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Happy Accidents: A Spicy Small Town Romance
When two high school nemeses become accidental roommates, endless quibbling ensues. As grief and loss bring them closer, will they have the strength to stay together?
Nine months after his dad’s death, Danny Callaghan is still grieving. He keeps busy running Handy Danny’s Workshop, helping out at his family’s restaurant, and giving away too much of his time for free. The last distraction he expects is Lacey Cherry, his best friend’s other best friend, aka his high school rival, to show up, literally, on his doorstep.
Lacey has been avoiding Starling Hills since high school, but she’s back home after her grandma’s death. She desperately needs somewhere to stay while she ties up loose ends, and it can’t be the house she grew up in. Lucky for her, there’s an open room at her best friend’s house. It just so happens that her know-it-all nemesis, Daniel, also lives there.
They haven’t seen each other in over ten years. They are adults now. They can be civil… right?
As if living in the same house isn’t bad enough, Danny and Lacey start running into each other all over Starling Hills. Their quibbling escalates to a fever pitch, until Danny—handyman extraordinaire—offers to help Lacey get her grandma’s house in shape to sell it.
Working together for once, Danny and Lacey begin to see different sides of each other, complete with fireworks that are impossible to ignore.
Are these happy accidents enough to keep Lacey in the town she’s been running from? Are they enough for Danny to ask her to stay?
Happy Accidents is the second novel in an interconnected series set in Starling Hills, Michigan.
Happy Accidents contains explicit sexual content and sensitive topics. Content warnings can be found in the first pages of the book.
Nine months after his dad’s death, Danny Callaghan is still grieving. He keeps busy running Handy Danny’s Workshop, helping out at his family’s restaurant, and giving away too much of his time for free. The last distraction he expects is Lacey Cherry, his best friend’s other best friend, aka his high school rival, to show up, literally, on his doorstep.
Lacey has been avoiding Starling Hills since high school, but she’s back home after her grandma’s death. She desperately needs somewhere to stay while she ties up loose ends, and it can’t be the house she grew up in. Lucky for her, there’s an open room at her best friend’s house. It just so happens that her know-it-all nemesis, Daniel, also lives there.
They haven’t seen each other in over ten years. They are adults now. They can be civil… right?
As if living in the same house isn’t bad enough, Danny and Lacey start running into each other all over Starling Hills. Their quibbling escalates to a fever pitch, until Danny—handyman extraordinaire—offers to help Lacey get her grandma’s house in shape to sell it.
Working together for once, Danny and Lacey begin to see different sides of each other, complete with fireworks that are impossible to ignore.
Are these happy accidents enough to keep Lacey in the town she’s been running from? Are they enough for Danny to ask her to stay?
Happy Accidents is the second novel in an interconnected series set in Starling Hills, Michigan.
Happy Accidents contains explicit sexual content and sensitive topics. Content warnings can be found in the first pages of the book.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2023
32 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Alaina Rose
6 books41 followersAlaina lives in Michigan with her spouse and grumpy cat, Gary. She self-publishes angsty & sexy romance novels.
find me, my newsletter, & more on Instagram, @alainarosebooks
find me, my newsletter, & more on Instagram, @alainarosebooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 9, 2023
If you like the competitive relationship between Devi and Ben in "Never Have I Ever" but wanted to see them just get over their damn selves and hook up a lot sooner, you'll love Happy Accidents.
Happy Accidents is the second book in the connected but independent Starling Hills series from Alaina Rose. Maybe I just resonated with Lacey and Danny's story more, but I enjoyed this even more than the first book in the series (Relative Fiction). Supporting characters jump off the page, each feeling imbued with life and motivations of their own, even if they just appear for a couple chapters, making this a universe I'm already looking forward to visiting again in the future.
As for our main couple, one of my biggest frustrations with a lot of contemporary romance is that 90% of the issues could be resolved if the main characters just talked to each other about their feelings. I was delighted to find that HA doesn't fall into this trap. Danny and Lacey do open up to each other -- to each of their own surprise -- but that doesn't mean that all the issues and complications just magically disappear. These are well-written characters with depth, working through real issues like grief, trauma, and anxiety, but in a way that still allows for wonderful moments of friendship, levity, and of course love.
Speaking of love, Alaina Rose has a knack for writing sex scenes that are both steamy as hell and totally devoid of porn-y cheese. Consent is explicit and enthusiastically given, partners are communicative, and characters think and speak like real people.
All of this adds up to make a book I know I'll revisit as a comfort read often in the future.
(This review courtesy of an ARC in exchange for an honest review; review also shared on other sites.)
Happy Accidents is the second book in the connected but independent Starling Hills series from Alaina Rose. Maybe I just resonated with Lacey and Danny's story more, but I enjoyed this even more than the first book in the series (Relative Fiction). Supporting characters jump off the page, each feeling imbued with life and motivations of their own, even if they just appear for a couple chapters, making this a universe I'm already looking forward to visiting again in the future.
As for our main couple, one of my biggest frustrations with a lot of contemporary romance is that 90% of the issues could be resolved if the main characters just talked to each other about their feelings. I was delighted to find that HA doesn't fall into this trap. Danny and Lacey do open up to each other -- to each of their own surprise -- but that doesn't mean that all the issues and complications just magically disappear. These are well-written characters with depth, working through real issues like grief, trauma, and anxiety, but in a way that still allows for wonderful moments of friendship, levity, and of course love.
