FUBAR adjective 1) Seriously, perhaps irreparably, damaged 2) Thoroughly disordered or ruined 3) Maggie Augustin’s life
She was pregnant and alone…and sick. Seemingly every second of every day.
Yup. She’d gone from single and carefree to chained to a porcelain goddess…and soon she’d be chained to a baby—to nap schedules and car seats, to saggy boobs and blowouts, to—
Nothing that resembled her life before she’d peed on a stick and it had flashed with a plus sign.
Which was fine. Her life before that stick-peeing hadn’t been all that exciting and great. Aside from her friends, she’d been more than a little lonely, wondering what the hell she should be doing with her life.
Then…preggers.
Then…Carter.
Carter Jackson was gorgeous, funny, and good. Carter Jackson was the type of guy she once would have dreamed of riding in on his stallion and saving her. Carter Jackson was a man who’d apparently decided that she was someone that needed rescuing.
The problem? She didn’t need rescuing. Not anymore. She would be standing on her own feet from here on out, thank her very much.
The other problem? Carter was determined to rescue her anyway.
USA Today bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her in her Facebook group, the Fabinators or email her at elise@elisefaber.com.
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Note 2: This is part of an interconnected series, but can be read as a standalone. Still, I advise you to read it in sequence as previous characters do make cameos.
Maggie and Carter are couple goals, and I have officially been FUBAR'd by them for real!
I mean Maggie doesn't come from exactly ideal circumstances, plus a baby now too, from a horrible ex...yeah that's no fun. And then carter comes along for the rescue.
And with the issues and plenty of plot twists in between -thank god none between the actual couple - they sort stuff out, and live life happily.
And I loved it all - the banter, the steam, the romance, the crazy plot twists, and being FUBAR'd, yes indeedy do.
It almost reminded me of the movie - Look Who's Talking, a John Travolta film. So yeah I loved having a few references here and there - except she knows Carter, so slight difference there, and her parents...well there's a story you'll need to find out for yourself.
Overall, loved this novel, laughed, sighed and held my fist to my mouth for the sheer romantic feelings this novel gave me, cause damn this novel owns me heart for sure.
So give this one a try and don't get to be FUBAR'd!
Carter Jackson and Maggie Augustine loved them hes and over protective Alpha mail as a former Marine hes always on protection mode and Maggie may be down and out with and ah oh pregnancy but as a former foster kid and now a lawyer she's more then capable of dealing with her own drama but the horrible morning sickness may just be her criptonite or is it the sweet but charming Carter she's not sure about this what could he see in a pregnant women whose life may be about to blow up. Carter is finally free to pursue Maggie but she's doing everything to avoid a romantic entanglement with him but Carter won't give up and when they need each other most its perfect how there relationship grows.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review also I have purchased a copy.
5 Star review of Fubar (Life Sucks #5) by Elise Faber I loved this story and had a hard time putting it down when real life got in my way. This is Carter and Maggie’s story and was an entertaining, emotional read that ticked all the boxes for me. The characters were engaging and so easy to relate to. I fell hard and fast for Carter, in fact I have a new book boyfriend, he is totally swoon worthy. I loved how all in he was with his feelings for Maggie and his determination to be there for her no matter what. Maggie’s self esteem is not particularly high and she feels that she doesn’t deserve Carter. This was a beautifully written, witty at times emotional story of finding love and family and left me with a smile on my face.
Fubar is an amazing read. I loved this one so much. Maggie is fabulous. I love her energy and her spunk. Carter is a sweetheart. I love how he takes care of Maggie. You feel the love for Maggie and the child that is not his. I love how supportive he is of Maggie and gets her through being sick the entire time. Carter and Maggie are simply wonderful. I love them so much. They have such an ease about their relationship. You feel the love and chemistry from the very start. I could not get enough of this one. I love all the giggle moments and the sexy ones. You need to read this one. I cannot wait for more of the Life Sucks series.
FUBAR is the fifth book in the Life Sucks series and we continue Maggie's story, who we met in Clusterf*ck. She is suffering with her pregnancy, afraid to take medication in case it hurts the baby, plus a whole host of other worries. And then there's Carter. He was attracted to Maggie from the get-go but the timing wasn't right. It's not entirely right now, but he's not waiting any longer.
This was a great straight-shooting story where miscommunication doesn't really happen. Not between our main two, anyway. Carter wants to be there for Maggie but doesn't always appreciate it when the tables are turned. He does admit to his caveman tendencies though, which made it funny. Add in the ex-boyfriend and the parents who abandoned Maggie when she was only little, and you have an action-packed story.
FUBAR is fast-paced but flows smoothly. The characters are all well-rounded, and some are known from previous stories. Martha is my favourite character of all, and I would love to see more of her.
A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. ** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Mar 28, 2022
She’s unexpectedly pregnant by a man who left her unsatisfied and was upset when she told him so when he asked her how it was. She’s been dealing with round the clock morning sickness for months, and oh yeah the clueless sperm donor signed away his parental rights in the first trimester.
Carter Jackson is the hunk sexy man Maggie asked to wreck her after he responded to her question about men needing affirmation about their bedroom skills. He turned her down then because he was in a relationship with someone at that time, but he was definitely attracted to Maggie.
A few months down the road and Carter is no longer with his ex and he has moved to Stoneybrook. He is doing everything he can to be supportive of Maggie during her rough pregnancy and to show he is interested in being in the picture.
What takes place next is a wild and crazy ride towards as happily ever after. The Jackson siblings are supportive of each other and their significant other’s, they heckle and harass each other whenever they can, but this family knows how to love and that family isn’t determined by your genes and DNA.
The story brings some unexpected emotions, plenty of laughter, some groans and eye rolling, but Maggie lives kid BIG and when Carter’s missions go FUBAR that’s when life really gets big and interesting.
I’m really looking forward to Caleb’s story in Perfect Storm - the snippet at the end indicated his life is going to be upended in an unexpected way.
I received an ARC from the author and Elle Woods PR; and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
FUBAR is the fifth book in the Life Sucks series, but could be read as a stand alone. Carter and Maggie have been circling around each other, with Carter wanting more, but Maggie feeling like her life is a mess with an unplanned pregnancy and being constantly sick. But when Maggie finally gives in to Carter’s temptation, life goes FUBAR. Is the only thing that makes sense their connection, or will their trials be too much for this new relationship?
Yay, this book was so fun to read! I loved every second I spent with Carter and Maggie! I loved their connection, how similar they were, and how open their hearts were for love and for each other. I think it was super fun to see how both of them were so used to taking care of others, that they didn’t know how to handle someone taking care of them. Maggie was trying so hard to handle life on her own, between a career change and being so sick over her pregnancy and knowing that the biological father wanted nothing to do with the baby, all of that was really hard for her, but she never gave up and continued to live big and boldly. Carter was so caring, so full of love and acceptance, and I really thought he was a fantastic partner for Maggie. I also really liked that not only was there a romance between two pretty stubborn characters, there was also a bit of mystery and a potential for danger. I don’t think I’ve read other books from this series before, but I know immediately that I’m going to change that! I loved this small town, I loved the larger than life characters, and I loved the love!
Carter Jackson has been drawn to Maggie Augustin since the day they met, but he was in a relationship with another woman at the time. Now that he and Maggie are both single, he's anxious to tell her how he feels about her. Unfortunately, the timing still isn't quite right for them; Maggie is pregnant with another man's baby after a one-night stand, and she can't quite believe Carter wants anything to do with her messy life. Despite her protests, he'll do whatever it takes to convince her to give him a chance.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced, funny, sweet, and heartwarming story of two people who were absolutely perfect for each other making it work under less than ideal circumstances. Former Marine turned private investigator Carter was an alpha in a lot of ways, but I loved how sweet and caring he was with Maggie. When she was suffering from severe morning sickness, he did extensive research to try and find ways to help her, and made sure to always have extra toothbrushes and ginger candies available for her. It wasn't easy for him to accept caring in return, but Maggie did her best to look out for him after he was injured on the job and at other times. I also loved how well Carter and Maggie communicated and worked together to overcome the challenges they faced from Maggie's past. Finally, the "found family" aspect of this story was lovely. Maggie's birth family may not always have been there for her, but she knew she could rely on Carter, her friends, and Carter's family to be there for her.
I recommend "FUBAR" for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy and look forward to the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was Carter and Maggie’s story, and book 5 in this series. Unlike many series, I wouldn’t suggest starting with this one like I did. I felt like I started in the middle of the story, and missed a lot. Maggie is pregnant after a one night stand that apparently already took place, and involved some drama afterwards. All we really know about it is that it’s someone that didn’t satisfy her and also didn’t want children so signed away all his rights. He plays a small part in this book, but their one night stand and the resulting pregnancy was all in the past before this book apparently. There’s a lot of history that it felt like I missed by not reading the other books first. I’ll have to go back and start over.
Anyways- I love when the H is the one that is dead set on them being together and pulls out all the stops to make it happen. Carter is everything. Mags has horrible morning sickness, so even though she turns him down as a date, he goes around carrying Ginger candies, toothbrush and toothpaste in his pocket just for her. He is amazing and I love how he loves her completely. Once she gives in, they are amazing together. The side character and family are great. There’s some suspense, drama, plenty of laughs, and some steam. Definitely a worthy read.
I love the easy style and flow of Ms. Faber's writing and this is no exception. The characters have warmth and depth and miscommunication and angst between them is kept to a minimum. But that doesn't mean that this is a boring, nothing happens story, it just means that the main characters are in sync and work together to overcome any outside obstacles.
After Maggie got pregnant from a one night, very mediocre one night stand, she resigned herself to being a single mother and doing this on her own. Her one night stand had no desire to be a parent and signed away his rights, her own parents abandoned her as a child and so weren't in her life and her grandparents who raised her, were both deceased. Carter Jackson had other ideas. When he saw how terribly Maggie was suffering with this pregnancy, he decided to be her friend, to always be there to help and hope that some day, it could develop into something more.
When Maggie's past comes barrelling back into her life, leaving her vulnerable and scared, Carter is there to help share the burden and protect her. But who would want to harm her?
Love this series and the Jackson clan are the best!
Fubar is the fifth book in the Life Sucks series but was no trouble reading it as a standalone. The books I have read from the series have all been cute and a lot of fun so this one fit right in there. The characters were genuine, likable, and easy to connect with. Constantly sick, Maggie was facing motherhood as a single mom after the father of the child gave up his rights. She was attracted to Carter but felt like her life was too big of a mess for a relationship. Carter had fallen for Maggie when he met her, but he was only prepared to hold off on making a move for so long. He was ready to become part of her life. Carter was such a sweet guy and once Maggie let him in, he wasn’t going anywhere. His love for her showed in the sweet way he took care of her. Maggie couldn’t believe Carter would be interested in her since she carried another man’s child, but she finally accepted he was sticking with her. This was a cute and fast book to read. I loved how the town supported Maggie and helped when she needed it. I can’t wait for the next book in this cute series. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Maggie is having a horrible pregnancy, spending most of her days worshiping the porcelain god. And Carter can not stand to see her suffering. Having met Maggie when he was still in a relationship, he's not moved on, and only has eyes for the beautiful Mags. And he can't stand how her pregnancy has taken its toll on her.
While Carter just wants to sweep Mags away and take care of her, she can't fathom how he could be interested in a single woman, pregnant by another man, so she keeps pushing him away. Until her parents, who left her as a baby, show up in town and give her a pretty big shock. Carter immediately goes into caretaker mode, and Mags can't resist the tender man who seems utterly dedicated to her.
I loved Mags and Carters story - the tenderness and caring of Carter, his love for Mags and her baby. Their relationship is so sweet, caring and sexy. The two are a perfect match. If they can only figure out the end game of her parent's - they need to figure out why they've shown up after all these years...
This is. My first dive into the Life Sucks Series by Elise Faber, and I can tell you I wasn’t lost at all. There are character relationships that you know you missed out on, but there are zero confusions about who anyone is and how things play out. Maggie Augustin has found herself pregnant by a bad one-night stand. She is extremely sick and dealing with doing this on her own. Carter Jackson was smitten with Maggie the moment they met, but circumstances kept him from pursing her. He made changes to correct those issues, and has been slowly integrating himself into her life without her really realizing it. I adore the way that Carter takes care of Maggie and how he does everything he can to show her that she is enough just as she is. She hasn’t had the best life and is reeling a little bit from the fact that she doesn’t have any good parental role models. Carter, however, has the best of the best, and is willing to share them with Maggie and a aby that isn’t’ his biologically, but he wants to be his in all ways possible.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is part of a series. I have read some but not all and not the book before this one. There were things I didn't understand because I did not read the previous book but as a whole, I found the book easy to follow as a standalone as well.
Trouble comes when Maggie's ex hits town with her parents who left Maggie as a baby and Carter wants to protect Maggie from them. This was a very HOT story and I loved how Maggie's friends rally around her and Jackson's family are also there to lend a hand.
This was a hot romance with lots of hot scenes. It also had lots of humor and I laughed with Carter and his brothers a lot. Maggie was a really strong character and I loved how Carter was with her. He was a great leading man who was so into her and she into him.
Maggie Augustin, is a few months pregnant, and sick. She has horrible morning sickness, she's always vomiting, she can't keep anything down in her system. Maggie's baby daddy decided he didn't want to be a daddy and left her. She is pregnant and alone, although she has made peace with it and is looking forward to raising the baby if she ever gets over the morning sickness. She's always had a crush on Carter, although it'll never work out between them. She's convinced he's too handsome for her.
Carter Jackson has always liked Maggie. They just always seemed to have been friends. They've never seemed to have looked at each other in any other light, until Carter helps her home and helps her with her nasua. Carter realizes that yes Maggie needs rescuing and help.
Will Carter be able to sway Maggie into a relationship other than friendship? Will she be open to receiving help?
I did receive a free ARC book copy. I am freely leaving an honest review.
Another great read from the very talented Elise Faber. This is Maggie and Carter’s entertaining and at times emotional story. Fubar is book 5 in the Life Sucks Book Series but it can certainly be read and loved as a stand-alone. Maggie is pregnant with another man’s child but Carter really doesn’t care, he just wants to protect and make Maggie and her baby his. Problem is she can’t except this and even with the feelings she has for Carter she can’t get her head around him wanting her….. I loved everything about this quick read, I adored Maggie and I fell hard and fast for Carter but what melted my heart was Carter reading up and taking notice of what to do to help pregnant woman. This couple were perfect for each other and together they became stronger. A wonderful read that left me with a big smile on my face.
Another winner in this series! I loved Maggie and Carter. Man did my heart go out to Maggie. Life was delivering blow after blow. Then the family she made is in her corner to help her navigate the new unexcepted twist in her life. Carter had me swooning right at the start of this one. The way he supports Maggie did my heart good. Then he keeps stepping up through out this book. This book had the perfect combination of heat, heart, and humor. There were times this book even had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the relationship Maggie has with her friends because she's so going to need it. A couple of nasty characters in this book that need some swift justice. Another character that I loved was Mrs. H. She's just plain awesome. A great book with a close knit group of friends that made me wish I could be part of. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Carter is almost too good to be true. He is determined to prove to Maggie that he wants to be in her life and that they would be together. He does have some caveman tendencies when it comes to Maggie’s safety, but it isn’t overboard. Maggie has been on her own for a long time and doesn’t need anyone to save her. She is pregnant, having a rough pregnancy and the baby’s dad doesn’t want a part in her life. Little by little Carter starts to get Maggie to trust him. This is a slow burn, but once they are in, they are all in. An emotional, heart felt book that will have you up late reading. Each book seems to get better than the last, while giving you just enough about the next book to make you want it right now. Seeing couples from previous books is nice and the Jackson brothers are wonderful. I highly recommend this book and am leaving an honest, voluntary review.
Maggie and Carter…these two strong characters have all the feels!
Maggie Augustin is pregnant, alone and dealing with 24/7 morning sickness. While she feels she’s getting by, Carter Jackson sees her struggling. With a small gesture of a piece of ginger hard candy to help with the nausea and a clean toothbrush after Maggie has gotten sick, again, so begins their story.
Although Maggie is physically struggling with her pregnancy, she is a strong and capable woman - something that drew Carter to her in the first place. The question is, will she LET him help her? Can she trust in someone else or is it better to go it alone?
This is a refreshing story in that both characters show their flaws and strengths in such a way that builds each other up instead of tearing them down. There’s lots of twists and turns, laughter and tears - a great story!
This is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. Although, I would recommend that you to read the books in order, since previous characters do make appearances. Fubar, book five in the Life Sucks series follows former Marine Carter Jackson, and pregnant lawyer, Maggie Augustin. We met Maggie in the previous book, clusterf*@k, though now pregnant from a one night stand, Maggie is suffering with all day morning sickness and afraid to take medication in case it hurts the baby, plus a whole host of other worries new moms think about. Carter was attracted to Maggie from the moment they met, but the timing was off since he was dating someone else but now he's single and has moved to Stoneybrook. Carter wants to try to win Maggie's heart, the only problem now is convincing Maggie to give him a chance.
Firstly, this is book 5 in the series and while it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone (which I did), you would benefit from being familiar with the previous books since the characters appear in this story. The initial meeting between Carter and Maggie has already happened, which I was disappointed with, and with dealing with an unexpected pregnancy Maggie has already friend zoned Carter. But Carter has a plan, which earned him huge aawww points. Like most of the books from this author that I've read, I really enjoyed this story. I loved the way that the relationship between Carter and Maggie grows gently but the addition of trouble making characters in the second half stopped it from becoming boring. Maggie was quirky, which initially was a bit much, but evened out with Carter's personality. Finally, I loved the llamas, glitter and the shot in the ass.
Maggie is facing a difficult pregnancy alone as the father of their baby wants nothing to do with her or their child. Carter always seems to be there when she needs someone the most, but she doesn’t understand why he would any part of her complicated life and the baby that isn’t his.
Carter has wanted Maggie for a while and wants to claim and the child she is carrying as his own. He is determined to show her that they belong together, and he isn’t about to let anyone, or anything come between them and that includes her past.
Life has forced Maggie to be independent, but Carter shows her with everything he says and does that she will always have him and the supporting group of friends who have become family if not by blood by love.
Maggie finds her self single and pregnant. Carter fell for Maggie the moment he met her and the fact she is carrying another man's child isn't going to stop him.
Maggie was abandoned as a child and raised by her grandparents, she never knew her parents and now they are on her doorstop.. What could they possibly want now? Carter does all he can to help protect Maggie and the baby but will her parents just walk away?
When Maggie realizes they want something from her and she could be in danger, will Carter be able to protect her? After all her life is just FUBAR
The banter is fun, her parents are annoying and Mrs. H is a shocking side character.
The main characters in this engaging novel are Maggie and Carter. Stella, Maggie’s employee at her bakery/coffee shop plays a big role. These characters are easily likable and fun to get to know. As usual Elise has made readers enjoy and relate to her characters. As book opens Maggie, who owns coffee/bakery, is pregnant and suffering from morning sickness which has turned into an all day event. While Carter is not the father, he has stepped up and is doting on Maggie, taking care of her. Will his tender care be enough to block dead-beat baby’s father and her bat crazy family from her? And will the stubborn maiden ope herself up to being taken care of? Answers to these questions are all in this romance
Omg, this book is so good! I loved every part of it! It's book #5 but can be read as a standalone. I've read the books before it and can say if you start this book first, you won't be completely lost. That's how we'll it's written.
Carter and Maggie are great together. After Maggie finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand, she finds herself and Carter's relationship growing more. He is so sweet to her and her unborn baby...caring for her and the baby even though the baby isn't his biologically. Family is more than sharing blood. That's how Carter was raised.
Their chemistry is amazingly hot and intimate. I loved all the characters and I can't wait until Caleb's book! Yes!
Maggie is pregnant with another man’s child. That’s a fact. But another fact is that Carter Jackson doesn’t care about that. He wants her anyway and is determined to make her his forever! All of their friends and his family are onboard with this too! But when he finally convinces her that he is the man for her outside forces attempt to change all that! Another intriguing addition to the Life Sucks series by Elise Faber! If good alpha males determined to protect what and who the love, and strong, independent women are your jam, this book is a MUST READ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for this latest by Elise Faber!
This is the fifth book in this amazing series and is Carter and Maggie’s journey. Maggie is alone, pregnant, and sick, and the father of her baby wants nothing to do with her, and Carter always seems to be in this right place when she needs him. Carter is determined to convince Maggie that he wants her and the baby as his own. This is a beautifully written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with family, humor, engaging and relatable characters, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Oooo this is the couple I was most excited to see in the series and it was everything I wanted it to turn out to be. I loved that he wouldn't let anything get in the way of making her his, even if it meant she was carrying another man's baby. Carter is determined to not make the same mistake as Maggie's ex. He knows how much she's worth and he will stop at nothing to make her his.
I really liked Maggie. She has not had an easy life so far and just when you think she's found her happiness with Carter, her past comes back to make it all difficult. But with Carter's love she is able to push through and come out on the 0ther end smiling.
This was such a great book! I have been waiting for Maggie's story after meeting her in other books of the series, and it didn't disappoint. Carter is also wonderful, a truly good guy that knows what he wants and goes after it. Maggie has a larger than life personality, but also has insecurity that her big personality tries to hide. They were so perfect for each other and just what both needed. Maggie got the closure and man that she needed, along with her happy ever after! This book is part of a series, but I feel that it can be read as a standalone.
This is book 5 of the series and Carter and Maggie’s Story. I liked Carter since his answer to Maggie when she asked him about the need to lie to her lame one night stand in book 4 of the series. As most of Elise’s books it’s a standalone but reading the whole series is more fun and some pieces and bits do make more sense doing so. This is a sweet story about Carter convincing Maggie to give him a chance. I liked the suspense rolling around Maggie’s parents. So. Ich love, heat and family bonding. Enjoyed reading it.