I am enjoying this series very much. Second Chance Girl is the second book in the series. I really enjoyed being able to follow the characters from the first book. This book centers around Carol and Mathias. Sophie and Millie were delightful additions. I look forward to many more in this series.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.25 Hearts Welcome back to Happily Inc, California. A town only Susan Mallery could dream up and make you want to move there. As a fan of her Fool’s Gold series I grabbed this book and the first in the series and really enjoy learning the new town as well as the new characters.

We met Mathias in Fool’s Gold a while ago and now it is his turn to find is Happily Ever After. And to do that we meet Carol. Carol has lived in Happily Inc for a while now and this town is just not a normal town. It has an animal sanctuary near the recycle center/dump and Carol is the gamekeeper. Her latest addition is a giraffe named Millie. And the book wraps around Carol trying to get money to purchase more giraffes so Millie has a herd.

Mathias is love shy. After watching his parents relationship and then dealing with his un-twin brother pulling away he just can’t trust. But when he meets Carol he wants to.

There is also a background story of Carol’s sister Violet and Ulrich her teenage crush and current Duke. This background story was just as enjoyable.

This is another great trip to Happily Inc. Having read every single Fool’s Gold book reading this series was a no brainer. But it did take book one and some of book two to get into the feel of the new town. It is quirky and friendship/family based like Fool’s Gold. But then how can you go wrong with anything Mallery writes?

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Aww the second installment to this new Happily Inc series was really cute. It was kind of a friends to lover story with Carol and Mathias being neighbors and from there a close friendship was born and then finally the romance. Although it did take them a while to get romantically involved their story was more sweet and emotionally filled than the first book in the series. And as a bonus, there's a secondary love story in this book between Carol's sister, Violet and a duke! Yes, I did say a duke. Their first meeting was really fun and I loved how their relationship developed too. Overall a very swoony and lovely story that I found very enjoyable. Can't wait to read more about the Mitchell brothers and everyone else at Happily Inc.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book*

Having just read the first book in this series, I was anxious to get into the second book. I am hoping this series will continue. I love how she ties in the other characters from the first book, however Ms. Mallery does not dwell on the first book. Her characters in this book are lively and entertaining. I love the animal preserves part in this book and that Millie plays a major role both with Mathias/Carol and Violet /Ulrich. I am hoping there will be a third book and it will be about Ronan. I always find Ms. Mallery's books to be a happy, light hearted read and again she did not disappoint.

3.5 stars

I had no idea that this was a second book in a series. At first I was confused cause it jumped from the supposed to be main characters to another. I guess setting up the next book. I liked the setting of this. An animal preserve is always something I could get behind with a town named Happily Inc for destination weddings. The author like her town based stories with quirky characters it will be interesting to see where it goes.

Carol and Mathias are neighbors of sorts and friends. As gamekeeper to Happily Inc crushing on Mathias is not wise. Known as a womanizer and lover of the beautiful. He likes Carol but hesitant since he didn't have the best example of a good relationship growing up. But their friendship is a great foundation. Slowly unbeknownst to them it turned it to more if Mathias would give it a chance.

Like her old series with a community you always have multiple characters and Susan Mallery is known for building them up throughout which is evident here. With the secondary plot of the sister Violet and the duke Ulrich. With some Fool's good cameos and introduction to set up the next book character Ronan. I would have liked more of Carol and Mathias' story but it was a likable series start for me. I would still read the next.

This is book 2 in the series Happily Inc. Mathias is an artist that lives in this bridal destination town that has a world class animal reserve run by Carol. He is a love them and leave them type of guy and she's shy and feels unworthy of love. As they work together to find a few giraffes to make solitary Millie happy they discover love can blossom anywhere. Typical Susan Mallory, great story, great characters and exciting friends.

