What do you think?
Rate this book
Licking Thicket #2
Liars
Parrish Partridge’s True Facts:
There’s nothing hotter than a tall, gruff, bewildered, tattooed mountain of a man cuddling a sweet, orphaned baby, so you can tell yourself that you’ll resist him...
But that’s a lie.
And when that man asks you to do him a favor and pretend to be his very temporary, very fake fiance to help him get custody of that adorable baby, you can pretend you know better than to say yes…
But that’s a lie, too.
And when you actually get to know your kind, strong, pullet-loving prince of a fiance, and all his crazy, lovable, meddling neighbors, you can tell yourself you’re not really falling for Diesel Church and the town of Licking Thicket…
But that might be the biggest lie of all.
There’s nothing hotter than a tall, gruff, bewildered, tattooed mountain of a man cuddling a sweet, orphaned baby, so you can tell yourself that you’ll resist him...
But that’s a lie.
And when that man asks you to do him a favor and pretend to be his very temporary, very fake fiance to help him get custody of that adorable baby, you can pretend you know better than to say yes…
But that’s a lie, too.
And when you actually get to know your kind, strong, pullet-loving prince of a fiance, and all his crazy, lovable, meddling neighbors, you can tell yourself you’re not really falling for Diesel Church and the town of Licking Thicket…
But that might be the biggest lie of all.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 27, 2020
942 people are currently reading
1069 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Lennox
94 books4,399 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
November 23, 2020
I started reading this 2nd story in the "Licking Thicket" series immediately upon finishing (and adoring) the first book.
Right from the start, I loved both Parrish and Diesel, which was a good sign for this story also getting that Goodreads 5-star rating.
[Diesel]
This book contained a whole lot of the magic that I found present in book 1, as the guys secretly pined after one another, while not feeling worthy.
[Parrish]
This continued riiiiiiiiight up until the meeting with the Big Fancy Lawyers, after which a lot of that *spark* just kinda fizzled. Not completely, but it felt like the tone of the romance changed drastically, to me at least.
My very favorite parts of the story were where the wacky townsfolk let their twisted selves run free, being both weird as fuck and lovable in equal measure.
“Dear God. Remind me not to judge the apple bobbing again next year. Those ankle-biters are violent. The Nutter kid made apple bobbing into a full-contact sport. He was soaked to the gills. But damn if he didn’t get the biggest apple on the first try.”My next favorite parts were those where Parrish would have his long-winded, mostly one-sided chats with Miss Sara. Yeah, *both* "Miss Sara's", which I found to be pretty hilarious.
“Moist but majestic?” Dunn gaped at me for a minute, then frowned and nodded.
“Huh. You know, it actually kinda was.”
My very *least* favorite part was the authors' practice of using the phrase "Baby Girl" every time I blinked. Whenever I hear someone saying that, I think of the monologuing parts of early 2000 rap videos and it sets my teeth on edge.
And yeah, not to be sexist, "Baby Boy" also has the same cringey effect. Hard pass, stop it. I've never heard a gay guy say it in real life, and having lived in the South, San Francisco, and San Diego, let's just say that I've known a whole lotta gay guys.
I really enjoyed the scene at Family Court, even if I did see The Big Surprise coming from a mile away. It was so sweet and uplifting that I got suckered in completely.
In regards to the epilogue, I found it to be kind of blah and somewhat more of a prologue for Dunn's upcoming book, instead of really further cementing the relationship between Parrish and Diesel.
Overall, I'd rate this one at around 3.75 stars, so still very good, but not quite hitting amazing territory the way that book 1 did so easily for me.
-----------------------------------------------
This book is *FREE* with Kindle Unlimited membership.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
-----------------------------------------------
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 23, 2020
Liars is book two in the Licking Thicket series by Lucy Lennox and May Archer. I fell madly in love with the first book in this series, Fakers, and have been waiting on the edge of my seat for more. And here it is!
We first met Diesel Church in book one. We know he owns the salvage yard in Licking Thicket. We know he’s very quiet and private. Diesel came to Licking Thicket as an angry teenager and was taken in by two foster mothers. He’s been there ever since but never quite felt like he belonged. Now Diesel’s life has drastically changed. With the death of his sister, he has become the caregiver of his infant niece, with no idea how to care for a baby. On top of that, he’s being challenged for custody of little Marigold.
Parrish Partridge is the nephew of Beau Partridge that we met in the first book, owner of the Partridge Pit Barbecue chain. Parrish is in Licking Thicket to get their new restaurant up and running. He left a painful relationship behind in Nashville. The first time he ran into Diesel, he was completely bowled over. Not only was this huge tattooed man absolutely gorgeous, he was holding the cutest baby girl he’d ever seen.
