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The Men of Stone River #2
Upstairs Downstairs Temptation
She was exactly the kind of woman
he knew he shouldn’t want…
“You want to kiss me?”
He should say no…
After moving his lab to northern Maine, billionaire inventor Farrell Stone needs a live-in housekeeper. Single mother Ivy Danby needs a job to support her baby daughter. Both problems solved. Except Ivy fascinates Farrell, more than any temporary employee should. Widowed Farrell doesn’t do relationships, but would one sizzling night with Ivy be a huge mistake…or the fresh start they both need?
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
he knew he shouldn’t want…
“You want to kiss me?”
He should say no…
After moving his lab to northern Maine, billionaire inventor Farrell Stone needs a live-in housekeeper. Single mother Ivy Danby needs a job to support her baby daughter. Both problems solved. Except Ivy fascinates Farrell, more than any temporary employee should. Widowed Farrell doesn’t do relationships, but would one sizzling night with Ivy be a huge mistake…or the fresh start they both need?
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
- GenresRomance
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2020
25 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Janice Maynard
545 books431 followersJanice Maynard came to the writing life early! When her third grade short story, “The Princess and the Robbers”, won a red ribbon in a school arts fair, Janice was hooked. She followed up that early success with a more commercial piece in the sixth grade… “Why My Mom Loves To Drink Coke”. No advance for that one, but she won a six-pack of Coke… remember those great little bottles?
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
In junior high Janice began circulating her work to a wider audience. A dozen or so notebook pages stapled together made the rounds in some particularly boring classes, with the riveting tales carefully hidden behind textbooks.
High school meant the big time… editor of the school newspaper, the Maroon and White. Janice used her insightful editorials to delve into such meaty subjects as “locker room odor” and “why we need two-ply tissue in the student bathrooms”.
College brought lots of writing, but very little of it creative… four years later, Janice stepped into the adult world as a fully certified elementary teacher.
Despite motherhood, full-time employment, and keeping up with an “always into something” husband, Janice never lost her love of writing or the desire to be published. In 1996 she realized her long-time dream when Kensington Publishing bought her first book, Sweetheart. That exciting moment was followed by the sales of two more books in the Precious Gem line.
In the fall of 2002, Janice left the classroom to pursue writing full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 31, 2020
Good book. As the man behind the products that the family business sells, Farrell believes that someone is stealing his designs and producing cheap imitations. To protect his work, he packs up his lab and moves it to his isolated Maine home. Once there, he needs a live-in housekeeper to keep him from forgetting to eat while working and act as the occasional hostess. His assistant and new sister-in-law, Katie (After Hours Seduction), recommends Ivy, a single mother in need of a job.
Ivy is a recent widow with an infant daughter. She desperately needs a job where she can keep Dolly with her and get back on her feet. She remembers Farrell from elementary school and hopes the connection will help secure the job.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Ivy and Farrell develop. Though there are sparks between them from the beginning, both of them try to ignore them. Farrell lost his beloved wife seven years earlier and refused to consider risking his heart again. Ivy's marriage wasn't a happy one and had devastating consequences after her husband's death. She has no desire to trust another man with her heart or her child. I liked seeing the two of them interact. Farrell finds himself drawn to Ivy and Dolly, stirring up emotions he thought he'd buried with his wife. Ivy feels protective toward Farrell, thankful for the job, and wanting to do the best she can for him. There were some great scenes involving Farrell and Ivy, along with Dolly, which showed he was already a goner, even though he wouldn't admit it.
Neither Ivy nor Farrell counts on the chemistry that burns hotter the more time they spend together. They decide that they can give in to the attraction without involving their emotions (ha!). The depth of the connection between them scared the hell out of Farrell, and he behaved like a boneheaded jerk. I ached for Ivy as she took Dolly and her heartbreak and fled. I thought Farrell deserved every minute of the misery he felt. I loved seeing him confess his idiocy to his family and ask for their help. I especially liked that it was Katie, as another woman, who had the best insight to help Farrell. I thought he did an outstanding job of groveling when he finally caught up with Ivy and loved the ending.
Now I can't wait to read Zachary's story.