SECOND CHANCE GIRL is the second book in the Happily, Inc. series. This is a delightful story following the residents of a small town that caters to unusual destination weddings. In this book we get to know Carol Lund, who manages the local large-game animal preserve. Her newest acquisition is a giraffe named Millie. Carol is worried about Millie because she seems so lonely. Her efforts to raise money to buy a small herd of giraffe's for Millie are assisted by Mathias and his "twin" brother by having a benefit auction to sell works of art. Things heat up between Carol and Matthew as things go from friendship to so much more. But can things work out for these two after that one night of too much alcohol and no memory? No spoilers. You have to read this book to find out. And what happens when Matthew's horrid father arrives to attend Del's wedding?

In the meantime, Carol's sister Violet is accused of theft by none other than the Duke of Somerbrooke, Ulrich Sherwood, changing her fond childhood memory to a nightmare. But all that changes when Ulrich realizes his mistake and he begins to see Violet in a whole new light.

Susan Mallery has once again created some loveable and delightful characters in a town I wish really did exist. I'd be packing my bags to go there right now! Even the dog, Sophie, was adorable!

I was leery going into this one, mostly due to Mathias. In the first book we got to know him as the unrepentant man-whore seeking a new bridesmaid to spend a night with each weekend. And he was the hero of the book, how can I root for him? Of course it didn't help that we first meet him in this book as he runs across Carol coming home after one of his bridesmaid conquests, reeking of perfume. Even knowing all of this and seeing the aftermath, Carol still had a crush on Mathias, it made me pity her.

So color me surprised that by the end of the book I was rooting for these 2. Things didn't come easy, there was friendship to get past, not hard until booze reared it's ugly head causing some awkward moments. Then there was Mathias's family, which was the root for his issues. We first learned of the family's issues in the Fool's Gold series. I felt bad for the Mitchell boys. Their father was/is a POS, one that doesn't deserve the family he has. I liked that a couple of the boys called out the dad, sadly it didn't work, but hopefully let them feel better. I was really glad that by the end of the book Mathias didn't let his father stifle his art anymore, that he will do what he wants.

It was interesting how the more time that Mathias spent with Carol the more that he did for her. Small things at first, then bigger with her Millie campaign. It was fun to see how things came together there, to see how successful they were. I was glad that when Carol saw Mathias's secret art she realized what was going on and called him out on things.

The secondary romance was just as fun. From misunderstandings to seeing a girls dream come true, so great!

It will be fun to see what happens in town next.

This is a very sweet followup to the first Happily, Inc. book. In this one we get to know Carol, Violet, Matthias and his brothers and a mystery man. The main thing that I don't like in this new trend of each book in a series focusing on a different character is that we quickly lose touch with the friends we made in the last book, and that happens here. Since Carol's work is with the wild animal preserve and not in the wedding business, we see much less of her other friends than we would otherwise. All in all, it's a nice story with a happy ending, but I'm eager to get back to the wedding business in future books.

In this second book of the Happily Inc. Series, Mathias Matthews and Carol Lund are the featured couple. Matthias is the brother of the hero from the first book, and he turned up in it quite a bit in that book. Carol Lund is a gamekeeper on an animal preserve that is behind Mathias' new home. These two share a strong attraction, but then Mathias hurts Carol deeply. This man who formerly wanted no strings has to do what to do to win her trust again. We also get some romance for Carol's sister, Violet, in this one.

I enjoyed both the familiar and new characters in this book. The storyline kept me interested and entertained. I thought this was a quick and easy book to read, and feel that it is a good followup to the first book of the series.

Susan Mallery is becoming one of my go-to authors for contemporary romance. She writes fun, fresh, likable characters that I always root for! And I'm sucker for series - you won't be disappointed with Happily, Inc.

This is the second in Susan Mallery’s series on the unlikely town of Happily Inc, where the main business is hosting destination weddings. Somehow, I can’t picture that as the basis for a town in the California desert, but just roll with it. Mallery delights in unlikely, but lovable quirky little towns with original ways of being successful economically.