Diesel is scared to death that he is going to lose custody of his niece, the only connection he has left to his sister. He is told that he would have a better chance if he could provide a two parent home, so he convinces Parrish to be his fake fiancé, just through the custody case. Of course, Parrish can’t refuse. But a funny thing about pretending, it doesn’t take long until neither involved is pretending any longer.
“Being with Diesel felt a lot like being in the center of a thunderstorm. Wildly exciting, thrilling, but safer than I’d ever been in my whole life.”
Both Diesel and Parrish are wildly attracted to each other, but neither feels worthy of the other. They kept their feelings to themselves, focusing on little Marigold. But both began to see how it could really be, to be a family, to share a life. Dare they hope?
“I’ll do anything to deserve you.”
“You already deserve me.”
These two were adorable together. I particularly enjoyed their practice sessions! I also want to say that I adored them, but at about eighty percent, there was a moment, probably not even a significant moment, but it was THAT moment, when I fell completely in love with them. It will be THAT moment that I’ll think of every time I think about this book.
I loved my trip back to Licking Thicket. I’m completely smitten with this little town and their crazy customs. I can’t wait to see what these two authors come up with next.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
We first met Diesel Church in book one. We know he owns the salvage yard in Licking Thicket. We know he’s very quiet and private. Diesel came to Licking Thicket as an angry teenager and was taken in by two foster mothers. He’s been there ever since but never quite felt like he belonged. Now Diesel’s life has drastically changed. With the death of his sister, he has become the caregiver of his infant niece, with no idea how to care for a baby. On top of that, he’s being challenged for custody of little Marigold.
Parrish Partridge is the nephew of Beau Partridge that we met in the first book, owner of the Partridge Pit Barbecue chain. Parrish is in Licking Thicket to get their new restaurant up and running. He left a painful relationship behind in Nashville. The first time he ran into Diesel, he was completely bowled over. Not only was this huge tattooed man absolutely gorgeous, he was holding the cutest baby girl he’d ever seen.
Diesel is scared to death that he is going to lose custody of his niece, the only connection he has left to his sister. He is told that he would have a better chance if he could provide a two parent home, so he convinces Parrish to be his fake fiancé, just through the custody case. Of course, Parrish can’t refuse. But a funny thing about pretending, it doesn’t take long until neither involved is pretending any longer.
“Being with Diesel felt a lot like being in the center of a thunderstorm. Wildly exciting, thrilling, but safer than I’d ever been in my whole life.”
Both Diesel and Parrish are wildly attracted to each other, but neither feels worthy of the other. They kept their feelings to themselves, focusing on little Marigold. But both began to see how it could really be, to be a family, to share a life. Dare they hope?
“I’ll do anything to deserve you.”
“You already deserve me.”
These two were adorable together. I particularly enjoyed their practice sessions! I also want to say that I adored them, but at about eighty percent, there was a moment, probably not even a significant moment, but it was THAT moment, when I fell completely in love with them. It will be THAT moment that I’ll think of every time I think about this book.
I loved my trip back to Licking Thicket. I’m completely smitten with this little town and their crazy customs. I can’t wait to see what these two authors come up with next.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
March 27, 2021
Audiobook and Story - 3 stars
This was too sweet. Sugar coma inducing candy coated sweetness.
The characters were likable and too cute. I liked Diesel and Parrish enough to make it to the end.
I felt like this was 2 guys and a baby comedy, there were some lol moments that kept me entertained.
Diesel was a huge sweet, animal loving Teddy bear. 🐻 Parrish was a sweetheart. I liked them.
There were way too many characters.
Overall it was cute and enjoyable, just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes sweet and sappy is all you need. And this was it.
This was too sweet. Sugar coma inducing candy coated sweetness.
The characters were likable and too cute. I liked Diesel and Parrish enough to make it to the end.
I felt like this was 2 guys and a baby comedy, there were some lol moments that kept me entertained.
Diesel was a huge sweet, animal loving Teddy bear. 🐻 Parrish was a sweetheart. I liked them.
There were way too many characters.
Overall it was cute and enjoyable, just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes sweet and sappy is all you need. And this was it.
November 10, 2020
~4.5~
I read Liars in one sitting (a rarity for me these days) and enjoyed it immensely. Any book that can make me not only laugh out loud but feel all warm & gooey inside is a book worth reading.