Ivy is a recent widow with an infant daughter. She desperately needs a job where she can keep Dolly with her and get back on her feet. She remembers Farrell from elementary school and hopes the connection will help secure the job.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Ivy and Farrell develop. Though there are sparks between them from the beginning, both of them try to ignore them. Farrell lost his beloved wife seven years earlier and refused to consider risking his heart again. Ivy's marriage wasn't a happy one and had devastating consequences after her husband's death. She has no desire to trust another man with her heart or her child. I liked seeing the two of them interact. Farrell finds himself drawn to Ivy and Dolly, stirring up emotions he thought he'd buried with his wife. Ivy feels protective toward Farrell, thankful for the job, and wanting to do the best she can for him. There were some great scenes involving Farrell and Ivy, along with Dolly, which showed he was already a goner, even though he wouldn't admit it.
Neither Ivy nor Farrell counts on the chemistry that burns hotter the more time they spend together. They decide that they can give in to the attraction without involving their emotions (ha!). The depth of the connection between them scared the hell out of Farrell, and he behaved like a boneheaded jerk. I ached for Ivy as she took Dolly and her heartbreak and fled. I thought Farrell deserved every minute of the misery he felt. I loved seeing him confess his idiocy to his family and ask for their help. I especially liked that it was Katie, as another woman, who had the best insight to help Farrell. I thought he did an outstanding job of groveling when he finally caught up with Ivy and loved the ending.
Now I can't wait to read Zachary's story.
September 13, 2020
2.5
It was ok. I liked the first half more than the second half.
It was ok. I liked the first half more than the second half.
October 4, 2021
This was surprisingly good! I really wanted a shorter story but sometimes struggle with them due to pacing. But we got right into the story and understood both characters early in the story. The stakes were low and the story an easy read. Just what I was looking for.
June 14, 2020
As much as I liked book 1 in this series "After Hours Seduction" I really enjoyed book 2 in (The Men of Stone River) "Upstairs Downstairs Temptation. Author Janice Maynard writes another fantastic story that can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend the first book in this 3 book series.
Ivy Danby's past wasn't the best in life, but she is learning to move on with it and with her baby girl. Her friend Katie gets her a job with her brother in law. Widower, billionaire, Ferrell Stone wasn't looking for someone to cook his meals and clean his Maine cabin in the woods, but gives Ivy a chance. They both find themselves drawn to each other, but because of their past circumstances find it hard to give in 100%.
This story was really good. I picked it up and sat and read through the whole story in one day. About half way through it does get a little graphic with the scenes in the story, but it is a Desire book. It is perfect for the 18+ year old reader. As I mentioned earlier I liked the first book, but I think I liked the second one a little bit more, and I can't wait for the third book in the series.
Ivy Danby's past wasn't the best in life, but she is learning to move on with it and with her baby girl. Her friend Katie gets her a job with her brother in law. Widower, billionaire, Ferrell Stone wasn't looking for someone to cook his meals and clean his Maine cabin in the woods, but gives Ivy a chance. They both find themselves drawn to each other, but because of their past circumstances find it hard to give in 100%.
This story was really good. I picked it up and sat and read through the whole story in one day. About half way through it does get a little graphic with the scenes in the story, but it is a Desire book. It is perfect for the 18+ year old reader. As I mentioned earlier I liked the first book, but I think I liked the second one a little bit more, and I can't wait for the third book in the series.
June 3, 2020
This, the second installment of the Men of Stone River trilogy, is Farrell’s story. He’s the creative mind behind the company and has moved his lab to his compound in Stone River to keep his designs from falling in to the competition’s hands. He’s prone to tunnel-vision when working so his brothers and sister-in-law decided he needed a housekeeper/cook to see to it he eats.
Newly widowed and new mom Ivy desperately needs a job and the position with Farrell is ideal. She and her child have a roof over their heads, food to eat and Ivy has an income. Farrell works most of the time so there’s not a lot to do. Both Farrell and Ivy are intrigued by the other almost immediately but both also tell themselves they can’t act on any attraction. Farrell is a widower who has vowed to never put himself in the position of having to grieve the loss of someone he loves. Ivy didn’t lose the love of her life when her husband died. Her marriage had all sorts of twists and turns.
Over the course of weeks they tell each other their stories. They end up sharing a bed. As their emotions and hearts get involved, they keep telling themselves it’s nothing and they’ll move on. Then Ivy acts as hostess for a house-Party/business meeting for Stone River Outfitters. Is that jealousy Farrell is feeling when one of the single male guests shows attention to Ivy? A small accident throws Farrell for a loop and he does something he’ll regret later.
Both characters come with plenty of baggage that eventually takes them to happily ever after.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and I had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait for the finale!
