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The Family Simon #3
Maverick
Maverick Simon lost his mojo somewhere between the last film he scored and a nasty break-up with one of Hollywood’s elite. Burnt out, a vacation is just what this California boy needs. His brother’s empty house in Maine offers the perfect sanctuary. But plans go awry when he meets a woman who rocks his world in more ways than one. She’s not his usual type—she’s edgy, opinionated, and downright rude. But something about the prickly Charlie Samuels sparks his interest. Maverick must decide if that something is exactly what he needs, or if the smokin’ hot chemistry they share is nothing more than a vacation fling…
Charlie Samuels had always dreamed of leaving her small New England town for something bigger. But that dream disappeared the day her father died, leaving her to raise her younger brother and keep the family business afloat. Now a mechanic, she’s knee deep in grease and oil, and with a pile of bills to pay, has no time for someone like Maverick Simon—a guy who’s just passing through. She can’t deny the tall, brooding, sexy-as-sin, Maverick, causes her pulse to race, but she knows that he’s way out of her league. So why is she contemplating an affair? Especially when she knows that Maverick Simon could cost her more than she’s willing to give, namely, her heart…
Charlie Samuels had always dreamed of leaving her small New England town for something bigger. But that dream disappeared the day her father died, leaving her to raise her younger brother and keep the family business afloat. Now a mechanic, she’s knee deep in grease and oil, and with a pile of bills to pay, has no time for someone like Maverick Simon—a guy who’s just passing through. She can’t deny the tall, brooding, sexy-as-sin, Maverick, causes her pulse to race, but she knows that he’s way out of her league. So why is she contemplating an affair? Especially when she knows that Maverick Simon could cost her more than she’s willing to give, namely, her heart…
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2015
61 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Juliana Stone
70 books1,292 followersJuliana Stone is also known as J.A. Stone.
USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between baseball, books, and music. When she’s not singing with her band, she’s thrilled to be writing young adult as well as adult contemporary romance—books that have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist—from somewhere in the wilds of Canada.
USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between baseball, books, and music. When she’s not singing with her band, she’s thrilled to be writing young adult as well as adult contemporary romance—books that have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist—from somewhere in the wilds of Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 14, 2015
Perhaps the least favourite of mine amongst the series. Oh don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t kick him off my bed if I find him lounging on it, I just don’t have the same love for him as I do for Jack. Maverick is one of those take-charge-manly-man, but he’s far from annoying. He doesn’t throw his weight around. But he’s a sucker for women who’s down in the dumps. It’s what drew him to Charlie to begin with. Along with her brother who hasn’t spoken since the day he witnessed a traumatic event.
Charlie is a strong heroine. She’s trying to keep both her and brother afloat as a mechanic. But even the strongest heroines hides a weakness they wouldn’t want to expose. Maverick has the potential to destroy rock her world. She also knows that he’s just passing through. And as in the case of strong heroines in romance novels, Charlie is reluctant to risk her closely-protected heart.
Why do I read romance novels? They’re fast reads and has the ability to let me forget about time and real life passing. I could devour them in one sitting. So I’m never going to stop reading them. This book is exactly that: a bag of chips I couldn’t resist eating bite after crunchy bite. On a side note, I’m not a fan of that demented looking Maverick on the cover.
Charlie is a strong heroine. She’s trying to keep both her and brother afloat as a mechanic. But even the strongest heroines hides a weakness they wouldn’t want to expose. Maverick has the potential to destroy rock her world. She also knows that he’s just passing through. And as in the case of strong heroines in romance novels, Charlie is reluctant to risk her closely-protected heart.
Why do I read romance novels? They’re fast reads and has the ability to let me forget about time and real life passing. I could devour them in one sitting. So I’m never going to stop reading them. This book is exactly that: a bag of chips I couldn’t resist eating bite after crunchy bite. On a side note, I’m not a fan of that demented looking Maverick on the cover.
February 21, 2015
3.5 stars. This is a nice addition to the series. A very easy read if you are looking for a low in angst book. Maverick and Charlie were both endearing and together they seemed to compliment each other nicely. Connor was a great addition to the story.
My only complaint is I wish there had been an epilogue. I wanted to know where Charlie and Maverick's life took them. So many questions.
I can't wait for Teague's story. No doubt it's going to carry an emotional punch.
