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Welcome to Starlight #2
The Last Man She Expected
How could being so wrong suddenly feel so right?
Falling for her arch nemesis
Isn’t going to happen.
Moving to Starlight was Mara Reed’s first step forward after her devastating divorce. But had she known she’d find Parker Johnson, her ex-husband’s ruthless divorce attorney, there, she might have gone in a different direction. Away from the big city, Mara is seeing Parker in a new light—but is it enough for her to set aside her anger?
Falling for her arch nemesis
Isn’t going to happen.
Moving to Starlight was Mara Reed’s first step forward after her devastating divorce. But had she known she’d find Parker Johnson, her ex-husband’s ruthless divorce attorney, there, she might have gone in a different direction. Away from the big city, Mara is seeing Parker in a new light—but is it enough for her to set aside her anger?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2020
About the author
Michelle Major
276 books844 followersUSA Today and Top 5 Amazon Bestselling author Michelle Major writes swoon-worthy stories full of heart, heat, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. When she’s not dreaming up romance, you’ll find her hiking the trails (or avoiding housework) in her home state of Colorado.
Connect with her at www.michellemajor.com or come say hi on Instagram and Facebook.
Connect with her at www.michellemajor.com or come say hi on Instagram and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 22, 2020
This was a wonderful, HEA romance that I love coming from Harlequin. This is the second book in the Welcome to Starlight series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. Having said that, I will be going back and reading The Best Intentions, which is Kaitlin's and Finn's story.
Mara and her daughter Evie moved to Starlight after her ugly and bitter divorce. She was left with nothing, so is staying with her aunt and working in her coffee shop. Mara is guarded and pretty much anti-social due to her fear of getting close to anyone again. Evie has her own baggage from the divorce. She is a nervous little girl who has difficulty making friends. Evie made friends with another little girl, Anna, and Mara has become good friends with Anna's father Josh, also a single parent. What Mara doesn't know is that Josh's brother Parker, is coming to town for Anna's party and decides to stay and help Josh with his current construction project. She finds out in a rather public way that Josh's brother is the attorney that stole everything from her during her divorce.
As Parker and Mara spent more time together, both working on Josh's project, I liked watching the sparks fly. Beginning with a hateful, disgusting attitude from Mara, Parker begins to rethink his position in some of the divorces he facilitated. As the relationship developed between them, it was quite interesting. Neither of them wants a relationship, but the attraction continues to grow and pull at them. Both of them have baggage, but they grow in this story and realize they need to rethink things and let them go. I enjoyed the storyline involving the girls. Anna and Evie were both great characters and also had things in their past to deal with. They both loved Parker, as an uncle and coach. Watching how Evie and Parker got closer together was precious. There were a few single parents in the story and it was nice to see them depicted in a positive way doing the best they could for their kids. I do not want to give away anymore of this story, but will tell you there is a happily ever after. There is some angst, a lot of baggage to deal with, some sad bits, parts that made me angry and lot of self-reflection and letting things go. I really enjoyed this well-written story with great characters, small town setting and close-knit community. If you are looking for a good romance to lighten your days, pick this one up, you won't be disappointed.
Mara and her daughter Evie moved to Starlight after her ugly and bitter divorce. She was left with nothing, so is staying with her aunt and working in her coffee shop. Mara is guarded and pretty much anti-social due to her fear of getting close to anyone again. Evie has her own baggage from the divorce. She is a nervous little girl who has difficulty making friends. Evie made friends with another little girl, Anna, and Mara has become good friends with Anna's father Josh, also a single parent. What Mara doesn't know is that Josh's brother Parker, is coming to town for Anna's party and decides to stay and help Josh with his current construction project. She finds out in a rather public way that Josh's brother is the attorney that stole everything from her during her divorce.
As Parker and Mara spent more time together, both working on Josh's project, I liked watching the sparks fly. Beginning with a hateful, disgusting attitude from Mara, Parker begins to rethink his position in some of the divorces he facilitated. As the relationship developed between them, it was quite interesting. Neither of them wants a relationship, but the attraction continues to grow and pull at them. Both of them have baggage, but they grow in this story and realize they need to rethink things and let them go. I enjoyed the storyline involving the girls. Anna and Evie were both great characters and also had things in their past to deal with. They both loved Parker, as an uncle and coach. Watching how Evie and Parker got closer together was precious. There were a few single parents in the story and it was nice to see them depicted in a positive way doing the best they could for their kids. I do not want to give away anymore of this story, but will tell you there is a happily ever after. There is some angst, a lot of baggage to deal with, some sad bits, parts that made me angry and lot of self-reflection and letting things go. I really enjoyed this well-written story with great characters, small town setting and close-knit community. If you are looking for a good romance to lighten your days, pick this one up, you won't be disappointed.
