Beguiled Again

by Patricia Burroughs

When sexy, buttoned-down accountant Jeff gets sucked into Cecilia’s sticky, single-mom universe, his life turns inside out. Her checkbook’s a nightmare, her oldest kid hates him, and she’s messy, mouth-watering, independent, and annoyingly unforgettable. He can’t stay away.

Quirky Cecilia has her life (sort of) in order, and doesn’t need a man pointing out where it’s not. A single mom with three kids and a dog can’t afford a sex life, even if he is hotter than ever, and strong just when she needs him to be.

Plus, his parrot hates her.

In this battle between order and chaos, between hostile kids and cranky parrots, between romance and responsibility, is heartbreak inevitable?

Or this time, can love win?

Originally published by Silhouette Desire, this edition is updated.

Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Humor

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 1989

About the author

I love to check out your [yes, your] ratings and comments about the books I love, the books I hate, the books I am not sure I want to read and am trying to decide, and books I'm not sure that I've read before and am skimming your comments to see if they shake a memory loose. But the best is when I can wallow in your love for the books I love and your annoyance for the books that annoy me. Best ever.

I avoid spoilers of any kind so a lot of times I read the first sentence you wrote, think "oh yeah, that is something I want to investigate and/or read!!!" and don't read another word you wrote because I don't want to know the details.

As for me, the analysis and time it takes for me to come up with a real review is beyond calculation. My brain doesn't work that way. I have weird learning disabilities that make it hard to think that way and do that kind of writing while, on the other hand, I love writing fiction and that's my work so yeah, don't spend time writing reviews.

So when I write my thoughts down about a book they are totally subjective and often more about my experience of reading the book than the book itself. I don't want to write spoilers and so I keep my comments broad most of the time.

But I love Goodreads because it's a great big book club where we can all find like-minded readers who enjoy what we enjoy and whose recommendations send us off the new discoveries. So that's why I'm here!

And now, the official bio:

Award-winning screenwriter and bestselling novelist Patricia Burroughs—Pooks—began her writing career in romance with five published novels. She received nominations and recognition from RT Reviews and was a Finalist for Romance Writers of America's RITA.

For a time, Pooks was lured away from her novels to pursue a career in screenwriting, where her story-telling gift again won her recognition in the form of a Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

However, one day she woke up with a new story rooting itself into her heart, a story that couldn't be told in a script but needed many more pages to spread out, flex its muscles and take wing. She returned to novels to write the epic fantasy trilogy that begins with This Crumbling Pageant.


Pooks loves dogs, books, movies, and football. A lifelong Anglophile, she treasures her frequent travels in the British Isles doing research for The Fury Triad. She and her high school sweetheart husband are living happily ever after in their hometown of Dallas, Texas.

~oOo~

Find out more about The Fury Triad, Patricia's new fantasy trilogy, at http://furytriad.com.

Want to join Team Fury and help promote these books while getting insider info and extras? Drop Patricia a line at planetpooks at gmail dot com and see if there is space in the group!

Reviews

[Jennifer Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was adorable! Celia is a single mom with one of those exes you love to hate. She's really disorganized. Makes me feel smart. Her ten year old balances her checkbook for her, and sometimes even then she manages to mess it up. Then her high school crush reappears--now he's this buttoned-up, buttoned-down accountant. Poor guy. He's in for it. Adorable!

Good sex, too. This isn't erotica or romantica or whatever, but, dang, the sex is good.

[Katharine Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be entertaining. Burroughs tells her story with a light touch and a lot of humor. Good characters, too! I'm particularly fond of Anne-Elizabeth, the feral toddler.

[Mary Mccormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest review

Loved the characters in this book other then wanting to strangle a couple of them. I really loved this storyline and loved the journey.

[Gloriamarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for the Diverse Reading Challenge because I never wanted to have children and if these children, as depicted by Burroughs' are an accurate picture of raising kids, I am glad I knew myself well enough.

Having said that, I still gave it four stars because the rest of it beguiled me. I say this all the time about Burroughs' writing, but she mas mastered character and plot development and include that elusive appearance of verisimilitude. Although I am forced to admit that the ex-husband and his new wife are not as well-developed secondary characters as Burroughs' usually writes.