What is fun is that the lead characters have such unique occupations which are important plot elements in the book. In addition to wedding chapels, the house also features a wild animal gaming reserve built over a recycling nature reserve. One of the major plot points is the town trying to raise money for the lone giraffe at the animal reserve because, apparently, female giraffes get lonely if they aren’t a member of a herd.

The heroine, Carol, is in charge of the animals at the reserve and is very down on herself. She considers herself plain, a peahen, who is no one special. She has an internal monologue telling us this over and over. But she really, really wants more giraffes for her lone giraffe. On the other hand, the hero, Matthias, is a charming and sexy hunk. He’s had a reputation as a player who sleeps with a lot of bridesmaids who come into their little town of. We’re also told about how charming and sexy he is over and over. Yet, he’s attracted to Carol. But we don’t know why except that he has dreams about having sex with her. We get his POV, but never get his view of Carol’s looks. Is she really plain or does she just have an undeserved inferiority complex? She has a sister, Violet, who has her romantic story. Violet is described continually as beautiful and sexy. Late in the book, Carol is described as looking just like Violet. So that is our first hint that Carol totally doesn’t get her own looks. I didn’t like having that so uncertain until the book is almost over. Give us a description of what people look like.

Matthias is an artist using glass and is the son and brother of other Mallery characters. Since his father is a real SOB, he has his own problems feeling worthwhile and able to love. What these two people need to do is get over their own insecurities and have some confidence in themselves and each other. But if characters did that, there would be no romance novels so we have to wait for them to figure things out.

If you like Mallery’s books, and I do, you’ll enjoy this one. If you can’t suspend disbelief about the town and the presence of giraffes, gazelles, and zebras in a desert town, then you’re also not going to believe that a charming English duke will travel to the town in order to meet Carol’s sister who makes a living selling rare buttons. But what would be the fun of missing out on that subplot?

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in a spin off from the Fools Gold series. It is set in a wedding destination town, Happily Inc. The main story is about Carol Lund and her neighbor Mathias. Carol is the gamekeeper at her families preserve. Mathias is the son of a world famous artist. Mathias and his brothers have been brought up by an emotionally and sometimes physically abusive Father. They are all damaged emotionally in different ways. Mathias doesn't trust love, he has seen the damage it can do. The secondary story is about Carols sister Violet and Ulrich. Their first meeting doesn't go well when Ulrich accuses Violet of stealing from his Grandmother.

This is a romance so we know how the book is going to end. I liked most of the characters, except Mathias Father. There is nothing good that could be said about that man and the Mother is weak and has never stood up for her sons. I liked how the romances developed between the couples. I look forward to a book about Ronan. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy of this book.

In the first book in this series, we learned a lot about Mathias Mitchell. He's an artist, he sleeps with the numerous bridesmaids that come through their destination-wedding town, and he's entranced by his neighbor, Carol Lund. Well, it's just a flinch, but this is a romance series so we all know what's what.
Carol considers herself a peahen (which, thank god, she let go of after the three times it was mentioned in the first chapter. She's a gamekeeper in her family's recycling center/game preserve and she has a massive crush on Mathias. But they're friends and she doesn't want to ruin that. Plus, he only goes after peacocks (which is not a good analogy, especially for someone who knows animals).
For his part, Mathias is fascinated by Carol. And also more than a little hesitant. His parents have a ... strange relationship and he doesn't want to pull Carol into the maelstrom that is sure to result if he falls in love.
Mallery often twines love stories in her shorter series and stand-alones but she did it in this book as well, linking Carol's sister to a handsome duke.
There were moments that were a little too twee and we didn't get to see as much of Carol and Mathias because of the B plot but I am very much enjoying this series and am looking forward to Ronan's story

This book comes out September 26
Four stars

Lovely light romantic read from Susan Mallery. Thoroughly enjoyed this story.

<b>Bottom Line, Up Top</b> An enjoyable read that I highly recommend; is a pretty light and fun romance, with humor and chemistry. Secondary side romance distracted too much for my taste, but the main romance between Carol and Mathias is lovely, develops well, and has fun, sweet, and sexy times (what more can a girl ask for?!). Liked the complexity of the characters, most especially Mathias and all he’s going through with his family, you really feel for him; also appreciated Carol’s inner strength and her courage throughout, for putting herself out there. I look forward to seeing what kind of heroine is able to catch the eye of brooding and solitary Ronan …

<b>Basics.</b> Happily Inc, California desert, modern-day
Heroine: Carol Lund (28), runs the Happily Inc Animal Preserve
Hero: Mathias Mitchell (late-20s/early-30s), glass blower/artist
Period: majority of the story takes place over about a month
Secondary romance: yes (Carol’s sister Violet and Ulrich Sherwood, Duke of Somerbrooke)
Series: Happily Inc, #2; can be read as a stand-alone (linked to Mallery’s Fools Gold series)

Prior to this book, I’d only read two other Susan Mallery books: <i>Falling for Gracie</i> (4 stars; read in 2009 but still remember enjoying it) and <i>Sizzling</i> (3 stars; didn’t love). Was attracted to the plotline here, mostly because of the heroine—I’m very flexible when it comes to heroes, but for my leading ladies, I prefer the unusual, interesting ones to the model-gorgeous, sexy ones (not that those are mutually exclusive, but am painting with a broad brush here).

<b>Carol, Our Heroine.</b> Carol is super likable and one of those sweet, friendly, good-girl types. I liked that she was a bit of a tomboy, which is pretty unusual, and her occupation is definitely unique: she studied zoology in school and now takes care of the animals on the Happily Inc Animal Preserve, which include normally-wild animals like gazelles, zebras, and a giraffe. She is neighbors with Mathias and has had a crush on him for a while, but he’s a one-night-stand kind of guy, so she knows there’s nothing there; surprisingly, he normally goes for hot and sexy bridesmaids (I know, gasp), so she also doesn’t think she’s his type or that he even notices her in that way. She loves living in Happily Inc and what she does.

<b>Mathias, Our Hero.</b> Mathias is a glass artist and works in a studio with two of his four brothers (the other two don’t live in Happily Inc and aren’t glass artists). He’s kind of a love’em and leave’em guy, but not in a bad way; Happily Inc is a wedding destination and the whole town kind of revolves around the wedding industry, so he has some fun with whichever bridesmaid in town grabs his attention, and that’s it—they know the score going in and he’s not looking for anything permanent or more serious. He lives next door to Carol, who lives on the Animal Preserve, and so has a perfect view of it and the animals; there’s some funny back and forth teasing that goes on between the two of them about Carol’s “herd.” He really likes Carol and while she’s not normally his type, he has found himself increasingly attracted to her; she’s the one he turns to automatically for a lot of things and he has also been becoming more and more into her physically, with sexy dreams and all lol. He doesn’t want to jeopardize their friendship though, especially since he knows he’s not looking for anything permanent and she’s definitely the settle-down-with kind of gal.

<b>The Mitchell Family (and Heroes of Happily Inc Series).</b> Now as mentioned before, Mathias is a glass artist, and glass blowing is basically the family business, and his father is a super-famous glass artist—and also one of the biggest asshole fathers you will ever read in a romance!! Okay, HR books have some pretty bad ones where they want to kill their own daughters or bargain them away in a game of cards, but still—Ceallach is a horrid, horrid person and I was uncomfortable and nervous reading any of the scenes he was in. While Mathias’s two other artist brothers create art (Ronan does glass and N____ now mostly works in wood), Mathias only makes functional glass items, like vases, bowls, glassware, lighting, etc. He <i>used</i> to do glass art, and was actually the most talented among the bunch, but his father, being the dickhead that he is, basically shattered Mathias when he was 19; it’s a really sore spot and you really feel for him, it’s just heartbreaking and you want to slap his dad for the things he says and does. Another sore point is that Ronan, Mathias’s fraternal twin, is actually NOT his twin at all, but rather a half-brother from their dad’s long-time mistress (this isn’t a secret, is told at the beginning). Their dad revealed this to them 5 years ago with little fanfare, but it has <u>completely</u> (and unsurprisingly) changed the dynamic within the family. It especially changed things between Ronan and Mathias, with Ronan withdrawing more and more, which has been very challenging and hurtful for Mathias, because he doesn’t know what to do. Ronan is the one who left Fools Gold and moved to Happily Inc, and Mathias and N____ followed him.