Speaking of love, Alaina Rose has a knack for writing sex scenes that are both steamy as hell and totally devoid of porn-y cheese. Consent is explicit and enthusiastically given, partners are communicative, and characters think and speak like real people.
All of this adds up to make a book I know I'll revisit as a comfort read often in the future.
(This review courtesy of an ARC in exchange for an honest review; review also shared on other sites.)
July 8, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ I received an arc of this book for exchange of an honest review.
After finishing this book I felt like I was wrapped up in a weighted blanket. I connected with this book on such a mental and emotional level.
Danny and Lacey are enemies, but share a best friend. Lacey is back in town after the death of her Grammy. She has to work on cleaning up the house she grew up in to get it ready to sell. Danny is the handyman around town. He always keeps himself busy with work to help keep his demons at bay. If he’s busy, he can’t think about his Dad. So he even agrees to helping his childhood enemy.
Danny Callaghan. His struggle of being the middle child and never feeling good enough, or feeling like he hasn’t done enough for his family. The way he feels out of place, even with his family… it hit me so hard.
Lacey Cherry. After a less than loving childhood, she’s always on the move, but deep down she just wants a place to call home. Someone to call hers.
Danny and Cherry balance out each other. They start out as enemies, but they soon find themselves leaning on each other for more. They are each other’s missing piece.
🛠️ Enemies to Lovers
🛠️ Grief Group Counseling
🛠️ Roommates
🛠️ Amazing Banter
🛠️ Grey Sweatpants
🛠️ Handyman (who is good with his fingers in more than one way)
After finishing this book I felt like I was wrapped up in a weighted blanket. I connected with this book on such a mental and emotional level.
Danny and Lacey are enemies, but share a best friend. Lacey is back in town after the death of her Grammy. She has to work on cleaning up the house she grew up in to get it ready to sell. Danny is the handyman around town. He always keeps himself busy with work to help keep his demons at bay. If he’s busy, he can’t think about his Dad. So he even agrees to helping his childhood enemy.
Danny Callaghan. His struggle of being the middle child and never feeling good enough, or feeling like he hasn’t done enough for his family. The way he feels out of place, even with his family… it hit me so hard.
Lacey Cherry. After a less than loving childhood, she’s always on the move, but deep down she just wants a place to call home. Someone to call hers.
Danny and Cherry balance out each other. They start out as enemies, but they soon find themselves leaning on each other for more. They are each other’s missing piece.
🛠️ Enemies to Lovers
🛠️ Grief Group Counseling
🛠️ Roommates
🛠️ Amazing Banter
🛠️ Grey Sweatpants
🛠️ Handyman (who is good with his fingers in more than one way)
July 18, 2023
Happy pub day to Happy Accidents, another sweet Starling Hills romance from Alaina Rose! This is the sequel to her debut, Relative Fiction, which I also loved.
Happy Accidents is the story of the middle son, Danny, who is chronically trying to be everything to everyone and avoiding dealing with grief. Lacey is his high school rival who needs his help cleaning out the house she inherited from her emotionally unavailable grandma. Can they get along now that they’re adults living under the same roof (and both Taylor Swift fans)? Yes, yes they can. 😏
I think Alaina does a great job making her characters feel like real people. She doesn’t shy away from giving them very painful life circumstances, but that makes the process of healing and finding love that much more meaningful and sweet. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading about more Starling Hills folks in the future!
Thank you to the author for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
Happy Accidents is the story of the middle son, Danny, who is chronically trying to be everything to everyone and avoiding dealing with grief. Lacey is his high school rival who needs his help cleaning out the house she inherited from her emotionally unavailable grandma. Can they get along now that they’re adults living under the same roof (and both Taylor Swift fans)? Yes, yes they can. 😏
I think Alaina does a great job making her characters feel like real people. She doesn’t shy away from giving them very painful life circumstances, but that makes the process of healing and finding love that much more meaningful and sweet. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading about more Starling Hills folks in the future!
Thank you to the author for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2023
As Taylor Swift once said "Shivers. Everywhere, my whole body."
I've been trying to get it together and write a cohesive, comprehensive review of this book for two days, and still all my mind can think is AKSJFGDKJGSDKLNGFDSKLKFDJDFJK so we're just gonna go with it.
Welcome back to Starling Hills, where the summer air is hot and the sexual tension is even hotter.
Lacey and Danny are each other's best friend's best friend, and they've never quite gotten along. Alaina calls them 'quibblers', and it's the perfect description. They're not enemies, but they're not besties either. Now the three of them are living in a house together while Lacey cleans up and tries to sell the house she inherited from her grammy.
The banter between Danny and Lacey is on point right off the bat. From the second you meet these two, you can feel the tension that's been brewing since they were younger, and then how they start to form feelings for each other. Right away you're rooting for them and waiting for the dam to burst. It's magical.
Alaina also just writes so beautifully.
"They lived in a daydream, hazy with the heat of summer. Sweet and iridescent as soap bubbles."
^ I mean, that gave me butterflies, my dudes.
Guys I really think Alaina crawled into my head and put my deepest thoughts and feelings into Danny and Lacey...like it was eerie how many similarities I had with both of these characters. Mild child syndrome? Check. Crappy parents? Check. An inexplicable need to seek love and affection from the one person who never gave a crap about you? Check.
There was a point where Lacey was drinking red wine and doing a face mask. I kid you not, I was drinking red wine and doing a face mask as I read it.
All in all, this book is just perfect small town vibes, mental health representation, grief, loss, friendship, spice, UGH it's so good.
I can't form thoughts. It's just so good. Read it!!!
Song- Lover
I've been trying to get it together and write a cohesive, comprehensive review of this book for two days, and still all my mind can think is AKSJFGDKJGSDKLNGFDSKLKFDJDFJK so we're just gonna go with it.
Welcome back to Starling Hills, where the summer air is hot and the sexual tension is even hotter.
Lacey and Danny are each other's best friend's best friend, and they've never quite gotten along. Alaina calls them 'quibblers', and it's the perfect description. They're not enemies, but they're not besties either. Now the three of them are living in a house together while Lacey cleans up and tries to sell the house she inherited from her grammy.
The banter between Danny and Lacey is on point right off the bat. From the second you meet these two, you can feel the tension that's been brewing since they were younger, and then how they start to form feelings for each other. Right away you're rooting for them and waiting for the dam to burst. It's magical.
Alaina also just writes so beautifully.
"They lived in a daydream, hazy with the heat of summer. Sweet and iridescent as soap bubbles."
^ I mean, that gave me butterflies, my dudes.
Guys I really think Alaina crawled into my head and put my deepest thoughts and feelings into Danny and Lacey...like it was eerie how many similarities I had with both of these characters. Mild child syndrome? Check. Crappy parents? Check. An inexplicable need to seek love and affection from the one person who never gave a crap about you? Check.
There was a point where Lacey was drinking red wine and doing a face mask. I kid you not, I was drinking red wine and doing a face mask as I read it.
All in all, this book is just perfect small town vibes, mental health representation, grief, loss, friendship, spice, UGH it's so good.
I can't form thoughts. It's just so good. Read it!!!
Song- Lover
June 27, 2023
Another wonderfully sweet book by Alaina Rose!! This little town and cast of characters that she’s created makes me so happy. I can’t wait to see what else she writes, if not just to see where Julia and Thomas, and Danny and Lacey end up!
This was so soft and sweet, and like the last it had so much depth. There was so much denial, grieving and healing. They both have been through so much. Danny is still heavily grieving his father, and it’s not helping that his siblings are seemingly moving in with so much ease that he can’t even imagine. He’s also struggling to find a balance with everything he has going on. and Lacey is in town clearing out her grandmothers house, which holds no good memories for her. Not to mention she is still trying to heal from the hell her mother put her through throughout her childhood. I loved the growth and the work they were putting in and by the end even though everything wasn’t solved, it was still moving in the right direction.
But it was also has so much happy. Danny and Lacey together was so perfect! They made each other feel safe, loved, and cared for. And they were SO GOOD together. There was TENSION. Their banter was amazing. Being in a long term stand off about who is truly Cam’s best friend makes the banter flow so easily between the two of them. Then they started spending time together…and they realized they actually liked each other??? It was just so good!! It was such a good balance between the good, the bad, and the steamy!!
I love the friendships that both Danny and Lacey have with Cam. Each friendship is SO important to them, and every time they interact it’s clear that they really are absolutely best friends. And I HOPE we can get a book for Cam, I would quite literally love nothing more.
Thank so you much to Alaina Rose for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I am so happy to be here, and I can’t wait to see what else she does!!
This was so soft and sweet, and like the last it had so much depth. There was so much denial, grieving and healing. They both have been through so much. Danny is still heavily grieving his father, and it’s not helping that his siblings are seemingly moving in with so much ease that he can’t even imagine. He’s also struggling to find a balance with everything he has going on. and Lacey is in town clearing out her grandmothers house, which holds no good memories for her. Not to mention she is still trying to heal from the hell her mother put her through throughout her childhood. I loved the growth and the work they were putting in and by the end even though everything wasn’t solved, it was still moving in the right direction.
But it was also has so much happy. Danny and Lacey together was so perfect! They made each other feel safe, loved, and cared for. And they were SO GOOD together. There was TENSION. Their banter was amazing. Being in a long term stand off about who is truly Cam’s best friend makes the banter flow so easily between the two of them. Then they started spending time together…and they realized they actually liked each other??? It was just so good!! It was such a good balance between the good, the bad, and the steamy!!
I love the friendships that both Danny and Lacey have with Cam. Each friendship is SO important to them, and every time they interact it’s clear that they really are absolutely best friends. And I HOPE we can get a book for Cam, I would quite literally love nothing more.
Thank so you much to Alaina Rose for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I am so happy to be here, and I can’t wait to see what else she does!!
July 13, 2023
🎇Small town
🎆Summer vibes
🎇Taylor Swift references
🎆Tension and banter
🎇Enemies to lovers
🎆Processing grief and family trauma
🎇Dual POV
This was my second time visiting Starling Hills and this visit was just as sweet and emotional as the last.