August 23, 2020
Good book. Mara and her daughter moved to Starlight after her divorce. Staying with her aunt and working in her coffee shop gave Mara a chance to connect with people without risking her emotions. Her divorce had been ugly, with her ex-husband and his lawyer destroying both her personal and professional reputations and leaving her with nothing except her daughter. She is understandably angry and bitter.
Mara's daughter Evie made friends with another little girl, Anna, while Mara became good friends with Anna's father, Josh. They connected over their daughters' activities and the problems of single parenthood. Mara is especially happy that there are no sparks between them, as she swore off men after her divorce. What Mara doesn't know is that Josh's brother is coming to town to help Josh with his current construction project. She has no idea that Josh's brother is her ex-husband's divorce attorney.
I loved the first meeting between Parker and Mara. She recognized him immediately while he only felt a vague familiarity. That is until she blasted him for everything he enabled her ex to do to her. Of course, his first reaction was that it was just his job, not anything personal. The sparks fly between them, but underneath the antagonism are sparks of another kind. When Josh enlists Mara's help with the project, too, she finds herself working closely with Parker.
I liked watching the relationship develop between Parker and Mara. The attraction between them is undeniable, but neither wants a relationship. Parker is only in Starlight for a short time. His memories of growing up there with an abusive father caused him to leave Starlight behind years ago. He visits his brother and niece very rarely, and can't wait to go when he does. Mara is done with marriage. She doesn't trust her judgment any longer, nor does she have any confidence that a man would want her. She is content to have left city life behind her and has no intention of leaving Starlight. However, both agree that spending some no-strings adult time together would be acceptable.
The more time that Mara and Parker spent together, the more she saw a different side of him. He can be kind and funny. He gets involved in helping Josh with the girls' soccer team and unexpectedly connects with Evie. There are some great scenes between the two of them as Parker acts more like a father than her own did. I loved watching them start to feel like a family, something that worried both Parker and Mara. Though they have grown closer and been able to share some of their more painful moments, neither can see a future for them. When an unexpected visitor stirs up old fears in Mara, Parker suffers the backlash. I wanted to shake Mara for not letting Parker explain. I hurt for Parker, who had finally begun to recognize his feelings for Mara. An unexpected and eye-opening conversation helped Mara see the truth. Parker got an equivalent kick in the pants from his brother, making him realize that he'd allowed his fears to run his life for too long. I loved the ending.
Secondary characters were just as enjoyable. Evie and Anna were adorable. Opposites in many ways, they balanced each other's strengths and weaknesses. I loved Josh and his friendship with Mara. I ached for him and everything he'd been through with Anna's chemo and his wife's desertion. I liked Mara's friend Brynn and the support she gives Mara. I also hope to see her get a happy ending of her own.
Mara's daughter Evie made friends with another little girl, Anna, while Mara became good friends with Anna's father, Josh. They connected over their daughters' activities and the problems of single parenthood. Mara is especially happy that there are no sparks between them, as she swore off men after her divorce. What Mara doesn't know is that Josh's brother is coming to town to help Josh with his current construction project. She has no idea that Josh's brother is her ex-husband's divorce attorney.
I loved the first meeting between Parker and Mara. She recognized him immediately while he only felt a vague familiarity. That is until she blasted him for everything he enabled her ex to do to her. Of course, his first reaction was that it was just his job, not anything personal. The sparks fly between them, but underneath the antagonism are sparks of another kind. When Josh enlists Mara's help with the project, too, she finds herself working closely with Parker.
I liked watching the relationship develop between Parker and Mara. The attraction between them is undeniable, but neither wants a relationship. Parker is only in Starlight for a short time. His memories of growing up there with an abusive father caused him to leave Starlight behind years ago. He visits his brother and niece very rarely, and can't wait to go when he does. Mara is done with marriage. She doesn't trust her judgment any longer, nor does she have any confidence that a man would want her. She is content to have left city life behind her and has no intention of leaving Starlight. However, both agree that spending some no-strings adult time together would be acceptable.
The more time that Mara and Parker spent together, the more she saw a different side of him. He can be kind and funny. He gets involved in helping Josh with the girls' soccer team and unexpectedly connects with Evie. There are some great scenes between the two of them as Parker acts more like a father than her own did. I loved watching them start to feel like a family, something that worried both Parker and Mara. Though they have grown closer and been able to share some of their more painful moments, neither can see a future for them. When an unexpected visitor stirs up old fears in Mara, Parker suffers the backlash. I wanted to shake Mara for not letting Parker explain. I hurt for Parker, who had finally begun to recognize his feelings for Mara. An unexpected and eye-opening conversation helped Mara see the truth. Parker got an equivalent kick in the pants from his brother, making him realize that he'd allowed his fears to run his life for too long. I loved the ending.
Secondary characters were just as enjoyable. Evie and Anna were adorable. Opposites in many ways, they balanced each other's strengths and weaknesses. I loved Josh and his friendship with Mara. I ached for him and everything he'd been through with Anna's chemo and his wife's desertion. I liked Mara's friend Brynn and the support she gives Mara. I also hope to see her get a happy ending of her own.
September 30, 2020
Mara Reed is trying to put her life back together after a messy divorce. Her wealthy husband hired a tough lawyer who made sure Mara received nothing except sole custody of their daughter. Left with no job, no home and no monetary support, Mara heads to her aunt in Starlight, Washington. She thought the small town community would be the perfect place to raise her little girl.
Then, she runs into Parker Johnson. The lawyer who helped take everything away from Mara. She never expected to find him in the small town. Parker has quite a few connections to Starlight and they all seem to bring him in the same circle has Mara. The situation is more than a little awkward, especially when the two discover they are quite attracted to each other.
Despite the understandable animosity Mara has for Parker, you just know there is more to their story than meets the eye. Each one is fighting their own demons, but the sparks really do fly between these two.
Although this is the second book in the series, I don’t think you need to read the first one to enjoy it. I didn’t read the first one and I wasn’t lost at all. I do plan to read the first, though. Mara and Parker’s story is contained in this book. This series is set in Starlight and characters from other books may pop up now and again, but it’s not a continuation of a previous book.
It’s a light, heartwarming story. Mara’s daughter grabbed my heart, so sweet. It makes for a nice afternoon of reading. I’ll be looking for more books by this author.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Then, she runs into Parker Johnson. The lawyer who helped take everything away from Mara. She never expected to find him in the small town. Parker has quite a few connections to Starlight and they all seem to bring him in the same circle has Mara. The situation is more than a little awkward, especially when the two discover they are quite attracted to each other.
Despite the understandable animosity Mara has for Parker, you just know there is more to their story than meets the eye. Each one is fighting their own demons, but the sparks really do fly between these two.
Although this is the second book in the series, I don’t think you need to read the first one to enjoy it. I didn’t read the first one and I wasn’t lost at all. I do plan to read the first, though. Mara and Parker’s story is contained in this book. This series is set in Starlight and characters from other books may pop up now and again, but it’s not a continuation of a previous book.
It’s a light, heartwarming story. Mara’s daughter grabbed my heart, so sweet. It makes for a nice afternoon of reading. I’ll be looking for more books by this author.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 28, 2020
4 stars. I am really enjoying this series so far. I loved this one even more than the first book. Mara’s a divorced single mom and Parker was her ex-husband’s divorce attorney. Needless to say, she was not a big fan of his when he returns to Starlight. I loved it. I totally understood Mara’s feelings and I think her disdain for him could’ve gone a little bit longer. Parker takes to Mara and her adorable daughter, Evie, immediately and I thought it was great. Their romance is great and develops at a nice pace. Both characters have a lot of baggage and try to overcome them even though they struggle a lot. The ending was adorable and I cannot wait to read the next book.
January 4, 2021
Mara moved to the small town of Starlight to get away from a nasty divorce. There she discovers her ex-husband’s divorce lawyer. In a small town setting, he is totally different and sparks fly!
August 6, 2020
It is understandable that Mara is still unable to move on from her nasty divorce. She lost her husband, job and integrity along the way. And when she first discover that Parker who was the person that cause all of them on her, it is naturally for her to switch to her to defensive mode. It is interesting to see how her feeling change to something more. It is An intense read for me especially when Mara found out that Parker is brother to her close friend Josh. I wish there is more elaboration on Parker’s character, for him to become who he is today.
September 2, 2020
Mara has gone through a bitter divorce and meets her ex's divorce attorney. It's as hard to believe as the blurb reads. Parker's reason for becoming a cutthroat attorney is due to what happened to his mother. You'd think then he'd have compassion for the wives being torn apart by cheating husbands and refusing to pay child support and take on those types of cases not the ones he does, but somehow the motivation for why he's the way he is is supposed to make sense. The final chapters with Mara and her ex husband after the woman he cheated on her with comes to her for emotional support (he married her after he divorced Mara) was just ridiculous. Paul, the ex husband fought financial support for his child, lied about Mara being a gold digger, was the one who cheated yet at the end he's changed and Mara ends up with the divorce attorney who facilitated this? Mara was good friends with Josh, Parker (divorce attorney) brother. They seemed like a better match.
August 10, 2020
Mara Reed is still reeling from a very nasty divorce and moves to Starlight with her young daughter. She is in the process of rebuilding her life when she runs into her ex husband's attorney. He happens to be the uncle of her daughter's best friend. Boy do the sparks fly and not necessarily in a good way to begin with. This story is about forgiveness and learning not only to trust yourself but others along the way. I really enjoyed this story. I hope you do to.
September 22, 2020
4.5 Stars
Warm-hearted, uplifting and wonderfully romantic, award-winning author Michelle Major’s The Last Man She Expected is a hopeful tale of new beginnings, second chances and life’s surprising twists and turns that is sure to delight and enchant.
After her acrimonious divorce, Mara Reed wanted a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Evie. Moving to the small town of Starlight in Washington was a small step in getting her life back on track and although Mara is rather shy and reserved, she is enjoying working in her aunt’s coffee shop and slowly settling into her new home. Having made a couple of tentative friendships, Mara might not be leading the most exciting of lives, but she is perfectly content. With her daughter being her number one priority, Mara is not looking for romance and she is certainly not willing to put her heart on the line ever again. But little does Mara realise that life in Starlight is positively full of surprises as she discovers when she takes her daughter to her friend’s birthday party and comes face to face with the one man she despises more than anybody else in the world: her former husband’s divorce lawyer, Patrick Johnson!
Hotshot big city lawyer Patrick Johnson’s entire life is consumed by his career leaving him with next to no time for a social life. He works seven days a week and is always at his office and the nature of his work has convinced him to keep romance on the backburner and to continue to put all of his focus into the career he loves so much. Having witnessed first-hand just how devastating divorce can be, Patrick does not want or need a relationship, but when he spots Mara Reed at his niece’s birthday party, he finds himself drawn to the pretty mom – so he is flabbergasted when she turns around and tells him that she loathes the very sight of him. As a divorce lawyer, Patrick’s clients are his priority and he has never given much thought to the chaos and devastation that occurs in the lives of those sitting on the opposing bench. But as fate seems intent on throwing him and Mara together, he begins to see her point of view and starts to wonder what possessed her husband to walk out on her…
Away from the courtroom, Mara begins to see Patrick in a whole new light. However, as she begins to fall for him she starts to wonder whether she should throw all caution to the wind and give romance another try or whether she should stick to her resolve to give relationships as wide a berth as possible…
A stellar small town romance that is impossible to resist, The Last Man She Expected is a delightful tale full of warmth, charm and heart. The Last Man She Expected sparkles with humor, intensity and pathos and features two wonderful characters readers will immediately take to their hearts. Mara is an adorable heroine it is impossible not to root for and sexy, intelligent and charismatic Patrick is a hero I simply fell in love with.
Michelle Major writes contemporary romances readers just love losing themselves in and The Last Man She Expected is another winner by this talented writer!
Warm-hearted, uplifting and wonderfully romantic, award-winning author Michelle Major’s The Last Man She Expected is a hopeful tale of new beginnings, second chances and life’s surprising twists and turns that is sure to delight and enchant.
After her acrimonious divorce, Mara Reed wanted a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Evie. Moving to the small town of Starlight in Washington was a small step in getting her life back on track and although Mara is rather shy and reserved, she is enjoying working in her aunt’s coffee shop and slowly settling into her new home. Having made a couple of tentative friendships, Mara might not be leading the most exciting of lives, but she is perfectly content. With her daughter being her number one priority, Mara is not looking for romance and she is certainly not willing to put her heart on the line ever again. But little does Mara realise that life in Starlight is positively full of surprises as she discovers when she takes her daughter to her friend’s birthday party and comes face to face with the one man she despises more than anybody else in the world: her former husband’s divorce lawyer, Patrick Johnson!
Hotshot big city lawyer Patrick Johnson’s entire life is consumed by his career leaving him with next to no time for a social life. He works seven days a week and is always at his office and the nature of his work has convinced him to keep romance on the backburner and to continue to put all of his focus into the career he loves so much. Having witnessed first-hand just how devastating divorce can be, Patrick does not want or need a relationship, but when he spots Mara Reed at his niece’s birthday party, he finds himself drawn to the pretty mom – so he is flabbergasted when she turns around and tells him that she loathes the very sight of him. As a divorce lawyer, Patrick’s clients are his priority and he has never given much thought to the chaos and devastation that occurs in the lives of those sitting on the opposing bench. But as fate seems intent on throwing him and Mara together, he begins to see her point of view and starts to wonder what possessed her husband to walk out on her…
Away from the courtroom, Mara begins to see Patrick in a whole new light. However, as she begins to fall for him she starts to wonder whether she should throw all caution to the wind and give romance another try or whether she should stick to her resolve to give relationships as wide a berth as possible…
A stellar small town romance that is impossible to resist, The Last Man She Expected is a delightful tale full of warmth, charm and heart. The Last Man She Expected sparkles with humor, intensity and pathos and features two wonderful characters readers will immediately take to their hearts. Mara is an adorable heroine it is impossible not to root for and sexy, intelligent and charismatic Patrick is a hero I simply fell in love with.
Michelle Major writes contemporary romances readers just love losing themselves in and The Last Man She Expected is another winner by this talented writer!
August 21, 2020
After going through a difficult divorce, Mara Reed has made the move to Starlight, Washington with hopes of starting over for her and her daughter Evie. Working at a coffee shop owned by her aunt helped her to meet people while keeping busy enough to keep disturbing thoughts at bay. Also, small-town life is proving to be more than favorable.
