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Buchanans #2
Irresistible
When ex-Marine Walker Buchanan stops to help Elissa Towers change a tire, he tells himself it's just the neighborly thing to do. And when Elissa finds herself baking him a thank-you pie, she's just returning the favor right?
Both of them have sworn off dating�Elissa's determined to protect her little girl, and that means ditching her taste for dangerous men especially former Marines with dark secrets. Walker knows that he's not cut out for hearth and home his own crazy family made sure of that. But the sparks won't stop flying between them.
Now the two are struggling to keep their relationship "just friends," but with every kiss, their rules fly out the window
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2006
642 people are currently reading
2847 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
January 15, 2015
3 1/2 Stars
Irresistible was an entertaining and light read with a slow building friends-to-loves theme. The plot, characterizations, and writing were strong and well constructed. I only wish the plot was a bit more romance centered. Other than that, I enjoyed this book.
Note: The audio narrator for this book changed and the new narrator DID NOT WORK! She had a smokers voice and sounded too mature for the upbeat tone of this story and the series. I hate when publishers or authors change good narrators once they begin a book series. It's like changing the actor who plays a favorite character on TV series for the next season. It just doesn't work.
Irresistible was an entertaining and light read with a slow building friends-to-loves theme. The plot, characterizations, and writing were strong and well constructed. I only wish the plot was a bit more romance centered. Other than that, I enjoyed this book.
Note: The audio narrator for this book changed and the new narrator DID NOT WORK! She had a smokers voice and sounded too mature for the upbeat tone of this story and the series. I hate when publishers or authors change good narrators once they begin a book series. It's like changing the actor who plays a favorite character on TV series for the next season. It just doesn't work.
December 6, 2021
Pastarosios savaitės gan sunkios - žinojau, kad nepavyks įveikt jokios rimtos knygos, todėl peržvelgiau savo "lengvosios kategorijos" lentyną ir išsirinkau antrąją "Buchananų serijos" dalį. ⠀
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Ši dalis skirta kitam broliui, Volkeriui. Užbaigęs jūrų pėstininko karjerą, jis ieško ramybės. Norams pildytis nelemta - netrukus į jo gyvenimą įsiveržia Eliza. Su ne itin šviesia praeitimi ir penkiamete dukrele ant rankų. ⠀
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Pasirodo, kartais naujam romanui užtenka paprasčiausio mėlynių pyrago 🤷♀️🥧⠀
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Perskaičiusi pirmą dalį, sakiau, kad man tikrai patiko pagrindinių veikėjų humoro jausmas ir smagūs, bei sartastiški pasikandžiojimai tarpusavyje. Šį kartą pagrindiniai veikėjai kitokie - Volkeris ir Eliza daug ramesni, ne tokie aštrialiežuviai. Smagu, kad autorė pasistengė ir nepasuko tuo "visi super faini, iškalbingi ir sarkastiški" keliu. ⠀
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Aišku, iš kart matyti, kad visoje serijoje, veikėjų portretai pasižymės kraštutinumais - jei gražus, tai iki alpulio, jei vyriškas - tai plačiapetė mūrinė siena. Jei blogas, tai tik toks, prieš kurį pats velnias nulenktų savo raguotą galvą. Žinau, kad jei pasakos apie plaukus, tai jie vilnys fantastiškomis kaskadomis, o spalvai apibūdint nužteks pusės sienų dažų paletės. Banaloka, bet priprasti galima. ⠀
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Kadangi jau įpusėjau seriją, palengva prisirišu prie visos Buchananų šeimynos. Vis mažiau norisi vartyti akis - jei ne tiek daug stangrėjančių spenelių, šią dalį būčiau įvertinus dar palankiau. ⠀
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Knygų serijos idėja čia tikrai pasiteisino. Su kiekviena vis įdomiau ir įdomiau, smalsumas verčia išsiaiškinti, kas laukia trečiojo brolio ir sesers Danės. Ir kaip toliau gyvens pirmųjų dalių poros. ⠀
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Įsivaizduokit, knygos pabaiga net sugraudinti sugebėjo. Aha, aš priklausau tam ratui žmonių, kurie siaubingomis akimirkomis išlieka super ciniški ir šalti, o paskui verkia per pampersų reklamas ir skaitydami lengvus saldžius romaniukus. Kam nepasitaiko?⠀
⠀
Ši dalis skirta kitam broliui, Volkeriui. Užbaigęs jūrų pėstininko karjerą, jis ieško ramybės. Norams pildytis nelemta - netrukus į jo gyvenimą įsiveržia Eliza. Su ne itin šviesia praeitimi ir penkiamete dukrele ant rankų. ⠀
⠀
Pasirodo, kartais naujam romanui užtenka paprasčiausio mėlynių pyrago 🤷♀️🥧⠀
⠀
Perskaičiusi pirmą dalį, sakiau, kad man tikrai patiko pagrindinių veikėjų humoro jausmas ir smagūs, bei sartastiški pasikandžiojimai tarpusavyje. Šį kartą pagrindiniai veikėjai kitokie - Volkeris ir Eliza daug ramesni, ne tokie aštrialiežuviai. Smagu, kad autorė pasistengė ir nepasuko tuo "visi super faini, iškalbingi ir sarkastiški" keliu. ⠀
⠀
Aišku, iš kart matyti, kad visoje serijoje, veikėjų portretai pasižymės kraštutinumais - jei gražus, tai iki alpulio, jei vyriškas - tai plačiapetė mūrinė siena. Jei blogas, tai tik toks, prieš kurį pats velnias nulenktų savo raguotą galvą. Žinau, kad jei pasakos apie plaukus, tai jie vilnys fantastiškomis kaskadomis, o spalvai apibūdint nužteks pusės sienų dažų paletės. Banaloka, bet priprasti galima. ⠀
⠀
Kadangi jau įpusėjau seriją, palengva prisirišu prie visos Buchananų šeimynos. Vis mažiau norisi vartyti akis - jei ne tiek daug stangrėjančių spenelių, šią dalį būčiau įvertinus dar palankiau. ⠀
⠀
Knygų serijos idėja čia tikrai pasiteisino. Su kiekviena vis įdomiau ir įdomiau, smalsumas verčia išsiaiškinti, kas laukia trečiojo brolio ir sesers Danės. Ir kaip toliau gyvens pirmųjų dalių poros. ⠀
⠀
Įsivaizduokit, knygos pabaiga net sugraudinti sugebėjo. Aha, aš priklausau tam ratui žmonių, kurie siaubingomis akimirkomis išlieka super ciniški ir šalti, o paskui verkia per pampersų reklamas ir skaitydami lengvus saldžius romaniukus. Kam nepasitaiko?⠀
April 28, 2010
This is the second story in the Buchanan family. Absolutely better than the first book. I think the series is progressing nicely. The chemistry between Walker and Elissa was gradual and I felt the sexual tension.
Elissa is a single mother who doesn’t need the distraction of her sexy neighbor Walker Buchanan. Having the tendency to pick up the wrong men, she shies away from him but luck won’t have it that way. After Walker helps her out with a flat tire (even pays for the tire) she sets out to pay him back by cooking dinners.
Walker tugged at my heart strings. He is an ex-marine who is just a loner. He’s not sure what he wants to do next in life. He definitely doesn’t need the money, coming from a family that built an empire business in Seattle. So he occupies his time by finding a woman that his deceased marine buddy was in love with.
Slowly Elissa and Walker build a friendship with a lot of sexual tension. Walker slowly let go of his guilt for his friend’s death and
Elissa finally allows someone in. What I like about this book was that characters felt human. They felt realistic to me. Elissa went through a lot of drama in her life. It was interesting to see how she dealt with her past and her adorable daughter. When Walker finally allows Elissa’s daughter in, I felt myself tearing up. Such a cute little scene! For readers of the first book, you get to reconnect with all of the characters, even Gloria.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series
Elissa is a single mother who doesn’t need the distraction of her sexy neighbor Walker Buchanan. Having the tendency to pick up the wrong men, she shies away from him but luck won’t have it that way. After Walker helps her out with a flat tire (even pays for the tire) she sets out to pay him back by cooking dinners.
Walker tugged at my heart strings. He is an ex-marine who is just a loner. He’s not sure what he wants to do next in life. He definitely doesn’t need the money, coming from a family that built an empire business in Seattle. So he occupies his time by finding a woman that his deceased marine buddy was in love with.
Slowly Elissa and Walker build a friendship with a lot of sexual tension. Walker slowly let go of his guilt for his friend’s death and
Elissa finally allows someone in. What I like about this book was that characters felt human. They felt realistic to me. Elissa went through a lot of drama in her life. It was interesting to see how she dealt with her past and her adorable daughter. When Walker finally allows Elissa’s daughter in, I felt myself tearing up. Such a cute little scene! For readers of the first book, you get to reconnect with all of the characters, even Gloria.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series
November 25, 2023
Smagi kaip ir pirmoji dalis, tikras vakaro desertas 😉
February 10, 2011
What is a Contemporary Romance doing on my Favorite’s shelf when it is mostly filled with Historicals? One word: Walker. I fell in love with this strong, quiet Marine. Susan Mallery wrote him to perfection: a lone wolf searching with tenacity for meaning in a cruel world. His backstory broke my heart, yet was not too melodramatic – and a probable response for a 17 - 18 year-old guy. The whole book was very down to earth and realistic, especially the dialogues. Elissa was a believable character making concerted strides forward in her life; I could understand her wariness and not wanting to be indebted to anyone. I liked her relationship with her adorable five-year old daughter Zoë and their cooking efforts. It was a fast read, seemed to flow, and I could see Walker and Elissa fall in love as the pages turned. But then, I’m a sucker for a couple that tries to remain ‘just friends’ while fighting their attraction and SM writes it well. My only complaint is I would have like more of these three characters in the rest of the Buchanan series, though they do pop up.
Side story: The whole flat tire episode in the opening sequence worked for me. Funny that I got one soon after reading this book. I was working Nights (I’m an ICU nurse) – a time when tire stores are closed. My husband - a very busy man, who considers time as money, however has always been concerned about my safety - didn’t tell me when he went to go to work in the morning, he just drove to the store and bought all four new top-of-the-line tires while I was sleeping and had them put on. People in my unit were talking about romantic things their spouses did and I mentioned this and received a lot of flak about it, most of which was that it didn’t fit the criteria. Months later one of the flak-throwers went out to the garage to go to work and found a note from their husband on the steering wheel: ‘Your left front tire is flat.’ Not having AAA, and needing to get to her shift on time, the hospital had to pay for a taxi to drive her to work; she told me when she arrived that she’d changed her opinion. :o)
Side story: The whole flat tire episode in the opening sequence worked for me. Funny that I got one soon after reading this book. I was working Nights (I’m an ICU nurse) – a time when tire stores are closed. My husband - a very busy man, who considers time as money, however has always been concerned about my safety - didn’t tell me when he went to go to work in the morning, he just drove to the store and bought all four new top-of-the-line tires while I was sleeping and had them put on. People in my unit were talking about romantic things their spouses did and I mentioned this and received a lot of flak about it, most of which was that it didn’t fit the criteria. Months later one of the flak-throwers went out to the garage to go to work and found a note from their husband on the steering wheel: ‘Your left front tire is flat.’ Not having AAA, and needing to get to her shift on time, the hospital had to pay for a taxi to drive her to work; she told me when she arrived that she’d changed her opinion. :o)
May 5, 2017
Walker Buchanan is an ex-Marine who likes to stay detached, doesn't like to get involved. As a matter of fact, he moved into an apartment in a neighborhood where he knew no one so he could live in peace. However, that was brought to a premature end when he stops to help his neighbor, the beautiful Elissa Towers, change her tire. In repayment of that (and his buying her a brand new tire), Elissa bakes Walker and pie and agrees to let him have some of the dinner she makes each night. Due to close proximity and the problems that always seem to plague Elissa, she and Walker become friends, to the extent that he invites her and Zoe, her five-year-old daughter, to his sister-in-law's baby shower. When Gloria Buchanan, the illustrious grandmother of Walker and his siblings, threatens Elissa in more ways than one, she makes the decision to end the blossoming relationship between them and leaves for a few days. When Walker finds out what his grandmother had done, he goes to confront her and she proceeds to have a heart attack and break her hip, leaving Walker in charge of Buchanan Enterprises.
When Walker returns to talk to Elissa, and finds her alone, they finally give in to the passion that constantly threatens to overtake them. Their tender relationship is in equal measures blossoming into something beautiful and more confusing than ever. Walker and Elissa continue to get closer to each other and he helps her through the tough times when she finds out that her brother hired a private investigator to find her and he tells her that their parents never said they didn't want to see her again. Walker is there for her during her first meeting with her parents after eight years.
Walker's family has even embraced Elissa with open arms. Because of Penny and Dani, Elissa's jewelry business is booming and she gets offered a spot in the local craft fair to sell it, and Reid is enlisted to help her set up. However, at the craft fair, Elissa is brought face-to-face yet again with her frightening past: Neil, her ex and Zoe's father. He takes all her money for the day and leaves her terrified. When confronted by Walker, Elissa turns to distracting him with sex. The next day, upon Walker's insistence, Elissa caves and finally told him what happened.
A few days later, while Walker is at work, Neil comes to Elissa's house to get more money out of her. When she refuses, he punches her to the ground, upsetting Zoe. Meanwhile, Walker gets a weird feeling and knows that Elissa is in trouble, so he races him. When he bursts into her apartment, he is enraged by the scene he finds: Elissa with a broken arm and bleeding with Zoe, bruised and cut herself, hovering over Elissa, waiting for Walker to come save them. He ties Neil down and waits for the police before going to the hospital with his girls. While Elissa is being examined by the doctor, Walker goes to sit with Zoe, and he explains to her that while Neil was the man who got her mother pregnant, he was not her daddy because he didn't love her. In a tender, heart breaking moment, Zoe asks Walker if he is her daddy...and he says yes. Finally, when Elissa and Walker are alone, he tells her that he loves her, wants to marry her, and have babies with her. She tells him that she loves him, too, and they love happily ever after.
From the beginning of this book, I knew it was going to be my favorite Buchanan book (even though I still haven't read the first one yet). I could probably even go so far as to say that this is my favorite Susan Mallery book. I know I will be reading it over and over and over again.
Walker Buchanan is the epitome of sexy. He's loyal, fierce, trustworthy, loving, and an ex-Marine. He doesn't trust himself and doesn't want to hurt those close to him. To me, he is just the perfect hero. I loved him in Sizzling and Tempted and I continue to do so. I think it's safe to say he's in my Top 5 Favorite Heroes. The most heart wrenching part of this novel, though, had to be when he told Zoe that he was her daddy. So. Adorable.
I loved Elissa. She was a heroine that I never felt negatively about. I always liked her and she was thoroughly amusing, feisty, and intelligent. She was a fantastic mother, and a great neighbor to Mrs. Ford. I loved when she glared at that chick who kissed Walker and when she finally realized she loved him.
I loved seeing all the other Buchanan siblings on a regular basis. And, as I'd read the last two novels in the series before this, it was nice to see aspects that I had missed before, such as Dani and Ryan's relationship, Reid hiring Gloria's nurses, and the beginning of Lori and Reid's relationship. And I loved how what Lori said bothered Reid so much that he just couldn't stop thinking about it.
I knew while I was reading, from the moment Neil was mentioned, how Walker was finally going to realize his love for Elissa. My two theories were these: 1. Zoe and Mrs. Ford were going to come home, find Elissa beaten and bleeding on the floor, and get Walker, or 2. Walker was going to walk in on Neil beating on Elissa and save the day. So, I think it's safe to say that I was very happy to have been proven right, even though I hated that Elissa had to be beaten to have it happen. The only thing I hated was that Walker didn't kill that stupid-ass Neil.
Like I said before, this book was a fantastic read and I know I will come back to it many times. As a matter of fact, it made me want to read Sizzling all over again just so I could get more of this wonderful family.
When Walker returns to talk to Elissa, and finds her alone, they finally give in to the passion that constantly threatens to overtake them. Their tender relationship is in equal measures blossoming into something beautiful and more confusing than ever. Walker and Elissa continue to get closer to each other and he helps her through the tough times when she finds out that her brother hired a private investigator to find her and he tells her that their parents never said they didn't want to see her again. Walker is there for her during her first meeting with her parents after eight years.
Walker's family has even embraced Elissa with open arms. Because of Penny and Dani, Elissa's jewelry business is booming and she gets offered a spot in the local craft fair to sell it, and Reid is enlisted to help her set up. However, at the craft fair, Elissa is brought face-to-face yet again with her frightening past: Neil, her ex and Zoe's father. He takes all her money for the day and leaves her terrified. When confronted by Walker, Elissa turns to distracting him with sex. The next day, upon Walker's insistence, Elissa caves and finally told him what happened.
A few days later, while Walker is at work, Neil comes to Elissa's house to get more money out of her. When she refuses, he punches her to the ground, upsetting Zoe. Meanwhile, Walker gets a weird feeling and knows that Elissa is in trouble, so he races him. When he bursts into her apartment, he is enraged by the scene he finds: Elissa with a broken arm and bleeding with Zoe, bruised and cut herself, hovering over Elissa, waiting for Walker to come save them. He ties Neil down and waits for the police before going to the hospital with his girls. While Elissa is being examined by the doctor, Walker goes to sit with Zoe, and he explains to her that while Neil was the man who got her mother pregnant, he was not her daddy because he didn't love her. In a tender, heart breaking moment, Zoe asks Walker if he is her daddy...and he says yes. Finally, when Elissa and Walker are alone, he tells her that he loves her, wants to marry her, and have babies with her. She tells him that she loves him, too, and they love happily ever after.
From the beginning of this book, I knew it was going to be my favorite Buchanan book (even though I still haven't read the first one yet). I could probably even go so far as to say that this is my favorite Susan Mallery book. I know I will be reading it over and over and over again.
Walker Buchanan is the epitome of sexy. He's loyal, fierce, trustworthy, loving, and an ex-Marine. He doesn't trust himself and doesn't want to hurt those close to him. To me, he is just the perfect hero. I loved him in Sizzling and Tempted and I continue to do so. I think it's safe to say he's in my Top 5 Favorite Heroes. The most heart wrenching part of this novel, though, had to be when he told Zoe that he was her daddy. So. Adorable.
I loved Elissa. She was a heroine that I never felt negatively about. I always liked her and she was thoroughly amusing, feisty, and intelligent. She was a fantastic mother, and a great neighbor to Mrs. Ford. I loved when she glared at that chick who kissed Walker and when she finally realized she loved him.
I loved seeing all the other Buchanan siblings on a regular basis. And, as I'd read the last two novels in the series before this, it was nice to see aspects that I had missed before, such as Dani and Ryan's relationship, Reid hiring Gloria's nurses, and the beginning of Lori and Reid's relationship. And I loved how what Lori said bothered Reid so much that he just couldn't stop thinking about it.
I knew while I was reading, from the moment Neil was mentioned, how Walker was finally going to realize his love for Elissa. My two theories were these: 1. Zoe and Mrs. Ford were going to come home, find Elissa beaten and bleeding on the floor, and get Walker, or 2. Walker was going to walk in on Neil beating on Elissa and save the day. So, I think it's safe to say that I was very happy to have been proven right, even though I hated that Elissa had to be beaten to have it happen. The only thing I hated was that Walker didn't kill that stupid-ass Neil.
Like I said before, this book was a fantastic read and I know I will come back to it many times. As a matter of fact, it made me want to read Sizzling all over again just so I could get more of this wonderful family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2011
I swear, I could be president of the Susan Mallery Fan Club! I adore her books. I love them even more when they are series books (like Irresistible *wink*) because I think she does such a great job of keeping up with previous characters, while not spending too much time on their stories.
I have to say, I have not read the Buchanan books in order. I started with #3 (Reid and Lori, Sizzling) then read #1 (Penny and Cal, Delicious). But I have been looking forward to Walkers story because I think he is my favorite Buchanan sibling, he's got the military man thing going on, but he's also got something mysterious about him that just drew me in from the first mention. He may be one of my top romance heroes of all time. (I love Walker Buchanan!!)
The basic premise of this book is Single Mom, Elissa Towers is raising five year old Zoe, working as a waitress and crafting jewelry on the side to get by. She has some baggage and dark secrets from her past, including having been a teenage runaway with no family.
Walker is fresh out of the Marines (YUM!) and on a hunt to find the girlfriend of one of his fallen comrades. He has rented an apartment in a neighborhood where he knows no one in hopes to remain unattached and anonymous as he figures out what he wants to do next.
What I Loved?
* This series is fabulous at showing the inner workings of the family, something I have so far been disappointed with in the Fool's Gold series.
* The characters, Mrs. Ford - the little old lady next door who is a surrogate family to Elissa and Zoe. Elissa's friends and coworkers. They are all great. Well developed and makes you feel like they might be your neighbors.
* I really liked the runaway story line, I think it unfolded well and was pretty believable, something that I have read in other books and not cared for.
What I Didn't Love?
* Gloria Buchanan. She is the villain I love to hate :)
* The narrator -- I felt like the characters had southern accents - which definitely is not true to Seattle. (But that is such a minor issue.)
Over all? This has been my favorite book of this series, I loved it so much I would recommend it to anyone.
I have to say, I have not read the Buchanan books in order. I started with #3 (Reid and Lori, Sizzling) then read #1 (Penny and Cal, Delicious). But I have been looking forward to Walkers story because I think he is my favorite Buchanan sibling, he's got the military man thing going on, but he's also got something mysterious about him that just drew me in from the first mention. He may be one of my top romance heroes of all time. (I love Walker Buchanan!!)
The basic premise of this book is Single Mom, Elissa Towers is raising five year old Zoe, working as a waitress and crafting jewelry on the side to get by. She has some baggage and dark secrets from her past, including having been a teenage runaway with no family.
Walker is fresh out of the Marines (YUM!) and on a hunt to find the girlfriend of one of his fallen comrades. He has rented an apartment in a neighborhood where he knows no one in hopes to remain unattached and anonymous as he figures out what he wants to do next.
What I Loved?
* This series is fabulous at showing the inner workings of the family, something I have so far been disappointed with in the Fool's Gold series.
* The characters, Mrs. Ford - the little old lady next door who is a surrogate family to Elissa and Zoe. Elissa's friends and coworkers. They are all great. Well developed and makes you feel like they might be your neighbors.
* I really liked the runaway story line, I think it unfolded well and was pretty believable, something that I have read in other books and not cared for.
What I Didn't Love?
* Gloria Buchanan. She is the villain I love to hate :)
* The narrator -- I felt like the characters had southern accents - which definitely is not true to Seattle. (But that is such a minor issue.)
Over all? This has been my favorite book of this series, I loved it so much I would recommend it to anyone.
October 26, 2018
2.5 stars ⭐️
April 30, 2018
I love Susan Mallery! This is a really good story!
September 15, 2012
Susan Mallery writes the best family dynamics in her stories. And this was no exception. The Buchanan family is great. They tease, they get together, they care about each other and they all hate their grandmother, Gloria.
This was Walker's story. He was a beautifully broken hero who thought he didn't have anything to give to a woman cause of something he did when he was young. But Walker was so caring and careful, and he didn't even realize it.
Elissa was a great heroine. She was strong and independent, and had been that way for a while. She denied needing any help, but eventually was glad to have it and ended up relying on Walker.
I am looking forward to reading Reid's story :)
This was Walker's story. He was a beautifully broken hero who thought he didn't have anything to give to a woman cause of something he did when he was young. But Walker was so caring and careful, and he didn't even realize it.
Elissa was a great heroine. She was strong and independent, and had been that way for a while. She denied needing any help, but eventually was glad to have it and ended up relying on Walker.
I am looking forward to reading Reid's story :)
March 2, 2011
3.5 stars. I found this low-key story about an emotionally closed-off former Marine and a struggling single mom a solid read, but more interesting than romantic or exciting. The theme of mistakes and forgiveness is strong, and the ending was poignant.
January 1, 2019
3.5/5
I enjoyed this story but it felt not much different from the first one. I'm sure the other two will feel similar. I did like the characters introduced in this story and getting to know Walker more. Gloria was such a pain as usual. I loved Alyssa and Zoey, but the story was predictable and cute.
I enjoyed this story but it felt not much different from the first one. I'm sure the other two will feel similar. I did like the characters introduced in this story and getting to know Walker more. Gloria was such a pain as usual. I loved Alyssa and Zoey, but the story was predictable and cute.
September 18, 2017
I read the first ten pages, and skipped to the last ten pages, and I sincerely feel I'm thus qualified to declare my opinion about this book. I can't understand all the five star reviews!!!! I found the whole book boring, the characters flat, narrow minded and uninspired, weak and unlike able. Certain secondary characters who were meant to add humour to the story fell flat. Like caricatures. And that was that!
August 12, 2015
3.5 Stars
Walker's sister got on my nerves....Appreciate she gone through a lot of heartbreak but in my opinion she came across as a teenager. The grandmother is a wicked old witch and I wasn't sorry that she collapsed and was kinda hoping Walker was unable to revive her!
Walker's sister got on my nerves....Appreciate she gone through a lot of heartbreak but in my opinion she came across as a teenager. The grandmother is a wicked old witch and I wasn't sorry that she collapsed and was kinda hoping Walker was unable to revive her!
August 5, 2022
I have to say that I think of the whole series this is my favorite book in it. I enjoyed all of them but when I think of the series this is the first book I think about. I really liked Walker, Elissa, Zoe, and Mrs. Ford.
Right away you will love Elissa's wonderful relationship with her daughter and neighbor Mrs. Ford. They are a great family unit and it shows. Elissa has been through a lot in her life but some of it is her own fault and you get into that as the book progresses. I will say that we make mistakes as kids and we fix them. Elissa might have made a mess of her teenage years but as an adult and a mother, she rocks.
When Walker walks into her life she's not that happy about it. She has a very busy life and doesn't have time for a man right now. Of course, life doesn't often go the way you think it should. I liked how helpful Walker was. He kept his distance and tried to stay away from her but of course, those plans didn't work out.
When they stopped running from each other you can see how much they work together. He's wonderful with both Zoe and Mrs. Ford. The only problem in his life is that he doesn't really know what he wants to do with said life.
Sadly his grandmother steps in and causes so much trouble but also sets Walker and Elissa on a path that makes them even stronger. Some things happen that really show just how much Walker loves Elissa and Zoe. He has a tender moment with Zoe that will cause you to tear up. Walker finally finds what he's meant to do in life and is able to deal with the loss of a friend with some insightful words from Elissa.
I'm so glad that I took the time to read this again. I really enjoyed it both times that I read it.
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January 29, 2022
POV: Multiple.
Descriptive Sex: Yes.
OW/OM: Yes.
Separation: No.
Content Warnings: domestic abuse, child abuse, drugs, and mention of abortion.
★★½
If this book was purely Elissa and Walker's story, got rid of that ridiculous Naomi scene (re: OW/OM), and didn't rush the ending, then this would've easily been four stars for me. This book suffered from the randomly scattered scenes in the POV of Walker's siblings. I know it was done because this is a continuous story of these siblings that spans over four books, but I really don't want to read about these characters with OW/OM then in their book they end up with someone else . Which is why I don't plan on continuing or going back. I did really like Elissa and Walker individually as well as together though. It was touch and go since there is a lot of push and pull when I think Elissa deserved definitiveness.
Descriptive Sex: Yes.
OW/OM: Yes.
Separation: No.
Content Warnings: domestic abuse, child abuse, drugs, and mention of abortion.
★★½
If this book was purely Elissa and Walker's story, got rid of that ridiculous Naomi scene (re: OW/OM), and didn't rush the ending, then this would've easily been four stars for me. This book suffered from the randomly scattered scenes in the POV of Walker's siblings. I know it was done because this is a continuous story of these siblings that spans over four books, but I really don't want to read about these characters with OW/OM then in their book they end up with someone else . Which is why I don't plan on continuing or going back. I did really like Elissa and Walker individually as well as together though. It was touch and go since there is a lot of push and pull when I think Elissa deserved definitiveness.
November 16, 2011
The book started out well then disintegrated into a bunch of unbelievable and overly melodramatic story lines. Too many of the characters were caricatures, from Gloria the grandmother to Gloria's new private duty nurse (a thoroughly unpleasant woman who I suppose will be the love interest for Reid-- Yuck!), to Neal, the slimy ex-boyfriend. Children are difficult to get right on paper or on screen, and Mallery doesn't succeed in creating a believable 5 year old in Zoe.
There was too much going on in the book, too many unhappy people, and too many unkind people. Not enough time is spent exploring the developing relationship between Elissa and Walker. The book includes another painful episode for Dani, a set up for Reid's book, more delightful time with everyone's favorite grandmother (that was sarcasm, in case it doesn't come across in print), drama with the slimy ex-boyfriend, a difficult reuniting of Elissa's family, and more. It's not that long a book, no wonder all the story lines have the depth of a soap opera episode, and a lot of what was there was unpleasant.
My favorite part of the book was Penny's quips her pregnancy. ;-) I'll give it two stars for Penny, the story potential, and the fact that the two leads were okay characters.
The narration for the audiobook was serviceable but not inspired. 3*
There was too much going on in the book, too many unhappy people, and too many unkind people. Not enough time is spent exploring the developing relationship between Elissa and Walker. The book includes another painful episode for Dani, a set up for Reid's book, more delightful time with everyone's favorite grandmother (that was sarcasm, in case it doesn't come across in print), drama with the slimy ex-boyfriend, a difficult reuniting of Elissa's family, and more. It's not that long a book, no wonder all the story lines have the depth of a soap opera episode, and a lot of what was there was unpleasant.
My favorite part of the book was Penny's quips her pregnancy. ;-) I'll give it two stars for Penny, the story potential, and the fact that the two leads were okay characters.
The narration for the audiobook was serviceable but not inspired. 3*
August 11, 2011
How can Gloria be such a heartless person? And who is she to determine who is good enough for her grandsons? It amazes me what good people the Buchanans grew into considering she was the one to raise them. Walker was such a good guy -- it's a good thing he could care less what his grandmother thinks. And Elissa was such a strong, independent woman. I liked that their relationship grew in baby steps, and that Walker was willing to stay at arm's length if that's what Elissa wanted. I thought it was great how welcoming the rest of the Buchanans were to Elissa being a part of Walker's life. And how they helped her without simply giving her money, because we all know Elissa wouldn't take money. Spreading the word about her jewelry though? Perfect. It may make me a bad person, but I wasn't sad to see karma get Gloria in the form of a heart attack and a broken hip. Then again (since I'm listening to the next one now), maybe it needed to happen for her to realize a few things about herself.
I felt so bad for Dani when she found out about Ryan. What a scumbag! I'm so glad she wasn't in deeper when she found out. Dani totally deserves happiness, between Hugh and Gloria and now Ryan. Putzes... all of 'em!
Now let's get Reid all straightened out...
I felt so bad for Dani when she found out about Ryan. What a scumbag! I'm so glad she wasn't in deeper when she found out. Dani totally deserves happiness, between Hugh and Gloria and now Ryan. Putzes... all of 'em!
Now let's get Reid all straightened out...
September 23, 2016
The first book in Buchanans series I read 4 years ago and forgot to add the sequel to my TBR. But as I looked to find #2 book in series that has food on the cover (combining tasks for two challenges) I stumbled into it and thought - why not.
Irresistible was nicely written and easy to read. Although the MCs went trough some tough times, don't expect that there will be tear-jerking scenes. Only warm and fuzzy feeling as everything falls in place and HEA conquers all.
Side characters are the selling points of this series. I loved MCs elderly neighbor and wish I will be so vivacious in that age. My only regret is that Elissa's child wasn't used to add more cuteness to the story. Since she was a single mother, I expected her child to take bigger part in the plot.
Let's hope it will not take me another 4 years until I read the next book and another Buchanan gets his HEA. :)
Irresistible was nicely written and easy to read. Although the MCs went trough some tough times, don't expect that there will be tear-jerking scenes. Only warm and fuzzy feeling as everything falls in place and HEA conquers all.
Side characters are the selling points of this series. I loved MCs elderly neighbor and wish I will be so vivacious in that age. My only regret is that Elissa's child wasn't used to add more cuteness to the story. Since she was a single mother, I expected her child to take bigger part in the plot.
Let's hope it will not take me another 4 years until I read the next book and another Buchanan gets his HEA. :)
December 14, 2011
Another good one! I slightly liked more than the first one. It's because the wonderful child. :)
Besides, I found the antagonist (hope it's the right word!) relationship between heroine and her mother very realistic. Both women had to adjust after years of painful absence and it was really well written.
Those sweet stories left me a wonderful sense of Christmas!
On the 3rd one!
Besides, I found the antagonist (hope it's the right word!) relationship between heroine and her mother very realistic. Both women had to adjust after years of painful absence and it was really well written.
Those sweet stories left me a wonderful sense of Christmas!
On the 3rd one!
October 11, 2012
What a great audio book. I really enjoyed this one and will be listening to the next in the series.
December 20, 2014
Two-haiku review:
Single mom problems
Ex-marine next door helps her
How can she resist?
Real emotional
They both must overcome past
Together they can
Single mom problems
Ex-marine next door helps her
How can she resist?
Real emotional
They both must overcome past
Together they can
April 17, 2018
I didn’t read the first book in the series but it was a story that didn’t need background information and it was pretty easy to keep up with the characters their stories.
Walker, an Ex Marine, trying to live with his past and Elissa, single mom, haunted by her past and her Ex, are both enjoyable characters. Just as all the other ones showing up.
It is an entertaining and light read, lovely but predictable but it builds up into an exciting end.
3,5 stars
Walker, an Ex Marine, trying to live with his past and Elissa, single mom, haunted by her past and her Ex, are both enjoyable characters. Just as all the other ones showing up.
It is an entertaining and light read, lovely but predictable but it builds up into an exciting end.
3,5 stars
February 8, 2019
This was a good book. Elissa and Walker are neighbors and are clearly into each other. However, they both have pasts and issues they are trying to deal with. Both of them have people in their lives trying to make them miserable. Thankfully in the end everything works out.
January 2, 2023
I think this is my first Susan Mallery book and I didn’t realize it was part of a series. Very cute but also felt like a very typical romance. There were some parts that seemed to fit together a little too well but it was still a nice way to pass the time.
January 15, 2011
This is the second book in the Buchanan series & I picked it up last night since I couldn't fall asleep & finished it in 3.5 hours.
Walker Buchanan is the quietest and most reserved of the Buchanan sibs. He came home to find...something. In his search for that something he does his best to hide from the world, but the world will not have it. Enter neighbor Elissa. Elissa gets his no relationship/no connections rule because she doesn't have the purest past herself. However, no matter how much they try to convince one another that it will never work, they slowly fall head over heels for one another & become that something that both of them were looking for.
I like that we got to see the progression of Cal & Penny's relationship a little bit & that Mallery didn't drag out her pregnancy like so many authors tend to do. Reid is going to get his butt kicked by his grandmother's nurse! I've always admired how well Mallery writes the villain, really getting to the worst of people's personalities but keeping it realistically bad enough that you could believe your friend telling you about their cold bitch of a grandmother really exists.
I absolutely loved the end and how connected & how much a part of each others lives Walker & Elissa became. I also really loved Walker's reluctance to love but inevitable fall for Elissa's daughter, Zoe.
"Was that man really my daddy?" Zoe asked quietly.
"It takes a man and a woman to make a baby," he said, then wondered if he'd just dug the hole bigger. "But making a baby doesn't mean a man is a daddy. Being a daddy is different. It's a name a man has to earn. He has to prove himself by doing the right thing and being there and..." And what else, he thought desperately.
"And loving his little girl," Zoe whispered as she began to cry.
"Right. He has to know her and because he knows her, he loves her. Because she's a very special little girl."
Zoe raised her head and stared into his soul. "So you're my daddy."
From the moment he'd found out Charlotte was dying and had realized he was going to walk out on her, he'd carried around a weight in his chest. It was as if that action had somehow locked his heart in a small box that was both heavy and painful.
Zoe's innocent, trusting, scary-as-hell words had just opened the box - and for the first time in over a decade, it didn't hurt to breathe.
"Yes, Zoe. I'm your daddy."
Heartwrenching.
A fantastic story of family, love, and coming out of the shadows to find what you really need, I am definitely looking forward to the next story in this series.
Walker Buchanan is the quietest and most reserved of the Buchanan sibs. He came home to find...something. In his search for that something he does his best to hide from the world, but the world will not have it. Enter neighbor Elissa. Elissa gets his no relationship/no connections rule because she doesn't have the purest past herself. However, no matter how much they try to convince one another that it will never work, they slowly fall head over heels for one another & become that something that both of them were looking for.
I like that we got to see the progression of Cal & Penny's relationship a little bit & that Mallery didn't drag out her pregnancy like so many authors tend to do. Reid is going to get his butt kicked by his grandmother's nurse! I've always admired how well Mallery writes the villain, really getting to the worst of people's personalities but keeping it realistically bad enough that you could believe your friend telling you about their cold bitch of a grandmother really exists.
I absolutely loved the end and how connected & how much a part of each others lives Walker & Elissa became. I also really loved Walker's reluctance to love but inevitable fall for Elissa's daughter, Zoe.
"Was that man really my daddy?" Zoe asked quietly.
"It takes a man and a woman to make a baby," he said, then wondered if he'd just dug the hole bigger. "But making a baby doesn't mean a man is a daddy. Being a daddy is different. It's a name a man has to earn. He has to prove himself by doing the right thing and being there and..." And what else, he thought desperately.
"And loving his little girl," Zoe whispered as she began to cry.
"Right. He has to know her and because he knows her, he loves her. Because she's a very special little girl."
Zoe raised her head and stared into his soul. "So you're my daddy."
From the moment he'd found out Charlotte was dying and had realized he was going to walk out on her, he'd carried around a weight in his chest. It was as if that action had somehow locked his heart in a small box that was both heavy and painful.
Zoe's innocent, trusting, scary-as-hell words had just opened the box - and for the first time in over a decade, it didn't hurt to breathe.
"Yes, Zoe. I'm your daddy."
Heartwrenching.
A fantastic story of family, love, and coming out of the shadows to find what you really need, I am definitely looking forward to the next story in this series.
December 8, 2009
Um, it's a tough one. I liked it but it just one of those "been there, read that" kind of stories. Maybe it's because I haven't been in the mood for contemporary romance for the past few weeks. I'm sure 2 months ago I'd probably give this one star higher than what I did rate it. On the plus side this was sooo much better than the last book.
A couple of negatives...I did not like the blame game with Elissa and her mother. It got old fast. Dani was yet again getting pushed to the curb. I feel so bad for the woman. Okay, that ending when Walker magically sensed something was wrong with Elissa was a little contrived. Lastly, it was pretty disappointing that the Ashley mission turned out how it did.
Postives...I loved Mrs. Ford. She provided so many laughs from the Buffy comments to flirting to interrogating. Comedy gold.
Additionally, I really liked the Zoe and Walker interactions. For me, this is what kept my interest. Those two were all kinds of adorable. I just love how children can bring big strong men down to their knees. Gosh I recall one moment when Walker babysitting her and he felt stupid and awkward. He even broke into a cold sweat, LOL.
Reid has a potential to be a good story but i may hold out on reading his book until I'm craving a contemporary romance.
A couple of negatives...I did not like the blame game with Elissa and her mother. It got old fast. Dani was yet again getting pushed to the curb. I feel so bad for the woman. Okay, that ending when Walker magically sensed something was wrong with Elissa was a little contrived. Lastly, it was pretty disappointing that the Ashley mission turned out how it did.
Postives...I loved Mrs. Ford. She provided so many laughs from the Buffy comments to flirting to interrogating. Comedy gold.
Additionally, I really liked the Zoe and Walker interactions. For me, this is what kept my interest. Those two were all kinds of adorable. I just love how children can bring big strong men down to their knees. Gosh I recall one moment when Walker babysitting her and he felt stupid and awkward. He even broke into a cold sweat, LOL.
Reid has a potential to be a good story but i may hold out on reading his book until I'm craving a contemporary romance.
July 9, 2011
I will say that from the start I knew just what was going to happen with this one. Although there were a couple of surprises, Dani and her story along with Bobby's actions years ago.
Even though I knew what was going to happen it didn't bother me as I really liked Elissa and Zoe. I liked that Elissa wasn't "all woe is me, my life sucks, feel sorry for me", she did the best she could to provide a good home for them both. Mrs. Ford was another surprising person, for a lady who was over 90 I think she has a more active social life than me. I also loved to see how Walker how wanted to be left alone kept getting pulling into these 3 women's lives. Overall this one was very sweet and everyone got what they deserved.
I am looking forward to Reed's book and his experience with the nurse that won't put up with his crap!
Even though I knew what was going to happen it didn't bother me as I really liked Elissa and Zoe. I liked that Elissa wasn't "all woe is me, my life sucks, feel sorry for me", she did the best she could to provide a good home for them both. Mrs. Ford was another surprising person, for a lady who was over 90 I think she has a more active social life than me. I also loved to see how Walker how wanted to be left alone kept getting pulling into these 3 women's lives. Overall this one was very sweet and everyone got what they deserved.
I am looking forward to Reed's book and his experience with the nurse that won't put up with his crap!
January 28, 2012
You can always tell when I’ve downloaded a book from the library. They’re never in order. The library should really list things in series. I picked this one out because of the cupcake on the front. There’s no bakery and no cupcakes. Why did I think that a romance book’s cover would reflect the story? Silly me.
This is the second book by Mallery that I’ve read. She might be the queen of contemporary romance stereotypes. Everyone in her stories are just cut-out characters from the heroic ex-marine with PTSD to the single mother running from an abusive ex-boyfriend to the rich, cruel grandmother and the sweet elderly matchmaking neighbor. The story is completely predictable too. Go ahead. I’ve given you four of the characters. I bet you can give me the main plot line. On your mark. Get set. Go!
This is the second book by Mallery that I’ve read. She might be the queen of contemporary romance stereotypes. Everyone in her stories are just cut-out characters from the heroic ex-marine with PTSD to the single mother running from an abusive ex-boyfriend to the rich, cruel grandmother and the sweet elderly matchmaking neighbor. The story is completely predictable too. Go ahead. I’ve given you four of the characters. I bet you can give me the main plot line. On your mark. Get set. Go!
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