Happenstance

Love You Madly

by Matilda Martel

Everything happens for a reason. My mother taught me that.

No one is here by chance, and when your path collides with the right person at the right time, you know it.

I wasn't supposed to be in Vegas, but my buddy needed me.

I shouldn't have been at that hotel bar, but a gnawing feeling led me to it.

One look at Willow Munro, and I knew I'd found the one girl meant for me.

Explosive chemistry and instant love lead us to the altar.

But when the dust settles, my girl has doubts.

She didn't grow up believing in love. She doesn't trust anything this good lasts forever.

But I believe enough for the both of us.

We didn't meet by chance.

It wasn't happenstance. It was fate.

I was always meant to find my Willow.

And we were always meant to fall in love.

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2022

About the author

Matilda is a Texas girl in love with a Philly boy who loves to write dirty books about two people who trip into love and fumble their way into a Filthy, Funny, Happily Ever After.

I live in Austin, with my husband, two crazy Chihuahuas and an even crazier cat. And I spend most of my day writing dirty romance books about older men who fall in love with younger women and make fools of themselves trying to win their hearts.

If you love Dark Romance, you’ve come to the wrong place. I don’t like dark heroes.

I like my hero to be successful, sweet, suave, sophisticated and kind--- and then I want him to lose all his composure and game when he meets the heroine. I want him to turn into a bumbling idiot when he spots the girl of his dreams and revert to a teenage boy in a man’s body trying to win her.

I like my heroines to be witty, intelligent, and unshakeable---who could do just as well without a man—until the hero convinces her otherwise.

I write A LOT OF AGE GAP--because I LOVE AGE GAP ROMANCE. I’ve got no other excuse for it.

No matter what kind of story it is, my ladies are ADORED, and my endings are always Happily EVER AFTER, not HFN.

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Reviews

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I love a lot of books this author has written so it pains me to write this review but unfortunately she chose to write a heroine who spread her legs for another man, chose to let that man crawl between her legs and shove his cock into her body, grunting and heaving and sweating all over her, breaking her in, taking her innocence and FOREVER severing the connection that comes from the hero being given the honor of that gift. A part of her will ALWAYS belong to another man, the memory of her first time will ALWAYS be of another. And that special and unique bond of giving oneself exclusively to ones soulmate is gone forever. Fuck that shit. So I’m out.

#Sorry,NOTsorry

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

InstaLove reading goodness right here! Lawson is an uber sexy, suit wearing, bad boy and Willow is the lucky woman who gets to enjoy that, over and over again! They meet in Vegas and it’s love and lust at first sight. Once the sexy man sets his sights on her, he is all in. The same is true for Willow and together they fall hard and fast for each other. Happenstance is a sexy, read in one naughty sitting, romance novella. I’m giving this bad boy, the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Elizabeth ☕️ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Non virgin heroine, I thought this author was safe… disappointing 😔

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happenstance, Fate, Coincidence it may be a bit of all that have brought Willow and Lawson both to Vegas at the same time. A mutual friend has been attempting a set up for them for months but neither one would take the chance but when they find themselves in the same hotel in Vegas at the bar it is an instant chemistry. Lawson is smart, sexy and true gentleman and is ready to woo the beautiful Willow. Now a rush decision has Willow questioning if her first impression was driven by the moment or is this their true love story !
I fell in love with these characters and their world.
~~Michele McMullen ~~

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a fun and sexy read. I loved Lawson and Willow's story. The fact that they met in Vegas and then found out that they have a mutual friend. Macy, Willow's friends had tried to fix her up with Lawson and Willow turned her down. They also find out that they don't live far from each other. Lawson believes it's more than happenstance that they met. More like fate. Once he spends some time with Willow he is all in. This was a very entertaining read and I loved the HEA and the look into their lives 5 years later.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This After I Do Series so far is amazing each of the books has their own story so they can be read as standalone. Once again fate had taken the wheels of control so be prepared to do what she wants in the time she wants it she isn’t called fate for nothing. Lawson and Willow meet while in Vegas at the bar, getting to know each other discovering they have a friend living in NY who has talked them up to each other, but they kept refusing to hook up. Yep, told you Fate steps in and here they are meeting without their friend bosting them up and the attraction is insanely intense and the more they drink the hotter they are getting for one another. Lawson knew from the moment they met her soul connected to his now to convince her. Yet she isn’t as ready as he is to call him her soulmate she feels the pull each falling fast and hard for one another so deciding to marry well it was spontaneous but also their hearts were sending them in the direction so married but will it be easy or will there be some type of drama, will they trust in their love when they hit a roadblock, and will they find their own HEA?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow is in Vegas for a client. Lawson is in Vegas for a legal matter a friend needed. After they are done with both reasons that brought them to Vegas, they end up meeting at the hotel bar. Willow starts talking to him even though she has never talked to a stranger in a bar before. Then as they talk, they learn that their friends had been trying to fix them up. Lawson knows That Willow is the one for him. Will he be able to convince her to take a chance on him?

This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to an y book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Lawson and Willow's sexy insta-love story. Lawson has come to Vegas for his friends wedding so when he goes to the bar and sees the gorgeous Willow it's love at first sight. They're both shocked when they realize that her friend had been trying to set them up but Willow said no. They find out that they live pretty close to each other too and Lawson doesn't think that they just met by chance he's convinced that it's fate. He knows from the time that they've spent together that he's committed and so is Willow. You really need to read this fun,sexy insta-love story to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a part of the After I Do series and focuses on Lawson and Willow. When Lawson and Willow end up at the same hotel in Las Vegas at the same time, fate steps in. A mutual friend of theirs had been trying to set them up for months and they both had been refusing, but they both felt the intense connection at first sight. Lawson knows pretty quickly that Willow is the soulmate he had been waiting to find for years. They fall hard and fast for each other and get married very quickly. They have a slight bump in the road but thankfully they don’t let it get in the way for too long. This was a great story and a great addition to the series!

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully romantic! The dialogue between Lawson and Willow sparkles with his southern drawl and her flirtatious responses. This couple is charming from start to finish. His positivity about their love and marriage being meant to be was adorable. I found this story impossible to put down, 6 stars for Lawson and Willow!

[Granger McGringot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serendipity! A love that was meant to be. Two strangers met in Vegas and fell for each other at first sight. Two strangers that supposedly met through blind dates aeons ago but didn't.

It was a quick-paced story. Both landed with burning passions for each other from the first get-go. But I liked how the author made it just not about the lust but also how they found out about each other; how different their jobs and life but longing for the same things. Plus, the alpha was sorta determined to get the h no matter what. Nothing was sexier than a man who know exactly what he want.

No virgin
No condoms
OTT instalove
Dual PoV, 1st person
No drama/angst
No cheating
Safe read, HEA, epilogue
Overall score: 3.5 instalove stars

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this short over-the-top instalove story. It was entertaining and enjoyable. The characters were interesting and likable. When Lawson and Willow met, they were both instantly attracted to the other. As they got to know each other they each decided that it was love but felt that they couldn't express that as it was too early. Trying to refrain from telling each other how they felt was too much for them so they told each other. Lawson was positive about their relationship the whole time. He was all-in and wasn't afraid to say so. Willow thought she was all-in but she let other people's opinions get in her head and make her doubt her feelings. There was a little bit of angst but it resolved quickly. I loved their happy ever after. I recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happenstance is a fast tale of Lawson and Willow, who meet in Vegas but soon find out that that have mutual friends that have been trying to set the up for a while. This is a great read that has a few up and down moments and past insecurities almost stop their chance before it starts.

Lawson is a good lawyer, but when it comes to his heart, he finds it hard to trust himself. Willow wants love, but she feels that she is not good enough for anyone. Together Lawson and Willow have an electric chemistry and a pull that is felt the moment they walk in the room.

This is a perfect story to get lost in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Lawson and Willow. Lawson believes in fate. Being in the right place, at the right time and meeting the right person. For him that person is Willow who ends up at the same hotel in Vegas as he does. It seems that a friend of theirs has been trying to get them together for months. Lawson knows right away that Willow is for him. He's been waiting years to meet his soulmate. They have an insta connection and get married right away. (Nothing like a Vegas wedding). There are always some hick ups in every relationship but they fix it right away. Great addition to this series.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

While in Vegas for a friend's wedding Lawson and Willow finally meet. Their friends had been trying to get them together for months. From the moment they see each other they knew right away fate brought them together. One night in Vegas turns into an unexpected marriage and a happily ever after. Happenstance is a great addition to the multiauthor After I Do series and I look forward to reading the rest of the books. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!! love this series !!! love Willow and Lawson... this is their story... a fast paced short story.. Lawson believes that everything happens for a reason... fate... never happenstance.... Willow believes that if it's too good to be true.. well... you know... he wasn't supposed to be in Vegas but, here he is... she wasn't supposed to be in this bar but, she is... it's love at first sight... and then marriage... well... they find out that they were supposed to meet earlier... her friend wanted to set them up but, she said no... it's fate... right ?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet OTT romantic instalove story with a sweet HEA and absolutely no drama. Lawson is attending the wedding of an old college friend in Las Vegas and Willow is there because of her work. They meet and instantly fall head over heels for each other 😍😍😍😍 A great love story with sweet characters and no drama❤️❤️❤️

[Holly D · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun, sexy and can we say hello chemistry
the setting of Vegas was fun
the title explains and set up the story
the author is a great writer and telling you a story that pulls you right in
found out that this book is part of a series (After I Do) and cant wait to read them all def. on my TBR list
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, fated and steamy read!
I love that fated moment that Willow in Vegas for work and Lawson for a friend’s wedding is seized by the two of them to spend time together. Yet Lawson’s principle about the marriage bed puts a damper on Willow’s expectations or does it? What’s not to love Lawson’s determination to convince Willow of their HEA!