Newly widowed and new mom Ivy desperately needs a job and the position with Farrell is ideal. She and her child have a roof over their heads, food to eat and Ivy has an income. Farrell works most of the time so there’s not a lot to do. Both Farrell and Ivy are intrigued by the other almost immediately but both also tell themselves they can’t act on any attraction. Farrell is a widower who has vowed to never put himself in the position of having to grieve the loss of someone he loves. Ivy didn’t lose the love of her life when her husband died. Her marriage had all sorts of twists and turns.
Over the course of weeks they tell each other their stories. They end up sharing a bed. As their emotions and hearts get involved, they keep telling themselves it’s nothing and they’ll move on. Then Ivy acts as hostess for a house-Party/business meeting for Stone River Outfitters. Is that jealousy Farrell is feeling when one of the single male guests shows attention to Ivy? A small accident throws Farrell for a loop and he does something he’ll regret later.
Both characters come with plenty of baggage that eventually takes them to happily ever after.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and I had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait for the finale!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2020
Farrel is sure someone in the office is stealing his ideas. In order to protect his work, he relocates his lab to his home. In desperate need of a live in housekeeper, he hires Ivy. The only problem is that Ivy is a temptation he could deal without. Ivy is a single mother in need of a job and a roof over their heads. The last thing she needs is an attraction to her boss. I really enjoyed reading Farrel and Ivy's story. Both characters are struggling with past losses. Spending so much time together its only a matter of time before these two give in to the chenistry they share. Can these two flawed people find their happily ever after? Another excellent book by Janice Maynard. Part of a series, best read in order.
Highly recommended for fans of romance.
Highly recommended for fans of romance.
June 1, 2020
It's not a good idea, but it's inevitable.
Ivy Danby is recently widowed and a new mother. She needs a job and a place to live--both of which need to be baby-friendly. Farrell Stone is a brilliant innovator, but he's been banished to his cliff-side compound in Maine to protect trade secrets. He needs someone to help cook and clean, and occasionally play the hostess at his resort of a home. Katie Stone knows the two need each other, she doesn't know how badly.
Ivy is a complicated character with a difficult past. She is someone you root for from page 1. I stayed up too late while turning the pages in this novel, dying to know more about her past, and what brought her to Stone River Outdoors. She is also very timid, and convinced that she knows everything about Farrell, but how can she?
Farrell is charming and stubborn. He's convinced someone within the Stone River Outdoors organization is leaking his innovative designs to the market before SRO is ready to reveal them. The knock-off products are hurting SRO, so he takes his ideas to his secluded home, and finds himself enthralled with Ivy and her young daughter. But does he really understand her and value her in the way that he should?
Once again, I had a very hard time putting down Janice Maynard's latest work. Ivy & Farrell are flawed and yet perfect for one another. A must-read installment in the Men of Stone River series!
Ivy Danby is recently widowed and a new mother. She needs a job and a place to live--both of which need to be baby-friendly. Farrell Stone is a brilliant innovator, but he's been banished to his cliff-side compound in Maine to protect trade secrets. He needs someone to help cook and clean, and occasionally play the hostess at his resort of a home. Katie Stone knows the two need each other, she doesn't know how badly.
Ivy is a complicated character with a difficult past. She is someone you root for from page 1. I stayed up too late while turning the pages in this novel, dying to know more about her past, and what brought her to Stone River Outdoors. She is also very timid, and convinced that she knows everything about Farrell, but how can she?
Farrell is charming and stubborn. He's convinced someone within the Stone River Outdoors organization is leaking his innovative designs to the market before SRO is ready to reveal them. The knock-off products are hurting SRO, so he takes his ideas to his secluded home, and finds himself enthralled with Ivy and her young daughter. But does he really understand her and value her in the way that he should?
Once again, I had a very hard time putting down Janice Maynard's latest work. Ivy & Farrell are flawed and yet perfect for one another. A must-read installment in the Men of Stone River series!
September 8, 2022
Farrell is still mouring the loss of his wife Sasha seven years ago. Ivy is looking for a job and a steady place to stay. Katie is trying to help her out. Farrell is hesistant to hire her but finally does.
She is so glad to be in a safe place. She is still very skiddish. Farrell notices but doesn't put things together til when he is trying to help her and she thinks he is going to hurt her.
As Ivy and her cute daughter are with Farrell more he opens up more and starts to fall but he can't..He will not be objected to the pain of loss again.