My only complaint is I wish there had been an epilogue. I wanted to know where Charlie and Maverick's life took them. So many questions.
I can't wait for Teague's story. No doubt it's going to carry an emotional punch.
March 31, 2020
actual rating: 3.5 stars
charlie samuels is a mechanic, and always wanted to venture out into the world. but with her parents gone, she has sisterly duty to fulfil. connor has been traumatised when he was younger and so he required more care, as his sister, charlie is doing everything to make sure he’s comfortable. but connor rarely speaks and almost never shown emotions. charlie is a little edgier and she defies gender roles by continuing her father’s business. as a mechanic, she’s not afraid to get dirty.
maverick simon appeared suddenly in charlie’s small town. their attraction to each other was instant. rick is really sweet and kind, a huge difference from tucker and jack (none of them were bad but the latter two were cocky as hell). rick do possess the same cockiness found in all the simon boys, his isn’t that overpowering and he barely uses it. every interaction maverick had with connor was sensitive, sweet and emotional to read.
although this is a story about maverick and charlie, whose relationship i enjoyed reading about, i can’t help but be more excited for teague and connor’s stories. they seemed more jaded and burnt out from life in general. their backstories are still a mystery and all i want is that, and for them to be happy.
charlie samuels is a mechanic, and always wanted to venture out into the world. but with her parents gone, she has sisterly duty to fulfil. connor has been traumatised when he was younger and so he required more care, as his sister, charlie is doing everything to make sure he’s comfortable. but connor rarely speaks and almost never shown emotions. charlie is a little edgier and she defies gender roles by continuing her father’s business. as a mechanic, she’s not afraid to get dirty.
maverick simon appeared suddenly in charlie’s small town. their attraction to each other was instant. rick is really sweet and kind, a huge difference from tucker and jack (none of them were bad but the latter two were cocky as hell). rick do possess the same cockiness found in all the simon boys, his isn’t that overpowering and he barely uses it. every interaction maverick had with connor was sensitive, sweet and emotional to read.
although this is a story about maverick and charlie, whose relationship i enjoyed reading about, i can’t help but be more excited for teague and connor’s stories. they seemed more jaded and burnt out from life in general. their backstories are still a mystery and all i want is that, and for them to be happy.
September 23, 2017
I'm sure I've said this before, I really like her writing style, it's the storylines that take away from her ratings. Just too predictable and overdone IMO. I'm curious about the rest of the Simon Family so will probably finish the series.
September 24, 2017
It was ok. Nothing less. Nothing more. Well... maybe ok+.
November 18, 2017
I love all the Simon men but Maverick has to be my favorite! I'm so happy that he met Charlie. I couldn't get enough of them! Charlie and Maverick's story was simply perfect!
April 18, 2018
I completely fell in love with Maverick (Rick) and Charlotte (Charlie) story. What isn't to love about them?? I love the passion they both have for there family. I honestly couldn't put it down..
April 17, 2015
4 stars
About the book: Release Date February 18, 2015
Maverick Simon lost his mojo somewhere between the last film he scored and a nasty break-up with one of Hollywood’s elite. Burnt out, a vacation is just what this California boy needs. His brother’s empty house in Maine offers the perfect sanctuary. But plans go awry when he meets a woman who rocks his world in more ways than one. She’s not his usual type—she’s edgy, opinionated, and downright rude. But something about the prickly Charlie Samuels sparks his interest. Maverick must decide if that something is exactly what he needs, or if the smokin’ hot chemistry they share is nothing more than a vacation fling…
Charlie Samuels had always dreamed of leaving her small New England town for something bigger. But that dream disappeared the day her father died, leaving her to raise her younger brother and keep the family business afloat. Now a mechanic, she’s knee deep in grease and oil, and with a pile of bills to pay, has no time for someone like Maverick Simon—a guy who’s just passing through. She can’t deny the tall, brooding, sexy-as-sin, Maverick, causes her pulse to race, but she knows that he’s way out of her league. So why is she contemplating an affair? Especially when she knows that Maverick Simon could cost her more than she’s willing to give, namely, her heart…
~~
REVIEW: MAVERICK is the third installment in Juliana Stone’s adult, contemporary The Family Simon romance series focusing on the Simon Family. This is music composer and writer Maverick Simon, and mechanic Charlotte (Charlie) Samuels’s storyline. MAVERICK can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty but some of the previous storyline scenarios are beginning to cross between installments.
Told from third person perspective, the storyline focuses on Maverick ‘Rick’ Simon as he takes some personal time at his brother’s place in Fisherman’s Landing, Maine. While his best friend and music partner Donovan James-Simon (JACK books 2) and husband Jack Simon await the birth of their first child, Rick finds solace in the winter solitude of Maine. Hoping to find someone to fix his brother’s wayward snowmobile, Rick will be introduced to Charlie Samuels-the town’s only female mechanic-and the woman who would steal Maverick’s heart.
MAVERICK is an ensemble storyline with many of the Simon family siblings and cousins front and center in the family business- a family that closely resembles the Kennedys including the political elite, the rich and famous, the superstars and military heroes. Maverick is a song writer whose hit a road block, of sorts, and finding Charlie Samuels has lifted the block and lightened his heart. But like all ‘Kennedy’ style families, tragedy will befall the Simon Clan, and Rick finds himself torn between what he knows he must do and where he wants to remain. Rick’s cousin Teague deserves his happily ever after, but getting there will be even more dramatic and intense than previous storylines.
The relationship between Charlie and Maverick is one of immediate attraction but Charlie is a woman whose has responsibilities beyond her business-since the death of her father, Charlie has been raising her younger brother Connor, and in this, his safety and protection are her first concerns. The $ex scenes are intimate, romantic and compelling without the over stimulation of erotic graphic imagery. Charlie believes that Rick is only a temporary fixture in her life, and both her and Connor may not survive the heartbreak when Rick returns to his career in California.
MAVERICK is another emotional and moving storyline of family and love. The characters are engaging, colorful and charismatic; the storyline is enjoyable, passionate and encouraging. There are no hidden demons or exes making life miserable but Rick keeps his true identity a secret far longer than he should have.
www.thereadingcafe.com
About the book: Release Date February 18, 2015
Maverick Simon lost his mojo somewhere between the last film he scored and a nasty break-up with one of Hollywood’s elite. Burnt out, a vacation is just what this California boy needs. His brother’s empty house in Maine offers the perfect sanctuary. But plans go awry when he meets a woman who rocks his world in more ways than one. She’s not his usual type—she’s edgy, opinionated, and downright rude. But something about the prickly Charlie Samuels sparks his interest. Maverick must decide if that something is exactly what he needs, or if the smokin’ hot chemistry they share is nothing more than a vacation fling…
Charlie Samuels had always dreamed of leaving her small New England town for something bigger. But that dream disappeared the day her father died, leaving her to raise her younger brother and keep the family business afloat. Now a mechanic, she’s knee deep in grease and oil, and with a pile of bills to pay, has no time for someone like Maverick Simon—a guy who’s just passing through. She can’t deny the tall, brooding, sexy-as-sin, Maverick, causes her pulse to race, but she knows that he’s way out of her league. So why is she contemplating an affair? Especially when she knows that Maverick Simon could cost her more than she’s willing to give, namely, her heart…
~~
REVIEW: MAVERICK is the third installment in Juliana Stone’s adult, contemporary The Family Simon romance series focusing on the Simon Family. This is music composer and writer Maverick Simon, and mechanic Charlotte (Charlie) Samuels’s storyline. MAVERICK can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty but some of the previous storyline scenarios are beginning to cross between installments.
Told from third person perspective, the storyline focuses on Maverick ‘Rick’ Simon as he takes some personal time at his brother’s place in Fisherman’s Landing, Maine. While his best friend and music partner Donovan James-Simon (JACK books 2) and husband Jack Simon await the birth of their first child, Rick finds solace in the winter solitude of Maine. Hoping to find someone to fix his brother’s wayward snowmobile, Rick will be introduced to Charlie Samuels-the town’s only female mechanic-and the woman who would steal Maverick’s heart.
MAVERICK is an ensemble storyline with many of the Simon family siblings and cousins front and center in the family business- a family that closely resembles the Kennedys including the political elite, the rich and famous, the superstars and military heroes. Maverick is a song writer whose hit a road block, of sorts, and finding Charlie Samuels has lifted the block and lightened his heart. But like all ‘Kennedy’ style families, tragedy will befall the Simon Clan, and Rick finds himself torn between what he knows he must do and where he wants to remain. Rick’s cousin Teague deserves his happily ever after, but getting there will be even more dramatic and intense than previous storylines.
The relationship between Charlie and Maverick is one of immediate attraction but Charlie is a woman whose has responsibilities beyond her business-since the death of her father, Charlie has been raising her younger brother Connor, and in this, his safety and protection are her first concerns. The $ex scenes are intimate, romantic and compelling without the over stimulation of erotic graphic imagery. Charlie believes that Rick is only a temporary fixture in her life, and both her and Connor may not survive the heartbreak when Rick returns to his career in California.
MAVERICK is another emotional and moving storyline of family and love. The characters are engaging, colorful and charismatic; the storyline is enjoyable, passionate and encouraging. There are no hidden demons or exes making life miserable but Rick keeps his true identity a secret far longer than he should have.
www.thereadingcafe.com
February 25, 2015
Maverick is trying to escape the press, as he made not the most wisest choice in dating. Charlie is trying to survive, raising her younger brother and taking over the family business after her father passed, in a small town in Maine.
Maverick, or Rick as he decides to go by is looking for someone to fix his brothers sled so he can pass the time. Charlie is the local mechanic with a bit of a chip on her shoulder and no recognition of who Rick is, which gives Rick a challenge.
Rick's family keeps having small crisis which cause him to leave Maine and Charlie to question his stability, to stay in a small town and if she is enough for him.
I enjoyed their story, the unexpected way her father passed and the glimpse into Teague's story. Rick's mysterious profession and the dynamics of Charlie's personality, has me wondering what is in store for the Simon's.
I received a ARC for an honest and fair review.
Maverick, or Rick as he decides to go by is looking for someone to fix his brothers sled so he can pass the time. Charlie is the local mechanic with a bit of a chip on her shoulder and no recognition of who Rick is, which gives Rick a challenge.
Rick's family keeps having small crisis which cause him to leave Maine and Charlie to question his stability, to stay in a small town and if she is enough for him.
I enjoyed their story, the unexpected way her father passed and the glimpse into Teague's story. Rick's mysterious profession and the dynamics of Charlie's personality, has me wondering what is in store for the Simon's.
I received a ARC for an honest and fair review.
February 21, 2015
No one can make you love a family like Juliana stone! We have loved Rick for a while but he really shines in this book, so glad to see the depth of his character and no one would have worked for him except Charlie, a strong woman just bruised enough to let him love her.... Loved this book!
February 18, 2015
The only thing I would change would be making the book longer! Loved it. Character development, plot, romance, heat were all excellent. Looking forward to the next story in the series...
August 15, 2015
Damn those Simon men are seriously sexy! Really enjoyed this addition to the Simon Family series and can't wait for Grace and Matt's story!
July 6, 2015
actually one of my favorite's so far. sad but sweet and i find i really love these Simon boys.
August 2, 2021
Really enjoyed Maverick & Charlie's story. In this offering of the Simon Family series, Maverick, aka Rick Simon has writer's block and coupled with a media breakup with his last starlet, he's looking to rewind at his brother's fixer upper on the coast of Maine. In. The. Winter, pretty much guaranteeing no one can find him. When asking at the local diner for a car mechanic we see his first encounter with Charlie, the very unimpressed Charlie who has no idea who Rick is. Charlie has no time for anything other than keeping the garage she inherited going with her bff Davis and taking care of her 10 yr old brother. I loved this - getting -to-know-you romance between Rick and Charlie. Rick is really a very sweet guy and never does anything stupid to cause angst. The Simon's are written as family and it does show with how the H's act. My issue is the ending felt rushed between the main characters, and of course the set up for the next book is included. I will be giving the Simon's a rest before moving on to book 4.
April 29, 2018
Ok so I was concerned about this book based on reviews I’d read but I have to say, I really enjoyed Mavericks story. I had already started to like his character from the previous books but you get such a nice insight into Rick once he’s able to relax away from his life. Once he meets Charlie things get interesting, but can he keep things light? Will Charlie let down her guard? Will they both see what’s right in front of them both?
This story was great, nice plot, Interesting new characters, as well as previous characters. Lots of angst, lots of sweet moments, some nice sex scenes, great banter, some spelling errors but nothing over the top. I love that this series goes between characters but involves all characters from the Simon family. Would recommend.
This story was great, nice plot, Interesting new characters, as well as previous characters. Lots of angst, lots of sweet moments, some nice sex scenes, great banter, some spelling errors but nothing over the top. I love that this series goes between characters but involves all characters from the Simon family. Would recommend.
February 6, 2018
This was somewhere between the first and second installment. I liked it better than 'Tucker' but not more than 'Jack'. I enjoyed the writing style and I loved how Charlie is sketched as the I-don't-give-a-fuck attitude. After reading the first two books, coming across a strong female character was a lovely experience. She takes up on a guy's role and isn't shown to be a prim and proper lady. She has a rough edge about her and that I what I believe made her stand out from the other two female characters in the series. Maverick, on the other hand appeared to be the typical alpha male with wicked smile and suggestive grins and all. I felt he could have been portrayed a bit better.
April 14, 2018
Well so far this is my favorite book in this series. While it wasn't heart stopping good, it was a nice, sweet love story, with some curve balls thrown in...Rick and Charlie were super predictable in their relationship but they were good for each other so their story was a bit interesting.
The two things that did stand out in this book were Connor and Teague. I won't elaborate but what happened to poor little Connor was just so sad, it was no wonder he withdrew into himself. Teague, on the other hand has always been intriguing. I would definitely like to pick up his book and find out more about this mysterious Simon.
The two things that did stand out in this book were Connor and Teague. I won't elaborate but what happened to poor little Connor was just so sad, it was no wonder he withdrew into himself. Teague, on the other hand has always been intriguing. I would definitely like to pick up his book and find out more about this mysterious Simon.
July 24, 2017
This book was really good. I enjoyed the characters in the storyline. As always it is nice to catch up on the characters from the previous books. The editing in this book was so much better than in the last couple. There were not the issues with the weird chapter breaks. I am glad to see it was improved. The only thing I wish was that there had been more to the epilogue. It felt so left opened, I would really like to have known if Charlie finish school and how Rick was going to manage his business from Maine .
March 31, 2023
I loved this book and devoured it in a day. I got this story in the boxed set and wrote a review on each story. Loved how Maverick (Rick) came to Charley’s town to get away. They had such chemistry. Loved how he falls for her and also her brother who she’s guardian of. Had some tears when she opens up to him towards the end. Loved that they got their happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
July 16, 2025
I've been devouring this series, solid contemporary romance, sexy couples, great writing, the only thing the reader needs to decide is how much they like or dislike the characters flaws.
I've enjoyed this series for the sexy romance, it isn't cheesy or overly sweet, there has been some raw emotions, but it's been balanced with some amusing moments and an aim for a HEA. The novels aren't drawn out and I'm finding them easy to finish.
(currently found on kobo plus)
I've enjoyed this series for the sexy romance, it isn't cheesy or overly sweet, there has been some raw emotions, but it's been balanced with some amusing moments and an aim for a HEA. The novels aren't drawn out and I'm finding them easy to finish.
(currently found on kobo plus)
October 5, 2018
Once again you find yourself involved with the whole Simon clan. Teague goes missing at one point and the family all comes together to try to wait for word of his safety. When they do get him back they can see that he is been through some severe torture. This sets up the story for the next book in the series and actually adds to the drama surrounding Charlie and Rick.
June 20, 2018
Read this first even though it's third in the series. Really enjoyed it but the second half of the book seemed to slip by the proofreader. Annoying especially when the first half was mostly error free. Looking forward to reading Teague (#4) and Cooper's (#6) stories.
December 20, 2018
Maverick and Charlie's story might just be my favorite so far. Charlie is the strongest character from this series and Maverick seemed perfect for her. There were a bunch of twists in this story and I can't wait to pick up the next Simon Family book.
March 2, 2018
Could not get into this at all.
January 6, 2020
Okay, that was a good book! Good story, sexy, loved the characters!
March 10, 2020
Enjoyed this story of two people from very different backgrounds.
March 24, 2020
Very romantic. Loved the no nonsense relationship they had. Love how the confronted each other when they were mad. Great ending too.
books-boxed-sets
April 27, 2020In boxed set - The Family Simon Boxed Set
September 20, 2020
Love it
I enjoyed this instalment as much as the rest. The style of writing, the characters that have come to life
I enjoyed this instalment as much as the rest. The style of writing, the characters that have come to life
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews