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Magnolia Ridge #2
Have a Heart
Is it wrong to strangle a man with his own tie?
I’m not thrilled to be working the same retail job I had in high school yet again at twenty-six. Hello, failure to launch! But to keep my handmade soap business afloat—and get out from under my reputation as a hot mess express—I need the temporary job.
Unfortunately, I’ll have to work with my boss’s starchy accountant son. Dean Irwin is usually stuck in his corporate office crunching numbers, but for some reason, he’s down on the sales floor with me. Worse, I have to train him.
His icy stares and better-than-you attitude remind me why I swore off ruthless businessmen years ago. I’ll just have to ignore how annoyingly attractive he is, and the way he makes my heart go haywire the longer we work together.
I only have two rules: don’t date coworkers, and don’t date guys in suits. It only ends in heartache.
Too bad Dean makes me want to break both those rules.
Have a Heart is a laugh out loud closed door romance with implied intimacy.
I’m not thrilled to be working the same retail job I had in high school yet again at twenty-six. Hello, failure to launch! But to keep my handmade soap business afloat—and get out from under my reputation as a hot mess express—I need the temporary job.
Unfortunately, I’ll have to work with my boss’s starchy accountant son. Dean Irwin is usually stuck in his corporate office crunching numbers, but for some reason, he’s down on the sales floor with me. Worse, I have to train him.
His icy stares and better-than-you attitude remind me why I swore off ruthless businessmen years ago. I’ll just have to ignore how annoyingly attractive he is, and the way he makes my heart go haywire the longer we work together.
I only have two rules: don’t date coworkers, and don’t date guys in suits. It only ends in heartache.
Too bad Dean makes me want to break both those rules.
Have a Heart is a laugh out loud closed door romance with implied intimacy.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
58 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Genny Carrick
15 books124 followersGenny Carrick is a sucker for an HEA, especially if there's a whole lot of laughter along the way. She writes romances and rom-coms about stubborn women and the men who fall for them.
When she's not lost in swoony reads, she's probably up to something crafty or trying to get her dog and two cats to love her.
Genny recently moved to Texas from the Pacific Northwest with her brilliant husband and two hilarious kids.
When she's not lost in swoony reads, she's probably up to something crafty or trying to get her dog and two cats to love her.
Genny recently moved to Texas from the Pacific Northwest with her brilliant husband and two hilarious kids.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 21, 2022
I loved this book and stayed up far too late reading it, while telling myself it would be just one more chapter... Eliza and Dean are a grumpy-sunshine pairing, but they're also far more complex than that. I related to both of them because like Dean I have been accused of being cold/heartless before, while like Eliza I am also the baby of the family and feel helpless at times. I loved reading about Eliza's soap-making business and watching Dean try to become more of a people-person. They were really good for each other and this was an adorable story! Thank you to the author for my ARC; all opinions are mine.
July 22, 2025
I liked this book more than the first book of this series. Felt like the end was a bit rushed but still enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
December 16, 2025
Came back to Magnolia Ridge and boy am I glad I did! We’re thrown into the trenches of all things Irwin Outdoors store and I’m here for it!
Eliza Webb is back working at Irwin’s again… she has worked there off/on since she was in high school, along with some other jobs. With her current solo venture not completely panning out like she hoped, the income is much appreciated. Eliza is attempting to launch her soap line, but on the wholesale side of things she struck out, so Farmer’s Market twice a week, isn’t quite enough to offset her costs. Being a natural at customer service, she is tasked to work with Dean on the sales floor of the outdoor outlet.
Dean Irwin knows the financials through and through of his parents’ business, but one thing he lacks is understanding the products and the customers. His dad challenges him to survive 4 weeks on the ground floor (literally) and if he is successful – the title of CFO is his! Unfortunately, the only thing that stands in his way (besides himself) is his trainer, Eliza. The perky ray of sunshine, that he sees as flighty amongst other things! Funny thing is there is way more to this woman than first appearances and his opinion of her evolves! Yay!
So, things don’t change overnight in this book, but nor would I want them too! I’m not usually one for a slow burn but this one was done right (and then some)! I did this as a buddy read and the laughs/emotions were aplenty! This was one of those stories that flips everything on its head and I’m beyond giddy! I love seeing cameos of those characters I have met already and previews of who’s to come! So much love for this writer and the worlds/characters she has created! Bravo Genny!