Evie has found a best friend with a little girl named Anna. Meanwhile Mara has found Evie's father Josh to be a very good friend, but there is not a single spark between them. When Josh's brother Parker heads back to their hometown, he hadn't expected to run into the wife of one of his divorce clients. As far as Mara is concerned, Parker facilitated her brutal divorce, so she has no use for him.
However, Parker is in Starlight for a very good reason. His niece Anna has recently undergone chemotherapy, and Parker intends on being there for Josh. How will he navigate the close friendship between his brother and Mara, along with the fact that Anna and Evie are so close? Reluctantly, Mara begins to see a side to Parker that she hadn't seen before. The two have an unlikely chemistry, and before long, denying their attraction proves impossible.
What a sweet love story! I loved this book on several levels. First of all, I loved the strong platonic friendship between Josh and Anna. Also, Evie touched my heart. She had been strongly affected by her parents' divorce, so I felt for her throughout. Then the romance itself. It played out quite well. It was quite enjoyable watching Parker and Anna grow in their relationship, despite their differences, and also it was nice watching Parker draw close to Evie. This touching story is the first in the Starlight Miniseries by Michelle Major, I really hope Brynn gets the next story and has her chance at finding love. The next story is His Last Chance Christmas Family, set for release in December.
Many thanks to Harlequin Special Edition and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Evie has found a best friend with a little girl named Anna. Meanwhile Mara has found Evie's father Josh to be a very good friend, but there is not a single spark between them. When Josh's brother Parker heads back to their hometown, he hadn't expected to run into the wife of one of his divorce clients. As far as Mara is concerned, Parker facilitated her brutal divorce, so she has no use for him.
However, Parker is in Starlight for a very good reason. His niece Anna has recently undergone chemotherapy, and Parker intends on being there for Josh. How will he navigate the close friendship between his brother and Mara, along with the fact that Anna and Evie are so close? Reluctantly, Mara begins to see a side to Parker that she hadn't seen before. The two have an unlikely chemistry, and before long, denying their attraction proves impossible.
What a sweet love story! I loved this book on several levels. First of all, I loved the strong platonic friendship between Josh and Anna. Also, Evie touched my heart. She had been strongly affected by her parents' divorce, so I felt for her throughout. Then the romance itself. It played out quite well. It was quite enjoyable watching Parker and Anna grow in their relationship, despite their differences, and also it was nice watching Parker draw close to Evie. This touching story is the first in the Starlight Miniseries by Michelle Major, I really hope Brynn gets the next story and has her chance at finding love. The next story is His Last Chance Christmas Family, set for release in December.
Many thanks to Harlequin Special Edition and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 17, 2020
A romance packed in with a lot of drama, this book was a fun, entertaining and fast-paced read. Mara Reed has moved to Starlight, escaping Seattle and her ex-husband with all of the bad memories that the divorce brought. Not least of the bad memories was Paul’s divorce attorney, the very gifted Parker Johnson, who absolutely destroyed Mara’s reputation and left her with little in the way of finances in order to support her small daughter Evie. Parker is in town to help his brother build businesses and meet a deadline. While there, he also helps his brother Josh in coaching a young soccer team which includes Evie. The romance is inevitable but how Mara and Parker get there is a magical mix of author insight and just plain good writing. The tale weaves around the two soon-to-be lovebirds, but it also includes Josh and his plight as a single father and little Evie who is so damaged her cruel father who basically ignored and disparaged her. I enjoyed the characterization the most in this story as well as the cute setting of a small town in which everyone knows everyone and also all about the relationships happening at any one moment. I especially enjoyed how Mara was willing to help Josh and build her own self-confidence after Paul’s unending attacks on it. Finally, I liked that Parker was willing to self-reflect about his part in Mara’s discouragement and lack of trust of males. All in all, this was a quick and excellent romance that I highly recommend.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
September 2, 2020
Mara Reed and her daughter Evie are trying to build a new life in a small town. Mara had gone through a nasty divorce and had her career as an interior designer ruined, so she now works at her aunt’s coffee shop. She has a few friends and one of them is Josh, a single dad, who’s daughter Anna and Evie are best friends. When Mara offers to help Josh with a commercial development, she does not count on having his irritating but handsome brother Parker in the mix.
Parker Johnson is a family lawyer who specializes in divorce. He has his life in the big city but has come home to help his brother Josh get his new business up and running. When he meets Mara, he is intrigued, but soon finds out he was the lawyer that mitigated her divorce and ruined her life. How can Parker convince Mara that he was only doing his job? Can Mara trust the man that took everything away from her?
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were well written, and I appreciated that they did not fall in love overnight, which made the story believable. I also loved all the supporting characters and would love to read a sequel about Josh’s story. Thank you so much to the author Michelle Major, Harlequin Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.
Parker Johnson is a family lawyer who specializes in divorce. He has his life in the big city but has come home to help his brother Josh get his new business up and running. When he meets Mara, he is intrigued, but soon finds out he was the lawyer that mitigated her divorce and ruined her life. How can Parker convince Mara that he was only doing his job? Can Mara trust the man that took everything away from her?
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were well written, and I appreciated that they did not fall in love overnight, which made the story believable. I also loved all the supporting characters and would love to read a sequel about Josh’s story. Thank you so much to the author Michelle Major, Harlequin Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 19, 2020
This story has it all, the deep feels, the angst, the passion, the cute kids, friends for life, the family drama, and falling in love against all the odds. And all of that is wrapped in a smoothly flowing, riveting tale that made me smile, and sigh, and swoon, and even tear up but they were happy tears cause it was just so beautifully brought together.
The connection between Mara and Parker was tangible on so many different layers. Their past brought in the painful conflict, their present was sizzling with attraction, and the future didn't seem like a realistic possibility because of the emotional baggage both of them had.
Yet all the fears and doubts and hassles in the protagonist's minds are balanced with the little joys in life, with the support of family and friends. And through those reservations and skepticism, the characters grow and learn to trust and to open up, to dare to take the ultimate leap of faith.
I admire and adore Major's writing and her style to tell a story so that it wraps around your heart and mind and imagination like you are part of the townfolks witnessing the events happen in real-time.
The Last Man She Expected delivered beyond all my expectations!
~ Five Spoons
The connection between Mara and Parker was tangible on so many different layers. Their past brought in the painful conflict, their present was sizzling with attraction, and the future didn't seem like a realistic possibility because of the emotional baggage both of them had.
Yet all the fears and doubts and hassles in the protagonist's minds are balanced with the little joys in life, with the support of family and friends. And through those reservations and skepticism, the characters grow and learn to trust and to open up, to dare to take the ultimate leap of faith.
I admire and adore Major's writing and her style to tell a story so that it wraps around your heart and mind and imagination like you are part of the townfolks witnessing the events happen in real-time.
The Last Man She Expected delivered beyond all my expectations!
~ Five Spoons
September 1, 2020
This was a sweet story about Mara and her daughter starting over in Starlight after a messy divorce. She makes a couple single friends after a year; but mostly keeps to herself as she works, takes care of her daughter, and tries to heal.
Both Mara and Parker have past demons and insecurities they try to work on throughout this story and both decide it’s better to work together on projects than apart. I really liked Parker’s protectiveness and love towards his extended family (especially kids) and being a hard worker and stepping up to a challenge.
There is one very graphic love making scene towards the the middle of the book with future mentioning of bedroom scenes behind closed doors. There is also some bad language throughout-pretty minimal though.
Typically I read Harlequin Love Inspired books so I wasn’t sure going into this book whether there would be bad language and or graphic love scenes-which I typically do not read.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and loved getting to know Mara and Parker’s families, their friends and the town of Starlight. I read it in one night because it was easy reading with interesting characters and story line.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Both Mara and Parker have past demons and insecurities they try to work on throughout this story and both decide it’s better to work together on projects than apart. I really liked Parker’s protectiveness and love towards his extended family (especially kids) and being a hard worker and stepping up to a challenge.
There is one very graphic love making scene towards the the middle of the book with future mentioning of bedroom scenes behind closed doors. There is also some bad language throughout-pretty minimal though.
Typically I read Harlequin Love Inspired books so I wasn’t sure going into this book whether there would be bad language and or graphic love scenes-which I typically do not read.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and loved getting to know Mara and Parker’s families, their friends and the town of Starlight. I read it in one night because it was easy reading with interesting characters and story line.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
August 22, 2020
I'm always smiling when I return to Starlight! Michelle Major easily wraps a small town around her reader's heart with engaging characters, intriguing back stories and just enough sass and humor to warm our soul as we turn the pages towards that happily ever after! THE LAST MAN SHE EXPECTED definitely lives up to the hype as recently divorced Mara settles into life as a single mom in Starlight, Washington. I loved every thing about it!
Mara Reed is an easily relatable character. She puts one foot in front of the other every single day to make a good life for her daughter, but when the day is over and Evie is asleep, she remembers the "what if"s and "used to be"s with the best of them.
Parker Johnson is a joy to watch transform into a great guy. He doesn't recognize Mara, but she quickly lets him have it and refreshes his memory that he recently raked her over the coals as her ex-husband's divorce attorney. Awkward!
I highly recommend this book as well as the first book in the series to anyone who enjoys small town romance with lots of heart, sass and happily ever afters.
Mara Reed is an easily relatable character. She puts one foot in front of the other every single day to make a good life for her daughter, but when the day is over and Evie is asleep, she remembers the "what if"s and "used to be"s with the best of them.