Both Diesel and Parrish are so dang lovable. Diesel is all burly and tatted up, but he is a walking teddy bear who loves his chickens, grows his own veggies, and wants to take care of his 9-month-old niece Marigold (left in his care after his sister passes away).
Diesel hasn't had an easy life, what with his parents dying when he was a young teen, but he's made the best of it and now runs a successful business. The problem is that Diesel doesn't think he fits in. He doesn't think he's smart or worthy.
Parrish has been burned before. Born into a wealthy family, Parrish has had the support of his parents and aunt and uncle from day 1. He knows he's lucky, and he accepts himself in all his geeky glory. But falling for another guy with a kid? That's a no. Parrish loves kids and can't handle the heartbreak again.
Licking Thicket has other plans for these two, however, and they basically fall into each other's laps.
Parrish (after much hand wringing) agrees to pretend to be Diesel's fiance so Diesel can win custody of Marigold, but the lying lasts a Vegas minute. Parrish and Diesel get on super well, even if Diesel won't admit he's a vegetarian (what with Parrish bringing him a chicken apology casserole).
Unfortunately, neither man can get it into his fool head that he is good enough and deserves all the love. The lack of communication doesn't last long though. The MCs are HAWT AF together, and the steamy times did not disappoint.
The last 20 percent was slightly frantic, and I don't think the twist with Miss Sara (the human, not the chicken) was necessary, but the ending has all the feels and sweetness. I can forgive a lot when a book makes me smile as much as this one did.
Liars can be read as a standalone, but why miss out on all the lickin' and bobbin' fun? I am impatiently waiting for Dunn and Tucker's story next. The title is Idiots, which seems about right for those two.
I read Liars in one sitting (a rarity for me these days) and enjoyed it immensely. Any book that can make me not only laugh out loud but feel all warm & gooey inside is a book worth reading.
Both Diesel and Parrish are so dang lovable. Diesel is all burly and tatted up, but he is a walking teddy bear who loves his chickens, grows his own veggies, and wants to take care of his 9-month-old niece Marigold (left in his care after his sister passes away).
Diesel hasn't had an easy life, what with his parents dying when he was a young teen, but he's made the best of it and now runs a successful business. The problem is that Diesel doesn't think he fits in. He doesn't think he's smart or worthy.
Parrish has been burned before. Born into a wealthy family, Parrish has had the support of his parents and aunt and uncle from day 1. He knows he's lucky, and he accepts himself in all his geeky glory. But falling for another guy with a kid? That's a no. Parrish loves kids and can't handle the heartbreak again.
Licking Thicket has other plans for these two, however, and they basically fall into each other's laps.
Parrish (after much hand wringing) agrees to pretend to be Diesel's fiance so Diesel can win custody of Marigold, but the lying lasts a Vegas minute. Parrish and Diesel get on super well, even if Diesel won't admit he's a vegetarian (what with Parrish bringing him a chicken apology casserole).
Unfortunately, neither man can get it into his fool head that he is good enough and deserves all the love. The lack of communication doesn't last long though. The MCs are HAWT AF together, and the steamy times did not disappoint.
The last 20 percent was slightly frantic, and I don't think the twist with Miss Sara (the human, not the chicken) was necessary, but the ending has all the feels and sweetness. I can forgive a lot when a book makes me smile as much as this one did.
Liars can be read as a standalone, but why miss out on all the lickin' and bobbin' fun? I am impatiently waiting for Dunn and Tucker's story next. The title is Idiots, which seems about right for those two.
October 20, 2020
I want to live in Licking Thicket so bad. This series from Lucy Lennox and May Archer is just joy in book form.
There's something about small towns, and I live in one so I know that feeling, that brings a unique sense of warmth and comfort.
Things aren't quite as madcap crazy as they were in book one, but there's still that wonderful humour and connection between all the town regulars that ties it firmly into this series.
Diesel and Parrish might have started off as a fake relationship, but it didn't last long.
They were utterly perfect for each other and while there's an element of 'lack of communication' in the plot, it comes out of a genuine lack of confidence in themselves rather than lack of faith in the other.
I love it when a book puts a smile on my face and that's what this one did. It would make a fantastic TV series in the best comedic way, with such a brilliant set of characters and sense of place.
The plot never runs away with itself, it never gets overly dramatic, it's centred firmly on the two men and their dawning awareness of their feelings.
Is it always realistic, possibly not, but I don't actually care because it totally works in this setting 😁
I can't wait for the next two books!
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
There's something about small towns, and I live in one so I know that feeling, that brings a unique sense of warmth and comfort.
