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Susan Mallery
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Second Chance Girl: A Modern Fairy Tale Romance (Happily Inc Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Susan Mallery (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 2,303 ratings
From the #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Susan Mallery, read the second irresistible installment in the Happily Inc series!

Mathias Mitchell’s easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his “no promises, no pain” lifestyle. Yet he can’t stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes.

Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she’s not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she’ll always come first in his heart?

Don’t miss You Say It First, the first book in the Happily Inc series.
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  1. Book 2 of 6
    Happily Inc
  2. Print length
    330 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    HQN Books
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    September 26, 2017
  7. File size
    1.3 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Susan Mallery never disappoints and with Daughters of the Bride she is at her storytelling best."
-Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Mallery enthralls readers with this introduction to the small seaside community of Los Lobos as she follows the lives of a bride's three daughters as they face realistic, believable problems and search for their own happy endings." -Publishers Weekly on Daughters of the Bride

"Readers looking for sister relationships, wedding details, and steamy scenes will enjoy Mallery's latest." -Kirkus Reviews on Daughters of the Bride

"Heartfelt, funny, and utterly charming all the way through!" -Susan Elizabeth Phillips, USA Today and New York Times bestselling author
on Daughters of the Bride

"This insightful, laughter-laced story fairly crackles with sexual tension and has a lot to say about friendship, love, and relationships. Heartwarming and memorable." -Library Journal on Best of My Love

"An engaging read to be savored all the way through." -Publishers Weekly on The Friends We Keep

"The characters will have you crying, laughing, and falling in love...another brilliantly well-written story." -San Francisco Book Review on The Friends We Keep

About the Author

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women's lives―family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree―40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. She’s passionate about animal welfare, which shows in the many quirky animal characters she has created.Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband and adorable poodle. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07226D632
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HQN Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 26, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Original
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 330 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1488081026
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Happily Inc
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 2,303 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Susan Mallery

Susan Mallery

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Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of books about the relationships that define women's lives—romance, friendship, family. With compassion and humor, Susan keenly observes how people think and feel, in stories that take readers on an emotional journey. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, and always uplifting, Susan's books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list, thanks to her ever growing legions of fans.

Critics, too, have heaped praise on "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!"

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, a ragdoll cat, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Animals play a big role in her books, as well, as she believes they're an integral component to a happy life. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,303 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book as entertaining as Fools Gold, with an intriguing storyline centered around Mathias and Carol's story, and appreciate the excellent character development. The book features an incredible balance of powerful emotional moments, with one customer noting how families shape love and living. Customers enjoy the animal content, with one highlighting the wildlife preserve concept, and find the book humorous and well-written. They praise the author's artistic direction, with one review specifically mentioning the statues created by Ronan and Mathias.

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ReadabilityStory qualityCharacter developmentEmotional contentAnimal contentHumorAuthorArt direction
66 customers mention "Readability"66 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and entertaining, comparing it favorably to Susan Mallery's Fools Gold series.

"My Review: I loved, loved, loved this book. OMG, such an unlikely couple, but they were so awesome together...." Read more

"Oh My God! This was such an amazing, scratch that, a PERFECT book!! Susan has done it again and it was flawless...." Read more

"...I just enjoy the whole series of the Mitchell Brothers, the continuity of people from one book to the next also gives me a sense of being part of..." Read more

"This is another well written story. It’s an awesome read. I couldn’t put it down. To say it’s a page turner is an understatement!!..." Read more

44 customers mention "Story quality"43 positive1 negative

Customers enjoy the story, particularly Mathias and Carol's narrative, with its intriguing plot and dramatic elements.

"...This was a fabulously fun, emotional book. There's also a really interesting subplot and romance for Violet, Carol's button selling sister and an..." Read more

"...I liked how the romances developed between the couples. I look forward to a book about Ronan...." Read more

"Second Chance Girl: A Modern Fairy Tale Romance (Happily Inc) is by Susan Mallery. This book is a great romance and the tale of saving animals...." Read more

"...Matthias helps Carol and in the process, they fell in love. I loved this story, with an exception. I can't wait to read Ronan's book." Read more

16 customers mention "Character development"16 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book.

"...This is a romance so we know how the book is going to end. I liked most of the characters, except Mathias Father...." Read more

"...Believable characters with distinct personalities. Thought-provoking and realistic dialogue. "..." Read more

"...the people of Happily Inc. Their stories captivate me, their personalities reach me and their problems make me want to shake them...." Read more

"...I did not like the parents of the Mitchell brothers. The characters overall were wonderful...." Read more

12 customers mention "Emotional content"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, noting its incredible balance of powerful moments and healthy relationships, with one customer highlighting how families shape love and life.

"...I loved it. This was a fabulously fun, emotional book...." Read more

"...animal sanctuary, abusive father dysfunctional mother and healthy relationships. Believable characters with distinct personalities...." Read more

"Enjoyed the story of the brothers and sisters and how families shape how you love and live. Having the animals was a great plus" Read more

"...I loved it. I loved Carol and Mathias so much. She is just so heartwarmingly special, her way with animals is so wonderful...." Read more

11 customers mention "Animal content"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the animal content in the book, with several mentioning how the animals add to the story's charm, and one customer highlighting how the narrative incorporates a wildlife preserve concept.

"...This book is a great romance and the tale of saving animals. It takes place in Happily Inc where there are weddings nearly every day...." Read more

"...Yep, Sophie the dog is a cutie and a scene-stealer. The secondary romance of Violet and her Duke isn't bad, but the real H/h left me cold...." Read more

"...Intriguing storyline that deftly weaves together animal sanctuary, abusive father dysfunctional mother and healthy relationships...." Read more

"...Having the animals was a great plus" Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"7 positive1 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with one describing it as sweet and witty.

"...The side stories are great. There is humor, drama, romance and sex. Highly recommend." Read more

"...I love all of her books!! Always full of wonderful characters and funny and happy endings! You can't go wrong with one of her books...." Read more

"...brilliant family on one side and sisters who are both sweet and witty as well as having interesting professions..." Read more

"...Couldn't put it down. Lots of drama, love, laughter and couldn't put it down." Read more

6 customers mention "Author"6 positive0 negative

Customers praise the author's work.

"A great book and story that continues in the new series. Well written and I look forward to the next books in the series." Read more

"Loved it...I love anything that Susan writes. She is very good author, love all her Fools Gold series." Read more

"Book series from a great author." Read more

"Can't wait for the next book to come out! Susan is an amazing author!" Read more

4 customers mention "Art direction"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the artistic direction of the book, with one mentioning the statues created by Ronan and Mathias.

"...He has such a way with art, it's too bad his father tried to ruin that...." Read more

"...I loved the auction and the statues that Ronan and Mathias made." Read more

"...The basics were certainly there with a broken, artistically brilliant family on one side and sisters who are both sweet and witty as well as having..." Read more

"I am a long time Susan Mallery fan and found this book to be most appealing and very satisfying." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Smitten with Reading
    5.0 out of 5 stars A+ rating...
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2017
    Format: Mass Market PaperbackVerified Purchase
    My Review:
    I loved, loved, loved this book. OMG, such an unlikely couple, but they were so awesome together.

    Matthias is the resident man-whore. He's all about hooking up with all the bridesmaids in this book. In fact, the first scene where he interacts with Carol in the book he reeks of a bridesmaid's perfume. It's definitely not the typical start to a Susan Mallery book, but dang, it's good. Because from there Matthias and Carol move into friendship that oh so slowly and sweetly evolves into something with a hint at more. This is a slow build story. Matthias is the resident manwhore because he has issues...issues that hurt to read. He's been rejected...and that final rejection from his twin (gah...this whole story line KILLS ME...so, so good), left hard, lasting marks on Matthias's ability to put himself out there. He has no desire to be hurt by someone he loves ever again. So, he does everything he can to avoid love.

    On the other hand, there's Carol. She's the game-warden at her father and uncle's wildlife refuge. She works with large animals all day...it's not a glamorous or sexy job, but that's okay, she's never been a glamorous or sexy girl. Sure, she's attracted to Matthias...everyone is...he's gorgeous, but she's realistic about who she is and who Matthias is and who they are to one another. There's no way it will ever be anything, so it's fun to fantasize.

    At the heart of this story though is Millie, the lonely giraffe, who needs a herd. Because even giraffes need love in their lives. Carol's goal is to raise enough money to be able to buy and care for several more giraffes so Millie won't be sad. And that's where the art comes in...Matthias's art, his former twin brother Ronan's art, their father's art (ugh...I really can't deal with this character and I know that we're supposed to hate him, but omg, please let his wife or someone put him in his place...maybe Ronan's book...there better be a book coming for Ronan, PLEASE!). But anyway everyone brings art to be auctioned to raise money for Millie's herd.

    My favorite part of this book though was Matthias's art and the evolution of his creating his sculpture for Carol. For so long Matthias has denied that part of himself, because of his horrific father's narcissism and flat-out abuse that destroyed art for Matthias. I loved that he found that again. So many of those scenes where he was sketching and working to create the perfect Carol and Millie spoke to me...so much love shown just through that alone. I loved it.

    This was a fabulously fun, emotional book. There's also a really interesting subplot and romance for Violet, Carol's button selling sister and an English duke. Really all good fun!

    I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Diane Saul
    4.0 out of 5 stars Happily Inc. The main story is about Carol Lund ...
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the second book in a spin off from the Fools Gold series. It is set in a wedding destination town, Happily Inc. The main story is about Carol Lund and her neighbor Mathias. Carol is the gamekeeper at her families preserve. Mathias is the son of a world famous artist. Mathias and his brothers have been brought up by an emotionally and sometimes physically abusive Father. They are all damaged emotionally in different ways. Mathias doesn't trust love, he has seen the damage it can do. The secondary story is about Carols sister Violet and Ulrich. Their first meeting doesn't go well when Ulrich accuses Violet of stealing from his Grandmother.

    This is a romance so we know how the book is going to end. I liked most of the characters, except Mathias Father. There is nothing good that could be said about that man and the Mother is weak and has never stood up for her sons. I liked how the romances developed between the couples. I look forward to a book about Ronan. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy of this book.
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  • P. Blevins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down
    Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Second Chance Girl: A Modern Fairy Tale Romance (Happily Inc) is by Susan Mallery. This book is a great romance and the tale of saving animals. It takes place in Happily Inc where there are weddings nearly every day.
    Carol Lund has been busy with her animal reserve. With her Father and Uncle, she has managed to save several different species of animals. Her pride and joy is Millie, her giraffe. She wants to bring in more giraffes so Millie won’t be lonely. A lonely giraffe will not live long. Carol’s life is full; but living in a town known for weddings, she longs for a family of her own.
    Mathias Mitchell lives next door to Carol’s animal reserve. He spends his time of a morning watching Carol feed Millie. He feels the need to create a statue of Millie out of glass and has been trying. However, he has worked with glass in the form of plates, etc. for so long that he can’t seem to get the effect he wants in glass. However, for once, he keeps trying. He used to work in glass until his Father broke all of his work. Since then, he hasn’t tried until now. Also, his “twin” and he found out they weren’t twins but half-brothers. Mathias’ mother took Ronan in as her son and the two were brought up as twins. Now, Ronan is running from everyone. The two moved to Happily Inc together but now Ronan found a house in the hills and stays there most of the time. Mathias and their brother Nick work together in a shop here in town. Their other two brothers are not artists. Mathias decides to help Carol fundraise to bring new giraffes into the reserve and pay for them. Will they raise enough money to bring the giraffes in? What will happen when their Father comes to town and starts to cut down their work as usual. Will it ruin the fundraiser? Will Mathias ever see past his own past to find love?
    3 people found this helpful
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  • deeeee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Millie the matchmaker
    Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Carol runs the Happily, Inc. animal preserve and has never been what one would call a “girly-girl”. Her goal is to get Millie, her lone giraffe, a herd; and although people are helping to fill her canisters, it’s just going too slowly.

    Matthias Mitchell is the son of a world class glass artist. Matthias has the gift, but his father squashed his “heart” so he uses his talents in other ways. But life has really been a struggle for Matthias the last few years. He has “lost” his “twin” brother Ronan and although they are close in proximity, the bond they shared growing up is gone.

    Carol and Matthias are neighbors and friends. Carol wants to help Matthias deal with his family issues and Matthias wants to help Carol raise the money for Millie’s herd. They begin spending more time together and the sparks begin to smolder. One night, Carol and Matthias “almost” seal the deal, and then things become awkward. Can they regain the comfort they once shared?
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Caz’s Thompson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 11, 2019
    Format: Mass Market PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Couldn’t put it down, a fun read
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  • Dannielle S
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great series! Love Happily Inc
    Reviewed in Australia on August 26, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Great read, love the characters & storyline
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  • Awesome Grandma
    5.0 out of 5 stars That I got it
    Reviewed in Canada on July 30, 2023
    Format: Mass Market PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I loved the book .
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  • Schnaufia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you for all the different names!
    Reviewed in Germany on November 10, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Thank you, dear Susan for the male hero with his simple name! Mathias, not yet another Cal, Seth, Kyle. It was heartwarming to have someone with a normal name and not one with the typical Romantic Novel name, all cool dude and cool name, I was so sick of it.

    The story is very sweet and sweet, I love Millie the giraffe! Such a great idea. Even the love story between "the duke" and Violet was a bit distracting. All in all a nice read for a rainy Sunday afternoon!
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  • Maureen Weinstein
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Ex Wife
    Reviewed in Australia on July 16, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A light story with many different kinds of relationships that kept you guessing.
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