Parker Johnson is a joy to watch transform into a great guy. He doesn't recognize Mara, but she quickly lets him have it and refreshes his memory that he recently raked her over the coals as her ex-husband's divorce attorney. Awkward!
I highly recommend this book as well as the first book in the series to anyone who enjoys small town romance with lots of heart, sass and happily ever afters.
September 19, 2020
Who is Mara Reed? What does she do for a living? Who is Parker? What does he do? How do they know one another? Who are Paul and Annie? Where does Mara live? Who is Evie? I liked Josh and Anna. Who is Jenn? How do they ultimately all know one another? As I learned more about Parker and Josh's lives and their pasts, my heart broke for each of them. I could only imagine what living through that was like. What is the Trophy Room? The friendship between Mara and Brynn is a hoot! Parker's comment to Josh about kittens was one that almost caused me to fall out of my chair at a restaurant. Evie is funny. When Evie is talking with Parker at the field, what she said to him about it being just her had me crying. There were definitely some unexpected surprises in this book! Enjoy the read!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT from Netgalley FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT from Netgalley FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
September 19, 2020
The Last Man She expected by Michelle Major is the second book in the Welcome to Starlight series. This book is a frenemies romance.
Mara is raising her daughter all on her own after her ruthless divorce from her ex husband. He would give her sole custody of their daughter if she walked away without child support or any help from him. How do you explain to a child that the father they constantly ask for wants nothing to do with them.
Parker goes back to his hometown to help his brother with his niece while his brother is getting his life back together from his ex wife walking out on him. Parker is shark in the court room and small town life is not something he expected to consume him.
Parker and Mara meet again because of her daughter and his niece. They have to become friendly for the girls sake even if Mara hates the ground Parker walks on. She must realize he was doing his job in her divorce and her ex is the enemy not Parker.
Mara is raising her daughter all on her own after her ruthless divorce from her ex husband. He would give her sole custody of their daughter if she walked away without child support or any help from him. How do you explain to a child that the father they constantly ask for wants nothing to do with them.
Parker goes back to his hometown to help his brother with his niece while his brother is getting his life back together from his ex wife walking out on him. Parker is shark in the court room and small town life is not something he expected to consume him.
Parker and Mara meet again because of her daughter and his niece. They have to become friendly for the girls sake even if Mara hates the ground Parker walks on. She must realize he was doing his job in her divorce and her ex is the enemy not Parker.
September 5, 2020
A sweet small town romance packed with witty banter and double-entendres, The Last Man She Expected has been a perfect weekend read. This is an enemies to lovers story in which divorcee Mara Reed discovers an inconvenient attraction to Parker Johnson, the attorney who represented her ex-husband in their bitter divorce.
I enjoyed watching Mara slowly open up to the friendship she found in Starlight after a year of keeping to herself and nursing her heart. It was also good to see her opening up to Parker despite their history. I also loved the small town feel of this story. Starlight seemed like just the sort of town I’d like to live in, one where friends help each other and people genuinely care. As for Parker, well it was nice to see him discover his inner joy and overcome the trust issues he developed as a child in an abusive relationship. All in all this was a book to make me smile.
I enjoyed watching Mara slowly open up to the friendship she found in Starlight after a year of keeping to herself and nursing her heart. It was also good to see her opening up to Parker despite their history. I also loved the small town feel of this story. Starlight seemed like just the sort of town I’d like to live in, one where friends help each other and people genuinely care. As for Parker, well it was nice to see him discover his inner joy and overcome the trust issues he developed as a child in an abusive relationship. All in all this was a book to make me smile.
September 18, 2020
I've read plenty of enemies to lovers romance, especially since it's one of my favorite romance tropes, but I don't recall ever reading this particular storyline. So, this one gets props for that right off the bat. It's a given that the sparks are going to fly when Mara and Parker come face to face in Starlight. I mean I can think of plenty of things I'd say to my ex-husband's attorney, and they didn't annihilate me like the ex did with Mara. So, yes, plenty of sparks, but the thing is those sparks aren't just the angry kind. There's some big chemistry between these two, and their journey was a great way to spend an evening. And since the story and this couple pulled me in and held on tight, an evening is all it took to finish. This is an engaging story from start to finish, and the characters are the kind that you just feel like you know. They're that well done.
August 27, 2020
I enjoyed reading this cute love story! When Mara and Parker first meet, both of them were suffering from being hurt by family members. As they get to know each other better the reader starts to see changes in their feelings for each other and toward the person who made their life difficult. They both are able to let go of their hurt feelings, forgive the person who wronged them, and were able to move on with their lives. This change makes the characters relatable and likable. The book was well written and the storyline was interesting. There are a few steamy scenes I skipped over since Mara and Parker decided to be friends with benefits, but I would still recommend this book to readers that like a good romance.
August 28, 2020
Mara Reed has moved to Starlight with her daughter for a new start after a bitter divorce. She is doing well or so she thought, until she runs into the attorney who she credits for ruining her life at a party for his niece. Parker Johnson has come home for his niece's birthday with the intentions of leaving the next day, but his brother needs him. Let the fireworks begin! Mara and Parker keep running into each other and end up working together on a project and he is actually great with Ellie. There is attraction, but she is still so angry at the way he handled her divorce. Will the more time they spend together let her see him in a different light? Will the walls they both have come crashing down? If you live second chances/enemy to lovers stories, you will love this book!
January 23, 2021
Mara Reed moved to Starlight, WA, to live with her aunt, after Mara's less than amicable divorce from her husband Paul, who also destroyed her reputation as a interior designer. Now working in her aunt's coffee shop, and raising her young daughter, Evie, Mara is trying to get back on her feet. Unfortunately, the scum lawyer her husband had in the divorce is also the brother of her daughter's soccer coach, Josh Johnson, who is also a good friend of Mara's. Parker Johnson is in Starlight to help his brother rehab the local lumber mill that went out of business when they were kids. Josh's plan to turn the mill into a mall has hit roadblocks and obstacles. In the midst of this, can Mara and Parker get together?
September 13, 2020
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
This was exactly the fun, heartwarming read I was looking for when I picked it up. Yes, there is some drama and misunderstandings, but when there are two people with so many layers and past wounds it is understandable. Even though their relationship started off with a bang at the beginning, it was so enjoyable to watch them get to know each other and peel back the layers of themselves as their relationship progressed. I also loved Evie and Anna, as well as their interactions with the adults. Overall this was a great story about new beginnings and healing old wounds so that new relationships can form and flourish.
This was exactly the fun, heartwarming read I was looking for when I picked it up. Yes, there is some drama and misunderstandings, but when there are two people with so many layers and past wounds it is understandable. Even though their relationship started off with a bang at the beginning, it was so enjoyable to watch them get to know each other and peel back the layers of themselves as their relationship progressed. I also loved Evie and Anna, as well as their interactions with the adults. Overall this was a great story about new beginnings and healing old wounds so that new relationships can form and flourish.
September 7, 2020
"The Last Man She Expected (Welcome to Starlight Book 2)" by Michelle Major was a wonderful classic romantic read. Mara Reed and her daughter Evie moved to the small town of Starlight after a nasty divorce and she was living with her Aunt. Parker Johnson who was the lawyer for Mara's ex-husband is in Starlight visiting his brother, who happens to be Mara's best male friend. She doesn't want anything to do with the man who helped her ex take everything but their daughter from her, or does she?
October 10, 2020
I love Ms. Major's books because they're exactly what I look for when reading - well-developed characters, believable stories, and a few hours of sweet escape. It impressed me how the author took a difficult conflict (ex-husband's jerk of a divorce lawyer) and made them grow together into friends and lovers. The character development for Parker from despised lawyer to a truly likable human was well-executed and their progression believable. I can't wait to read Carrie's story next in The Merriest Magnolia.
August 12, 2020
Complementary copy given by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are of my own. This book was great! This is my first book to read by Michelle Major. She knocked it out of the park with this one. I loved the pull of the past and overcoming so many obstacles. I could feel the pain and the passion of the characters. I would have liked to have started out with the divorce scene to build the background but this book was one to read.
September 25, 2020
The Last Man She Expected by Michelle Major
Mara Reed and Parker Johnson are the main characters with Mara daughter Evie.
Mara distrusts Parker because he is the lawyer for her ex husband who made the divorce rough on Mara. They have to work through a lot of issues but they fall in love and work at being a family.
He decides to become a small town lawyer instead of a divorce lawyer, it was a very well written book with lots of twists and turns.
Mara Reed and Parker Johnson are the main characters with Mara daughter Evie.
Mara distrusts Parker because he is the lawyer for her ex husband who made the divorce rough on Mara. They have to work through a lot of issues but they fall in love and work at being a family.
He decides to become a small town lawyer instead of a divorce lawyer, it was a very well written book with lots of twists and turns.
May 20, 2022
Second in a series by author, journeying on through a small town, with it’s characters, and their growing friendships and love for each other. Enjoyed the lightness and ease of the camaraderie among the characters with some normal angst in life’s normal trials and such in every love relationship. Especially with what is transpiring in the world and what transpired over the weekend in Buffalo, NY. This is the type of novel that helps get you through the dark times.
September 30, 2020
Mini-thoughts:
Platonic friendship + Life after divorce; finding yourself and your place in the world + Unexpected romance with your least favorite person = one heck of a cute and charming love story.
Platonic friendship + Life after divorce; finding yourself and your place in the world + Unexpected romance with your least favorite person = one heck of a cute and charming love story.
May 13, 2024
This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a lighthearted and emotional romance, seeking a story that explores the complexities of second chances, forgiveness, and the possibility of finding love in the most unexpected places.
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