Eliza Webb is back working at Irwin’s again… she has worked there off/on since she was in high school, along with some other jobs. With her current solo venture not completely panning out like she hoped, the income is much appreciated. Eliza is attempting to launch her soap line, but on the wholesale side of things she struck out, so Farmer’s Market twice a week, isn’t quite enough to offset her costs. Being a natural at customer service, she is tasked to work with Dean on the sales floor of the outdoor outlet.
Dean Irwin knows the financials through and through of his parents’ business, but one thing he lacks is understanding the products and the customers. His dad challenges him to survive 4 weeks on the ground floor (literally) and if he is successful – the title of CFO is his! Unfortunately, the only thing that stands in his way (besides himself) is his trainer, Eliza. The perky ray of sunshine, that he sees as flighty amongst other things! Funny thing is there is way more to this woman than first appearances and his opinion of her evolves! Yay!
So, things don’t change overnight in this book, but nor would I want them too! I’m not usually one for a slow burn but this one was done right (and then some)! I did this as a buddy read and the laughs/emotions were aplenty! This was one of those stories that flips everything on its head and I’m beyond giddy! I love seeing cameos of those characters I have met already and previews of who’s to come! So much love for this writer and the worlds/characters she has created! Bravo Genny!
July 15, 2025
I liked this book more than I thought I would because I’m not a huge fan of business men either 😉
I liked Dean but I loved Eliza. She reminded me of myself in a lot of ways so I really connected to her. This book hit a lot of things for me on a personal level which is why I enjoyed it so much. I especially loved that we got so much time together with them as they were dating. I feel like most romance books you are building up to the relationship and then we never actually get to see much after. I liked that we spent time with them dating and seeing a few dates here and there. I appreciated the issues they each had within themselves and how they worked out their differences quickly.
I’d recommended this book if you want a funny and cute small town romance. I’m really enjoying this series so far and I can’t wait to continue.
NOTE ~ there is implied intimacy but I feel it was done in a classy way to where it wasn’t inappropriate or in your face. It was so subtle that you could almost miss it if you weren’t paying attention. (It did feel a bit unnecessary though, in my opinion)
I liked Dean but I loved Eliza. She reminded me of myself in a lot of ways so I really connected to her. This book hit a lot of things for me on a personal level which is why I enjoyed it so much. I especially loved that we got so much time together with them as they were dating. I feel like most romance books you are building up to the relationship and then we never actually get to see much after. I liked that we spent time with them dating and seeing a few dates here and there. I appreciated the issues they each had within themselves and how they worked out their differences quickly.
I’d recommended this book if you want a funny and cute small town romance. I’m really enjoying this series so far and I can’t wait to continue.
NOTE ~ there is implied intimacy but I feel it was done in a classy way to where it wasn’t inappropriate or in your face. It was so subtle that you could almost miss it if you weren’t paying attention. (It did feel a bit unnecessary though, in my opinion)
September 20, 2022
Eliza Webb has big dreams for her handmade soap business but until business picks up she is forced to go back to her retail job at the local outdoor gear store. She soon finds herself responsible for training the owner’s grumpy son in sales. Dean Irwin’s father wants him to learn more sides of the family business beyond his typical accounting work. From the start, Eliza and Dean are at odds, but the longer they spend together the more Eliza’s cheery disposition grows on Dean.
Have a Heart is the second book in the Magnolia Ridge series. This book is a sweet, swoony opposites-attract romance. While this is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand-alone. I do highly recommend reading book one, Say the Words, for additional context.
Eliza is such a relatable character. She has so much creative energy and she just wants to make her own way building her company but she’s stuck in the shadow of her successful sisters. You can’t help but cheer for her. Eliza and Dean balance each other nicely.
I did not know what to expect going into this book. The first book in the series has a western romance feel as it is set predominantly on a ranch. This book is more of a cozy, small town romance. Sometimes you’ll get a series where all the books seem the same with different characters but that is not the case here.
I’m really enjoying the Magnolia Ridge series so far. I can’t wait to see whose story we get next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have a Heart is the second book in the Magnolia Ridge series. This book is a sweet, swoony opposites-attract romance. While this is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand-alone. I do highly recommend reading book one, Say the Words, for additional context.
Eliza is such a relatable character. She has so much creative energy and she just wants to make her own way building her company but she’s stuck in the shadow of her successful sisters. You can’t help but cheer for her. Eliza and Dean balance each other nicely.
I did not know what to expect going into this book. The first book in the series has a western romance feel as it is set predominantly on a ranch. This book is more of a cozy, small town romance. Sometimes you’ll get a series where all the books seem the same with different characters but that is not the case here.