Ivy is feeling more herself while around Farrell. .They become close, but when she is hurt and he gets rid of her. Farrell is beyond himself. Can he find her and tell her his true feelings or is she forever gone?
A wonderfully written, fast paced, hard to put down book!
She is so glad to be in a safe place. She is still very skiddish. Farrell notices but doesn't put things together til when he is trying to help her and she thinks he is going to hurt her.
As Ivy and her cute daughter are with Farrell more he opens up more and starts to fall but he can't..He will not be objected to the pain of loss again.
Ivy is feeling more herself while around Farrell. .They become close, but when she is hurt and he gets rid of her. Farrell is beyond himself. Can he find her and tell her his true feelings or is she forever gone?
A wonderfully written, fast paced, hard to put down book!
July 15, 2020
Afraid to love
Love or lust at first sight. Farrell and Ivy were attractew to each other from the beginning.i enjoyed tveir story of finding their way to each other. Dolly was the icing on the cake.
Love or lust at first sight. Farrell and Ivy were attractew to each other from the beginning.i enjoyed tveir story of finding their way to each other. Dolly was the icing on the cake.
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June 1, 2020Categories
Sagas, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
The Men of Stone River (Book #2)
Sagas, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
The Men of Stone River (Book #2)
October 25, 2020
I enjoyed this book a lot. Great emotion on every page, A+ groveling scene, and the H/h were so likeable and nuanced.
July 1, 2020
Desperate widow meets a reclusive widower
I loved the pure honesty of Ivy when she stated her desperation for the job of caretaker in a remote mountain cabin. Farrell Stone was moved by his conscious to offer the job to her even against his better judgement.
Both Ivy and Farrell have emotional baggage from their previous marriages, yet they must interact daily in the cabin while Farrell works on his inventions. During this time, Ivy and Farrell develop feelings for each other which scares Farrell so much he terminates Ivy’s employment early and pushes her away.
Once Ivy has disappeared, Farrell realizes the depth of his love and embarks on a journey to find Ivy and her daughter, Dolly.
I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Farrell. I loved Katie, Farrells’ nosy sister in law, and personal assistant.
The author did a great job of developing the main and sub characters as well as the actual storyline.
I loved the pure honesty of Ivy when she stated her desperation for the job of caretaker in a remote mountain cabin. Farrell Stone was moved by his conscious to offer the job to her even against his better judgement.
Both Ivy and Farrell have emotional baggage from their previous marriages, yet they must interact daily in the cabin while Farrell works on his inventions. During this time, Ivy and Farrell develop feelings for each other which scares Farrell so much he terminates Ivy’s employment early and pushes her away.
Once Ivy has disappeared, Farrell realizes the depth of his love and embarks on a journey to find Ivy and her daughter, Dolly.
I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Farrell. I loved Katie, Farrells’ nosy sister in law, and personal assistant.
The author did a great job of developing the main and sub characters as well as the actual storyline.
June 9, 2020
I love this series and I loved this book! Ms Maynard writes so well about life’s and love’s battles of her heroes and heroines, I am just in awe of her pen(wo)manship. This book is about Farrell Stone had moved his lab to northern Maine and he needs to have a housekeeper. He hires a young widow, Ivy, who needs a job to support her baby daughter.
Both problems solved. Except Ivy fascinates Farrell, more than any temporary employee should. Widowed Farrell doesn’t do relationships, but would one sizzling night with Ivy be a huge mistake…or the fresh start they both need?
Both problems solved. Except Ivy fascinates Farrell, more than any temporary employee should. Widowed Farrell doesn’t do relationships, but would one sizzling night with Ivy be a huge mistake…or the fresh start they both need?
June 9, 2020
I enjoyed reading Upstairs Downstairs Temptation! I couldn't put this book down. I enjoyed reading about Ivy and Farrell journey to love. I enjoyed the storyline and the plot. I enjoyed the sizzling chemistry between Ivy and Farrell. Such a fantastic book!
June 8, 2020
The Men Of Stone River is a trilogy about 3 gorgeous billionaire brothers and this is book # 2 Farrell Stone the eldest of the brothers.
Farrell is an inventor and heads up the Research and Development aspect of SRO and is moving from his main office to his estate because someone is stealing his ideals and getting them to market before, he can. He is in need of a live in house keeper. His sister-in-law Katie Duncan who is married to his baby brother Quin is what you call a fixer. She gets Ivy Danby a interview with Farrell and he’s not feeling it that Ivy has a 6-month-old daughter Dolly who is just adorable and she brings her to the interview. Ivy is in desperate need of a job and she lets Farrell know it.
