and Walker share is evident fairly quickly. I liked seeing her open up to and connect with someone outside her sisters.
The writing, characters, and plot are just as charming and sweet as the earlier books in the series. That's not to say Mason and Walker don't make some mistakes along the way, but their journey to happily ever after is realistic and entertaining! I also loved getting to catch up with Walker's sisters, Fr. Romance, and the other citizens of Mayhem. I hope we get to see more of them in Bailey's book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Back to Mayhem with the Whiskey Sisters! To say this is a unique series is an understatement. The community, the sisters' names, did I say the community lol!
Walker is carrying a heavy burden, unnecessarily, but try telling any female not to worry or feel guilt and see how well that goes. She's closed herself off to any forms of happiness beyond her little family, after all, she feels she Diane deserve it
Mason Stevens needs Walker's assistance after being left at her pub. He is almost instantly smitten but she is totally different that any other woman he has dated. Also, will Walker accept his family secret.
This story has fun, hilarity, and good ole family interference. The love story, romance and troubles that keep popping up make for a very entertaining and fun read
An entertaining romance between a female bartender, Walker, and a young man, Mason, who finds himself attracted to the lovely bartender. Since their fathers’ death, Walker and her sisters own the O’Halloran Pub. Since this was the fourth book in the series, I think I would have enjoyed the story more if I had read the previous three books. Mason is never sure if he is loved for himself or his wealthy family and does not tell Walker about his famous movie star mother. He is eventually outed by the media. Will Mason’s family accept Walker, and will she give a romance between them a chance? Witty dialog between the various characters adds to the charm of this story. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
So I was semi-positive after reading 2018’s Mistletoe in Mayhem (see my review here) that my favorite Whiskey sister, Walker, would have a romance with baby whisperer, J.B., but as you can see from the above blurb that was not to be the case. Because it’s been over a year since I read that anthology, I can’t tell you whether I’m disappointed or not. Maybe not. Let’s go with not.
Mason is not the kind of guy one would expect Walker to be interested in. He’s not a wildchild. He looks like an all-American boy with his blonde-haired, blue-eyed good looks. And, he’s a scientist, a mineralogist. But, ultimately, he may be exactly what Walker needs.