In Happily Inc, love means never having to say “I do”… eat it, too.
After years in the military, Jasper is convinced he’s too damaged for relationships. So a flirtation—and more—with fiery, determined Renee is way too good to pass up…until his flame becomes his muse.
Renee is an expert at averting every crisis. But, as feelings become more serious, is she finally ready to leap into the one thing that can never be controlled: love?
Don’t miss Susan Mallery’s latest book, The Stepsisters! A heartfelt tale of friendship between two women who used to be sisters.
Read more in the reader-favorite Happily Inc series:
Book 1: You Say It First
Book 2: Second Chance Girl
Book 3: Why Not Tonight
Book 4: Not Quite Over You
Book 5: Meant to Be Yours
Book 6: Happily This Christmas
more
Another great read by Susan Mallery, did not disappoint, love her books!
Favorite Quotes:
His voice was low and teasing. It sent ripples down her spine and made her wish she was the kind of woman who could look a man in the eye while inviting him back to her place. But she wasn’t and she couldn’t.
“So you’d be using me for sex… I don’t know.” He raised and lowered his shoulders. “I’ve never been anyone’s sex toy before.” “You didn’t really just say that.” He dropped his gaze to the floor. “I feel used.” “Just stop it. No one believes that for a second.” He looked at her again and grinned.
You are the dumbest of the dumb. She must be furious with you. Personally I’d hire someone to beat you up and then set you on fire. How could you?
Someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned and saw Jasper standing very close. He leaned in and kissed her on the lips— a sweet kiss that unexpectedly made her eyes burn. “Score!” he whispered. “I always wanted to kiss a girl in the library. It’s been a fantasy of mine since I was fifteen and had a thing for a girl named Bambi.” “Seriously? Bambi?” “I swear. She was so hot and she never noticed me.” “That’s her loss.” “I like to think so.” Then he was gone, continuing his library exploration.
My Review:
I was late to discover her brilliance but I am unashamed in confessing that I unabashedly adore the nimble raconteur known as Susan Mallery and want to read every word she ever scribbles. Her latest tale was a cleverly amusing small-town romance featured Renee and Jasper, two somewhat fractured and socially awkward people who viewed and avoided relationships like a virulent disease but had entered into a monogamous friends-with-benefits agreement as both realized their lives were lacking. They had an A+ rating for advanced chemistry although their mutual friendship developed slowly with fits and starts and several calamitous missteps. Their lives began to mesh until they had become considerably more than planned, but were they able to be more, and more of what would they be?
The primary and most of the secondary characters were endearingly flawed and alluring as well as distinctly quirky. I enjoyed their snappy banter, clever levity, and humorous situations and sensual exploits, although I was quite beguiled by the considerable insight and thought that went into the profoundly perceptive details involving the myriad complications and peculiarities of wedding planning, which was Renee’s vocation and she was exceptionally good at it; as well as the absorbing tendency and capricious nature of the resilient Jasper’s writing process. Jasper was a best-selling author of thrillers and I can imagine just how much this crafty wordsmith enjoyed skewering her own foibles and muse.
This is a story of healing. Not of physical healing but mental & emotional healing.
Jasper served in the military and has emotional, mental and physical scars. He is sure that he will never be whole. But in a town like Happily, Inc. no one is an island.
Rene has trauma from her growing up years. She feels that she must control herself, her job and all the aspects of her life. She has channeled all of her energy into being a “top of the line” wedding planner.
Both have a circle of friends who are supportive, caring and pretty darned amusing. If you’ve read any of the other Happily, Inc. books you’ll know it’s a quirky but caring community.
As is usual in Susan Mallery’s stories it all works out in the end, but it’s quite a ride getting there.
On the negative side I did find the flow a little choppy. I also missed having more contact with the other characters of Happily Inc. during the story.
Meant to be yours is a heartwarming story! I loved Renee, the wedding planner, her story had some interesting turns I didn’t expect. Jasper, a novelist, was a different character and I love how he needs help with writing a female character and turns to Renee. Great story and awesome bonus story with the princess!!!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this book and the series. It’s quirky, romantic, and funny. Now, I’m looking forward to the next book.