Farrell and Ivy both need each other his wife passed away years ago and Ivy’s husband passed away recently and he was living a life that Ivy had no idea he was leading.
Ivy and Farrell met when they were in grammar school and they were just years old and they both remember each other and that is amazing. Ivy is a mystery and you want to know what was to the mystery to her which makes “Upstairs Downstairs Temptation” that much more interesting.
So ready to read “Secrets of a Playboy” Zachary the middle Stone brother.
Who will rid Zach of his playboy lifestyle?
Farrell is an inventor and heads up the Research and Development aspect of SRO and is moving from his main office to his estate because someone is stealing his ideals and getting them to market before, he can. He is in need of a live in house keeper. His sister-in-law Katie Duncan who is married to his baby brother Quin is what you call a fixer. She gets Ivy Danby a interview with Farrell and he’s not feeling it that Ivy has a 6-month-old daughter Dolly who is just adorable and she brings her to the interview. Ivy is in desperate need of a job and she lets Farrell know it.
Farrell and Ivy both need each other his wife passed away years ago and Ivy’s husband passed away recently and he was living a life that Ivy had no idea he was leading.
Ivy and Farrell met when they were in grammar school and they were just years old and they both remember each other and that is amazing. Ivy is a mystery and you want to know what was to the mystery to her which makes “Upstairs Downstairs Temptation” that much more interesting.
So ready to read “Secrets of a Playboy” Zachary the middle Stone brother.
Who will rid Zach of his playboy lifestyle?
June 1, 2020
Upstairs Downstairs Temptation is the second book in Janice Maynard’s Men of Stone River series. Farrell Stone is a widower and the creative brain behind his family’s outdoor business. When he believes his creative ideas are compromised, he elects to move his lab to his home in Maine. He realizes he’s too focused on his inventions and seeks a live-in housekeeper to cook and clean for him.
Ivy Dandy is a widow, single mother to an infant and in need of a job. She also knows Farrell from high school.
Farrell hires Ivy and they have an instant attraction yet both are harboring the after effects of the deaths of their spouses. Can Farrell move on from the death of his wife who was the love of his life? Will Ivy share the circumstances that surrounded her marriage?
Upstairs Downstairs Temptation is a heartwarming read where Farrell and Ivy discover how to move on after the loss of a spouse. It is a quick read that I read in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend the series. This is a standalone book but I suggest reading the first book in the series.
I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. I look forward to the next book and can’t wait to discover who is behind the espionage.
Ivy Dandy is a widow, single mother to an infant and in need of a job. She also knows Farrell from high school.
Farrell hires Ivy and they have an instant attraction yet both are harboring the after effects of the deaths of their spouses. Can Farrell move on from the death of his wife who was the love of his life? Will Ivy share the circumstances that surrounded her marriage?
Upstairs Downstairs Temptation is a heartwarming read where Farrell and Ivy discover how to move on after the loss of a spouse. It is a quick read that I read in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend the series. This is a standalone book but I suggest reading the first book in the series.
I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. I look forward to the next book and can’t wait to discover who is behind the espionage.
May 31, 2020
Love when they least expect it! With book two in her Men of Stone River series Janice Maynard continues to delight with Farrell's story. This trio of brothers are a joy to interact with and I can't wait to see what's in store for us with Zachary's story coming up next.
Farrell is dreamy. He's smart, rich and treasured the love he found early in life. As he relocates his lab to his off the beaten path home in Northern Maine, he agrees to let his assistant Katie send a live-in housekeeper to keep him fed and taken care of when he's buried in his creative fog. He just never expects to start falling for her and her adorable daughter.
Ivy is quick to nab a reader's heart. We can tell from the start that her past isn't pleasant and we feel protective of her quickly. Luckily Farrell does too and doesn't disappoint in the way he grows to treasure her.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves watching a trio of close brothers find their happily ever afters one at a time. These guys are down to earth, fun and kind-hearted.
Farrell is dreamy. He's smart, rich and treasured the love he found early in life. As he relocates his lab to his off the beaten path home in Northern Maine, he agrees to let his assistant Katie send a live-in housekeeper to keep him fed and taken care of when he's buried in his creative fog. He just never expects to start falling for her and her adorable daughter.