As much as I never wanted children, the three of them were rather entertaining and I felt as if these three could have been models for Alfred Adler's birth order descriptions.

The heroine and the hero are caught up in a second chances with a twist kinda relationship. When she was a freshman and fourteen, she relentlessly pursued the seventeen-year-old hero. Now she has her hands full with the kids, life, and she really doesn't want to be involved with him so this time he relentlessly pursues her, while asking himself what the heck is he doing.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beguiled Again by Patricia Burroughs is a reissue of an older Silhouette Desire contemporary romance. This book has been given a cover facelift and the content has been updated as well. I would like to thank the LibraryThing early review program for the digital copy of this book.

Cecilia is a single mother of three children. In the store one day, while in a hurry and not looking her best, she spies the guy she had a massive crush on when she was a teenager. She had practically stalked the guy back then. Mortified by the possibility he may recognize her and a very embarrassing moment would take place, Cecilia hurries to get checked out and away from the store. In the process, she leaves her wallet and guess who finds it? Right, Jefferson Smith.
Things go from bad to worse when Jeff is introduced to Cecilia's children.
Jeff leads a quiet life with a very nice car and everything in it's place. But, when he sees Cecilia again, the situation is reversed. Now he is the one practically stalking her.
This was a really cute romantic comedy. Cecilia has her hands full with her job, money issues, and raising three kids. Plus, she has to deal with her ex-husband and his new wife. Jeff steps into the big middle of things. He doesn't understand at first what in the world has gotten into him. He can't take his eyes or his hands of Cecilia. But, Cecilia can't just think about herself. Jeff has never been around kids and the daily chaos that goes on her life. Cecilia is certain that once she and Jeff got really into the relationship, Jeff would panic. Jeff thinks Cecilia is underestimating him.
I loved the cute kids, Jeff's patient attitude, and the hilarious situations that came up. I live a few hours from Dallas, so I loved the mention of familiar things, such as local sports teams ( GO MAVS!) and locations. This is a very light romance novel, perfect for anyone who likes romance, but especially for those that are in mood for a little humor as well.
Overall a B+

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Cecilia, divorced mother of three, can barely manage to keep her life together. Enter her high school crush. Can they make it together? Can Jeff integrate himself into the chaos of her life as well into the hearts of her three children, one of whom hates him at first sight? This book covers the sometimes unromantic romance of the two, as Jeff woes Cecilia, determined to get her--a reversal, since, in high school, she chased him relentlessly. The story covers a short period of time, but based on the events that occur, Jeff needs to strap himself in if he thinks he can survive for the long haul. Cecilia is also not sure he can or really wants to take on her family or her. Tune in for this adorable romance, intertwined with the chaotic life of a single mother and her three children who don't always do things the way people normally do, but manage to get them done in the end. There was some real chemistry between Jeff and Cecilia, and you could almost feel the sparks fly between them. Each of the children has his/her own personality, which only makes the romance funnier and a little bit harder to achieve and different. This is a good chick lit book, one you can curl up with on a lazy or stormy afternoon or anytime you need a good dose of humor and something to make you feel good. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.

[Mikaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have wanted to read this ever since I saw the blurb and cover on Patricia Burroughs blog. So when she contacted me, wondering if I would be interested in an ARC, I said yes.

And, I had a blast reading it. Cecilia's and Jeff's romance was a case of opposites attract. Jeff's life were ordered, Cecilia's were chaotic. It was intresting to see how they fought against their attraction, yet they couldn't stay away from each other. I really appreciated was that the obstacles were believable. From Cecilia's children, to Jeff's busy schedule, to Cecilia's scars after her divorce.

But,it was also intresting to see how their lives changed during the story. Cecilia slowly started to realise that she didn't have to fit the mold, that her occupation was perfect for her. Jeff started to realise that he needed Cecilia's chaos in his life, and that Cecilia needed his calm. One thing I especially liked was how Cecilia's children treated Jeff. From the wariness at the beginning, to the grudging acceptance at the end of the book.

All in all, this was an enjoyable romance. I just wish that it was longer. I wanted to stay with Cecilia and Jeff, and see how they together dealt with all the chaos created by a household full of children.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this updated reissue from Patricia Burroughs to be a touching sensual read. I only know it is a reissue because of the publication info; certainly not from the settings, dialogue or plot points. Ms. Burroughs has a talent for creating characters that grab you and don't let you go until you see them all reach their happily ever after. The children in the story are multi-dimensional characters, their dialogue seems spot on, and the author weaves their emotions and feelings into the story well, without letting them take over. In other words, the secondary characters are really well drawn. The second chance love story involving a primary couple that start out as great characters and evolve into better ones is easy to become emotionally invested in; even paced and well plotted. Oh, and Patricia Burroughs really knows how to bring the funny, and the passion? Whew! The love scenes were sensual, passionate, humorous (yes, I said there was funny)and totally fit into the storyline. If you like a character driven romance with a little heat and a lot of family interaction - this one's for you.
*I was lucky to receive my copy through LibraryThing's Early Readers Program in exchange for an honest review.

[books are love · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this from librarything for a honest review. I enjoyed this cute romantic book. I haven't quite figured out why she was so angry at him at first. He was her crush but that doesn't mean you have to let that linger.

so anywhoo Cecilia runs into Jeff at the grocery store and he is bemused and amused by her. She leaves her wallet behind and he helps her out. Than she is ill and he helps her again despite her having all sorts of crazy in her life.

Jeff for some reason cannot stay away. She amuses him at first and than wiggles into his heart. So do her children even if he doesn't want to admit it at first. Jeff is a uptight guy at first not wanting any time of disorder in his world. Cecilia is disorder to a tee and doesn't want to have order back in her world. She's afraid that Jeff will try to take away her freedom instead of just enjoying the ride. She underestimates him.

Jeff underestimates her in a way too. He figures at first she needs someone to take control and he does realize slowly that that is not the case she just needs to have someone to be there to help her stay in control of herself. The chaos will always be there.

A cute and funny romance that at times will have you in stitches.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is a feel good book about a love story that actually initiated 17 years ago. In high school Cecila was actually Jeff's stalker for an entire year. They meet up and his life is neat and tidy while her's is chaos. There are children to contend with and there is always something going on.

It is an easy read and as I said it is a "feel good" story

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute contemporary romance! Just what I needed, easy reading, a happy ending, two fun and engaging characters, a dog, a bird and adorable yet wild children - super fun!

[Gwynn White · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read. Enjoyed the characters and the plot, but found the sex scenes tedious. Apart from that, an enjoyable read.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, sexy, engaging, and touching. Well done, Ms. Burroughs! And I'm charmed by Miss Anne-Elizabeth.

[Night Runner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this a multi-part story? No
Does it end in a cliffhanger? No
Genre(s) : Romance Comedy Drama
Instalove? Yup
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of? No

3.25 Stars for me!
My rating range of this story... 2 - 3.5 Stars
If significant, why? The cringe comedy beginning
Biggest deduction? 0.75 Stars

Main Character Ratings...
H (Jeff) = 6/10
h (Cecilia) = 5/10
TSTL Moment(s)? No

Narrator Rating(s)
M () = n/a
F (Julie McKay) = 7/10
If below 5/10, why?

If Comedy... Type? Some funny lots of cringe in the first 30 minutes.
Funny, Cute, Cringe Inducing, Mixed or Just No!

Angst Level? Heavy
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop

Internal Monolog/Dialog? Heavy
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop

Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 60%
How much of the story? 5%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained

Heat Rating... 5/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above

Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? No

The back story... The h and her young daughter are at the grocery store when she sees a man that she had a crush on 14 years earlier. She tries to hide and sneak out but he sees her. He has to help her out, sees that she is sick and follows her home. Her kids are not fans of him and she wants him out because he turned her down 14 years earlier.

Romance or Gist: He puts on a full court press, wears her down and she then becomes a much nicer person.

The drama explosion... She freaks out a bit and breaks it off because she knows that he will do it himself sooner than later.
Did it feel Real, OK or contrived? A bit contrived but OK.
Was it OTT? Yes
Separation involved? No
Was it resolved properly or rushed? Properly

Final Notes... I wasn't sure if I was going to finish the story as there was a bit too much cringe comedy to start the story. The h was very abrasive to start but she relaxed quite a bit starting around the 40% mark.

HEA or HFN? HEA
Book Source: Kindle Unlimited

[Barcie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was merely OK. I wasn't feeling the chemistry between Cecelia and Jeff, who run into each other after many years and reconnect. Back in high school she was an embarrassingly pesky freshman who threw herself at Jeff, who was a senior. He was mortified by her unwelcome attention; she was ultimately humiliated by his rejection. Now she's a dysfunctional single mother of three and he's a super-organized accountant, but becomes smitten with her right off the bat. It's set in Dallas and the many references to the city seemed forced; native Dallasites do not refer to local landmarks or sports in the same way as the characters in the book do, nor as often. The banter between the two main characters did not work for me either; mostly they just seemed mean-spirited. She pokes fun of him for wearing red boxer shorts. He calls her 10-year-old son some pretty harsh names. The Audible end credits say this book was originally published in 1989!

[Pcch2345 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5stars...very cute book...sweet with a bit of spice...the kids were adorable and I found their attitude realistic to the situation mentioned in the storyline...the little girl was so adorable...overall a fun read..I felt that the writing style was a bit different (but not in a bad way) but its still a RomCom type of book...they knew each back in school, and it seems that she was chasing him back then and he found that be very irritating and this may have also messed with his life then...but now they once again, and the story starts with some funny moments....good lighthearted, easy and fun read...my first read from author...:-)

[AnneMarie Davee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Opposites ❤️ 🐕🦜💙

This was a cute book about second chances at love. Cecelia had a mad crush on Jeff when they were in high school, but it wasn’t their time. Now, 17 years and three kids later, her life as a single mom in chaos and love. Something buttoned up accountant Jeff determines he wants to be a part of.

A house with three kids, one with a penchant for biting, a Great Dane and a bird is their perfectly imperfect life.

[Marie Lapointe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of Humor

Great read. Characters and storyline were fantastic. The only thing disappointing was not finding out what their high school problems were. They had history but it was never discussed.

[Jessie Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

single mom chaos!

Well this was a fun read. Second chance romance with a touch of enemies to lovers. The spice was just enough in my opinion, less intense than my typical reads, but very creatively written.

[Jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny

This was a good book to read. It had such funny moments. It was sweet and had romantic parts. I loved the kids.

[Sn8wflake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance

Friends above all. Let chaos reign. Time changes everything. Cute sweet romance, well defined characters. If only it had a bit more.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well it was a good story, odd. It got boring but was worth pushing through. I liked that it was a late 30/early 40s couple.
Listened to on kindle unlimited audiobook

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable funny

Anne Beth was my favorite, laughed so hard with some of her parts. Peter just need to see that he was loved just as much as Brad and Anne Beth.

[Reah Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short romance.

[BOOKLOVER_81 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Narration made me dislike this book. 😒

[Denise Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember that high school crush, unrequited, and if you had the opportunity to see if it could go anywhere--you just might.

Cecilia's life is mess, controlled chaos, when Jeff, her high school crush falls into her life. Single mom and accountant, polar opposites, unrequited love in the past becomes a possibility now, but is this right time and place for it to work? Kids, crazy bird, music, carefree meets straight-laced, and a lot of witty bantering make this a must-read book!

Very fun read! Loved it!

[Big Otter Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a nutshell: mom living in chaos reconnects with her high school sweetheart, love is rekindled and all is right with the world. Cute book with fun realistic characters. Lots of chuckles and super funny/sweet kids. This is an update of a previous Silhouette release and it shows in a few places but nothing major. Good book to while away an afternoon. 3 stars. I received a copy to review-the opinion is my own.

[judy l. smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little novel

Great characters. Very likable and quirky. Modern day romance with characters that are easy to relate to. Cute romance that's believable.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

the family who lived with there mother and visited there father and his new wife.the children didn't fit in there fathers life.