I’ve been waiting for a while to learn more about Jasper as we met him in previous stories and learned he previously had a ‘little r’, relationship with Wynn. I was so happy for him to find a pet that could break through some of his barriers and never thought that he could develop a connection with wedding planner, Renee. Renee wasn’t going to make things easy for Jasper. After years of pushing people away and building barriers against long term relationships, Renee and Jasper seemed like a perfect match if they could just get over themselves. The story had parts where I thought we were going in a different direction (her illness, his involvements in the weddings) but ultimately I loved the outcome. My favorite part of Mallery’s stories are the connections and the characters who you get to revisit with each new book in a series. We returned to Happily Inc. for more fun and got to check in with the newlyweds and new babies and Millie the giraffe even made an appearance.
My favorite fictional town ever! The books just get better and better. Susan Mallery has outdone herself again. If you haven’t read Happily Inc please do. You won’t be disappointed.
I enjoyed getting to know Jasper and Renee. Their journey made me feel they were “meant to be.”
What a great read. What starts off as a friends with benefits type of arrangement becomes something that Jasper nor Renee expected. Seeing how their story unfolds and the electricity between the characters comes to life is so entertaining. I also love seeing old characters coming back into the story if even for a second. Definitely a 5 star read.
Susan Mallery writes another fun, light, happily-ever-after romance.
Do you need a break from sappy, tear jerkers, involving billionaires? (Hey, I admit there are times for them too). This story is just plain fun. Seriously, I smiled throughout the entire book. At times, I even laughed out loud. I love the characters, the dialog and their storylines. They always have such imaginative occupations and experiences. The heroine Renee has a particularly unique past.
Meant to be Yours is the story of Renee, a wedding planner and Jasper, a bestselling author who writes thrillers. They are acquainted through mutual friends and get together one night for a one night stand. Afterward, they discover that while they enjoy each other’s company, neither are interested in marriage or relationships. Surely you can see where this is going?
I think Susan Mallery’s writing is genius. Each time I read one of her stories I feel as if she has actually lived each and every experience.
Yes, this includes sub-characters that, like the main, are included in previous books from the series. But, their parts are written so you won’t feel as if your missing anything if you haven’t read any of the previous books.
And finally,
Please note I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Although I love her books, and had fully planned to purchase it anyway.
A Susan Mallery story will be full of angst, joy, sadness, friendship and confusion, but will have a HEA for one or more couples. In this story we find out the mystery behind Renee Grothen’s behavior, but I am not going to give an spoilers here.
Jasper left the army with PTSD and started writing as therapy, but it grew into a well paying career. By chance he ended up in Happily Inc., and has been slowly healing, but still thinks he is too damaged to ever have a relationship, but then adopts a dog and makes a number of friends. Renee has been hurt and is no longer willing to give a man the chance to break her heart again, but she is looking for a no strings affair. When Jasper has problems developing a woman character for his latest books, he turns to Renee for help, but is surprised how much he enjoys spending time with her. But will she be willing to open up to him?
I was offered an ARC from NetGalley.com to read, but because I got behind in my reading, in the end I read a hardback copy from the library. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Poor Jasper! Wynn was terrible to him, and he didn’t deserve it. Then he meets Renee and she’s even worse. And why am I taking sides? It doesn’t matter that Wynn has seen the error of her ways because she’s still steering Jasper wrong. Grow up Renee! You both have jobs to do, and your job is not more important than Jasper’s. Just because someone doesn’t see the world the way you do, doesn’t make them wrong. I’d throw the book against the wall if I wasn’t sure there would be a happily ever after. I’m completely addicted and won’t apologize. After all…who doesn’t love an underdog?
Welcome to Happily Inc. The wedding destination capital of the USA. Here, your every wedding desire is fulfilled. Renee is a wedding coordinator at Weddings Outside of the Box, and she’s really good at her job. You want a Scottish Highland wedding? No problem. A Star Trek Wedding? Easy Peasy. You love apples? Then an apple wedding it is!
But Renee’s problem is that she can’t find love herself. Her father ran off when he was a child, but not before telling her things a parent should never tell their child. Then, after her fiancé finds out her secret, he leaves as well. She’s resigned herself to the fact that she’s not meant to find love and is ok with it.
But then she meets Jasper Dembenski, Jasper’s pretty new to town as well. He’s a bestselling author who was driving through Happily Inc when his car broke down. While waiting for the needed parts, he discovered just how great the town was, found a home, and decided to stay. He loves his pretty solitary life on the mountain and knows that he doesn’t want a relationship because he’s still damaged from his time as a military police officer. He’s had years of therapy, but he still suffers from nightmares and anxiety attacks.
Renee and Jasper have seen each other around town, but hadn’t actually talked to each other until they’re paired up for game night at the local bar.
Ms. Mallery is a wonderful writer, she knows just how to evoke emotions with just the words on a page. You root for these characters, and just when you think that things are bad, she brings it right back around. This is the 5th book in the series, but you can read it just fine without having read the previous ones. But, let me tell you, after reading Jasper and Renee’s story, you’ll want to dive in from the beginning. I know I do. This has a Happily Ever After, but I want more. I’ve got question. I now can’t wait to dive in and immerse myself in all the stories from Happily Inc.
*I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review
I have learned from my experience and from reading this story that the best time to find someone is when you are not trying (: Jasper and Renee are good together!! I love this series and keeping up with the other characters in the books. I think everyone will love this book and the series so far (: I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Love is magical in Happily Inc, and this is no exception. Renee is a wedding coordinator but does not want her own HEA, Justin is new to town and is a thriller writer but wants to add a love story to his work in progress, so Renee would be the perfect person to help. Jasper has suffered from PTSD from the military, so he is convinced that he is damaged in the relationship department. So what would be better the friends with benefits!!
This is a sweet but sexy romance with plenty of humor, loved how their relationship developed. Loved catching up with previous characters. Wonderful friendships that have developed. Loved, loved the wedding. All animal lovers must read, loved Koda!!
I love Susan Mallery and I absolutely love this book! First off there are two lost souls that just want to be left alone, RIGHT! Then you have a dog and cats and safari animals. Then in comes the person who the animals can talk to and to top all this off a wacky wedding planner. What’s not to love about this book? You must get it to find out how it all works out! Thanks for the great story Susan!
I wish I could have read this all in one sitting. But life never fails to get in the way.
it’s so annoying when you must stop to make food or go to the bathroom or sleep! When all you really want to do is READ! I will admit though, I on purpose took a break right before I started the last chapter. I wasn’t ready for it to be over. I wanted to keep smiling so hard that tears leaked out of my face. I want to keep shaking my head at how ridiculous Jasper and Renee were being. I wanted to keep imagining myself in the middle of those spectacular themed weddings. The ending was worth it though, truly. It will always be worth it for me when I read a Susan Mallery book. From the very first time I read one of her books, to now. I have not once been disappointed.
I truly loved this book and would highly recommend it.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
Note: I have voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this title
The next in the Happily Inc series – Jasper and Renee. Jasper has been around since the beginning and honestly I wasn’t always too sure about him. He was always so brooding and dark. However, in each installment of the series he seemed to be evolving. He’s ex military and sure that he was too scarred to ever have a real relationship. Enter – Renee. She catches him completely off guard. She has baggage too but Jasper quickly sees that he really wants to try “normal” with Renee. Now if only he can convince her! It’s a fun read. Enjoy!
DNF. This is probably the first Susan Mallery book that I couldn’t get through.
I really liked the hero, Jasper. He’s a military man turned NY Times best selling author of crime books. I enjoyed his character in previous books and was really looking forward to his story. Unfortunately, I really did not care for the heroine, Renee. She was whiny and mean. And there was all this build up about the trauma in her childhood. I thought she had been abused or something and then it is just about her mother being an animal psychic and being a reality TV star on the equivalent of Animal Planet TV. The mother had the potential to be a fun and quirky character. I just couldn’t get past how unlikable the heroine was and all the manufactured drama.
I love Susan Mallery and The Summer Of Sunshine And Margot was one of my favorite books this year. I think I am just not a fan of her series books. The way it was written confused me because at first it speaks like Renee and Jasper have met and had some sort of history given how she is ‘predatory’ about him at the beginning of the book, but he has no idea who she is? Then they jump into bed immediately after she kind of hints she isn’t that kind of girl. This was just the beginning of her flip-flopping personality. I just wasn’t a fan of Renee. Jasper was more likable and really seemed like a deeper character, but all of Renee’s character issues were hard to work around. I liked having a bonus story at the end, even if others are upset it isn’t something new to them. I’m giving this 3 stars because there were a lot characters from previous books and I felt like they were welcome additons and fans of the series will be happy.