Things aren't quite as madcap crazy as they were in book one, but there's still that wonderful humour and connection between all the town regulars that ties it firmly into this series.
Diesel and Parrish might have started off as a fake relationship, but it didn't last long.
They were utterly perfect for each other and while there's an element of 'lack of communication' in the plot, it comes out of a genuine lack of confidence in themselves rather than lack of faith in the other.
I love it when a book puts a smile on my face and that's what this one did. It would make a fantastic TV series in the best comedic way, with such a brilliant set of characters and sense of place.
The plot never runs away with itself, it never gets overly dramatic, it's centred firmly on the two men and their dawning awareness of their feelings.
Is it always realistic, possibly not, but I don't actually care because it totally works in this setting 😁
I can't wait for the next two books!
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
June 21, 2021
2,5 stars
I really had fun with book 1, but unfortunately book 2 left me scratching my head.
While I quite enjoyed floundering, flustering Parrish and Diesel’s big brooding presence, there is too much that put me off:
.) Serious sweetness alert – there is a lot of sugar going round, and not only to describe the MCs or wee Marigold.
.) OTT mutual appreciation alert: Parrish and Diesel are certainly not holding back to tell each other how they are the ‘most amazing, most wonderful, kindest, sweetest’, etc guy they’d ever met!
.) Baby overload alert. The constant gushing from pretty much everyone over the ‘precious’ girl caused some eye-rolls after a little while. But then, it’s clear from the blurb that a baby is at the centre of the plot, so I shouldn’t really moan.
.) The surreal plot: I enjoyed the start, but the constant ‘I’m not good enough for him’, Parrish’s pathological need to apologize (for no reason) and coincidences galore started grating on my nerves eventually. I actually started skimming at 80%.
.) I found Parrish and Diesel’s voices strangely similar.
.) There’s a huge amount of characters around.
Although I do appreciate some comic relief and fluffiness at the moment, this felt like a hefty overdose of sweetness.
Saying that - that’s me. I’m sure many people will see this book in a completely different light!
I really had fun with book 1, but unfortunately book 2 left me scratching my head.
While I quite enjoyed floundering, flustering Parrish and Diesel’s big brooding presence, there is too much that put me off:
.) Serious sweetness alert – there is a lot of sugar going round, and not only to describe the MCs or wee Marigold.
.) OTT mutual appreciation alert: Parrish and Diesel are certainly not holding back to tell each other how they are the ‘most amazing, most wonderful, kindest, sweetest’, etc guy they’d ever met!
.) Baby overload alert. The constant gushing from pretty much everyone over the ‘precious’ girl caused some eye-rolls after a little while. But then, it’s clear from the blurb that a baby is at the centre of the plot, so I shouldn’t really moan.
.) The surreal plot: I enjoyed the start, but the constant ‘I’m not good enough for him’, Parrish’s pathological need to apologize (for no reason) and coincidences galore started grating on my nerves eventually. I actually started skimming at 80%.
.) I found Parrish and Diesel’s voices strangely similar.
.) There’s a huge amount of characters around.
Although I do appreciate some comic relief and fluffiness at the moment, this felt like a hefty overdose of sweetness.
Saying that - that’s me. I’m sure many people will see this book in a completely different light!
November 3, 2020
I enjoyed this one much more than the first. Parrish and Diesel are really sweet together and they have great chemistry and heat. I had a smile on my face for much of the story and will be looking forward to the next one.
November 6, 2020
3.5 Stars!
Not sure why but it took me forever to finish this one. Didn't quite grab me like the first book. Still lots of positives:
**funny
**feel good
**entertaining
**likable main characters
**good steam
**no over-the-top drama
Negatives for me: the pacing didn't move along quite like it did in book 1. I thought both Diesel and Parrish were both in their heads too much with the repetitive thoughts of not being good enough for each other.
But I enjoyed all of the Licking Thicket residents (chickens included) and I am looking forward to Tucker and Dunn's story. Idiots is definitely an appropriate title. :)
Not sure why but it took me forever to finish this one. Didn't quite grab me like the first book. Still lots of positives:
**funny
**feel good
**entertaining
**likable main characters
**good steam
**no over-the-top drama
Negatives for me: the pacing didn't move along quite like it did in book 1. I thought both Diesel and Parrish were both in their heads too much with the repetitive thoughts of not being good enough for each other.
But I enjoyed all of the Licking Thicket residents (chickens included) and I am looking forward to Tucker and Dunn's story. Idiots is definitely an appropriate title. :)
February 6, 2022
It bored me.
Even with all the craziness of The Thicket characters, this book dragged for me.
