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Carved Hearts #4
Wood U
“Kelly Palmer?”
I knew the voice immediately, even though I hadn't heard it since I was twelve years old. My mouth went dry, and I almost dropped the phone. A wave of goosebumps rolled across my flesh.
“Yes.” I sounded scared, reduced to the child I'd been the last time I'd spoken with the man on the other end of the line.
“Hi, darlin’. It’s your dad.”
Kelly's world is far from perfect. She keeps several states between herself and her overbearing mother, and she's sick of her friends playing matchmaker. Her naive teaching ambitions haven't panned out, and after years of spinning her wheels in a troubled school district, she's tired of fighting an uphill battle.
Then her missing father calls, and she reluctantly heads to Texas to hear him out. Their reunion isn't exactly a Hallmark moment, but Kelly falls hard for the vibrant city of Austin, and Mac Hildebrandt, the blue-eyed smart-ass who works with her dad. Her choice to move isn't about her father; it's in spite of him.
Since his disastrous divorce, Mac's been satisfied as a bachelor. He's interested in two things: knocking boots and looking out for his kid. Kelly crashes into his life and leaves him reeling from the impact. Try as he might, he can't shake her sweet smile, and that body of hers ain't half bad either. Still, she's Francis's daughter, and Mac's volatile ex is a constant chore, so the complications are impossible to ignore. He ought to know better, but the sparks between them are just too tempting to resist.
I knew the voice immediately, even though I hadn't heard it since I was twelve years old. My mouth went dry, and I almost dropped the phone. A wave of goosebumps rolled across my flesh.
“Yes.” I sounded scared, reduced to the child I'd been the last time I'd spoken with the man on the other end of the line.
“Hi, darlin’. It’s your dad.”
Kelly's world is far from perfect. She keeps several states between herself and her overbearing mother, and she's sick of her friends playing matchmaker. Her naive teaching ambitions haven't panned out, and after years of spinning her wheels in a troubled school district, she's tired of fighting an uphill battle.
Then her missing father calls, and she reluctantly heads to Texas to hear him out. Their reunion isn't exactly a Hallmark moment, but Kelly falls hard for the vibrant city of Austin, and Mac Hildebrandt, the blue-eyed smart-ass who works with her dad. Her choice to move isn't about her father; it's in spite of him.
Since his disastrous divorce, Mac's been satisfied as a bachelor. He's interested in two things: knocking boots and looking out for his kid. Kelly crashes into his life and leaves him reeling from the impact. Try as he might, he can't shake her sweet smile, and that body of hers ain't half bad either. Still, she's Francis's daughter, and Mac's volatile ex is a constant chore, so the complications are impossible to ignore. He ought to know better, but the sparks between them are just too tempting to resist.
- GenresContemporary Romance
Unknown Binding
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139 people want to read
About the author
L.G. Pace III
12 books65 followersL.G.Pace III has spent several decades pouring creative energy into other things besides writing. He began his current journey by telling his two daughters bedtime stories about a magical realm and a hero named Terel. Though that story is still sitting unfinished in the electronic universe he has managed to bring many other stories out of the dark maelstrom of his mind for others to enjoy.
He dwells in the great state of Texas with his wife, novelist Michelle Pace and their children.
He dwells in the great state of Texas with his wife, novelist Michelle Pace and their children.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 5, 2016
Another wonderful addition to the Carved Hearts series! I've been excited about a Mac & Kelly book ever since I first met Mac & learned about Kelly and it was everything I'd hoped it would be. Sweet, funny, hot, romantic, angsty - just like all the books in this series. I love the Hildebrandt family and it was so wonderful "hanging out" with them again. Wood U has immediately been added as the first book on my "Favorite Reads of 2016" list!
December 19, 2015
You might be forgiven for wondering about a book titled Wood U; after all, it's a little—okay, a lot—different. But if you've read the other books in the exemplary Carved Hearts series, or perhaps even if you haven't, then you'll want to get your hands on this book. Because it's…everything. Humorous and hot, angsty and awesome, emotional and engaging. Also, Mac. Oh, yes, MAC.
An out-of-the-blue phone call was the catalyst for a big change in the life of Kelly Palmer. After falling in love with Austin after a visit to meet with her long-lost father—even if their relationship remains tenuous—Kelly finds herself relocating to the intoxicating Texas city. And spending more and more time with her father’s equally intoxicating co-worker, Mac Hildebrandt.
Kelly is the complete opposite of Mac’s bitter ex-wife, and although his world revolves around one thing—his young son, M.J.—Mac can't get Kelly Palmer out of his mind. But with her strained relationship with her mother and non-existent-until-that-phone-call relationship with her father guiding her, Kelly finds it hard to accept that the intense chemistry between her and Mac has any hope of survival. Especially since Mac’s ex isn't about to make life easy…
Did I mention that this book is everything? Because, to me, it is. It was everything I had hoped for in a book about Mac and Kelly, having fallen for this pair during Joe and Molly’s roller coaster love story, which made up the first three books in this series. This series that remains one of my very favorites with this stellar addition tying with Good Wood as my best-loved of the lot.
Les and Michelle Pace smartly took this one back to the first phone call between Kelly and her father, Francis, who disappeared from her life when she was a child and, using that as a jumping point—and other moments from the earlier Carved Hearts books as markers—wove an amazing, heart-breaking, swoon-filled tale of love, anger, marathons and custom carpentry. Also, sexy single parenting. I have to agree with Jerry on that one—men that are good with kids are bad for the ovaries. As in, they make them go BOOM, just like Mac did mine… *Sigh*
As I regrettably inched ever closer to the end (because I seriously did not want this book to end), I feared the final result. I wasn't sure what I'd get, whether the ending would satisfy or frustrate me, and whether, like Joe and Molly, Kelly and Mac’s romance was too much for one book. I needn't have feared. This seamless writing duo had me speed-reading through the final pages, desperate to know what would happen, swooning, sighing and swearing as I found out, and then going back once my curiosity was satiated to re-read those final, perfect moments.
So, yes, this book was indeed everything. Everything I look for in a book, just as this series is everything I look for in a series. Smart, clean, well-paced (ha, author pun!) writing, characters who are as vibrant as the city of Austin, stories that feel real even when they border on outlandish, and a love that speaks directly to my soppy, romantic heart.
Side note: The important references to Joe and Molly’s books aren't too difficult to follow along with—speaking as someone that read and loved those books, but who has also read probably 100 other books minimum since Heartwood—so while I suspect you probably could read this one standalone, I wouldn't suggest it. Besides, why Wood U want to miss out on a book called Good Wood? ~ Beth, 5 Sugar stars
An out-of-the-blue phone call was the catalyst for a big change in the life of Kelly Palmer. After falling in love with Austin after a visit to meet with her long-lost father—even if their relationship remains tenuous—Kelly finds herself relocating to the intoxicating Texas city. And spending more and more time with her father’s equally intoxicating co-worker, Mac Hildebrandt.
Kelly is the complete opposite of Mac’s bitter ex-wife, and although his world revolves around one thing—his young son, M.J.—Mac can't get Kelly Palmer out of his mind. But with her strained relationship with her mother and non-existent-until-that-phone-call relationship with her father guiding her, Kelly finds it hard to accept that the intense chemistry between her and Mac has any hope of survival. Especially since Mac’s ex isn't about to make life easy…
Did I mention that this book is everything? Because, to me, it is. It was everything I had hoped for in a book about Mac and Kelly, having fallen for this pair during Joe and Molly’s roller coaster love story, which made up the first three books in this series. This series that remains one of my very favorites with this stellar addition tying with Good Wood as my best-loved of the lot.
Les and Michelle Pace smartly took this one back to the first phone call between Kelly and her father, Francis, who disappeared from her life when she was a child and, using that as a jumping point—and other moments from the earlier Carved Hearts books as markers—wove an amazing, heart-breaking, swoon-filled tale of love, anger, marathons and custom carpentry. Also, sexy single parenting. I have to agree with Jerry on that one—men that are good with kids are bad for the ovaries. As in, they make them go BOOM, just like Mac did mine… *Sigh*
As I regrettably inched ever closer to the end (because I seriously did not want this book to end), I feared the final result. I wasn't sure what I'd get, whether the ending would satisfy or frustrate me, and whether, like Joe and Molly, Kelly and Mac’s romance was too much for one book. I needn't have feared. This seamless writing duo had me speed-reading through the final pages, desperate to know what would happen, swooning, sighing and swearing as I found out, and then going back once my curiosity was satiated to re-read those final, perfect moments.
So, yes, this book was indeed everything. Everything I look for in a book, just as this series is everything I look for in a series. Smart, clean, well-paced (ha, author pun!) writing, characters who are as vibrant as the city of Austin, stories that feel real even when they border on outlandish, and a love that speaks directly to my soppy, romantic heart.
Side note: The important references to Joe and Molly’s books aren't too difficult to follow along with—speaking as someone that read and loved those books, but who has also read probably 100 other books minimum since Heartwood—so while I suspect you probably could read this one standalone, I wouldn't suggest it. Besides, why Wood U want to miss out on a book called Good Wood? ~ Beth, 5 Sugar stars
December 24, 2015
Michelle and Les do not disapoint with this installment to the Carved Hearts Series! Just thinking of not getting anymore of the Jensen and Hildebrandt clan is sad, but what a way to end it. I loved Mac (and Mason), Molly's brother from Good Wood, Mollywood and Heartwood, when I read about him from an outside perspective. But getting his story is perfect.
As always, Michelle and Les grab your attention and give you such amazing characters that you can't help but want to hold on tight and enjoy the ride. Definitely a must-have addition to Carved Hearts!!
As always, Michelle and Les grab your attention and give you such amazing characters that you can't help but want to hold on tight and enjoy the ride. Definitely a must-have addition to Carved Hearts!!
December 25, 2015
After seeing bits and pieces of Mac and Kelly’s relationship in the Carved Hearts series, I was so excited when I heard that Wood U was going to be telling their full story! And I am glad to say I was entertained from beginning to end.
Getting to better know both Mac and Kelly was great. I really couldn’t help but fall in love with Mac. I mean, I already knew I appreciated his smartass sense of humor from the other books. But I really loved getting to see another side to him in Wood U. The sweet, loving father just pulled on every single one of my heartstrings. It was devastating to see just how much he was going through with his Ex and his son. My heart broke for that little boy. I was especially interested in Kelly’s family relationships too. Her and her father, Francis, reconnecting was something I really liked seeing. Francis was someone I really loved from the other Carved Hearts books. So I loved seeing him be able to start a relationship with his daughter after so many years. And I will say that Kelly was just a super down to Earth character. Her mishaps and blunders really made her so much more likeable to me. I laughed out loud a few different times at some of the situations she got herself into.
I loved the alternating POVs. With the massive amounts of ongoing miscommunications between Mac and Kelly, seeing both their sides throughout everything made it really easy to understand just how important communication is in a relationship. It also made it pretty entertaining to watch them being so clueless and the mishaps that happened from such. Even though there were a few times towards the end where I wanted to physically shake the both of them for still not getting it! I also appreciated that this wasn’t just a repeat of the other Carved books, as much as I loved them, I was hoping for new stuff, and these Authors did this wonderfully! The time line started back with the other books, and while there were a few revisits to notable scenes, it was completely different this time around, and I couldn’t be happier with the way they accomplished this.
This was a book that you could read on it’s own, but the other Carved Hearts books were equally as awesome and I think you will appreciate this book that much more from reading them too.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Getting to better know both Mac and Kelly was great. I really couldn’t help but fall in love with Mac. I mean, I already knew I appreciated his smartass sense of humor from the other books. But I really loved getting to see another side to him in Wood U. The sweet, loving father just pulled on every single one of my heartstrings. It was devastating to see just how much he was going through with his Ex and his son. My heart broke for that little boy. I was especially interested in Kelly’s family relationships too. Her and her father, Francis, reconnecting was something I really liked seeing. Francis was someone I really loved from the other Carved Hearts books. So I loved seeing him be able to start a relationship with his daughter after so many years. And I will say that Kelly was just a super down to Earth character. Her mishaps and blunders really made her so much more likeable to me. I laughed out loud a few different times at some of the situations she got herself into.
I loved the alternating POVs. With the massive amounts of ongoing miscommunications between Mac and Kelly, seeing both their sides throughout everything made it really easy to understand just how important communication is in a relationship. It also made it pretty entertaining to watch them being so clueless and the mishaps that happened from such. Even though there were a few times towards the end where I wanted to physically shake the both of them for still not getting it! I also appreciated that this wasn’t just a repeat of the other Carved books, as much as I loved them, I was hoping for new stuff, and these Authors did this wonderfully! The time line started back with the other books, and while there were a few revisits to notable scenes, it was completely different this time around, and I couldn’t be happier with the way they accomplished this.
This was a book that you could read on it’s own, but the other Carved Hearts books were equally as awesome and I think you will appreciate this book that much more from reading them too.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2015
When the past comes knocking, nothing will be the same 5 stars
*received an ARC for honest review for Wicked Women Book Blog*
When I first learned that these two authors were doing a story on Mac, I squealed. I had fallen in love with Molly’s family in the course of reading the Carved Hearts series. And now I was getting the chance to be up, close and personal with my boy, Mac, the funny, incredibly sweet and sexy brother to our Molly.
The story starts off with a phone call and everything Kelly has known since her childhood shatters. Thus starts the journey of a father’s redemption and a daughter’s struggle to forgive and start life anew. While on her path to forgiving her father, Kelly stumbles upon Mac Hildebrandt. Even though they have the connection, Kelly and Mac both doubt themselves and their future together. Our pasts do tend to make us doubt our futures, every choice is a mistake, every decision a wrong one.
I loved, loved going back to those moments which had already happened and taking the same scenes from a different perspective. I had forgotten what a softie Mac is, how thoughtful he truly is, he made me swoon with his charm and at the same time my heart broke for the man who doubts himself. Is he good enough to have a happy every after. Mac has hidden depths that many of us didn’t notice until the wedding in Carved Hearts but deep down, he’s a southern boy who is truly a gentleman and has a heart of gold. His commitment to his kid and him wanting MJ to have his mother in his life, that made me go all gooey for him.
I knew Mac needed someone like Kelly, someone smart with a big heart and lots of patience. But Kelly wasn’t perfect herself, she herself was broken inside. She struggled with her father’s desertion; she’s never felt she could truly trust someone with her heart. So she questioned everything that everyone did for her, and at the same time she fought against the pull with Mac.
So will Kelly heal in time to get her happy ever after with Mac? Will Mac be brave enough to show his true self to Kelly? Will Francis be able to get his redemption and have his own happy every after? To learn about the Mac and Kelly’s fate, 1-click this beauty ASAP.
*received an ARC for honest review for Wicked Women Book Blog*
When I first learned that these two authors were doing a story on Mac, I squealed. I had fallen in love with Molly’s family in the course of reading the Carved Hearts series. And now I was getting the chance to be up, close and personal with my boy, Mac, the funny, incredibly sweet and sexy brother to our Molly.
The story starts off with a phone call and everything Kelly has known since her childhood shatters. Thus starts the journey of a father’s redemption and a daughter’s struggle to forgive and start life anew. While on her path to forgiving her father, Kelly stumbles upon Mac Hildebrandt. Even though they have the connection, Kelly and Mac both doubt themselves and their future together. Our pasts do tend to make us doubt our futures, every choice is a mistake, every decision a wrong one.
I loved, loved going back to those moments which had already happened and taking the same scenes from a different perspective. I had forgotten what a softie Mac is, how thoughtful he truly is, he made me swoon with his charm and at the same time my heart broke for the man who doubts himself. Is he good enough to have a happy every after. Mac has hidden depths that many of us didn’t notice until the wedding in Carved Hearts but deep down, he’s a southern boy who is truly a gentleman and has a heart of gold. His commitment to his kid and him wanting MJ to have his mother in his life, that made me go all gooey for him.
I knew Mac needed someone like Kelly, someone smart with a big heart and lots of patience. But Kelly wasn’t perfect herself, she herself was broken inside. She struggled with her father’s desertion; she’s never felt she could truly trust someone with her heart. So she questioned everything that everyone did for her, and at the same time she fought against the pull with Mac.
So will Kelly heal in time to get her happy ever after with Mac? Will Mac be brave enough to show his true self to Kelly? Will Francis be able to get his redemption and have his own happy every after? To learn about the Mac and Kelly’s fate, 1-click this beauty ASAP.
December 25, 2015
WOOD U BY: L.G. PACE III & MICHELLE PACE
After seeing bits and pieces of Mac and Kelly’s relationship in the Carved Hearts series, I was so excited when I heard that Wood U was going to be telling their full story! And I am glad to say I was entertained from beginning to end.
Getting to better know both Mac and Kelly was great. I really couldn’t help but fall in love with Mac. I mean, I already knew I appreciated his smartass sense of humor from the other books. But I really loved getting to see another side to him in Wood U. The sweet, loving father just pulled on every single one of my heartstrings. It was devastating to see just how much he was going through with his Ex and his son. My heart broke for that little boy. I was especially interested in Kelly’s family relationships too. Her and her father, Francis, reconnecting was something I really liked seeing. Francis was someone I really loved from the other Carved Hearts books. So I loved seeing him be able to start a relationship with his daughter after so many years. And I will say that Kelly was just a super down to Earth character. Her mishaps and blunders really made her so much more likeable to me. I laughed out loud a few different times at some of the situations she got herself into.
I loved the alternating POVs. With the massive amounts of ongoing miscommunications between Mac and Kelly, seeing both their sides throughout everything made it really easy to understand just how important communication is in a relationship. It also made it pretty entertaining to watch them being so clueless and the mishaps that happened from such. Even though there were a few times towards the end where I wanted to physically shake the both of them for still not getting it! I also appreciated that this wasn’t just a repeat of the other Carved books, as much as I loved them, I was hoping for new stuff, and these Authors did this wonderfully! The time line started back with the other books, and while there were a few revisits to notable scenes, it was completely different this time around, and I couldn’t be happier with the way they accomplished this.
This was a book that you could read on it’s own, but the other Carved Hearts books were equally as awesome and I think you will appreciate this book that much more from reading them too.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After seeing bits and pieces of Mac and Kelly’s relationship in the Carved Hearts series, I was so excited when I heard that Wood U was going to be telling their full story! And I am glad to say I was entertained from beginning to end.
Getting to better know both Mac and Kelly was great. I really couldn’t help but fall in love with Mac. I mean, I already knew I appreciated his smartass sense of humor from the other books. But I really loved getting to see another side to him in Wood U. The sweet, loving father just pulled on every single one of my heartstrings. It was devastating to see just how much he was going through with his Ex and his son. My heart broke for that little boy. I was especially interested in Kelly’s family relationships too. Her and her father, Francis, reconnecting was something I really liked seeing. Francis was someone I really loved from the other Carved Hearts books. So I loved seeing him be able to start a relationship with his daughter after so many years. And I will say that Kelly was just a super down to Earth character. Her mishaps and blunders really made her so much more likeable to me. I laughed out loud a few different times at some of the situations she got herself into.
I loved the alternating POVs. With the massive amounts of ongoing miscommunications between Mac and Kelly, seeing both their sides throughout everything made it really easy to understand just how important communication is in a relationship. It also made it pretty entertaining to watch them being so clueless and the mishaps that happened from such. Even though there were a few times towards the end where I wanted to physically shake the both of them for still not getting it! I also appreciated that this wasn’t just a repeat of the other Carved books, as much as I loved them, I was hoping for new stuff, and these Authors did this wonderfully! The time line started back with the other books, and while there were a few revisits to notable scenes, it was completely different this time around, and I couldn’t be happier with the way they accomplished this.
This was a book that you could read on it’s own, but the other Carved Hearts books were equally as awesome and I think you will appreciate this book that much more from reading them too.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2015
The Carved Hearts series follows Joe and Molly through three books. The two of them made a very interesting storyline and have become my favorite couple. Their families are dynamic on their own, especially Molly's brothers. Mac and Mason are twins, Mason is happily married while Mac is quite the playboy single father. Mac meets Kelly and their story is complete with more ups than downs but the downs are doosies and often made me want to smack Mac upside the head. Everything can be fixed with communication but like a typical man he misses the boat completely. Between his issues as a single father with an addict ex-wife and her parental issues it's no wonder they seem so real. Their story is fictional but I'm sure lots of parents can relate to Mac and Kelly. If you have read the Carved Heart series you will revisit many scenes as Mac and Kelly's story takes place parallel to Joe and Molly. We always wondered what was happening between them and now we get answers. Mac is the ultimate gentleman and hardworking man while Kelly is tough as nails as the sweetheart schoolteacher. I've recently read a few new authors and struggled to make it through the stories, just not believing in the characters enough to really care. Quite the opposite of the Pace's, keeping my interest in the words because I truly cared about the couple seems to come easy to them. While not necessary to read the previous books, if you do read them in order, it helps with the timeline. I was lucky enough to score an early copy for my honest review.
January 3, 2016
You know how you read about characters in a book that are not the main character? You are always left wondering what happened to so and so? Well, Michelle and Les didn't leave our minds wondering too long when it came to Mac and Kelly who showed if in the previous Carved Hearts Series. Mac who is one of Molly's twin brothers is such a looker, he's kind of known as the "male whore" in Texas I guess you can say. Known for breaking hearts, Mac was previously married to a mess of a woman. Now divorced for said crazy lazy, Mac has a 7-year-old son M.J. who is the light of his life. Still not ready to settle down, Mac has many one night stands and a not so good record with "bimbos."
Kelly is a young woman who enters Mac's life unexpectedly, one look at her and he was head over heels. However, Kelly is a sassy take no bullshit new to Texas woman. She wasn't having any of Mac's crap. However, she too had these feeling deep down inside for this mysterious man. He intrigued her, and as much as she tried to avoid him, she couldn't.
Wood U will take you through many ups and down's however, it will not disappoint! I've been a fan of the Carved Heart's series from day one and to been on this journey with this clan has been amazing. Michelle and Les know how to write and know how to keep your attention. They will definitely leave you wanting more!
Kelly is a young woman who enters Mac's life unexpectedly, one look at her and he was head over heels. However, Kelly is a sassy take no bullshit new to Texas woman. She wasn't having any of Mac's crap. However, she too had these feeling deep down inside for this mysterious man. He intrigued her, and as much as she tried to avoid him, she couldn't.
Wood U will take you through many ups and down's however, it will not disappoint! I've been a fan of the Carved Heart's series from day one and to been on this journey with this clan has been amazing. Michelle and Les know how to write and know how to keep your attention. They will definitely leave you wanting more!
December 24, 2015
From the moment I met Mac in Good Wood, I've been intrigued by him. It was obvious he had a story, and had been badly burned in the past, and I wanted to know more about him. When we met Kelly and saw their relationship grow, I REALLY became curious, so when I heard that Michelle and Les were going to write their story, I was very excited, and they did NOT disappoint. With their usual flare for telling an amazing story, weaving back and forth between the characters so the reader doesn't miss a thing, they gave us the inside scoop on both Mac and Kelly, and it sucked me in from the first word and didn't let me go til the end. It was great to not only see their story, but to get a peek at events from Joe and Molly's life from Mac and Kelly's perspectives. I've never read a book written by Michelle and/or Les that disappointed me, and this one is no different. If you loved Joe and Molly, you will definitely love Mac and Kelly's installment.
December 21, 2015
The Carved Hearts Series is one of my very favorite all-time series, so I had high hopes for Wood U. I was not disappointed in the least. From the very first page, I felt as if I were visiting old friends. Previous readers of the series will visit scenes from the previous book, told in alternative points of view of both Kelly and Mac. I loved Kelly, yet my heart broke for her and all that she has gone through with her childhood and parents. I loved Mac - a little rough around the edges but loyal to a fault to his friends and family. Wood U is a wonderful book to curl up with this season - but settle in for a long day because you will not be able to put the book down once you begin reading. While it is a companion novel to the Carved Hearts Series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I know this is the last book in this series, but I cannot wait to see what the Pace's in store for us next!
December 29, 2015
It's no secret that I love all things Michelle Pace. Molly and Joe are one of my favorite book couples EVER. When I heard we were going to get some Mac and Kelly, well, I may have eep'd a little. Just a little.
Mac is your typical meathead...or is he???
The way this story, and their relationship, evolves is one that shouldn't be missed. You'll love the way these characters are just like anyone you may meet on the street. The secrets that have been kept, the drama that goes on behind closed doors...well, you'll just love it. Promise.
Mac is your typical meathead...or is he???
The way this story, and their relationship, evolves is one that shouldn't be missed. You'll love the way these characters are just like anyone you may meet on the street. The secrets that have been kept, the drama that goes on behind closed doors...well, you'll just love it. Promise.
December 22, 2015
Were you sucked into the Carved Hearts series? Ever wonder about Molly's Hot Brother Mac?
Wonder no more cuz here he is in full imagination technicolor.
Such a great side novel! Daddy issues play hell on the heart, makes trusting anyone hard and complicated. Mac and Kelly play one heck of a game of cat and mouse. But let me tell you that man could try his wood out on me anytime!
A great book full of sass, drama, hot loving and a pretty cool little boy!
If you loved the Carved Hearts series then you will adore this too.
Arc provided
Wonder no more cuz here he is in full imagination technicolor.
Such a great side novel! Daddy issues play hell on the heart, makes trusting anyone hard and complicated. Mac and Kelly play one heck of a game of cat and mouse. But let me tell you that man could try his wood out on me anytime!
A great book full of sass, drama, hot loving and a pretty cool little boy!
If you loved the Carved Hearts series then you will adore this too.
Arc provided
December 24, 2015
What a roller-coaster of emotion. So many hearts that are involved with this one. This is about 2 people who have built such high walls, that they may lose each other, the best thing that's ever happened to each other. Add in a crazy crew of misfits and the story-line just flows.
July 12, 2016
Your my Huckleberry
The Hildebrandt family just cracks me up. Mac the last one not tied down. Finally met his match with Kelly Palmer. Kelly Francis daughter who he kind of abandoned as a child. She has some trust issues and no long lasting relationships. Francis decides after all these years to reach out to his daughter. When Kelly settles from shock and hurt of him calling she goes to Texas to go see him. Reaching at the address given she run into a man to ask for help. After he tells her she's at the right place and Francis lives upstairs she can't help check out this man get on his Harley and leave. Reunions are not all happy and Kelly and Francis have a lot of years to make up for. Kelly meets a woman Jerry on her stay in Texas apparently Jerry is also a teacher and telling Kelly her school might need new teachers if she interested. After leaving Texas her and Jerry keep in touch. Jerry also has new that her school is in need of a teacher and if Kelly is looking for a change to apply she does and moves to Texas unannounced she want to get settled before telling her dad. One night out with Jerry Kelly run into Mac even though she's on a date she's more interested in Mac. Both their track records are not good and trust issues are worse. At times I hate Kelly is so needy and not strong. Mac is just not sure how relationships should be considering he use to just sleeping around. After a failed marriage and her cheating the only good from that was his so M.J. Their relationship is a lot of miss communications and jumping to conclusions. Mac single dad with joint custody has been letting his ex Patty get away with everything. Kelly does not like that he lets her get away with so much. He does it for Mj and to keep the peace. With so many doubts and no trust will the make it. How much does a Hildebrandt have to go through to find happiness
The Hildebrandt family just cracks me up. Mac the last one not tied down. Finally met his match with Kelly Palmer. Kelly Francis daughter who he kind of abandoned as a child. She has some trust issues and no long lasting relationships. Francis decides after all these years to reach out to his daughter. When Kelly settles from shock and hurt of him calling she goes to Texas to go see him. Reaching at the address given she run into a man to ask for help. After he tells her she's at the right place and Francis lives upstairs she can't help check out this man get on his Harley and leave. Reunions are not all happy and Kelly and Francis have a lot of years to make up for. Kelly meets a woman Jerry on her stay in Texas apparently Jerry is also a teacher and telling Kelly her school might need new teachers if she interested. After leaving Texas her and Jerry keep in touch. Jerry also has new that her school is in need of a teacher and if Kelly is looking for a change to apply she does and moves to Texas unannounced she want to get settled before telling her dad. One night out with Jerry Kelly run into Mac even though she's on a date she's more interested in Mac. Both their track records are not good and trust issues are worse. At times I hate Kelly is so needy and not strong. Mac is just not sure how relationships should be considering he use to just sleeping around. After a failed marriage and her cheating the only good from that was his so M.J. Their relationship is a lot of miss communications and jumping to conclusions. Mac single dad with joint custody has been letting his ex Patty get away with everything. Kelly does not like that he lets her get away with so much. He does it for Mj and to keep the peace. With so many doubts and no trust will the make it. How much does a Hildebrandt have to go through to find happiness
December 25, 2015
3.5 rating
Wood U took place during the events of the entire Carved Hearts series but featured Mac, Molly’s brother, and Kelly, Francis’ daughter. When I read the other three books in the series their relationship got covered a little bit but this book gave us the details of the highs and lows of their relationship. You’ll definitely need to have read the other books in the series in order to understand the other events that happen cause they are just glossed over in this book.
I think my favorite part of this book was seeing their disastrous first date. It was mentioned in the other books but seeing it play out was pretty funny especially when you find out what they were both thinking during that date. Besides that I really loved Kelly. She was awesome and I loved how she handled things for the most part. Mac was great as well especially when it came to his son. And the two of them together were definitely hot. They had a lot to overcome and I thought that was interesting and made me want to keep reading.
However, there were a few things that I wasn’t a fan of. There was a lot of telling the reader what happened instead of showing it and in general that’s something I don’t really like. At times I’m fine with it because the story does need to move forward but in the beginning when the relationship was first being established I didn’t like it. I feel by telling us how their relationship progressed instead of showing us it lessened the impact of why those two people should be together. I also didn’t feel completely satisfied by the ending. There was a ton of build up and unresolved issues and I felt like the ending didn’t match the level of the build up but that may just be me.
It was still a good book. Just know that it is definitely a companion novel so you should read the first three in the series to understand everything that happened.
Wood U took place during the events of the entire Carved Hearts series but featured Mac, Molly’s brother, and Kelly, Francis’ daughter. When I read the other three books in the series their relationship got covered a little bit but this book gave us the details of the highs and lows of their relationship. You’ll definitely need to have read the other books in the series in order to understand the other events that happen cause they are just glossed over in this book.
I think my favorite part of this book was seeing their disastrous first date. It was mentioned in the other books but seeing it play out was pretty funny especially when you find out what they were both thinking during that date. Besides that I really loved Kelly. She was awesome and I loved how she handled things for the most part. Mac was great as well especially when it came to his son. And the two of them together were definitely hot. They had a lot to overcome and I thought that was interesting and made me want to keep reading.
However, there were a few things that I wasn’t a fan of. There was a lot of telling the reader what happened instead of showing it and in general that’s something I don’t really like. At times I’m fine with it because the story does need to move forward but in the beginning when the relationship was first being established I didn’t like it. I feel by telling us how their relationship progressed instead of showing us it lessened the impact of why those two people should be together. I also didn’t feel completely satisfied by the ending. There was a ton of build up and unresolved issues and I felt like the ending didn’t match the level of the build up but that may just be me.
It was still a good book. Just know that it is definitely a companion novel so you should read the first three in the series to understand everything that happened.
December 24, 2015
Wood U is a companion novel and the 4th book in the Carved Hearts series. I highly recommend reading the books in order to understand the interwoven storylines. Unfortunately, I read the book as a standalone novel and that did cause some confusion.
Kelly Palmer believed her father was dead; frankly, that was easier than dwelling on the fact that he abandoned her as a child. Suddenly, dear old dad has risen from the grave and walked back into her life…talk about daddy issues. With an already complicated relationship with her mother, Kelly’s bound to have some trust issues. Having a complicated relationship with my mother myself, I really felt for Kelly and her struggles but I actually fell in love with her dad, who was trying to set things right after more than a decade in the gutter. I felt the pain and anguish for all he’d put Kelly through and I was so happy to see the relationship between them grow.
At first, Mac Hildebrandt seems like a playboy, bachelor but we quickly learn, he’s got problems of his own. He’s got a crazy messed up ex-wife that causes constant issues for he and his son, MJ. Mac and Kelly are immediately drawn to each other but neither is willing to trust in the relationship, or themselves, enough to truly commit. They enter an on again, off again relationship with tons of funny missteps and foibles. The best part of the book for me was meeting MJ. He is delightful and I quickly fell in love with him. The book contains a lot of angst (with the main characters and the characters from the family), that honestly went on a little too long for me, but the authors do a great job of wrapping it up in the end and giving us our HEA. I feel certain that if you read all preceding books, you’d connect deeply with all the characters as their story lines are woven through the book and the characters are quite engaging.
Kelly Palmer believed her father was dead; frankly, that was easier than dwelling on the fact that he abandoned her as a child. Suddenly, dear old dad has risen from the grave and walked back into her life…talk about daddy issues. With an already complicated relationship with her mother, Kelly’s bound to have some trust issues. Having a complicated relationship with my mother myself, I really felt for Kelly and her struggles but I actually fell in love with her dad, who was trying to set things right after more than a decade in the gutter. I felt the pain and anguish for all he’d put Kelly through and I was so happy to see the relationship between them grow.
At first, Mac Hildebrandt seems like a playboy, bachelor but we quickly learn, he’s got problems of his own. He’s got a crazy messed up ex-wife that causes constant issues for he and his son, MJ. Mac and Kelly are immediately drawn to each other but neither is willing to trust in the relationship, or themselves, enough to truly commit. They enter an on again, off again relationship with tons of funny missteps and foibles. The best part of the book for me was meeting MJ. He is delightful and I quickly fell in love with him. The book contains a lot of angst (with the main characters and the characters from the family), that honestly went on a little too long for me, but the authors do a great job of wrapping it up in the end and giving us our HEA. I feel certain that if you read all preceding books, you’d connect deeply with all the characters as their story lines are woven through the book and the characters are quite engaging.
April 24, 2016
3-3.5 stars!
I loved the first 3 books in the series about Joe and Molly and when I saw that there was a 4th book about Mac and Kelly I was so excited. The excitement didn't last long :/
Kelly was very immature. Sure, she was nice and loved kids but she ran away from problems and confrontations too many times. Then there was the situation with her dad who abandoned her and her mom. I get that she was hurt but she treated him like crap so much that I felt bad for her dad. We all make mistakes and yes, some are bigger than others. But we all deserve a second chance. And although this book is about her and Mac, I wished there would have been a stronger bond between her and her dad.
Mac was a softie and I loved him. He was an awesome dad to MJ but I hated his ex-wife and how he didn't react to her conniving ways before it was too late.
There was a lot of miscommunication between Kelly and Mac. When they were together it was cute but when they weren't (which was a lot of the book) it was frustrating! Mac kept her at arms length and Kelly wouldn't speak up. Things cleared up between them two chapters before the book ended! They spent more time apart than as a couple. There was a lot of time skipping too -.-
Overall, it was an okay read but I lost interest so much it took me about 3 days to finish this book (whereas I finished the trilogy in about 2 days) and no it wasn't because it was too long, I simply don't DNF.
I would have loved an epilogue! I felt like it would have been a solid 3.75 if we would've gotten more of them as a couple.
I loved the first 3 books in the series about Joe and Molly and when I saw that there was a 4th book about Mac and Kelly I was so excited. The excitement didn't last long :/
Kelly was very immature. Sure, she was nice and loved kids but she ran away from problems and confrontations too many times. Then there was the situation with her dad who abandoned her and her mom. I get that she was hurt but she treated him like crap so much that I felt bad for her dad. We all make mistakes and yes, some are bigger than others. But we all deserve a second chance. And although this book is about her and Mac, I wished there would have been a stronger bond between her and her dad.
Mac was a softie and I loved him. He was an awesome dad to MJ but I hated his ex-wife and how he didn't react to her conniving ways before it was too late.
There was a lot of miscommunication between Kelly and Mac. When they were together it was cute but when they weren't (which was a lot of the book) it was frustrating! Mac kept her at arms length and Kelly wouldn't speak up. Things cleared up between them two chapters before the book ended! They spent more time apart than as a couple. There was a lot of time skipping too -.-
Overall, it was an okay read but I lost interest so much it took me about 3 days to finish this book (whereas I finished the trilogy in about 2 days) and no it wasn't because it was too long, I simply don't DNF.
I would have loved an epilogue! I felt like it would have been a solid 3.75 if we would've gotten more of them as a couple.
December 28, 2015
While reading the Carved Hearts series, which I loved, I always thought Molly would make the BEST best friend...she was sassy, quirky, and totally retro with her tattoo sleeves, mad culinary skills, and awesome job. But I couldn't really relate to her, and Joe...ahh Joe...was just so much perfection so their story made for a heartwarming story and one that I will definitely re-read. But for me, Wood U was so much more realistic. Kelly is a normal woman compared to Molly's Wonder Woman-like traits. Trust and abandonment issues, parent issues, some body issues, Kelly is a young teacher struggling with things too many of us can relate to, which makes her a very worthwhile heroine. I rooted for her the whole time even when she blew things out of proportion, misread things, and just being paranoid that she wasn't worthy enough.
Then there is Mac, who I adored in the Carved Hearts series, and was looking forward to his HEA. We got to see so many sides to him besides being Molly's wise-ass brother. His interactions with his son M.J. were so tender and sweet. As Kelly says, you can learn a lot about a man by how he treats children. He's not perfect, but Wood U makes you fall in love with him even more. Plus we still get to see his wise-ass side with his interns and the nicknames he gives them - "Justin Bieber's Afterbirth", "Sonic the Hedgehog" lol!
So glad I invested in this series, I can't wait to see what the Pace's have in store for us next!
Then there is Mac, who I adored in the Carved Hearts series, and was looking forward to his HEA. We got to see so many sides to him besides being Molly's wise-ass brother. His interactions with his son M.J. were so tender and sweet. As Kelly says, you can learn a lot about a man by how he treats children. He's not perfect, but Wood U makes you fall in love with him even more. Plus we still get to see his wise-ass side with his interns and the nicknames he gives them - "Justin Bieber's Afterbirth", "Sonic the Hedgehog" lol!
So glad I invested in this series, I can't wait to see what the Pace's have in store for us next!
January 1, 2016
4.5 Stars
We always knew Mac as the pain in the butt brother, but now we see him in a whole new way!
Kelly never knew why her father left when she was a young girl but when he suddenly contacts her she decides to take a chance and go down to Austin to meet him, but she didn't expect was the fall in love with the city itself and decide to move there.
Mac was happy with his one night stands after his messy divorce, spending time with his son was always the most important thing to him. Meeting Kelly was unexpected and while she was different from all the women he had previously been with he knew she was something special.
We saw bits and pieces of these two in the Carved Hearts series now however we see events told from their perspective and while there is some overlap with that series it is focused more on them.
Disastrous dates, and the inability to talk about certain things in their pasts give them both a false start but once things get going for them they were pretty sweet together.
Kelly is sassy and knows how to stand up for herself at times but when it comes to men she can be a bit critical and that can cause some interesting problems for her.
Mac is sweetie and a great dad but talking to Kelly about the more personal aspects of his life is hard for him and he has a tendency to wait too long sometimes.
The two have their share of ups and downs but going on their journey you saw just how much they each wanted things to work out!
We always knew Mac as the pain in the butt brother, but now we see him in a whole new way!
Kelly never knew why her father left when she was a young girl but when he suddenly contacts her she decides to take a chance and go down to Austin to meet him, but she didn't expect was the fall in love with the city itself and decide to move there.
Mac was happy with his one night stands after his messy divorce, spending time with his son was always the most important thing to him. Meeting Kelly was unexpected and while she was different from all the women he had previously been with he knew she was something special.
We saw bits and pieces of these two in the Carved Hearts series now however we see events told from their perspective and while there is some overlap with that series it is focused more on them.
Disastrous dates, and the inability to talk about certain things in their pasts give them both a false start but once things get going for them they were pretty sweet together.
Kelly is sassy and knows how to stand up for herself at times but when it comes to men she can be a bit critical and that can cause some interesting problems for her.
Mac is sweetie and a great dad but talking to Kelly about the more personal aspects of his life is hard for him and he has a tendency to wait too long sometimes.
The two have their share of ups and downs but going on their journey you saw just how much they each wanted things to work out!
January 1, 2016
4.5 Stars
We always knew Mac as the pain in the butt brother, but now we see him in a whole new way!
Kelly never knew why her father left when she was a young girl but when he suddenly contacts her she decides to take a chance and go down to Austin to meet him, but she didn't expect was the fall in love with the city itself and decide to move there.
Mac was happy with his one night stands after his messy divorce, spending time with his son was always the most important thing to him. Meeting Kelly was unexpected and while she was different from all the women he had previously been with he knew she was something special.
We saw bits and pieces of these two in the Carved Hearts series now however we see events told from their perspective and while there is some overlap with that series it is focused more on them.
Disastrous dates, and the inability to talk about certain things in their pasts give them both a false start but once things get going for them they were pretty sweet together.
Kelly is sassy and knows how to stand up for herself at times but when it comes to men she can be a bit critical and that can cause some interesting problems for her.
Mac is sweetie and a great dad but talking to Kelly about the more personal aspects of his life is hard for him and he has a tendency to wait too long sometimes.
The two have their share of ups and downs but going on their journey you saw just how much they each wanted things to work out!
We always knew Mac as the pain in the butt brother, but now we see him in a whole new way!
Kelly never knew why her father left when she was a young girl but when he suddenly contacts her she decides to take a chance and go down to Austin to meet him, but she didn't expect was the fall in love with the city itself and decide to move there.
Mac was happy with his one night stands after his messy divorce, spending time with his son was always the most important thing to him. Meeting Kelly was unexpected and while she was different from all the women he had previously been with he knew she was something special.
We saw bits and pieces of these two in the Carved Hearts series now however we see events told from their perspective and while there is some overlap with that series it is focused more on them.
Disastrous dates, and the inability to talk about certain things in their pasts give them both a false start but once things get going for them they were pretty sweet together.
Kelly is sassy and knows how to stand up for herself at times but when it comes to men she can be a bit critical and that can cause some interesting problems for her.
Mac is sweetie and a great dad but talking to Kelly about the more personal aspects of his life is hard for him and he has a tendency to wait too long sometimes.
The two have their share of ups and downs but going on their journey you saw just how much they each wanted things to work out!
December 28, 2015
The Paces have once again outdone themselves with this excellent companion novel and final installment in The Carved Hearts Series. A solid 4.5 stars from me, rounded up for Goodreads since they refuse to let me assign half stars!
If you loved Joe and Molly, you will surely love Kelly and Mac too. These extremely talented authors master the art of the slow burn, writing a relatable romance that gradually builds. There was plenty of angst and a ton of humor, making it enjoyable for the entire journey. I especially liked Mac’s quick wit. The nicknames for the Good Wood interns were hysterical. And personally, I would’ve loved Chicken *Poop* Bingo as a first date. The intimate scenes were hot but not too cheesy.
You get a nice dose of the other familiar characters in the series, too which was nice to read. It was a bonus to get an update on all of the familiar supporting cast. Per their usual story telling styles, this book delves deeper, getting into some pretty heavy subject matter. I appreciated Mac’s situation in dealing with the alcoholic mother of his child. And Kelly’s repairing of her broken relationship with her father was emotionally touching.
You should definitely check out the entire series and pick this novel up as a wonderful conclusion. I look forward to anything and everything that Michelle and Les Pace choose to give us, for their work is fantastic!
If you loved Joe and Molly, you will surely love Kelly and Mac too. These extremely talented authors master the art of the slow burn, writing a relatable romance that gradually builds. There was plenty of angst and a ton of humor, making it enjoyable for the entire journey. I especially liked Mac’s quick wit. The nicknames for the Good Wood interns were hysterical. And personally, I would’ve loved Chicken *Poop* Bingo as a first date. The intimate scenes were hot but not too cheesy.
You get a nice dose of the other familiar characters in the series, too which was nice to read. It was a bonus to get an update on all of the familiar supporting cast. Per their usual story telling styles, this book delves deeper, getting into some pretty heavy subject matter. I appreciated Mac’s situation in dealing with the alcoholic mother of his child. And Kelly’s repairing of her broken relationship with her father was emotionally touching.
You should definitely check out the entire series and pick this novel up as a wonderful conclusion. I look forward to anything and everything that Michelle and Les Pace choose to give us, for their work is fantastic!
December 24, 2015
4.5 star
I was pulled right into this story. This story has laughs, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Good Wood (Carved Hearts, #1)
Mollywood (Carved Hearts, #2)
Heartwood (Carved Hearts, #3)
This is Kelly and Mac’s story. When Kelly gets a phone call that her dad wants to see her she agrees. When she goes to the town he lives in she falls for the town. She also finds her father’s co-worker Mac very appealing. Mac is a single father with a very bitter ex. He finds Kelly to not be anything like his ex. But he has to think of his son first and foremost. With these two already a little broken inside will Mac’s ex be the one who keeps them apart? Can these two get the chance to prove that they might be able to be the one to heal each other?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and this series.
I was pulled right into this story. This story has laughs, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Good Wood (Carved Hearts, #1)
Mollywood (Carved Hearts, #2)
Heartwood (Carved Hearts, #3)
This is Kelly and Mac’s story. When Kelly gets a phone call that her dad wants to see her she agrees. When she goes to the town he lives in she falls for the town. She also finds her father’s co-worker Mac very appealing. Mac is a single father with a very bitter ex. He finds Kelly to not be anything like his ex. But he has to think of his son first and foremost. With these two already a little broken inside will Mac’s ex be the one who keeps them apart? Can these two get the chance to prove that they might be able to be the one to heal each other?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and this series.
December 27, 2015
If you loved Joe and Molly, you will adore Mac and Kelly! Wood U is a full length companion novel to the Carved Hearts series. I couldn't wait to get my hands on Wood U. I read through all 3 books in the Carved Hearts series in just a couple of days, and they left me hoping for more. I certainly got it with Wood U! After reading bits and piece of Mac and Kelly's story in Good Wood, Mollywood, and Heartwood, I really enjoyed getting to know them better and learning their whole story. While Wood U is an awesome read on it's own, I highly suggest reading the entire Carved Hearts series first. That way you'll know all of the characters involved. Five stars for all of these reads!
December 31, 2015
I feel as if this book relied too much on Molly and Joe's story in order to tell itself. So many of the scenes were just quick rehashes of what happened in the other books and what Mac and Kelly happened to be doing in them without any of it being important. Even though this story is about Mac and Kelly, I just feel like I didn't really get much of them.
January 1, 2016
Another winner
At an author event I passed by a table and stopped to look at the books. There was another person standing talking to the author. They both asked if I had ever read any of her books. I am so glad I stopped!!! I absolutely love this series. I feel like I know this family and have become a part of it. Through all the struggles love wins out!
At an author event I passed by a table and stopped to look at the books. There was another person standing talking to the author. They both asked if I had ever read any of her books. I am so glad I stopped!!! I absolutely love this series. I feel like I know this family and have become a part of it. Through all the struggles love wins out!
December 27, 2015
An excellent follow-up to the Carved Hearts series!
Loved reading about Molly and Joe, and Mac and Kelly's story did not disappoint! Feel good love story with down to earth characters. Sadly, this is the end of the series.
Loved reading about Molly and Joe, and Mac and Kelly's story did not disappoint! Feel good love story with down to earth characters. Sadly, this is the end of the series.
January 26, 2016
Another wonderful addition to the Carved Hearts series!!
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