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King Family #2
Just My Luck
Unexpected sparks ignite a slow burn in this grumpy/sunshine workplace romance when a single mom proposes a marriage of convenience to save her boss’s brewery.
Fans of Lucy Score, Elsie Silver, Carley Fortune, and B.K. Borrison will find their next obsession with this second standalone in bestselling author Lena Hendrix’s spicy, emotional, deeply romantic Kings Series set in small town Michigan.
You might think it’s reckless for a single mom to enter into a marriage of convenience with her boss.
You would be correct.
To make matters worse, Abel King is a grumpy local brewer with a criminal past. He also happens to be my boss and a total stick-in-the-mud. Every time I come to work with a smile and wave, I’m lucky if I can get a grunt in response.
When I accidentally-on-purpose overhear that he’s having trouble securing a business loan due to his criminal record, I hatch a plan to help the both of us.
The arrangement is perfect—a business transaction and nothing more. Like having a roommate without the hassle of other people bugging you for dates.
I will definitely not be falling in love with him—no matter how many times he says “my wife” and tingles dance in all the right places.
Trouble is, as time goes on, things stop feeling like business and start feeling a whole lot like pleasure . . . and really, that’s just my luck . . .
Fans of Lucy Score, Elsie Silver, Carley Fortune, and B.K. Borrison will find their next obsession with this second standalone in bestselling author Lena Hendrix’s spicy, emotional, deeply romantic Kings Series set in small town Michigan.
You might think it’s reckless for a single mom to enter into a marriage of convenience with her boss.
You would be correct.
To make matters worse, Abel King is a grumpy local brewer with a criminal past. He also happens to be my boss and a total stick-in-the-mud. Every time I come to work with a smile and wave, I’m lucky if I can get a grunt in response.
When I accidentally-on-purpose overhear that he’s having trouble securing a business loan due to his criminal record, I hatch a plan to help the both of us.
The arrangement is perfect—a business transaction and nothing more. Like having a roommate without the hassle of other people bugging you for dates.
I will definitely not be falling in love with him—no matter how many times he says “my wife” and tingles dance in all the right places.
Trouble is, as time goes on, things stop feeling like business and start feeling a whole lot like pleasure . . . and really, that’s just my luck . . .
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2024
2997 people are currently reading
11040 people want to read
About the author
Lena Hendrix
33 books3,599 followersLena Hendrix is a USA Today and Amazon Top 5 bestselling contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. Her love for romance started with sneaking racy Harlequin paperbacks as a teenager and now she writes her own hot-as-sin small town romance novels. Lena has a soft spot for strong alphas with marshmallow insides, heroines who clap back, and sizzling tension. Her novels pack in small town heart with a whole lotta heat.
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,475 reviews
July 26, 2024
4 stars
the last time I read a book by this author was three to two years ago, and it's safe to say that Lena Hendrix's writing style has improved significantly. this book was the personification of a grumpy-sunshine arc and I absolutely adored the bond between the main male character and the female main character’s kids . such a cute read.
”at some point I realized that maybe sometimes the loudest stories were the ones left unsaid.”
𓏲ex con
𓏲small town
𓏲single mom
𓏲forced proximity
𓏲boss x employee
𓏲grumpy x sunshine
𓏲best friend’s brother
𓏲marriage of convenience
the last time I read a book by this author was three to two years ago, and it's safe to say that Lena Hendrix's writing style has improved significantly. this book was the personification of a grumpy-sunshine arc and I absolutely adored the bond between the main male character and the female main character’s kids . such a cute read.
“the man I’d fallen for was grumpy, brooding, and head over heels in love with me.
. . . and, really, that’s just my luck.”
July 7, 2024
MY FAVORITE LENA HENDRIX BOOK TO DATE 😭😭😭
This was legit perfection from start to finish. Lena, you freaking crushed it. 👏🏻👏🏻
Abel. OMG. Legit perfect. I am shocked because while I was excited for his book he wasn’t my most anticipated and this just BLEW ME AWAY. Probably my favorite marriage of convenience/ my wife book potentially…ever.
This has all of my favorite small town tropes: single parent, marriage of convenience, “my wife”, workplace, and a little suspense. UGH - SO GOOD.
And the emotion!!!! I teared up so hard in this so many times.
Highlights:
“You’re my wife, Sloane. You’re mine for as long as I can keep you.”
“Can I tell you a secret? I don’t think I will have any issues kissing my wife.”
“There isn’t a choice. When it comes down to it, it’s them.” 🥹🥹🥹🥹
Thank you Lena Hendrix for an advanced copy of Just My Luck. This was pure perfection 💖
This was legit perfection from start to finish. Lena, you freaking crushed it. 👏🏻👏🏻
Abel. OMG. Legit perfect. I am shocked because while I was excited for his book he wasn’t my most anticipated and this just BLEW ME AWAY. Probably my favorite marriage of convenience/ my wife book potentially…ever.
This has all of my favorite small town tropes: single parent, marriage of convenience, “my wife”, workplace, and a little suspense. UGH - SO GOOD.
And the emotion!!!! I teared up so hard in this so many times.
Highlights:
“You’re my wife, Sloane. You’re mine for as long as I can keep you.”
“Can I tell you a secret? I don’t think I will have any issues kissing my wife.”
“There isn’t a choice. When it comes down to it, it’s them.” 🥹🥹🥹🥹
Thank you Lena Hendrix for an advanced copy of Just My Luck. This was pure perfection 💖
July 17, 2024
3.5 ⭐ (rounding up cuz the h's a single mom 🤭)
Sylvie introduced her friend, Sloane (29/30), to her brother, Abel (36), as she and her twins (7) had just come to town and needed work. So in this story, they have already known each other, and probably the introduction happened in the first book; I didn't read it, so I have no clue. 🤷♀️
Into the story, Sloane moved to her grandfather's town after divorcing her nasty pos husband. She doesn't have money, as she used everything she had in the divorce and on moving her and her kids across the country. However, her father left a trust fund that can only be given to her in a lump sum unless there's a substantial life event that would happen, like marriage, birth of a child, tuition, etc.