Let’s blame it on the OTT sweetness
And on the baby angle
I’m not a fan of babies in books
So I’m blaming me and not the book
Audiobook: listen to Michael Dean do the same voices he does for every audiobook.
Even with all the craziness of The Thicket characters, this book dragged for me.
Let’s blame it on the OTT sweetness
And on the baby angle
I’m not a fan of babies in books
So I’m blaming me and not the book
Audiobook: listen to Michael Dean do the same voices he does for every audiobook.
September 3, 2022
It's funny...When I started the first book in this series, I never would have guessed that I would enjoy them so much. BUT...I did.
Just as in the first story, they are over the top. The entire town should be 'too much'.
And yet, I smiled and chuckled all the way to the end.
Parrish and Diesel are an unlikely and adorable couple.
I loved their fake relationship.
Parrish has a mouth that just won't quit.
Diesel has a heart too big for his body.
Their story was fun and FULL.
I can't wait for the next set of giggles this series is sure to bring!
Just as in the first story, they are over the top. The entire town should be 'too much'.
And yet, I smiled and chuckled all the way to the end.
Parrish and Diesel are an unlikely and adorable couple.
I loved their fake relationship.
Parrish has a mouth that just won't quit.
Diesel has a heart too big for his body.
Their story was fun and FULL.
I can't wait for the next set of giggles this series is sure to bring!
Read
October 28, 2020There’s a point in my life where I have to admit that Lucy Lennox isn’t for me.
I enjoyed what I read of this. 55% or so. I legitimately don’t have the attention span to EVER finish a Lennox book. I think the last (five?) have been DNF’s for me.
I liked it fine. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. Great writing. The characters were fine.
It was all perfectly splendid.
I’m a huge fan of small southern town stories. I love quirky characters and the double innuendos. Gossipy old ladies who pry into everyone’s business. That shit is my bread and butter.
But it has to be done in a certain way for me to enjoy it.
Also, I have a problem with partners calling each other “baby.” That’s just a personal thing, it icks me out. You’d think with how much daddy kink and BDSM I read this would be nothing, but I can never seem to get past it when they use this term of endearment CONSTANTLY.
This felt like a carbon copy of another Lennox book I read. With the baby, and the custody, and the nosy friends and family...
It just doesn’t work for me.
I loved the IDEA of Diesel. I loved the IDEA of Parrish. Some parts made me very happy and smiley, but I’m a very picky girl. It just isn’t holding my interest.
The first book in the series didn’t really hold my interest either. Like I said, there’s nothing WRONG with it. Take it for what it is: entertainment.
Off Plan by May Archer (who co-authored this, where was her style??) is a perfect example of a small town romance that I super duper loved with my whole heart.
This was just...meh?
I enjoyed what I read of this. 55% or so. I legitimately don’t have the attention span to EVER finish a Lennox book. I think the last (five?) have been DNF’s for me.
I liked it fine. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. Great writing. The characters were fine.
It was all perfectly splendid.
I’m a huge fan of small southern town stories. I love quirky characters and the double innuendos. Gossipy old ladies who pry into everyone’s business. That shit is my bread and butter.
But it has to be done in a certain way for me to enjoy it.
Also, I have a problem with partners calling each other “baby.” That’s just a personal thing, it icks me out. You’d think with how much daddy kink and BDSM I read this would be nothing, but I can never seem to get past it when they use this term of endearment CONSTANTLY.
This felt like a carbon copy of another Lennox book I read. With the baby, and the custody, and the nosy friends and family...
It just doesn’t work for me.
I loved the IDEA of Diesel. I loved the IDEA of Parrish. Some parts made me very happy and smiley, but I’m a very picky girl. It just isn’t holding my interest.
The first book in the series didn’t really hold my interest either. Like I said, there’s nothing WRONG with it. Take it for what it is: entertainment.
Off Plan by May Archer (who co-authored this, where was her style??) is a perfect example of a small town romance that I super duper loved with my whole heart.
This was just...meh?
November 15, 2020
It was ok. I think. Nothing like the first book though.
August 1, 2021
single dad romance! Yeah, I'm all here for it!
RTC
RTC
January 21, 2022
4 Sweet fake relationship stars!! ❤️😍 I loved this story.. yes it was a little predictable and yes there were some silly humor and too many extra characters… but that’s what I expected from LL, so I was not surprised. If you’re looking for a low-angst, fun rom-com then this is it… Highly recommended!! 👍🏻👍🏻
October 29, 2020
3.5 stars
Second half was better.
Second half was better.
May 26, 2023
3.25 stars
This was a funny, sweet read and I liked it but not as much as book 1. I loved Diesel, the tattooed junkyard-owning gruff softie fighting to get custody of his niece. Parrish, the grandson of a franchise owner of barbecue restaurants, was all right but I didn’t love him. I found his supposedly cute tics—silly sayings and stream of consciousness—annoying. It was fun seeing Mal and Brooks, Ava and Beau again. I especially enjoyed:
— Diesel taking care of Marigold
— the chickens (so cute)
— clueless Dunn’s feelings for Tucker
— zany Licking Thicket
This was a funny, sweet read and I liked it but not as much as book 1. I loved Diesel, the tattooed junkyard-owning gruff softie fighting to get custody of his niece. Parrish, the grandson of a franchise owner of barbecue restaurants, was all right but I didn’t love him. I found his supposedly cute tics—silly sayings and stream of consciousness—annoying. It was fun seeing Mal and Brooks, Ava and Beau again. I especially enjoyed:
— Diesel taking care of Marigold
— the chickens (so cute)
— clueless Dunn’s feelings for Tucker
— zany Licking Thicket
December 12, 2020
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“But then… there he was. Like a rainbow after a storm. Like finding the promised land after wandering around alone in the desert.”
“What would make you happy right now?”
“You. I just want to be with you.”
December 2, 2020
4 Stars 🌟
Awe this was a little bit more emotional than I was expecting. This series so far has been super entertaining and this one is no expection. Two men with hearts of gold and a baby in a town full of fun quirky characters what more could I want to get me out of my never ending 2020 book funk.
Loved these Boys & baby Marigold so much 💕💕
Awe this was a little bit more emotional than I was expecting. This series so far has been super entertaining and this one is no expection. Two men with hearts of gold and a baby in a town full of fun quirky characters what more could I want to get me out of my never ending 2020 book funk.
Loved these Boys & baby Marigold so much 💕💕
December 4, 2020
2.5 sigh
March 2, 2024
Cute series, a lot of small town vibes review to come
November 3, 2020
4.25 stars from me. Two MC's with hearts of gold who have been treated badly in the past. Loved Miss Sara [both the judge and the chicken 🐔] and yes, in many ways, it's just as silly as the previous story BUT the townsfolk are adorable, and when Diesel needs a helping hand, they are there for him all the way.
November 3, 2020
Hm, what can I say - I'm still a bit on a sugar rush so I liked the first book better.
March 1, 2023
This was entertaining but beyond frustrating!
Parrish and Diesel never just talk to each other, they just make assumptions based on how they think the other person is thinking, but they both want the exact same thing! I wanted to knock their heads together for the majority of the book!
It also really made me crave barbecue, but it's not our one day of summer in England for a few months yet!
Parrish and Diesel never just talk to each other, they just make assumptions based on how they think the other person is thinking, but they both want the exact same thing! I wanted to knock their heads together for the majority of the book!
It also really made me crave barbecue, but it's not our one day of summer in England for a few months yet!
October 29, 2020
Overall a fun, sweet second installment in this adorable rom-com series.
If you recall, at the end of the first book, Beau's nephew Parrish and Diesel, the junkyard owner who Brooks got jealous of, literally ran into each other at Mal's booth and were adorably flustered around each other.
In the opening scene we see why, as these two met briefly before then. There is instant attraction and a connection, and also...a baby, Marigold.
Turns out, Diesel's sister died and left him with his niece, except his sister, after their parents died, lived with different people than him, this rich couple, who wants Marigold in their custody, and so Diesel is in the middle of a custody battle with them.
And Parrish, we learn, has a past with an ex where he fell for the children he had, but the guy was an asshole who hurt him and Parrish found he cared more about the children than the guy.
Parrish has always wanted to be a parent, but his recent brush with almost being a parent has left him guarded and weary. Although he can't help but fall for Marigold almost immediately.
And when Diesel's lawyer lists of ways he'll look better to the judge deciding custody, one of them is being married, and when Parrish shows up at Diesel's - Parrish said some. things in their run in and feels he owes Diesel an apology, with a casserole - Diesel feels desperate and calls Parrish his fiance.
Thus, they begin fake dating, although the "fake" part doesn't last that long. But they continue to lie - eh eh *wink* *wink* - to themselves about how they feel and how the other feels, and are both so sure their relationship, fake or not, has an end date. Meanwhile they continue to fall for each other.
I enjoyed this one. These two were cute and sweet and were amazing with Marigold. I do think the chemistry could have been a little better, but overall it was good between them, and the sex scenes could have packed more of a punch, but in the end I didn't mind too much about that.
The thing that made me give this one star off was near the end when
But, despite that big niggle...this was sweet and funny and enjoyable and the ending was cute and suitably adorable, and a nice set up for the next couple.
So overall a good story with a good couple...just could have been even better, in my opinion.
If you recall, at the end of the first book, Beau's nephew Parrish and Diesel, the junkyard owner who Brooks got jealous of, literally ran into each other at Mal's booth and were adorably flustered around each other.
In the opening scene we see why, as these two met briefly before then. There is instant attraction and a connection, and also...a baby, Marigold.
Turns out, Diesel's sister died and left him with his niece, except his sister, after their parents died, lived with different people than him, this rich couple, who wants Marigold in their custody, and so Diesel is in the middle of a custody battle with them.
And Parrish, we learn, has a past with an ex where he fell for the children he had, but the guy was an asshole who hurt him and Parrish found he cared more about the children than the guy.
Parrish has always wanted to be a parent, but his recent brush with almost being a parent has left him guarded and weary. Although he can't help but fall for Marigold almost immediately.
And when Diesel's lawyer lists of ways he'll look better to the judge deciding custody, one of them is being married, and when Parrish shows up at Diesel's - Parrish said some. things in their run in and feels he owes Diesel an apology, with a casserole - Diesel feels desperate and calls Parrish his fiance.
Thus, they begin fake dating, although the "fake" part doesn't last that long. But they continue to lie - eh eh *wink* *wink* - to themselves about how they feel and how the other feels, and are both so sure their relationship, fake or not, has an end date. Meanwhile they continue to fall for each other.
I enjoyed this one. These two were cute and sweet and were amazing with Marigold. I do think the chemistry could have been a little better, but overall it was good between them, and the sex scenes could have packed more of a punch, but in the end I didn't mind too much about that.
The thing that made me give this one star off was near the end when
But, despite that big niggle...this was sweet and funny and enjoyable and the ending was cute and suitably adorable, and a nice set up for the next couple.
So overall a good story with a good couple...just could have been even better, in my opinion.
April 6, 2021
This series is a hoot ! Love it !
Diesel has become a father, from his sister, Beth, who died, and her darling girl, Marigold, 9 months is Diesel's in her will.
Businessman Diesel is a mountain of a man,
tattooed, with light brown hair, and he melted Parrish's heart when Diesel began to sing to the sweet baby.
The next thing we know, Parrish
is being called Diesel's fiancé ! is also is opening another arm of Partridge Pit BBQ restaurants in Licking Thicket.
Diesel runs a junk yard, loves his little girl, and helps the community, but a custody lawsuit is something he thinks he's lose.
This series is full of fun, twists and turns, snarky banter and hilarious goofiness at times. The town is always having festivals and other group activities. It's a tight knit bunch of crazy, well meaning characters.
Diesel and Parrish (about 30) are pretending to be engaged, but in reality, they are not pretending. These guys truly like each other. Hot sexy times are in the works, and the plot gets deeper as time moves on.
There are chickens to talk to, a chicken casserole, and the "bobbing" as well as the beautifying bikers, play dates, and family galore.
Truths and histories are told, decisions made, and the goal is for a true family to develop.
Lovely story, terrific writing, and a soul filled, heartwarming conclusion.
Love this fantastic tale! Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
=====
Diesel has become a father, from his sister, Beth, who died, and her darling girl, Marigold, 9 months is Diesel's in her will.
Businessman Diesel is a mountain of a man,
tattooed, with light brown hair, and he melted Parrish's heart when Diesel began to sing to the sweet baby.
The next thing we know, Parrish
is being called Diesel's fiancé ! is also is opening another arm of Partridge Pit BBQ restaurants in Licking Thicket.
Diesel runs a junk yard, loves his little girl, and helps the community, but a custody lawsuit is something he thinks he's lose.
This series is full of fun, twists and turns, snarky banter and hilarious goofiness at times. The town is always having festivals and other group activities. It's a tight knit bunch of crazy, well meaning characters.
Diesel and Parrish (about 30) are pretending to be engaged, but in reality, they are not pretending. These guys truly like each other. Hot sexy times are in the works, and the plot gets deeper as time moves on.
There are chickens to talk to, a chicken casserole, and the "bobbing" as well as the beautifying bikers, play dates, and family galore.
Truths and histories are told, decisions made, and the goal is for a true family to develop.
Lovely story, terrific writing, and a soul filled, heartwarming conclusion.
Love this fantastic tale! Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
=====
February 27, 2024
So I liked the first book in this series but I LOVED this one. I never highlight quotes when I’m reading, but from like page three in this one my finger couldn’t help itself, as I just knew I’d want to revisit some favorites; and the whole book continued in the same vein. But while this book was funny, it was so much more as we definitely got to see the relationship develop and it was absolutely beautiful and emotional. (Did I cry at one point? Yes, yes I did and I’m not ashamed). I just absolutely loved kind of awkward, always talking to himself, full of love Parrish; and I just absolutely adored big tattooed but sweet cinnamon roll, not ever realizing his amazing self worth, Diesel and just thought they were perfect for each other and for baby Marigold. Licking Thicket was just as crazy as always, but it’s such an utterly charming town and the people in it really do pull out all the stops for their own (I grew up in a small town and it was NOT like this-except for the cows- and I want a redo). So there you have it, I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with fictional chickens! And I highly highly recommend this book.
December 21, 2020
I enjoyed this book, although not as much as the first one. Licking Thicket and all the crazy town folks are just so much fun. And I loved Parrish and Diesel. I don’t know I got kind of tired of the uncertainty they seemed to feel. It just took away from the book for me. I loved the epilogue.
Read
January 16, 2021Dnf @ 30%
Too sunny for me. My dark heart is not vibing with it.
Too sunny for me. My dark heart is not vibing with it.
June 6, 2022
Again, an almost entirely drama free, sweet story about an unlikely pair that could only have gotten their HEA in a place like Licking Thicket.
So yes, dear reader, while this is about Parrish (Beau’s slightly dorky nephew) and Diesel (the tattooed grumpy owner of a junk yard), these books are more about the entire setting (and the secondary characters) for me.
Is it realistic? No, but who cares. Diesel, who’s trying to get custody for his niece after the death of his sister, needs a fiancé to make him look more respectable. And nobody’s a better fit for this role than Parrish, whom he can’t seen to be able to stop thinking about. Luckily, the same can be said about Parrish, who’s adorable habit to talk to himself made me laugh more than once.
So yes, it’s a slightly kitschy grumpy/sunshine pairing, but I enjoyed myself reading it, and I loved meeting again a lot of characters we’ve already met in the previous book.
And even if I know it’s all OTT, it’s almost like we all know a Miss Sara, or an Amos Nutter, or an Ava and a Paul in real life.
As to Parrish and Diesel: I loved how perfect they were for each other, and that - once they got their relationship going - never once doubted each other. And sometimes that’s all you need and want in a book.
3.5 stars, generously rounded up because I feel that my world needs more uncomplicated sweetness right now 😊
So yes, dear reader, while this is about Parrish (Beau’s slightly dorky nephew) and Diesel (the tattooed grumpy owner of a junk yard), these books are more about the entire setting (and the secondary characters) for me.
Is it realistic? No, but who cares. Diesel, who’s trying to get custody for his niece after the death of his sister, needs a fiancé to make him look more respectable. And nobody’s a better fit for this role than Parrish, whom he can’t seen to be able to stop thinking about. Luckily, the same can be said about Parrish, who’s adorable habit to talk to himself made me laugh more than once.
So yes, it’s a slightly kitschy grumpy/sunshine pairing, but I enjoyed myself reading it, and I loved meeting again a lot of characters we’ve already met in the previous book.
And even if I know it’s all OTT, it’s almost like we all know a Miss Sara, or an Amos Nutter, or an Ava and a Paul in real life.
As to Parrish and Diesel: I loved how perfect they were for each other, and that - once they got their relationship going - never once doubted each other. And sometimes that’s all you need and want in a book.
3.5 stars, generously rounded up because I feel that my world needs more uncomplicated sweetness right now 😊
October 28, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
The fake relationship trope seems to be everywhere these days and it’s not one I usually gravitate towards. Often, as this title suggests, there is a fair amount of lying that goes along with this trope and that’s not my thing. Having read Fakers, which was the first book that took place in the Licking Thicket series, I was interested in returning to the town and seeing what was going on. This book does build off of the first one with town antics, as well as cameos from other MCs, and I always feel these books read best in order for the full picture.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
The fake relationship trope seems to be everywhere these days and it’s not one I usually gravitate towards. Often, as this title suggests, there is a fair amount of lying that goes along with this trope and that’s not my thing. Having read Fakers, which was the first book that took place in the Licking Thicket series, I was interested in returning to the town and seeing what was going on. This book does build off of the first one with town antics, as well as cameos from other MCs, and I always feel these books read best in order for the full picture.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews