She was exactly the kind of womanhe knew he shouldn’t want… 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?
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A wonderful story of love, loss and learning to love again. I adore the spirit that Ivy possesses.
Looking forward to the last story in this trilogy.
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 Danny is looking for a new start after her husband passed away. She and her daughter, Dolly, is looking for a place to live. Farrell Stone is looking for a housekeeper/ cook. He hires her. He is a loner. Farrell knows that Ivy will change his life. He’s attracted to her. They have chemistry. Will the two of them let the chemistry take over? Will they learn to trust each other? They are confident about their feelings. Is Farrell still in love with his wife? Will he let Ivy and litter Dolly walk away? I loved this story. Janice Maynard did it again. Worth the read
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.
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?
I enjoyed reading this book so much! I couldn’t the book down until I finished reading it. I enjoyed reading about Ivy and Farrell journey to love! I enjoyed the storyline and the plot. I also enjoyed the sizzling hot chemistry that was between Ivy and Farrell. Such a fantastic book!
Great Book!
I’m loving this series! The 2nd book in the MEN OF STONE RIVER series is another hit.. I was totally absorbed in the characters and story.. The oldest of the three bothers, Farrell, needed a temporary assistant to reside in the secluded Maine wilderness. He got way more than an assistant with Ivy and her baby daughter. Enjoy the story of the widower and single mother who only wanted a working relationship.
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?
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.
Stone River Book 2 – Farrell
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.
Men of Stone River Trilogy Book 2: Another great Harlequin by Janice Maynard. This is the story of widower, Farrell Stone who is the creative brother of Stone River Outdoor Company. He needs to move his research and development to his remote home in Maine because it seems that some of his designs are getting into the hands of the competitors. While his focus is on his inventions, he needs someone to cook and clean so he hires Ivy Danby. Ivy is a widow herself with a daughter and needs a job. The two know each other from high school and have chemistry from the start. Farrell is getting over having loved and lost and opening up his heart again. Ivy is getting over her own difficult past. The characters are very likable and the story is sweet. A great afternoon read on a nice summer day. You will enjoy catching up with the other two Stone brothers and anticipate book 3 in July which is Zachary’s story.
Love this addition to the Stone River Men.
Both Farrell and Ivy are trying to overcome the past. Neither want to get in a new relationship but things spin out of their own control.
Can’t wait to see the last bachelor fall!
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.
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!
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!