I loved Legally Charming. It's been a long time since I've read Lauren Smith. Reading this story reminded me why I love her stories. I know she doesn't necessarily write contemporary romances a lot or maybe anymore, focusing on historical, but I love the contemporary romance stories I've read from her.

4.5 Stars

This is Felicity and Jared’s story. Unfortunately I didn’t really connect with either character and found the way Felicity seemed to be in awe a bit unfounded. The writing was a bit stilted with word choice that detracted from the smooth flow of the narrative. Overall I ended up not finishing this one but know that a lot of people enjoyed the story.

"Legally Charming" sounded like an entertaining romance which I was looking forward to read.

Overall the book was entertaining read but there some things which were really annoying me. One thing was that Jared was treating Felicity like a small child and was always discussing their age difference, which was also six years by the way. Felicity was described like the all innocent woman with no sexual experience as well. Jared of course was the all experienced macho.

The love story developed way too quickly and everything felt like a set-up. I really missed some sparks and flirting between Felicity and Jared. Also the sexual part went way too quickly.

After all the story was entertaining to read and in the second half it definitely my romanctic side and had even some thrilling bits to the story. I enjoyed reading the story but it didn't blow me away.

3.5/5

Legally Charming is the first book in the new adult contemporary romance Ever After series by Lauren Smith. This is my second book by Lauren, and I liked it more than I did the first book of hers. (Which was the first book in her British Stepbrother series.) Legally Charming was a very cute read. I enjoyed it. Since the series is called Ever After you can make some assumptions that they are going to be cute, slightly cheesy romances. And they are…but I dug that about this book. It was the kind of cheesy happy I was in the mood for.

Legally Charming is the story of Felicity and Jared, who are swept up in a whirlwind quick romance. So if insta love isn’t your thing, this might not be the book for you. (They didn’t fall in love at first sight, but they did fall in love within a week.) But, like I said, I really liked the story and sweet romance between Jared and Felicity. I loved how chivalrous Jared was. He really goes out of his way to make sure Felicity was taken care of. I don’t buy for one second that Jared used to be a bad boy.

I enjoyed Legally Charming. I love that the story was on the longer side (almost 400 pages), I really liked the characters, I loved their sweet romance, and the writing is great. I get a weird kick about reading stories where one of the characters is a lawyer. I like seeing what kind of legal stuff the author is going to work in. (I know, I know only other lawyers appreciate things like that, but I can always tell when the author is actually an attorney. Lauren is.)

But there were a couple of things that had me wavering between 3.5 and 4 stars. (I ended up rounding up to 4 stars.) One was just how quickly they fell in love. It seemed a little abrupt, even for me. And then there was the other thing. Now, I should put a disclaimer in. Most people would not be annoyed by this thing View Spoiler » but it is not my cup of tea. So that kind of had me groaning, because I knew it was going to take the story into a different direction. It still ended up being a good story. Even with that thing.

Bottom line: Legally Charming is a great read. If you are a fan of sweet romances, you will really enjoy this one. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Ever After series!

I always try to start out my reviews with why I wanted to read the book in the first place and I try not to give the reason that "the author is just one of my favorites and I'll read anything by them" too much, but in some cases it can't be helped. Legally Charming is one of those cases. I didn't even read the synopsis, but as soon as I saw Lauren Smith on the cover, I wanted to read it. It was better than I expected it to be - I completely loved it! 

Felicity is such a great girl, but she does have her flaws. She has her insecurities, doubts, and negative thoughts and I did feel little twinges of frustration at her for feeling those things and wished that she could see how wonderful she is and have a little more faith in herself and Jared's feelings for her, but I still understood her and didn't let it bother me too much. Although it really wasn't that hard to put aside because Felicity truly is a wonderful heroine. She's kind and sweet, she works unbelievably hard and she tries to make her own way on her own, and she's determined to follow her dreams. Felicity is stubborn, down-to-earth, and I really did love her. 

Felicity tells Jared he's perfect more than once and I have to agree with her - he really is perfect! He's sexy and commanding, dominant and possessive, but also protective and sweet. Jared is honorable and he would do absolutely anything for Felicity even if it hurts his heart in the process. He worships her, she is his whole world and it's not hard to see at all. Jared stole my heart from the very beginning and I know without a doubt that he'll steal yours too! 

