What do you think?
The Connelly Cousins #2
Johnny
Carpe Diem
is more than just a catchy phrase to Stacey Mallory. At least it was, until the near-fatal accident that took the use of her legs and changed her life forever. Stacey would do anything to dive once again into cool blue waters from a towering cliff, or feel the wind in her face as she opens up the throttle of her sleek, sporty motorcycle. To dance under the moonlight in the arms of a strong, sexy man. To escape her new reality, Stacey reinvents herself as Salienne Dulcette, the reclusive author of steamy erotic romances, and lives life vicariously through her characters. Writing about life isn't the same as living it, but until her miracle comes through, it's all she has. Johnny Connelly is loving life. His construction business is booming, he's surrounded by family and friends, and there's plenty of women willing to keep him company. So why does he feel like something's missing?
258 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2015
About the author
Abbie Zanders
99 books2,054 followersAbbie Zanders is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 70 romance novels, creating immersive worlds filled with protective heroes, competent heroines, unforgettable families, and close-knit communities that make readers feel like they've come home.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where many of her stories are set, Abbie writes everything from small-town romantic suspense to paranormal romance. No matter the genre, the heart of every Abbie Zanders book is the same: characters worth rooting for, relationships built on loyalty and trust, found family, and the promise of a satisfying happily-ever-after—with no cliffhangers, ever.
Whether readers are returning to the Callaghan family in Pine Ridge, discovering the supernatural residents of Mythic, or stepping into one of her other interconnected worlds, Abbie creates stories designed to feel less like fictional settings and more like places—and people—worth coming home to.
Long before becoming a full-time author, Abbie was creating stories. She also earned degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics and spent more than twenty-five years as a software engineer designing and writing financial applications. Along the way, she worked second jobs as a deli clerk, pub waitress, restaurant baker, and secretary. Those experiences—and the people she met along the way—have a habit of finding their way into her fictional worlds.
In addition to writing and reading, Abbie loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80s hair bands.
Come for the romance. Stay for the family. Welcome home.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where many of her stories are set, Abbie writes everything from small-town romantic suspense to paranormal romance. No matter the genre, the heart of every Abbie Zanders book is the same: characters worth rooting for, relationships built on loyalty and trust, found family, and the promise of a satisfying happily-ever-after—with no cliffhangers, ever.
Whether readers are returning to the Callaghan family in Pine Ridge, discovering the supernatural residents of Mythic, or stepping into one of her other interconnected worlds, Abbie creates stories designed to feel less like fictional settings and more like places—and people—worth coming home to.
Long before becoming a full-time author, Abbie was creating stories. She also earned degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics and spent more than twenty-five years as a software engineer designing and writing financial applications. Along the way, she worked second jobs as a deli clerk, pub waitress, restaurant baker, and secretary. Those experiences—and the people she met along the way—have a habit of finding their way into her fictional worlds.
In addition to writing and reading, Abbie loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80s hair bands.
Come for the romance. Stay for the family. Welcome home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
March 4, 2016
contain spoilers! !
Enjoyable read.Real fast Instalove though. Not the best but it was ok. I liked both hero and heroine. I love that we get to see first couple:) Only one scene bothered me and will probably bother safety group. In the beginning before meeting h hero is at a pool haul /bar with his brother. He is telling ow no thank he isn't interested. to soften the rejection he pats and pinches or grabs her ass. lol like really dude. ow grabs and kisses him (with tongue )for a second he is reconsidering thinking she has a great ass but pushes her off. he just not feeling it. he doesn't understand why lately he hasn't. His brother (hero from next book) is wondering what the heck is wrong with him. so he tells hero ok what about that one or that one over the etc.. then another ow starts walking towards them and hero is like naw I'm out of here. his brother says wtf is wrong with you. he tells him idk I just want to go home. brother says ok do you mind if I .. (I'm guessing hookup with ow).hero says go for it. yeah I didn't like it but it didn't take from my enjoyment. hero was sweet and all about heroine. but now I have the in my head about hero from next book. lol that's it after that is completely safe. heroine wasn't a virgin. but she hasn't been with anyone in over five years.
