First I have to say I love several of the words Walker would say that brought a smile to my face. Her use of "Dude!" and her niece's nickname were awesome and captured the fun side of her. I really do need to read the two novellas in this series.

On to the story itself. I loved how Mason brought about these long lost feelings and desires in Walker. He made her come back to life, go for things she wanted, and to feel, not simply exist. Did he get himself in a whole heap of trouble that could have been avoided with communication, oh yeah! But he has a great heart with the best of intentions. The scenes he, and Walker, had with his brother Emmett were so heartwarming. I loved those the most. I am glad Walker and Mason got their happy ever after because they just really fit together.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

What I Loved: Walker, our main character, is amazing. I loved her personality and her attitude. She is definitely a shining star in this story.

How I Felt: I loved the characters in this book. I previous mentioned that I loved Walker’s character, but there are so many people to love in this story. Mason, Walker’s love interest, is so easy to fall for. Father Romance is adorable and I loved the interactions between Walker and him.

I was a little drawn out of the book with Mason’s family issues towards the end. I could have done without so much of that in the story. The remainder of the story line, was quite enjoyable. I liked that Mason has this secret and he’s trying to hard to keep it from Walker. It made just the right amount of drama without being stressful to read.

Overall: This is a fun, romantic read with good writing to make you laugh and sigh in delight.

To Read or Not To Read: Mismatched in Mayhem is the fourth book in the series Whiskey sisters. I had not previously read the earlier books in the series. While I understood everything that was happening in this book, I do think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I had read the first books. I would suggest that you read the earlier books before starting this one so that you get the most enjoyment out of it.

I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book for free. I am leaving my honest, unbiased review voluntarily.

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.

This book has light cursing (no f-bombs) and fade to black sex. If those things will cause you to leave a bad review, there's nothing to worry about here. This is part of a larger series but it totally stands alone. That said, you really should read the previous books in this series because they are amazing and they add a ton of backstory to this crazy town and the wonderful people who inhabit it.

The Mayhem series is one of my all time favorite romance series – all of the stories have so much to offer because they aren't your usual, formulaic stories. There is so much depth and so many layers to this story that I honestly didn't want to stop reading until I'd finished it.

Walker and Mason were wonderful. I loved the way that they developed their relationship so organically and so hesitantly. I adored Walker and her prickly, sassy, “take no crap” attitude, and the way that Mason just didn't care about that, he was determined to crack her crusty outer shell. Mason might have been a little misguided, but he was well-intentioned and I was rooting for him from the moment that he matched her sass-for-sass.

Although the main story is obviously the relationship between Walker and Mason and that is really great, the book has so many layers that incorporate the other characters that are such big parts of their lives. Father Romance was once again an amazing person and I loved everything he did to support Walker (I'm being vague on purpose because he is too good to be spoiled.) I also loved Emmet and, more importantly, the way that Walker “got” him rather than treating him as less than. My heart wanted to burst during their most important scene (again, being vague so as not to spoil) and I loved that Emmet, despite being so private, took to her so easily.

If you enjoy a book that will make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and wish that a fictional town was real, you have got to read this entire series, but especially this book. I will be so sad the day that we run out of O'Halloran sisters and have to leave the town of Mayhem.

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

This is such a sweet and romantic story. I absolutely loved it! Especially, both main characters are awesome. It's a must-read for all romance lovers.

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.

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 is a sweet romance with just enough quirk to keep fans of small town romances entertained without going over the top. Mayhem, Minnesota is a charming town with a semi-famous cat sweater store and a psychic who makes delicious pie, so for me it was impossible not to be drawn into the world L.E. Rico has created immediately – it was just too cute.

At the heart of Mismatched in Mayhem is the romance between bartender and pub manager Johnny Walker Black O’Halloran and grad student Mason Stevens. Mason grabbed my heart from the first and didn’t let go. He’s a total sweetheart and all-around good guy, so it was insanely easy to fall for him. The budding mineralogist has a huge heart, does his best to take care of the people he loves, and just wants someone who loves him for him. It’s not easy for him to find that because his mother is an incredibly famous actress. That’s why he’s immediately taken with Walker when she has no idea who he is. For me, Walker was the weak point in the book. She was once a wild child who now has gone to a totally different extreme since her father’s death. She has closed off a lot of her world, which I understood to an extent. It feels like I might be missing some information because I haven’t read the previous Whiskey Sisters books, so I didn’t totally understand why Walker tries so hard to push Mason away. I did like Walker’s relationship with her family and her friendship with Mason’s brother. It’s just her romance with Mason that didn’t always work for me. Mason is prom king level of perfect in looks and attitude, which is so not her type. But his charm and persistence make her want to give the guy a chance. There’s a lot of push-pull and I didn’t wholly understand why Mason was so determined to win over Walker, aside from the fact that she didn’t know his famous parents and the more important fact that the plot calls for it.

The romance between Walker and Mason has some fun and sweet moments, but the push-pull and manufactured drama you could see coming from a mile away wore on me at times. The dreaded “big misunderstanding” comes into play in this story and I freely admit that’s something I tend to loathe in stories unless it’s exceptionally well done, so those who aren’t so bothered by it may not be as turned off by this twist. I had an overall feeling best conveyed as “meh” toward the romance. It was fine, but there was just something missing that made me feel like Walker and Mason didn’t “click” as a couple. Opposites attracting is fun in theory, but the author really has to sell it for it to work and for me it didn’t in this case. Still, I enjoyed Walker’s personal journey and Mason was such a sweetheart that I still liked the book well enough. And Mayhem itself was so charming that I would definitely read another Whiskey Sisters book.

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.

I was thrilled to be back in Mayhem and having a chance to drop in on some of my favorite book characters of all time, the Whiskey sisters, Father Romance and the rest of the town folk. Happy to have Lauren back once again writing this hilarious, captivating and as always borderline nuts story!

We're back at O'Halloran's Pub with Walker front and center. Walker basically runs the pub, takes classes part time and has decided to try and shed her wild child image. Walker is carrying a lot more than just full time plus work and school. One night while closing the bar she does something very out of character and gives a stranded patron Mason, a ride home back to where he attends college. Even Walker wonders what possessed her to do such a thing. Mason is a great guy and rooms there with his brother. Honestly his brother half stole the story for me, I loved him. Mason ends up taking a liking to Walker and starts visiting the pub, gets roped into Trivia Night run by Father Romance and Walker can't help but start looking at Mason a little differently than the other guys. Of course her sisters are encouraging her, all the while she denies anything that's going on. Mason also has something he's not sharing because of who he is and who his family is. It's incredible to watch the relationship between these two unfold along with the relationship Walker develops with Mason's brother. There's so much push and pull between Mason and Walker. Mason encourages Walker to take a chance to further her education when an offer comes to her.
The story is so tightly woven and well written and once again I am totally in love with these characters and the shenanigans and love the people of Mayhem share. Lauren writes them so cleverly and perfect. Once again another winner from Lauren and an easy 5 star read. You won't want to miss this one. If you haven't read the other books in the series, treat yourself to these. They are the best.

arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review

What a fun town Mayhem is! I will definitely have to read about Walker's sisters in the previous 2 books.
Walker doesn't date. She works hard, studies hard and loves her family. That is until Mason walks into her family's bar. Or I should say when he is abandoned at the bar. Walker steps out of the norm and offers him a ride home. Mason is smitten from then on and tries to get Walker on a date.
Really enjoyed reading about Walker and Mason and the crazy small town of Mayhem. Mason's got a secret and he tries to tell Walker before she finds out the wrong way. Except Walker keeps telling him she doesn't want to talk about family. Just when they finally get going the secret is revealed.
Loved the banter between Walker and Mason, her family and his family as well.
This was a quick and enjoyable read.

Walker is one of four sisters who own and manage a bar in a tiny Minnesota town. One evening, she gives a ride to a man who is left at the bar by his friends, far from the local college campus where he is a grad student. This draws her into his world, consisting of geology and a younger brother who is a genius, not to mention his famous parents. A nice light romance set in a quirky town--I loved the side story of the cats and their sweaters, Hope there will be more books in this town!

4.25⭐
It's been a while since I last visited Mayhem, Minnesota and I have to say, I enjoyed my return a lot. As Mismatched in Mayhem was an entertaining, sweet and engaging tale. That captured my attention from the very beginning. Thanks in part to a perfectly paced storyline, but also because of the characters, who are truly an eclectic lot. And I loved the introduction of Emmett, an autistic character who was very believable and endearing.

And so, for me this really was a wonderfully comfortable and charming read. That I would happily recommend to others.

A well written romance. Great plot and setting. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review

Very cute read. The heroine was a tad annoying at times but I couldn't put the book down. Loved the ending!

This was a cute, quick read. I haven’t read any of the others in this series but it didn’t affect the way I read this book. I really enjoyed all of the characters and plot. Thank you to netgalley for the arc!

It isn't often that a book has me this alternating between laughing out loud and hard crying, but this book sure did.

I love Walker. She's prickly. She's caring unwarranted guilt, she's drifting a bit aimlessly in part due to the guilt. She's also smart, funny and caring. Just look at the way she is with her sister's kids and you'll know she loves and loves deeply.

Mason, sigh. He's got all the same good qualities as Walker. They really are perfect for each other. He's also determined enough, not to give up when Walker puts her walls up. Sadly, his baggage can be a show stopper and he worries too much that Walker will shut him down when she knows. As to be expected, the not telling her causes more issues that the baggage itself.

These two are both so amazing with Walker's brother. That's when you can really see how good they'll be as a couple.

The town of Mayhem is the source of a lot of the laughter. What a quirky set of characters live there. The conflict between Mason and Walker had me in tears. It was just heartbreaking.

This was my first Rico books but will not be the last! I'm pretty stingy with my 5 star reviews so I'll definitely be looking for more of this series and author.

A lovely return to the Whiskey sisters! I've read all this series, and thoroughly enjoyed every story about the O'Halloran sisters who run an Irish pub in a little town called Mayhem.

This time is the turn of Walker, who works in the bar, but whilst very friendly to the patrons tends to keep to herself on the romantic front, thinking she doesn't deserve happiness because of events that happened in the past.

But then in walks Mason, and there is definitely chemistry there. So much so that when his friends all mistakenly leave him behind after a night out Walker ends up giving him a lift home. He is the total opposite of the type of guy she would normally go for, but they just end up getting closer and closer. Of course there are glitches along the way with family issues, all Mason's 'family issues', and Walker's reticence to get involved, but eventually they work everything out.

If you haven't read any of this series I would highly recommend it, there's some great quirky characters in the town, including a pie shop run by psychic Lydia, and a cat sweater shop called the Knitty Kitty that caters to celebrities pets! Mad but so much fun, with deeper issues touched on too. Highly enjoyable.

4 - "I could get used to this pretending stuff…"

It’s been about a year since I last visited Mayhem and after binging the first three books in the series initially I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Walker’s story.

Snarky, snarly, and fiercely protective of her family, the ‘wild-child’ of the O’Halloran clan has started seeing things in her life a little differently lately, what with her sisters all settling down around her. So doing a good deed in giving Mason Stevens a lift home after his friends mistakenly leave him behind in the bar one night, causes an unexpected ripple effect in that it starts a relationship that Walker would never have expected to go as far as it does. Reason being is the all-American boy next door Mason is nothing like the type of loser, I mean guy she usually goes for. And as the ripples of their deepening connection spread out, it makes Walker question whether she should be broadening her horizons and you know, tasting other flavours of things in other areas of her life, and I’m not just talking about pie!

"You don’t get to choose who you fall for. It just… happens. No matter how much you want to undo it. No matter how hard you try to fight it…. That kind of attraction runs so deep that there is no way out-except to let it run it’s course."

I loved Mason, I loved his brother Emmet as much, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the familial and ex drama on Mason’s side especially in the second half of the story, but the book as a whole was a really enjoyable read. I love the town of Mayhem, it’s residents, Pastor Romance and the O’Halloran family in general. Lauren manages to keep things sexy without getting down to the actual nitty-gritty, and the humour in a lot of what happens keeps things from getting to heavy. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next book in the series.