I wore a smile on my face reading Legally Charming more than I went without one. Of course there were times that made me yell and roll my eyes and moments that stopped my heart and made it ache, but I had such a great time for a good amount of the book. It was steamy and sexy, sweet and funny, and beautiful and heartwarming. Legally Charming was utterly fantastic and I absolutely, positively cannot wait to read the next book in the Ever After series! 

Legally Charming is a standalone, it's told from Jared and Felicity's POV, and their happy ending brought happy tears to my eyes and put a big grin on my face! 

~ A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia, 5 Stars

5 Fairytale Dreams Can Come True Stars!!

I'm a big fan of fairytales and when I saw this book and read the synopsis I was so excited to get to dive into this truly charming book. This is my first book by Ms. Smith and I'm so happy this is the one I experienced first.

Jared is or should I say was a true playboy, love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy until the real world takes over and he becomes a workaholic at his law firm where he's the up and coming lawyer being trusted with some big real estate deals. Felicity on the other hand is a girl who has in her sites getting her Masters Degree in Art and nothing is going to get in her way.... well until she meets Jared by falling asleep in his bed.

These two while not looking for that special someone, when it's literally handed to you on a silver platter, they can't ignore the connection they have and decide to explore these feelings that are bouncing between them. I especially loved the descriptors and scene development by Ms. Smith. It made connecting with Jared and Felicity so much easier and a joy to fall in love with them and their story. The pace was perfect and there were no continuity issues. Everything flowed so smoothly.

Now if our H/h's road to happiness could've been that smooth it wouldn't have made the story as wonderful as it is. I think every couple needs to face to adversity and/or secrets to test whether they're in it for the long haul. And how Jared and Felicity address these situations spoke volumes as to what they really wanted in life.

This is a book that's perfect for a weekend read and you'll have a smile on your face most, if not the entire time you're reading it!!!

Felicity and Jared do not seem to be a likely couple, she is an art student going for her Masters Degree and he is a lawyer aiming to become partner in the firm he is with. There are several years that separate the two in age but I didn't feel that it made a difference although Jared mentioned several times he wouldn't get involved with someone younger than he was....but seriously did he really have a choice? The heart wants what the heart wants, and Jared's wanted Felicity end of story.

This was a charming story about two unlike people that find love when they least expect it, they do not have an easy time of it although what in life that is worth having ever comes easy? Legally Charming was a great beginning to a new series titled Ever After by Lauren Smith, if you have read any of Lauren's previous books you will be happy to know that while this may be a fairy tale of sorts not only do you get the HEA that you expect but you also get a sweet and sexy read.

YES, I did pick out this book, because of the cover. I mean who doesn't love a guy with what looks like incredible abs, and a tattoo peaking out of a white shirt. I was also quite pleased with Legally Charming.

Basically, we have Felicity who is serious about her education and wants to do well. Then we meet the workaholic Jared. Felicity has heard about him, but never seen until the night of the party. Man that place must be huge in order to block out the sounds of a wild party. I digress. Basically, they meet and pretty much hit off. Even Jared starts to change his work habits cause of Felicity.

Anyway, Legally Charming is a pretty cute story. Felicity is pretty cute and adorable, and Jared is pretty hot. They have a quick budding relationship and it seems like everything turns out hunky dory. There is little conflict, and even the little conflict that arises is squashed quickly. Honestly, Legally Charming is brain candy. Something light and fun. I'm excited for more to come, because we met Jared's friends and they seem like they could be a lot of fun and trouble. Overall, Felicity and Jared are adorable couple to watch. There is a little steam going on, but a cute story.

Copy provided by NetGalley

"Their chemistry was palpable, scorching his body in ways he’d not felt for years. But he knew a girl like Felicity deserved chocolates and dancing and moonlit serenades—..."

Legally Charming is a magical read about falling in love. Smith captures that oh so delicious feeling, that euphoric and giddy state where all you can do is think about that special someone. No matter how many times you may have experienced it, or in Jared and Felicity's cases not experienced it, there's that added element of felling this this is that "one" and reconciling with that realization.

The story centers around a graduate student, Felicity Hart and lawyer Jared Redmond, both are reluctant to form to any type of relationship but they simply can't help themselves. The challenges they face range from work and school priorities, the difference in their financial status, to the slight age gap between the two. Also, there's an ill perceived idea that Felicity is not the drop dead gorgeous women she is and may not be suitable for Jared - I like this distinction because she certainly doesn't feel unworthy on the whole, just maybe not a great fit.

“You don’t know how to make a leap of faith. I get that. It’s scary as hell. We probably aren’t right for each other. Trust me, I know that. We’d never have time to be together between my work and your school. I get that, too.”

Smith creates a wonderful environment and interesting situations to that bring Jared and Felicity closer to each other. The frantic feeling of falling for someone so quickly is accomplished by pacing their interactions so perfectly; how they meet, engage and even in the moments where they try to back away from each other. It very much reminded me of when I met my husband and I do believe that's a first. I also loved being in both of their heads, getting the story from both of their perspectives as I think this really drives how I felt and connected with this story. I found myself sighing and swooning (Jared really is an alpha-charmer ) and I felt that sting of tears in the back of my eyes too. Felicity couldn't be any more relate-able and lovable ~ I wanted her happiness like no tomorrow.

"I see you, Felicity Hart. And what I see is a beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate woman. How could I not want you? You’re my dream.”

I simply adored this book and I can't wait to read Thad and Angelo's stories!! Legally Charming is truly a fairy tale read worthy of a 5 star recommendation! Lauren Smith has certainly gained a new follower in me.

Legally Charming is a generic love story.

Fallon and Jared met when Jared came home early from work to his brothers house party and Fallon sleeping in a princess on his bed. Sharing the bed together and getting to know each other.

Jared and Fallon are a cute couple who have completely different lives. Fallon has always worked for what she wanted and is still struggling. She lives in a bad neighborhood with a bad car and comes from humble upbringings. Jared comes from a rich family and has everything going for him. They both love their work and don’t know how to handle a relationship and work, but they try. Things become complicated when an unexpected surprise occurs, but things work out.

I usually love Lauren Smith’s works but Legally Charming fell flat for me. The characters were fine, but I felt like the whole story trope has been done before and so I wasn’t really feeling it this time. Plus the whole unsafe sexy time story because birth control thing kind of irked me a little. Sadly this book wasn’t for me.

However, if you enjoy fairy tale endings and good writing and haven’t read Lauren Smith before you may want to check this book out.

Legally Charming is a sweet and sexy love story that adapted the Sleeping Beauty concept. A New Adult Romance, it does tend to veer toward the slight angst type of plot with a quick resolution to the conflicts that Jared and Felicity face as a couple. Fans of the genre will definitely find the story quite engaging.

3.5 Stars

The cover of this book was my single reason for wanting to read this book. A guy in a white shirt does it for me EVERY TIME, so I was salivating over the cover and barely registered the synopsis. And it was a good way for me to sample Ms. Smith's writing for the first time.

LEGALLY CHARMING is a cute, entertaining and sweet take on the classic fairy-tales and for me it was an easy read with little drama, not the kind that blow your socks off but more the kind that is intended to be uncomplicated and lighthearted.

Jared Redmond is a workaholic focused on becoming a partner at his law firm but one look at Felicity Hart sleeping in his bed and for the first time in while he finds himself fascinated by something other than work. Felicity is not his usual type of woman but the attraction between them is undeniable and Jared finds himself acting out of character in a bid to make her his.

Jared is the ultimate Prince Charming, willing to give his lady whatever her her desires, very supportive, very patient, very accommodating. Felicity is driven and ambitious, but also lacking in self-confidence and cannot believe that a man like Jared could ever want her and Jared faces a challenge convincing her otherwise.

Jared and Felicity are certainly not lacking in chemistry between them, but can they withstand the hard knocks from reality in the form of ambition and pressure and responsibilities?

I certainly had some issues with this story, especially with Felicity and her wishy-washy ways but overall, the story had its moments and also had lots of fun characters. This would be a good book to relax with for a lazy weekend.

Felicity was a good student in Chicago. Felicity favorite holiday was Halloween. Felicity had made friends with Layla and went to a party at her boyfriend's apartment it was a costume party. Felicity was spending the night and sleeping in Tanner’s ( Jared) brothers room as he wasn’t suppose to be back until Sunday. Tanner and Layla had been together for five years. Felicity’s dream was to be an artist and curator of a museum. Jared unexpectedly came home and shared the bed with Felicity and they just slept as there was nowhere else for them to sleep. Jared was a real estate lawyer and loved his job and had closed a real estate deal early and decided to come home to get some sleep in his own bed. Jared started to think about Felicity and she about him. There was something between them and they both knew it. Jared took her gown from the night before and her gym bag and waited at Felicity’s apartment door for her. Jared didn't like where she was living. Felicity found Jared could turn her jelly with just the curve of his lips. Felicity stayed at Jared’s and the next morning got up and had to go to work he was in the shower so Felicity left him a note. Then Jared got a call from one of his two best friends - Thad- going on about this girl and he wants to take he out and the girl was felicity and Jared was mad. Jared didn’t play the field when he dated only one lady at a time. Somehow Jared felt strings to Felicity even if she pushed away. Felicity made Jared feel alive and real. Felicity then decided to take a chance on Jared and see where they would go. Jared’s boss is his ex girlfriend's father and he let Jared know if he and Shana were together he would be promoted if not he may be looking for a new job. Shana was also a lawyer at her father’s firm.
I loved this story it was great. It was a fast read. I loved the plot. I loved how Felicity but Jared and his job before herself. I absolutely loved the ending of this story. I also loved the show of friendship and how important it is to have true friends in your life. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.

Legally Charming should be ILLEGAL! It was sinfully sexy and sweet, and indeed, it was beyond charming. It was a twist on a classic romance that had my heart fluttering and had me smiling ear to ear! This has got to be one of the BEST sigh-worthy romances of the year. Not only did I LOVE Jared and Felicity, but the plot had my romantic self completely satisfied. This book may have been different but in the BEST way possible.

Lauren Smith did a heck of a job with this story. I loved this author's writing. Her characters were well developed and charming and sexy and sweet, while the storyline suits my inner romantic 100%. I couldn't put this book down!

Legally Charming gets a CHARMING AND SEXY FIVE SHOOTING STARS! Perfectly written and sexy as could be, this romance will win you over from chapter 1...no doubt about it!

Book given on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I usually know if I'm going to fall in love with a book when the characters meet, there's something magical about the way in which the author chooses to make that happen. This moment gives us an idea of how their entire relationship is gonna pan out.

In this book, I couldn't help by feel butterflies in my stomach when Jared stood in the doorway watching this beautiful princess sleeping in his bed, a true fairy tale story.

Unfortunately, this is life, not a fairy tale, so they had a lot of problems to overcome before they could achieve that happily ever after. But if their feelings were real, they would find the way back to each other after each fight.

Felicity was scared, she has lived a calm, organised life until now, and letting go is not one of her favourite things to do. She has low self stem and that paired with her inexperience, makes this whole situation much more difficult.
I have to say I was mad at her for running, because I wouldn't have done that in her place, she was not thinking clearly, but eventually she saw the light and I can forgive her for hurting Jared.

The author's point in the book was to make us see that sometimes people put work and success in the first place and forget about the important things in life, like love and family. If you have those, then the other things tend to work themselves out.

A beautiful story! Can't wait for the next one!

There is just something naughty about a story about a woman sleeping in a mans bed without his consent. Then he gets all hot and bothered when he sees his own little 'Goldilocks' lying there. I don't think I have ever read anything by this author before but she sure made an impression with this book. I loved it. Felicity had that sexy brain and the brokenness that seems to really turn my crank with these books. Jared is this naughty alpha male that for a time has forgotten to live other than the basics until he sees a princess in his bed. It is hard to walk away from that. The story is serious romance, scorching heat and a love story that I really enjoyed. I did find that Jared either contradicts himself a lot of was really quick to change his mind, at least at the very beginning. It didn't take away from the story but it obviously left a mark for me to remember it. I look forward to reading more from this author and would definitely recomend this book to others.

Life is not always a fairy tale, but it's nice to pretend that it is. Perhaps that's my draw to author Lauren Smith. With all of the harshness life throws out on a daily basis, it's nice to live among the clouds for a little while. Legally Charming is like escaping into a dream. Ms. Smith brought the same brand of enchantment that drives her regency romance into her modern day journey of love. Jared and Felicity are existing but not living. He's a workaholic that's life has become far too real. She's a dreamer at heart, but not willing to take the risk. One night ignites the fantasy, but will the magic wear off when the real world sets in?

***4 “Can Jared by MY Prince Charming?” Stars***

This Cinderella-esque retelling had me going all over the place feels wise. It was most definitely a dopey smile, swoon worthy, smexy as sin read but it also had me growling and wanting to reach in and throttle some sense into the characters as well as I turned the pages to see if Jared and Felicity would get their fairy tale ending.

Jared is the definition of a workaholic. He’s put everything into his job and attaining a partnership, effectively digging himself into an early grave, and has forgotten what it means to enjoy life to it’s fullest. I adored Jared, I seriously want him to come and be my Prince Charming. He has that alpha male vibe but he’s not all broody, he’s more playful and charming and it’s an extremely potent combination that will melt your panties. But for all that charm, he’s gotten himself firmly set on work being everything. He has cause, but it’s a bit extreme. Thankfully, he comes to realize that all work and no play definitely make Jared a sad and boring boy.

Felicity has had to work hard her entire life and being able to take care of herself and accomplish her goals is a point of pride, and one that she holds on to like a lifeline. I had a bit of a time with Felicity. I loved and admired her drive and determination to achieve her goals, she works hard and doesn’t expect hand outs. She’s got a good heart mixed with a sass and little bit of sexy vixen, but her insecurities killed me. She didn’t want to be a damsel in distress, she wanted to be an independent woman, but would fall apart at even the slightest hint that she wasn’t good enough and blow it out of proportion to what was really going on. To say the least it was a trying experience.

Jared and Felicity’s road to their HEA had that one step forward, two steps back feel to it because of how tunnel visioned they both were as well as Felicity’s insecurities. And if it hadn’t been for how good they were together when neither were actually thinking about anything but being together I may not have finished the book. But I did and I’m happy I did because the highs and lows were worth it in the end. As much as I liked Felicity, and I did like her, Jared reigns supreme here. He had his moments and was far from perfect, but the man was determined to follow his heart and did everything he could to show Felicity how much he wanted and loved her for her.

This was a fun read and I was hooked from the first time Jared and Felicity collided. There were ups and downs, but it was all well worth it, especially Jared. I like how everything played out in the end and that some possible roads weren’t traveled. The supporting characters were all well written, Layla was a blast, I’m crossing my toes that Thad and Angelo will be getting their own HEA’s and hoping Sabine and Shana will as well.

Legally Charming is the first contemporary romance by Lauren Smith that I have read, but I have enjoyed quite a few of her historical romances. Legally Charming is cute, sweet and entertaining, but the story is not particularly memorable.

Felicity Hart is focused on completing her masters in art when she inadvertently falls asleep in Jared Redmond’s empty bedroom after a party at his and his brother’s apartment. Jared is out of town at the time but returns home that night to find the sleeping Felicity in his bed, and he’s attracted to the younger, innocent graduate student. He’s works long hours as a lawyer, and - like Felicity - he is not looking for a relationship.

After the sleeping mishap, Jared immediately begins to seek Felicity out wanting to spend time with her. He’s surprised to discover that he wants to get to know her and take her on a date. Felicity resists thinking she could never handle dating someone like Jared, but he’s pretty hard to resist. They begin dating and try to keep things simple, but their relationship soon gets quite complicated for both of them.

Jared is described as a playboy, but he shows a sweet and thoughtful side with Felicity that is endearing. She is likable, but I can’t figure out why it is that hard to date and go to school. I wanted her to get her act together, take a chance on Jared and stop agonizing over it. Both she and Jared act in ways that are naiver than their age dictates, and my interest waned when the two of them created problems that could have been avoidable. Legally Charming is cute but never fully grabbed my attention.