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Sweetwater #2
Admit One
Allison Hawbaker has spent the past year putting back the pieces of her shattered life. Recovering from both family crisis and personal tragedy, Allie throws herself into building a business with her childhood best friend while trying to put the past behind her.
Part of Allie’s past is British thespian Mason Armitage, the man she fell for and rebuffed a year ago. Now Mason’s back, and Allie’s in danger of losing her heart again. When she and Mason stumble across a grave robbery in progress, it causes a chain reaction that puts Allie in the crosshairs of criminal conspirators. Because sometimes the past won’t stay buried – literally. Sweetwater. Small town. Big secrets.
Part of Allie’s past is British thespian Mason Armitage, the man she fell for and rebuffed a year ago. Now Mason’s back, and Allie’s in danger of losing her heart again. When she and Mason stumble across a grave robbery in progress, it causes a chain reaction that puts Allie in the crosshairs of criminal conspirators. Because sometimes the past won’t stay buried – literally. Sweetwater. Small town. Big secrets.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
148 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Clark O'Neill
23 books247 followersOne fine day in the not-too-distant past, Lisa Clark O’Neill left Wittenberg University with a BA in English, which she promptly neglected. After working as an interior designer, decorative artist, and Montessori art teacher (there may have been a BA in art as well,) she finally settled into the role of mother to two very fine children. However, two years of doing the stay-at-home-mom brain cell melt drove her to pull out a pen and one of her old college notebooks. That turned into six manuscripts. Lisa spent subsequent years avoiding housework by burying her nose in just about every romance novel she could get her hands on, after completely falling in love with the genre. Her own work falls into the romantic suspense sub-genre, with strong comedic undertones. Two of Lisa's recent novels, Circumstantial Evidence and Malice, were chosen as Best Reads of 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 30, 2019
Allison (Allie) Hawbaker hasn’t had the best year. Her former fiancé broke off their engagement close to their wedding date after getting what he needed from her family. Her brother went through a devastating divorce after losing a great deal of the family fortune. And Mason Armitage, the man she started falling for turned out to be someone other than he allowed her to think he was. Now he’s back in all his golden glory and despite her attempts to ignore him, Allie is finding him quite irresistible. As if that wasn’t troubling enough, she’s also feeling like someone is stalking her and it’s not Mason.
You can’t help but adore Allie. She’s almost too nice and she’s the biggest klutz who startles easily, maybe because she’s often daydreaming about her circumstances. Mason is actually a famous British theatrical actor, fresh from his latest successful role and he wants another chance with Allie. I loved their scenes together because both were always showing up as their authentic, vulnerable selves and that’s a great thing. The dialogue was just delicious, my favorite part of the story.
The suspense element wasn’t strong but that worked for me. It allowed the focus to be primarily on Mason & Allie and their clever repartee. It was a slow, mellow burn that was allowed to simmer before it flashed, so rare in romance these days. It was perfectly paced, though I could have lived with less inner musings. The secondary characters added even more flavor and I liked how Will’s story is set up here. I’m definitely reading that next. Though the mystery wasn’t especially challenging, it was in its rightful place behind the epic romance of Mason and Allie.
You can’t help but adore Allie. She’s almost too nice and she’s the biggest klutz who startles easily, maybe because she’s often daydreaming about her circumstances. Mason is actually a famous British theatrical actor, fresh from his latest successful role and he wants another chance with Allie. I loved their scenes together because both were always showing up as their authentic, vulnerable selves and that’s a great thing. The dialogue was just delicious, my favorite part of the story.
The suspense element wasn’t strong but that worked for me. It allowed the focus to be primarily on Mason & Allie and their clever repartee. It was a slow, mellow burn that was allowed to simmer before it flashed, so rare in romance these days. It was perfectly paced, though I could have lived with less inner musings. The secondary characters added even more flavor and I liked how Will’s story is set up here. I’m definitely reading that next. Though the mystery wasn’t especially challenging, it was in its rightful place behind the epic romance of Mason and Allie.