I’m really enjoying the Magnolia Ridge series so far. I can’t wait to see whose story we get next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 19, 2025
Synopsis:
Dean works as an accountant in the family business, and now he needs to prove his commitment by working in the sales department. Except Eliza, the one who has disliked him for ages, will train him side by side.
Includes:
✨Enemies to Friends to More
✨Opposites Attracts
✨Small Town
✨Take Care when Sick
✨Secret Tattoo
✨Workplace Romance
🌶️Heat Level:
Closed Door
Innuendo
Language
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥🔥🔥
My Opinion:
This one was a very fun 'opposites attracts' romance. Dean needs to learn how to live, and Eliza is a free spirit who wants to get her life together. I really like the writing, their banter and chemistry. I’ve related a lot to Eliza’s struggles, and I wouldn’t mind a rich man wanting to help me with my small business lol. I've also loved their character growth and how their conflicts don’t take long to resolve. Their romance was swoony and cute, and I recommend it.
TW:
Dean works as an accountant in the family business, and now he needs to prove his commitment by working in the sales department. Except Eliza, the one who has disliked him for ages, will train him side by side.
Includes:
✨Enemies to Friends to More
✨Opposites Attracts
✨Small Town
✨Take Care when Sick
✨Secret Tattoo
✨Workplace Romance
🌶️Heat Level:
Closed Door
Innuendo
Language
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥🔥🔥
My Opinion:
This one was a very fun 'opposites attracts' romance. Dean needs to learn how to live, and Eliza is a free spirit who wants to get her life together. I really like the writing, their banter and chemistry. I’ve related a lot to Eliza’s struggles, and I wouldn’t mind a rich man wanting to help me with my small business lol. I've also loved their character growth and how their conflicts don’t take long to resolve. Their romance was swoony and cute, and I recommend it.
TW:
October 11, 2022
Eliza Webb is trying to get her handmade soap business successful enough to support her full-time. But until then, she finds herself back at the same job she's had many times over the years as a salesperson for a sporting goods company. The boss' son, Dean Irwin, is normally in his office dealing with spreadsheets. He has now been assigned to work on the floor as a salesperson in order to get a promotion in his family's company. Dean and Eliza both have issues to work out. This was a very fun story to read. I didn't realize it was part of a series until I finished the book. It can definitely be read as a standalone book. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and I was only asked to leave an honest review which I am doing. A very fun book.
September 28, 2022
I totally enjoyed Have a Heart (Book 2) by Genny Carrick. This is a very well-written book that kept my interest from the first page to the last. Eliza and Dean are wonderful characters who keep each other and the reader on their toes. You never know what to expect next. Not only does the author connect you with the characters, she also gets the reader to understand what is really involved in working in retail sales and soap making. I also read the first book and I hope to read many more in the Magnolia Ridge series.
July 26, 2024
Oh. My. Goodness. Is this my favorite Genny Garrick book so far? Ummm, yes. But I am just getting started.
Eliza and Dean. Eliza and Dean. Absolute perfection. Full stop. These two beautifully flawed people who love each other with every fiber of their beings… I can’t say more. I adore them.
The chemistry? Off the charts. Fade to black, insanely high swoon, sizzling moments. It could not have been more perfect.
Do it. Read the book. Thank me later. Actually, let’s just thank Genny 💕
Eliza and Dean. Eliza and Dean. Absolute perfection. Full stop. These two beautifully flawed people who love each other with every fiber of their beings… I can’t say more. I adore them.
The chemistry? Off the charts. Fade to black, insanely high swoon, sizzling moments. It could not have been more perfect.
Do it. Read the book. Thank me later. Actually, let’s just thank Genny 💕
September 29, 2022
This is Genny Carrick’s second book and I have totally enjoyed both of them. Eliza and Dean could not have been more opposite and more meant for each other. Both characters are well developed and the storyline is believable. They do not have instant attraction or do they? I think the undoing of his top button just about did me in. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to her next one.
October 26, 2022
A fun read about two people with very different personalities and how they came to appreciate each other while trying not to let their past baggage get in the way. A great read for the "fill-in" moments in your life, travel time, sitting by the pool or more appropriate now--in front of the fire on a chilly evening. Enjoy!
November 5, 2023
Past Hurts, Future Hopes
Eliza has been hurt by a prior supposed love interest. She has hopes for her homemade soap business. Can she ever break out of being the family baby who can't seem to get it together? Enter Dean. Can he break out of his workaholic, non-people personna for a promotion? The Eliza-Dean dynamics make this a delightful romance!
Eliza has been hurt by a prior supposed love interest. She has hopes for her homemade soap business. Can she ever break out of being the family baby who can't seem to get it together? Enter Dean. Can he break out of his workaholic, non-people personna for a promotion? The Eliza-Dean dynamics make this a delightful romance!
April 3, 2025
If I could give this book 10 stars, 15, 20 stars, I would. I have literally loved EVERY Genny Carrick book I’ve read. But THIS ONE. This one has outdone them all. Dean and Eliza were written to perfection. Absolute perfection.
So much chemistry, and heart, and the side characters, I loved it. All the stars.⭐️
So much chemistry, and heart, and the side characters, I loved it. All the stars.⭐️
September 7, 2022
Sigh... This wonderful romance is just bursting with adorable-ness! It's emotional and heartfelt, with endearing characters and scenes.. Genny Carrick is one of my most favorite discoveries this year!
September 21, 2022
Funny and heartfelt!
This book was amazing! El and Dean have scorching hot chemistry and such sweet tender moments too. Their characters are well done. The banter is spot on and unique. The characters were relatable and felt real. I love it!
This book was amazing! El and Dean have scorching hot chemistry and such sweet tender moments too. Their characters are well done. The banter is spot on and unique. The characters were relatable and felt real. I love it!
June 29, 2023
Can't get enough
What does it say about a book when I stayed up all night the whole thing in one sitting? Yeah. I agree. Excellent. Have a Heart is Excellent. Well worth staying up all night to read. :)
What does it say about a book when I stayed up all night the whole thing in one sitting? Yeah. I agree. Excellent. Have a Heart is Excellent. Well worth staying up all night to read. :)
September 28, 2024
Contains: kisses, mentions of sex, closed door bedroom scene, a few uses of mild language.
I liked this story and the MCs. Sometimes in forgot whose voice we were reading since Dean and Eliza had similar voices. Also not a fan of the way Eliza treated Dan in the third act breakup
I liked this story and the MCs. Sometimes in forgot whose voice we were reading since Dean and Eliza had similar voices. Also not a fan of the way Eliza treated Dan in the third act breakup
September 23, 2022
Great book. Loved how they were opposites and how they balanced each other out. This one had a lot of feels. I can't wait to read the next one.
June 1, 2023
Absolutely loved it! And beautiful character development. Healing and chasing what we want ❤️
Want to read
August 2, 2024O
February 4, 2025
This was cute. Eliza had such a big chip on her shoulder that it was hard to like her, but I liked Dean, and eventually I liked them together.
July 2, 2025
We’re all a bit messy, I loved how relatable Eliza was and how dean was struggling in his own way 🥹
August 20, 2025
4.5 stars
September 26, 2025
Dean empezó siendo un insoportable y terminó cayéndome bien.
December 17, 2025
I absolutely adore Dean & Eliza's feisty, sweet,caring, messy, heartbreaking, loving, swoony happily ever after!!
May 24, 2024
I loved Eliza and Dean. Their initial thinking the other disliked them and then being forced to work together was a fun setup and enjoyed the opposites attract trope. Dean was so sweet toward Eliza and I enjoyed their banter and chemistry.
August 1, 2024
Eliza and Dean are such opposites attract! But it’s one of stories where they can’t get out of each other’s orbit and drive each other crazy until they don’t! I love in the end how much care they took for each other and how supportive they are. There was lots of fun banter and I just loved every second of it!
September 8, 2025
Workplace romance
Enemies to Friends to More
Opposites Attracts
Small Town
Take Care when Sick
Secret Tattoo
Closed door romance
This one had me grinning nonstop as the heroine tries to avoid falling for her coworker in the most entertaining way possible. Their chemistry and the small town setting delivered all the cozy laughter I wanted. Sweet and charming it’s a delightful escape.
Content Warnings:
-kisses only
-no language
-ex’s betrayal (past)
Enemies to Friends to More
Opposites Attracts
Small Town
Take Care when Sick
Secret Tattoo
Closed door romance
This one had me grinning nonstop as the heroine tries to avoid falling for her coworker in the most entertaining way possible. Their chemistry and the small town setting delivered all the cozy laughter I wanted. Sweet and charming it’s a delightful escape.
Content Warnings:
-kisses only
-no language
-ex’s betrayal (past)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews