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Dumont Bachelors #1
Ще си мой
От деветдесет и девет години насам, всички мъже в рода Дюмон остават вечни ергени. Жителите на Сийдър Байю, Луизиана, шепнат за вуду магия, хвърлена върху рода, която саботира шансовете, на който и да е от мъжете за брак. В интерес на истината, самите мъже от семейство Дюмон си падат малко играчи и Марк не е изключение. Като капитан на речния кораб на семейството му, той разбива сърца нагоре-надолу по Мисисипи. Или, докато тръпката му от гимназията не се качва на борда... Али Муве разлюлява парахода, щом идва да работи като сладкар. Тя не е виждала Марк от бала им, когато се носели слуховете, че пра-пра-баба и е онази, която е проклела мъжете Дюмон. След две седмици заедно по вода, никой от двамата не може да отрече привличането, което все още гори помежду им. Но за да достигне наистина до сърцето на Марк, Али трябва да му покаже, че проклятието съществува само в главата му. За да успее, ще и е необходимо много повече от съблазнителните и сладкиши. Ще бъде ли любовта на Али достатъчна, за да направи най-после Марк свой?
272 pages, Unknown Binding
First published May 6, 2014
14 people are currently reading
1936 people want to read
About the author
Macy Beckett
7 books336 followersI write hot and humorous romances set in the fictional towns of Sultry Springs, Texas and Cedar Bayou, Louisiana, where first loves find second chances.
I also write romantic sci-fi for young adults under the name Melissa Landers. Check out ALIENATED, now available from Disney-Hyperion, and the sequel INVADED, coming February 3, 2015.
I also write romantic sci-fi for young adults under the name Melissa Landers. Check out ALIENATED, now available from Disney-Hyperion, and the sequel INVADED, coming February 3, 2015.
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October 14, 2013Edit #2: We have a cover! Isn't it adorable? And there's finally a back-cover blurb up there. :)
Edit #1: No, you're not seeing things. That's a new title up there. While I loved "Premarital Hex," it sounded deceptively paranormal, so the publisher decided to change it. I support this decision, because the book is a contemporary romance, not PNR, and I'd hate to confuse anyone. But good news! Penguin asked me to write a novella to launch the series, and I agreed. Be on the lookout this spring for MAKE YOU BLUSH, (Dumont Bachelors #0.5)!
___________
New series coming next year! Whee!
Edit #1: No, you're not seeing things. That's a new title up there. While I loved "Premarital Hex," it sounded deceptively paranormal, so the publisher decided to change it. I support this decision, because the book is a contemporary romance, not PNR, and I'd hate to confuse anyone. But good news! Penguin asked me to write a novella to launch the series, and I agreed. Be on the lookout this spring for MAKE YOU BLUSH, (Dumont Bachelors #0.5)!
___________
New series coming next year! Whee!
May 21, 2014
You know what reading this book is like?
It's like watching a really good chick flick after a very bad day.
It's simply adorable.
Reasons to read it:
1. A strong female lead who goes after what she wants and isn't shy about it.
2. A good relationship between sisters and family in general
3. A cute hero who does have his 'I want to smack him in the face' moments but in the end pulls through and surprises you with how sweet he is.
4. A good romance that you might think is angsty but you'll end up enjoying anyway
5. It's a quick read
6. Last but not least, how can you not at least be tempted by a book that combines food, voodoo magic and a sweet romance??
(Yes this is the lazy way of writing a review when you're too tired because it's 2 in the morning)
It's like watching a really good chick flick after a very bad day.
It's simply adorable.
Reasons to read it:
1. A strong female lead who goes after what she wants and isn't shy about it.
2. A good relationship between sisters and family in general
3. A cute hero who does have his 'I want to smack him in the face' moments but in the end pulls through and surprises you with how sweet he is.
4. A good romance that you might think is angsty but you'll end up enjoying anyway
5. It's a quick read
6. Last but not least, how can you not at least be tempted by a book that combines food, voodoo magic and a sweet romance??
(Yes this is the lazy way of writing a review when you're too tired because it's 2 in the morning)
February 21, 2021
Много сладка книжка! Дойде ми добре и разтоварващо, не ме напрегна по никакъв начин. Героите и те бяха супер свежи и приятни, даже харесах всички. Какви бъркотии може да причини едно "проклятие", хаха!?! На моменти се смях от сърце, особено на смешките на Марк, а двамата с Али бяха толкова мили и сладки, влюбих се. Романтиката и тя беше на ниво, не ми беше плоско, а напротив - много сладко и приятно за четене. Като за еднин прочит и разтоварване от по-тежки книги - това е идеалната история. Буквално я прочетох за 2 дни, не можех да я оставя. Нямам търпение да видя историята за Бо и Дев, усещам, че и те ще ме спечелят, тъй като ги харесах и двамата още в тази книга.
November 3, 2014
In case you didn’t know, Macy Beckett is the pseudonym Melissa Landers (author of this year’s Alienated) uses for her hot and steamy Contemporary Romances. I know many of you loved the kissing scene in her debut YA book, and I agree that it got my own pulse racing. It’s my favorite scene in that book, and since I love her adult books, it proved even more to me that she’s at her best with more mature settings. Her first Contemporary Romance series, Sultry Springs, is one of my favorites, and I’m just as smitten with her newest addition. Make You Mine is the first book in her Dumont Bachelors series, promising all the humor and sensuality of her earlier books with the added benefit of Louisiana charm. There’s even a little bit of voodoo thrown into the mix, but the real magic is in Beckett’s effortless storytelling and lovable characters. Her romances are ones I will happily return to again and again.
For 99 years, the men of the Dumont family have remained perpetual bachelors, though whether that’s due to a century-old curse or their own fear of commitment has yet to be decided. Their history is mysteriously linked to that of the Mauvais family; many of the residents that make up the Cedar Bayou believe Allie and her sister, Devyn, descend from a powerful witch. Unfortunately for Allie, this has affected her career, as she’s less known for her delicious pastries and more for her “love charms”. When she gets the chance to work with a famous chef on a riverboat, she immediately jumps at the opportunity. The icing on the cake? The captain is none other than her high school crush, Marc Dumont. He caused her some heartbreak when they were teenagers, but she’s always harbored feelings for him, and now she’s determined to prove that he’s not subject to some ridiculous curse… while they’re in very close quarters.
Allie is the type of heroine I love in this genre. She’s fun, sassy, and independent, and she’s not afraid to go after what she wants. There’s no wishy-washy personality here; Allie has a bold, memorable presence, and I enjoyed getting to know her. She also has a heart of gold. Even though she doesn’t believe in curses or voodoo – for her, it’s all about observation and psychology – she still keeps up the pretense for everyone else’s benefit. Women seek her out when they’re having trouble with their love lives, and so she gives them advice based on clues she picks up from their words or actions (not from yesterday’s chicken bones).
It’s Allie’s graciousness that softens Marc, even as he continues to fight his attraction for her. He says he doesn’t believe in his family’s curse, yet he’s made it a priority to steer clear of Allie ever since an unfortunate incident happened in high school after he kissed her. Marc is known for his playboy ways, yet once Allie steps foot on his riverboat, there is no other girl in his sights. He’s a sweet-talker and affectionate, and it doesn’t take long for him to make his move. Marc and Allie’s chemistry is a foregone conclusion at this point, but they also share more intimate, quiet moments to balance out the hot and heavy. I loved Allie’s determination to win Marc’s heart, even when he could be stubborn. There are some... mishaps on the boat that provide a lot of the book's humor, and Marc's family thinks Allie's to blame. Although Marc doesn't know what to believe in regards to the curse, he always has Allie's back.
The second half of the book, once the characters step off the riverboat, is when things get a little bit too kooky. I like that we’re never quite sure whether the curse is real or imagined, or maybe even a combination of both, but I don’t like some of the decisions Allie and Marc make, separately, that affect their relationship. The ending is a bit of a whirlwind, too, but also a good kind of cheesy. These romances are read for pure enjoyment, and Macy Beckett always leaves me feeling giddy.
The supporting cast is just as fun as Marc and Allie, particularly her sister and Marc’s older brother, Beau, who have their own history and will be the main couple in the next book. It’s the type of second chance romance I’m sure to love. I am also completely smitten with Alex and Ella, who are best buds but both clearly wanting more. As you can tell, this is a series I will gladly be devouring. These guys just need to keep saying “sugar” and I’m sure to be swooning. :)
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
For 99 years, the men of the Dumont family have remained perpetual bachelors, though whether that’s due to a century-old curse or their own fear of commitment has yet to be decided. Their history is mysteriously linked to that of the Mauvais family; many of the residents that make up the Cedar Bayou believe Allie and her sister, Devyn, descend from a powerful witch. Unfortunately for Allie, this has affected her career, as she’s less known for her delicious pastries and more for her “love charms”. When she gets the chance to work with a famous chef on a riverboat, she immediately jumps at the opportunity. The icing on the cake? The captain is none other than her high school crush, Marc Dumont. He caused her some heartbreak when they were teenagers, but she’s always harbored feelings for him, and now she’s determined to prove that he’s not subject to some ridiculous curse… while they’re in very close quarters.
Allie is the type of heroine I love in this genre. She’s fun, sassy, and independent, and she’s not afraid to go after what she wants. There’s no wishy-washy personality here; Allie has a bold, memorable presence, and I enjoyed getting to know her. She also has a heart of gold. Even though she doesn’t believe in curses or voodoo – for her, it’s all about observation and psychology – she still keeps up the pretense for everyone else’s benefit. Women seek her out when they’re having trouble with their love lives, and so she gives them advice based on clues she picks up from their words or actions (not from yesterday’s chicken bones).
It’s Allie’s graciousness that softens Marc, even as he continues to fight his attraction for her. He says he doesn’t believe in his family’s curse, yet he’s made it a priority to steer clear of Allie ever since an unfortunate incident happened in high school after he kissed her. Marc is known for his playboy ways, yet once Allie steps foot on his riverboat, there is no other girl in his sights. He’s a sweet-talker and affectionate, and it doesn’t take long for him to make his move. Marc and Allie’s chemistry is a foregone conclusion at this point, but they also share more intimate, quiet moments to balance out the hot and heavy. I loved Allie’s determination to win Marc’s heart, even when he could be stubborn. There are some... mishaps on the boat that provide a lot of the book's humor, and Marc's family thinks Allie's to blame. Although Marc doesn't know what to believe in regards to the curse, he always has Allie's back.
The second half of the book, once the characters step off the riverboat, is when things get a little bit too kooky. I like that we’re never quite sure whether the curse is real or imagined, or maybe even a combination of both, but I don’t like some of the decisions Allie and Marc make, separately, that affect their relationship. The ending is a bit of a whirlwind, too, but also a good kind of cheesy. These romances are read for pure enjoyment, and Macy Beckett always leaves me feeling giddy.
