In a Nutshell: Adult Edition

In a Nutshell Reviews are my version of mini-reviews, because sometimes, you just want the highlights.

I Owe You One
Sophie Kinsella
Age/Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Women's Fiction
Publisher: Dial Press
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sophie Kinsella, an irresistible story of love and empowerment about a young woman with a complicated family, a handsome man who might be “the one,” and an IOU that changes everything

Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” But since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn’t take care of her father’s legacy, who will? It’s simply not in her nature to say no to people.

So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, Fixie not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. Turns out the computer’s owner is an investment manager. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, Sebastian scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. But Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?

Then Fixie’s childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie’s buttons. She wants nothing for herself—but she’d love Seb to give Ryan a job. And Seb agrees, until the tables are turned once more and a new series of IOUs between Seb and Fixie—from small favors to life-changing moments—ensues. Soon Fixie, Ms. Fixit for everyone else, is torn between her family and the life she really wants. Does she have the courage to take a stand? Will she finally grab the life, and love, she really wants?

This is my EIGHTEENTH Kinsella book. Obviously, I'm a fan, and I Owe You One had all those ingredients which keep me coming back. It was funny, charming, heartwarming, endearing, and everything I have grown to expect from a Sophie Kinsella book.

• Pro: Fixie was wonderful. She was sweet, kind, considerate, and fiercely loyal. I loved how she was rather selfless, even if she did make some decisions, that drove me bananas. She learned a lot, though, and the Fixie at the end of the book was better for the experience. 
• Pro: The idea of "owing" someone was explored in multiple ways with respect to friendship, romance, and family. Fixie's struggle with this and how it related family loyalty was interesting, and I really appreciated the way she questioned how it affected the family dynamic. 
• Pro: Seb was a great character. He and Fixie meshed so well together, and I shipped them quite hard. 
• Pro: As I expected, this book was packed with lots of fun antics and was downright hilarious at times. I absolutely let out some laughs, and there was a lot of grinning too. 
• Pro: There were quite a few beautiful moments in this book as well, and I really adored the way Kinsella let the characters evolve over the course of the story. I was extremely pleased with the way the relationship between Fixie and her siblings changed, and was proud of her for making those changes happen. 
• Pro: I actually had a lot of fun in the store. Kinsella packed it with some oddly fun characters, and they provided lots of amusement. 

Overall: An humorous and heartfelt story of a woman navigating family, romance, and professional life, which made me laugh out loud and smile from ear to ear.

Hired
Zoey Castile
Series: Happy Endings, #2
Age/Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Kensington
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Goodreads

For a man who makes his living pleasuring women, what happens when the only pay-out worth having is love?

Faith Abigail Charles has always done the right thing. So when her mother runs for mayor of New Orleans, Faith puts her law career on hold to help her win. But when tensions run high, Faith trades one kind of heat for another—in the arms of a hard-bodied stranger. He’s everything a woman dreams of in a lover. So much so that her one-night stand turns into two, then three, then four . . .

For Aiden Rios, meeting smart, sexy Faith feels like fate. After being ditched by his client in the Big Easy, the high-paid male escort needs a little company himself. Aiden knows he’ll have to come clean about his line of work, and he plans to—right after another taste of Faith’s sweetness—and another and another. . . . Until a chance meeting with his client leaves Aiden exposed—and Faith shocked and hurt. Now the hired hottie must show Faith that the love they share is bigger than the scandal threatening to destroy them . . .

Aiden's rules existed for protection. They were there to keep him and the other party from getting hurt. Meeting Faith was a game changer, because he was willing to break all his rules for her, and now Aiden could become the injured party.

• Pro: I always love seeing one of those "never me" heroes fall for the woman he didn't know he was looking for. Obviously it started as physical attraction, but it was easy, and wonderful, to see the bond slowly forming and growing between Faith and Aiden. This was a fabulous pairing, and I was rooting for them from the start. 
• Pro: I didn't expect them to make an appearance, but I was so happy the Mayhem family was back. Once again, they came to help one of their "brothers" find his HEA, and so, the bromance continues! 
• Pro: Castile did an awesome job taking us on a tour of Louisiana. It was fantastic that she took us off the beaten path. I have read many books set in New Orleans before, but Castile featured sites I have not "visited" before, and that was a special treat. 
• Pro: Call me nosy, but I loved learning Aiden's backstory. He by no means had it easy, but those trials really helped shape the best parts of him, and how can I not fall for a man, who loved his aunt and his mother that much? 
• Pro: The campaign storyline added an interesting layer to this story, and it was fun rooting for Faith's mom. 
• Pro: It was nice to see such a family focus in a contemporary romance. There were some really lovely moments all around between Faith and her family, Aiden and his family, as well as between the Mayhem brethren. Lots of warm fuzzies. 

Overall: A fun and sexy addition to the Happy Endings series, and I say, keep 'em coming.

** ARCs received in exchange for honest reviews.

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