Second Chance Girl: A Modern Fairy Tale Romance (Happily Inc Book 2)

My Review:I loved, loved, loved this book. OMG, such an unlikely couple, but they were so awesome together.Matthias is the resident man-whore. He's all about hooking up with all the bridesmaids in this book. In fact, the first scene where he interacts with Carol in the book he reeks of a bridesmaid's perfume. It's definitely not the typical start to a Susan Mallery book, but dang, it's good. Because from there Matthias and Carol move into friendship that oh so slowly and sweetly evolves into something with a hint at more. This is a slow build story. Matthias is the resident manwhore because he has issues...issues that hurt to read. He's been rejected...and that final rejection from his twin (gah...this whole story line KILLS ME...so, so good), left hard, lasting marks on Matthias's ability to put himself out there. He has no desire to be hurt by someone he loves ever again. So, he does everything he can to avoid love.On the other hand, there's Carol. She's the game-warden at her father and uncle's wildlife refuge. She works with large animals all day...it's not a glamorous or sexy job, but that's okay, she's never been a glamorous or sexy girl. Sure, she's attracted to Matthias...everyone is...he's gorgeous, but she's realistic about who she is and who Matthias is and who they are to one another. There's no way it will ever be anything, so it's fun to fantasize.At the heart of this story though is Millie, the lonely giraffe, who needs a herd. Because even giraffes need love in their lives. Carol's goal is to raise enough money to be able to buy and care for several more giraffes so Millie won't be sad. And that's where the art comes in...Matthias's art, his former twin brother Ronan's art, their father's art (ugh...I really can't deal with this character and I know that we're supposed to hate him, but omg, please let his wife or someone put him in his place...maybe Ronan's book...there better be a book coming for Ronan, PLEASE!). But anyway everyone brings art to be auctioned to raise money for Millie's herd.My favorite part of this book though was Matthias's art and the evolution of his creating his sculpture for Carol. For so long Matthias has denied that part of himself, because of his horrific father's narcissism and flat-out abuse that destroyed art for Matthias. I loved that he found that again. So many of those scenes where he was sketching and working to create the perfect Carol and Millie spoke to me...so much love shown just through that alone. I loved it.This was a fabulously fun, emotional book. There's also a really interesting subplot and romance for Violet, Carol's button selling sister and an English duke. Really all good fun!I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Second Chance Girl: A Modern Fairy Tale Romance (Happily Inc) is by Susan Mallery. This book is a great romance and the tale of saving animals. It takes place in Happily Inc where there are weddings nearly every day.Carol Lund has been busy with her animal reserve. With her Father and Uncle, she has managed to save several different species of animals. Her pride and joy is Millie, her giraffe. She wants to bring in more giraffes so Millie won’t be lonely. A lonely giraffe will not live long. Carol’s life is full; but living in a town known for weddings, she longs for a family of her own.Mathias Mitchell lives next door to Carol’s animal reserve. He spends his time of a morning watching Carol feed Millie. He feels the need to create a statue of Millie out of glass and has been trying. However, he has worked with glass in the form of plates, etc. for so long that he can’t seem to get the effect he wants in glass. However, for once, he keeps trying. He used to work in glass until his Father broke all of his work. Since then, he hasn’t tried until now. Also, his “twin” and he found out they weren’t twins but half-brothers. Mathias’ mother took Ronan in as her son and the two were brought up as twins. Now, Ronan is running from everyone. The two moved to Happily Inc together but now Ronan found a house in the hills and stays there most of the time. Mathias and their brother Nick work together in a shop here in town. Their other two brothers are not artists. Mathias decides to help Carol fundraise to bring new giraffes into the reserve and pay for them. Will they raise enough money to bring the giraffes in? What will happen when their Father comes to town and starts to cut down their work as usual. Will it ruin the fundraiser? Will Mathias ever see past his own past to find love?

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.

Carol runs the Happily, Inc. animal preserve and has never been what one would call a “girly-girl”. Her goal is to get Millie, her lone giraffe, a herd; and although people are helping to fill her canisters, it’s just going too slowly.Matthias Mitchell is the son of a world class glass artist. Matthias has the gift, but his father squashed his “heart” so he uses his talents in other ways. But life has really been a struggle for Matthias the last few years. He has “lost” his “twin” brother Ronan and although they are close in proximity, the bond they shared growing up is gone.Carol and Matthias are neighbors and friends. Carol wants to help Matthias deal with his family issues and Matthias wants to help Carol raise the money for Millie’s herd. They begin spending more time together and the sparks begin to smolder. One night, Carol and Matthias “almost” seal the deal, and then things become awkward. Can they regain the comfort they once shared?

Couldn’t put it down, a fun read

Loved the book AND the series

Really enjoyed book

A terrific new series by this good author.

No one of my favorite books from Susan