Enjoyable read.Real fast Instalove though. Not the best but it was ok. I liked both hero and heroine. I love that we get to see first couple:) Only one scene bothered me and will probably bother safety group. In the beginning before meeting h hero is at a pool haul /bar with his brother. He is telling ow no thank he isn't interested. to soften the rejection he pats and pinches or grabs her ass. lol like really dude. ow grabs and kisses him (with tongue )for a second he is reconsidering thinking she has a great ass but pushes her off. he just not feeling it. he doesn't understand why lately he hasn't. His brother (hero from next book) is wondering what the heck is wrong with him. so he tells hero ok what about that one or that one over the etc.. then another ow starts walking towards them and hero is like naw I'm out of here. his brother says wtf is wrong with you. he tells him idk I just want to go home. brother says ok do you mind if I .. (I'm guessing hookup with ow).hero says go for it. yeah I didn't like it but it didn't take from my enjoyment. hero was sweet and all about heroine. but now I have the in my head about hero from next book. lol that's it after that is completely safe. heroine wasn't a virgin. but she hasn't been with anyone in over five years.
December 1, 2015
3.25 RATING- Just okay for me. I admit to some skimming.
December 2, 2015
Better than book one.
Okay, so the Callaghan series is still my favorite from this author because I prefer a little suspense with my romance, but I did enjoy this contemporary romance as well. I definitely liked it better than book one which ended a bit weird for me and left a few things hanging. Since Lina and Kyle played a significant role in this book, I wish the author would have at least resolved some of the issues surrounding Kyle's brother and their bitter ending. But, in any case, I loved Johnny from book one and Stacey from her involvement in the Callaghan series, so I really wanted to read their story. It was very sweet with a tiny bit of drama. I will say that there were several things I couldn't reconcile working out with Stacey's physical limitations, but it is fiction, so I just went with it and tried not to let it bother me.
Okay, so the Callaghan series is still my favorite from this author because I prefer a little suspense with my romance, but I did enjoy this contemporary romance as well. I definitely liked it better than book one which ended a bit weird for me and left a few things hanging. Since Lina and Kyle played a significant role in this book, I wish the author would have at least resolved some of the issues surrounding Kyle's brother and their bitter ending. But, in any case, I loved Johnny from book one and Stacey from her involvement in the Callaghan series, so I really wanted to read their story. It was very sweet with a tiny bit of drama. I will say that there were several things I couldn't reconcile working out with Stacey's physical limitations, but it is fiction, so I just went with it and tried not to let it bother me.
November 9, 2020
It’s hard to rate this book, as overall I liked it but had a few issues with it. It turn me off on how quickly these two ended up in bed and supposedly connected at such a deep level after just 2 days. Lust I can see, but not true love. Though, I will say the scene was steamy.
The author should have done her homework regarding after care for a fresh tattoo, as a soak at a spa and hot tubs are not advisable.
I respected the author choice of the leading lady and her challenges, as Stacy wasn’t your typical heroine. I am not sure I appreciated the path taken with the character, as to me it was unnecessary. Johnny loved Stacy just as she was, and maybe a miracle wasn’t the best direction for the story to go in and certainly reflects in my 3 instead of 4 Star rating.
The author should have done her homework regarding after care for a fresh tattoo, as a soak at a spa and hot tubs are not advisable.
I respected the author choice of the leading lady and her challenges, as Stacy wasn’t your typical heroine. I am not sure I appreciated the path taken with the character, as to me it was unnecessary. Johnny loved Stacy just as she was, and maybe a miracle wasn’t the best direction for the story to go in and certainly reflects in my 3 instead of 4 Star rating.
October 16, 2016
Definitely not on par as the whole Callaghan Brothers series. Rather disappointing because of it. The story was so wordy and the phrasing was often awkward, using word combinations that were unnecessary drawing attention to their use. An example that sticks in my mind was Johnny waiting outside of the bathroom as he heard "the water turn-on in the 'shower/tub combination'.....okay, 'the shower/tub combination', meh. I ended up skipping large parts of the book. Sorry.
January 14, 2018
I enjoyed this story, though I am a little disappointed in the ending.
June 9, 2017
Highly Recommended
Zanders' Callaghans and Connellys are steamy romance perfection! I actually read this book a couple years ago and came back to it today to find a quote and got sucked into it again. I literally put aside what I was doing to read it again from the beginning. Great way to spend an afternoon!
Zanders' Callaghans and Connellys are steamy romance perfection! I actually read this book a couple years ago and came back to it today to find a quote and got sucked into it again. I literally put aside what I was doing to read it again from the beginning. Great way to spend an afternoon!
December 1, 2015
Big fan.
The Connelly cousins definitely doesn't disappoint. I fell in love with Abbie Zanders as a writer reading her Callaghan brothers series. She continues to satisfy my live of reading with Johnny. Check out her other work, you will be glad you did.
The Connelly cousins definitely doesn't disappoint. I fell in love with Abbie Zanders as a writer reading her Callaghan brothers series. She continues to satisfy my live of reading with Johnny. Check out her other work, you will be glad you did.
February 24, 2016
Loved it
Abbie Zanders never disappoints me! This book is so inspiring and so much more than a romance novel. This is the type of writing that will keep me coming back for more, and recommending her work to others!!
Abbie Zanders never disappoints me! This book is so inspiring and so much more than a romance novel. This is the type of writing that will keep me coming back for more, and recommending her work to others!!
December 9, 2015
Naughty
Anyone who loved the Callahan series will love Johnny. The trials of Johnny and Stacey are great. Enjoy another great Abbie Xanders book.
Anyone who loved the Callahan series will love Johnny. The trials of Johnny and Stacey are great. Enjoy another great Abbie Xanders book.
November 1, 2017
>Book review – Johnny
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Connelly Cousins series and ends in an HEA. I couldn't wait to read Johnny's story. He is the one who takes care of the family business and his sister. He's a bad boy with a heart of gold. He stops by his family's cabin and finds a naked woman in the hot tub. Stacey is the college BFF Johnny's sis, Lina. Stacey is a successful romance writer and is up using the cabin for a week to write. Stacey is also wheelchair bound, but in the heat of the passion between Johnny and herself, her disability is not apparent.
>I love how Johnny never really sees Stacey as handicapped. He sees her as his soulmate and searches high and low for her. Their relationship really has serious chemistry. Stacey's somewhat depressive personality and Johnny's bull headedness cause a lack of communication that pulls these two apart for a bit. The soul mates are brought together in the end, though.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this story 4 stars. I felt that leaving Stacey in a wheel chair would have been a better option. Having Stacey try for a cure was a bit unrealistic.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Connelly Cousins series and ends in an HEA. I couldn't wait to read Johnny's story. He is the one who takes care of the family business and his sister. He's a bad boy with a heart of gold. He stops by his family's cabin and finds a naked woman in the hot tub. Stacey is the college BFF Johnny's sis, Lina. Stacey is a successful romance writer and is up using the cabin for a week to write. Stacey is also wheelchair bound, but in the heat of the passion between Johnny and herself, her disability is not apparent.
>I love how Johnny never really sees Stacey as handicapped. He sees her as his soulmate and searches high and low for her. Their relationship really has serious chemistry. Stacey's somewhat depressive personality and Johnny's bull headedness cause a lack of communication that pulls these two apart for a bit. The soul mates are brought together in the end, though.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this story 4 stars. I felt that leaving Stacey in a wheel chair would have been a better option. Having Stacey try for a cure was a bit unrealistic.
July 14, 2017
Another great book
This is my second read of this, I hadn't realized I'd not done a review. This series and the Callaghan brother ones are all about a family who believe in croies - a soulmate who is destined for them.
Stacey has a great job, she's an author of very popular, hot romance novels. She's reclusive though after a car accident and has hidden herself away from everyone. Then she decides to answer the phone one day to her friend Lina (from book one) who asks her to visit. She does and meets Johnny while in the hot tub of the Connelly's mountain retreat.
Abbie Zanders has a great writing style that draws you in to her characters and their lives. Characters from her other books all drop in and they're all well written too.
Of course, there's the required change and angst, love and uncertainty but it leads to a great read that isn't full of darkness.
Four and a half stars.
This is my second read of this, I hadn't realized I'd not done a review. This series and the Callaghan brother ones are all about a family who believe in croies - a soulmate who is destined for them.
Stacey has a great job, she's an author of very popular, hot romance novels. She's reclusive though after a car accident and has hidden herself away from everyone. Then she decides to answer the phone one day to her friend Lina (from book one) who asks her to visit. She does and meets Johnny while in the hot tub of the Connelly's mountain retreat.
Abbie Zanders has a great writing style that draws you in to her characters and their lives. Characters from her other books all drop in and they're all well written too.
Of course, there's the required change and angst, love and uncertainty but it leads to a great read that isn't full of darkness.
Four and a half stars.
September 17, 2022
Meeting by Accident!
Johnny: was the middle child of the Connelly's very protective of family. He loved working with his hands. He took over Connelly Construction when his parents died. He love being out side. He enjoyed the company of women but he had a special type. When he went to play pool with his brother none of the women interest him. He needed to get away from everything going on. He got on his Harley and just rode. He slowed down when got to the cabin that they owned. A place to think and get away from everything. There was a surprise when went out to the Jacuzzi. There were lots of surprise throughout the story for Johnny. It was a great addition to the series.
Johnny: was the middle child of the Connelly's very protective of family. He loved working with his hands. He took over Connelly Construction when his parents died. He love being out side. He enjoyed the company of women but he had a special type. When he went to play pool with his brother none of the women interest him. He needed to get away from everything going on. He got on his Harley and just rode. He slowed down when got to the cabin that they owned. A place to think and get away from everything. There was a surprise when went out to the Jacuzzi. There were lots of surprise throughout the story for Johnny. It was a great addition to the series.
January 2, 2018
Unique, inspiring, the strength we gain from LOVE❤
Another great love story. These stories are as unique as the characters themselves. You are guaranteed with one of Abbie's books that it will be a good read and will have a HEA. Each book makes you say "if only", "I wish" and there is usually a "HELL YEAH" in there too.
Once again I am happy to say I am so glad that I chose to read this book. I started with the Callahan Brothers first which was totally awesome. It is well written and the story itself makes it difficult for you to put the book down. I highly recommend reading as I truly appreciate how original her stories are.
Happy Reading!
Another great love story. These stories are as unique as the characters themselves. You are guaranteed with one of Abbie's books that it will be a good read and will have a HEA. Each book makes you say "if only", "I wish" and there is usually a "HELL YEAH" in there too.
Once again I am happy to say I am so glad that I chose to read this book. I started with the Callahan Brothers first which was totally awesome. It is well written and the story itself makes it difficult for you to put the book down. I highly recommend reading as I truly appreciate how original her stories are.
Happy Reading!
August 17, 2022
Coming out of seclusion
Johnny is out with Michael but can't let go of needing some time alone.
Stacey is author that lives a lonely secluded life. She has done this to herself. She has pretty much turned every one away but Lina still tries to stay in contact. She has even gotten Stacey to agree to come visit.
Stacey is staying at the cabin. When Johnny decided he needed to be alone, he ends up at the cabin.
Things are going great at the cabin until Stacey makes a comment that sends Johnny leaving for awhile. When he came back, she is gone.
Will Johnny find her and convince her he really wants to be with her?
Johnny is out with Michael but can't let go of needing some time alone.
Stacey is author that lives a lonely secluded life. She has done this to herself. She has pretty much turned every one away but Lina still tries to stay in contact. She has even gotten Stacey to agree to come visit.
Stacey is staying at the cabin. When Johnny decided he needed to be alone, he ends up at the cabin.
Things are going great at the cabin until Stacey makes a comment that sends Johnny leaving for awhile. When he came back, she is gone.
Will Johnny find her and convince her he really wants to be with her?
June 4, 2024
Good book
4.5 stars. This book had several sweet moments. I liked how Johnny & Stacey met and had instant attraction. I also liked how into her he was even after realizing she couldn’t walk. Although a strong & sassy woman, she has her insecurities and can’t imagine someone like him liking her. When they are together, they had good conversations. The problem for me is that they didn’t spend a good part of the book together. I prefer more interactions between the MC’s. I like how good of a guy he is and how much he sticks by her through thick & thin. You can definitely see the love he has for her.
4.5 stars. This book had several sweet moments. I liked how Johnny & Stacey met and had instant attraction. I also liked how into her he was even after realizing she couldn’t walk. Although a strong & sassy woman, she has her insecurities and can’t imagine someone like him liking her. When they are together, they had good conversations. The problem for me is that they didn’t spend a good part of the book together. I prefer more interactions between the MC’s. I like how good of a guy he is and how much he sticks by her through thick & thin. You can definitely see the love he has for her.
March 8, 2020
Endearing
I am amazed at the all differences of the stories in the series yet they have commonalities. Johnny finds Stacey at the family cabin. It is the next morning that he learns she is in a wheelchair. He quickly decides he doesn't care as he is so into her. She leaves to take a chance on an experimental surgery before he can tell her. Once he realizes she is gone, he asks for help from his sister and her husband. The surgery does not go as expected and he is needed to get her through it. Can't wait to read the next one.
I am amazed at the all differences of the stories in the series yet they have commonalities. Johnny finds Stacey at the family cabin. It is the next morning that he learns she is in a wheelchair. He quickly decides he doesn't care as he is so into her. She leaves to take a chance on an experimental surgery before he can tell her. Once he realizes she is gone, he asks for help from his sister and her husband. The surgery does not go as expected and he is needed to get her through it. Can't wait to read the next one.
April 7, 2020
Little did Stacey Mallory know that when she finally decided to visit her best friend Lina it would lead to meeting the very sexy Johnny Connelly. What a hunk! He's the stuff her romance writer brain created steamy fantasies from. All Johnny knows is that Stacey is wild woman in the bedroom and he's hooked. But he wants to know her outside the bedroom more. He also quickly finds out that she's as prickly as a porcupine and shuts herself off from everyone. Convincing her that they belong together because they are heart and soulmates will not be an easy task.
May 19, 2019
Love at last
Johnny needed something, yet he didn't know what.
Stacey had been sequestered for 5 longs years because of an accident.
The fates shove them together and life turns into fireworks and hotter encounters.
This is a powerful, wonderfully written story that I can't believe I hadn't read when it first debuted. I loved the couple! I loved how the story unfolded. It brought tears to my eyes, hence my 5* review.
Thank you, Abbie Zanders!
Johnny needed something, yet he didn't know what.
Stacey had been sequestered for 5 longs years because of an accident.
The fates shove them together and life turns into fireworks and hotter encounters.
This is a powerful, wonderfully written story that I can't believe I hadn't read when it first debuted. I loved the couple! I loved how the story unfolded. It brought tears to my eyes, hence my 5* review.
Thank you, Abbie Zanders!
April 23, 2022
Oh, this was good. As in heart-pounding, swooning, over-the-top good. Lots of conflict, resolutions, romance, sexy times, and great-looking guys. Stacey uses her friend's cabin to get away from it all and hopefully cure her writing block. A mistaken naked encounter with the brother, Johnny is all it takes to cure her writer's block and a few other things too! Standalone, but part of a series. Definitely a HEA.
May 31, 2022
Love Johnny and Stacey so much
Johnny doesn't consider himself a romantic type of guy but he sure turns out to be one. Stacey is a romance writer who was college roommate with Lina and because of an accident is now in wheelchair. She doesn't think she will every find love so lives vicariously through her writing. Little does she know going to visit Lina will change her life forever in more ways than she could have imagined.
Johnny doesn't consider himself a romantic type of guy but he sure turns out to be one. Stacey is a romance writer who was college roommate with Lina and because of an accident is now in wheelchair. She doesn't think she will every find love so lives vicariously through her writing. Little does she know going to visit Lina will change her life forever in more ways than she could have imagined.
August 4, 2017
Heart Rending
This book is magical and everything a woman could want in a book. I have to say, every book I read by Abbie Zanders, just gets better and better. I love the whole Croie business with half of your heart and half of your soul belonging
to your one true love. I can't wait to see what happens with Michael's character!!! Thank you Abbie!!
This book is magical and everything a woman could want in a book. I have to say, every book I read by Abbie Zanders, just gets better and better. I love the whole Croie business with half of your heart and half of your soul belonging
to your one true love. I can't wait to see what happens with Michael's character!!! Thank you Abbie!!
August 31, 2019
Johnny: Connelly Cousins, Book 2
Johnny wasn't looking for a woman, all he had to do was click his fingers and women flocked towards him. But after meeting Stacey, all the other women were just invisible to him. This book had been a great story to read. Love and heartache with a touch of magic.
Johnny wasn't looking for a woman, all he had to do was click his fingers and women flocked towards him. But after meeting Stacey, all the other women were just invisible to him. This book had been a great story to read. Love and heartache with a touch of magic.
September 22, 2019
First Connelly brother's story
Johnny meets his sister Celina's college friend, Stacey and is immediately interested. The only surprise is Stacey is in a wheelchair and is a romance writer. What follows is the story of two people finding their way through difficulty to each other. The triumph at the end of this story is amazing!
Johnny meets his sister Celina's college friend, Stacey and is immediately interested. The only surprise is Stacey is in a wheelchair and is a romance writer. What follows is the story of two people finding their way through difficulty to each other. The triumph at the end of this story is amazing!
October 11, 2019
Johnny: Connelly Cousins, Book 2
The love story of Johnny and Stacey. Stacey was injured in an accident and she has become reclusive. Amy invited her to come stay at the family cabin. She does. While she is in the hot tub, Johnny catch her naked and she can't get to her wheelchair. Has Johnny find his croie?
The love story of Johnny and Stacey. Stacey was injured in an accident and she has become reclusive. Amy invited her to come stay at the family cabin. She does. While she is in the hot tub, Johnny catch her naked and she can't get to her wheelchair. Has Johnny find his croie?
May 30, 2020
Another great story, I loved Johnny, he's everything you want in a hero. Johnny and Stacey were meant to be they just didn't quite realise it. Some twists and turns, plenty of heat and the emotional screw is turned! I feel mildly guilty that Stacey had to grow on me but we got there. Really enjoyed it, can't wait to read Michael's story now.
January 25, 2018
So coooooooll 😄😄
God i love these two ... no messing about .. they were straight into it 😄😄and a hot tub tooo ... haha😄😄i loed how this al came together and how it all intertwined with lina and Kyle .. it was AMAZING to read and i can't wait for more...love it .. 💓💕💖💕💓
God i love these two ... no messing about .. they were straight into it 😄😄and a hot tub tooo ... haha😄😄i loed how this al came together and how it all intertwined with lina and Kyle .. it was AMAZING to read and i can't wait for more...love it .. 💓💕💖💕💓
July 10, 2019
Love this one!
Annie Sanders writes the best stories. She will have you laughing, crying & sleepless in every book. Her characters are believable & she will make a cheerleader out of you by the end of every single story!!!!
Annie Sanders writes the best stories. She will have you laughing, crying & sleepless in every book. Her characters are believable & she will make a cheerleader out of you by the end of every single story!!!!
September 8, 2019
Feel good
Such an amazing story these two, Stacey and Johnny, such true life and death experiences, being a nurse I truly believe that someone in a coma can hear family members talking to them and believe it helps tremendously for everyone, thank you Abbie, Dana
Such an amazing story these two, Stacey and Johnny, such true life and death experiences, being a nurse I truly believe that someone in a coma can hear family members talking to them and believe it helps tremendously for everyone, thank you Abbie, Dana
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews