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Harlequin Audio (2017), Edition: Unabridged Audiobook, Downloadable WMA/MP3 Audiofile, 8 hrs 9 mins
Description
Sculptor Nick Mitchell grew up in a family of artists and learned from his volatile father that passion only leads to pain. As he waits on a new commission, he takes a day job as a humble carpenter at a theme wedding venue. The job has its perks--mainly the venue's captivating owner, Pallas Saunders. Although he won't let love consume him, he's all in for ecstasy with an expiration date. Pallas adores Weddings in a Box. But if she can't turn the floundering business around, she'll have no choice but to cave to her domineering mother and trade taffeta for trust funds working at the family's bank. Then when a desperate bride begs Pallas for something completely out of the box, her irresistible new hire inspires her. Nick knows she doesn't belong behind a desk, and she knows in her heart that he's right--where she really belongs is in his arms.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Cherylk
This book was a nice start to this new series. I liked Pallas. Yet, she was more reserved in the beginning but by the end of the story, she had really opened up. Whereas, I was a fan of Nick's instantly. Although, it probably helped that he was willing to go with the flow even if that meant
Pallas business, Weddings in a Box was fun. The crazy ideas that her clients came up with were intriguing. Luckily, Pallas had her girlfriend squad to support her. They consisted of Carol, Violet, Natalie, Silver, and Wynn. These ladies were great. They brought the fun and when Pallas was with them I noticed she was more open.
Back to Nick and Pallas. I found the chemistry between them to be charming. Nick was considerate in the fact that he knew that Pallas needed to take it slowly even if her inner voice was screaming for fast. They were cute together. I am interested to check out the next book in this series.
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dressing like a Roman soldier complete with a fake tan and toga. Pallas business, Weddings in a Box was fun. The crazy ideas that her clients came up with were intriguing. Luckily, Pallas had her girlfriend squad to support her. They consisted of Carol, Violet, Natalie, Silver, and Wynn. These ladies were great. They brought the fun and when Pallas was with them I noticed she was more open.
Back to Nick and Pallas. I found the chemistry between them to be charming. Nick was considerate in the fact that he knew that Pallas needed to take it slowly even if her inner voice was screaming for fast. They were cute together. I am interested to check out the next book in this series.
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LibraryThing member beckymmoe
A sweet start to a new series!
Though the town's origin/purpose is unique, it's also a bit on the hokey side (come here and get married because of a fictional history...)--still, it (and the quirky cast of characters that inhabit it) will give Ms. Mallery a host of possibilities for future stories.
I loved the idea of Pallas's business--even more so once she shifted her focus slightly--and can't wait to see what future wedding challenges this series will offer!
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Though the town's origin/purpose is unique, it's also a bit on the hokey side (come here and get married because of a fictional history...)--still, it (and the quirky cast of characters that inhabit it) will give Ms. Mallery a host of possibilities for future stories.
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Nick and Pallas were a lot of fun--their "we can't be together" reasons weren't the best, but a good case was made for why they believed them. They were good together, though, even if the way they kept insisting that it was just temporary was a bit annoying. Knowing an HEA was coming made it easier to bear. ;)I loved the idea of Pallas's business--even more so once she shifted her focus slightly--and can't wait to see what future wedding challenges this series will offer!
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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LibraryThing member Conkie
Just could not make myself finish this book. It lacked tension, needed editing, and PLEASE, AUTHORS, do not fall into trap of using the same narrator for all of your books. They can get into a rut as easily as the author can.
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
I actually liked the character development of the heroine - standing up to her mother and finally putting up some boundaries. Overall the plotlines were a bit cliched.
LibraryThing member scoutmomskf
Terrific start to the new series. Happily Inc. is a small town on the edge of the desert in Southern California. Just as Fool's Gold is known for its festivals, Happily Inc. is a mecca for destination weddings. (I loved the explanation of how that happened.) Nick and his brothers, Ronan and
Pallas is the new and still stunned owner of the wedding business, which was left to her by a very good friend. Pallas has always expected to go to work for her mother at the family bank, which is why she got her degree in finance. But her relationship with her mother is strained, as Pallas has always felt that she has failed at earning her mother's love and respect. Libby constantly denigrates Pallas and her wedding business while putting pressure on her to work at the bank. Pallas can't quite bring herself to sell the business, as it calls to something inside her. She has given herself a few months to make a final decision, as she struggles to make the business a success.
The first meeting between Pallas and Nick had me laughing out loud. Pallas was short a soldier for a Roman-themed wedding when Nick arrived for his interview. When her first words are "I need you to take off your shirt," you know it is going to be a fun book. Nick is surprised but willing to play along. He's a little wary about taking the job after that, as playacting isn't his thing, but when he spots the incredible set of wooden panels that will be his project, he can't say no. I loved how he displayed his reverence for the workmanship and what it would mean to work on them. I think that Pallas probably started to fall for him then and there. There were certainly sparks of attraction between the two of them, but a relationship isn't in either's plans. Pallas believes that love only comes when it's earned, that it doesn't just happen. Nick flat-out doesn't do relationships. In his opinion, passion consumes and creates pain, thanks to the example shown by his parents. He refuses to allow himself to feel anything that deeply.
I loved the development of Nick and Pallas's relationship. It started slowly, more as friends, as Nick found himself drawn into the wedding planning activities. Pallas was frequently cautious and tentative at the beginning, without much confidence in her own creativity. I loved how Nick encouraged her by showing her how she could expand on her ideas. As they spent time together over wedding plans, the attraction between them continued to grow. I loved Nick's sensitivity as he waited for Pallas's mind to catch up with her desire, knowing that rushing things would be a mistake. I also enjoyed his protectiveness when he witnessed Libby's attitude toward Pallas. At the same time, Pallas is incredibly understanding about Nick's attitude toward love and passion. She doesn't agree with him and tells him so, but she also doesn't try to change his mind. I loved seeing how the two of them grew and changed over the time they were together, though none of it came easily. I cheered when Pallas made her final decision about the business and stood up to Libby. I wanted to shake Nick when he allowed his fears to come between him and Pallas. I cried when she told him "I love you. You don't have to love me back. I wish you would but if you don't, I'm going to be okay. I get it now. I get what loving someone is supposed to mean. It's a gift. You can accept it or not. That's up to you. It doesn't have to be earned and there's no time restriction. It just is. Whatever happens, whatever you decide to do, I hope you're happy. I hope you find what you're looking for." Nick's lightbulb moment was terrific and I loved that he didn't waste a moment finding her and telling her. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic and perfect for them.
As the first book in the series, there was a lot of time spent building the world of Happily Inc. Fortunately, Pallas's wedding business was the perfect vehicle to do so. Each of Pallas's friends is unique in character and profession. Carol is the one who runs the local animal preserve (zebras!). Violet, Silver, Wynn, and Natalie are also there for whatever Pallas needs, whether it's moral support and help pull together an awesome wedding. There was also Alan, who had been with the business since its beginning. He's a colorful character who always seems to know just what to do to avert a crisis. The business was a character in itself, and I loved the behind the scenes looks at the weddings. I also enjoyed watching it change and grow along with Pallas. The big gamer wedding was the event that showcased the talents and attitudes of all those involved. I liked seeing more of Mathias and Ronan and get more of what they are going through since their father's revelations. The tensions and attitudes are believable and left me ready to shake both of them, while at the same time I wanted to hug their hurts away. Pallas also had a fair amount of drama in her family, her mother being the largest instigator of said drama. Her grandpa Frank was a fun guy, and I liked it when he stood up for Pallas. The contrast between the way that her mother treated Pallas and how she treated her twin brother, Cade, made it even harder to like her. We only saw a little of Cade, but I liked what was there. I suspect That he will eventually get his own story. I liked Pallas's cousin Drew for his support of her, but he also has an unpleasant history with her friend Silver. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with them.
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Mathias, are recent transplants from their hometown of Fool's Gold. They were introduced in Thrill Me and Best of My Love, including the family drama that caused their departure. Nick is a successful artist who needs something to occupy his time while he waits to hear about a possible (probable?) overseas commission. So he answered an ad for a handyman at Weddings in a Box.Pallas is the new and still stunned owner of the wedding business, which was left to her by a very good friend. Pallas has always expected to go to work for her mother at the family bank, which is why she got her degree in finance. But her relationship with her mother is strained, as Pallas has always felt that she has failed at earning her mother's love and respect. Libby constantly denigrates Pallas and her wedding business while putting pressure on her to work at the bank. Pallas can't quite bring herself to sell the business, as it calls to something inside her. She has given herself a few months to make a final decision, as she struggles to make the business a success.
The first meeting between Pallas and Nick had me laughing out loud. Pallas was short a soldier for a Roman-themed wedding when Nick arrived for his interview. When her first words are "I need you to take off your shirt," you know it is going to be a fun book. Nick is surprised but willing to play along. He's a little wary about taking the job after that, as playacting isn't his thing, but when he spots the incredible set of wooden panels that will be his project, he can't say no. I loved how he displayed his reverence for the workmanship and what it would mean to work on them. I think that Pallas probably started to fall for him then and there. There were certainly sparks of attraction between the two of them, but a relationship isn't in either's plans. Pallas believes that love only comes when it's earned, that it doesn't just happen. Nick flat-out doesn't do relationships. In his opinion, passion consumes and creates pain, thanks to the example shown by his parents. He refuses to allow himself to feel anything that deeply.
I loved the development of Nick and Pallas's relationship. It started slowly, more as friends, as Nick found himself drawn into the wedding planning activities. Pallas was frequently cautious and tentative at the beginning, without much confidence in her own creativity. I loved how Nick encouraged her by showing her how she could expand on her ideas. As they spent time together over wedding plans, the attraction between them continued to grow. I loved Nick's sensitivity as he waited for Pallas's mind to catch up with her desire, knowing that rushing things would be a mistake. I also enjoyed his protectiveness when he witnessed Libby's attitude toward Pallas. At the same time, Pallas is incredibly understanding about Nick's attitude toward love and passion. She doesn't agree with him and tells him so, but she also doesn't try to change his mind. I loved seeing how the two of them grew and changed over the time they were together, though none of it came easily. I cheered when Pallas made her final decision about the business and stood up to Libby. I wanted to shake Nick when he allowed his fears to come between him and Pallas. I cried when she told him "I love you. You don't have to love me back. I wish you would but if you don't, I'm going to be okay. I get it now. I get what loving someone is supposed to mean. It's a gift. You can accept it or not. That's up to you. It doesn't have to be earned and there's no time restriction. It just is. Whatever happens, whatever you decide to do, I hope you're happy. I hope you find what you're looking for." Nick's lightbulb moment was terrific and I loved that he didn't waste a moment finding her and telling her. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic and perfect for them.
As the first book in the series, there was a lot of time spent building the world of Happily Inc. Fortunately, Pallas's wedding business was the perfect vehicle to do so. Each of Pallas's friends is unique in character and profession. Carol is the one who runs the local animal preserve (zebras!). Violet, Silver, Wynn, and Natalie are also there for whatever Pallas needs, whether it's moral support and help pull together an awesome wedding. There was also Alan, who had been with the business since its beginning. He's a colorful character who always seems to know just what to do to avert a crisis. The business was a character in itself, and I loved the behind the scenes looks at the weddings. I also enjoyed watching it change and grow along with Pallas. The big gamer wedding was the event that showcased the talents and attitudes of all those involved. I liked seeing more of Mathias and Ronan and get more of what they are going through since their father's revelations. The tensions and attitudes are believable and left me ready to shake both of them, while at the same time I wanted to hug their hurts away. Pallas also had a fair amount of drama in her family, her mother being the largest instigator of said drama. Her grandpa Frank was a fun guy, and I liked it when he stood up for Pallas. The contrast between the way that her mother treated Pallas and how she treated her twin brother, Cade, made it even harder to like her. We only saw a little of Cade, but I liked what was there. I suspect That he will eventually get his own story. I liked Pallas's cousin Drew for his support of her, but he also has an unpleasant history with her friend Silver. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with them.
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LibraryThing member marciablnc
A good read dealing with difficult relationships with parents.
LibraryThing member kbranfield
The first installment in Susan Mallery's new series, Happily Inc, You Say It First is a sweet yet sassy romance between a couple who are both carrying their fair share of emotional baggage.
Nick Mitchell is temporarily staying with his brothers, Ronan and Mathias, as he waits to hear if he has been
Pallas always planned to work in her family's bank but her life took a few surprising detours and she now owns a destination wedding business. Weddings in a Box is on somewhat shaky financial ground but with plenty of weddings booked for the next several months, she is hopeful she can turn things around. When her mother finally presents her with a long anticipated job offer, Pallas's reaction surprises both herself and her mom. She feels like she can never live up to her mother's expectations and she hates that she feels like she has to earn her mother's love. Because Pallas always falls short with her mother, she shies away from relationships since she does not want to feel pressured to earn a man's love. Since Nick is only going to be in town a short time, will Pallas decide to embark on a steamy no strings fling?
The romance between Pallas and Nick is slow growing and an absolute joy to watch unfold. Nick is honest with her right from the beginning that he is only interested in a short term relationship. Pallas is relieved there is no pressure on her to earn his approval or love, so there is a decided lack of conflict as they indulge in some steamy interludes. Outside of the bedroom, they are friends who work well together as they bounce ideas off each other after she is presented with an opportunity to stretch her creative wings for an upcoming wedding. Pallas grows both personally and professionally throughout their relationship but has Nick made any progress on conquering the demons that plague him?
You Say It First is a very heartwarming romance that is quite engaging. Nick and Pallas are brilliantly developed lead protagonists whose foibles and frailties that make them easy to relate to. The supporting cast of characters is somewhat quirky yet immensely appealing. Old and new fans of Susan Mallery will be absolutely delighted to immerse themselves in this first installment of the Happily Inc series.
Nick Mitchell is temporarily staying with his brothers, Ronan and Mathias, as he waits to hear if he has been
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selected to create a sculpture that will take him to Dubai for two years. Working as a part-time carpenter for Weddings in a Box owner Pallas Saunders sounds like the perfect way to fill his time while he waits. Growing up with his famous yet extremely temperamental artist father, Nick has decided passion is to be avoided at all costs so he resists romantic entanglements. However, since his time in town comes with an expiration date, will Nick give in to his unexpected attraction to Pallas?Pallas always planned to work in her family's bank but her life took a few surprising detours and she now owns a destination wedding business. Weddings in a Box is on somewhat shaky financial ground but with plenty of weddings booked for the next several months, she is hopeful she can turn things around. When her mother finally presents her with a long anticipated job offer, Pallas's reaction surprises both herself and her mom. She feels like she can never live up to her mother's expectations and she hates that she feels like she has to earn her mother's love. Because Pallas always falls short with her mother, she shies away from relationships since she does not want to feel pressured to earn a man's love. Since Nick is only going to be in town a short time, will Pallas decide to embark on a steamy no strings fling?
The romance between Pallas and Nick is slow growing and an absolute joy to watch unfold. Nick is honest with her right from the beginning that he is only interested in a short term relationship. Pallas is relieved there is no pressure on her to earn his approval or love, so there is a decided lack of conflict as they indulge in some steamy interludes. Outside of the bedroom, they are friends who work well together as they bounce ideas off each other after she is presented with an opportunity to stretch her creative wings for an upcoming wedding. Pallas grows both personally and professionally throughout their relationship but has Nick made any progress on conquering the demons that plague him?
You Say It First is a very heartwarming romance that is quite engaging. Nick and Pallas are brilliantly developed lead protagonists whose foibles and frailties that make them easy to relate to. The supporting cast of characters is somewhat quirky yet immensely appealing. Old and new fans of Susan Mallery will be absolutely delighted to immerse themselves in this first installment of the Happily Inc series.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2017-08-22