<b>What I Liked.</b>
• The relationship between Carol and Mathias is lovely and I loved its development; has funny, sweet, and sexy times—is perfect! Numerous times Carol is the one to show a lot of emotional courage in terms of putting herself out there, and I loved it.
• With these types of setups, authors can easily do the whole things-left-unsaid ploy (over, and over, and OVER again), and while obviously you have a bit of that, it’s not angsty and doesn’t drag on, which I appreciated; yes, they’re both dumbasses at some points, especially Mathias (he’s a bit slappable (sp? lol) at one point, the dunderhead), but nothing too bad.
• AND, actually, for the first time (k, probably not the actual first), the hero had a totally believable reason for being wary of love! That’s such a common ploy used for heroes in all romances, and it makes sense if they’ve been cheated on, but other than that, authors usually rely on the stereotype of men being commitment-phobes. So: hats off to Mallery for making me able to understand and believe Mathias’s trepidation.
• Great supporting characters and side-relationships between the brothers, the lady friends, and the sisters (Carol and Violet).
• Sophie was HYSTERICAL and added some great and funny times—Sophie is Mathias’s mom’s dog and she asks him to dogsit her while she and their dad are traveling. She gets into all sorts of trouble and you gotta love watching Mathias start to develop a big soft spot for her.

<b>What I Did NOT Like.</b>
• I don’t mind secondary romances—it’s kind of a double-edged sword sometimes, because if it’s really good, you wish they had their own book, and if it’s bad, you wish it didn’t exist. In this instance, I didn’t mind it, but it was a <i>waaaaay</i> larger part of the story than is normal; at some times it was almost like two romances going on side-by-side. More attention and page-space is devoted to Carol and Matthias, no doubt, but Violet and Ulrich were too center-stage for me; I kept on feeling like I was being pulled away from what I really wanted to watch (Carol and Mathias) by this side-show movie going on that was distracting everything.
• I don’t understand the title. Maybe I missed something—clearly did—but it was an engaging book, it’s not like my mind was wandering while I was reading it …

<i>*This review is of an ARC provided by Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review</i>

Two romances in one story, this is the story of two sisters who meet the right men.

Pros- great character development and unusual aspects to the story.

Cons- two sisters with quite unusual careers was a little distracting. Carol's insecurity about herself was a little too heavy handed.

Susan Mallery clearly knows what she is doing when she writes her small town series. Second Chance Girl is the second book in the Happily Inc. series featuring the Mathias Mitchell. In the first book she built up the area and now in this book Mallery expands on what is already known with extra little tidbits well placed through out the story. I believe this is my favorite book so far in the series because of Carol's witty sense of humor and Mathias equally disarming charm. I can't wait for the next book in the series and hopefully. it won't be too long.

I love Mallery's Fool's Gold series, and the first two in Happily, Inc have stood up to that test.

This story focuses on one of the Mitchell brothers, Matthias, a transplant from Fool's Gold, and hometown girl Carol. Plenty of well-developed characters, visits from characters we've grown to love from other books, and lots of heartfelt moments are trade-marks that are evident in this book. I had a hard time putting it down, and cannot wait for the next installment.

Great second book in the new series. I enjoyed having two romances in one with the sisters each getting their own story. Susan's books are always charming and this book did not disappoint. My only wish was that we could have Ronan's story (one of the artist brothers from Fools Gold. He has that dark, brooding persona that is quite intriguing, .However, the love between Mathias and Carol was so touching. Just a great romance.