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A romance bookstore owner finds her own happily ever after with a single dad in a new romance series from the New York Times bestselling author of Every Dog Has His Day.Ryder Copeland is an accomplished architect and one heck of a father...not to mention tall and sexy. He's everything a hero should be, and Lord knows, Maisy Kelly has read enough of her great-aunt Eloise's romance novels to recognize one when she sees one. But like all fairy tales, Maisy can't help but wonder if this Prince Charming is too good to be true...Ryder is drawn to the shy, curly haired professor who hires him to convert the Victorian house she's inherited from her aunt into a romance bookstore. Attracted to a woman for the first time since his divorce, Ryder finds himself wishing for a future with Maisy that he knows is impossible. Ryder has never wavered from his plan to leave the small town of Fairdale, North Carolina, so he can give his daughter the life she deserves. But suddenly he's not so sure. And the closer he gets to Maisy, the harder it's going to be to walk away...

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2019

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Jenn McKinlay

67 books4,486 followers

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5 stars
320 (27%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
Profile Image for Cristiina♡Reads.
577 reviews3,429 followers
February 5, 2019
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT now up on my blog! Click here!

➳A single father in need of finding the connection he should have with his loved ones, and a shy bookstore owner who wants nothing more than to spread love to the world...



➳Can we talk about cowboy romances, especially ones that have your panties melting for more cherished characters and loving individuals such as Maisy and Ryder? Yes please! Let's talk about them because there is no denying that this is a romance novel that will have everyone hooked for more sweetness and care towards this fictional world. Especially when you involve a swoon worthy single father that does construction and remodeling for a living. **sighs** I am swooned away... I have been blown away by this romance novel!

➳Seriously y'all! There is no denying that I truly fell in love this Ryder... and Maisy? YESSSS! Preach for Maisy and her quirky attitude! The fact that she wants to open a romance bookstore just makes this ten times better of a novel. The raw attraction that Maisy has towards Ryder is also one that truly does take your breathe away, even when they are being the most cutest and sweetest individuals ever.



➳Can I please have me a cowboy like Ryder? Please? Because I seriously need him in my life! Maisy is one lucky gal, especially when he just seems to be everywhere. On her mind... on her... mind... Yeah, around the corner whenever he is fixing her house... on her mind again... in her, house... I don't know, I don't want to sound filthy but this novel is filthy for certain in the department of sexual tension between Maisy and Ryder. And my gosh, you will all be sweating when reading their story.

➳Overall, this was truly a southern romance novel that will have you captivated to the next page, wanting more of Ryder but also craving the attitude of Maisy's. I am looking forward to reading more sweet romance novels by Jenn. Thank you so much to the beautiful team at Berkley for letting me read this fantastic novel, looking forward for more!

➳ARC kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review...

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Profile Image for Beth.
3,133 reviews282 followers
February 7, 2019
Feel good, sweet and endearing romance with imperfect but marvelously real cast of characters. I found The Good Ones a highly enjoyable read. McKinlay writes a tale that had me laughing out loud and feeling the character's heart-aches.

I received this ARC copy of The Good Ones from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Good Ones is set for publication Feb. 5, 2019.

My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Jenn McKinlay
Series: Happily Ever After
Sequence in Series: 1
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
ISBN-10: 0451492439
ISBN-13: 978-0451492432
Genre: Western Romance

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/hn/book/the-...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Ones-Happ...
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Profile Image for TeriLyn.
1,356 reviews435 followers
November 14, 2018
**The Good Ones generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

4 "It's his 'She's the one' look." stars

This story from Jenn McKinlay, a new-to-me author, was a warm and feel good romance. It follows a second chance'esque trope with a shut down, single father of a teenage girl and a quirky, full of life woman who's inherited a lot of romance books and chooses to start over in her life at 29. It's a typical story from the genre, not particularly unique in it's telling but oh-so entertaining and engaging thanks to the lovely writing and character building of McKinlay. Said characters, including the secondary's, charm readers instantly and allow the plot of this story to play out in comical, sometimes angsty, and endearing ways. The third person point of view writing of McKinlay absorbs readers in her Carolina world. I liked her perspectives and I absolutely loved how this author not only acknowledged romance books, authors, and readers but validated each of them in a beautiful, fun way through her heroine and the legacy her heroine is so wonderfully creating.
The Good Ones delightfully reminds us to hold out for that special feeling and to accept ourselves and others as exactly who we are not forfeiting anything for anyone else. This is a simple love story that gives romance readers a boost and entertains. I would recommend to all romance readers who like easy reads with appealing characters.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews481 followers
April 8, 2019
Sweet, quirky, fun small town romance!

Does that sound like a great read? I hope so because Ryder and Maisy’s romance was a straight up heart-happy story that had a (delightful) old-fashioned air about it. Not that it didn’t have heat. Oh, it had that as well. There was everything to enjoy in this rollicking tale of a house renovation and a love of romantic tales that bound a whole host of intriguing characters together…

Maisy was back home starting a new chapter in her life, building a business, renewing old relationships and striking up new friendships. Ryder was a new addition to Fairdale but he and his daughter fit in like they were born there. Their future was not meant for this town, even though they loved it. Could Maisie change their mind?

I’m not sure what I liked most about this story, there was so much to choose from. Great storytelling, main characters that were funny and charming and, in Maisy’s case, romantic with feet firmly on the ground. Ryder and Maisy were confident people yet love brought out all the uncertainty under the surface. They pushed and pulled, argued and loved, and along the way built something… wonderful.

This is the first in what I hope is a long, long series… ~Diane, 5 King George Stars
Profile Image for Susan.
1,269 reviews213 followers
April 30, 2019
The Good Ones

Jenn McKinlay

Wow, all I can say is, this story blew me away! Keep the tissues close by as you are reading THE GOOD ONES by Jenn McKinlay. She will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Ryder and his daughter, Perry after so much heartache! What an awesome story. All of Jenn's characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again.


THE GOOD ONES is all about family, dealing with the past and trying to find your happily ever after. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Maisy Kelly and her romance bookstore and all the secondary characters. She hires Ryder to be the architect. She wants to convert her newly inherited Victorian house into a romance bookstore. He is supposed to make sure that happens and then he is leaving. He doesn't let Maisy know this right away but he does let her know that he is not relationship material! It was so much fun watching these two dance around each other and their feelings.THE GOOD ONES is a heart tugging story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down! You also won't be able to stop yourself from laughing at Ryder and his manly thoughts!


THE GOOD ONES is without a doubt one of my top funniest books I've read in 2019 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. My heart broke for Perry and King George, the weeks old kitten Perry found on the front porch of Maisy's house! THE GOOD ONES is the first book in the Happily Ever After series and I cannot wait to continue this fun series! Jenn McKinlay really knows how to write cozy mysteries but she sure can hook the reader with her romance! I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. I have many of her older books to read and that brings me so much joy and happiness to know they are waiting for me!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Elle G. Reads.
1,663 reviews883 followers
January 28, 2019
Release Date: February 5, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance. Humor.
Actual Rating: 5 stars

Squee!!!! I freakin LOVED this book to PIECES. It's a story about a bookworm who decides to open up her own romance bookstore in the home that was given to her by her grandmother. And, seeing the home is old and needs a lot of work she hires a COWBOY from Texas to renovate the place!!! A Texas cowboy who also happens to be a single dad . Honestly, can the hero get any better than this?!? Ahh their love story was so precious! I can't even express to you just how much I loved it. I suppose the fact that I am also a romance book-lover made me feel a certain connection to the heroine, and boy do I ever love a cowboy hero, but the writing is also PERFECT. There is humor, heart, a little bit of angst, and a whole lot of love. Gah! Obviously I am very excited for this story and I know many readers are going to fall head over heels in love with Ryder and Maisy (and the rest of the gang) just like I did.

I don't want to ruin the whole plot for those who plan to read it, but let me tell you that this is a MIST READ for all romance book lovers. This heroine lives inside of all of us and Jenn KcKinlay did a wonderful job with her story. I cannot wait for the next books in the series either because if they are about the lovely secondary characters from this one I am going to again be head over heels!
Profile Image for Carole (Carole's Random Life).
1,887 reviews542 followers
March 15, 2019
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I had a wonderful time with this book! Having read several of Jenn McKinlay's contemporary romances, I was eager to give this book a try. I was not disappointed. This was one of those books that I didn't want to stop reading once I got started. Too bad life got in the way. I did enjoy every moment that I spent with this charming story.

Maisy has inherited her aunt's old Victorian home which happens to be full of romance novels. She has just left her position at the local college and has this crazy idea of opening a romance bookstore. Ryder is a single dad who works as an architect. His task is to help Maisy bring the old house back to its former glory...and add a turret.

I loved the characters in this book. Maisy and Ryder were both wonderful people and I thought that they were fantastic as a couple. They had a lot of chemistry and it was fun to see them interact with each other. There were some other key players in this story that I thought were equally well done. Ryder's teen daughter, Perry, was a great kid and I loved how caring she was. Savannah, or Savy, was quite the firecracker and I really liked the fact that she was there to put Maisy straight when needed. As a group, these characters work to save a tiny kitten which helped to show each character's softer side and added a nice dose of cute to the overall story. There were a few other characters introduced that I hope to see in future novels.

I would recommend this book to others. It was a charming romantic novel filled with a cast of wonderful characters. I loved all of the book references that were worked into the story and had a great time watching Maisy and Ryder build the bookstore and find their own happily ever after. I can't wait to read more of this delightful series.

I received an advanced reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.

Initial Thoughts
I really enjoyed this one. Maisy and Ryder were wonderful together and the secondary characters were a lot of fun. I want to go to Maisy's bookstore!
Profile Image for Tammy .
955 reviews112 followers
February 6, 2019
2.5 Stars

I’m seriously not sure how to rate this book. There were moments I loved and then there were the ones that drove me absolutely bonkers. Those moments being the never ending indecision. The should I or shouldn’t I. Some would call it push and pull. I’d call it annoying as hell. It didn’t make the book light and sweet, more like frustrating. It was unneeded contrived drama through 75% of the book.

I liked the main characters, to a point. They were fun, when they weren’t running, but I could never really connect to them as a couple. The secondary characters: Savy and Quino captured my interest, more than Maisy and Ryder did. Now there was two individuals with spice and chemistry!

On top of all the indecision, I found myself distracted. It took me a week and a half to get passed the 5% mark. The story often moved slow, between the inner monologues, the incessant chatter about how hot Ryder was, the repetitiveness. It is never a good sign when I finish two other books while in the process of reading one. I contemplated a DNF but pushed through. Glad I did, otherwise, I would never have met Savy and Quino, whose story I am dying to read.

What saved this book for me was Perry and her relationship with Maisy and Ryder. Perry was the breath of fresh air that kept me turning the pages.

While my first try with this new to me author wasn’t a huge success, I would give her a second chance. I’m really, really interested in Savy’s story. I just hope it isn’t full of running and indecision, like this one.
Profile Image for Katy O..
2,499 reviews715 followers
April 25, 2019
Adorable! Despite the cover, this is NOT a western romance - it’s set at a romance bookstore and I just love all the bookish details throughout the story. I’ll definitely continue with the series!
Profile Image for Annie .
2,465 reviews946 followers
February 4, 2019


I’ve read a lot of different books from Jenn McKinlay and I have to say that I generally prefer her Cozy Mysteries to her Contemporary Romances. But that was before I read this book.

THE GOOD ONES is the first book in the Happily Ever After series and I gotta say, I really enjoyed this book! Both the hero and heroine turned out to be really cute and I enjoyed reading their interactions. The romance kind of happens unexpectedly and it was certainly a thrill to read.

That being said, this makes me really excited for the next books in the series. The light tone and cute banter is definitely my style. But the book also has some heartwarming and emotional scenes as well that are worth checking out.
Profile Image for Under the Covers Book Blog.
2,818 reviews1,365 followers
February 4, 2019



I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


I’ve read a lot of different books from Jenn McKinlay and I have to say that I generally prefer her Cozy Mysteries to her Contemporary Romances. But that was before I read this book.

THE GOOD ONES is the first book in the Happily Ever After series and I gotta say, I really enjoyed this book! Both the hero and heroine turned out to be really cute and I enjoyed reading their interactions. The romance kind of happens unexpectedly and it was certainly a thrill to read.

That being said, this makes me really excited for the next books in the series. The light tone and cute banter is definitely my style. But the book also has some heartwarming and emotional scenes as well that are worth checking out.

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
Profile Image for Amy.
1,659 reviews152 followers
February 10, 2019
What's not to love ... a woman opening a romance only bookstore and the architect that she hires to help turn her house into a romance bookstore. Such a wonderful read. The hero, the heroine, the side characters - they are all just amazing. I couldn't put this one down. Sweet and lovely. I loved it all. I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

NOTE: I received this book for free from the publisher for an honest review.
Profile Image for Victoria Scott.
Author 57 books2,929 followers
March 23, 2019
This is probably the first romance I've ever read where I could hardly wait for the next one to drop. I want to live in the world McKinlay created. This book wasn't just good; it literally opened up an entirely new genre that I didn't know I wanted. If that isn't phenomenal writing, I don't know what is.
Profile Image for Christa.
2,217 reviews579 followers
February 21, 2019
This book! It was so good that I don't even have the words to convey all that I felt about it! I've been a fan of Jenn McKinlay's cozy mysteries, and they're great, but she can really write the romance!

In this story, Maisy Kelly decides to convert the Victorian house she inherited into a bookstore. Enter Ryder Copeland. He's a handsome cowboy, protective single dad, and architect. The romance between these two was sweet and touching. The hero's fourteen year old daughter, Perry, added a great layer to the story. The conflict here is that Ryder is determined to leave the area, certain that his daughter needs more than he can provide for her there. This leads to some angst for Maisy, Ryder, and Perry.

The icing on the cake here is King George, an orphaned/abandoned kitten, too young and small to have much hope of survival. The author took her family's own true story, which she's been posting about for well over a year, and wrote it into her book. I think anyone with an inkling of liking for cats will be charmed by this aspect of the story, and for those who have followed the author's journey with King George, this will be the best part of a great book! Thanks to the author for a story that holds such sweet moments, and provides such a pleasurable reading experience, and to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Saly.
3,434 reviews572 followers
February 17, 2019
3.25 stars
I am a bit ambivalent on this one as there was way too much push and pull here. The positives were many I liked the heroine, the hero's daughter and even the hero; but he was just too perfectly distant at times. The hero intends to move so anything between him and the heroine can only be temporary so they do their level best to resist their attraction. All in all I enjoyed this but didn't love it but am looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews842 followers
February 5, 2019


The Good Ones is the first in Jenn McKinlay’s new contemporary romance Happily Ever After series. What do you do when you inherit an old Victorian home that is full of books? You turn it into a bookstore, of course. When I first read the blurb for this story I knew I had to read it considering all the books were romance and the cover is absolutely gorgeous. The author has taken the best of what I love about the genre and has written an endearing, witty, sweet romance that makes me looking forward to the next one in the series.

The author has taken two main characters with different backgrounds and goals in life and threw them together at a time when it isn’t convenient to find ‘the one.’ The supporting case was just as diverse and a plot that got more interesting with the introduction of a kitten and the quest to keep it alive. Ryder is a single father raising a 14-year-old daughter and Maisy is an ex-college professor barking on a career change to move her in a whole different direction. Ryder is the architect to renovate the house and he’s trying to keep things professional. Stolen kisses say he wants her but he’s telling her it can’t happen. It’s been hard for her since he seems to embody romance hero qualities. She just has to convince him that what they have is good and worth a chance. There might have been instant attraction between Ryder and Maisy, but it took some time before true feelings were spoken to one another and for them to have a happy ending.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Good Ones because the writing was crisp, humorous and engaging. The love story was woven together with two smaller plots in such a way that made it feel seamless and kept this reader engrossed with the story. First stories in a new series can sometimes be tricky to balance building a new world, introducing characters and developing a romance. The Good Ones finds that balance perfectly and it was very enjoyable. I also got a hint of a future story and can’t wait to see that unfold. If you are a fan of Jill Shalvis and Sarah Morgan, you will fall in love with Jenn McKinlay and The Good Ones.
Profile Image for Kayla Brunson.
1,470 reviews263 followers
January 14, 2019
This was my first read from Jenn McKinlay and it also looks like it was her first western romance. I hope this doesn’t come off a bit overcritical, but this needed some work.

Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t terrible. I’ve read WAY worse cowboy romances. The characters were likable, the plot was good, and the romance was fine. I felt like the writing and the way the author told the story together could have been better.

I liked the idea and premise of the story. However, I couldn’t find myself getting invested in it or the characters. Maybe it was the execution? The writing seemed to be very telling instead of written in a way to make a reader feel if that makes sense. I knew Maisy and Ryder liked each other because it was written that way, but I didn’t feel the chemistry between them really.

I didn’t love this one, it was okay for me. I won’t be continuing with this series but I do hope as the series progresses her writing and the storyline will get better with time.

*ARC was provided via NetGalley for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Stacee.
2,807 reviews736 followers
January 30, 2019
This is my first book from this author and I couldn’t resist the premise. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this book and my rating might be too high.

I liked Maisey and Ryder well enough. They’re both smart and stubborn and have excellent conversation — when they actually talk, that is. I really liked Maisey’s BFF and Ryder’s daughter. Oh and of course the cat.

Plot wise, it was so slow. A lot of push and pull, a lot of inner monologue, and a lot of seemingly repetitive scenes. There were some continuity issues and several sentences reused. Hopefully that will get fixed in edits. It felt like a lot of telling instead of showing and while the beginning was fun and cute, I sort of lost interest by the middle.

Overall, it was the characters who kept me reading {okay, and the promise of a Victorian house turned into a bookstore.} I am mildly interested in the next book if it’s Savannah, but I’m not sure I would read it.

**Huge thanks to Berkley for providing the arc free of charge**
Profile Image for Rebecca.
1,679 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2019
This was such a cute romance story with a happily ever after (THANK GOODNESS because it was touch and good for a bit).

First of all - inheriting a beautiful old house filled with books, opening a bookstore and meeting a handsome guy along the way?!? Does that not sound like the most perfect fairytale? Well it did to Maisy too - except when she finds out that Ryder is adamant that he is not a good guy for a relationship. After a bit of flirting and a passionate kiss, Maisy finds out that Ryder and his daughter Perry are leaving for Connecticut at the ending of the summer. Unfortunately for Maisy, she's already fallen hard for him and quickly became attached to his sassy and fun daughter. After rescuing an abandoned kitten together, the bond is cemented and neither of them can find the strength to let go. After a lot of drama and back and forth (is their relationship even a good idea when they both know it has to end soon), I was rooting for them so hard! I thought my heart would be broken, but luckily this had a happy ending (with lots of smiles and awing involved on my part).

Jenn McKinlay certainly has a way with romance, she can write both a fantastic steamy or sweet romance scene. Her biggest score are her characters, I loved them all and especially Ryder's daughter Perry. I just about lost it with the kitten rescue. As if a baby kitten isn’t the cutest thing in the world, then a strong man leaning over to take care of that kitten is the cutest thing in the universe. I love how Jenn McKinlay included her experience rescuing her kitten King George into this book.

I can't wait to continue this series and look forward to more happy endings! (I have an idea who the next couple will be and I am QUITE excited!)
Profile Image for  Reading In Pajamas .
1,054 reviews102 followers
February 11, 2019
✦Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: THE GOOD ONES by Jenn McKinlay https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-b16
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars

This is a feel-good story from start to finish. Yes, Maisy and Ryder had their obstacles and felt the need to keep their distance, but nothing too angst ridden or frustrating for me. Maisy, her dreams for the bookstore, love of romance novels and optimism, connected me to her. I love the whole idea of that store and enjoyed how the author verbally illustrated the power of the romance novel. Ryder, like most men, had some preconceived ideas on what his future should be. Good thing he had his daughter and Maisy to open his eyes to new possibilities. I liked his humor and tenderness, all wrapped up in a sexy package. This is a light romance with just enough heat to keep me warm, and enough love and friendship to keep me smiling long after I closed the book. I look forward to book two in this series.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle https://amzn.to/2TtVYjX
Profile Image for Christine.
520 reviews31 followers
August 20, 2020
I swear I have yet to find a Jenn Mckinlay book that I didn't love. I was captured by the story from the beginning. I didn't want to put it down.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
864 reviews103 followers
November 29, 2018
Thank you @berkleyromance and @mckinlayjenn for a review copy of this book. I received it through the First to Read program with Penguin Random House. All opinions are my own. This charming contemporary romance will be available 2.5.19!

I adore Jenn McKinlay. She writes several of my very favorite cozy mystery series. It was so fun to read a different genre from her, but still find her witty, well developed characters, easy dialogue and realistic humor. I throughly enjoyed this book. It was just the light, feel good story that I needed at the moment. I loved the setting - an old Victorian that’s being converted into a romance bookstore. It comes with a hidden room, endless piles of books and the cutest tenant. Maisy was a wonderful lead. I was drawn to her spunk, humility and optimism. She was educated, but still emotionally vulnerable. Her girl squad was the absolute best!! They teased one another, yet offered the most wonderful support throughout the entire story. It was easy to fall for Ryder, the cowboy architect. The chemistry he shared with Maisy was absolute perfection. I also really enjoyed the sweet relationship he had with his daughter Perry!! I have to mention King George as well - the adorable rescue kitten. Being a long time follower of McKinlay, I’ve seen many posts about her own King George and have enjoyed watching him grow up. Loved how all of the characters fell head over heals in love with such a tiny fur ball.

Fanatic readers will definitley appreciated the endless book references. I like how it explained that there are numerous sub genres of romance, something for everyone, and I love that Ryder even read a few along the way. Overall, this is an entertaining love story. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it contains some steamy moments and the best barbecue scene ever!! It also shows a depth of emotions, how past events can effect our future if we don’t take the time to reflect upon them and how true love should always make you feel! I’d love for the series to continue - maybe with Savannah and Quino! Until then, I will definitley check out McKinlay’s Bluff Point trilogy.
April 8, 2019
Jenn McKinlay's The Good Ones is a romance lovers dream. Maisy Kelly inherits her great-aunt Eloise's three-story Victorian home in Fairdale, North Carolina. Not only is the house furnished, but it's stacked with books. Actually, that's an understatement. The house is a hoarder's paradise of books. Not your average run-of-the-mill books, but romance books. After leaving her teaching job at the local college, Maisy has the idea to convert the house into a romance book store. But in order to do this, she first must clear out the house, restore it to its original glory and convert it into a store. In order for her dream to come true, Maisy needs a restoration architect. Enter Ryder Copeland.

Ryder looks like a romance book hero come to life. If truth be told, he even has the hero baggage. Ryder is a single father to a fourteen-year-old girl named Perry. Ryder’s plan is to spend the summer restoring Maisy's house and then move Perry to an elite boarding school in Connecticut, while he takes a high-paying desk job in Charleston, South Carolina. Ryder feels he isn’t capable of love and has no desire to have a relationship. That is, of course, until Maisy enters his life. With the help of Maisy's best friend Savannah, Perry, and an abandoned kitten named King George, Maisy and Ryder become a family unit without realizing it.

I liked The Good Ones. The main and secondary characters were so easy to like. Perry was a refreshingly, good teenager. She's smart, thoughtful, and caring. She has a fierce stubbornness about her, and is wise beyond her years. There's King George who is actually based on Jenn's experience with rescuing an abandoned kitten. I'll admit, the King George storyline was my favorite part of the book. Savannah is a New Yorker who finds herself in North Carolina helping her friend. She's funny and opinionated. But she's also smart and has a heart of gold. She even meets her match in Ryder’s best friend Joaquin Solis.

I love that I didn't find The Good Ones to be predictable. You know the story will have a happily ever after, but I was definitely wondering how we were going to get there. For me, the biggest drawback of the story was Ryder’s hot and cold attitude with Maisy when little bumps in the road appeared. However, the ending of the story made up for that in spades.

I'm excited that there's another book in this series that is called Happily Ever After. Savannah and Joaquin definitely appear to have a love-hate relationship. That has fun written all over it. Plus, it’s a Christmas romance! I'm really hoping that we will also get more of Ryder, Maisy, Perry, and of course, King George.

**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher and I voluntarily reviewed it.**
Profile Image for OpenBookSociety.com .
3,915 reviews121 followers
February 27, 2019
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...

The Good Ones
Happily Ever After #1
By Jenn McKinlay
ISBN# 9780451492432
http://www.jennmckinlay.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Synopsis:

Ryder Copeland is an accomplished architect and one heck of a father…not to mention tall and sexy. He’s everything a hero should be, and Lord knows, Maisy Kelly has read enough of her great-aunt Eloise’s romance novels to recognize one when she sees one. But like all fairy tales, Maisy can’t help but wonder if this Prince Charming is too good to be true…

Ryder is drawn to the shy, curly haired professor who hires him to convert the Victorian house she’s inherited from her aunt into a romance bookstore. Attracted to a woman for the first time since his divorce, Ryder finds himself wishing for a future with Maisy that he knows is impossible. Ryder has never wavered from his plan to leave the small town of Fairdale, North Carolina, so he can give his daughter the life she deserves. But suddenly he’s not so sure. And the closer he gets to Maisy, the harder it’s going to be to walk away… (Goodreads)

Review:

As a big fan of Jenn McKinlay’s cozy mystery series, I felt compelled to follow her crossover into the romance genre. I enjoyed The Good Ones, the tale of a young woman who always seems to choose the wrong guy and a single father who openly carries his childhood scars and baggage. It is fairly predictable but entertaining.

The Southern town setting and Maisy’s aunt’s home overflowing with romance novels is a comfortable, cozy place for the embers of love to bloom in this sweet romance. . Opposites attract in the backdrop of a romance bookstore renovation project. Maisy is a dreamer, and her impractical nature made me doubt her ability to run a business and make the Victorian home turned bookstore flourish. To me, she is a bit immature and too impulsive, but other readers will probably find her endearing. Ryder is a much more interesting, complex character. His mother’s death when he was quite young, his father’s neglect, and his failed marriage have all had quite an effect on him. He shows how much he loves people but fails to say the words, especially to one who needs to hear it the most, his daughter and pride and joy Perry. Perry is my favorite character. Her youthful enthusiasm and obvious love for those around her is delightful. As a pet lover, the inclusion of the tiny, abandoned kitten King George is fabulous and provides most of the funny and some of the sweetest moments in the story.

What bothered me about the book is its slower pace. Not a lot goes on to further the plot – there is quite a bit of push and pull between Maisy and Ryder, a lot of assumptions on both of their parts, and inner dialogue that becomes repetitive. Most of all, I wish there had been more chemistry between Maisy and Ryder. Everything wraps up a little too neatly in the end.

I liked The Good Ones, but I did not love it. Given the opportunity, I will read the next book in the Happily Ever After series with hopes that I find it more appealing. That said, I do recommend The Good Ones to Jenn McKinlay’s fans and romance readers looking for something familiar and comfortable to read.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,431 reviews11 followers
February 6, 2019
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review!

Really enjoyed this series starter from Jenn McKinlay! I've enjoyed reading as Jenn has started writing romances, having been a long time fan of her cozies. Setting a romance novel around a character who is opening a romance themed bookstore is genius, and the characters were great in this one too. It was both funny and sweet, and the hints at what's to come in this series have me ready for more.
April 17, 2019
The Good Ones is a cute contemporary romance that is sure to endear itself to fans of the sub-genre with it's cozy setting, lighthearted banter, and charming characters.

Maisy Kelly hasn't had it easy lately, but she knows that converting her aunt's old Victorian home into a romance book store is just the change she needs to turn her life around. When Ryder Copeland walks through her door, Maisy doesn't bother obtaining quotes for the restoration from any other company. She knows that this cowboy straight off the front of one of her aunt's many romance novels is just the man for the job. However, Ryder isn't so sure. The instant attraction that he feels towards Maisy is not something that he wants, or needs right now in his life. Especially since he doesn't plan on sticking around in town long enough to start any sort of relationship. Will the pull between Maisy and Ryder be too strong for them to deny? Or will Ryder decide that the chance at love isn't worth altering the future he already has planned for him and his daughter?

The Good Ones is the age-old romantic tale of right place, wrong time. I loved the premise of this book; the idea of the heroine opening a romance book store in her aunt's old Victorian home was fantastic. The author did a wonderful job of bringing the setting to life. All of the details and hidden nuances of the home were a delight to uncover with each page. Yet, despite a good start, the story itself moved incredibly slow and didn't quite hold my interest. It took me twice as long as normal to finish this book. The author's writing style of telling, as opposed to showing, made for a lack of authenticity between characters and the redundant inner monologues dragged the plot down further.

The synopsis hints at a western romance, but besides the hero of the story dressing the part of a cowboy and driving a big truck, the book takes place in a small town in North Carolina. Ryder is a complicated character with a lot of baggage, but all in all he is a good guy and a great father. Maisy is a bit of a dreamer, but has a good heart and a great group of friends to support her. There were several characters throughout the tale that were fun; Maisy and Ryder's friends along with Ryder's daughter. I think they may have distracted from the main couple though, as I never felt that real spark of connection between them. There was attraction, desire, and tension between the two. But there was also a lot of push and pull. The constant indecision that the characters faced put a damper on what should have been a light and pleasing plot.

All that being said, I found the characters in next book to be intriguing, so I will probably continue the series and cross my fingers for a more fulfilling story. As this was my first read from this author, I can't speak to how it holds up against her other series, which I believe are mainly said to be cozy mysteries. Devoted fans of contemporary romance may find this book more appealing then I, as I said, it was cute but not as satisfying as I had hoped for.

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Profile Image for Theresa.
172 reviews17 followers
October 24, 2019
I love books, so the setting of being in a bookstore was especially fun, and I love animals, so the addition of the rescued kitten was a double bonus! This book made me laugh out loud quite a few times, and I also really appreciated that the romance was very tasteful and not as graphic as many romance books these days. An enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Munira.
10 reviews
January 10, 2019
Absolutely beautiful. It's so well written I enjoyed every second of it, the moment I started reading I couldn't stop! It made me laugh and cry and all the good feelings. And the characters! Oh I loved the characters so much, I can't wait to meet them again.
690 reviews33 followers
December 12, 2018
This review was originally posted on my review blog Deanna Reads Books

I don't usually read what I would consider traditional romance books, but that doesn't mean I am opposed to them. I tend to like YA romance books better just because there is less sex in them. I am not opposed to reading adult romance books, and I have started to consider that I actually do really like books where the main focus is on the romance. Here's the great thing about romance books that it took me a really long time to figure out, the women in these books have a lot of agency and they are always getting what they want. So this book, The Good Ones by Jenn McKinlay is definitely what I would consider a "traditional romance book" but I still wanted to give it a try, and turns out I did really like it!

I loved the plot in this novel. A down on her luck professor quits her job after losing a tenure position to her boyfriend, who happens to be married! Don't judge, Maisy, she didn't know until her job interview and she saw him with his wife! Her great Aunt has died and left her this big old house full of all her romance books, so Maisy decides why not turn into a Romance bookshop!? In walks in the "Cowboy Architect" and you can see where the rest of the story goes from there. I loved that this was a book that was about readers and really catering to the romance reader. It was such a cool concept, and the book even mentioned The Ripped Bodice when Maisy was thinking about this decision.

I really love the characters in this book. Maisy is a very sure of herself character, and I loved watching her interaction with Ryder, her Architect. The book is also full of a lot of strong women like Maisy's best friend Savannah the marketing queen, their accountant Jeri and the vet Hannah. They were all really interesting and complex women and it was fun to see how they all interacted with each other. Ryder also has a fourteen year old daughter, and I loved watching Perry and Maisy grow close. I also loved Ryder and Perry's relationship, it was a close one but also one with it's issues. I really enjoyed how the book made the relationship between father and daughter so realistic. I also thought it was interesting that Ryder was a divorced single-Dad, because I don't think I have read a lot of books where the love interest in a divorcee. There definitely should be more characters like that.

The book is a little predictable, but I think that is fine, because I think these types of books are supposed to be that way. In romance books everyone is supposed to get their happy ending and nobody dies. That's kind of why they appeal to a lot of people. I read a lot of different genres, because I like to mix it up, but some people want a true escape and romance books are their go to. I totally GET it! These types of books are a fun and happy experience and I really enjoying watching Maisy finally get her happy ending.

My one beef with this book is the sex scene...why are they always doing the deed on the kitchen table?? Don't they know people eat off that?

I think this might be a start of a new series, and I am kind of wondering if Savannah and Quino will be the topic of the next book. If it is, I am IN, because boy do those two not get along and I LOVE hate to love romance books.
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