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Lovers Landing #4

Instead of Happy

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They were meant to be until hate tried to destroy their magical love.

Their families had been intertwined for years and they’d “heard” of one another, but when they met, Lovers Landing put a spell on them like no other.

Sure Jennifer had never been with a woman and Courtney up and moved to Houston to get a teaching job near them, no problem there. Who cares if Jennifer happens to be more than a few years older than Courtney and has two young sons.

Jennifer and her boys were completely enchanted and Courtney couldn’t get enough of them.

When Courtney’s integrity comes under fire they’ll need their Lovers Landing family more than ever. But is this magical love strong enough to battle the evil of hate? And can their family withstand the scrutiny of perception?

336 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2022

92 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Jamey Moody

35 books195 followers
Jamey Moody is a small town Texas girl living her best life with her little terrier Leo, who brings her a toy every time she walks in the house.
When she’s not reading or writing her next sapphic romance you can find her on a bike ride, paddle boarding the lake, or in the middle of an adventure.
Reach out, she’d love to hear from you.

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5 stars
124 (67%)
4 stars
46 (25%)
3 stars
9 (4%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Conny B.
324 reviews52 followers
February 24, 2022
I don’t know if I have the words to express how much I loved this book and what a beautiful love story this is.

After we have met Melanie’s daughter Jennifer in No More Secrets I was hoping that one day she gets her own story. And because Jamey is as wonderful as she is, she fulfilled my (and I suspect many other readers) wish. 😍 It already was hinted that she and Jennifer (Julia’s & Heidi’s daughter) will get together and thank god that’s what happened.

What’s different compared to other stories is that the book starts when they are already together and just start living together with Jennifer’s two boys Mason & Preston. But aside from this difference this book is as beautiful and sweet as all the others. If not even more beautiful. First of all even if they already are together Jamey is able to describe their get together in a way that we feel like we didn’t miss anything.

This book is also so much more. And that’s when the title of the book made so much sense to me. I was actually wondering what was meant with Instead of Happy. When you read this book you will understand. A relationship is so much more than being happy together. What characterises a good relationship are the moments, when not everything is going well. Be it because of not being on the same page or external influence.

No worries we all know Jamey, which means she won’t ever let their characters suffer because of misunderstandings that could have been prevented by talking with each other. It’s the daily problems that can cause trouble as well and that’s exactly what this book is all about. Being a wonderful teacher itself doesn’t prevent Courtney getting a hostile treatment by another teacher and everything that comes afterwards.

But it’s how you decide to tackle these difficulties together as a family. The way they stick together and have each other’s back. You can just feel their deep feelings for each other. I was so happy while I was reading this story. Their family but also their mums and friends of their mums (Tara & Lauren) are so wonderful and the family I always dreamed about. And in the end it’s love that matters because love is never wrong.

So far No More Secrets was my favourite book by Jamey and I think it’s still on first place. But Instead of Happy reached the same level and is now my other favourite book by her. I am witnessing Jamey’s writing journey since book 1 and I‘m in awe how much she has improved since then. Every book I think it’s not possible becoming a bigger fan of hers, but I actually do every time. The way she delivers romance is just wow. I don’t think I know any other author who makes me swoon so often during a book (if not the whole book). Once more my heart was filled with so much love. My heart actually could burst right now. 😍

I wanna end this review with a wish. If you’re a fan or romance novels and haven’t read anything by Jamey, please do. I promise you won’t regret it. Again for me there is no other author who is able to deliver romance like her. And of course if you already love Jamey like I do, you’re on for another wonderful journey. Enjoy every page. 😊

I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lorraine Rusnack.
1,126 reviews33 followers
February 25, 2022
Courtney and Jennifer's story is all about love and family. They may face some challenges because their family may not fit a particular mold that others think it should, but they work together as a family with the love of all those that matter. They have the ability to show others that families can take many forms. This is a fabulous series and I fell in love with all the characters. I wish they could adopt me lol.
Profile Image for Gail.
990 reviews59 followers
March 2, 2022
It is difficult not to be enthusiastic about a new Moody book.
Love and love of family can withstand anything. True love not lust may take just one glance and grow from that.
Courtney and Jennifer's romance is not all smooth sailing and the author does a wonderful job of growing their relationship with Jennifer's sons becoming more and more accepting of Courtney's presence in their Mom's life and (eventually) home. How that love of family is nurtured and spread is pivotal in this book with communication the key. Clear, beautifully written characters warts and all, bring this plot to life. Life has ups and downs, rough patches, times of self-doubt and periods when fear seeps in after so called societal norms are threatened. These circumstances are smoothly mixed into another wonderful romance from Ms. Moody with a Lovers Landing family and I read without pause to the HEA. Highly recommend.

Cleverly written storylines (with bumps in the road) and warm feelings are all part of the Moody experience. Romantics can't go wrong if they pick up one of her books.

I rec'd an ARC from the author however this is a completely voluntary review.
Profile Image for Alicia Reviews.
480 reviews50 followers
March 10, 2022
• Instead of Happy (Lovers Landing Series Book 4)
• Jamey Moody
• Mc Courtney & Jennifer
• Jennifer’s Kids Preston 11 and Mason 9
• Age-gap



Jennifer is 40. She has two boys from a previous marriage.
Preston age 11 and Mason age 9. (Very well written characters) Jennifer has never been with a woman before.

Courtney is in her twenties and she’s a teacher. She truly loves teaching and it shows as she won a best teacher award.

The book opens with Courtney already moved to Houston to be with Jennifer and her boys. She moved to make it easier on Jennifer and finds a job in the school district where they live.
Preston and Mason really love Courtney and want to be one big happy family.

The relationship Courtney and Jennifer have is beautiful. The way they communicate, understand, and hold each other down is something I think most couples strive for. They deal with normal everyday issues as a family with love. You could feel through the pages how much Courtney loved the boys.

What would a story be without some conflict or a character to truly dislike. Courtney does have some conflict with a fellow teacher at school. I think this is a great story line, and it shows how as a family they were able to rise above the situation and make it to the other side.

This is a true real love story. If you are looking for some L-word type drama this is not the book. But, if you need a break from the drama and angst, (I did) this book with make you smile, and put some hope in your heart. It’s real everyday life.


I loved the story Jennifer and Courtney. The passion, understanding and ability to just tackle issues head on draws you in. Preston is such a sweet boy, so kind and so caring.
He was so in tune with both of his mothers. He always wanted to make sure that they were OK. . This is one of the best books I read in a long time. I appreciated the fact that they had a normal, healthy, loving relationship and put focus on their children. I think it was nice to have a book with a LGBTQ+ couple raising a family and facing some everyday issues. This story touched my heart, so much I don’t think I even put it properly into words.


The author wrote a story that is simply amazing. The book is part of The Lovers Landing Series. It can be read as a stand alone.

My favorite quote ““I learned with truth and love, hate can be overcome. Sometimes you have to be patient for the truth to come out and other times you have to be bold and tell it yourself.” -Preston

I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plus Stars
Profile Image for Kaye.
4,321 reviews70 followers
October 7, 2022
I think this is my favorite book of the series. The Lover’s Landing series features couples who are committed early in the book. This is focused on Jennifer and Courtney part of the next generation. Courtney is 27 and a school teacher. Her mom is a co-owner of the Lover’s Landing resort. Jennifer is divorced, approaching forty and has two sons Mason in 2nd grade and Preston in middle school. As the book starts they are already a couple and Courtney is moving and getting a job teaching school near Jennifer. She ends up teaching 5th grade at the Mason's school. What I enjoyed about this story is that is does have some drama. Working in an elementary school I’ve seen that teachers can bully students and other teachers. That aspect made the story more real for me. Of course it going to work to a HEA. One odd note since I read the four book series all in one week is same name, Ruby, is used for a grand daughter for two different families. Maybe the author really likes the name.
254 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2022
Another great story in the Lovers Landing series. Jennifer and Courtney lifes come together. Their connection is so sweet and strong. Jennifer has 2 kids that get along great with Courtney. And I enjoy reconnecting with Kristen, Melanie and the rest of the gang. Just enjoy and get lost in Lovers Landing again. I did receive an ARC, but this is my own review.
538 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2022
Great Story

Jamey Moody always writes stories that leave you feeling happy. Lovers Landing is a wonderful series and I hope many wlw are inspired to create their own safe and loving place. No spoilers but wonderful characters, great humor, and just a wonderful romance
1,253 reviews
February 27, 2022
It's so full of love!

Instead of Happy is a wonderful addition to the Lovers Landing series and rejoins the reader with all our favorite characters and family members from the previous books. This is Jennifer and Courtney's story and starts out with them already together which is a change from most romance books. I really enjoyed how Jamey set up this story. In addition, there is no conflict between the leads. It comes from another teacher where Courtney has found a new job, but in this story the family works together to tackle these issues with dignity and pride. As a teacher, I loved the setting. As a reader, I loved the plots. As a woman, I loved the writing.

Jamey writes in a language of love - through both words and actions. While "Jennifer and Courtney's relationship was built on love, respect and passion," the relationship between Jennifer's sons, Preston and Mason, and Courtney is truly loving and undeniably priceless. The children were always made to feel like they were important and truly mattered. I think my heart made extra beats with every mention of their familial bond. I cannot say enough about how Jamey's writing makes me "feel." I encourage all readers to invest in this series for Jamey Moody is sure to bring light and love into your life. Brava, Jamey!
Profile Image for Sha.
206 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2022
Feelgood, warm-hearted and full of love, this is another triumph for Jamey Moody/

This is the 4th book of the Lover's Landing series by Jamey Moody. Just like the others, it tells the story of a sapphic couple who love each other, find comfort in one another and in their extended families, and thrive.
Unlike the other books in the series, this one starts with an established couple (they met in the 2nd book of the series) and goes on to tell us how they build a life together, despite a few difficulties and less-than-nice surprises.
The story revolves around a seemingly perfect relationship, so full of love that at times it feels like a kitsch hallmark movie (if hallmark ever had LGBT+ as MC in their movies) and I am saying that in the fondest way because this is the kind of loving relationship that's often missing in sapphic literature.
If you're tired of angsty MCs and prefer something lighter and fluffier, or if you need to envelop yourself in a warm, loving hug of a literay blanket -- well, this is the book for you!
I loved it, read it during a tough emotional week and it was so comforting to have the comfort of this book, reminding me of good things and love and friendship :)
I loved this book but I feel it could have been much shorter, more concise. That's the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
I highly recommend you read at least the 1st and 2nd books of the series before reading this one because it's just more fun to know all the characters that show up to support the MCs. However, this is still a great read even if you didn't read the previous books.
Enjoy! (I know you will)
Profile Image for Debbie Fahlman.
100 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2022
I received an ARC of the book in return for posting an honest review.
Jamey Moody once again wrote a fantastic book that is related to Lover's Landing! Courtney and Jennifer have fallen in love and Courtney has moved in with Jennifer and her boys.
Of course, there are people who can't stand to see others happy, especially same sex couples!
Courtney is dealt with a hate filled complaint against her at the school where she teaches. Courtney, Jennifer, Preston and Mason all band together to support each other. Sherry, another teacher, tells Courtney that she was the main reason she reunited with her daughter. (You'll have to read the book to find out why. No Spoilers.)
It was a great story and to reunite with the others Lover's Landing. I like that Jamey Moody brings everyone together to support Courtney and Jennifer.
I was a little disappointed that the ending seemed a little rushed. I know there was a chapter that was titled, "Seven Years Later." where two little girls were introduced, but I thought that could have been included rather than introducing them as toddlers.
Maybe that will be in the next book!
88 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2022
What's not to like about this book? It has all the emotional feels: Love, hope, encouragement, sadness, dread, and happiness. When reading this book, I couldn't help but cheer for Courtney and Jennifer and their sons, Mason and Preston. I know the anxiety that comes with raising a child in a lesbian relationship. I was so concerned that my daughter would be made fun of or even bullied. The way my wife and I combatted that was to be involved in our daughter's activityes, be it a traveling club soccer team or Girl Scouts or high school marching band. The other kids saw our family and realized that we were just like their own family, loving and caring! Thanks so much Jamey for writing this part of family life in the story!

It was fun to read this book and the chapters flowed easily. So easy, that I couldn't put the book down except to work and sleep. If you like to read a story about how love truly conquers all, then read this book!
Profile Image for Cindy.
75 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2022
Oh my, this is an extra peek at Lovers Landing I didn’t see coming.

Courtney and Jennifer meet up at the Lovers Landing after a long time, when they visit their parents you know them if you read the series.
Before Jennifer get’s her chance to ask Courtney to move in with her and her 2 boys, Preston asks Courtney on her behalf.
It’s on of the funniest and great ways how these kids love their mom and her girlfriend.

Courtney is a teacher and applies for a job at Mason’s school.
She is very welcome, until one of the older teachers is starting to bully Courtney and Mason at the school.
Courtney get’s help from an unexpected corner.

It’s a great book, I could not believe there would be a fourth book in this series.
Please be advised there will be homophobic bullying in this book.

It doesn’t take away the strength of the bold, love of Courtney, Jennifer, Preston, Mason, their family and friends.
I can’t get enough of Jamey’s books.
Please keep on writing,
Profile Image for Deb.
363 reviews8 followers
October 28, 2023
This one was not what I expected when I started this book. Previously I read the other 3 books in this series and they where all about the story of 2 women meeting and falling in love. Not this one though. The MC's already fell in love and are starting a life together. Meanwhile they are extremely happy all the time and keep mentioning that. So overwhelmingly happy and lovey dovey it was a little over the top maybe, so be aware. Besides a lot of happiness, there was a lot of love in their sappy family life with perfect kids. The words happy and love appear on every page, at least once. In the middle there's some drama with a homofobic teacher, but after that there's a happy ending of course.

3.5 ⭐️ for me
306 reviews5 followers
March 4, 2022
Lovers landing is like home to me. Whenever I am reading any book in this series, I have so much Peace, joy and calmness.
Instead of happy did not disappoint, Jennifer and Courtney are the next in line of lover's landing magic. The book starts with them already in a serious relationship, and we get to know in bits and pieces how they came together throughout the book. I loved the plot, the conversations and most importantly the ending.
This series brings me joy and I think anyone who wants to experience love like no other must read this. Jamey is so awesome, she got it right all the way

I received a copy of this book free of charge and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
23 reviews
March 6, 2022
I loved Jamey Moody's latest book, "Instead of Happy". Especially, I loved the fact that we ended up back at the Lake-Lovers Landing. This is a magical place; certainly very conducive to "happy ending" romances. The main characters, Jennifer and Courtney build a great family life with Jennifer's two boys, Preston and Mason. Problems occur along the way, but Jamey sorts them out for us thank goodness.
The other characters are great to revisit too, as we've already met most of them in their own stories- other books in the "Lovers Landing" Series. Again, thank you Jamey for another great read.
2 reviews
December 11, 2023
very impressed

Lovers Landing is the first series I have read from this author I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into but it was an extraordinary journey. The author brought the characters to life they were very relatable and lovable and kept it a pure love story. Some authors have been adding politics into their writing for me reading a book is to escape from the news headlines and politics. To the author Jamey Moody I am truly thankful that you provided me and many others with an enjoyable, escape from reality.
Author 1 book16 followers
October 22, 2025
As Courtney and Jennifer settle into being a couple, Courtney is applying for a local teaching position. While it suits her, she hears rumors they're school is not totally LGBTQIA friendly.

Things are going well until Louise, a homophobic teacher, claims Courtney is influencing kids to be lesbisn. She denies it, and lawyers get involved, but the school district drags it's feet.

3.5 stars. Its decent, didn't blow me away.
Profile Image for Carolyn G. Manuel.
1,070 reviews
March 14, 2022
A Big Bold Wonderful Love

Courtney was helping run Lover’s Landing for her mother Julia for the summer when she meets Jennifer, daughter of Melanie, Krista Kyle’s wife. The magic of the lake and Lover’s Landing makes their hearts stop when their eyes first meet. The story of the making of a family.
1 review
March 21, 2022
This book! I don't remember a book ever making me cry. This one did. Not only did it make me teary-eyed it took me through so many emotions. A wonderful read. I could not put it down. There is so much i needed to get done but dropped the ball on everything else and read. No regrets. Thank you Jamey Moody.
745 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2022
Good Story

This is a sweet story about finding your happiness and holding it tightly. Jamey Moody is a good writer who helps you get into the hearts and minds of her characters. It was also really nice revisiting the other women from the Lovers Landing serie. Well done!
96 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2022
Yay love wins

Nothing I hate more than someone telling you that you can't have something. I'll let you read but I wanted to strangle that B. Loved this book loved the boys and loved Jenn and Court.
618 reviews
March 30, 2022
sweet

I loved this story. All of the Lovers Landing stories are very sweet and entertaining. The main characters have the sweetest relationship with the sons and the other family members. Great love scenes with a nice ending.
434 reviews
January 28, 2024
Love Overcomes

I like how the book started into the relationship with Jenn and Courtney since we already knew they were together from a previous book. The drama that they go through made the family even stronger and found their forever
Profile Image for Maz Tucker.
297 reviews7 followers
February 25, 2022
I love this series. I so want to spend time with them all at Lovers Landing.
The characters are so well written, you fall in love with them all.
Lots of mixed emotions whilst reading this book.
30 reviews
March 7, 2022
sweet

As usual Jamey out does herself. This story line was so sweet I think I got a tooth ache. It has just the right amount of angst to.
296 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2022
A wonderful, passionate addition to the Lovers Landing Series!!!

Jennifer and Courtney’s journey was full of love, hope, and promise. Add two remarkable boys, Preston and Mason, and two become a family. The boys were a vital addition to the novel. Then add two little sisters and the homestead is complete. The other characters that appeared in previous books were fun to get reacquainted with and learn how their love grew and relationships flourished. I love this series and I love this author. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this and any of Jamey Moody’s works. You won’t be disappointed! Thank you Peace
91 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2022
It was beautiful written love orientated around friends and family with a wonderful outcome
Profile Image for Shannon Herron.
153 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2022
I’m so glad to finally read Courtney and Jennifer’s love story and see the stuff they had to go through.

I received an ARC for a honest review
Profile Image for Rowan.
308 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2023
I love the Lovers Landing Series from Ms Moody. This story covers Jennifer and Courtney and has perhaps a bit more seriousness than the other more lighthearted story’s in the series. This no way detracts from the book and is well written, with good strong leading characters and a HEA. Would always highly recommend all Ms Moodys books she is that good a writer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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