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. … 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…
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Walker is the one who takes care of her family. She puts her family first, herself last. Then she helps someone left behind at her family’s bar. It may be something out of the ordinary for her, but she is a good person. Why is everyone so shocked?
Mason is excited to get along with someone who does not know who he is. His secret is safe, and the chemistry is hot! Until they get to know one another better, and time is running out to tell her the secret he has kept close to his chest.
This was so much more than I thought looking at the cover. Cute cover though, and I do love me the kitties. What I found was a story with so much to it I could not put it down! I loved the heat, the banter, the characters and more. I really will be reading this author again soon.
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review, by Netgalley and its publishers.
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.
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.
Abso-freaking-lutely adorable!
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… 😀
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is my first by this author and it has interested me to find out about her other books. This is a great read that had lots of angst, the mystery of secrets, the plea for forgiveness, humor (loved Father Romance), family and heart. While Mason and Walker had chemistry, the story had very little steam for those who like to keep the mystery. I had to have tissues handy for some scenes. While the cover is cute, I don’t think it fully embraced the essence of the story. Recommend this read!
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
This was a cute story. I have to admit, it didn’t grab my attention right off. Things I liked: quirky characters, the Knitty Kitty and the cats names, the names of the sisters, family was important, easy to read, funny non-swear words,, Mason’s sweet gestures, easy writing style. What I didn’t like: swear words, jumping into bed/casual viewpoint, Main Character-Walker jumped to lots of conclusions and didn’t wait for the full story.
All-in-all I did enjoy the book, it just took me a little time to get into it. Thanks to NeGalley for the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest review.
I totally enjoyed Walker and Mason’s story in Mismatched and Mayhem by L.E. Rico, book four of her Whiskey Sisters series. It was so much fun being back in Mayhem, Minnesota, visiting all the town characters. The four O’Halloran or whiskey sisters, Father Romance, Knitty Kitty, the cat owners, the pie shop, etc. Ms. Rico created a small town I definitely want to live in. Walker has been focused on no longer being the “wild-child.” Her life revolves around bartending at her family’s pub, babysitting her niece and nephews, and finishing her degree during the day, at the local college; never dating. Then he walks into her bar. It sounds cliché, but it happened. There he was, Mason Stevens, looking like Mr. Perfect, needing a ride back to campus after being left behind by his friends. Walker agreed to drive him home, but that was all. I mean, there in northern Minnesota Ubers and Taxi weren’t exactly hanging on every corner. Mason shied away from dating and Walker is the first person in forever he wanted; plus, her grouchy attitude was a major challenge and turn on to him. Mason brought out feelings that Walker thought she had buried after the death of her father. After losing her trust, Mason needs to figure out how to repair his relationship with Walker and prove she’s the one, and only, for him.
Ms. Rico wrote a wonderful and funny story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sexual chemistry, humor, and endearing characters giving Walker and Mason a chance at love as well as Walker a chance to forgive herself, after the death of her father. There are lots of laughs in this story and a family who loves each other, no matter what. I highly recommend Mismatched and Mayhem to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Thank you to Entangked, NetGalley and Rockstar 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!
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.)
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.
I was so excited to see that Walker was finally getting a book! She’s the “bad girl” of the family and I couldn’t wait to see who she ended up with (she’s had some real awful guys in her past!). I enjoyed watching her & Mason try to deal with their attraction. Each interaction between them had butterflies in my stomach and I had to see what happened next!! It was such a great book!
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.
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
If you haven’t read this series you are truly missing out! Every time I read a book in this series I fall in love with it all over again. Not gonna lie that kitten on the cover would have made me read this one regardless of loving the series or not. I’m a sucker for cats. I loved Mason and Walker. Mason gets major romance points in this book. I want a Mason in my life. Mayhem I want to visit there myself and visit the Knitty Kitty. I also loved catching up with Walker’s sisters and their HEAs. Makes me happy to see them. I loved Mason’s family as well especially Emmett. The epilogue was the perfect touch and for Mason and Walker’s relationship so well like a puzzle. I can’t recommend this one enough!!
Walker finds her match in Mason!
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.
3.75/5
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.
This is an amazing story that really touched my heart. Even though Emmett is not the main character he was my favorite. The story deals with Autism, and alcohol dependency in a realistic way. The author made the characters lovable despite all their imperfections. It also deals with depression all while telling a fun and impactful story. Mason is a kind and loving person to his friends and family. Walker is an enigmatic character who is dealing badly with the loss of her father. Watching these two fall in love is amazing. Both are carrying baggage that has to be resolved before they can get their happy ever after.
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)
This is the 4th book in this phenomenal series and is Walker and Mason’s story. This is another well written story with an in-depth plot and has quirky characters. This story is entertaining, humorous, and emotional which had me totally captive throughout this addictive page turner. I highly recommend this gifted authors’ work for all readers.
A fun cozy romance set in Mayhem Minnesota. Walker O’Halloran works at her family’s bar and is trying to get her life on track and doesn’t want the complications of dating at the moment but fate has other ideas for her when Mason Stevens turns up at he bar one night. As they start to develop a relationship the paparazzi find him and his secret is out. It was a fast read with a great storyline kept my interest throughout. Will enjoy reading more of this authors books.
I love this series!
I always enjoy revisiting Mayhem.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Dual POVs
The humor
Part of a series: Whiskey Sisters
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading Bailey’s story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.