As for Abel, he wants to buy out his father from the brewery; he made that successful on his own anyway, and he didn't want him to have a say in what he does in the bar. But he doesn't have enough funds to do that, and his bank loan was rejected because of his criminal record. He served five years in jail after getting into a car accident that led to a fatal result. He became somewhat of a pariah in their small town, and the word murderer kept being associated with him even though the locals didn't have any clue as to what really happened; all they know is that someone died. He's not a people person in general, but his town's treatment of his past added more reason for him to become more aloof and grumpy. 🥺
And this is how the idea of a marriage of convenience came into fruition. Sloane made the proposition to Abel, saying that if he agrees to marry her, she'll finally get access to her trust, and in return, she'll provide the funds he needs and be a silent partner in the brewery. It was a win-win for both of them. 🤭
While Abel's grumpy most of the time, he was never rude or harsh to Sloane; in fact, he lets her get away with all the small troubles she's doing just to provoke a reaction from him. But his past played a huge role in the story. He thinks he didn't deserve all the good things that came his way, and he still felt guilty for what happened. Even after serving time, he still put a lot of blame on himself, and the judgmental looks he received from the people in their town make it difficult for him to move on. Yet, despite facing his own demons, he never fails to step up for Sloane and her kids after they get married. He took them under his wing, welcomed them warmly to his home, and introduced them to his family. 👉🥹👈
As for Sloane, I'm really impressed with how this woman can still find all the good things in everything in spite of all the things she and her kids went through. 🫡 They never had it easy after her divorce, but she still wakes up each day full of hope for their future. I do admire her sunny personality and how she never lets the bad things in the past get in the way of her present. Also, I had fun with the fact that she tries her best to get on Abel's nerves because she thinks that beneath his stoic exterior lies a kind heart that he doesn't exhibit to everyone. She really is the sunshine he needs in his life. 🤭
Despite them knowing one another, there's still a slow buildup in their relationship. It helps that they're already attracted to one another. There's tension and palpable chemistry, and the forced proximity and marriage of convenience were good additional factors too. 🤭
Although I honestly enjoyed when these two finally embraced their mutual attraction, there were times it could get so frustrating when they wouldn't communicate and would rather assume the worst things about each other's feelings. 😩 Sure, they talked about mundane things, but when it comes to the most important ones, they tend to do their best to set them aside or, worse, avoid discussing them. It happened on multiple occasions, but as the story goes, they gradually learned to navigate their relationship and communicate effectively. It sure did help them in the end, and I think that's all that matters anyway.
Overall, I do enjoy the small town vibes and the meddling of some side characters. I love Abel's relationship with Sloane's kids and how he became a good stepfather to them. I love the MCs relationship and how they were both selfless when it came to choosing what's best for the greater good of the people they care about. I had fun with their story; I just wish the epilogue or bonus epilogue contained a years-late glimpse of their lives. I'm sorry, I'm greedy with epilogues. 😂 Nonetheless, setting aside my irrelevant minor issue, it was still a good and heartwarming read. 💖
Book info:
- Small town romance
- Marriage of convenience
- Single mom
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Boss x employee
- Domestic violence
- Panic attacks
- Mention of arson
- No cheating, owd
- No Vs (both celibate for a long time, years I think)
- OMD (h's ex caused some trouble)
- Separation (weeks??)
- HEA (married)
- Bonus epilogue (not sure if mos or yrs later, but they're finally pregnant)
PS: I guess the issue with his dad and how to deal with him will be the running theme in this series. I just hope his comeuppance will be awful. Because, maaan, that guy is a goddamn waste of space, even in this fictional world. 😤
Sylvie introduced her friend, Sloane (29/30), to her brother, Abel (36), as she and her twins (7) had just come to town and needed work. So in this story, they have already known each other, and probably the introduction happened in the first book; I didn't read it, so I have no clue. 🤷♀️
Into the story, Sloane moved to her grandfather's town after divorcing her nasty pos husband. She doesn't have money, as she used everything she had in the divorce and on moving her and her kids across the country. However, her father left a trust fund that can only be given to her in a lump sum unless there's a substantial life event that would happen, like marriage, birth of a child, tuition, etc.
As for Abel, he wants to buy out his father from the brewery; he made that successful on his own anyway, and he didn't want him to have a say in what he does in the bar. But he doesn't have enough funds to do that, and his bank loan was rejected because of his criminal record. He served five years in jail after getting into a car accident that led to a fatal result. He became somewhat of a pariah in their small town, and the word murderer kept being associated with him even though the locals didn't have any clue as to what really happened; all they know is that someone died. He's not a people person in general, but his town's treatment of his past added more reason for him to become more aloof and grumpy. 🥺
And this is how the idea of a marriage of convenience came into fruition. Sloane made the proposition to Abel, saying that if he agrees to marry her, she'll finally get access to her trust, and in return, she'll provide the funds he needs and be a silent partner in the brewery. It was a win-win for both of them. 🤭
While Abel's grumpy most of the time, he was never rude or harsh to Sloane; in fact, he lets her get away with all the small troubles she's doing just to provoke a reaction from him. But his past played a huge role in the story. He thinks he didn't deserve all the good things that came his way, and he still felt guilty for what happened. Even after serving time, he still put a lot of blame on himself, and the judgmental looks he received from the people in their town make it difficult for him to move on. Yet, despite facing his own demons, he never fails to step up for Sloane and her kids after they get married. He took them under his wing, welcomed them warmly to his home, and introduced them to his family. 👉🥹👈
As for Sloane, I'm really impressed with how this woman can still find all the good things in everything in spite of all the things she and her kids went through. 🫡 They never had it easy after her divorce, but she still wakes up each day full of hope for their future. I do admire her sunny personality and how she never lets the bad things in the past get in the way of her present. Also, I had fun with the fact that she tries her best to get on Abel's nerves because she thinks that beneath his stoic exterior lies a kind heart that he doesn't exhibit to everyone. She really is the sunshine he needs in his life. 🤭
Despite them knowing one another, there's still a slow buildup in their relationship. It helps that they're already attracted to one another. There's tension and palpable chemistry, and the forced proximity and marriage of convenience were good additional factors too. 🤭
Although I honestly enjoyed when these two finally embraced their mutual attraction, there were times it could get so frustrating when they wouldn't communicate and would rather assume the worst things about each other's feelings. 😩 Sure, they talked about mundane things, but when it comes to the most important ones, they tend to do their best to set them aside or, worse, avoid discussing them. It happened on multiple occasions, but as the story goes, they gradually learned to navigate their relationship and communicate effectively. It sure did help them in the end, and I think that's all that matters anyway.
Overall, I do enjoy the small town vibes and the meddling of some side characters. I love Abel's relationship with Sloane's kids and how he became a good stepfather to them. I love the MCs relationship and how they were both selfless when it came to choosing what's best for the greater good of the people they care about. I had fun with their story; I just wish the epilogue or bonus epilogue contained a years-late glimpse of their lives. I'm sorry, I'm greedy with epilogues. 😂 Nonetheless, setting aside my irrelevant minor issue, it was still a good and heartwarming read. 💖
Book info:
- Small town romance
- Marriage of convenience
- Single mom
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Boss x employee
- Domestic violence
- Panic attacks
- Mention of arson
- No cheating, owd
- No Vs (both celibate for a long time, years I think)
- OMD (h's ex caused some trouble)
- Separation (weeks??)
- HEA (married)
- Bonus epilogue (not sure if mos or yrs later, but they're finally pregnant)
PS: I guess the issue with his dad and how to deal with him will be the running theme in this series. I just hope his comeuppance will be awful. Because, maaan, that guy is a goddamn waste of space, even in this fictional world. 😤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2024
Audio Reread: GOD I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! I love Sloane. I love Abel. I love the kids. The sullivans & kings we get to see. Ugh I’m just so happy to be back. Everything I wrote below is still so accurate. This book made my heart so happy. Someone who viewed themselves unworthy of love (Abel) gets his walls broken down by the epitome of sunshine (Sloane) and gets a family he never knew he needed ❤️
⭐️Beta review⭐️
I knew I was going to love Abel but I did NOT expect to love him & Sloane so much together!!!! Especially since we have been growing to love the sullivans for so long & now are seeing a whole other side with the Kings!!
Their grumpy x sunshine vibes were next level & I was cackling on the floor with how much Sloane enjoyed winding Able up to mess with him! Their dynamic was everything I could’ve ever wanted.
