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Harmony Homecomings #2
Not So New In Town
You can't go back, and you can't stand still...
Lucy Doolan is a marketing genius. She can sell rain to a frog and snow to a polar bear. Newly single and unemployed, she's lured back to her hometown of Harmony, North Carolina to help out her pregnant evil stepsister... only to find former crush heartthrob Brogan Reese has returned too, to open a new business in town. To add insult to injury, he's still hot.
If the thunder don't get you, then the lightning will...
Brogan never noticed Lucy much when they were young, but seventeen people have recommended her to help him. She's got his attention now. With her sweet personality, brilliant imagination, and penchant for doing the completely unpredictable, Brogan is finding a whole lot of excuses to spend his days—and nights—with Lucy.
Lucy Doolan is a marketing genius. She can sell rain to a frog and snow to a polar bear. Newly single and unemployed, she's lured back to her hometown of Harmony, North Carolina to help out her pregnant evil stepsister... only to find former crush heartthrob Brogan Reese has returned too, to open a new business in town. To add insult to injury, he's still hot.
If the thunder don't get you, then the lightning will...
Brogan never noticed Lucy much when they were young, but seventeen people have recommended her to help him. She's got his attention now. With her sweet personality, brilliant imagination, and penchant for doing the completely unpredictable, Brogan is finding a whole lot of excuses to spend his days—and nights—with Lucy.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 7, 2015
38 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Michele Summers
4 books194 followersROMANCE DESIGNED TO MELT YOUR HEART!
SWEET SOUTHERN TROUBLE is coming May 2nd. Read all about Marabelle, a pint-size kindergarten teacher, and how she wrangles a bunch of big, tough professional football players to help with her auction. Nick, NFL head coach, doesn't know what hit him when he crosses paths with this tiny tornado! Can't wait for you to read about their funny banter and sweet budding romance.
Let me know if you enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed writing it.
All four books can be purchased from your favorite retailer. Happy reading!
Would love to hear from you. Drop me a line at michelesummers1112@gmail.com or join my newsletter to get the latest news, updates, or sneak peeks. You can sign up on my website: www.michelesummers.com
SWEET SOUTHERN TROUBLE is coming May 2nd. Read all about Marabelle, a pint-size kindergarten teacher, and how she wrangles a bunch of big, tough professional football players to help with her auction. Nick, NFL head coach, doesn't know what hit him when he crosses paths with this tiny tornado! Can't wait for you to read about their funny banter and sweet budding romance.
Let me know if you enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed writing it.
All four books can be purchased from your favorite retailer. Happy reading!
Would love to hear from you. Drop me a line at michelesummers1112@gmail.com or join my newsletter to get the latest news, updates, or sneak peeks. You can sign up on my website: www.michelesummers.com
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June 13, 2015
Were you ever the younger sister with a crush on your older sister’s boyfriend? Did you think you were pretty slick about it and no one knew? Odds are, you weren’t, but it hasn’t come back to haunt you in later years. For marketing genius, the recently dumped and unemployed Lucy Doolan is coming home, not because she wants to, but because her step sister needs her, oh, and she needs a place to land and re-group.
Welcome to Harmony and the haunting of old memories and crushes for Lucy. Brogan Reese left town, vowing never to return, to make something of himself, so, one out of two isn’t bad. Brogan is now a successful businessman with a chain of healthy alternative grocery stores popping up in several cities, including Harmony and for this small town, one set in its ways and more interested in the winning pie at the fair than an all-natural bran muffin, he is faced with an uphill battle. You guessed it, Brogan is THAT guy, Lucy’s crush and he still manages to turn her into a giggly girl worshiping at the altar of his beauty and charm. Little does Lucy realize, they could form their own mutual admiration and lust society, but the past has a way of stepping on toes and theirs is no different.
Misunderstandings, miscommunications, misery and a town full of good intentions make for a sweet, cute and fluffy romance that is light enough to float on a cloud of love!
Not So New In Town by Michele Summers serves up a delightful romantic read as two people find that, while you CAN go home, things are not always the same, thank goodness! Ms. Summers keeps things light, humorous and loads her tale with great dialogue, a cast of often quirky characters and, of course, the evil step-sister, who has a trunkload of secrets of her own. A fun read that nevers gets dark or too heavy, but is sure to leave a smile on your face, perfect to lighten up your summer reading schedule as two people battle their emotions and attraction, neither willing to raise the white flag, first.
I received an ARC edition of Not So New In Town from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Harmony Homecomings - Book 2
Publication Date: July 7, 2015
Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca
ISBN 9781402293580
Genre: Romance
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Promotions and all things Books visit: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Welcome to Harmony and the haunting of old memories and crushes for Lucy. Brogan Reese left town, vowing never to return, to make something of himself, so, one out of two isn’t bad. Brogan is now a successful businessman with a chain of healthy alternative grocery stores popping up in several cities, including Harmony and for this small town, one set in its ways and more interested in the winning pie at the fair than an all-natural bran muffin, he is faced with an uphill battle. You guessed it, Brogan is THAT guy, Lucy’s crush and he still manages to turn her into a giggly girl worshiping at the altar of his beauty and charm. Little does Lucy realize, they could form their own mutual admiration and lust society, but the past has a way of stepping on toes and theirs is no different.
Misunderstandings, miscommunications, misery and a town full of good intentions make for a sweet, cute and fluffy romance that is light enough to float on a cloud of love!
Not So New In Town by Michele Summers serves up a delightful romantic read as two people find that, while you CAN go home, things are not always the same, thank goodness! Ms. Summers keeps things light, humorous and loads her tale with great dialogue, a cast of often quirky characters and, of course, the evil step-sister, who has a trunkload of secrets of her own. A fun read that nevers gets dark or too heavy, but is sure to leave a smile on your face, perfect to lighten up your summer reading schedule as two people battle their emotions and attraction, neither willing to raise the white flag, first.
I received an ARC edition of Not So New In Town from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Harmony Homecomings - Book 2
Publication Date: July 7, 2015
Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca
ISBN 9781402293580
Genre: Romance
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Promotions and all things Books visit: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 2, 2015
I have been craving contemporary romance lately. There is something about the nice weather that makes me want to read all the contemporary romances ever! So I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read Not So New in Town by Michele Summers because it just looked so cute. I mean, look at that cover! It totally grabbed my attention. However, I was a bit disappointed in this one.
Not So New in Town is about Lucy Doolan who has moved back to her southern hometown temporarily to 1.) Get her life in order, and 2.) To help out her stepsister who is on bedrest during the rest of her pregnancy. Lucy is pretty cute. She’s nice, but not really a pushover, smart and trying to reconnect to her stepsister and her nephew. All good things right? But Lucy seriously got on my nerves. She would say things like “moose muffins” instead of “bullshit” and other ridiculous little phrases. A little of this would be fine, but after awhile I just wanted to hear her cuss like a grown-ass woman.
As for the love interest, I just really found him to be a jerk. At first I did like Brogan. He helps Lucy out when her car breaks down, and helps Lucy with her nephew (who’s getting into trouble). I did really like how Brogan helped Lucy out with her nephew. I thought that was pretty sweet. But then Brogan would do some weird things too. So Brogan owns a chain of health food stores. He’s all about eating healthy and treating his body like a temple (cue eye roll). And okay, whatever that’s fine. But he would give Lucy a hard time with what she was eating (she’s a fan of junk food). Literally after just coming across Lucy in her broken down car in the first chapter, he grabs Lucy’s chips out of her hands and puts it away. Like for real, who does he think he is? That is obnoxious. And then there were parts were he just walked right into Lucy’s home (where she is staying with her stepsister). Lucy wakes up to see Brogan in the kitchen. And I don’t think anyone let him in. He just let himself in, no knocking or anything. It’s not like they were real close right then. And then he is an ass at the end of the book, too. Ugh!
The romance was just so-so. It’s hard to really ship two people that you find annoying. I liked Lucy more than Brogan, but still I just didn’t care that much about these two. I didn’t feel like their romance was anything special and even felt a bit cliché, too.
While I liked that Summers tried to create some unique, small-town side characters, most weren't really standout either. The only real stand-out was Lucy's BFF. I did like her, and she was pretty funny, but also really over the top. Not So New in Town is a small-town romance, but I didn’t feel the charm of Harmony, North Carolina. Maybe I wasn’t able to connect because I don’t live in the south, but truthfully, I don’t think that’s the issue. Suffice it to say that Harmony is no Lucky Harbor (a town I love even though I don’t live anywhere near the Pacific Northwest).
Obviously I’m not a huge fan of Not So New in Town. I wouldn't say that Not So New in Town is a bad book at all. The characters were decently developed, and the story did flow, but it never kept me reading into the night. Maybe it's just not a "me" book. I just feel like there are more satisfying contemporary romances out there. If you want to give this one a try, I'd borrow it from the library.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Not So New in Town is about Lucy Doolan who has moved back to her southern hometown temporarily to 1.) Get her life in order, and 2.) To help out her stepsister who is on bedrest during the rest of her pregnancy. Lucy is pretty cute. She’s nice, but not really a pushover, smart and trying to reconnect to her stepsister and her nephew. All good things right? But Lucy seriously got on my nerves. She would say things like “moose muffins” instead of “bullshit” and other ridiculous little phrases. A little of this would be fine, but after awhile I just wanted to hear her cuss like a grown-ass woman.
As for the love interest, I just really found him to be a jerk. At first I did like Brogan. He helps Lucy out when her car breaks down, and helps Lucy with her nephew (who’s getting into trouble). I did really like how Brogan helped Lucy out with her nephew. I thought that was pretty sweet. But then Brogan would do some weird things too. So Brogan owns a chain of health food stores. He’s all about eating healthy and treating his body like a temple (cue eye roll). And okay, whatever that’s fine. But he would give Lucy a hard time with what she was eating (she’s a fan of junk food). Literally after just coming across Lucy in her broken down car in the first chapter, he grabs Lucy’s chips out of her hands and puts it away. Like for real, who does he think he is? That is obnoxious. And then there were parts were he just walked right into Lucy’s home (where she is staying with her stepsister). Lucy wakes up to see Brogan in the kitchen. And I don’t think anyone let him in. He just let himself in, no knocking or anything. It’s not like they were real close right then. And then he is an ass at the end of the book, too. Ugh!
The romance was just so-so. It’s hard to really ship two people that you find annoying. I liked Lucy more than Brogan, but still I just didn’t care that much about these two. I didn’t feel like their romance was anything special and even felt a bit cliché, too.
While I liked that Summers tried to create some unique, small-town side characters, most weren't really standout either. The only real stand-out was Lucy's BFF. I did like her, and she was pretty funny, but also really over the top. Not So New in Town is a small-town romance, but I didn’t feel the charm of Harmony, North Carolina. Maybe I wasn’t able to connect because I don’t live in the south, but truthfully, I don’t think that’s the issue. Suffice it to say that Harmony is no Lucky Harbor (a town I love even though I don’t live anywhere near the Pacific Northwest).
Obviously I’m not a huge fan of Not So New in Town. I wouldn't say that Not So New in Town is a bad book at all. The characters were decently developed, and the story did flow, but it never kept me reading into the night. Maybe it's just not a "me" book. I just feel like there are more satisfying contemporary romances out there. If you want to give this one a try, I'd borrow it from the library.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
July 26, 2015
Lucy is back in town and everybody in Harmony had welcomed her with loving arms. She came back to help out her pregnant sister and take care of her teenage nephew. Her long-time crush and sister’s ex-lover Brogan also returned with Better Bites, a newly opened organic food shop. Instead of getting the warm welcome, he was tortured instead about his love life, particularly that of Julia, who happened to be Lucy’s evil step sister. Everyone thought he came back to rightly claim the child Julia was carrying.
But they were all mistaken. If only they knew the truth. If only Julia would tell the truth. If only Loco Lucy would give him a chance.
I had a great time reading Not So New In Town. t’s a feel good story about finding love the second time around. Loco Lucy was a fun personality, her time in Harmony proved to be a really adventurous one. Brogan and his healthy food store for the diet-conscious got me thinking about eating properly these days. (Suddenly I found myself shying away from rice and other carbo-food!)
If you’re looking for an easy read and romantic story, Michele Summers doesn’t disappoint. I loved how she made Brogan unlikeable at first and soon became the apple of my eye. I loved how Loco Lucy and her marketing schemes made small-town Harmony love her. I loved the giggly and wonderful flutters in my stomach while reading this book. And I loved the happy little bundles that came up in the book! Thumbs up for you, Miss Summers!
But they were all mistaken. If only they knew the truth. If only Julia would tell the truth. If only Loco Lucy would give him a chance.
I had a great time reading Not So New In Town. t’s a feel good story about finding love the second time around. Loco Lucy was a fun personality, her time in Harmony proved to be a really adventurous one. Brogan and his healthy food store for the diet-conscious got me thinking about eating properly these days. (Suddenly I found myself shying away from rice and other carbo-food!)
If you’re looking for an easy read and romantic story, Michele Summers doesn’t disappoint. I loved how she made Brogan unlikeable at first and soon became the apple of my eye. I loved how Loco Lucy and her marketing schemes made small-town Harmony love her. I loved the giggly and wonderful flutters in my stomach while reading this book. And I loved the happy little bundles that came up in the book! Thumbs up for you, Miss Summers!
April 10, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Sunmers and I honestly enjoyed it from the very first page to the very end. I loved the characters especially brogan. He had a way about him from when he was picking up Lucy from the side of the road. It had its funny moments and some of the things Lucy said or thought were just hilarious. The small town drama seemed a little much as the story progressed. I loved how Lucy and brogan had such a powerful attraction to each other and they couldn't get enough of each other. I got brogan had to figure stuff out but the way he left didn't sit well with me. Overall I enjoyed it and I can't wait to read the first book in the series and more to come.
July 7, 2015
Not So New In Town by Michele Summers is a super cute and zany small town novel. With a cast of wacky but loveable characters, an appealing storyline and a steamy romance, this second installment in the Harmony Homecomings series is a delightfully charming read.
Lucy Doolan's homecoming is off to an discouraging beginning when her car breaks down outside of town and the good Samaritan who stops to assist her is none other than her one time crush (and her stepsister's ex-boyfriend) Brogan Reese. She has returned home temporarily to concentrate on reviving her career while taking care of her evil stepsister Julia and teenage nephew Parker. The last thing she needs is to reconnect with Brogan but when Parker needs a mentor, she finds herself spending quite a bit of time with the sexy entrepreneur. Lucy is dismayed to discover her long ago crush has morphed into a serious case of lust, but given the history between them, she has no intention of acting on her attraction.
Lucy is funny, vivacious and incredibly smart. She has high hopes that her short stay in Harmony will give her the opportunity to mend her relationship with her stepsister, but Julia does not make things easy on her. She is looking forward to spending time with Parker, but her sweet nephew has turned into a surly teen who cannot seem to stay out of trouble. Having recently ended a bad relationship with a loser who took advantage of her sweet nature, Lucy is not interested in beginning another one, but when she accepts a lucrative job offer from Brogan, the sexual tension between them continues to grow.
Brogan is a really nice man but he has more than his fair share of emotional baggage. His unresolved past continues to haunt him and he has serious commitment issues. While he was once the town's golden boy, old gossip about him and Julia is still swirling around so he is having trouble getting customers into his new health food store. Desperate to save the business so he can move on, Brogan finally convinces Lucy to accept his job offer and her creative marketing strategy quickly pays off.
Brogan and Lucy work well together and the lines between their personal and professional lives soon blur. Brogan is a frequent visitor at Lucy's house and they also spend long hours together at the health food store. Their friends have easily picked up on their interest in one another and they devise some pretty inventive schemes to throw them together. Brogan and Lucy finally give in to their attraction, and they agree to a no strings fling. Their interludes are very steamy and while both begin to realize their feelings run deeper than lust, neither is willing to admit it to the other. An unexpected complication arises at the same Brogan comes face to face with his past and the future of their relationship is soon in jeopardy.
Not So New In Town is a marvelous addition to the Harmony Homecomings series. Lucy and Brogan are wonderfully developed, three-dimensional protagonists with realistic issues to overcome. The secondary cast of characters is quite colorful and their quirkiness adds to the story's appeal. The storyline is quite engaging and although mostly light-hearted, there are also real problems to solve. Michele Summers brings the setting vibrantly to life and she fully captures all the nuances of small town living. All in all, it is a witty romance that old and fans of the series are sure to love.
Lucy Doolan's homecoming is off to an discouraging beginning when her car breaks down outside of town and the good Samaritan who stops to assist her is none other than her one time crush (and her stepsister's ex-boyfriend) Brogan Reese. She has returned home temporarily to concentrate on reviving her career while taking care of her evil stepsister Julia and teenage nephew Parker. The last thing she needs is to reconnect with Brogan but when Parker needs a mentor, she finds herself spending quite a bit of time with the sexy entrepreneur. Lucy is dismayed to discover her long ago crush has morphed into a serious case of lust, but given the history between them, she has no intention of acting on her attraction.
Lucy is funny, vivacious and incredibly smart. She has high hopes that her short stay in Harmony will give her the opportunity to mend her relationship with her stepsister, but Julia does not make things easy on her. She is looking forward to spending time with Parker, but her sweet nephew has turned into a surly teen who cannot seem to stay out of trouble. Having recently ended a bad relationship with a loser who took advantage of her sweet nature, Lucy is not interested in beginning another one, but when she accepts a lucrative job offer from Brogan, the sexual tension between them continues to grow.
Brogan is a really nice man but he has more than his fair share of emotional baggage. His unresolved past continues to haunt him and he has serious commitment issues. While he was once the town's golden boy, old gossip about him and Julia is still swirling around so he is having trouble getting customers into his new health food store. Desperate to save the business so he can move on, Brogan finally convinces Lucy to accept his job offer and her creative marketing strategy quickly pays off.
Brogan and Lucy work well together and the lines between their personal and professional lives soon blur. Brogan is a frequent visitor at Lucy's house and they also spend long hours together at the health food store. Their friends have easily picked up on their interest in one another and they devise some pretty inventive schemes to throw them together. Brogan and Lucy finally give in to their attraction, and they agree to a no strings fling. Their interludes are very steamy and while both begin to realize their feelings run deeper than lust, neither is willing to admit it to the other. An unexpected complication arises at the same Brogan comes face to face with his past and the future of their relationship is soon in jeopardy.
Not So New In Town is a marvelous addition to the Harmony Homecomings series. Lucy and Brogan are wonderfully developed, three-dimensional protagonists with realistic issues to overcome. The secondary cast of characters is quite colorful and their quirkiness adds to the story's appeal. The storyline is quite engaging and although mostly light-hearted, there are also real problems to solve. Michele Summers brings the setting vibrantly to life and she fully captures all the nuances of small town living. All in all, it is a witty romance that old and fans of the series are sure to love.
July 5, 2015
Check out the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.
Not So New in Town is the second book in the Michele Summers-penned Harmony Homecomings series and turns the spotlight on Lucy Doolan and Brogan Reese, both Harmony natives who left town and are only now making a return and receiving very different receptions. While Lucy is welcomed back with open arms by most of the townsfolk, Brogan is looked upon with suspicion since rumor has it he got Julia, Lucy's stepsister pregnant, a longstanding rumor that Julia never really went out of her way to clear up.
Lucy has always had a crush on Brogan but he never saw her as anything more than Little Lucy, up until he gets a good look at her seventeen years later and realizes she's grown up to be a beautiful and intelligent woman. There's a connection between the two of them but Brogan has been scarred by the fact that his father was never around while he was growing up and Lucy has certain insecurities when it comes to Julia and her relationship with Brogan plus her ex-boyfriend quickly ended once she learned of his deception.
I liked this story more than I did its predecessor but as was the case with book one, it did take a good, long while before I felt any affection for the lead characters. My heart squeezed when Brogan did what he did in chapter 26, and I so wanted to smack the guy more than once. I hope the next book will be about Javier Coloma, Brogan's best friend and business partner, but it would also be interesting to have the outsider be a woman and the one from Harmony a man for book three. I'm giving Not So New in Town four stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.
Not So New in Town is the second book in the Michele Summers-penned Harmony Homecomings series and turns the spotlight on Lucy Doolan and Brogan Reese, both Harmony natives who left town and are only now making a return and receiving very different receptions. While Lucy is welcomed back with open arms by most of the townsfolk, Brogan is looked upon with suspicion since rumor has it he got Julia, Lucy's stepsister pregnant, a longstanding rumor that Julia never really went out of her way to clear up.
Lucy has always had a crush on Brogan but he never saw her as anything more than Little Lucy, up until he gets a good look at her seventeen years later and realizes she's grown up to be a beautiful and intelligent woman. There's a connection between the two of them but Brogan has been scarred by the fact that his father was never around while he was growing up and Lucy has certain insecurities when it comes to Julia and her relationship with Brogan plus her ex-boyfriend quickly ended once she learned of his deception.
I liked this story more than I did its predecessor but as was the case with book one, it did take a good, long while before I felt any affection for the lead characters. My heart squeezed when Brogan did what he did in chapter 26, and I so wanted to smack the guy more than once. I hope the next book will be about Javier Coloma, Brogan's best friend and business partner, but it would also be interesting to have the outsider be a woman and the one from Harmony a man for book three. I'm giving Not So New in Town four stars. ♥
July 18, 2016
Loved!! Lucy and Brogan are such great characters and having them both returning to Harmony was great. Lucy is back to help her sister out while she's on mandatory bed rest during her pregnancy. Brogan is in Harmony opening his latest health food store in the small town. Lucy always had a crush on him when she was younger but he never noticed her. Well he's noticing her now! The fact that they could both use each others help doesn't hurt either. She needs a job and he happens to have one. He needs help selling his store to the locals and she happens to be a marketing genius! Together they just fit much to the disdain of Lucy's sister! This is a fun small town romance that kept me completely entertained. I would definitely recommend this one.
March 22, 2016
Michele Summers, Not So New In Town, the second book in the Harmony Homecoming series is so much fun. The characters are so witty and hilariously comical. The plot is loaded with several different storylines that all come together in a heartwarming conclusion. Throw in a few mysterious situations and you have yourself a wonderful, delightful, and energetic book.
July 11, 2015
3 stars
Not So New In Town was a quick, fun and entertaining read.
The storyline was good and I finished it in a little less than a day.
Overall it was an enjoyable contemporary romance.
Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley for the advance copy.
Not So New In Town was a quick, fun and entertaining read.
The storyline was good and I finished it in a little less than a day.
Overall it was an enjoyable contemporary romance.
Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca via Netgalley for the advance copy.
June 12, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books.
This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
August 20, 2015
I've read a book my +Michele Summers already. In fact, the first book I've read of hers is the first book in this series and I was quite entertained. This book was no different.
Being dumped and fired have to be the worst thing that can happen to an independent woman such as Lucy Doolan. To further exaggerate the situation, Lucy must now go her hometown of Harmony in disgrace after she vowed to never go back and take care of her sister Julia.
The same sister who terrorized her for years is now bedridden for the rest of her pregnancy. Now it's Lucy's job to take care of her sister and her son who her sister refuses to say who the father is.
There is a rumor around town that Lucy's nephew's father is Julia's high school boyfriend, Brogan Reese. The same Brogan Reese who stole Lucy's heart without even knowing about it. Now he's back in town as well, looking even better than now than when they were kids.
Brogan is not happy to be back in his hometown of Harmony. And by the looks of it, the town's people aren't too happy to have him back either. They are disappointed that he ran off from his responsibility of his pregnant girlfriend.
One day when he was driving his car into town, he saw someone pulled over on the side of the road and decided to stop and help. What he was not expecting was to see the sister of the woman he once dated in high school. He does not remember Lucy all that well since he did not notice her that much when they were younger, but now he sees that she is all grown up and sexy too.
Too bad she wants nothing to do with him, but fate has a weird way of screwing up people's plans. Now everywhere he goes, he sees Lucy and although he's happy about that, Lucy is not and it seemed the more she tries to avoid him, the more they bump into each other.
When Lucy's nephew gets out of hand, Brogan finds himself stepping in to help Lucy out with the troubled teen. Now Brogan has an excellent excuse to spend more time with Lucy and he thinks that he can change Lucy's mind about him.
Can Brogan and Lucy get a do-over? Would we ever know who Lucy's nephew's father is? Find out in the second installment of the Harmony Homecomings Series, Not so new in town.
I enjoyed Michele Summers first book in the series and I enjoyed this one too. Lucy was in love with Brogan for years until he broke her heart in high school. That was the last straw for Lucy, she was fed up to playing second fiddle to her stepsister all those years. She even developed a nickname for herself from the townsfolk after she had her revenge on Julia.
To get away from the hurt and heartbreak that she experienced in Harmony, Lucy left to go to the big city but circumstances made her move right back in Harmony. On her first day back, before she even made it to Harmony her car breaks down and she had to be saved by none other than Brogan. Oh, that just made her mad, especially when she had to accept help from him.
Since he is also a health nut he grabs her delicious bag of potato chips out of her hands the instant he saw it. The nerve of him, getting in between a woman and her snack-to-feel-better. My snack-to-feel-better is chocolate, but everyone has different tastes.
Lucy tries to make the best out of a hard situation, but her sister is the same as always, her nephew is a brat and everyone in town is calling her by her well-earned nickname of Crazy Lucy.
Brogan is not so well received back in town, but he's making the best of things. He opened a health food store in town which is not making enough sales. No one in town would step foot into his store after what they thought he did and who in the South is going to eat healthy foods.
A good distraction from his failure with his store comes in the form of Lucy coming into town. He also likes the challenge she gives him by not immediately swooning in his arms. Typical men and their egos.
When he is able to get some headway with Lucy he either says or does something that makes her take two giant steps back away from him. It was really fun to read about his frustration of not getting anywhere with Lucy. He did get some points for helping with the kid everyone thinks is his, but not much else.
Even with all the fun I had reading the book I did not get the big picture. Things were implied on how Lucy got the nickname "Crazy Lucy" but not concrete enough for me to understand. Also, her relationship with Julia was not fully explained. It was said that Julia was mean to Lucy, but I don't recall much evidence of this in the book.
There was many implied things that happened when they were kids and nothing to actually confirm how bad it was. I only got a feel of the book in the present, but the past that Michele tried to paint is a big, blurry, fuzzy picture.
I enjoyed this book immensely and I recommend this book for all to read.
Being dumped and fired have to be the worst thing that can happen to an independent woman such as Lucy Doolan. To further exaggerate the situation, Lucy must now go her hometown of Harmony in disgrace after she vowed to never go back and take care of her sister Julia.
The same sister who terrorized her for years is now bedridden for the rest of her pregnancy. Now it's Lucy's job to take care of her sister and her son who her sister refuses to say who the father is.
There is a rumor around town that Lucy's nephew's father is Julia's high school boyfriend, Brogan Reese. The same Brogan Reese who stole Lucy's heart without even knowing about it. Now he's back in town as well, looking even better than now than when they were kids.
Brogan is not happy to be back in his hometown of Harmony. And by the looks of it, the town's people aren't too happy to have him back either. They are disappointed that he ran off from his responsibility of his pregnant girlfriend.
One day when he was driving his car into town, he saw someone pulled over on the side of the road and decided to stop and help. What he was not expecting was to see the sister of the woman he once dated in high school. He does not remember Lucy all that well since he did not notice her that much when they were younger, but now he sees that she is all grown up and sexy too.
Too bad she wants nothing to do with him, but fate has a weird way of screwing up people's plans. Now everywhere he goes, he sees Lucy and although he's happy about that, Lucy is not and it seemed the more she tries to avoid him, the more they bump into each other.
When Lucy's nephew gets out of hand, Brogan finds himself stepping in to help Lucy out with the troubled teen. Now Brogan has an excellent excuse to spend more time with Lucy and he thinks that he can change Lucy's mind about him.
Can Brogan and Lucy get a do-over? Would we ever know who Lucy's nephew's father is? Find out in the second installment of the Harmony Homecomings Series, Not so new in town.
I enjoyed Michele Summers first book in the series and I enjoyed this one too. Lucy was in love with Brogan for years until he broke her heart in high school. That was the last straw for Lucy, she was fed up to playing second fiddle to her stepsister all those years. She even developed a nickname for herself from the townsfolk after she had her revenge on Julia.
To get away from the hurt and heartbreak that she experienced in Harmony, Lucy left to go to the big city but circumstances made her move right back in Harmony. On her first day back, before she even made it to Harmony her car breaks down and she had to be saved by none other than Brogan. Oh, that just made her mad, especially when she had to accept help from him.
Since he is also a health nut he grabs her delicious bag of potato chips out of her hands the instant he saw it. The nerve of him, getting in between a woman and her snack-to-feel-better. My snack-to-feel-better is chocolate, but everyone has different tastes.
Lucy tries to make the best out of a hard situation, but her sister is the same as always, her nephew is a brat and everyone in town is calling her by her well-earned nickname of Crazy Lucy.
Brogan is not so well received back in town, but he's making the best of things. He opened a health food store in town which is not making enough sales. No one in town would step foot into his store after what they thought he did and who in the South is going to eat healthy foods.
A good distraction from his failure with his store comes in the form of Lucy coming into town. He also likes the challenge she gives him by not immediately swooning in his arms. Typical men and their egos.
When he is able to get some headway with Lucy he either says or does something that makes her take two giant steps back away from him. It was really fun to read about his frustration of not getting anywhere with Lucy. He did get some points for helping with the kid everyone thinks is his, but not much else.
Even with all the fun I had reading the book I did not get the big picture. Things were implied on how Lucy got the nickname "Crazy Lucy" but not concrete enough for me to understand. Also, her relationship with Julia was not fully explained. It was said that Julia was mean to Lucy, but I don't recall much evidence of this in the book.
There was many implied things that happened when they were kids and nothing to actually confirm how bad it was. I only got a feel of the book in the present, but the past that Michele tried to paint is a big, blurry, fuzzy picture.
I enjoyed this book immensely and I recommend this book for all to read.
July 13, 2015
Originally posted at The Bookaholic Cat
3.5 Stars
Not So New In Town is the second book in the Harmony Homecomings series by Michele Summers.
Lucy Doolan always thought next time she would come back to her hometown she will be at her best moment in life, but life had other plans for her. After being dumped by her boyfriend and work partner Lucy is jobless and penniless. When her pregnant stepsister, Julia, called her and asked for her help, Lucy couldn’t say no. Now Lucy is back in Harmony, North Carolina, with a broken car, an empty bank account and living under the roof of her demanding stepsister.
Lucy is not the only one back in Harmony. Lucy’s high school crush and Julia’s ex-boyfriend, Brogan Reese, is also back in town. Brogan just opened a branch of his health store in Harmony, but things are not going as well as he was planning. The residents of Harmony think Julia’s teenager son is his, they believe he abandoned Julia when she was pregnant. Although that’s not the truth, Julia has never clarified who Parker’s father is.
Brogan needs his store to work before he leaves for New York to open another branch. After hearing great things about Lucy’s marketing skills, he hires her to help him promote his store.
After some days working with Lucy he realizes she is not only what his store needed, but also what was missing in his life.
Lucy really wants things to work between her and Brogan, but her insecurities and his lack of commitment make her reluctant to risk her heart.
There were things I liked about Not So New In Town and others I didn’t like much.
First, I had a like/dislike relationship with Lucy. I liked how good hearted and funny she was, but I didn’t like her insecurities and the way she behave sometimes. She was prone to misunderstand situations that weren’t too clear and to act without thinking.
It was the same case with Brogan. I liked that he was caring and a good person, but sometimes he did things that were a bit confusing and felt out of character for him.
The secondary characters were entertaining, especially Lucy’s best friend, Wanda. She was funny and outspoken; my only problem with her was that at times her personality was a bit too much, to the point that she felt a bit cartoonish.
Lucy’s stepsister is portrayed as the evil stepsister, but I didn’t really see it. I only saw a jealous and lonely woman who only wanted what was best for her son.
Talking about her son, my heart broke for Parker. I can’t imagine growing up not knowing who your father is and only hearing gossip about it. I’m glad things came to the light at the end and he found a good male influence in Brogan.
It was nice to see Lucy and Brogan fall for each other, but I didn’t like what Summers used to get them together. The trope she used is one of my least favorite tropes to get couples together.
In general, Not So New In Town is a cute and fun read. I found myself smiling a lot while reading this book. Despite being part of a series Not So New In Town can be easily read as a stand-alone.
Not So New In Town was my first book by Michele Summers, but it won't be my last.
3.5 Stars
Not So New In Town is the second book in the Harmony Homecomings series by Michele Summers.
Lucy Doolan always thought next time she would come back to her hometown she will be at her best moment in life, but life had other plans for her. After being dumped by her boyfriend and work partner Lucy is jobless and penniless. When her pregnant stepsister, Julia, called her and asked for her help, Lucy couldn’t say no. Now Lucy is back in Harmony, North Carolina, with a broken car, an empty bank account and living under the roof of her demanding stepsister.
Lucy is not the only one back in Harmony. Lucy’s high school crush and Julia’s ex-boyfriend, Brogan Reese, is also back in town. Brogan just opened a branch of his health store in Harmony, but things are not going as well as he was planning. The residents of Harmony think Julia’s teenager son is his, they believe he abandoned Julia when she was pregnant. Although that’s not the truth, Julia has never clarified who Parker’s father is.
Brogan needs his store to work before he leaves for New York to open another branch. After hearing great things about Lucy’s marketing skills, he hires her to help him promote his store.
After some days working with Lucy he realizes she is not only what his store needed, but also what was missing in his life.
Lucy really wants things to work between her and Brogan, but her insecurities and his lack of commitment make her reluctant to risk her heart.
There were things I liked about Not So New In Town and others I didn’t like much.
First, I had a like/dislike relationship with Lucy. I liked how good hearted and funny she was, but I didn’t like her insecurities and the way she behave sometimes. She was prone to misunderstand situations that weren’t too clear and to act without thinking.
It was the same case with Brogan. I liked that he was caring and a good person, but sometimes he did things that were a bit confusing and felt out of character for him.
The secondary characters were entertaining, especially Lucy’s best friend, Wanda. She was funny and outspoken; my only problem with her was that at times her personality was a bit too much, to the point that she felt a bit cartoonish.
Lucy’s stepsister is portrayed as the evil stepsister, but I didn’t really see it. I only saw a jealous and lonely woman who only wanted what was best for her son.
Talking about her son, my heart broke for Parker. I can’t imagine growing up not knowing who your father is and only hearing gossip about it. I’m glad things came to the light at the end and he found a good male influence in Brogan.
It was nice to see Lucy and Brogan fall for each other, but I didn’t like what Summers used to get them together. The trope she used is one of my least favorite tropes to get couples together.
In general, Not So New In Town is a cute and fun read. I found myself smiling a lot while reading this book. Despite being part of a series Not So New In Town can be easily read as a stand-alone.
Not So New In Town was my first book by Michele Summers, but it won't be my last.
July 31, 2015
I was so excited about getting my hands on Not so New in Town by Michele Summers. After reading Found My Way Home, I knew this book would be hilarious, full of surprises, and trust me, she did not disappoint!
Lucy is very easy to relate with, and times with Brogan also. I grew up with a sister 4 years older than me, so I may have had a crush with one of her friends while she was in college. OK, so maybe more than one. I understood the doubt and insecurity Lucy felt when Brogan started giving her the attention she's always desired from him. She always hesitated with the thought of it being genuine, but we know it definitely was! The tension between them at times was strong, yet exciting!
I love all the relationships that we followed throughout. The way Brogan took Parker under his wing and guided him in the right direction at such an important time of a teenage boy's life, where he could go in extremely different directions. Parker really looked up to Brogan and I felt like he appreciated the time he voluntarily spent with him. What an impact he made on Parker's life. I understood the sister obligation between Lucy and Julia. No matter how much you drive each other crazy or how different your lives have panned out, when family needs you, you take care of each other.
Growing up in small town North Carolina myself, I completely recognized everyone in Harmony. All the cliques and talk and gossip sent around quicker than a Jimmy John's delivery driver. Can you imagine how big of a deal it is when a couple of people like Lucy and Brogan just happened to show back up in Harmony at the same time? If that doesn't get stories started, I don't know what will. But at the end of the day and after everything that happened, everyone loved and supported them as a family.
I enjoyed the twists and surprises that took place, like Julia and Russell! And then Russell and Wanda by the end expecting their own! I appreciated how forgiving and still in control Wanda is. That poor Russell is going to have his hands full..
I was relieved, yet still hurt for Brogan, when his dad came to the store to talk to him. It was nice to know why he was gone for all those years and for him to come explain to Brogan before he passed, but it still doesn't make it OK.
Smiling ear to ear is expected when you learn Lucy is expecting a baby with Brogan. Naturally when he left the note after his dad's visit I was heartbroken, but I'm so relieved to know he made the right decision and came back to find Lucy and convince her to come back to Harmony. I never wanted Not So New In Town to end, especially with all the babies coming into the picture! Harmony is definitely starting to grow!
Not So New in Town has everything a romantic comedy needs! I'm looking forward to #3 in the Harmony Homecoming series and can't wait to see what happens next.
Lucy is very easy to relate with, and times with Brogan also. I grew up with a sister 4 years older than me, so I may have had a crush with one of her friends while she was in college. OK, so maybe more than one. I understood the doubt and insecurity Lucy felt when Brogan started giving her the attention she's always desired from him. She always hesitated with the thought of it being genuine, but we know it definitely was! The tension between them at times was strong, yet exciting!
I love all the relationships that we followed throughout. The way Brogan took Parker under his wing and guided him in the right direction at such an important time of a teenage boy's life, where he could go in extremely different directions. Parker really looked up to Brogan and I felt like he appreciated the time he voluntarily spent with him. What an impact he made on Parker's life. I understood the sister obligation between Lucy and Julia. No matter how much you drive each other crazy or how different your lives have panned out, when family needs you, you take care of each other.
Growing up in small town North Carolina myself, I completely recognized everyone in Harmony. All the cliques and talk and gossip sent around quicker than a Jimmy John's delivery driver. Can you imagine how big of a deal it is when a couple of people like Lucy and Brogan just happened to show back up in Harmony at the same time? If that doesn't get stories started, I don't know what will. But at the end of the day and after everything that happened, everyone loved and supported them as a family.
I enjoyed the twists and surprises that took place, like Julia and Russell! And then Russell and Wanda by the end expecting their own! I appreciated how forgiving and still in control Wanda is. That poor Russell is going to have his hands full..
I was relieved, yet still hurt for Brogan, when his dad came to the store to talk to him. It was nice to know why he was gone for all those years and for him to come explain to Brogan before he passed, but it still doesn't make it OK.
Smiling ear to ear is expected when you learn Lucy is expecting a baby with Brogan. Naturally when he left the note after his dad's visit I was heartbroken, but I'm so relieved to know he made the right decision and came back to find Lucy and convince her to come back to Harmony. I never wanted Not So New In Town to end, especially with all the babies coming into the picture! Harmony is definitely starting to grow!
Not So New in Town has everything a romantic comedy needs! I'm looking forward to #3 in the Harmony Homecoming series and can't wait to see what happens next.
August 30, 2015
Originally reviewed for www.buriedunderromance.com
NOT SO NEW IN TOWN, the second book in the Harmony Homecomings series by Michele Summers, is an enjoyable story, just perfect for a quick vacation read.
Delightful heroine Lucy Doolan, a successful marketing wiz, is headed home to Harmony to help her older sister Julia through a difficult pregnancy that has her on bedrest. Lucy has many doubts as she returns to her small hometown: Can she get along with Julia given all the fireworks between them as they grew up? Can she deal with Julia’s moody teenaged son Parker? Will her beat up old car make it home? She finds out the answer to the last question when her car breaks down on the highway outside of town. A good samaritan stops to help her, but when Julia recognizes him behind the sunglasses, she finds herself facing her biggest doubt of all.
Brogan Reese, was the suave football quarterback that had all of the girls swooning, especially Lucy Doolan who had a crush on him throughout high school. She should have been thrilled when he showed up to help her with car, but instead she is terrified to find out he is back in town. Not only was Brogan her high school crush, he was also Julia’s boyfriend. Lucy cringed at the memories of cutting off Lucy’s hair in the middle of the night to ruin her prom hairstyle, and the kiss she shared with Brogan when she tried to take him away from Julia. Could things get any worse as she accepted a ride into town from Brogan?
The story, while a bit cliché at the end, is generally light hearted and interesting. The dialogue is witty and the story is fast-paced, although I thought there may have been a few to many “will they or won’t they” scenes. At times I wanted to scream, “so just do it already,” but I do realize that sexual tension is the most important element of a good romance.
I loved Ms. Summers use of many pop-culture references throughout the novel, something you don’t always see done so well. I think it helps connect the reader to the characters when they’re listening to one of your favorite songs or talking about a TV Show that you watched
Although part of a series, this is a good standalone novel. I didn’t even realize it was part of a series until I was through reading it. Now, I’d like to go back and check out the first book in the series. I’m giving NOT SO NEW IN TOWN four stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
NOT SO NEW IN TOWN, the second book in the Harmony Homecomings series by Michele Summers, is an enjoyable story, just perfect for a quick vacation read.
Delightful heroine Lucy Doolan, a successful marketing wiz, is headed home to Harmony to help her older sister Julia through a difficult pregnancy that has her on bedrest. Lucy has many doubts as she returns to her small hometown: Can she get along with Julia given all the fireworks between them as they grew up? Can she deal with Julia’s moody teenaged son Parker? Will her beat up old car make it home? She finds out the answer to the last question when her car breaks down on the highway outside of town. A good samaritan stops to help her, but when Julia recognizes him behind the sunglasses, she finds herself facing her biggest doubt of all.
Brogan Reese, was the suave football quarterback that had all of the girls swooning, especially Lucy Doolan who had a crush on him throughout high school. She should have been thrilled when he showed up to help her with car, but instead she is terrified to find out he is back in town. Not only was Brogan her high school crush, he was also Julia’s boyfriend. Lucy cringed at the memories of cutting off Lucy’s hair in the middle of the night to ruin her prom hairstyle, and the kiss she shared with Brogan when she tried to take him away from Julia. Could things get any worse as she accepted a ride into town from Brogan?
The story, while a bit cliché at the end, is generally light hearted and interesting. The dialogue is witty and the story is fast-paced, although I thought there may have been a few to many “will they or won’t they” scenes. At times I wanted to scream, “so just do it already,” but I do realize that sexual tension is the most important element of a good romance.
I loved Ms. Summers use of many pop-culture references throughout the novel, something you don’t always see done so well. I think it helps connect the reader to the characters when they’re listening to one of your favorite songs or talking about a TV Show that you watched
Although part of a series, this is a good standalone novel. I didn’t even realize it was part of a series until I was through reading it. Now, I’d like to go back and check out the first book in the series. I’m giving NOT SO NEW IN TOWN four stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 8, 2015
Not So New in Town by Michelle Summers is the second book in her Harmony Homecomings series. This was a sweet romance, with a great couple and equally great secondary characters. Lucy Doolan is our heroine, who decides to return home to Harmony, North Carolina to help her step-sister, who is bedridden for the remainder of her pregnancy. Lucy hasn’t gotten along with her bad step sister, but feels obligated to help her. On her way home, her old car breaks down, but luckily for her, someone stops to help.
Brogan is our hero, who himself has recently return to Harmony to set up one of his health food stores. Brogan plans on getting the store in shape, and go back to N.Y. When he picks up Lucy on the side road, both are shocked to see each after so many years. Lucy had a crush on Brogan, but he was only interested in her sister.
This was a slow to build romance between two unlikely people. Brogan was health conscious, and Lucy was all about junk food. They were pretty hilarious together, him trying to get her to eat his granola, or special Banana muffins and she was only interested in Cheetos or Krispy Kreme donuts.
Lucy was a marketing guru, and Brogan convinces her help him make his store in Harmony successful. Lucy accepts, and as the story continues, there was much more hilarity, as she forces him to participate in many events promoting his healthy food, especially with all the women who hang all over the hot Brogan.
In between all of this, Lucy not only has to slave over her sister, she also must take care of her teen age nephew, who is a handful, sneaking out at night. Lucy gets Brogan to help, since he used to play football, and can win over the boy. Their relationship continues to escalate into a steamy sizzling affair, with both not interested in anything permanent, and each planning to leave town as soon as they can. Just when he begins to feel that perhaps this relationship with Lucy can be something more, he meets the father he has not seen in many years. This is the straw that will break him, and he will run back to NY without telling Lucy.
It will take friends, and family to intercede and set a trap for Brogan and Lucy to hope for our happy ending. Michelle Summers has written another delightful story in her Harmony Homecoming series. Not So New in Town was a fun, sexy and hilarious story that I loved from the start to finish. I suggest to read this book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Brogan is our hero, who himself has recently return to Harmony to set up one of his health food stores. Brogan plans on getting the store in shape, and go back to N.Y. When he picks up Lucy on the side road, both are shocked to see each after so many years. Lucy had a crush on Brogan, but he was only interested in her sister.
This was a slow to build romance between two unlikely people. Brogan was health conscious, and Lucy was all about junk food. They were pretty hilarious together, him trying to get her to eat his granola, or special Banana muffins and she was only interested in Cheetos or Krispy Kreme donuts.
Lucy was a marketing guru, and Brogan convinces her help him make his store in Harmony successful. Lucy accepts, and as the story continues, there was much more hilarity, as she forces him to participate in many events promoting his healthy food, especially with all the women who hang all over the hot Brogan.
In between all of this, Lucy not only has to slave over her sister, she also must take care of her teen age nephew, who is a handful, sneaking out at night. Lucy gets Brogan to help, since he used to play football, and can win over the boy. Their relationship continues to escalate into a steamy sizzling affair, with both not interested in anything permanent, and each planning to leave town as soon as they can. Just when he begins to feel that perhaps this relationship with Lucy can be something more, he meets the father he has not seen in many years. This is the straw that will break him, and he will run back to NY without telling Lucy.
It will take friends, and family to intercede and set a trap for Brogan and Lucy to hope for our happy ending. Michelle Summers has written another delightful story in her Harmony Homecoming series. Not So New in Town was a fun, sexy and hilarious story that I loved from the start to finish. I suggest to read this book.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
December 7, 2020
Super cute book
I really enjoyed reading this book. Lots of laugh out loud moments. I’m looking forward to reading the 3rd book now.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Lots of laugh out loud moments. I’m looking forward to reading the 3rd book now.
June 12, 2015
This is a lovely read full of small town drama. I have to say that I love this type of storyline….where gossip runs rampant but ultimately love conquers all.
Lucy is coming home to help her stepsister, Julia, while Julia is on bed rest in the last few months of her latest pregnancy. The two of them have never been loving sisters, but it’s even harder now that Lucy has to literally wait on her hand and foot. She’s also responsible for helping with Parker, Julia’s fifteen year old son. No one knows who the father of her kids are, but everyone suspects that their father is Brogan, her high school ex-boyfriend. Coincidentally, Brogan’s back in town too. He recently started a health food store in his home town, which uhhhh, hasn’t taken off. YET. But he’s not planning on sticking around.
These type of love stories center around a simple town with a simple plot and I simply love them. It’s nice to escape to a place where everyone knows everyone and people act like the locals are actually celebrities. Yes, I imagine that the gossip train gets old if you have to live it, but there’s something adorable about old ladies sitting Brogan down and giving him the come-to-Jesus speech about how to make his next move. I love that shit.
Lucy’s sweet and smart as hell. She has a good head on her shoulders, although Brogan would most likely point out some of his other favorite body parts of hers first. She doesn’t want to get involved with her sister’s ex, especially because she thinks that he may still hold a candle for her, but she also can’t seem to help it. There are some hot & delicious sex scenes in this book. YUM YUM.
This is a really fun beach read – if you’re looking to enjoy something not too overly dramatic, but that will still leave you satisfied, this is a great one to pick up. This story might be about a small town, but it’s full of big love. 4 stars!
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
Lucy is coming home to help her stepsister, Julia, while Julia is on bed rest in the last few months of her latest pregnancy. The two of them have never been loving sisters, but it’s even harder now that Lucy has to literally wait on her hand and foot. She’s also responsible for helping with Parker, Julia’s fifteen year old son. No one knows who the father of her kids are, but everyone suspects that their father is Brogan, her high school ex-boyfriend. Coincidentally, Brogan’s back in town too. He recently started a health food store in his home town, which uhhhh, hasn’t taken off. YET. But he’s not planning on sticking around.
These type of love stories center around a simple town with a simple plot and I simply love them. It’s nice to escape to a place where everyone knows everyone and people act like the locals are actually celebrities. Yes, I imagine that the gossip train gets old if you have to live it, but there’s something adorable about old ladies sitting Brogan down and giving him the come-to-Jesus speech about how to make his next move. I love that shit.
Lucy’s sweet and smart as hell. She has a good head on her shoulders, although Brogan would most likely point out some of his other favorite body parts of hers first. She doesn’t want to get involved with her sister’s ex, especially because she thinks that he may still hold a candle for her, but she also can’t seem to help it. There are some hot & delicious sex scenes in this book. YUM YUM.
This is a really fun beach read – if you’re looking to enjoy something not too overly dramatic, but that will still leave you satisfied, this is a great one to pick up. This story might be about a small town, but it’s full of big love. 4 stars!
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
July 10, 2015
Lucy is back in her small hometown, ostensibly to help out her sister through a difficult pregnancy although she is planning to take the time to get her life together. This return is not without difficulty: the two had a contentious relationship growing up, and Julia has a teenaged son who is, in all ways, a teen with all of the emotional ups and down. Before she can reach her destination, however, her old car breaks down and she comes face to face with her childhood crush Brogan.
Brogan has left Harmony to pursue his own health food empire: he never really considered Lucy as anything more than Julia’s little sister. Now, things have definitely changed, and Julia is all grown up. The former football star in town, Brogan is more than a bit overbearing and egotistical: something that doesn’t endear him to the residents who are not particularly welcoming.
There’s plenty of back and forth in this story, with Brogan alternating between total wanker and semi-ok being. Lucy was sweet and mostly undemanding of emotional connection: she wasn’t flat or undeveloped, I just couldn’t find the LOVE for these two as a couple. Or for the angst between Lucy and Julia that really wasn’t there. Of course, this kept the story on the light and fluffy side of the shelf, and exactly the sort of read that is perfect for summer.
Summers kept the story moving forward well with some offbeat insets of memories, plenty of pop-culture references and several appearances from the locals which added humor and a sense of ‘place’ to the story. I wanted light and fluffy, and this story delivered that with bells on.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Brogan has left Harmony to pursue his own health food empire: he never really considered Lucy as anything more than Julia’s little sister. Now, things have definitely changed, and Julia is all grown up. The former football star in town, Brogan is more than a bit overbearing and egotistical: something that doesn’t endear him to the residents who are not particularly welcoming.
There’s plenty of back and forth in this story, with Brogan alternating between total wanker and semi-ok being. Lucy was sweet and mostly undemanding of emotional connection: she wasn’t flat or undeveloped, I just couldn’t find the LOVE for these two as a couple. Or for the angst between Lucy and Julia that really wasn’t there. Of course, this kept the story on the light and fluffy side of the shelf, and exactly the sort of read that is perfect for summer.
Summers kept the story moving forward well with some offbeat insets of memories, plenty of pop-culture references and several appearances from the locals which added humor and a sense of ‘place’ to the story. I wanted light and fluffy, and this story delivered that with bells on.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
July 9, 2015
My only complaint about this book is that I’m not sure that Lucy’s issues with her stepsister were ever addressed. I mean they never actually fight, there are little digs and comments, but then suddenly they are supposed to be on good terms? I would have liked to have seen some kind of heart to heart, even if it was a snarky one. Something that would have shown some progression in their relationship and maybe an understanding of where they are coming from. Unfortunately I didn’t feel like we got that.
But I read these for the love story and that part hit it on the head. Small town romances can be so much fun – especially with the humorous cast of characters that you can get in the South. I mean who doesn’t love a sassy best friend who has a pet pig … and not a miniature one :) Actually that is my other complaint. I think that Lucy’s friend Wanda needed her own story, because there is a lot going on there as well. Before I get too far with my complaints I should say that I haven’t read the first book, so I’m not sure if any of this would have been addressed with Find My Way Home. It doesn’t seem like it, because Lucy comes to town after the happenings of book 1, but you never know so I feel like I should throw that out there.
The relationship between Lucy and Brogan, though, is absolutely darling. I loved these two together and their journey is a ton of fun (& funny). With their history and the paths that life has led them down, it makes for an interesting and sometimes difficult attraction. I loved the way that Summers brings them together and the resolution she gives them at the end. It wraps things up beautifully and I smiled when they finally get it all figured out.
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
But I read these for the love story and that part hit it on the head. Small town romances can be so much fun – especially with the humorous cast of characters that you can get in the South. I mean who doesn’t love a sassy best friend who has a pet pig … and not a miniature one :) Actually that is my other complaint. I think that Lucy’s friend Wanda needed her own story, because there is a lot going on there as well. Before I get too far with my complaints I should say that I haven’t read the first book, so I’m not sure if any of this would have been addressed with Find My Way Home. It doesn’t seem like it, because Lucy comes to town after the happenings of book 1, but you never know so I feel like I should throw that out there.
The relationship between Lucy and Brogan, though, is absolutely darling. I loved these two together and their journey is a ton of fun (& funny). With their history and the paths that life has led them down, it makes for an interesting and sometimes difficult attraction. I loved the way that Summers brings them together and the resolution she gives them at the end. It wraps things up beautifully and I smiled when they finally get it all figured out.
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
June 27, 2015
I received this ARC copy of "Not So New in Town" from the publisher in exchange for an honest, non biased review.
This is the first book that I have read of Michelle Summers and I was quite impressed by her writing and writing style. Having read other contemporary romance authors I felt she was a mix of Jill Shalvis and Kristin Higgins, in a good way! With picking up the 2nd or 3rd book in the series you always worry as a reader that you will be lost and not wanting to read any more. For me that was not the case with this author. I felt she did a great job of giving you enough background on the characters and the town to really understand them.
In addition, I really enjoyed watching her build the love story of Brogan and and Lucy. She didn't sugar coat there story and rather made it more realistic. In many ways it was the opposite of what most love story's are. She had Brogan being the one pursuing Lucy.
Lastly, I thoroughly enjoyed the humor that Michelle brought to the book. I think it helped make the book more interesting and helped give a little comedy after or before the tougher scenes in the book.
If I would have to say there was an parts I did not enjoy it would have to be the curve ball that she had at the end of the scene. I will not further explain because I don't want to ruin the story for authors but it was definitely something that I felt was a little cliche.
Overall though I really liked this story and author and am looking forward to reading more books of hers.
This is the first book that I have read of Michelle Summers and I was quite impressed by her writing and writing style. Having read other contemporary romance authors I felt she was a mix of Jill Shalvis and Kristin Higgins, in a good way! With picking up the 2nd or 3rd book in the series you always worry as a reader that you will be lost and not wanting to read any more. For me that was not the case with this author. I felt she did a great job of giving you enough background on the characters and the town to really understand them.
In addition, I really enjoyed watching her build the love story of Brogan and and Lucy. She didn't sugar coat there story and rather made it more realistic. In many ways it was the opposite of what most love story's are. She had Brogan being the one pursuing Lucy.
Lastly, I thoroughly enjoyed the humor that Michelle brought to the book. I think it helped make the book more interesting and helped give a little comedy after or before the tougher scenes in the book.
If I would have to say there was an parts I did not enjoy it would have to be the curve ball that she had at the end of the scene. I will not further explain because I don't want to ruin the story for authors but it was definitely something that I felt was a little cliche.
Overall though I really liked this story and author and am looking forward to reading more books of hers.
September 17, 2015
Full Review Here:
http://bit.ly/1LBuDWC
Lucy and Brogan had a quiet, cute, and special sort of friendship (even though certain people like to think that Brogan never noticed her in high school) when they were young, but now the rules have changed and friendship is the last thing on either of their minds. They set out to prove a lot to themselves, each other, and the town–for instance, it must be proved that Brogan is not Julia’s baby daddy (that would just be messed up)! But who the true baby daddies (that’s right, PLURAL) are shall remain a secret so your jaw can drop as low as mine did in surprise!
I really liked Lucy because she’s a little quirky and over-the-top. Occasionally, she says things like “Oh, jelly bellies, no” or “You go, bro man” to herself. I dig the crazy in her. Also, I enjoy her “evil” ways. For example, when she’s helping Brogan to market his business, she basically serves him up on platter to the sex-starved women in town. HAH! Lucy’s BFF, the scantily clad Wanda, and her pet pig, Fiona, are a riot, too. But what’s really special is the growing relationship between Lucy, Julia, and Parker. They really become a somewhat functional family by the end, and it’s all with the help of Brogan. He sets a great example for Parker–even if he does royally screw up with Lucy at one point (admittedly, he has some complicated issues to work out). Good thing Wanda and Julia are there to give Brogan a big kick in the ass!
http://bit.ly/1LBuDWC
Lucy and Brogan had a quiet, cute, and special sort of friendship (even though certain people like to think that Brogan never noticed her in high school) when they were young, but now the rules have changed and friendship is the last thing on either of their minds. They set out to prove a lot to themselves, each other, and the town–for instance, it must be proved that Brogan is not Julia’s baby daddy (that would just be messed up)! But who the true baby daddies (that’s right, PLURAL) are shall remain a secret so your jaw can drop as low as mine did in surprise!
I really liked Lucy because she’s a little quirky and over-the-top. Occasionally, she says things like “Oh, jelly bellies, no” or “You go, bro man” to herself. I dig the crazy in her. Also, I enjoy her “evil” ways. For example, when she’s helping Brogan to market his business, she basically serves him up on platter to the sex-starved women in town. HAH! Lucy’s BFF, the scantily clad Wanda, and her pet pig, Fiona, are a riot, too. But what’s really special is the growing relationship between Lucy, Julia, and Parker. They really become a somewhat functional family by the end, and it’s all with the help of Brogan. He sets a great example for Parker–even if he does royally screw up with Lucy at one point (admittedly, he has some complicated issues to work out). Good thing Wanda and Julia are there to give Brogan a big kick in the ass!
March 17, 2016
The heroine has come back to her hometown after losing her investment in her ex-boyfriend's temp business. She invested mostly time, but it still hurts and still leaves her with zip. She's also come to help out her half-sister who is 8 months pregnant and on bed rest. The sister wasn't very nice to her when they lived together, but the heroine is crazy about her now teenaged nephew and most of the help will be for him. Then she learns that her old high school crush is back in town too. The hero never gave her the time of day back when, plus he was her sister's boyfriend in those days and there are lots of whispers that he's the nephew's dad. He just wants to deal with his grandma's estate, get his health food store established and leave again. But the heroine is awfully cute. She is also a hotshot PR and advertising person, just what his store needs. I got the idea that the story was supposed to be humorous, but I found the humor rather painful. Humor is very subjective, (except for videos of kitten attacks) but this seemed to favor the Ben Stiller school of embarrassing humor which has never been my favorite. It seemed to be very condescending toward Southern country folks as well, with its stereotypical idiots and eccentrics. Just, IMVHO, tried way too hard to be funny. I actually liked the story when Summers wasn't trying to be funny... It was a nice read.
July 7, 2015
Michele Summers has done a wonderful job in creating funny yet sweet romance story. Not So New in Town has so many sweet yet funny moments that you will become addicted from the first chapter. The two main character have a past together that it will spark old feelings and emotions. Lucy is intelligent women that she knows how to market something completely unexpected. She had a tough patch that she goes back to her hometown to help her evil stepsister. I kinda felt sorry for Lucy because she can never get a break when it comes with her stepsister. I truly felt that Lucy needed more backbone so she can tell her stepsister off. She gets help from her old crush, Brogan. Brogan has open a new business that he will need the help from Lucy, the market genius. They have hot attraction together but their romance will be a struggle since there will be a lot of complication. It may be struggle for them but I truly think it will test them if they are meant for each other. Reader will feel for Lucy most of the times because she always have bad luck but they will root for her because everyone always hope for a underdog, Good chemistry between characters that it will make the read so much juicer. Four stars
May 1, 2015
Not so New in Town by Michele Summers
Michele Summers writes what our hearts want every time: Amazing characters, funny dialogue, heartfelt moments and a satisfying HEA! Summers gives you a mix of laugh out loud moments along with emotionally charged scenes. Lucy and Brogan are delightful as a couple, proving that opposites indeed attract. Both have big hearts and share their time and talents with the ones they love and even with ones they don’t love so much. Lucy comes home to help her bedridden step-sister (who tormented her back in high school) and her surly teenage nephew. Brogan returns home to settle his mother’s estate and to open one of his health food stores. Brogan promotes a healthy lifestyle and Lucy finds any reason to eat Cheetos and drink Mountain Dew. There are some delightfully funny and zany antics that involve the whole town of Harmony. And the chemistry between Lucy and Brogan is heated and steamy. This story is wonderfully touching about family, friends, love and forgiveness. I look forward to reading more from Summers in the future. From Net Galley https://www.netgalley.com/reviewer/vi...
Michele Summers writes what our hearts want every time: Amazing characters, funny dialogue, heartfelt moments and a satisfying HEA! Summers gives you a mix of laugh out loud moments along with emotionally charged scenes. Lucy and Brogan are delightful as a couple, proving that opposites indeed attract. Both have big hearts and share their time and talents with the ones they love and even with ones they don’t love so much. Lucy comes home to help her bedridden step-sister (who tormented her back in high school) and her surly teenage nephew. Brogan returns home to settle his mother’s estate and to open one of his health food stores. Brogan promotes a healthy lifestyle and Lucy finds any reason to eat Cheetos and drink Mountain Dew. There are some delightfully funny and zany antics that involve the whole town of Harmony. And the chemistry between Lucy and Brogan is heated and steamy. This story is wonderfully touching about family, friends, love and forgiveness. I look forward to reading more from Summers in the future. From Net Galley https://www.netgalley.com/reviewer/vi...
June 22, 2015
"4 out of 5 stars!! Lucy heads back to her hometown with hopes to reinvent herself after a bad breakup and help her rude older stepsister while she's on bed rest. Once home she finds herself floundering to try to keep her teenage nephew's life on track and trying to settle into small town life again. That is until Brogan (her old high school crush and her stepsister's ex-boyfriend) makes it his mission to have them help each other out, him with her nephew and her with marketing his new business. However, old habits die-hard and it soon becomes apparent that her crush for him is alive and well. The good news is it's reciprocated too. Yet as they both have plans to leave town after a few months will their romance be just a fling or turn into something more?
With some surprising twists and a whole lot of charm, this novel keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through."
Read more of this review and THREE TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/06/feasted-on-harmony-homecomings-series.html
With some surprising twists and a whole lot of charm, this novel keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through."
Read more of this review and THREE TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/06/feasted-on-harmony-homecomings-series.html
April 30, 2015
I loved this book from the very beginning and didn’t want to see it end. The H and h were strong and entertaining characters with a layer of vulnerability they both tried to hide. It was fun to watch their attraction grow once they’d reconnected after so many years. Lucy had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need, including her often times nasty step-sister. And there were some truly hilarious moments with Lucy and her love of junk food. When Brogan opened up about his dad and the skeletons in his closet, his personal struggles made him real and endearing. The way the other friends/characters of Harmony all looked out for each other, even if it felt a bit intrusive, made me want to visit that quirky little town. Not So New In Town is refreshing, captivating and satisfying. A sexy read that will curl your toes and melt your heart. With her distinct voice and laugh-out-loud style, Summers is easily turning out to be one of my favorite authors. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
August 17, 2015
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/Sourcebooks Casablanca for an honest review. "Not So New in Town" by Michele Summers is a cute, funny, crazy going back home romance. Lucy Doolan has broken up with her boyfriend. Lucy is going back home to help her sister Julia. Lucy also wants to mend the relationship between herself and Julia. Julia dated Brogan Reese when they were growing up. Lucy had a crush on Brogan which didn't help the relationship between Lucy and her sister. Brogan and Lucy are both back in town. Will Lucy and Brogan be able to overcome all the obstacles in their life to make a go of a relationship? There were lots of twists and turns in the book. I enjoyed the supporting characters too. Wanda, Lucy's friend, was quirky and funny. The romance between Lucy and Brogan was cute, sweet, with lots of chemistry. I enjoyed this book.
June 20, 2015
ARC from NetGalley for a honest review...
This is the 2nd book from Harmony Homecomings series! Loved this book! Not So New In Town was amazingly great I could not put it down in till I was finished with it.. This book is about Lucy Doolan who is a marketing genius! Lucy comes back to her hometown of Harmony, North Carolina to help out her pregnant evil stepsister!! When she get there she finds out that her former crush Brogan Reese has also, returned! Brogan is back to open a healthy alternative grocery store. He is a successful businessman with stores popping up in several cities! Read this book to see what happens between Lucy and Brogan! Oh And I forgot Brogan ex is Lucy evil stepsister!!
This is the 2nd book from Harmony Homecomings series! Loved this book! Not So New In Town was amazingly great I could not put it down in till I was finished with it.. This book is about Lucy Doolan who is a marketing genius! Lucy comes back to her hometown of Harmony, North Carolina to help out her pregnant evil stepsister!! When she get there she finds out that her former crush Brogan Reese has also, returned! Brogan is back to open a healthy alternative grocery store. He is a successful businessman with stores popping up in several cities! Read this book to see what happens between Lucy and Brogan! Oh And I forgot Brogan ex is Lucy evil stepsister!!
July 14, 2015
Lucy and Brogan. it is an intersting couple. Lucy was crush into Brogan when she was 15 but in that time Borgan was with Lucy's step sister.
17 years later, Lucy back to her hometown to giving her help to her step sister and they met again.
the story is the same line, a second chance and with the family's problem. However, it is funny in some line, playing bowl, Lucy's singing and Brogan in the Dog. yeah, i love those lines, they are LOL and made you feel bright.
3.5 is what i given to the book.
17 years later, Lucy back to her hometown to giving her help to her step sister and they met again.
the story is the same line, a second chance and with the family's problem. However, it is funny in some line, playing bowl, Lucy's singing and Brogan in the Dog. yeah, i love those lines, they are LOL and made you feel bright.
3.5 is what i given to the book.
May 16, 2015
I'm giving this book 3.5* the reason is that I did enjoy the book however it got cheesy at times. Lucy was a really great character and I felt she had lots of chemistry with Brogan. But the way she talked took away from her character and made the book sometimes seem cheesy. But overall it was a sweet and touching little story. Also this is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. Thank you for letting me review netgalley.com and the publisher. Reviewing for Night and Day book blog http://ndbbr2014.com ~Stephanie Powell
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