This story follows Lacey and Danny as they try to work through their personal baggage. Danny is still working through the loss of his Dad, and as the middle child he feels like he is not enough or he is often not seen. Lacey is navigating her family trauma from her childhood that has led her to doubt her worthiness and her ability to be loved by anyone.
Initially, their relationship began with a rivalry. However, as circumstances repeatedly bring them together, they gradually come to realize that they are each other's greatest source of support. This fosters the growth of a kind, caring, and loving relationship between them.
I just wanted to hug them and I couldn't help but root for their happiness, Alaina's writing is compassionate as she dives into heavy topics such as grief and emotional trauma. This was a perfect summer read, had me craving iced coffee every time I picked it up.
I highly recommend you check out Relative Fiction prior to reading this one.
Thank you so much Alaina for this ARC, I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Startling Hills... maybe Ari's story?? With a Christmas setting? 🫣💕💕
🎆Summer vibes
🎇Taylor Swift references
🎆Tension and banter
🎇Enemies to lovers
🎆Processing grief and family trauma
🎇Dual POV
This was my second time visiting Starling Hills and this visit was just as sweet and emotional as the last.
This story follows Lacey and Danny as they try to work through their personal baggage. Danny is still working through the loss of his Dad, and as the middle child he feels like he is not enough or he is often not seen. Lacey is navigating her family trauma from her childhood that has led her to doubt her worthiness and her ability to be loved by anyone.
Initially, their relationship began with a rivalry. However, as circumstances repeatedly bring them together, they gradually come to realize that they are each other's greatest source of support. This fosters the growth of a kind, caring, and loving relationship between them.
I just wanted to hug them and I couldn't help but root for their happiness, Alaina's writing is compassionate as she dives into heavy topics such as grief and emotional trauma. This was a perfect summer read, had me craving iced coffee every time I picked it up.
I highly recommend you check out Relative Fiction prior to reading this one.
Thank you so much Alaina for this ARC, I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Startling Hills... maybe Ari's story?? With a Christmas setting? 🫣💕💕
August 1, 2023
*Arc review*
Happy Accidents by Alaina Rose is the second in the Starling Hills series.
This book focuses on Lacey and Danny who have best friend, Camden, in common but they've never gotten on, constantly sniping at one another and trying to rile each other up.
There's so much banter between Danny and Lacey. The tension has been brewing for years and it's about to boil over. After all, theres a fine line between love and hate.
I loved the back and forth jibes between Lacey & Danny, the sarcasm and their mutual love for Taylor Swift! On the surface this might seem like just another small town romance but I felt it had a lot of depth to it. Both of the main characters felt like real people going through real experiences. The themes of grief and feeling both overwhelmed and lost that run throughout kept the whole book very grounded. The story was sad and had weight to it but, for me, it ultimately felt hopeful. I found that I admired Danny's strength in dealing with so much and Lacey's determination to move forward with her life.
I love the setting of Starling Hills and the only tiny criticism I have is that there wasn't more of it! It makes sense that the majority of the story takes place in two houses but I'd love to explore the town and it's characters more.
✨️Enemies to Lovers
✨️Grief
✨️Roommates
✨️Open Door
✨️Swifties
Happy Accidents by Alaina Rose is the second in the Starling Hills series.
This book focuses on Lacey and Danny who have best friend, Camden, in common but they've never gotten on, constantly sniping at one another and trying to rile each other up.
There's so much banter between Danny and Lacey. The tension has been brewing for years and it's about to boil over. After all, theres a fine line between love and hate.
I loved the back and forth jibes between Lacey & Danny, the sarcasm and their mutual love for Taylor Swift! On the surface this might seem like just another small town romance but I felt it had a lot of depth to it. Both of the main characters felt like real people going through real experiences. The themes of grief and feeling both overwhelmed and lost that run throughout kept the whole book very grounded. The story was sad and had weight to it but, for me, it ultimately felt hopeful. I found that I admired Danny's strength in dealing with so much and Lacey's determination to move forward with her life.
I love the setting of Starling Hills and the only tiny criticism I have is that there wasn't more of it! It makes sense that the majority of the story takes place in two houses but I'd love to explore the town and it's characters more.
✨️Enemies to Lovers
✨️Grief
✨️Roommates
✨️Open Door
✨️Swifties
June 21, 2023
🥰 Danny & Lacey 🥰
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Things I loved 👇🏼
✨3rd Person/Dual POV
✨Interconnecting stand alone - Danny is Thomas’ brother from “Relative Fiction”
✨ Funny side characters - I loved Cam’s quick wit
✨ Last names as nicknames 🍒
✨ IMMACULATE spice 🐱👅
✨ Swiftie references
✨ An unexpected 3rd act plot twist
✨ Caretaking trope
✨ Exploration of processing grief
Favorite quotes 👇🏼
“Some days it felt ridiculous to have that dream, especially in this economy. It felt like such an unattainable, millennial thing to wish for.”
- awkward relatable laugher 😬
“He wanted to comfort her but that wasn’t the kind of relationship they had.”
- 😭
“They lived in a daydream, hazy with the heat of summer.“
- ughhhh I love this
“She just wants me to be careful with you.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry, I will be.”
A wide grin took over her face as she savored the feeling of being cared for.
- ... my heart is MUSH
“A kaleidoscope of butterflies took off in her stomach.”
- this is beautiful
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Things I loved 👇🏼
✨3rd Person/Dual POV
✨Interconnecting stand alone - Danny is Thomas’ brother from “Relative Fiction”
✨ Funny side characters - I loved Cam’s quick wit
✨ Last names as nicknames 🍒
✨ IMMACULATE spice 🐱👅
✨ Swiftie references
✨ An unexpected 3rd act plot twist
✨ Caretaking trope
✨ Exploration of processing grief
Favorite quotes 👇🏼
“Some days it felt ridiculous to have that dream, especially in this economy. It felt like such an unattainable, millennial thing to wish for.”
- awkward relatable laugher 😬
“He wanted to comfort her but that wasn’t the kind of relationship they had.”
- 😭
“They lived in a daydream, hazy with the heat of summer.“
- ughhhh I love this
“She just wants me to be careful with you.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry, I will be.”
A wide grin took over her face as she savored the feeling of being cared for.
- ... my heart is MUSH
“A kaleidoscope of butterflies took off in her stomach.”
- this is beautiful
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
I was really happy to read one of Alaina's books for the first time! I really love a series that ties different characters together in the same universe and gives them their own HEA. And I'm a sucker for an enemies to lovers! I thought this book was thoughtful and intentional for its deft handling of some really heavy and important topics, like grief, mental health, and complicated family relationships.
The romance, however, didn't quite do it for me. It's likely just personal preference, but I need more of a slow burn build up for the actual getting-together to feel authentic and satisfying. I just wasn't buying into Lacey and Danny's romance and because of that, the book fell a bit flat for me. I was also uncomfortable with some of the descriptions used in the intimate scenes and that turned me off.
This book unfortunately didn't work out for me, but I applaud Alaina and will definitely keep tabs on what she writes next! I know it'll find its right audience.
A thank you to Alaina and BookSirens for the early review copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
The romance, however, didn't quite do it for me. It's likely just personal preference, but I need more of a slow burn build up for the actual getting-together to feel authentic and satisfying. I just wasn't buying into Lacey and Danny's romance and because of that, the book fell a bit flat for me. I was also uncomfortable with some of the descriptions used in the intimate scenes and that turned me off.
This book unfortunately didn't work out for me, but I applaud Alaina and will definitely keep tabs on what she writes next! I know it'll find its right audience.
A thank you to Alaina and BookSirens for the early review copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
July 29, 2023
Happy Accident
By Alaina Rose
3⭐️ 2.5🌶️
This enemies to lovers HEA, with a bit of forced proximity. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for me honest review.
This was a well written book. The characters were well written. The world they live in was easily imaginable. And the tropes were good and sensitive topics were handled… well sensitively. But I do however feel they the relationship between Lacey and Danny felt rushed. After the initial meeting and the basic introductions were made and their reactions to each other wore off, it seemed full speed ahead. Really inauthentic even for a fast paced read. I personally would have liked to see their relationship develop more before they were together. This to me would have made such a great slow-burn because of the tension between them and the enemies to Lovers trope could have been accentuated a little better.
Overall this was a really good book the characters were lovable, it was easy to read and follow but ultimately wasn’t a book for me.
By Alaina Rose
3⭐️ 2.5🌶️
This enemies to lovers HEA, with a bit of forced proximity. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for me honest review.
This was a well written book. The characters were well written. The world they live in was easily imaginable. And the tropes were good and sensitive topics were handled… well sensitively. But I do however feel they the relationship between Lacey and Danny felt rushed. After the initial meeting and the basic introductions were made and their reactions to each other wore off, it seemed full speed ahead. Really inauthentic even for a fast paced read. I personally would have liked to see their relationship develop more before they were together. This to me would have made such a great slow-burn because of the tension between them and the enemies to Lovers trope could have been accentuated a little better.
Overall this was a really good book the characters were lovable, it was easy to read and follow but ultimately wasn’t a book for me.
July 10, 2023
A beautiful summer romance read that warmed my heart!
Happy Accidents had me in my feels right from the start. The main characters, Danny and Lacy, are easy to fall in love with and even easier to root for. But what makes this book special is that author Alaina Rose doesn't shy away from tackling real-life issues such as grief and abandonment, but handles them with such gentleness and compassion. A favorite quote of mine:
"...Dad often spent hours at a time watching Danny work with a mug of steaming black coffee. He didn't do that much toward the end, but Danny liked to think that the lingering coffee smell was from all the time Dad spent here."
The push and pull between Lacey and Danny is so much fun and such a nice slow burn but still had me saying "just kiss already!!" several times while reading. And the spice? Nothing hits quite like a praise kink for me, and Alaina Rose knocks that out of the park.
Happy Accidents had me in my feels right from the start. The main characters, Danny and Lacy, are easy to fall in love with and even easier to root for. But what makes this book special is that author Alaina Rose doesn't shy away from tackling real-life issues such as grief and abandonment, but handles them with such gentleness and compassion. A favorite quote of mine:
"...Dad often spent hours at a time watching Danny work with a mug of steaming black coffee. He didn't do that much toward the end, but Danny liked to think that the lingering coffee smell was from all the time Dad spent here."
The push and pull between Lacey and Danny is so much fun and such a nice slow burn but still had me saying "just kiss already!!" several times while reading. And the spice? Nothing hits quite like a praise kink for me, and Alaina Rose knocks that out of the park.
July 9, 2023
Loving this new romance from indie author Alaina Rose. Lacey and Danny are both wrestling with their own challenges and demons - Danny working through grief following the death of his father and Lacey her abandonment fears and toxic childhood. They are both prickly and anxious and Alaina deftly draws us into their world in Starling Hills.
This is small town romance, steamy, but with pining and low key angst. Mental health representation is positive and consistent, it's also sex and size positive, and the dirty talk is all about praise - love that!
There's kindness and caretaking, even with all the snarky banter. Watching them learn to give in to their feelings was so satisfying.
Thoroughly recommended!
Thank you so much Alaina for the beta read and the ARC. Opinions are my own.
This is small town romance, steamy, but with pining and low key angst. Mental health representation is positive and consistent, it's also sex and size positive, and the dirty talk is all about praise - love that!
There's kindness and caretaking, even with all the snarky banter. Watching them learn to give in to their feelings was so satisfying.
Thoroughly recommended!
Thank you so much Alaina for the beta read and the ARC. Opinions are my own.
July 13, 2023
Two rivals who are connected because of a common best friend is not a story I ever thought I would read ❤️
Lacey is back in the small town after her Grammy passes away so that she could deal with the house left behind. This house holds all the mixed memories for her.
Daniel is dealing with loss of his father and demons of his own creations in the way he knows best.
When Lacey and Daniel are forced to play housemates for the sake of their best friend Camden they know they have to act adults.
Conversations happen and they realise there is something more than the rivalry from school. (Ben & Devi)
Read this book if you like
Hate to love
Closed Proximity
Grief and growing up
Being called Nick names
No third act breakup
I loved this book and I am glad I spent time in reading the first book of this series because I could connect to this story more 🥹🤌🏼
Lacey is back in the small town after her Grammy passes away so that she could deal with the house left behind. This house holds all the mixed memories for her.
Daniel is dealing with loss of his father and demons of his own creations in the way he knows best.
When Lacey and Daniel are forced to play housemates for the sake of their best friend Camden they know they have to act adults.
Conversations happen and they realise there is something more than the rivalry from school. (Ben & Devi)
Read this book if you like
Hate to love
Closed Proximity
Grief and growing up
Being called Nick names
No third act breakup
I loved this book and I am glad I spent time in reading the first book of this series because I could connect to this story more 🥹🤌🏼
August 21, 2023
Alaina has done it again and crafted another beautiful, emotional, Starling Hills love story.
I absolutely loved Happy Accidents. Danny and Lacey are both such complex and well-rounded characters, and their personal journeys play just as important a role in the story as their romantic one does.
Their romance happens really naturally and they don’t lose the spark they have at the beginning when they don’t like each other, once they become friends and later more. (And trust me—the more is VERY good.)
This is a perfect, summery, read that will have you laughing, crying, and blushing.
I can’t wait for book three!
I was lucky enough to beta read an early copy of Happy Accidents, but all opinions are my own!
I absolutely loved Happy Accidents. Danny and Lacey are both such complex and well-rounded characters, and their personal journeys play just as important a role in the story as their romantic one does.
Their romance happens really naturally and they don’t lose the spark they have at the beginning when they don’t like each other, once they become friends and later more. (And trust me—the more is VERY good.)
This is a perfect, summery, read that will have you laughing, crying, and blushing.
I can’t wait for book three!
I was lucky enough to beta read an early copy of Happy Accidents, but all opinions are my own!
July 21, 2023
This book was a perfect second book in a series! I loved the dynamic between the main characters, and who doesn’t love a forced proximity trope. I loved this book just as much as the first and it’s clear to see that Alaina has true talent. I read this book over about a week due to a very busy personal life, but I honestly could have read it in one sitting. I can’t wait to see what else Alaina brings out! Definitely an automatic reader for her books now :)
Thank you to Alaina for sending me a free copy. This review is left voluntarily:)
Thank you to Alaina for sending me a free copy. This review is left voluntarily:)
June 15, 2025
I loved how this book could easily be a stand alone if you hadn't read the first one but I like how the previous characters are in this one too. Lacey and Danny had been friends in school but were also rivals. Feelings were mixed when they become roommates years later. Both end up going to same grief program and their relationship changes as they help each other. Smiled but also shed some tears as some family situations I could relate to. I definitely recommend and continuing with next book in series.
June 29, 2023
After reading Relative Fiction and now Happy Accidents, I have found myself wishing Starling Hills was a real place! I'd love to visit Folklore, the local bookstore and coffee shop, and then make my way to Callaghan's Coney Island for lunch (and hopefully run into one of the handsome Callaghan men), and then grab a cocktail at Salt Cellar distillery.
Besides the charming town, Happy Accidents also had so many other great things. The tension, banter, and spice between Danny and Lacey was amazing. Both their backstories gave them so much depth and took the story beyond a love story to also a very real human story.
Also, the side characters were the best. I wish Cam could be my best friend! The Taylor Swift references were great and I like how much music played a role throughout the story.
Overall, I would highly recommend this one!! I can't wait to see what comes next for these characters and Starling Hills!
Besides the charming town, Happy Accidents also had so many other great things. The tension, banter, and spice between Danny and Lacey was amazing. Both their backstories gave them so much depth and took the story beyond a love story to also a very real human story.
Also, the side characters were the best. I wish Cam could be my best friend! The Taylor Swift references were great and I like how much music played a role throughout the story.
Overall, I would highly recommend this one!! I can't wait to see what comes next for these characters and Starling Hills!
August 23, 2024
These two really got me in my feelings
Danny and Lacey are absolutely perfect for each other. I love how they healed each other, balanced each other, and pushed each other.
This was truly one of those books where the couple brings out the best in each other, which is my favorite kind.
Can’t wait to read the next in this series!
Danny and Lacey are absolutely perfect for each other. I love how they healed each other, balanced each other, and pushed each other.
This was truly one of those books where the couple brings out the best in each other, which is my favorite kind.
Can’t wait to read the next in this series!
July 19, 2023
This book was adorable while still being very real and dealing with hard topics? It’s great. I loved Danny and Lacey. You get to know them separately in their own minds first and then see their relationship grow.
I really appreciated their communication in this book. There were times in was worried things would turn out differently or something bad would happen but they both learn how to open up to each other and they act their age by communicating effectively.
This is a fantastic book!
I really appreciated their communication in this book. There were times in was worried things would turn out differently or something bad would happen but they both learn how to open up to each other and they act their age by communicating effectively.
This is a fantastic book!
December 28, 2023
It is a beautiful story about falling in love and dealing with the loss of a loved one. The characters felt real and well rounded. Danny and Lacey are good couple, all the tension and their amazing banter. I loved seeing them falling in love.
July 11, 2023
I want to thank Alaina for letting me be apart of the ARC team and being able to read this before release day.
This was such a cute fun read and I enjoyed it so much.
This was such a cute fun read and I enjoyed it so much.
Read
July 12, 2023rtc
January 27, 2024
2.75⭐️
July 10, 2023
I absolutely loved this!! This is a rivals to lovers, “your best friend is my best friend but WE could never be friends”, small town romance. I loved how balanced these characters were in that they were realistic and mature enough to be like okay yes this happened when we were 14 but also kept it fun and compelling enough for them to still have feelings/tension about it all.
I loved how respectful they were of each other. It was that perfect balance of “enemies” banter but with neither one ever wanting to take it too far and also they had such beautiful respect for each other in their own grief journeys. Therapy normalized yay!! Also, the spice was wonderful.
Thank you SO much to Alaina Rose for this ARC. I really enjoyed it, all opinions are my own.
I loved how respectful they were of each other. It was that perfect balance of “enemies” banter but with neither one ever wanting to take it too far and also they had such beautiful respect for each other in their own grief journeys. Therapy normalized yay!! Also, the spice was wonderful.
Thank you SO much to Alaina Rose for this ARC. I really enjoyed it, all opinions are my own.
July 12, 2023
Happy Accidents is the second book in the Starling Hills series but can be read as a standalone. This book focuses on Danny and Lacey’s story. I loved Thomas and Julia’s story, but I enjoyed learning more about Danny in this book. I couldn't stop smiling from all of Danny and Lacey’s banter. Their chemistry throughout the book is top-tier. Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. Happy Accidents is easily one of my favorite books so far this year, and I recommend you read this book!
Thank you to Alaina Rose for an early copy of Happy Accidents! All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Alaina Rose for an early copy of Happy Accidents! All opinions are my own.
November 2, 2023
"No, that can't be right. They weren't flirting. They were just...quibbling. Business as usual."
Business as usual in this second installment of Starling Hills is the journey from arguing to allying to adoring. Danny Callaghan, still mourning his dad's passing from cancer, is the quintessential middle child. He gives far too much of himself to his family and to his neighbors, losing himself in the process. One of the only things that tethers him to himself is his time with his best friend/roommate, Cam.
His best friend's other best friend, Lacey Cherry, never wanted to return to Starling Hills but comes back after her grandmother's passing. Left her granny's house, the very place she was left as a kid by her alcoholic mother, Lacey wants to clean it up and sell it so she can get out of town and away from her unhappy memories. In need of a place to stay, she turns to her best friend Cam for an extra room.
Quibbling is the best word for Lacey and Danny because they never truly feel like enemies or rivals, just people who tend to rile each other up. The heat is palpable between the two of them with fully developed chemistry; it doesn't ever feel haphazard or thrown together. Perhaps what is best here is the discussion of grief and the different forms it can take. Danny mourns his favorite person and confidant, and Lacey mourns the person who was never kind to her. Yet in grief, they find solace in each other.
Home renovations have become a mainstay in romance, but the addition of discussing grief makes it feel very fresh and real. Like I said, nothing feels haphazard. Everything has its place for a reason, and Lacey and Danny's place are with each other.
I have not read Relative Fiction, but you can definitely understand and enjoy this book without it. Lacey and Danny are full and rich and deep just on their own.
Come for: the trope of "we share a best friend but we are NOT friends"
Stay for: nice discussions on support groups, the face sitting (in more ways than one), and all the steam
Business as usual in this second installment of Starling Hills is the journey from arguing to allying to adoring. Danny Callaghan, still mourning his dad's passing from cancer, is the quintessential middle child. He gives far too much of himself to his family and to his neighbors, losing himself in the process. One of the only things that tethers him to himself is his time with his best friend/roommate, Cam.
His best friend's other best friend, Lacey Cherry, never wanted to return to Starling Hills but comes back after her grandmother's passing. Left her granny's house, the very place she was left as a kid by her alcoholic mother, Lacey wants to clean it up and sell it so she can get out of town and away from her unhappy memories. In need of a place to stay, she turns to her best friend Cam for an extra room.
Quibbling is the best word for Lacey and Danny because they never truly feel like enemies or rivals, just people who tend to rile each other up. The heat is palpable between the two of them with fully developed chemistry; it doesn't ever feel haphazard or thrown together. Perhaps what is best here is the discussion of grief and the different forms it can take. Danny mourns his favorite person and confidant, and Lacey mourns the person who was never kind to her. Yet in grief, they find solace in each other.
Home renovations have become a mainstay in romance, but the addition of discussing grief makes it feel very fresh and real. Like I said, nothing feels haphazard. Everything has its place for a reason, and Lacey and Danny's place are with each other.
I have not read Relative Fiction, but you can definitely understand and enjoy this book without it. Lacey and Danny are full and rich and deep just on their own.
Come for: the trope of "we share a best friend but we are NOT friends"
Stay for: nice discussions on support groups, the face sitting (in more ways than one), and all the steam
January 2, 2024
Danny has never gotten over the death of his father and that Danny was not at home when his father found out about his cancer diagnosis. Danny likes to keep busy to keep his mind off these worries. He tries to be everything to his family to seek forgiveness. Then his best friend, housemate and landlord takes on a new housemate, his all time rival, Lacey Cherry. Danny has not seen Lacey for years and she has really grown into her curves. Curves that now haunt his dreams.
Lacey has returned to town to sell her grandmother’s house. Lacey was left the house when Grammy’s lawyer could not find Lacey’s mum. Surprise, surprise! Lacey’s mum was never around. At least only rarely after Lacey was about 9 and Lacey was left with Grammy. Lacey could not wait to get out of Starling Hills after she finished highschool, and now she was back, but when did Danny grow up to be so hot??
How will Lacey cope with all the memories at Grammy’s house? Will her mother ever turn up again? When things turn difficult who will Lacey call? And will Danny be able to convince Lacey to hang around?
This was great! I loved this book! I loved the characters and their baggage. I also loved how they grew through their trauma and found each other. The small town setting was gorgeous. I loved the spice and the writing. I hope there will be more in this series.
Big thanks to Alaina and Book Sirens for this ARC but this is my honest review!
Lacey has returned to town to sell her grandmother’s house. Lacey was left the house when Grammy’s lawyer could not find Lacey’s mum. Surprise, surprise! Lacey’s mum was never around. At least only rarely after Lacey was about 9 and Lacey was left with Grammy. Lacey could not wait to get out of Starling Hills after she finished highschool, and now she was back, but when did Danny grow up to be so hot??
How will Lacey cope with all the memories at Grammy’s house? Will her mother ever turn up again? When things turn difficult who will Lacey call? And will Danny be able to convince Lacey to hang around?
This was great! I loved this book! I loved the characters and their baggage. I also loved how they grew through their trauma and found each other. The small town setting was gorgeous. I loved the spice and the writing. I hope there will be more in this series.
Big thanks to Alaina and Book Sirens for this ARC but this is my honest review!
July 12, 2023
Everything about HAPPY ACCIDENTS is a complete joy! It has the most fun and vivid summer atmosphere. There are fluffy, sweet moments as well as steamy, angsty ones. This book does not disappoint. My favorite part about Alaina Rose’s writing is the authenticity and sincerity she brings to her characters. This book is second in the STARLING HILLS series, but can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Danny and Lacey jump off the page and sparks FLY.
Danny and Lacey jump off the page and sparks FLY.
October 6, 2023
Happy Accident was a happy accidental find for me
I found this book through Skye Kilaen’s newsletter. Alaina Rose is a new to me author and I’m happy that I loved Happy Accidents. :) Both main characters are dealing with grief, but in Danny’s case he loved his dad whereas Lacey had an uneasy relationship with her grandmother. I love how they formed a bond with each other through this shared grief but also through supporting each other.
I found this book through Skye Kilaen’s newsletter. Alaina Rose is a new to me author and I’m happy that I loved Happy Accidents. :) Both main characters are dealing with grief, but in Danny’s case he loved his dad whereas Lacey had an uneasy relationship with her grandmother. I love how they formed a bond with each other through this shared grief but also through supporting each other.
July 3, 2023
Hello to Danny and Lacey, two wonderfully flawed and dynamic humans whom I now love dearly!! This book screams SUMMERTIME in the best way. Happy Accidents is beautifully written and super spicy with woven themes of showing up for the people you love and processing grief in healthy ways. A delightful, memorable millennial love story
And that carnival scene?? So good. Gah!!!
And that carnival scene?? So good. Gah!!!
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