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Loved this instalove story. Willow met Lawson in a bar in Las Vegas. Neither wanted to be their, both lived in New York. They met by chance and it was love at first sight. There were some bumps in the road towards their HEA. Lawson believed in their love and helped Willow past her deep routed insecurities. Their chemistry was hot and steamy and their love beautiful to be part of. The HEA was amazing

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate takes a hand in having Willow and Lawson meet in Las Vegas, when they have a mutual friend who has been trying to set them up for months in New York. One look and they are both hooked, the dialogue is fast paced and witty. Can they keep this whirlwind romance alive or will they let it fizzle when they are given glimpses of doubt.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cute instalove romance. I loved Lawson, he was my favorite character when he was introduced in Macy and Hunter’s story and I was glad to see him get his own HEA. I liked how they both knew Macy and she had wanted to set them up but they instead had a chance meeting. I didn’t feel like I really got to know Willow that well, but I liked her. This was a really cute story and I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the first book I read where the male wanted to do it right from the start and she couldn't help herself about him and then took the plunge just to get him. . He is sure of her but doubt crept up into her. How would he convince his wife that he is in for the long haul?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awh! I loved reading Willow & Lawson's love at first sight story & couldn't help the smile on my face. This was sweet, romantic, steamy & wonderful characters from the other books. It truly was fate them being in the same place at the same time & them having being tried to set up together by her friend Macy.
This is definately a book & series to read I can't wait for the next book.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is a well-written quick to read instalove romance, Lawson knew the perfect woman for him was nearby when he went to Vegas for a friend's wedding and some legal matters so when he sees Willow sitting at the bar, he knows that woman will be his wife... wonderful story, likable characters.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawson and Willow happen to meet in Las Vegas at a hotel bar. It doesn’t take them long to realize they have a friend in common back in New York who has been trying to set them up for months. One thing leads to another and they fall head over heels for each other giving us a steamy insta love short story.

You can read Happenstance as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading Room Four: Playing with the Big Boys (warning:it is a reverse haram short), then reading Dad Bod Billionaire. These stories are based around a group of 3 best friends and all characters float in and out of all of the books.

I was given this book from the author and I am leaving an honest review.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

Another fun, short romance between 2 people afraid of love. Surprise meeting at a bar in their Las Vegas hotel ignites instant attraction and, surprisingly, they act upon it and marry there. She reacts, feeling inadequate because of her parents, but he perseveres and find their HEA!

[Annabelle Donnelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lawson and Willow meet in Vegas, sparks fly, and before they know it—boom, they’re married. He’s all in, she’s got trust issues, and now they’ve got to figure out if this was a drunken mistake or the best decision of their lives.

This was short, sweet, and spicy—exactly what you want in an 84-page novella. You know the deal: love at first sight, minimal drama, and straight to the good stuff. I don’t read these for realism—I read them to escape, and Happenstance understood the assignment. Was it a little over the top? Absolutely. Did I care? Not even a little. It was fun, it was sexy, and the smut was on point. A perfect little indulgence when you’ve got a couple of free hours and need a quick hit of romance.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawson is an attorney in NY and his college buddy, who just happens to be the head of a mafia family, needs to paperwork drawn up for his wedding. He heads to Las Vegas for the wedding. He slips out during the reception as his friend is wrapped up in his bride and heads to the hotel bar. There he sees her, he knew he would find her some day, the woman of his dreams. When flights back to NY are grounded the end up at a wedding chapel.

Will this be happily ever after or will his girl have second thoughts?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate Takes Over in Vegas

I love Willow and Lawson's love story. Lawson says yes to a friend and goes to the wedding in Vegas. Willow has to work with a client unexpectedly in Vegas. Where a mutual friend failed to set them up, Fate steps in to do the job. Will Lawson get past his emotional past to let happenstance bring him happiness? Can Willow trust that the perfect man has finally shown up in her life? This book has great writing, humor, terrific secondary characters, and sizzling chemistry between Willow and Lawson. This one's definitely a keeper and a great addition to the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.