Sloane has had a hard life after making one bad decision that caused a cascade of them: all of which started with the decision to start dating her ex. She escaped the life she had to endure for far too long with her twins and just as she thought she was finally safe, her freaking house gets burnt down!!?? And then he comes after her…
When an idea pops into her head, she does something wild that will not only help her but also Abel: get married. But what she wasn’t expecting was for him to take his role very VERY seriously. If you like to when fake hubby calls his woman “my wife” then pencil this one on to your TBR because you won’t want to miss this!!
There were so many golden moments but the honeymoon is my personal fave 🤭
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes
Marriage of convenience
Single mom
Forced proximity
Boss x employee
Grumpy x sunshine
Found family
Small town
⭐️Beta review⭐️
I knew I was going to love Abel but I did NOT expect to love him & Sloane so much together!!!! Especially since we have been growing to love the sullivans for so long & now are seeing a whole other side with the Kings!!
Their grumpy x sunshine vibes were next level & I was cackling on the floor with how much Sloane enjoyed winding Able up to mess with him! Their dynamic was everything I could’ve ever wanted.
Sloane has had a hard life after making one bad decision that caused a cascade of them: all of which started with the decision to start dating her ex. She escaped the life she had to endure for far too long with her twins and just as she thought she was finally safe, her freaking house gets burnt down!!?? And then he comes after her…
When an idea pops into her head, she does something wild that will not only help her but also Abel: get married. But what she wasn’t expecting was for him to take his role very VERY seriously. If you like to when fake hubby calls his woman “my wife” then pencil this one on to your TBR because you won’t want to miss this!!
There were so many golden moments but the honeymoon is my personal fave 🤭
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes
Marriage of convenience
Single mom
Forced proximity
Boss x employee
Grumpy x sunshine
Found family
Small town
September 20, 2024
The book opens with a 29-year-old mother of two thinking it would be cute and funny for her to show up for work wearing a fuzzy bath robe with curlers in her hair to irritate her cranky boss. Ha ha.
Of course, the belt holding the bath robe together snags and the robe opens up revealing her transparent mesh bra and thong.
And that’s the quality of thought that went into the storyline of this book. The only thing elevating it from one star to two is that the basic domestic interactions between the couple and the two kids, completely removed from what’s going on in the plot, were frequently lively and heart-warming. The rest of it was insultingly nonsensical.
Of course, the belt holding the bath robe together snags and the robe opens up revealing her transparent mesh bra and thong.
And that’s the quality of thought that went into the storyline of this book. The only thing elevating it from one star to two is that the basic domestic interactions between the couple and the two kids, completely removed from what’s going on in the plot, were frequently lively and heart-warming. The rest of it was insultingly nonsensical.
July 13, 2024
I have been loving Lena Hendrix for last year or so. Her small town romance is so engaging, steamy, and just a little bit edgy. I am just having such a great time in the world of her creation. This time we have a jaded, grumpy, ex-con in need of a loan to buy his father out of their company. As well as a single mother, looking to provide for her kids and keep them safe from her ex-husband.
Sloane is a tough cookie and she is so close to having full freedom from her ex. She has a family trust that she needs to start her new life with her twins. The only thing is... she needs a major life event, say... a marriage? to get access.
Enter Abel, who has been handling operations at the family brewery. He would feel much better if he could buy out his meddlesome father from his part of the business. But he can't get the loan with his record.
Sloane actually happens to work for Abel, and when she learns what he is needing, she offers him a deal. Get hitched and solve both their problems. With the added bonus of moving her kids into his house and getting some extra protection. Seems legit, right? Well, there will be plenty of shenanigans to go around and oddles of entertainment for us all.
A couple highlights for me were:
-Abel stress baking.
-Plenty of "my wife" moments
-Adorable family table talk
-Seeing the Kings & Sullivans band together to intimidate Sloane's ex
-Growly and possessive hero
Honestly, this was just so good! I really enjoyed these two together. Sloane is the perfect amount of sunshine, yet practical. Her kids are adorable and easily pull Abel into their orbit. And the 3rd Act conflict was handled in a great was, if a little too convenient... I even teared up a few times.
Of course, the spice was spicing when we got to it, but it wasn't too much and didn't take over the story. Which felt genuine to the characters. I was really impressed.
Overall, this was a solid read, and I don't really have any grievances and I am also still curious about some King Family secrets.. I think their are a few surprises still waiting for us.
5 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: Death of a child (past), abusive ex, violence
*Thank you to Lena Hendrix for an ARC of this title.*
Sloane is a tough cookie and she is so close to having full freedom from her ex. She has a family trust that she needs to start her new life with her twins. The only thing is... she needs a major life event, say... a marriage? to get access.
Enter Abel, who has been handling operations at the family brewery. He would feel much better if he could buy out his meddlesome father from his part of the business. But he can't get the loan with his record.
Sloane actually happens to work for Abel, and when she learns what he is needing, she offers him a deal. Get hitched and solve both their problems. With the added bonus of moving her kids into his house and getting some extra protection. Seems legit, right? Well, there will be plenty of shenanigans to go around and oddles of entertainment for us all.
A couple highlights for me were:
-Abel stress baking.
-Plenty of "my wife" moments
-Adorable family table talk
-Seeing the Kings & Sullivans band together to intimidate Sloane's ex
-Growly and possessive hero
Honestly, this was just so good! I really enjoyed these two together. Sloane is the perfect amount of sunshine, yet practical. Her kids are adorable and easily pull Abel into their orbit. And the 3rd Act conflict was handled in a great was, if a little too convenient... I even teared up a few times.
Of course, the spice was spicing when we got to it, but it wasn't too much and didn't take over the story. Which felt genuine to the characters. I was really impressed.
Overall, this was a solid read, and I don't really have any grievances and I am also still curious about some King Family secrets.. I think their are a few surprises still waiting for us.
5 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: Death of a child (past), abusive ex, violence
*Thank you to Lena Hendrix for an ARC of this title.*
October 15, 2024
She goes to work in a bathrobe and haircurlers to provoke the boss because she thinks he is grouchy and needs it.. on a job that she needs ... I didn't find this funny ... then again, I rarely enjoy these workplace romances. I guess I just can't go past some of the characters' behavior like I would read Alien romance and find it completely fine or mafia kidnapping ... but then in these contemporary novels, I need some more realistic, logical, and sane character behavior... idk ... you might like it. I just after two books in the series being bad have to quit with this series...
Want to read
July 9, 2024Someone say SINGLE MOM and I’m seated glued to my chair and waiting 💅
Single mom is superior to Single dad. I said what I said 💋
Single mom is superior to Single dad. I said what I said 💋
July 17, 2024
I enjoyed this, but damn did it have gaps. And I don't mean gaps because it's part of a series. Her FIL murders her kids' father and there are no consequences?? They just kind of go with it? And it felt like conversations were off or even just missing, like how not a single one of their relatives is confused when they get married out of the blue. Or how the logistics of them working together aren't hammered out (and they skip work kind of a lot? like who's covering for you two?). Or how they don't tell each other anything (if my husband knew my abusive ex was in town down to where he was staying and didn't fucking tell me that, I wouldn't have let it go without a thought or mention). Who interrupts a 7yo's day for them to give you a pep talk? Who wears a robe to work in a public place to stress out their boss? The legal proceedings in this book would've been better off not happening than what happened in this book. Like did he seriously admit to divorcing her on paper to win over the judge to the judge, then make out with her in front of the judge? How does the father have one son so involved in the business that he can do a deal without his father's full concordance, but said son doesn't realize the father has a second family?
Again, this was a pleasant read. The flow was good, the plot was okay in a big picture way, and I didn't dislike it. I just struggled with all the crumbling details.
Again, this was a pleasant read. The flow was good, the plot was okay in a big picture way, and I didn't dislike it. I just struggled with all the crumbling details.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2024
It was fine
July 8, 2024
I feel like I can just say one sentence of the plot and a lot of you are going to go feral for this book. Let's test my theory: An felon who runs a brewery falls head over heels for a single mom he's married as a business arrangement.
Yea.... I thought so.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Just My Luck by Lena Hendrix
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The Kings Character series. Book 2.
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. Free on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Co-workers-to-lovers, boss/employee, marriage of convenience, single mom, cinnamon roll MC, lots of "my wife."
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Abel runs a successful brewery, but has been having a hard time expanding due to his status as a felon. Sloane needs to access her trust to be able to start her new life in Outtatowner, but can't without a major life event. The pair decide to marry and split the funds, until they find themselves catching feelings.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I do not keep my love for Lena Hendrix's books a secret. This one is no different - except that I openly wept a bit.
I love this little down Lena Hendrix has created, and I love all of the characters that I have gotten to know through the Sullivan Family series and now as part of the Kings series. Abel was always at the top of my list - a man who went to jail, always scares people when he walks around town, and has a secret gooey center for one woman? Sign me up.
His love affair with Sloane was nothing short of romantic. The pair had the grumpy/sunshine thing going, and I loved how Sloan poked holes in Abel's rough façade. It was heartbreaking to read how alienated he felt, and so great for that to come full circle at the end. I laughed, I cried, I gasped... oh - and I fanned myself PRETTY HARD during a couple of these scenes.
Outtatowner truly feels like home, and I am loving the Kings series so far.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
Yea.... I thought so.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Just My Luck by Lena Hendrix
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The Kings Character series. Book 2.
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. Free on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Co-workers-to-lovers, boss/employee, marriage of convenience, single mom, cinnamon roll MC, lots of "my wife."
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Abel runs a successful brewery, but has been having a hard time expanding due to his status as a felon. Sloane needs to access her trust to be able to start her new life in Outtatowner, but can't without a major life event. The pair decide to marry and split the funds, until they find themselves catching feelings.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I do not keep my love for Lena Hendrix's books a secret. This one is no different - except that I openly wept a bit.
I love this little down Lena Hendrix has created, and I love all of the characters that I have gotten to know through the Sullivan Family series and now as part of the Kings series. Abel was always at the top of my list - a man who went to jail, always scares people when he walks around town, and has a secret gooey center for one woman? Sign me up.
His love affair with Sloane was nothing short of romantic. The pair had the grumpy/sunshine thing going, and I loved how Sloan poked holes in Abel's rough façade. It was heartbreaking to read how alienated he felt, and so great for that to come full circle at the end. I laughed, I cried, I gasped... oh - and I fanned myself PRETTY HARD during a couple of these scenes.
Outtatowner truly feels like home, and I am loving the Kings series so far.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
August 13, 2024
omg this book is just the cutest 🥹💓
October 22, 2024
Single Mom
Grumpy/Sunshine
Small Town Romance
Marriage for Convenience
Uno de los tropes que más disfruto en la vida son los matrimonios por conveniencia y este libro lo tiene.
Es la primera experiencia que tengo con la autora y aunque no es un libro al que le daría 5 estrellas, es bastante entretenido, una lectura ágil y amena.
Este es el segundo libro de la serie King Family y un spin off de la otra serie, siento que se puede leer bien, aunque si hay muchas referencias hacia los otros libros.
Sloane es una madre soltera que salió de un matrimonio abusivo, trabaja para Abel su jefe gruñón y que es un ex convicto.
Ella necesita el dinero de su herencia para poder arreglar la granja de su abuelo que se incendió y también para tener más solvencia económica para sus mellizos, pero para eso necesita estar casada.
Abel quiere comprarle las acciones a su padre de la cervecera y ser el único dueño, pero el banco le niega el préstamo por sus antecedentes penales.
Sloan al escuchar eso se le ocurre la idea de casarse con él y así cobrar su herencia y ella le compra las acciones al padre de él y como un plus tendría un hogar temporal y protección de su ex que la está volviendo acosar.
Disfruté mucho leyéndolo, a parte cuando agregas niños a la mezcla es más divertido y entrañable y ver como un hombre gruñón se ablanda con unos niños es demasiado dulce, fue mi parte favorita la interacción de Abel con los mellizos.
Hay mucha tensión sexual muchas steamy scenes.
Quiero continuar con los siguientes libros, porque hay un misterio que creo que se va a resolver a lo largo de la serie y aquí quedó inconcluso.
Grumpy/Sunshine
Small Town Romance
Marriage for Convenience
Uno de los tropes que más disfruto en la vida son los matrimonios por conveniencia y este libro lo tiene.
Es la primera experiencia que tengo con la autora y aunque no es un libro al que le daría 5 estrellas, es bastante entretenido, una lectura ágil y amena.
Este es el segundo libro de la serie King Family y un spin off de la otra serie, siento que se puede leer bien, aunque si hay muchas referencias hacia los otros libros.
Sloane es una madre soltera que salió de un matrimonio abusivo, trabaja para Abel su jefe gruñón y que es un ex convicto.
Ella necesita el dinero de su herencia para poder arreglar la granja de su abuelo que se incendió y también para tener más solvencia económica para sus mellizos, pero para eso necesita estar casada.
Abel quiere comprarle las acciones a su padre de la cervecera y ser el único dueño, pero el banco le niega el préstamo por sus antecedentes penales.
Sloan al escuchar eso se le ocurre la idea de casarse con él y así cobrar su herencia y ella le compra las acciones al padre de él y como un plus tendría un hogar temporal y protección de su ex que la está volviendo acosar.
Disfruté mucho leyéndolo, a parte cuando agregas niños a la mezcla es más divertido y entrañable y ver como un hombre gruñón se ablanda con unos niños es demasiado dulce, fue mi parte favorita la interacción de Abel con los mellizos.
Hay mucha tensión sexual muchas steamy scenes.
Quiero continuar con los siguientes libros, porque hay un misterio que creo que se va a resolver a lo largo de la serie y aquí quedó inconcluso.
July 20, 2024
★★. This was boring. I didn’t feel any connection between the two characters. They get married, have sex and are in love. I wished for more yearning and angst. The first time they have sex it felt bland; the only good thing was the 69. And then every other time after that it was just the same thing over and over.
Sloane was kinda dumb and nothing was important too her. I’ll give her credit because she did care for her children and put them first always. Some things she did or said I was questioning fully. I did feel bad for her past, but I also felt like her mental abuse was tossed under the rug. The custody battle was written well but with the time jumps it just wasn’t enough. I wish we got more with the actual battle instead of Abel’s dad becoming a mafia man and making the ex disappear.
Abel was the best thing in this book. He was all in with her and the kids. You could tell he crushed on her for awhile and you could almost feel him fall in love. I felt bad for his past but I felt like it was handled wrongly. He went to therapy way too late and the fact a 7 year old had to tell him….yikes. Him and his siblings finding out about his dad and then just it being left open ended for the other books is just a plot unfinished and not good in opinion.
The kids were really cute here. I do feel like if the ages were never said I would’ve thought they were 18. They were speaking so maturely for 7 year olds. I love how they felt safe with Abel and called him dad.
I won’t be continuing this series unless I end up liking the tropes in the next books but with no crumbs or anything for future couples it just doesn’t seem likely.
Sloane was kinda dumb and nothing was important too her. I’ll give her credit because she did care for her children and put them first always. Some things she did or said I was questioning fully. I did feel bad for her past, but I also felt like her mental abuse was tossed under the rug. The custody battle was written well but with the time jumps it just wasn’t enough. I wish we got more with the actual battle instead of Abel’s dad becoming a mafia man and making the ex disappear.
Abel was the best thing in this book. He was all in with her and the kids. You could tell he crushed on her for awhile and you could almost feel him fall in love. I felt bad for his past but I felt like it was handled wrongly. He went to therapy way too late and the fact a 7 year old had to tell him….yikes. Him and his siblings finding out about his dad and then just it being left open ended for the other books is just a plot unfinished and not good in opinion.
The kids were really cute here. I do feel like if the ages were never said I would’ve thought they were 18. They were speaking so maturely for 7 year olds. I love how they felt safe with Abel and called him dad.
I won’t be continuing this series unless I end up liking the tropes in the next books but with no crumbs or anything for future couples it just doesn’t seem likely.
August 4, 2024
Im loving this world that Lena created so much.
I had so much fun reading Abel and Sloane’s story. I loved that she was a single mom and he is an ex-con. It was a great setup.
Sloane works at Abel’s brewery and overhears that he needs money to buy his father’s shares from the brewery but the bank wont give him a loan cuz he’s an ex-con. Sloane also needs money to rebuild the farmhouse that was burned (this happened in Lee’s book when he saved her son Ben from the fire). She can’t access her trust fund unless a major life event happens, like getting married.
So, she proposes a marriage of convenience with Abel to solve all their problems and feelings start to develop.
My favorite part was the wedding shower that the Bluebirds threw for them. I loved the game part and how Abel said that Sloane proposed to him when asked about the proposal.
I just wanted a bit more. More interactions with her kids. Other than that, it really is a great book.
Also, I kinda liked Oliver though he only appeared for a couple pages. I hope Oliver gets a book Maybe he ends up with MJ (Abel’s sister) 🙊
Spoilers for the overarching plot of the Kings mother
.
.
.
.
.
Abel found out from his private investigator that his father (Russel) was never actually married to his mother. Not only that, but Russel is married to a woman named Elizabeth and has children with her.
I can’t wait to see how those mysteries unfold.
I had so much fun reading Abel and Sloane’s story. I loved that she was a single mom and he is an ex-con. It was a great setup.
Sloane works at Abel’s brewery and overhears that he needs money to buy his father’s shares from the brewery but the bank wont give him a loan cuz he’s an ex-con. Sloane also needs money to rebuild the farmhouse that was burned (this happened in Lee’s book when he saved her son Ben from the fire). She can’t access her trust fund unless a major life event happens, like getting married.
So, she proposes a marriage of convenience with Abel to solve all their problems and feelings start to develop.
My favorite part was the wedding shower that the Bluebirds threw for them. I loved the game part and how Abel said that Sloane proposed to him when asked about the proposal.
I just wanted a bit more. More interactions with her kids. Other than that, it really is a great book.
Also, I kinda liked Oliver though he only appeared for a couple pages. I hope Oliver gets a book Maybe he ends up with MJ (Abel’s sister) 🙊
Spoilers for the overarching plot of the Kings mother
.
.
.
.
.
Abel found out from his private investigator that his father (Russel) was never actually married to his mother. Not only that, but Russel is married to a woman named Elizabeth and has children with her.
I can’t wait to see how those mysteries unfold.
February 12, 2025
Audiobook 🎧
I’ve entered my Lena Hendrix and King era. I love this family and all their secrets.
Abel King is grumpy bar owner with a criminal past who is doing his best to get out from under his father. Sloane, a single mum of two, works for Abel and needs help receiving her trust fund by way of marriage. Abel accepts her proposal as a business transaction that will benefit them both. It’s not long until business turns into pleasure.
Abel is perfect. He’s so protective of Sloane. The relationship he had with her children and the way they automatically felt safe in his presence was everything. He loved and treated them as his own. He definitely had some demons to fight with and it was so good to see him start to forgive himself from the past.
Sloane was everything Abel needed. She brought some light back into his life and made him feel like he was worthy of a different life he was giving himself. They were the perfect pair.
“𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝.”
I am so invested in the story and cannot wait to get more answers. I just know Royal’s story is going to be great!
- Marriage of Convenience
- Single Mum
- Forced Proximity
- Boss x Employee
- Found Family
- Small Town
- Grumpy x Sunshine
I’ve entered my Lena Hendrix and King era. I love this family and all their secrets.
Abel King is grumpy bar owner with a criminal past who is doing his best to get out from under his father. Sloane, a single mum of two, works for Abel and needs help receiving her trust fund by way of marriage. Abel accepts her proposal as a business transaction that will benefit them both. It’s not long until business turns into pleasure.
Abel is perfect. He’s so protective of Sloane. The relationship he had with her children and the way they automatically felt safe in his presence was everything. He loved and treated them as his own. He definitely had some demons to fight with and it was so good to see him start to forgive himself from the past.
Sloane was everything Abel needed. She brought some light back into his life and made him feel like he was worthy of a different life he was giving himself. They were the perfect pair.
“𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝.”
I am so invested in the story and cannot wait to get more answers. I just know Royal’s story is going to be great!
- Marriage of Convenience
- Single Mum
- Forced Proximity
- Boss x Employee
- Found Family
- Small Town
- Grumpy x Sunshine
July 13, 2024
I couldn’t get in to this one unfortunately. I love Lena’s writing and it was great here, but I think my issue was with the story. Them going from near strangers, to their marriage of convenience, and then being in love moved too fast in my opinion. I needed more build up between them. The side plots were interesting with pieces from both characters pasts playing a big role in the story. While I found that more interesting than the romance, it overpowered the story. Maybe less of the side plots and more of the romance and time spent between the main characters would have had me more convinced. It was really sweet to see them become their own little family and can never complain about a good “my wife” moment.
Very excited to continue this series cause I love the small town it’s set in and getting to see all the characters from Lena’s other books. Hoping I enjoy the next one more than this one.
🤍 age gap (7 years)
💍 marriage of convenience
🤭 “my wife”
🌊 small town
🫶🏼 single mom
👥 close proximity
🛏️ only one bed
dual POV
3.5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
Very excited to continue this series cause I love the small town it’s set in and getting to see all the characters from Lena’s other books. Hoping I enjoy the next one more than this one.
🤍 age gap (7 years)
💍 marriage of convenience
🤭 “my wife”
🌊 small town
🫶🏼 single mom
👥 close proximity
🛏️ only one bed
dual POV
3.5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️
August 22, 2024
4.5⭐️ I love me a town’s grump who is shy and nervous around her!! I would fight for this man, hug him and jump on him!! Abel King is a stress baker, who gardens, so tender with kids and so hot in his backward cap while working through his garden YUM. He was very sweet and sensitive it’s refreshing to see this type of men who can be rough around everyone but so gentle around his girl that got him blushing and stuttering!! Something about him that made me feel so safe?? The power of good men written by a woman but for real how does that work?
Sloane was a single mum (a trope i usually don’t go for because i prefere single dads) but this was so well written and the kids gave me baby fever. I love fictional kids, very respectful and cute. Sloane is my role model because they way she radiates sunshine even in the darkest moments is unreal. She is so motherly.
I picked this book randomly, it wasn’t even on my tbr and it was the best surprise ever. This one was so good y’all and the drama was dramatic, it did make me anxious and i wanted to dive in and protect them. I know we were promised drama but the last 10 chapters were nerve racking i wanted maybe 5 less chapters of drama because they were very real life problems and brutal and more 5 chapters of romance because i was giggly around Mr King, i needed more!! I need a grumpy hot boss who is secretly caring for me and he can get it all day every day.
Sloane was a single mum (a trope i usually don’t go for because i prefere single dads) but this was so well written and the kids gave me baby fever. I love fictional kids, very respectful and cute. Sloane is my role model because they way she radiates sunshine even in the darkest moments is unreal. She is so motherly.
I picked this book randomly, it wasn’t even on my tbr and it was the best surprise ever. This one was so good y’all and the drama was dramatic, it did make me anxious and i wanted to dive in and protect them. I know we were promised drama but the last 10 chapters were nerve racking i wanted maybe 5 less chapters of drama because they were very real life problems and brutal and more 5 chapters of romance because i was giggly around Mr King, i needed more!! I need a grumpy hot boss who is secretly caring for me and he can get it all day every day.
August 2, 2024
Sweet Abel got his HEA and it definitely healed something inside of me. The Kings and The Sullivans coming together for him was just 😭🫶🏼
eARC review 💚
Just My Luck by Lena Hendrix
5 ⭐️ | 2🌶️
ABEL KING. Oh, this man. This sweet, reserved gentle giant of a man. He is perfect and I will take no criticism on him.
He’s an ex-criminal who owns a brewery in his small town. Sloane is a single mom who works for him and loves nothing more than to stress his grumpy self with her antics. 😂
These two have such a good dynamic. He’s the grumpy to her sunshine, the soft, safe place to land that she so desperately needs. He falls for her and her kids once they officially move in together and seeing this broody, quiet man become a dad is just 🥹😭.
Tropes: marriage OC • single mom • forced proximity • work place • pining • “MY WIFE” • found family • rival families • small town
Thank you sooooo much Lena for letting me read this early!!!
eARC review 💚
Just My Luck by Lena Hendrix
5 ⭐️ | 2🌶️
ABEL KING. Oh, this man. This sweet, reserved gentle giant of a man. He is perfect and I will take no criticism on him.
He’s an ex-criminal who owns a brewery in his small town. Sloane is a single mom who works for him and loves nothing more than to stress his grumpy self with her antics. 😂
These two have such a good dynamic. He’s the grumpy to her sunshine, the soft, safe place to land that she so desperately needs. He falls for her and her kids once they officially move in together and seeing this broody, quiet man become a dad is just 🥹😭.
Tropes: marriage OC • single mom • forced proximity • work place • pining • “MY WIFE” • found family • rival families • small town
Thank you sooooo much Lena for letting me read this early!!!
August 22, 2024
Spoilers ahead
Grumpy/Sunshine
Single parent h
Marriage of convenience
No cheating
H not a manwhore
Ex drama
H is an ex con having served 5 years after he killed a child in an accident, as the story unravels we see it wasn't entirely his fault but he did choose to drive knowing he was very tired
The King patriarch needs to be dealt with so bad
I loved this one, only issues when the h felt that the ex was around but didn't say anything 👀😒
Single parent romance #swoon
Grumpy/Sunshine
Single parent h
Marriage of convenience
No cheating
H not a manwhore
Ex drama
H is an ex con having served 5 years after he killed a child in an accident, as the story unravels we see it wasn't entirely his fault but he did choose to drive knowing he was very tired
The King patriarch needs to be dealt with so bad
I loved this one, only issues when the h felt that the ex was around but didn't say anything 👀😒
Single parent romance #swoon
July 17, 2024
Great hero
Success! Though I like Hendrix’s writing style, I’ve never actually made it all the way through one of her books… until now. That’s because this small town is filled with a VERY large cast of characters, and I usually get exhausted trying to keep track of everyone (and their unusual nicknames). That was not the case here; either I’ve picked up enough knowledge of the town from my past DNFs, or this one simply wasn’t as full of side characters as usual. It’s much more streamlined, focusing on our couple from the start. I liked the grumpy/sunshine setup, and I LOVED the way this hero fell for his new family without even trying. He feels lucky to have a brand new wife and kids, and it was clear that he took the marriage of convenience seriously from the start. This man is pretty swoony, I’ve gotta say. He’s loving, fiercely protective, good in the kitchen (and the bedroom), and he loves those kids like his own. There were some great “my wife” moments, and the fast-paced storyline made it ideal for bingeing. A solid read!
The story follows Sloane, a single mom who moved to a new town a while back in the hopes of getting away from her ex-husband. While struggling financially, the best part of Sloane’s day is messing with her grumpy boss. Everyone in town knows Abel spent some time in prison, and while the details are murky, they’ve all decided it’s easier to keep their distance - except for Sloane, that is. She loves to get Abel flustered, and their interactions have recently taken a flirty turn. So when Sloane discovers that Abel is in need of funds to help his business, she has an idea. Sloane can access her trust fund only in the case of a major life event - like a wedding - and the money will benefit them both. Though Abel had resigned himself to being alone forever, he can’t say that he hates the idea of having a family. Living together as one happy family makes this fake marriage feel all too real, but there are still some obstacles ahead of them.
I recently read several excellent books back-to-back, so I was looking for something easy that would get me out of my book hangover. I loved the sound of this blurb,
but not having had much luck with Hendrix’s work in the past, I went into this with low expectations. It quickly grabbed my interest, and Abel’s swoon factor won me over. He’s this sweet grump of a man who isn’t necessarily alone by choice, and it was clear that he was in need of some love in his life. He is the sweetest with Sloane’s kids, and I loved peeling back the layers of him. The story is a little faster-paced than I’d like in the romance department, simply because there isn’t a whole lot of relationship development. They encounter a lot of obstacles, yes, but things between them move quickly. That’s really the only reason this doesn’t get a higher rating from me - I was entertained and engaged throughout, but there wasn’t a ton of substance to the relationship. I did like some of the more original components to the story though, particularly Abel’s background. It was also easy enough to read as a standalone, while still feeling connected to the rest of the series. It was just what I needed in an uncomplicated read, and satisfying overall.
Audio note: The audio was great! I’m not familiar with Sean Crisden, but I very much enjoyed his performance. His voice is deep, rich, and incredibly easy to listen to. Ava Erickson also does a great job with her performance. Her voice is so relaxing, and that worked for the vibes. The runtime (8-9 hours) was ideal for bingeing, and it really did fly by. I wouldn’t say that the book is overly spicy, but there’s enough that it’s not office appropriate. It’s an easygoing read though, and works well in the format.
Success! Though I like Hendrix’s writing style, I’ve never actually made it all the way through one of her books… until now. That’s because this small town is filled with a VERY large cast of characters, and I usually get exhausted trying to keep track of everyone (and their unusual nicknames). That was not the case here; either I’ve picked up enough knowledge of the town from my past DNFs, or this one simply wasn’t as full of side characters as usual. It’s much more streamlined, focusing on our couple from the start. I liked the grumpy/sunshine setup, and I LOVED the way this hero fell for his new family without even trying. He feels lucky to have a brand new wife and kids, and it was clear that he took the marriage of convenience seriously from the start. This man is pretty swoony, I’ve gotta say. He’s loving, fiercely protective, good in the kitchen (and the bedroom), and he loves those kids like his own. There were some great “my wife” moments, and the fast-paced storyline made it ideal for bingeing. A solid read!
The story follows Sloane, a single mom who moved to a new town a while back in the hopes of getting away from her ex-husband. While struggling financially, the best part of Sloane’s day is messing with her grumpy boss. Everyone in town knows Abel spent some time in prison, and while the details are murky, they’ve all decided it’s easier to keep their distance - except for Sloane, that is. She loves to get Abel flustered, and their interactions have recently taken a flirty turn. So when Sloane discovers that Abel is in need of funds to help his business, she has an idea. Sloane can access her trust fund only in the case of a major life event - like a wedding - and the money will benefit them both. Though Abel had resigned himself to being alone forever, he can’t say that he hates the idea of having a family. Living together as one happy family makes this fake marriage feel all too real, but there are still some obstacles ahead of them.
I recently read several excellent books back-to-back, so I was looking for something easy that would get me out of my book hangover. I loved the sound of this blurb,
but not having had much luck with Hendrix’s work in the past, I went into this with low expectations. It quickly grabbed my interest, and Abel’s swoon factor won me over. He’s this sweet grump of a man who isn’t necessarily alone by choice, and it was clear that he was in need of some love in his life. He is the sweetest with Sloane’s kids, and I loved peeling back the layers of him. The story is a little faster-paced than I’d like in the romance department, simply because there isn’t a whole lot of relationship development. They encounter a lot of obstacles, yes, but things between them move quickly. That’s really the only reason this doesn’t get a higher rating from me - I was entertained and engaged throughout, but there wasn’t a ton of substance to the relationship. I did like some of the more original components to the story though, particularly Abel’s background. It was also easy enough to read as a standalone, while still feeling connected to the rest of the series. It was just what I needed in an uncomplicated read, and satisfying overall.
Audio note: The audio was great! I’m not familiar with Sean Crisden, but I very much enjoyed his performance. His voice is deep, rich, and incredibly easy to listen to. Ava Erickson also does a great job with her performance. Her voice is so relaxing, and that worked for the vibes. The runtime (8-9 hours) was ideal for bingeing, and it really did fly by. I wouldn’t say that the book is overly spicy, but there’s enough that it’s not office appropriate. It’s an easygoing read though, and works well in the format.
March 15, 2025
“When I was out of sight, i finally slowed and pulled the notebook from my pocket, I scribbled down exactly the way Sloane smelled so I wouldn't forget. Honey. Biscuits.Home”
I’m inhaling this series. Romance, mystery, drama.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What to expect-
🍪Single Mom
🍪Dual POV
🍪Ex-Con
🍪Marriage of Convenience
🍪Small Town Romance
🍪Forced Proximity
🍪Best Friends Brother
🍪Grumpy x Sunshine
My Kings Family Rating-
Just This Once 3 ⭐️
Just My Luck 3.5⭐️
I’m inhaling this series. Romance, mystery, drama.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What to expect-
🍪Single Mom
🍪Dual POV
🍪Ex-Con
🍪Marriage of Convenience
🍪Small Town Romance
🍪Forced Proximity
🍪Best Friends Brother
🍪Grumpy x Sunshine
My Kings Family Rating-
Just This Once 3 ⭐️
Just My Luck 3.5⭐️
August 10, 2025
Im glad that Abel has finally found his happiness yet I can’t help wanting to punch his father for what he did to him.
June 25, 2025
3/5⭐️
3/5🌶
El hermano mayor. El que más recuerda a su madre y a quien su padre peor trató, (literal, mas alla del todo Russel King es un gran punto flojo para mi en esta saga. un personaje unidimensional, sin grises, muy mal perfilado).
Ella es una mujer buscando un nuevo comienzo.
Es entretenido y tiene algunos momentos, pero deja demasiados cabos sueltos, (lo cual comprendo dado que en cada libro se revela algo), pero no me resultó creíble la reacción de los personajes ante ciertos eventos.
estuvo bien, hasta ahí.
3/5🌶
El hermano mayor. El que más recuerda a su madre y a quien su padre peor trató, (literal, mas alla del todo Russel King es un gran punto flojo para mi en esta saga. un personaje unidimensional, sin grises, muy mal perfilado).
Ella es una mujer buscando un nuevo comienzo.
Es entretenido y tiene algunos momentos, pero deja demasiados cabos sueltos, (lo cual comprendo dado que en cada libro se revela algo), pero no me resultó creíble la reacción de los personajes ante ciertos eventos.
estuvo bien, hasta ahí.
Read
July 16, 2024Giving up , LH books are just not for me 🥲
July 18, 2024
Okay so Lena told me she thought that Abel would be my favorite and she was not wrong. I am so thoroughly obsessed with this man and the love he has for Sloane and her kids 😭💗 I didn’t want it to end. Ever.
Abel was quite literally the love of my life okay. And there’s this whole scene where we get Royal, Abel, AND DUDE AND LEE. I was sobbing because of them coming together but I was also panting because that much hotness in one scene omg.
Abel is a very complex man and we knew that going into his book, but Lena added such a softness to him I didn’t anticipate and that made me love him even more.
If you weren’t sobbing during Abel’s big speech toward the end, ARE YOU OK???
But also…
Just gonna drop this here…
Just in case.
“If you want to keep that arm, I suggest you get your hands off my fucking wife.”
Ohhhhkay byeee🥵
You’ll like this book if you like
✨ small town
✨ single mom
✨ broody MMC
✨ lots of “my wife”
✨ marriage of convenience
✨ one bed
5⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
Abel was quite literally the love of my life okay. And there’s this whole scene where we get Royal, Abel, AND DUDE AND LEE. I was sobbing because of them coming together but I was also panting because that much hotness in one scene omg.
Abel is a very complex man and we knew that going into his book, but Lena added such a softness to him I didn’t anticipate and that made me love him even more.
If you weren’t sobbing during Abel’s big speech toward the end, ARE YOU OK???
But also…
Just gonna drop this here…
Just in case.
“If you want to keep that arm, I suggest you get your hands off my fucking wife.”
Ohhhhkay byeee🥵
You’ll like this book if you like
✨ small town
✨ single mom
✨ broody MMC
✨ lots of “my wife”
✨ marriage of convenience
✨ one bed
5⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
July 19, 2025
Oh my gosh, I loved this book SO much! It might just be my favorite in the series yet.
Now, Abel… wow. He’s grumpy and a little broken, but underneath all that is a big soft teddy bear who needs ALL the hugs. He’s rough around the edges but so full of love, especially when it comes to Sloane and her kids. The way he shows up for them, sacrifices for them, and just quietly cares? Ugh. I’m obsessed.
Sloane is just as incredible. She's strong, loving, and fierce when it comes to her family. She’s a single mom, a total ray of sunshine, and honestly.. I think I have a little crush on her too.
What I love most about this book and this series, is how it balances two storylines so well: the swoony romance between Abel and Sloane, and the slow unraveling of the mystery behind Abel’s missing mom. It keeps me hooked from start to finish.
Lena absolutely crushed it with this one. I devoured every page.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Boss x Employee
❤️🔥 Marriage of Convenience
❤️🔥 Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️🔥 Single Mom
🚨🚨 TW: Parental abandonment, Abusive relationship, Death of a child in a car accident
Now, Abel… wow. He’s grumpy and a little broken, but underneath all that is a big soft teddy bear who needs ALL the hugs. He’s rough around the edges but so full of love, especially when it comes to Sloane and her kids. The way he shows up for them, sacrifices for them, and just quietly cares? Ugh. I’m obsessed.
Sloane is just as incredible. She's strong, loving, and fierce when it comes to her family. She’s a single mom, a total ray of sunshine, and honestly.. I think I have a little crush on her too.
What I love most about this book and this series, is how it balances two storylines so well: the swoony romance between Abel and Sloane, and the slow unraveling of the mystery behind Abel’s missing mom. It keeps me hooked from start to finish.
Lena absolutely crushed it with this one. I devoured every page.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️🔥 Boss x Employee
❤️🔥 Marriage of Convenience
❤️🔥 Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️🔥 Single Mom
🚨🚨 TW: Parental abandonment, Abusive relationship, Death of a child in a car accident
October 21, 2024
I love a good grumpy x sunshine romance 💕
Sloane was just so fun and teasing, and Abel, despite his brooding facade, was gentle and considerate.
They were such a lovely couple. And most importantly, NO MISCOMMUNICATION. Love that for us 👏
Sloane was just so fun and teasing, and Abel, despite his brooding facade, was gentle and considerate.
They were such a lovely couple. And most importantly, NO MISCOMMUNICATION. Love that for us 👏
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August 18, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ Small Town, Marriage of Convince, Grumpy/Sunshine, Single Mum Romance.
Pf, I think this had all the tropes! Still, it was pretty cute. I wasn't feeling the connection between the MCs all that much since it felt kind of instalove-y. I usually don't have a problem with instalove, but I need the grump to step it up a notch when it comes to earning the affection of the sunshine, and it didn't really feel like that at first. It's not until after they get married that things start to turn around.
Still, their relationship leaves a lot to be desired, imo. I liked the secondary characters, even if the whole deal with her ex-husband felt off from the beginning. There's also no resolution there, so technically there's a cliffhanger(?)
TWs: prison-time, accidental death of a child (not on page), car accident, abusive ex-partners, divorce, custody fights, arson (not on page), manipulative/abusive parents, arrest, explict mature scenes.
🌶️🌶️/5 - This wasn't insanely spicy, but there a few scenes and a couple of the are fairly good.
Pf, I think this had all the tropes! Still, it was pretty cute. I wasn't feeling the connection between the MCs all that much since it felt kind of instalove-y. I usually don't have a problem with instalove, but I need the grump to step it up a notch when it comes to earning the affection of the sunshine, and it didn't really feel like that at first. It's not until after they get married that things start to turn around.
Still, their relationship leaves a lot to be desired, imo. I liked the secondary characters, even if the whole deal with her ex-husband felt off from the beginning. There's also no resolution there, so technically there's a cliffhanger(?)
TWs: prison-time, accidental death of a child (not on page), car accident, abusive ex-partners, divorce, custody fights, arson (not on page), manipulative/abusive parents, arrest, explict mature scenes.
🌶️🌶️/5 - This wasn't insanely spicy, but there a few scenes and a couple of the are fairly good.
September 7, 2024
Always been a sucker for marriage of convenience romances ⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡
Just My Luck is not only that but also features a single mom of twins and a grumpy brewery owner who happens to be the boss of the single mom. She's sunshine and smiles every time and he's just a grey cloud walking around. But when she accidentally hears him on a call where he mentions the bank is not accepting him a loan in order to buy the brewery from his awful dad, she comes to him with a proposition: They get married, access her inheritance, and win-win situation for both. She also needs the money to renovate and build her grandfather's cabin but the only way to access that money is to get married!
I loved this book. It was funny, entertaining, and very romantic. I loved the romance between Sloane and Abel ♡ ︎ Grumpy/sunshine romances, I will always love youuuu. They not only get married though. they also move in together and she arrives with her two kids and he becomes such a soft dad with them and loves them with his whole heart. He's going through things and has gone through things so he doesn't really let himself be loved and loved in return. But when Sloane and the kid arrive, his world opens up and it's like the sun has begun shining once again! I absolutely adore seeing this change and all those lil moments between them where they start to trust each other and fall deeper in love.
There are some storylines that I think are not finished and will be picked up in the next book? Like there's an overall plotline that started, me thinks, in book one. So that's maybe something I didn't enjoy because it didn't end in this one either, so in order to find out what happens with that, you'd have to read the next books, I believe. I only read this one so I got dropped into the plotline that started before, so maybe I needed a little bit more context but overall this book was great and fun. I definitely recommend it to everyone who loves the marriage of convenience trope, single mom, grumpy/sunshine, small town, and heroes who love saying "my wife" 24/7.
Just My Luck is not only that but also features a single mom of twins and a grumpy brewery owner who happens to be the boss of the single mom. She's sunshine and smiles every time and he's just a grey cloud walking around. But when she accidentally hears him on a call where he mentions the bank is not accepting him a loan in order to buy the brewery from his awful dad, she comes to him with a proposition: They get married, access her inheritance, and win-win situation for both. She also needs the money to renovate and build her grandfather's cabin but the only way to access that money is to get married!
I loved this book. It was funny, entertaining, and very romantic. I loved the romance between Sloane and Abel ♡ ︎ Grumpy/sunshine romances, I will always love youuuu. They not only get married though. they also move in together and she arrives with her two kids and he becomes such a soft dad with them and loves them with his whole heart. He's going through things and has gone through things so he doesn't really let himself be loved and loved in return. But when Sloane and the kid arrive, his world opens up and it's like the sun has begun shining once again! I absolutely adore seeing this change and all those lil moments between them where they start to trust each other and fall deeper in love.
There are some storylines that I think are not finished and will be picked up in the next book? Like there's an overall plotline that started, me thinks, in book one. So that's maybe something I didn't enjoy because it didn't end in this one either, so in order to find out what happens with that, you'd have to read the next books, I believe. I only read this one so I got dropped into the plotline that started before, so maybe I needed a little bit more context but overall this book was great and fun. I definitely recommend it to everyone who loves the marriage of convenience trope, single mom, grumpy/sunshine, small town, and heroes who love saying "my wife" 24/7.
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