Ivy is quick to nab a reader's heart. We can tell from the start that her past isn't pleasant and we feel protective of her quickly. Luckily Farrell does too and doesn't disappoint in the way he grows to treasure her.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves watching a trio of close brothers find their happily ever afters one at a time. These guys are down to earth, fun and kind-hearted.
June 2, 2020
UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS TEMPTATION by Janice Maynard is the second book from the ‘A Men of Stone River’ novel series. You don’t need to read the first in the series, as it can stand alone, but I would definitely advise you to read the first one anyways. The second book is written just well as the first. From the first page, until the very last one, you’ll enjoy this well written book. I picked it up on a whim, and two in a half hours later I put it down with a sigh, wishing it hadn’t ended.
Farrell Stone needs a live-in housekeeper and single mom Ivy Danby needs a job to support her daughter (not to mention, to move on from the past). The only issue is the unexpected attraction that these two have for each other. Will they be able to fight it and not get involved, or do the sparks turn everything into more than what they both think they don’t need?
Be sure to get your copy as soon as you can! You will not be disappointed with this read.
Farrell Stone needs a live-in housekeeper and single mom Ivy Danby needs a job to support her daughter (not to mention, to move on from the past). The only issue is the unexpected attraction that these two have for each other. Will they be able to fight it and not get involved, or do the sparks turn everything into more than what they both think they don’t need?
Be sure to get your copy as soon as you can! You will not be disappointed with this read.
June 11, 2020
First off, I need to think Janice Maynard for writing the ultimate reading slump busters. Every time I read one of her books, I am reminded why I like reading romance so much. Her books renew my passion for reading every.single.time!
Farrell and Ivy’s romance is the perfect combination of a whole bunch of popular tropes. Single Mom with cute little baby? Check. Secluded cabin in the woods? Check. Forced proximity? Check. Big, loving family? Check. Rags to riches? Check. See all the good stuff rolled into one package.
The only thing I did not quite love about this book was Farrell’s tendency to get lost in the past. His internal conflict for the book never quite made sense to me and, although it provided for much drama, I would have loved for more of the story to focus solely on Farrell and Ivy.
Still though, this book is 100% worth every moment of discomfort. This one is definitely going on my “keeper shelf”!
Farrell and Ivy’s romance is the perfect combination of a whole bunch of popular tropes. Single Mom with cute little baby? Check. Secluded cabin in the woods? Check. Forced proximity? Check. Big, loving family? Check. Rags to riches? Check. See all the good stuff rolled into one package.
The only thing I did not quite love about this book was Farrell’s tendency to get lost in the past. His internal conflict for the book never quite made sense to me and, although it provided for much drama, I would have loved for more of the story to focus solely on Farrell and Ivy.
Still though, this book is 100% worth every moment of discomfort. This one is definitely going on my “keeper shelf”!
May 17, 2020
Upstairs Downstairs Temptation is the second book in Janice’s The Men of Stone River series. Farrell Stone is a widower who works on inventions for the Stone River Outdoors the family business. His designs are getting out to other sources before he gets a chance to develop them. With the thought of corporate espionage he has moved his lab to his home up north and is need of someone to take care of his home and cook. Ivy Danby is back in Maine after living in the south, a widow with a daughter she is in need of employment. She went to school with Farrell and right off the back there is a connection between the two of them and against his better judgement he hires Ivy! Two souls both with pasts that make them not want to fall in love may help each other heal but it’s not an easy road. This is a great story!
May 22, 2020
Farrel Stone needs a housekeeper for his second home in northern Maine. He is the inventive brother for the family business, Stone River Outdoor Co. He has moved his lab to his northern Maine home from Portland because he suspects industrial spying at the main company location. He hires Ivy Danby who is a single mom down on her luck after a disastrous marriage. The story of how they grow to love each other is a very entertaining one. Upstairs Downstairs Temptation by Janice Maynard is the second book in her Men of Stone River series. This is a story with wonderful characters who have their ups and downs as they overcome their past marriages good and bad. I liked the way the characters from the first book in the series appear frequently in this story. I look forward to reading the third Stone brother, Zachary's story in the next book in the series, Secrets of A Playboy.
June 1, 2020
Upstairs Downstairs Temptation is the second book in the Men of Stone River trilogy by Janice Maynard. In this installment, we learn more about oldest brother, Farrell Stone. He is the head of Research & Development and after many of his inventions hit the market by competitors, the three brothers decide that Farrell should move his lab to his home in Maine. He reluctantly hires Ivy Dandy, a widowed single mother, to be his cook and housekeeper. It doesn’t take long for Ivy to develop feelings for Farrell, but she doesn’t know if they feelings are mutual. After being the hostess for an important SRO collaboration weekend, Ivy is unexpectedly let go from her job. She takes her daughter and starts a new life. Will Farrell come to his senses and admit his feelings? Can they both move past their dead spouses and start a life together?
June 2, 2020
I loved Book 1 in the Men of Stone River, and Book 2 did not disappoint. This story once again takes place in the beautiful state of Maine. Farrell needs a housekeeper while he works remotely from his home. Ivy, a single mom, interviews and reluctantly accepts the position. Both of these characters have been through heart break. Farrell, a widower, and Ivy, well her past is somewhat of a mystery. The characters connect and you find yourself pulling for them from the start. One thing I loved about this book is that it makes you try and figure out Ivy's past. You know she is a single mom, you know she is afraid, but why? I read this book in two days. It held my attention and imagination. I have gotten attached to the men of Stone River and look forward to reading the next release.
June 8, 2020
I love single parent story lines and this one doesn't disappoint.
Farrell Stone is a widow that has moved his lab to a new location and is in need of a housekeeper. Ivy Danby also a widow and single mother needs a job to support her daughter. They agree to a live in job and the chemistry is off the charts. Problem is both broken souls want the comfort and the connection but aren't ready to risk their hearts. One night in each other arms should cure the need for closeness but all it does is open up their hearts to start something new.
Love this series, and though you can read them as standalones I suggest you read the first in the series.
Farrell Stone is a widow that has moved his lab to a new location and is in need of a housekeeper. Ivy Danby also a widow and single mother needs a job to support her daughter. They agree to a live in job and the chemistry is off the charts. Problem is both broken souls want the comfort and the connection but aren't ready to risk their hearts. One night in each other arms should cure the need for closeness but all it does is open up their hearts to start something new.
Love this series, and though you can read them as standalones I suggest you read the first in the series.
June 19, 2020
Single mother Ivy Danny is looking for a fresh start after her abusive husband died. Widower Farrell Stone knows how it feels to loss someone you love. He needs a housekeeper and she and young daughter, Dolly, needs a place to live. He hires her. He’s a loner. With them around, he seems to start feeling alive. Will Farrell let the past loss hold him back? It’s been 7 years. Will her bad marriage hold her back? Can the two trust each other? Will they both move on without ever finding out if their chemistry is worth it? What can happen with a wonderful baby, a beautiful woman and an engineer who share their life together? What an awesome her
June 5, 2020
This book was one of Ms. Maynard's best books. It is a true love story that shows you that you can have a happy ending. I loved the way that she explained the issues that Ivy Danby had in her past. And how Farrell Stone learned how to live again. I am looking forward to reading the third and final book of this series. The first one was amazing but this one was amazing. This book is a must-read. I won't reveal any of the secrets but I was very surprised at the secret that Ivy was carrying around.
June 5, 2020
The second installment of The Men of Stone River does not disappoint! In this story we meet Farrell, the widowed, inventor brother who is not looking for a relationship. But then Ivy enters, and is hired by Farrell to be the housekeeper at his remote Maine home while he works in his lab. Farrell finds himself fascinated with Ivy and one thing leads to another, you know what I mean! This is a great read and I am looking forward to the third installment.
May 29, 2020
The second in the Men of Stone River trilogy is a worthy addition. Just as good as the first. The characters are loveable and interesting and the story is intriguing. It was nice to see the characters from the first book in the continuing story and interesting to see them all adjusting to the dynamic of an instant baby. Looking forward to the next instalment.
June 1, 2020
The Stone Brothers saga continues and this time Ferrell get Ivy to help him out in the remote Maine woods as he works in his isolated lab - what a wonderful story that shows a final HEA, full of compassion too!
June 1, 2020
Single mom, Ivy needs a job. She gets interview with Farrell, he is not sure if she will be a good choice, but his sister in law, Katie, vouch for Ivy.
Farrell, is fascinated by Ivy, and he is not happy with that.
Storyline is great, loved Ivy and Farrell.
Farrell, is fascinated by Ivy, and he is not happy with that.
Storyline is great, loved Ivy and Farrell.
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