The supporting cast is just as fun as Marc and Allie, particularly her sister and Marc’s older brother, Beau, who have their own history and will be the main couple in the next book. It’s the type of second chance romance I’m sure to love. I am also completely smitten with Alex and Ella, who are best buds but both clearly wanting more. As you can tell, this is a series I will gladly be devouring. These guys just need to keep saying “sugar” and I’m sure to be swooning. :)
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
May 14, 2014
Coffee Date with Make You Mine:
First date: Beckett had my attention from the very first pages as she introduced us to Allie Mauvais. We are inside her pastry shop, The Sweet Spot, and the smells are heavenly. Allie is a curiosity with her curly hair and mismatched eyes. She is a kind soul, but there is a loneliness and longing to her. People are wary of her and yet, compelled to seek her out. Allie’s great-great grandmother is rumored to have put a hex on the Dumont men. Then there are all those strange and crazy mishaps that happened to men who dumped her. Cawinky-dink or Voodoo? Allie does not believe in voodoo, but that does not stop her from helping people. She bumps into Marc Dumont outside of her shop and woozier is he still looking hawt! She has not seen Marc since he broke her heart in high school. She begins to think maybe she should heed her own advice. Ooo, I can sense the attraction between these two, and something else. Marc is now the captain of his family’s riverboat and determined to turn the business around. After doing renovations he is preparing for their first two week cruise. Last minute issues leave him without a pastry chef and Allie offer to fill the position. Wahoo…things are about to get interesting. Beckett does an excellent job of setting the tone and making the tale seem very real.
Second date: We are on board the riverboat, and I am slowly meeting the other Dumont siblings. What a hilarious crew they are turning out to be. Beckett gives us little side stories and hints at future books in the series. The air around Allie and Marc is sizzling. Mishaps, pranks and mischief have me wondering if the hex might indeed be real. The romance feels genuine and oh lord can Beckett make my toes curl without going into too much detail. I am enjoying the stolen moments and heat as these two begin to tango!
Third date: Grab your gris-gris bags. Marc’s convinced the hex is true; Allie thinks he is afraid of commitment and family members all have opinions. History, graveyards and airplanes added just the right amount twists and turns to keep me reading just “one more chapter” late into the night. I giggled, sighed, shook my head and demanded my happy. While there was predictability, Beckett’s character, humor and well-paced plot had me ending this date with a smile.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
First date: Beckett had my attention from the very first pages as she introduced us to Allie Mauvais. We are inside her pastry shop, The Sweet Spot, and the smells are heavenly. Allie is a curiosity with her curly hair and mismatched eyes. She is a kind soul, but there is a loneliness and longing to her. People are wary of her and yet, compelled to seek her out. Allie’s great-great grandmother is rumored to have put a hex on the Dumont men. Then there are all those strange and crazy mishaps that happened to men who dumped her. Cawinky-dink or Voodoo? Allie does not believe in voodoo, but that does not stop her from helping people. She bumps into Marc Dumont outside of her shop and woozier is he still looking hawt! She has not seen Marc since he broke her heart in high school. She begins to think maybe she should heed her own advice. Ooo, I can sense the attraction between these two, and something else. Marc is now the captain of his family’s riverboat and determined to turn the business around. After doing renovations he is preparing for their first two week cruise. Last minute issues leave him without a pastry chef and Allie offer to fill the position. Wahoo…things are about to get interesting. Beckett does an excellent job of setting the tone and making the tale seem very real.
Second date: We are on board the riverboat, and I am slowly meeting the other Dumont siblings. What a hilarious crew they are turning out to be. Beckett gives us little side stories and hints at future books in the series. The air around Allie and Marc is sizzling. Mishaps, pranks and mischief have me wondering if the hex might indeed be real. The romance feels genuine and oh lord can Beckett make my toes curl without going into too much detail. I am enjoying the stolen moments and heat as these two begin to tango!
Third date: Grab your gris-gris bags. Marc’s convinced the hex is true; Allie thinks he is afraid of commitment and family members all have opinions. History, graveyards and airplanes added just the right amount twists and turns to keep me reading just “one more chapter” late into the night. I giggled, sighed, shook my head and demanded my happy. While there was predictability, Beckett’s character, humor and well-paced plot had me ending this date with a smile.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
April 28, 2014
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://www.witandsin.blogspot.com/201...
Like the sweet treats Allie bakes, Make You Mine is utterly delicious! Sexy bachelors, a decades-old curse, a little voodoo, a wealth of endearing characters, and a slightly star-crossed romance make this first Dumont Bachelors book a rousing success.
Allie Mauvais is a pastry chef who’s more famous for her supposed voodoo priestess abilities than any cruller or cookie she makes. Plagued by her heritage, Allie uses her powers of observation along with some plain old fashioned psychology to help those who come to her seeking guidance and love charms. Allie is a kind-hearted soul with a great sense of humor and I absolutely adored her from the start. I’m almost sad she’s a fictional character, for I’d love to have her as a friend, were she real. Though she’s as friendly and hardworking as can be, life often throws lemons at Allie; her resemblance to her great-great-grandmother, Juliette Mauvais, has some people believing she’s evil and/or malicious.
The current generation of Dumonts may not believe Allie’s evil, but she’s definitely bad luck. Ever since Juliette Mauvais cursed their family, the Dumont men have been unlucky in love, not a one of them ever making it down the aisle. Marc Dumont has a particular reason to be wary of the curse – the one time he asked out Allie in high school he ended up with an unpleasant affliction the next morning. When Allie comes aboard Marc’s river boat to serve as pastry chef, things start to go wrong. Though Allie insists the curse isn’t real, Marc can only see evidence to the contrary. Even so, he can’t resist his attraction to Allie and it’s not long before things heat up as they cruise along the Mississippi. I loved watching Allie and Marc’s relationship develop. The two of them have that special, indescribable “something” that swiftly charms the reader and makes the pages of Make You Mine fly by.
But the road to happily ever after isn’t a smooth one. Marc is an intelligent, rational man, but the overwhelming proof he’s seen has him believing there’s no way to break his family’s curse. Because of this, he screws up with Allie even though he wants to be with her. Allie’s equally determined to make him see that the supposed curse is all in his head. But is it? I won’t spoil any details of the story, but suffice it so say that author Macy Beckett weaves in details that make solid arguments for both sides.
With its steamy romance, its hero and heroine’s easy Louisiana charm, and the mystery of whether or not there’s a curse on the Dumont men, Make You Mine is a captivating read. Add in a cast of fun, endearing secondary characters – including Marc’s siblings, Allie’s sister, and the adorable couple from the Dumont Bachelors prequel novella, Make You Blush – and the story simply shines. I flat-out loved Make You Mine and Ms. Beckett has me hungry for more Dumont bachelors!
Note: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Like the sweet treats Allie bakes, Make You Mine is utterly delicious! Sexy bachelors, a decades-old curse, a little voodoo, a wealth of endearing characters, and a slightly star-crossed romance make this first Dumont Bachelors book a rousing success.
Allie Mauvais is a pastry chef who’s more famous for her supposed voodoo priestess abilities than any cruller or cookie she makes. Plagued by her heritage, Allie uses her powers of observation along with some plain old fashioned psychology to help those who come to her seeking guidance and love charms. Allie is a kind-hearted soul with a great sense of humor and I absolutely adored her from the start. I’m almost sad she’s a fictional character, for I’d love to have her as a friend, were she real. Though she’s as friendly and hardworking as can be, life often throws lemons at Allie; her resemblance to her great-great-grandmother, Juliette Mauvais, has some people believing she’s evil and/or malicious.
The current generation of Dumonts may not believe Allie’s evil, but she’s definitely bad luck. Ever since Juliette Mauvais cursed their family, the Dumont men have been unlucky in love, not a one of them ever making it down the aisle. Marc Dumont has a particular reason to be wary of the curse – the one time he asked out Allie in high school he ended up with an unpleasant affliction the next morning. When Allie comes aboard Marc’s river boat to serve as pastry chef, things start to go wrong. Though Allie insists the curse isn’t real, Marc can only see evidence to the contrary. Even so, he can’t resist his attraction to Allie and it’s not long before things heat up as they cruise along the Mississippi. I loved watching Allie and Marc’s relationship develop. The two of them have that special, indescribable “something” that swiftly charms the reader and makes the pages of Make You Mine fly by.
But the road to happily ever after isn’t a smooth one. Marc is an intelligent, rational man, but the overwhelming proof he’s seen has him believing there’s no way to break his family’s curse. Because of this, he screws up with Allie even though he wants to be with her. Allie’s equally determined to make him see that the supposed curse is all in his head. But is it? I won’t spoil any details of the story, but suffice it so say that author Macy Beckett weaves in details that make solid arguments for both sides.
With its steamy romance, its hero and heroine’s easy Louisiana charm, and the mystery of whether or not there’s a curse on the Dumont men, Make You Mine is a captivating read. Add in a cast of fun, endearing secondary characters – including Marc’s siblings, Allie’s sister, and the adorable couple from the Dumont Bachelors prequel novella, Make You Blush – and the story simply shines. I flat-out loved Make You Mine and Ms. Beckett has me hungry for more Dumont bachelors!
Note: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
November 13, 2014
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kimberlyfaye reads
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I was all set to say that this was the first book I'd ever read by Macy Beckett, and while that's true in theory, it turns out this is a pen name for Melissa Landers. I read and loved one of her young adult titles earlier this year, so it's not entirely surprising I enjoyed this one as much as I did.
Make You Mine was just a whole bunch of sweet and sexy romantic fun. I absolutely loved the setting, the cast of characters and the story. The voodoo-juju hex was a new plot device to me and I just loved the premise. The story was well-executed and kept me hooked from the start right until the very last page. Macy's descriptions of the Belle made me feel like I was right there on the bayou with them. The characters were multi-dimensional and relatable.
Allie and Marc have a past and, thanks to the curse that her great-great-grandmother supposedly put on the Dumont men. They've known each other for years and battled their attraction for nearly as long. When Allie accepts a job on the Belle, Beau's family's riverboat, they find themselves face-to-face in close quarters. That's when the real fun begins. I loved these characters so much. Allie was smart, sassy and unafraid of a challenge or going after what she wanted. Marc was smoking hot, but a bit too much of a playboy. Flawed or not, I still adored him. And in the end I realized just how sweet he really could be.
Allie and Marc have a difficult time fighting their attraction, but they sure tried. The beginning of this book has a great build-up of sexual tension. I loved the dynamic between them. Their chemistry leapt off the pages and it was easy to tell just how much they truly cared for each other as time went on. Of course, things are complicated and it's not all hearts and flowers and puppies. But, the drama wasn't overly angsty or overdone.
Since this book is the first in a series of standalones featuring the same family, we get a great look at the other Dumont brothers and let me just tell you, I know I'm going to love each and every one of them in time. Beau, Nicky and Alex already made a mark on me in Make You Mine, so I can only imagine how much I'm going to enjoy them when it's time for their own story. I can't NOT mention Marc's half-sister, Ella-Claire, and Allie's sister, Devyn. I know both of these ladies will get books of their own and I am ridiculously excited to read about each of them and their leading men.
I have a new favorite author in the guilty-pleasure contemporary romance genre. I don't read a lot of books like this one, ones that have more sweet than sexy. I'm far more inclined to gravitate towards a Brazen book when I'm in the mood for a break from young adult or new adult. This book made me rethink my preconceived notions and I can definitely say I'll be checking out more books by Macy, and similar authors, soon. Make You Mine was sexy, just maybe not as blatant as a lot of the books I read. And that's not a bad thing. This was pretty close to being the total package.
I was all set to say that this was the first book I'd ever read by Macy Beckett, and while that's true in theory, it turns out this is a pen name for Melissa Landers. I read and loved one of her young adult titles earlier this year, so it's not entirely surprising I enjoyed this one as much as I did.
Make You Mine was just a whole bunch of sweet and sexy romantic fun. I absolutely loved the setting, the cast of characters and the story. The voodoo-juju hex was a new plot device to me and I just loved the premise. The story was well-executed and kept me hooked from the start right until the very last page. Macy's descriptions of the Belle made me feel like I was right there on the bayou with them. The characters were multi-dimensional and relatable.
Allie and Marc have a past and, thanks to the curse that her great-great-grandmother supposedly put on the Dumont men. They've known each other for years and battled their attraction for nearly as long. When Allie accepts a job on the Belle, Beau's family's riverboat, they find themselves face-to-face in close quarters. That's when the real fun begins. I loved these characters so much. Allie was smart, sassy and unafraid of a challenge or going after what she wanted. Marc was smoking hot, but a bit too much of a playboy. Flawed or not, I still adored him. And in the end I realized just how sweet he really could be.
Allie and Marc have a difficult time fighting their attraction, but they sure tried. The beginning of this book has a great build-up of sexual tension. I loved the dynamic between them. Their chemistry leapt off the pages and it was easy to tell just how much they truly cared for each other as time went on. Of course, things are complicated and it's not all hearts and flowers and puppies. But, the drama wasn't overly angsty or overdone.
Since this book is the first in a series of standalones featuring the same family, we get a great look at the other Dumont brothers and let me just tell you, I know I'm going to love each and every one of them in time. Beau, Nicky and Alex already made a mark on me in Make You Mine, so I can only imagine how much I'm going to enjoy them when it's time for their own story. I can't NOT mention Marc's half-sister, Ella-Claire, and Allie's sister, Devyn. I know both of these ladies will get books of their own and I am ridiculously excited to read about each of them and their leading men.
I have a new favorite author in the guilty-pleasure contemporary romance genre. I don't read a lot of books like this one, ones that have more sweet than sexy. I'm far more inclined to gravitate towards a Brazen book when I'm in the mood for a break from young adult or new adult. This book made me rethink my preconceived notions and I can definitely say I'll be checking out more books by Macy, and similar authors, soon. Make You Mine was sexy, just maybe not as blatant as a lot of the books I read. And that's not a bad thing. This was pretty close to being the total package.
May 10, 2014
Why do books have to continue being so gosh darn cute? Haha, I absolutely loved this book! Not only does the main character bake, which I happen to love doing as well, but the romance was just too good not to love!
For the past 99 years, no Dumont man has ever married thanks to a curse the Mauvis women placed upon them. Marc Dumont is finally the captain of his family's vessel Belle and it seems like nothing can go right. When his pastry chef gets the German measles, Allie Mauvis is more than ready to come aboard and take on the job to gain more exposure for her bakery. Marc is far from thrilled, but two weeks aboard his ship with the woman he's had a crush on for the past 9 years makes it hard to resist her. As soon as they start exploring their feelings for each other, though, even more things on the ship go wrong and Marc is convinced the curse will never let him and Allie be together…
Okay, so the curse thing had me a bit weary in the beginning. I like my contemporary romances nice and realistic, not full of weird paranormal elements. However, the curse was kind of an unknown entity the entire time, if it really existed or if it was just in the Dumont men's heads, subconsciously ruining any hope at having a serious relationship. I thought it was so cute, then, how worried Marc was about his feelings for Allie. Not only did he have to worry about the repercussions from his family about liking and Mauvis woman, but also he had to worry about the repercussions from the "curse" on his beloved business. Either way, the curse definitely provided one entertaining story!
The best part of this book, though, was definitely the characters. I loved Allie and how she tried to be strong with all of the stigma from society for her family's "abilities," but she is only human so it's hard to take all of the harsh judgement without letting it get you down. Marc tries to be stubborn, but he's definitely a softy when it came Allie because he finally sees her as a real person who does have feelings and isn't as strong as she appears. Then, I loved how Marc's siblings all worked on the ship with him. Ella was such an awesome person (who wouldn't want to be best friends with her?), Nick and Alex were fun additions, and Worm was, well, Worm. There's so much more substance to a book that has secondary characters who can hold their own, and Make You Mine had the best cast of characters that kept the story interesting and lovable.
Overall, I absolutely loved Make You Mine. The author definitely had some fun with words by her witty dialogue and fun use of puns when her characters would banter. I love it when the story has some funny moments and this one definitely did. Oh, and the romance wasn't too bad either! Overall, Make You Mine is the perfect contemporary romance to spend the day getting lost in the world of where a captain and a pastry chef overcome their pasts and finally let each other in. I absolutely can't wait to find out what happens in the next book between Beau and Devyn! Even more great writing from Macy Beckett? Yes, please!
For the past 99 years, no Dumont man has ever married thanks to a curse the Mauvis women placed upon them. Marc Dumont is finally the captain of his family's vessel Belle and it seems like nothing can go right. When his pastry chef gets the German measles, Allie Mauvis is more than ready to come aboard and take on the job to gain more exposure for her bakery. Marc is far from thrilled, but two weeks aboard his ship with the woman he's had a crush on for the past 9 years makes it hard to resist her. As soon as they start exploring their feelings for each other, though, even more things on the ship go wrong and Marc is convinced the curse will never let him and Allie be together…
Okay, so the curse thing had me a bit weary in the beginning. I like my contemporary romances nice and realistic, not full of weird paranormal elements. However, the curse was kind of an unknown entity the entire time, if it really existed or if it was just in the Dumont men's heads, subconsciously ruining any hope at having a serious relationship. I thought it was so cute, then, how worried Marc was about his feelings for Allie. Not only did he have to worry about the repercussions from his family about liking and Mauvis woman, but also he had to worry about the repercussions from the "curse" on his beloved business. Either way, the curse definitely provided one entertaining story!
The best part of this book, though, was definitely the characters. I loved Allie and how she tried to be strong with all of the stigma from society for her family's "abilities," but she is only human so it's hard to take all of the harsh judgement without letting it get you down. Marc tries to be stubborn, but he's definitely a softy when it came Allie because he finally sees her as a real person who does have feelings and isn't as strong as she appears. Then, I loved how Marc's siblings all worked on the ship with him. Ella was such an awesome person (who wouldn't want to be best friends with her?), Nick and Alex were fun additions, and Worm was, well, Worm. There's so much more substance to a book that has secondary characters who can hold their own, and Make You Mine had the best cast of characters that kept the story interesting and lovable.
Overall, I absolutely loved Make You Mine. The author definitely had some fun with words by her witty dialogue and fun use of puns when her characters would banter. I love it when the story has some funny moments and this one definitely did. Oh, and the romance wasn't too bad either! Overall, Make You Mine is the perfect contemporary romance to spend the day getting lost in the world of where a captain and a pastry chef overcome their pasts and finally let each other in. I absolutely can't wait to find out what happens in the next book between Beau and Devyn! Even more great writing from Macy Beckett? Yes, please!
May 8, 2014
Make You Mine by Macy Beckett is the first book in her new series, The Dumont Bachelors. I have read, and enjoyed previous books by Macy Beckett. When I heard about her new romance series, The Dumont Bachelors, I knew I had to read it, and let me tell you, I was not wrong, it is awesome. Make You Mine was a fun read from start to finish. I read this book in a day, and it is a full length novel.
Allie Mauvais is our heroine, who runs her own bakery; and who has from afar always had the hots for Marc Dumont, our rich and luxurious hero. Marc too has a deep attraction for the beautiful young Allie-Cat. But Marc, like the rest of his family shies away from any Mauvais, as for 99 years all the Dumont men have been cursed. The curse was set 99 years ago by Allie’s great grandmother, who was dumped at the altar by a Dumont.
Marc is in charge of running the family riverboat, and is determined to prove himself to his family. When the pastry chef leaves, Marc desperately calls the agency for help. To Marc’s surprise, it is Allie who shows up to be the new pastry chef for this two week trip on the Mississippi River. She wants the exposure for her bakery, not to mention a chance to win over Marc. Allie doesn’t believe in this hex, though she does make money on the side with love spells, even if she is faking it. Will Allie be able to prove to Marc that the Dumont curse isn’t real? Is there truly a curse?
What follows is a wonderful and fun story, where Marc and Allie cannot escape their attraction for each other, as their relationship sizzles more each passing day. Allie must also fight off the reactions of others (Dumonts & others who know the family history) on anything that does go wrong, as she is often looked at first to be the one behind the disasters. Marc also has his own issues putting a stop to his grandfather’s dislike of Allie, and from the main Chef accusing her of voodoo.
The secondary characters were so well written, I loved most of them, from the Dumont Brothers (Nick, Alex, Beau) to Ella-Claire, a Dumont sister, as well as Allie’s sister Devyn. It was a fun ride with them all, but all the way to the end, it seemed like this wonderful romance was doomed. Can Marc find a way to get past his fears to stay with Allie? Will Allie be able to prove to Marc that there is no curse? Or is the curse real and the Mauvais girls will need to break it?
Macy Beckett has written a fabulous sexy and fun filled story, with a couple that is totally burning up our pages/screen with their hot steamy chemistry. This is going to be great series, and I cannot wait for the next book, which I expect to belong Devyn and Beau.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Allie Mauvais is our heroine, who runs her own bakery; and who has from afar always had the hots for Marc Dumont, our rich and luxurious hero. Marc too has a deep attraction for the beautiful young Allie-Cat. But Marc, like the rest of his family shies away from any Mauvais, as for 99 years all the Dumont men have been cursed. The curse was set 99 years ago by Allie’s great grandmother, who was dumped at the altar by a Dumont.
Marc is in charge of running the family riverboat, and is determined to prove himself to his family. When the pastry chef leaves, Marc desperately calls the agency for help. To Marc’s surprise, it is Allie who shows up to be the new pastry chef for this two week trip on the Mississippi River. She wants the exposure for her bakery, not to mention a chance to win over Marc. Allie doesn’t believe in this hex, though she does make money on the side with love spells, even if she is faking it. Will Allie be able to prove to Marc that the Dumont curse isn’t real? Is there truly a curse?
What follows is a wonderful and fun story, where Marc and Allie cannot escape their attraction for each other, as their relationship sizzles more each passing day. Allie must also fight off the reactions of others (Dumonts & others who know the family history) on anything that does go wrong, as she is often looked at first to be the one behind the disasters. Marc also has his own issues putting a stop to his grandfather’s dislike of Allie, and from the main Chef accusing her of voodoo.
The secondary characters were so well written, I loved most of them, from the Dumont Brothers (Nick, Alex, Beau) to Ella-Claire, a Dumont sister, as well as Allie’s sister Devyn. It was a fun ride with them all, but all the way to the end, it seemed like this wonderful romance was doomed. Can Marc find a way to get past his fears to stay with Allie? Will Allie be able to prove to Marc that there is no curse? Or is the curse real and the Mauvais girls will need to break it?
Macy Beckett has written a fabulous sexy and fun filled story, with a couple that is totally burning up our pages/screen with their hot steamy chemistry. This is going to be great series, and I cannot wait for the next book, which I expect to belong Devyn and Beau.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
October 31, 2014
A quick read that was cutesy, cheesy at times and maybe even a little overdone.
Allie is the great-great granddaughter of a well known voodoo priestess. The same priestess who supposedly put a curse on all the Dumont men, preventing any of them from walking down the aisle in the last 99 years. Allie doesn't actually believe in the curse, but she doesn't really set anyone straight either. Most people tend to steer clear of her, so she tries to be content running her little bakery and doling out love charms to her customers. Even though she doesn't really believe in those either.
She's had a thing for Marc Dumont ever since he took her to junior prom. They shared a heated kiss back then and he ended up with blisters in his boxers. Convinced it was the hex, he's avoided her since. He no longer has a choice when she's hired as the fill-in pastry chef on his family's riverboat. It's a stressful situation for him, having just taken over as captain. He starts to see her in a different light when she helps alleviate some of the drama aboard the boat though. No matter how attracted he is to her, or how right it feels, something is holding him back. Could it really be the curse?
The story took place over a two week period and to me it made everything feel really rushed. Even though Allie had been crushing on Marc since junior prom it still felt like insta-love. That's always a downer for me. Marc went from being a total dog, to a man in love, to proposing. They shared some cute moments together, but the curse and the ending were just a little over the top.
Allie is the great-great granddaughter of a well known voodoo priestess. The same priestess who supposedly put a curse on all the Dumont men, preventing any of them from walking down the aisle in the last 99 years. Allie doesn't actually believe in the curse, but she doesn't really set anyone straight either. Most people tend to steer clear of her, so she tries to be content running her little bakery and doling out love charms to her customers. Even though she doesn't really believe in those either.
She's had a thing for Marc Dumont ever since he took her to junior prom. They shared a heated kiss back then and he ended up with blisters in his boxers. Convinced it was the hex, he's avoided her since. He no longer has a choice when she's hired as the fill-in pastry chef on his family's riverboat. It's a stressful situation for him, having just taken over as captain. He starts to see her in a different light when she helps alleviate some of the drama aboard the boat though. No matter how attracted he is to her, or how right it feels, something is holding him back. Could it really be the curse?
The story took place over a two week period and to me it made everything feel really rushed. Even though Allie had been crushing on Marc since junior prom it still felt like insta-love. That's always a downer for me. Marc went from being a total dog, to a man in love, to proposing. They shared some cute moments together, but the curse and the ending were just a little over the top.
May 25, 2016
Когда я только начинала читать и работать над этой книгой, то не ждала ничего особенного. "Типичный любовный романчик", - думала я. Он, конечно, и оказался любовным, но совсем не типичным, на мой взгляд. С самых первых строк меня приятно удивил стиль автора: очень легкий, живой, интересный. И юмор - понятный, действительно смешной и не глупый. А потом я стала втягиваться в историю и влюбляться в героев, от которых невозможно оторваться. Герои здесь все как на подбор очень характерные и невероятно интересные, за ними одно удовольствие наблюдать. Конечно же, присутствуют и откровенные постельные сцены, но куда без них - это же роман для женщин. Но меня они не коробили, а обычно такие подробности я не жалую, потому что они отвлекают от сути книги. Здесь же они были пропитаны эмоциями и чувствами героев и совсем не мешали, а наоборот придавали пикантности.
Замечательная атмосфера, увлекательная романтическая история, интересные взрослые герои, нелепые и смешные ситуации - то, что нужно для того, чтобы чудесно провести за чтением теплые деньки. И мне кажется, что из книги получился бы отличный фильм!
Замечательная атмосфера, увлекательная романтическая история, интересные взрослые герои, нелепые и смешные ситуации - то, что нужно для того, чтобы чудесно провести за чтением теплые деньки. И мне кажется, что из книги получился бы отличный фильм!
did-not-finish
May 10, 2014I picked up Make You Mine thinking it would be a sweet, sexy read. Well, by 35% I knew I did not want these two main characters together AT ALL and I was tired of all the voodoo "woo woo" belief but not belief -- too many coincidents that the characters blamed on Allie's supposed voodoo. Also, can we just take a sec to look at her last name... Mauvais (french for bad)... really? Add to that the overuse of baby, sugar, honey, etc. and I just can't with this book.
May 20, 2014
I wanted to love this like I did the Sultry series but I didn't. I liked the characters but I think it needed more romance and less sex. I never thought I'd say that but I missed the build up. That doesn't mean that I won't read the next one because I love Macy Beckett.
May 7, 2014
Some cute moments, but over the top too - the curse kind of takes over the book and annoyed me some. Just not my type of book.
Review coming.
Review coming.
January 10, 2018
Allie Mauvais and Marc Dumont have to overcome the voodoo curse Allie’s gg granny put on the Dumont men after Edward Dumont left her at the alter. Marc is a riverboat captain and Allie owns a bakery.
December 20, 2019
Surprising events, much love and passion. A book which can be read daily. It remembers me of amounts like white chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon..
June 24, 2021
Харесвам тази книга. Свежа и забавна, малко мистерия. Оригинална история и сюжет. Историята на Али и Марк е очарователна, бих прочела и книгите за останалите братя Дюмон.
May 13, 2022
Лека и развлекателна книга! Прочетох я с удоволствие! 😊
December 30, 2020
So funny and emotional. Loved the characters and the setting.
June 26, 2014
Title: Make You Mine
Series: Dumont Bachelors #1
Author: Macy Beckett
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Paranormal Romance
Blurb: For ninety-nine years, every man in the Dumont family has remained a perpetual bachelor. Residents of Cedar Bayou, Louisiana, whisper about a voodoo hex cast upon the family, sabotaging each man’s chance at marriage. In truth, the Dumont men have their own player personalities to blame, and Marc is no exception. As captain of his family’s riverboat, he’s broken hearts up and down the Mississippi. That is, until his high school crush strolls onboard...
Allie Mauvais rocks the boat when she fills in as pastry chef. She hasn’t seen Marc since senior year, when rumors flew that her great-great-grandmother was the one who cursed the Dumonts. After two weeks on the water, neither can deny the attraction that still burns between them. But to truly reach Marc’s heart, Allie must show him that the hex isn’t real, and it’ll take more than her mouthwatering sweets to prove it. Will Allie’s love be enough to finally make Marc hers?
Thoughts: Allie Mauvis grew up in the shadow of her great great grandmother, Juliette Mauvis, who was rumored to have cursed the Dumont men ninety-nine years ago. Juliette was feared by the townspeople for her work with voodoo and people still feared the Mauvis family all these years later. Allie didn't believe in spells though, even though many of the people who came into her bakery were seeking them. She found that may people just needed a push in the right direction and some basic psychology and observation skills could help her point them in that right direction...under the guise of it being from the spirits. I made for lonely life for Allie, though, especially when the guy you wanted crossed the street to avoid you.
Marc Dumont had it bad for Allie in high school, but he ended up with boils the one time he got up the nerve to kiss her. That was enough for him to know that the curse her great great grandmother placed on his family was real and he needed to stay away from Allie. Nine years later, she still made his blood boil, but that didn't stop him from crossing the street to avoid her. The curse Juliette placed on the Dumont men all those years ago said that they would never get married and that was A-OK with Marc. The one woman he loved was the 'Belle of the Bayou', his riverboat. It's been in his family for generations and now that his dad was about to have his sixth child, he'd given it to Marc. He couldn't be happier.
Right before the Belle's debut 2-week cruise with Marc as captain, though, his pastry chef came down with a strange disease and his head chef couldn't find a replacement. He's called a temp agency and Allie was the only one that could make it. As uneasy as it made the Dumonts having a Mauvis on board, they didn't have much of a choice.
Being in close quarters with Allie, Marc couldn't deny his attraction to her. Added to that, he kept seeing the sweet side of Allie that he was incredibly drawn to. She wasn't like anybody he'd ever known. Allie knew that the only way they would have a chance together was if she could convince him that the curse wasn't real and Marc was starting to question it. Even if the curse was real, it wasn't Allie's fault. The problem was that odd things just kept happening when Allie was around.
By the end of the trip, Marc knew he didn't want to let Allie go. He wanted to ask her to move in with him, but something kept stopping him. Was it the curse? Then it got worse. He tried to call her and the call never connected. He showed up at her shop and she had just left.
By the end of the trip, Allie knew she was in love with Marc. He'd acted so strange afterwards though. As much as he denied believing in the curse, she knew that he did deep down.
Is Marc right? Is the curse real? Is there anything he can do to get past the curse? Is Allie right in thinking Marc's just had bad parental role models and there is no hex?
I really enjoyed this book. It definitely kept me on my toes. Every time I was convinced that there was a curse, something would happen to make me question it. Marc and Allie were adorable. Marc was smitten from the very beginning, but he fought it. Allie knew she wanted Marc, but was surprised at how quick and hard she fell for him. She was sweet and supportive the entire time, but she was also strong and honest and she was easy to like. Another cute aspect was the introduction of Allie's sister and the Dumont family. We get to meet the entire clan in this book and Allie isn't the only one with a connection to the Dumon clan. I'm definitely interesting in reading the other books in this series.
Grade: A-
Review by: Holly
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: Dumont Bachelors #1
Author: Macy Beckett
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Paranormal Romance
Blurb: For ninety-nine years, every man in the Dumont family has remained a perpetual bachelor. Residents of Cedar Bayou, Louisiana, whisper about a voodoo hex cast upon the family, sabotaging each man’s chance at marriage. In truth, the Dumont men have their own player personalities to blame, and Marc is no exception. As captain of his family’s riverboat, he’s broken hearts up and down the Mississippi. That is, until his high school crush strolls onboard...
Allie Mauvais rocks the boat when she fills in as pastry chef. She hasn’t seen Marc since senior year, when rumors flew that her great-great-grandmother was the one who cursed the Dumonts. After two weeks on the water, neither can deny the attraction that still burns between them. But to truly reach Marc’s heart, Allie must show him that the hex isn’t real, and it’ll take more than her mouthwatering sweets to prove it. Will Allie’s love be enough to finally make Marc hers?
Thoughts: Allie Mauvis grew up in the shadow of her great great grandmother, Juliette Mauvis, who was rumored to have cursed the Dumont men ninety-nine years ago. Juliette was feared by the townspeople for her work with voodoo and people still feared the Mauvis family all these years later. Allie didn't believe in spells though, even though many of the people who came into her bakery were seeking them. She found that may people just needed a push in the right direction and some basic psychology and observation skills could help her point them in that right direction...under the guise of it being from the spirits. I made for lonely life for Allie, though, especially when the guy you wanted crossed the street to avoid you.
Marc Dumont had it bad for Allie in high school, but he ended up with boils the one time he got up the nerve to kiss her. That was enough for him to know that the curse her great great grandmother placed on his family was real and he needed to stay away from Allie. Nine years later, she still made his blood boil, but that didn't stop him from crossing the street to avoid her. The curse Juliette placed on the Dumont men all those years ago said that they would never get married and that was A-OK with Marc. The one woman he loved was the 'Belle of the Bayou', his riverboat. It's been in his family for generations and now that his dad was about to have his sixth child, he'd given it to Marc. He couldn't be happier.
Right before the Belle's debut 2-week cruise with Marc as captain, though, his pastry chef came down with a strange disease and his head chef couldn't find a replacement. He's called a temp agency and Allie was the only one that could make it. As uneasy as it made the Dumonts having a Mauvis on board, they didn't have much of a choice.
Being in close quarters with Allie, Marc couldn't deny his attraction to her. Added to that, he kept seeing the sweet side of Allie that he was incredibly drawn to. She wasn't like anybody he'd ever known. Allie knew that the only way they would have a chance together was if she could convince him that the curse wasn't real and Marc was starting to question it. Even if the curse was real, it wasn't Allie's fault. The problem was that odd things just kept happening when Allie was around.
By the end of the trip, Marc knew he didn't want to let Allie go. He wanted to ask her to move in with him, but something kept stopping him. Was it the curse? Then it got worse. He tried to call her and the call never connected. He showed up at her shop and she had just left.
By the end of the trip, Allie knew she was in love with Marc. He'd acted so strange afterwards though. As much as he denied believing in the curse, she knew that he did deep down.
Is Marc right? Is the curse real? Is there anything he can do to get past the curse? Is Allie right in thinking Marc's just had bad parental role models and there is no hex?
I really enjoyed this book. It definitely kept me on my toes. Every time I was convinced that there was a curse, something would happen to make me question it. Marc and Allie were adorable. Marc was smitten from the very beginning, but he fought it. Allie knew she wanted Marc, but was surprised at how quick and hard she fell for him. She was sweet and supportive the entire time, but she was also strong and honest and she was easy to like. Another cute aspect was the introduction of Allie's sister and the Dumont family. We get to meet the entire clan in this book and Allie isn't the only one with a connection to the Dumon clan. I'm definitely interesting in reading the other books in this series.
Grade: A-
Review by: Holly
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
April 25, 2015
The Dumont men are cursed. Or so it says the legend around the Bayou.
For almost a century, no Dumont has been able to walk all the way down the aisle thanks to Voodoo Queen Juliette Mauvais, who after having her heart broken by a Dumont, cursed the entire family to a lifetime of fickle relationships.
This little tidbit of bad juju running in the family is hilarious, except when you actually believe it. It seems to me that is the real curse and root of all romantic problems the Dumont men have. And isn't it puzzling what a person is willing to do or not do, take a chance or not, set his heart based on his beliefs?
I found this book incredibly fun to read. I loved it was set in New Orleans (I am kinda over reading stories based in New York or California, except in they center around Tahoe. That I like!)
I loved the mix of Voodoo culture in today's everyday life. Now, I know very little about this city except about its great food and music. But this cultural change that brings a new city also brings a new way to see life and love, and the risks we take.
Marc might say he doesn't believe in the curse but he sure blames being a Dumont on his luck with love. It was hard work but he learned that we make our own luck, and he needed to own up he was repeating past generation's mistakes by not taking a real chance at love.
It was refreshing to see a leading man so out of his element, broken and confused. Really confused. All alpha man in appearance but a scared underneath and driven by panic in his decisions when it came to his heart.
But this doesn't meant Marc had no backbone. No, he is all heart in reality and when given a push in the right direction, willing to give everything he has. Step up and take control of his life.
Marc's relationship with his pawpaw and brothers was really fun to watch. I especially loved the bonding moments between him and Beau, his older brother. It was easy to see why Marc invested so much in the Belle. It was not only the Dumont family's business and legacy but also the only thing that kept them all together. Due to their history and different mothers, if not for the shared work at the Belle this brothers would have never become a family. Dysfunctional? Yes. But a kind of support system none the less, and based on love.
Allie is a great leading lady. She is warm, kind, observant and patient. Lord, she really needed to be patient. Her love for Marc is the "you just know it" kind and so she had to find a way to be able to enter his heart and change his beliefs on the so called curse.
I felt for her strongly at times. Especially when people just assumed things about her and even call her names all due to her last name. So what if she was a Mauvais? She was not Juliette and she never did anything to deserve such treatment. I was especially upset when Marc's pawpaw had something to say about her. I wanted to bitch slap the man and was glad to see him being set straight. I was more satisfied to see the Belle's chef getting actually punched.
All beliefs aside, I think it was hilarious the way the author choose to mix the voodoo with the romance. Especially in those scenes where even as a reader you realize Marc is self sabotaging but you think twice when something freaky happened.
And lot of freaky things happened, especially when our leads got together. A kiss and some action in the sheets, and the bed next door caught fire. A full night together and all hell broke lose in the the Belle (police included.) This moments linked with the growing passion and love between Marc and Allie made me laugh out loud and raise more than once my eyebrows. Could it be the curse was real?
The book ends answering this question like all mystical question are answered: a great perhaps. And even then it depends on us to shape our lives the way we want them to be.
For almost a century, no Dumont has been able to walk all the way down the aisle thanks to Voodoo Queen Juliette Mauvais, who after having her heart broken by a Dumont, cursed the entire family to a lifetime of fickle relationships.
This little tidbit of bad juju running in the family is hilarious, except when you actually believe it. It seems to me that is the real curse and root of all romantic problems the Dumont men have. And isn't it puzzling what a person is willing to do or not do, take a chance or not, set his heart based on his beliefs?
I found this book incredibly fun to read. I loved it was set in New Orleans (I am kinda over reading stories based in New York or California, except in they center around Tahoe. That I like!)
I loved the mix of Voodoo culture in today's everyday life. Now, I know very little about this city except about its great food and music. But this cultural change that brings a new city also brings a new way to see life and love, and the risks we take.
Marc might say he doesn't believe in the curse but he sure blames being a Dumont on his luck with love. It was hard work but he learned that we make our own luck, and he needed to own up he was repeating past generation's mistakes by not taking a real chance at love.
It was refreshing to see a leading man so out of his element, broken and confused. Really confused. All alpha man in appearance but a scared underneath and driven by panic in his decisions when it came to his heart.
But this doesn't meant Marc had no backbone. No, he is all heart in reality and when given a push in the right direction, willing to give everything he has. Step up and take control of his life.
Marc's relationship with his pawpaw and brothers was really fun to watch. I especially loved the bonding moments between him and Beau, his older brother. It was easy to see why Marc invested so much in the Belle. It was not only the Dumont family's business and legacy but also the only thing that kept them all together. Due to their history and different mothers, if not for the shared work at the Belle this brothers would have never become a family. Dysfunctional? Yes. But a kind of support system none the less, and based on love.
Allie is a great leading lady. She is warm, kind, observant and patient. Lord, she really needed to be patient. Her love for Marc is the "you just know it" kind and so she had to find a way to be able to enter his heart and change his beliefs on the so called curse.
I felt for her strongly at times. Especially when people just assumed things about her and even call her names all due to her last name. So what if she was a Mauvais? She was not Juliette and she never did anything to deserve such treatment. I was especially upset when Marc's pawpaw had something to say about her. I wanted to bitch slap the man and was glad to see him being set straight. I was more satisfied to see the Belle's chef getting actually punched.
All beliefs aside, I think it was hilarious the way the author choose to mix the voodoo with the romance. Especially in those scenes where even as a reader you realize Marc is self sabotaging but you think twice when something freaky happened.
And lot of freaky things happened, especially when our leads got together. A kiss and some action in the sheets, and the bed next door caught fire. A full night together and all hell broke lose in the the Belle (police included.) This moments linked with the growing passion and love between Marc and Allie made me laugh out loud and raise more than once my eyebrows. Could it be the curse was real?
The book ends answering this question like all mystical question are answered: a great perhaps. And even then it depends on us to shape our lives the way we want them to be.
April 27, 2014
Allie Mauvis grew up in the shadow of her great great grandmother, Juliette Mauvis, who was rumored to have cursed the Dumont men ninety-nine years ago. Juliette was feared by the townspeople for her work with voodoo and people still feared the Mauvis family all these years later. Allie didn't believe in spells though, even though many of the people who came into her bakery were seeking them. She found that may people just needed a push in the right direction and some basic psychology and observation skills could help her point them in that right direction...under the guise of it being from the spirits. I made for lonely life for Allie, though, especially when the guy you wanted crossed the street to avoid you.
Marc Dumont had it bad for Allie in high school, but he ended up with boils the one time he got up the nerve to kiss her. That was enough for him to know that the curse her great great grandmother placed on his family was real and he needed to stay away from Allie. Nine years later, she still made his blood boil, but that didn't stop him from crossing the street to avoid her. The curse Juliette placed on the Dumont men all those years ago said that they would never get married and that was A-OK with Marc. The one woman he loved was the 'Belle of the Bayou', his riverboat. It's been in his family for generations and now that his dad was about to have his sixth child, he'd given it to Marc. He couldn't be happier.
Right before the Belle's debut 2-week cruise with Marc as captain, though, his pastry chef came down with a strange disease and his head chef couldn't find a replacement. He's called a temp agency and Allie was the only one that could make it. As uneasy as it made the Dumonts having a Mauvis on board, they didn't have much of a choice.
Being in close quarters with Allie, Marc couldn't deny his attraction to her. Added to that, he kept seeing the sweet side of Allie that he was incredibly drawn to. She wasn't like anybody he'd ever known. Allie knew that the only way they would have a chance together was if she could convince him that the curse wasn't real and Marc was starting to question it. Even if the curse was real, it wasn't Allie's fault. The problem was that odd things just kept happening when Allie was around.
By the end of the trip, Marc knew he didn't want to let Allie go. He wanted to ask her to move in with him, but something kept stopping him. Was it the curse? Then it got worse. He tried to call her and the call never connected. He showed up at her shop and she had just left.
By the end of the trip, Allie knew she was in love with Marc. He'd acted so strange afterwards though. As much as he denied believing in the curse, she knew that he did deep down.
Is Marc right? Is the curse real? Is there anything he can do to get past the curse? Is Allie right in thinking Marc's just had bad parental role models and there is no hex?
I really enjoyed this book. It definitely kept me on my toes. Every time I was convinced that there was a curse, something would happen to make me question it. Marc and Allie were adorable. Marc was smitten from the very beginning, but he fought it. Allie knew she wanted Marc, but was surprised at how quick and hard she fell for him. She was sweet and supportive the entire time, but she was also strong and honest and she was easy to like. Another cute aspect was the introduction of Allie's sister and the Dumont family. We get to meet the entire clan in this book and Allie isn't the only one with a connection to the Dumon clan. I'm definitely interesting in reading the other books in this series.
Copy provided by the publisher for an honest review
Marc Dumont had it bad for Allie in high school, but he ended up with boils the one time he got up the nerve to kiss her. That was enough for him to know that the curse her great great grandmother placed on his family was real and he needed to stay away from Allie. Nine years later, she still made his blood boil, but that didn't stop him from crossing the street to avoid her. The curse Juliette placed on the Dumont men all those years ago said that they would never get married and that was A-OK with Marc. The one woman he loved was the 'Belle of the Bayou', his riverboat. It's been in his family for generations and now that his dad was about to have his sixth child, he'd given it to Marc. He couldn't be happier.
Right before the Belle's debut 2-week cruise with Marc as captain, though, his pastry chef came down with a strange disease and his head chef couldn't find a replacement. He's called a temp agency and Allie was the only one that could make it. As uneasy as it made the Dumonts having a Mauvis on board, they didn't have much of a choice.
Being in close quarters with Allie, Marc couldn't deny his attraction to her. Added to that, he kept seeing the sweet side of Allie that he was incredibly drawn to. She wasn't like anybody he'd ever known. Allie knew that the only way they would have a chance together was if she could convince him that the curse wasn't real and Marc was starting to question it. Even if the curse was real, it wasn't Allie's fault. The problem was that odd things just kept happening when Allie was around.
By the end of the trip, Marc knew he didn't want to let Allie go. He wanted to ask her to move in with him, but something kept stopping him. Was it the curse? Then it got worse. He tried to call her and the call never connected. He showed up at her shop and she had just left.
By the end of the trip, Allie knew she was in love with Marc. He'd acted so strange afterwards though. As much as he denied believing in the curse, she knew that he did deep down.
Is Marc right? Is the curse real? Is there anything he can do to get past the curse? Is Allie right in thinking Marc's just had bad parental role models and there is no hex?
I really enjoyed this book. It definitely kept me on my toes. Every time I was convinced that there was a curse, something would happen to make me question it. Marc and Allie were adorable. Marc was smitten from the very beginning, but he fought it. Allie knew she wanted Marc, but was surprised at how quick and hard she fell for him. She was sweet and supportive the entire time, but she was also strong and honest and she was easy to like. Another cute aspect was the introduction of Allie's sister and the Dumont family. We get to meet the entire clan in this book and Allie isn't the only one with a connection to the Dumon clan. I'm definitely interesting in reading the other books in this series.
Copy provided by the publisher for an honest review
June 2, 2014
Make You Mine, Dumont Bachelors #1, by Macy Beckett
Grade: C
“Those Mauvais women have a way of sneaking inside your head when you’re not looking, then digging in and never letting go.”
Allie Mauvais has spent her whole life being whispered about since she looks just like her great grandmother who happened to be a very famous voodoo priestess. Allie uses this history and the residents of Cedar Bayou, Louisiana superstitions to sell love charms along with her amazing desserts out of her bakery. Allie doesn’t believe she has powers and relies on body language and psychology to know what her clients need but the one person she can’t convience of this is riverboat captain Marc Dumont. Almost one hundred years earlier Allie’s great grandmother cursed Eric’s great grandfather that none of his line would ever marry and to this day not a single Dumont man has reached the alter.
Eric Dumont has done everything he can to avoid Allie Mauvais since he took her to the junior prom years ago. Now that she is filling in as pastry chef on his family’s riverboat he can’t avoid her and finds himself unable to stay away. As their relationship grows Allie tries to convince Eric the curse isn’t real but no matter what Eric believes and is unable to commit to Allie. With no other options Allie tries to break the curse so she can finally win Eric but without Eric’s help they may be doomed for another one hundred years.
I struggled trying to figure out how to grade Make You Mine. I really enjoyed Allie and Eric and liked all of the side characters and set up for future books, which I want to read. There was a lot of history between Allie and Eric that goes all the way back to their great grandparents that is still affecting their love lives. Allie is a great character and I liked how she explained how she helped people and hearing about how hard it was to grow up being a Mauvais. Eric is also a great character but I didn’t like him as much as Allie and there were many times when I just didn’t like him at all.
One of the reasons that I kept reading was Eric and Allie’s siblings. I can’t wait to read about Beau and Devyn in Make You Remember as well as what happens to the rest of the Dumont men. The family dynamics really make this book and kept me reading when Allie and Eric got ridiculous. As I mentioned earlier I struggled to grade this book because there were so many things that I liked but my biggest issue was the ending. Without giving anything away i found it to be boring, cheesy and predictable. Since the first half so good and different I didn’t expect the second half to be the way it was and I found myself disappointed and almost didn’t finish because I knew how things would happen.
Like i said before I did like this book but the ending really bothered me. I do plan on continuing with the series and I really can’t wait to read about Beau and Devyn. This is a good start to a fun series and I’m excited to see what happens next with this crazy clan of brothers.
Grade: C
“Those Mauvais women have a way of sneaking inside your head when you’re not looking, then digging in and never letting go.”
Allie Mauvais has spent her whole life being whispered about since she looks just like her great grandmother who happened to be a very famous voodoo priestess. Allie uses this history and the residents of Cedar Bayou, Louisiana superstitions to sell love charms along with her amazing desserts out of her bakery. Allie doesn’t believe she has powers and relies on body language and psychology to know what her clients need but the one person she can’t convience of this is riverboat captain Marc Dumont. Almost one hundred years earlier Allie’s great grandmother cursed Eric’s great grandfather that none of his line would ever marry and to this day not a single Dumont man has reached the alter.
Eric Dumont has done everything he can to avoid Allie Mauvais since he took her to the junior prom years ago. Now that she is filling in as pastry chef on his family’s riverboat he can’t avoid her and finds himself unable to stay away. As their relationship grows Allie tries to convince Eric the curse isn’t real but no matter what Eric believes and is unable to commit to Allie. With no other options Allie tries to break the curse so she can finally win Eric but without Eric’s help they may be doomed for another one hundred years.
I struggled trying to figure out how to grade Make You Mine. I really enjoyed Allie and Eric and liked all of the side characters and set up for future books, which I want to read. There was a lot of history between Allie and Eric that goes all the way back to their great grandparents that is still affecting their love lives. Allie is a great character and I liked how she explained how she helped people and hearing about how hard it was to grow up being a Mauvais. Eric is also a great character but I didn’t like him as much as Allie and there were many times when I just didn’t like him at all.
One of the reasons that I kept reading was Eric and Allie’s siblings. I can’t wait to read about Beau and Devyn in Make You Remember as well as what happens to the rest of the Dumont men. The family dynamics really make this book and kept me reading when Allie and Eric got ridiculous. As I mentioned earlier I struggled to grade this book because there were so many things that I liked but my biggest issue was the ending. Without giving anything away i found it to be boring, cheesy and predictable. Since the first half so good and different I didn’t expect the second half to be the way it was and I found myself disappointed and almost didn’t finish because I knew how things would happen.
Like i said before I did like this book but the ending really bothered me. I do plan on continuing with the series and I really can’t wait to read about Beau and Devyn. This is a good start to a fun series and I’m excited to see what happens next with this crazy clan of brothers.
May 6, 2014
Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Macy Beckett is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I discovered her a couple of years ago and I love reading her books because I know I’m going to laugh. Make You Mine definitely has its laughable moments, but it also gives you heartfelt, tender moments.
In Cedar Bayou, Louisiana the Mauvais’ are known to be into voodoo. So much so that it is believed that Juliette Mauvais put a hex on the Dumont men over 100 years ago; cursing them to never find love. You have people going into Allie’s (Juliette’s great-great granddaughter) bakery, The Sweet Spot, looking for bones to be read, telling them who the love of their life is. In actuality, Allie doesn’t really read bones. She just pays attention to people and the way they act to give them a little guidance.
Marc Gerard Dumont and Allie Catrine Mauvais are star-crossed lovers who have known each other for years and were in fact high school crushes. During high school, Marc wanted nothing more than to be with Allie. That all changed the night of junior prom when Marc kissed Allie and then awoke the next morning to issues with his lower half. Marc was sure it was a result of the Mauvais curse. Since that day, Marc has went out of his way to avoid Allie, including crossing to the other side of the street.
For Marc, the second oldest of the Dumont men, things could not be going better. He is about to embark on a two week riverboat cruise as Captain of the Belle, the riverboat that has been in his family for decades. Unfortunately, lady luck is not loving Marc. After his brief hello encounter with Allie, things are going down hill fast. Several problems spring up relating to the Belle, the worst being the pastry chef coming down with German Measles.
To Marc’s surprise and the dislike of his Grandpa, Allie shows up to fill in. Things start to run smoothly again, but when there is a Mauvais around, things are bound to happen (and not in a good way). Over the course of the next two weeks, Allie and Marc get to know each other better. Allie who has always been in love with Marc just has her feelings solidified. Marc also starts to have feeling for Allie, but subconsciously the Dumont curse keeps holding him back.
What would you do for love? Marc and Allie are going to push the envelope and go further and do things they never dreamed they would do. Sometimes you just have to have the purest of faith that things are going to work out. It also doesn’t hurt to have a spirit from the great beyond looking down on you.
I really enjoyed reading Make You Mine. It's always a good sign when you have secondary characters you want to get to know better. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the Dumont Bachelors Series.
Source: Author
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Macy Beckett is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I discovered her a couple of years ago and I love reading her books because I know I’m going to laugh. Make You Mine definitely has its laughable moments, but it also gives you heartfelt, tender moments.
In Cedar Bayou, Louisiana the Mauvais’ are known to be into voodoo. So much so that it is believed that Juliette Mauvais put a hex on the Dumont men over 100 years ago; cursing them to never find love. You have people going into Allie’s (Juliette’s great-great granddaughter) bakery, The Sweet Spot, looking for bones to be read, telling them who the love of their life is. In actuality, Allie doesn’t really read bones. She just pays attention to people and the way they act to give them a little guidance.
Marc Gerard Dumont and Allie Catrine Mauvais are star-crossed lovers who have known each other for years and were in fact high school crushes. During high school, Marc wanted nothing more than to be with Allie. That all changed the night of junior prom when Marc kissed Allie and then awoke the next morning to issues with his lower half. Marc was sure it was a result of the Mauvais curse. Since that day, Marc has went out of his way to avoid Allie, including crossing to the other side of the street.
For Marc, the second oldest of the Dumont men, things could not be going better. He is about to embark on a two week riverboat cruise as Captain of the Belle, the riverboat that has been in his family for decades. Unfortunately, lady luck is not loving Marc. After his brief hello encounter with Allie, things are going down hill fast. Several problems spring up relating to the Belle, the worst being the pastry chef coming down with German Measles.
To Marc’s surprise and the dislike of his Grandpa, Allie shows up to fill in. Things start to run smoothly again, but when there is a Mauvais around, things are bound to happen (and not in a good way). Over the course of the next two weeks, Allie and Marc get to know each other better. Allie who has always been in love with Marc just has her feelings solidified. Marc also starts to have feeling for Allie, but subconsciously the Dumont curse keeps holding him back.
What would you do for love? Marc and Allie are going to push the envelope and go further and do things they never dreamed they would do. Sometimes you just have to have the purest of faith that things are going to work out. It also doesn’t hurt to have a spirit from the great beyond looking down on you.
I really enjoyed reading Make You Mine. It's always a good sign when you have secondary characters you want to get to know better. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the Dumont Bachelors Series.
Source: Author
August 31, 2014
It was Allie Mauvais’s grandmother who first cursed the Dumont men so they would never be able to find love and commit to one woman. Marc’s father is the perfect example of this powerful curse. He has five children with four different women and now another one on the way with his new girlfriend.
Marc tried never to cross paths with Allie, even going as far as changing to the other side of the street when he sees her. She might be beautiful to look at, but he is smart enough to be afraid of Cedar Bayou’s own Voodoo Queen. Everyone knows that every lonely heart stops by the Sweet Spot to pick up Allie’s delicious pastries as well as a gris-gris for love.
Marc has just inherited his family’s riverboat, and as the new captain, he has enlisted all his step-brothers and step-sister and even his Pawpaw to help out as the crew on his first excursion. He has even hired the famous and temperamental Phil Regale to be the chef for the two weeks cruise. Everything is all going according to plan until his pastry chef calls in sick, and the agency sends a last minute replacement, Allie Mauvais.
When odd things start happening, his crew starts to point toward Allie, but the more she is attacked, the more Marc appreciates how she rises above the accusations and is the first to make suggestions and offer a helping hand.
Once he stops thinking about voodoo and curses, he starts to feel the pull between himself and Allie. Except every time he acts on the attraction, something else goes wrong. Can they finally break the Mauvais’s curse on the Dumont men and find a happily ever after or is bad mojo just to powerful to let love grow?
THOUGHTS:
I really liked all the characters introduced in this new series. Allie and her big sister, Shannon, are delightful and Marc’s dysfunctional family has pulled together and created their own strong family bond even though their shared father can’t commit to anyone, including his children. There are several background stories, including the next one which involves Allie’s sister Shannon and Marc’s brother Beau who have a history of their own which didn’t not end well between them, but both are still pining for the other. I will be reading Make You Remember when it comes out.
The only thing that disappointed me was that Allie herself doesn’t believe in the family’s voodoo magic. It isn’t just that she doesn’t use it (although it seems to be hinted that she has powerful magic), but she doesn’t believe at all that her family has any powers. It seemed like a let down. I liked that for the most part, Allie used psychology to figure out what people were looking for, but again, disappointed that she didn’t believe in the magic.
Great and fun new series.
Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Marc tried never to cross paths with Allie, even going as far as changing to the other side of the street when he sees her. She might be beautiful to look at, but he is smart enough to be afraid of Cedar Bayou’s own Voodoo Queen. Everyone knows that every lonely heart stops by the Sweet Spot to pick up Allie’s delicious pastries as well as a gris-gris for love.
Marc has just inherited his family’s riverboat, and as the new captain, he has enlisted all his step-brothers and step-sister and even his Pawpaw to help out as the crew on his first excursion. He has even hired the famous and temperamental Phil Regale to be the chef for the two weeks cruise. Everything is all going according to plan until his pastry chef calls in sick, and the agency sends a last minute replacement, Allie Mauvais.
When odd things start happening, his crew starts to point toward Allie, but the more she is attacked, the more Marc appreciates how she rises above the accusations and is the first to make suggestions and offer a helping hand.
Once he stops thinking about voodoo and curses, he starts to feel the pull between himself and Allie. Except every time he acts on the attraction, something else goes wrong. Can they finally break the Mauvais’s curse on the Dumont men and find a happily ever after or is bad mojo just to powerful to let love grow?
THOUGHTS:
I really liked all the characters introduced in this new series. Allie and her big sister, Shannon, are delightful and Marc’s dysfunctional family has pulled together and created their own strong family bond even though their shared father can’t commit to anyone, including his children. There are several background stories, including the next one which involves Allie’s sister Shannon and Marc’s brother Beau who have a history of their own which didn’t not end well between them, but both are still pining for the other. I will be reading Make You Remember when it comes out.
The only thing that disappointed me was that Allie herself doesn’t believe in the family’s voodoo magic. It isn’t just that she doesn’t use it (although it seems to be hinted that she has powerful magic), but she doesn’t believe at all that her family has any powers. It seemed like a let down. I liked that for the most part, Allie used psychology to figure out what people were looking for, but again, disappointed that she didn’t believe in the magic.
Great and fun new series.
Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2014
In Make You Mine by Macy Beckett, Allie is a baker with her own business. But due to her family's history and reputation, just as many people come into the shop for reasons other than a sweet treat! They come thinking Allie can see things, they come for love charms, and they come because they are curious. Allie's great-great Grandmother is said to have put a curse on the Dumont men 99 years ago, and none of them have settled down or married since. Allie doesn't believe in curses or hexes, to her it's all a matter of observation, psychology, and the power of your mind.
Marc Dumont is a man Allie has loved forever. Unfortunately Marc Dumont and the rest of the men in his family do believe in the curse. He broke her teenage heart years ago and has stayed away from her ever since.
When Marc suddenly needs a new pastry chef for his riverboat cruise, Allie is it! Allie jumps at the chance to not only spend 2 weeks with Marc to convince him the curse is a myth, but she gets to work with a chef she's admired for years. Marc can't run from Allie now, and as much as he tries, he can't hide from the chemistry they create and the feelings they have for each other. Strange things happen on the riverboat though, and inevitably people want to blame Allie. But is it a curse or a coincidence? Can Marc put aside his family's belief of the curse? Can he trust not only in himself but in Allie too? Or is their relationship doomed before it has a chance to really start?
Macy gives us a fun romance in Make You Mine! Allie is a strong heroine. I absolutely love how she makes the best of everything, including the legendary curse. She makes no apologies for who she is, she is hard working and honest. She definitely does not hide her feelings from Marc - there is no cat and mouse game in Make You Mine which makes it all the more intriguing. Macy develops Allie's character well and you can really feel for Allie past and present. Marc is also a strong character who is very loyal to his family. He's always been drawn to Allie and seen way more in her than the curse, but just when he thinks he's moved past that something else happens! Marc's seriousness to Allie's sassiness makes Make You Mine a very entertaining read!
I really liked reading Make You Mine from both Allie and Marc's POV's, it makes them even more realistic. The family connections on both sides is a great addition to Make You Mine and I can't wait to see where Macy takes us next!
Fast paced with great dialogue and humor effortlessly woven in, I'd recommend Make You Mine to any romance reader who likes things a bit hot!
4.5 stars!
Marc Dumont is a man Allie has loved forever. Unfortunately Marc Dumont and the rest of the men in his family do believe in the curse. He broke her teenage heart years ago and has stayed away from her ever since.
When Marc suddenly needs a new pastry chef for his riverboat cruise, Allie is it! Allie jumps at the chance to not only spend 2 weeks with Marc to convince him the curse is a myth, but she gets to work with a chef she's admired for years. Marc can't run from Allie now, and as much as he tries, he can't hide from the chemistry they create and the feelings they have for each other. Strange things happen on the riverboat though, and inevitably people want to blame Allie. But is it a curse or a coincidence? Can Marc put aside his family's belief of the curse? Can he trust not only in himself but in Allie too? Or is their relationship doomed before it has a chance to really start?
Macy gives us a fun romance in Make You Mine! Allie is a strong heroine. I absolutely love how she makes the best of everything, including the legendary curse. She makes no apologies for who she is, she is hard working and honest. She definitely does not hide her feelings from Marc - there is no cat and mouse game in Make You Mine which makes it all the more intriguing. Macy develops Allie's character well and you can really feel for Allie past and present. Marc is also a strong character who is very loyal to his family. He's always been drawn to Allie and seen way more in her than the curse, but just when he thinks he's moved past that something else happens! Marc's seriousness to Allie's sassiness makes Make You Mine a very entertaining read!
I really liked reading Make You Mine from both Allie and Marc's POV's, it makes them even more realistic. The family connections on both sides is a great addition to Make You Mine and I can't wait to see where Macy takes us next!
Fast paced with great dialogue and humor effortlessly woven in, I'd recommend Make You Mine to any romance reader who likes things a bit hot!
4.5 stars!
July 8, 2014
This one is sure to have you laughing out loud! Macy Beckett has written a very entertaining and comical new novel!
Allie Mauvais has had a crush on Marc Dumont for as long as she can remember, even though he promised to call her after taking her to the prom, only to never speak to her again. In fact, his avoidance of her is so bad, he actually crosses the street instead of walking in front of her bakery. But when Marc’s pastry chef for his riverboat is unable to make the trip, it’s Allie to the rescue, well sort of.
Marc knows all about the family curse placed by Allie’s great-great-grandmother; he’s seen the results first hand, so he makes sure to have as little contact with Allie as possible. But after his father named him captain of the family riverboat, Marc finds that he needs her if his first cruise as Captain is to be a success. From the moment he speaks to Allie again, Marc feels the curse at work, but the attraction between Allie and Marc is so strong that he decides he’s willing to relax his rules long enough to have some fun with the enchanting Allie. Allie knows that the curse isn’t real, that it’s simply all in the Dumont Men’s heads. When Marc finally notices her, Allie is determined to make the most of it. She knows she must convince him that the curse isn’t real and that they can have a wonderful future together. But the more Allie and Marc heat up the sheets, the more trouble they run into, the kind that can only be explained by the curse, at least in Marc’s mind. Can Allie prove to Marc that they can be together or is he willing to let a century old rumor come between a life filled with love and happiness?
This book is sexy, hilarious, and just plain fun! From the jerk of a chef, to the grandfather who is so superstitious it’s comical, this book is sure to entertain. I loved the way that Allie knew she wanted Marc and was willing to bide her time and take it slow in order to finally win what she wanted. Marc’s reluctance to let go and accept the relationship was exceedingly frustrating but necessary for the plot! I was so happy for them when they finally decided to do something about the sexual tension between them! The sense of family throughout the book, from Marc and his brothers, to Allie and her sister, Devyn, is quite endearing. The premise of the curse linking all the books in this series is very unique and refreshing and I am looking forward to reading more in the series! Overall a great novel all the way around! Received for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilP
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Allie Mauvais has had a crush on Marc Dumont for as long as she can remember, even though he promised to call her after taking her to the prom, only to never speak to her again. In fact, his avoidance of her is so bad, he actually crosses the street instead of walking in front of her bakery. But when Marc’s pastry chef for his riverboat is unable to make the trip, it’s Allie to the rescue, well sort of.
Marc knows all about the family curse placed by Allie’s great-great-grandmother; he’s seen the results first hand, so he makes sure to have as little contact with Allie as possible. But after his father named him captain of the family riverboat, Marc finds that he needs her if his first cruise as Captain is to be a success. From the moment he speaks to Allie again, Marc feels the curse at work, but the attraction between Allie and Marc is so strong that he decides he’s willing to relax his rules long enough to have some fun with the enchanting Allie. Allie knows that the curse isn’t real, that it’s simply all in the Dumont Men’s heads. When Marc finally notices her, Allie is determined to make the most of it. She knows she must convince him that the curse isn’t real and that they can have a wonderful future together. But the more Allie and Marc heat up the sheets, the more trouble they run into, the kind that can only be explained by the curse, at least in Marc’s mind. Can Allie prove to Marc that they can be together or is he willing to let a century old rumor come between a life filled with love and happiness?
This book is sexy, hilarious, and just plain fun! From the jerk of a chef, to the grandfather who is so superstitious it’s comical, this book is sure to entertain. I loved the way that Allie knew she wanted Marc and was willing to bide her time and take it slow in order to finally win what she wanted. Marc’s reluctance to let go and accept the relationship was exceedingly frustrating but necessary for the plot! I was so happy for them when they finally decided to do something about the sexual tension between them! The sense of family throughout the book, from Marc and his brothers, to Allie and her sister, Devyn, is quite endearing. The premise of the curse linking all the books in this series is very unique and refreshing and I am looking forward to reading more in the series! Overall a great novel all the way around! Received for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilP
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
May 9, 2014
3.5 Sweet Stars!
eARC for Honest Review from Signet
A curse + a voodoo queen + a gorgeous bachelor = a quirky fun romance.
Deep in the bayou many years ago a curse was made by a scorned woman to the doomed Dumont Bachelors. Since this curse the Dumont men are perpetual players never finding love. However, even though they have been cursed and its has been ingrained in their heads to stay away from ALL Mauvais woman. But it has been hard for Marc since he landed eyes on Allie even though he tries not to believe in the curse but deep down he does believe in it which causes a lot of grief for him.
Allie doesn't believe in her voodoo ways but plays it up because it is easier to give in then fight against it but what she really wants is to be loved and love right back. For years she has been pining over Marc but it has always been unrequited.
Fate, persistence, stubbornness, strength and true love have a way of breaking through even 100 year old curses. With the curse over their heads it makes they inevitable attraction between Allie and Marc trying, quirky and sweet.
This was my first Macy Beckett book and it won't be my last. This series had such a sweet way about it and I can't wait to find out what happens more with these Dumont men.
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eARC for Honest Review from Signet
A curse + a voodoo queen + a gorgeous bachelor = a quirky fun romance.
Deep in the bayou many years ago a curse was made by a scorned woman to the doomed Dumont Bachelors. Since this curse the Dumont men are perpetual players never finding love. However, even though they have been cursed and its has been ingrained in their heads to stay away from ALL Mauvais woman. But it has been hard for Marc since he landed eyes on Allie even though he tries not to believe in the curse but deep down he does believe in it which causes a lot of grief for him.
Allie doesn't believe in her voodoo ways but plays it up because it is easier to give in then fight against it but what she really wants is to be loved and love right back. For years she has been pining over Marc but it has always been unrequited.
Fate, persistence, stubbornness, strength and true love have a way of breaking through even 100 year old curses. With the curse over their heads it makes they inevitable attraction between Allie and Marc trying, quirky and sweet.
This was my first Macy Beckett book and it won't be my last. This series had such a sweet way about it and I can't wait to find out what happens more with these Dumont men.
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter
April 30, 2014
ARC provided by NightOwl
Allie always thought that she could predict love and happiness with women. People came to her pastry shop for advice on anything from the great spirits. However Allie was just very good at reading people and figuring out what they wanted to hear. She was asked to be a part of a short cruise to help out with the desserts she knew that she had to do it because it would bring more business to her shop. She also knew that things were going to change for her but she just did not know if they were going to be a bad or good thing.
Marc grew up with the belief that his family was cursed. He believed that not one of him or his siblings would be happy or even be able to marry and have a wife and family. So he and his siblings decided never to get married. Even his father never got married. When he took over the family business everything kept going wrong. He was not sure if it was a specific person on his boat that brought the bad luck or the family curse following him everywhere.
Marc kept denying he wanted Allie and that he was still in love with her. Allie decided to just go with the flow. There were a bunch of little things that kept happening on the ship but they could happen to any ship. People were just starting to wonder if it was cursed or just because it was an old ship. Because it was family business marc and his brothers and sister tried their best to keep everyone happy so that no one would demand a refund and the family would go bankrupt. It was just strange to everyone that it could be the curse that his family always believed in.
By the end of the book the ship was fixed and nothing else major happened. Marc also realized that he wanted to keep Allie around forever. He went to her and proposed. She said yes of course and they got married as soon as they could. Marc then believed that he was no longer cursed because of a birth mark that was no longer on him. Both Allie and he believed that each of his siblings needs to figure out for themselves how to break the curse they all believed in.
I absolutely love this book. I fell in love with each one of the characters from the very beginning. I could not put it down I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. This book was an extremely HOT read and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Allie always thought that she could predict love and happiness with women. People came to her pastry shop for advice on anything from the great spirits. However Allie was just very good at reading people and figuring out what they wanted to hear. She was asked to be a part of a short cruise to help out with the desserts she knew that she had to do it because it would bring more business to her shop. She also knew that things were going to change for her but she just did not know if they were going to be a bad or good thing.
Marc grew up with the belief that his family was cursed. He believed that not one of him or his siblings would be happy or even be able to marry and have a wife and family. So he and his siblings decided never to get married. Even his father never got married. When he took over the family business everything kept going wrong. He was not sure if it was a specific person on his boat that brought the bad luck or the family curse following him everywhere.
Marc kept denying he wanted Allie and that he was still in love with her. Allie decided to just go with the flow. There were a bunch of little things that kept happening on the ship but they could happen to any ship. People were just starting to wonder if it was cursed or just because it was an old ship. Because it was family business marc and his brothers and sister tried their best to keep everyone happy so that no one would demand a refund and the family would go bankrupt. It was just strange to everyone that it could be the curse that his family always believed in.
By the end of the book the ship was fixed and nothing else major happened. Marc also realized that he wanted to keep Allie around forever. He went to her and proposed. She said yes of course and they got married as soon as they could. Marc then believed that he was no longer cursed because of a birth mark that was no longer on him. Both Allie and he believed that each of his siblings needs to figure out for themselves how to break the curse they all believed in.
I absolutely love this book. I fell in love with each one of the characters from the very beginning. I could not put it down I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. This book was an extremely HOT read and I highly recommend it to everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2015
I was very lucky to receive a copy of this from Headline for an honest review.
For 90 years the Dumont men have been afraid of commitment, always having flings and never settling down. All because of one man and one voodoo hex cast on their whole family. Until they break it.
Allie Mauvais the great-great granddaughter of the famous voodoo witch who put the curse on the Dumont men is in love with no one other than Marc who’s in fact one of the men bearing this hex.
I would have most likely hated this book with a passion if it wasn’t for the hex and the whole voodoo deal in this book. But believe me I wasn’t so thrilled about it. I was looking for a fun chick lit to read and I found it. Although the main story of this book is as original as using a pick up line to talk to girls. But I kind of wanted something like this.
The whole girl meets boy (or in this book they already knew each other and run into each other after a few years) either girl or boy does the chase, they end up together in a night or a week of passion, break up, realise that they are made for each other and end up together forever riding into the sunset.
I did say I wanted something like this but I did hope that there was more to the story and there was. The voodoo and the hex on the men. It was interesting to say the least. But boring. And stupid. I thought it was rather stupid that a whole town believed in this! I still can’t wrap my head around how all of these people believed that the Dumont men were hexed and couldn’t commit and not because they loved their bachelors lives. At least it made the book somewhat original.
There were some things that I loved! For example the strong family bonds in this book. The relationship between Allie and her sister was amazing. It was so refreshing to read a book that’s got this strong family feel to it. Allie is a great character! She’s a strong female role that goes after what she wants and has a really big heart! But she uses the word “baby” a lot… So… She isn’t that great.
This book is a fast read and it’s really pleasant. I enjoyed myself reading this book but I didn’t love it. The ending took me about three days to finish because I couldn’t stomach it. It was just too over the top.
For 90 years the Dumont men have been afraid of commitment, always having flings and never settling down. All because of one man and one voodoo hex cast on their whole family. Until they break it.
Allie Mauvais the great-great granddaughter of the famous voodoo witch who put the curse on the Dumont men is in love with no one other than Marc who’s in fact one of the men bearing this hex.
I would have most likely hated this book with a passion if it wasn’t for the hex and the whole voodoo deal in this book. But believe me I wasn’t so thrilled about it. I was looking for a fun chick lit to read and I found it. Although the main story of this book is as original as using a pick up line to talk to girls. But I kind of wanted something like this.
The whole girl meets boy (or in this book they already knew each other and run into each other after a few years) either girl or boy does the chase, they end up together in a night or a week of passion, break up, realise that they are made for each other and end up together forever riding into the sunset.
I did say I wanted something like this but I did hope that there was more to the story and there was. The voodoo and the hex on the men. It was interesting to say the least. But boring. And stupid. I thought it was rather stupid that a whole town believed in this! I still can’t wrap my head around how all of these people believed that the Dumont men were hexed and couldn’t commit and not because they loved their bachelors lives. At least it made the book somewhat original.
There were some things that I loved! For example the strong family bonds in this book. The relationship between Allie and her sister was amazing. It was so refreshing to read a book that’s got this strong family feel to it. Allie is a great character! She’s a strong female role that goes after what she wants and has a really big heart! But she uses the word “baby” a lot… So… She isn’t that great.
This book is a fast read and it’s really pleasant. I enjoyed myself reading this book but I didn’t love it. The ending took me about three days to finish because I couldn’t stomach it. It was just too over the top.
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