June 24, 2015
Overall rating: 4 "Admit One" stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
OM/OW drama:
HEA:
My review:
This was the second book in the Sweetwater series where we learn more about Will, Allie, Sarah, Mason, Tucker and even meet the woman who will be the heroine for book 3. In this book, it was a combination of Mason's POV, Allie's POV, and Will's POV. Will was in it quite a bit and I have to say that I am intrigued by him. He is NOT a manwhore by far. His work is 100% his life. He mentions attempting to go on 2 dates (I have no idea with who) but each time, work gets in the way and he has to cancel. He is a good man. Anyway, I am only mentioning this because his POV is in a great deal of the book - maybe even half as much as our main couple, and I know it may bother some not to have all of the attention on the main couple.
At the start of this book, Allie is trying to move on with her life (not romantically) just dealing with her issues that made her hit rock bottom over a year ago and then Mason comes back to town. She is finally ready to hear him out and get an understanding of this attraction between the two of them. Mason is very sweet and patient and is just an all around good guy. Yes, he was a manwhore in the past (before he goes to Sweetwater with Tucker), but he has only had eyes for Allie since he met her. He realized that he was ready to have some meaning in his life and have someone to share it with. Allie was a little resistant at first due to her being a small town girl and she believes nothing special, and him being an actor. He does everything to make her feel special and she didn't resist for long.
This wasn't an overly steamy book, but did have some nice love scenes. I think the kitchen counter was my favorite. I did enjoy the suspenseful aspect and I am anxious to read Will's book. I am hoping he doesn't let me down!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
OM/OW drama:
HEA:
My review:
This was the second book in the Sweetwater series where we learn more about Will, Allie, Sarah, Mason, Tucker and even meet the woman who will be the heroine for book 3. In this book, it was a combination of Mason's POV, Allie's POV, and Will's POV. Will was in it quite a bit and I have to say that I am intrigued by him. He is NOT a manwhore by far. His work is 100% his life. He mentions attempting to go on 2 dates (I have no idea with who) but each time, work gets in the way and he has to cancel. He is a good man. Anyway, I am only mentioning this because his POV is in a great deal of the book - maybe even half as much as our main couple, and I know it may bother some not to have all of the attention on the main couple.
At the start of this book, Allie is trying to move on with her life (not romantically) just dealing with her issues that made her hit rock bottom over a year ago and then Mason comes back to town. She is finally ready to hear him out and get an understanding of this attraction between the two of them. Mason is very sweet and patient and is just an all around good guy. Yes, he was a manwhore in the past (before he goes to Sweetwater with Tucker), but he has only had eyes for Allie since he met her. He realized that he was ready to have some meaning in his life and have someone to share it with. Allie was a little resistant at first due to her being a small town girl and she believes nothing special, and him being an actor. He does everything to make her feel special and she didn't resist for long.
This wasn't an overly steamy book, but did have some nice love scenes. I think the kitchen counter was my favorite. I did enjoy the suspenseful aspect and I am anxious to read Will's book. I am hoping he doesn't let me down!
October 26, 2014
While many loved the latest novel in the "Sweetwater" series, I was really disappointed. First off let me just say that I loved both Mason and Allison. I thought they were great together and I loved how their love for each other developed (though a tad slow). Since the novel is of the suspense/romance genre, there indeed was a mystery plot included. Unfortunately, it severely lacked any suspense or intrigue the author was trying to elicit from it. For one thing I thought it was blatantly obvious who the perpetrator was. It also didn't help that the story itself dragged on needlessly. I got so bored that I started to skim thru the novel half-way thru. And when it all came to head at the end? Talk about a brutal ending. So anti-climactic. While I'm still a fan of this author and her "Southern Comfort" series, this series really isn't working for me. I think I'm going to have to abandon it altogether.
October 5, 2014
Mason, I love you man.
So, I've been waiting quite patiently (read: obsessively stalking the authors Twitter page) for this book since the second I finished the first in the series, Mr Write. I bloody loved the first book, which was largely due to a side character in that one called Mason. I was positively dying for his and Allisons book. Their scenes in Mr Write were amazing!
There was just so many things that were great about this book (Mason, Mason, Mason, Mason, Mason.) It's another romantic suspense like Mr Write. I felt in the first book the suspense was quite subtle but in this one there was much more action yet not so much as too overtake the romance and family aspects of the story. It was very well balanced. I really enjoyed the mystery. It was such an original plot that I've not really come across before. There was also a wee side story that was very bittersweet.
Their romance was as beautiful as it was in the first book. Mason just had me swooning all over the place. They were very similar people and they just fitted together perfectly. I like how Allison didn't really resist him. I was worried she would annoy me in this one and not see the greatness of Mason and push him away. Thankfully it didn't go that way, which pleased me greatly. There was no annoying relationship drama or angst, which is always refreshing.
The thing that makes this series so great is how you just get sucked into this wee town. The families, friendships and relationships are all just so realistic and fleshed out. It's all the wee details that make it come alive in your head. I would totally live in Sweetwater.
I had a lot of expectations for this one obviously and I was not disappointed. Actually that's a lie. I was disappointed. Disappointed that it finished! I need the next book now. I also need it to be Will's please.
So, I've been waiting quite patiently (read: obsessively stalking the authors Twitter page) for this book since the second I finished the first in the series, Mr Write. I bloody loved the first book, which was largely due to a side character in that one called Mason. I was positively dying for his and Allisons book. Their scenes in Mr Write were amazing!
There was just so many things that were great about this book (Mason, Mason, Mason, Mason, Mason.) It's another romantic suspense like Mr Write. I felt in the first book the suspense was quite subtle but in this one there was much more action yet not so much as too overtake the romance and family aspects of the story. It was very well balanced. I really enjoyed the mystery. It was such an original plot that I've not really come across before. There was also a wee side story that was very bittersweet.
Their romance was as beautiful as it was in the first book. Mason just had me swooning all over the place. They were very similar people and they just fitted together perfectly. I like how Allison didn't really resist him. I was worried she would annoy me in this one and not see the greatness of Mason and push him away. Thankfully it didn't go that way, which pleased me greatly. There was no annoying relationship drama or angst, which is always refreshing.
The thing that makes this series so great is how you just get sucked into this wee town. The families, friendships and relationships are all just so realistic and fleshed out. It's all the wee details that make it come alive in your head. I would totally live in Sweetwater.
I had a lot of expectations for this one obviously and I was not disappointed. Actually that's a lie. I was disappointed. Disappointed that it finished! I need the next book now. I also need it to be Will's please.
January 6, 2015
I cannot say enough good things about this book, this series and this author!!!
I love this book. I was impatiently awaiting more by the author, who in my humble opinion is truly gifted and talented. She's able to evoke emotions, laughter and love from me as far too few authors can do.
I can barely live my life when I read hr books, sacrificing sleep, family time & work. But that's my problem. I think I ned a 12-step program.
She's able to reel me in from the first page and keep me at the edge of my sleep until the last page!
I make 2 sincere requests of the author:
Write faster & more books ASAP (no pressure)
Also, please give Will his HEA. He deserves it! I love that guy!
There are many other characters who deserve their own HEA's in this series.
I love this book. I was impatiently awaiting more by the author, who in my humble opinion is truly gifted and talented. She's able to evoke emotions, laughter and love from me as far too few authors can do.
I can barely live my life when I read hr books, sacrificing sleep, family time & work. But that's my problem. I think I ned a 12-step program.
She's able to reel me in from the first page and keep me at the edge of my sleep until the last page!
I make 2 sincere requests of the author:
Write faster & more books ASAP (no pressure)
Also, please give Will his HEA. He deserves it! I love that guy!
There are many other characters who deserve their own HEA's in this series.
January 14, 2020
4.5★
November 7, 2014
Aaaah, reviews! Can't live with them (sometimes) yet can't live without them. I'm sure nearly every author feels this way at times. For me, not being blessed with the ability to write a novel, I read those reviews, take note of the positive points and then make my decision based on those positive points. I feel this book was definitely worthy of all those positive points. Once again, this author has shown that she DOES have that wonderful ability to write and her writing voice comes through loud and strong. I loved this book! Hearing from the people we know and loved from the last book was a real treat. I am so glad I was not disappointed by the story in any way. Well, except for one person who really disappointed me at the end. Didn't see that coming. But then, real life is like that. The characters are so real and the task of trying to figure out just exactly what's going on gets frustrating. In a good way. Hope all goes well for Sarah, Tucker, Allie and Mason. Will's turn?
Wish I could drop by the book store and spend some time with them all in Sweetwater. GREAT READ.
Wish I could drop by the book store and spend some time with them all in Sweetwater. GREAT READ.
August 19, 2025
Each book is better than the last! I loved the first book in the series and was excited to get started on the second. I'm always a bit leary though as I go into a sequel with such high expectations. Lisa didn't disappoint, I think I actually liked this one even more than the first. Her writing is fantastic, there is nothing corny or sappy as with some novels in the genre. I genuinely cared about the characters and after I thought I had the mystery figured out, she threw me for a loop and then back again through another loop.
As I said after reading the first in the series, I have already purchased everything that Lisa has written. I tried to space this one out to make it last longer, but I am already ready to jump into the next one!
As I said after reading the first in the series, I have already purchased everything that Lisa has written. I tried to space this one out to make it last longer, but I am already ready to jump into the next one!
December 5, 2014
Even better than the first.
With more action and suspense than the first book and a bit more steaminess as well, I was sucked in right off the bat. Mason was so thoughtful and protective without being overbearing. Allie was likable and pretty spunky for a girl with 3 brothers. It was nice to see her come out of her shell and stand up to her ex. Like the first book, not every mystery is resolved, but the main issues related to this couple are dealt with. I have really enjoyed finding this author and series. I can't wait for more of Sweetwater. Maybe the next book in the series will feature one of Allie's brothers:-)
With more action and suspense than the first book and a bit more steaminess as well, I was sucked in right off the bat. Mason was so thoughtful and protective without being overbearing. Allie was likable and pretty spunky for a girl with 3 brothers. It was nice to see her come out of her shell and stand up to her ex. Like the first book, not every mystery is resolved, but the main issues related to this couple are dealt with. I have really enjoyed finding this author and series. I can't wait for more of Sweetwater. Maybe the next book in the series will feature one of Allie's brothers:-)
October 28, 2014
Such a tease. This is a very well written book with lots intrigue but leaves you wanting more. There's sex of course, but where it's appropriate and where love is involved too. The books are witty very enjoyable and leaves you wanting more
October 8, 2014
Wonderful characters in a truly suspenseful situation. A real page-turner!
February 18, 2016
4.5 Stars. Loving everything she writes....
February 14, 2017
Love this series
So many sleepless nights ready the books by Lisa Clark O'Neill. I'm now going to take a nap and dive into the third book, Circumstantial Evidence.
So many sleepless nights ready the books by Lisa Clark O'Neill. I'm now going to take a nap and dive into the third book, Circumstantial Evidence.
August 11, 2018
Good Theatre. With this book, we pick up about a year after Mr. Write left off. Mason (Dixon) Armitage has come back to Sweetwater with a singular mission - to woo the woman he can't stop thinking about. But the woman in question... well, she's over him. Or so she thinks. Overall solid romance, if a tad slow, and with an intriguing mystery to boot. But there *were* a couple of slips of continuity where a character forgets things they knew just pages earlier. Still, very recommended read, and looking forward to seeing Will and Cam develop more in the next book.
September 5, 2019
“Just wait until I get my boots.”
Allie has almost put Mason and the quick and confusing time with him behind her when he reappears in her hometown. Mason couldn’t stay away from the one woman that did strange things to his insides and it seems he’s come back just in time to play the role of his life. Second book in this series is just as good as the first. Awesome read! Enjoy!!!
Allie has almost put Mason and the quick and confusing time with him behind her when he reappears in her hometown. Mason couldn’t stay away from the one woman that did strange things to his insides and it seems he’s come back just in time to play the role of his life. Second book in this series is just as good as the first. Awesome read! Enjoy!!!
February 17, 2019
A great story
I would definitely recommend this book, I think it's even better than the first book which I also love. This book has it all, humor, romance, suspense, and very likable characters i didn't want this story to end. I've already read it three times and I'm sure I'll read several more.
I would definitely recommend this book, I think it's even better than the first book which I also love. This book has it all, humor, romance, suspense, and very likable characters i didn't want this story to end. I've already read it three times and I'm sure I'll read several more.
September 26, 2019
Sassy, Sweet, & Suspenseful
Five stars for the second book in the Sweetwater series. I loved the growth of characters from previous books and the seeding of things to come in the next. Sweetwater is a town full of interesting characters, witty banter, a criminal or two, and brimming with Southern charm. This series is shaping up to be my favorite from the author.
Five stars for the second book in the Sweetwater series. I loved the growth of characters from previous books and the seeding of things to come in the next. Sweetwater is a town full of interesting characters, witty banter, a criminal or two, and brimming with Southern charm. This series is shaping up to be my favorite from the author.
July 28, 2019
Love these books
Love Allie and Mason. Their humor and wit are wonderful. Just enough suspense too. I'll be reading all of this series, to see how every one fines their other half.
Love Allie and Mason. Their humor and wit are wonderful. Just enough suspense too. I'll be reading all of this series, to see how every one fines their other half.
September 11, 2017
Ms. Clark-O'Neill is a recent find for me - I enjoy her writing style and characters. A fun, fast paced read - just the way I like um!
June 26, 2019
Admit One review
Admit One is the second very funny romantic suspense book in the Sweetwater series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill.
Admit One is the second very funny romantic suspense book in the Sweetwater series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill.
December 23, 2016
3/5; 3 stars; B+
While a bit heavy on the romance as opposed to suspense, this book was a good solid RS book.
While a bit heavy on the romance as opposed to suspense, this book was a good solid RS book.
April 8, 2015
Although I did receive this book for free through Goodreads First Reads, I have to say that I would gladly have purchased it! I really enjoyed the writing and especially the characters that I was introduced to. I had not read the first book in the Sweetwater series, Mr. Write, but really felt drawn to all the relationships in this book. I am not the type of person who normally reads a series book out of order, but this one can definitely stand on its own. Part of my enjoyment might have been from the fact that the town of Sweetwater sounds an awful lot like the town that I live in Bluffton, SC, which is also very close to Savannah, GA. However, I think anyone in any part of the country could enjoy O'Neill's descriptive writing and will be able to envision her Sweetwater. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the book cover! Not knowing the series, I was a bit taken aback by the large tattooed arm on the cover wondering what in the world was I about to read? Happy to say, it was great! Don't let the cover put you off! I definitely plan on reading the other books in the Sweetwater series.
March 16, 2015
This one is my favorite in the Sweetwater trilogy. Maybe it's the fact that it features a Brit...I am a tad partial. But the story is excellent, the characters are engaging, and it's another one that you just can't put down. Lisa's plot pacing and revelation of secrets and backstory is perfect, as well as the building of tension as the plot progresses. You pretty much can't go wrong with an LCON book.
February 16, 2016
I enjoyed this book too. The first in the series is Mr. Write and perhaps I liked that one better but still, Admit One was fun to read. Ms. O'Neill's command of dialogue, humour and character is terrific. Her style is very readable and very much worth the read!
July 2, 2017
A wonderfull second part of the series. Allie is such a great character and she is petite and dark haired just like me:). Lisa, I did notice the little Outlander nuggets.
May 24, 2015
Really enjoy this author. Though, she will keep you up past your bedtime. Well written, with enough suspense but no stupidity. I can't wait to start her other series.
September 9, 2021
read 2/6/20
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Mason Armitage
Allison Hawbaker
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Mason Armitage
Allison Hawbaker
November 16, 2016
Great series. Great characters. Full of twists and suspense. I couldn't put them down.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews