Jen is having a rough time and knows she needs to get her life together she just never expected life to keep throwing lemons at her. TJ has had a thing for Jen forever but when her life falls apart he wants to step in and help her but it seems she's to stubborn to let him. Can he break through to her and will she let he guard down long enough to let TJ in?
I really wanted to like this book. I like bits and pieces but I felt like the book was really predictable. I did enjoy the banter betweenez TJ and Jen you seriously never knew what was going to come out of her mouth. I loved how independent yes how soft she came across. I just loved Charlotte, if there were more Charlottes in the world we would all be a better place. I just totally adored her. I loved the friendship between the three boys. This book does have strong language and adult scenes.

TJ and Jen have known each other since high school and have been harboring a crush since then. Now he is one of her bosses and that crush is still there in full force, and to hide their feelings they keep rubbing each other the wrong way. Will they ever express what they feel to each other ?

Some parts of this book were enjoyable and some really frustrating. I really like TJ as the hero but I am on the fence about Jen. Yes she had been dealt a shitty hand by life, but sometimes I felt her behavior was a little over the top, and sometimes totally justified. I liked that despite their baggage they were able to overcome it together.

I would definitely like to read Jake and Alex’s story since I really liked the secondary characters and feel it has the potential to be an enjoyable read.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my review. This is the second book in the Whiskey and Weddings series and I have really enjoyed both books! This series takes place at The Stag, a whiskey distillery that has also become a popular wedding venue. Jen Mackenzie started out bar tending at The Stag but has recently taken over some of the wedding planning. She has a talent for her new position, but it means that she must work closely with TJ Laughlin, one of the owners. The have a bit of a love/hate relationship which may turn into more love that hate, if they can both be honest about their feelings. Jen really doens't want to fall for TJ because she struggling to pay her bills and take care of her sick mother and she really just can't afford to risk a relationship that could end up with her in an unemployment line.

Great characters and realistic conflicts kept me pouring through this story very quickly. I look forward to the next one in the series!

LOVED!! Maybe This Time is the second book in the Whiskey & Weddings series and while we were teased with TJ & Jen's story in the first book, you can easily read this one standalone. These characters and their story are both well developed. You feel like they are your friends and have you cheering for them right from the beginning.

Jen seems like she's carefree and hard as nails. That's the mask she wears. Lately though life has slapped her around and the mask is beginning to slip. Thank goodness for the temporary position at the Stag. Wedding planning was never her dream job but she finds she enjoys it and she's pretty good at it too. The only problem - TJ Laughlin. TJ is basically her boss as a co-owner of the Stag so the attraction between them is not only inconvenient but also strictly off limits!

This is a fantastic book and one I think you'll enjoy. I highly recommend it.

Publisher's Description:

Maybe This Time is the next heartwarming contemporary romance from Nicole McLaughlin in her Whiskey and Weddings series.

Jen Mackenzie has been knocked down more than a few times, but she always gets up and makes sure she has the last word. It’s the reason she now considers herself equal parts self-sufficient and free-spirit. But since losing her job and trying to help her mother beat cancer, real life—and her occasional careless choices—have begun to catch up with her. Her one saving grace: The Stag, a boutique distillery that has become Kansas City’s go-to wedding venue. The only catch: One of the owners, TJ Laughlin, happens to be the one man who somehow manages to make Jen feel inadequate.

TJ has secretly had a thing for Jen since high school. Now, as her new boss, it’s a daily struggle between revealing his feelings and wringing her beautiful neck. Only one thing is for certain: he can’t stand idly by and watch the woman he cares for struggle. She may be convinced that accepting TJ’s help is a weakness. But all he sees in Jen is beauty and strength, inside and out. As things finally heat up between them, can TJ find a way to convince Jen that love is about give and take—and having it all, together?

My Thoughts:

It is my guess that the author wanted us to know that the hero and heroine shared a past in school otherwise the beginning of this book would have made me quit reading.
It starts off like a high school romance for teens but by the end of the book it has turned into something else entirely.
The hinted at sexual exploits of our heroine also turned me off a little bit. I don't need her sexual past to enjoy what is happening between her and TJ.
The angst caused by her ill mother and secrets she kept from her maybe over caring daughter also added to my frustration with this story.
If these bits were not emphasized I would have liked the book more.
I gave it an overall 3.75 of 5.0 star rating for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames. The intimate nature that developed between Jen and TJ although more or less expected did add to my enjoyment of this tale.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

This is the first book I read in the Whiskey and Weddings series; This book is number two of the series. The plot of the story was well developed and kept my interest. The characters were fully formed and I did not need knowledge in the prior book for me to understand this story fully.
That being said, I did not care for this book very much. I reasons I did not like it have more to do with what the story was about, than how it was written. I think the characters, especially Jen, are very trashy with the background of casual sex. It seemed like a bad soap opera with the characters alluding to the many sexual relations of the past. I understand it is a romance story, but I don’t consider casual sex with many partners, romance, that is sex.
I also understand that adults are the result of their history. A bad childhood could result in a very hurt adult that covers the hurt with a hard shell. That would be what I originally thought of Jen. As the story progressed, I was not sorry for Jen, I felt more like she was stuck and wanted to be stuck there. She had talent and opportunity, but chose to stay in her surroundings that were not benefiting her.
Another thing that really turned me off was the frequent usage of the F word. I did a search after I finished the book. 24 times it is used in the book. I don’t mind it being used if it is necessary for the plot of a book or movie, but this just seemed extreme to me, and with all the words in the dictionary, not needed. After I search f**k, I also search Bitch; which was used 21 times.

Maybe This Time is the second book in the Whiskey and Weddings Series. I inhaled this book and finished it in only a couple hours. After reading Maybe I Do the first book in the series I couldn't wait to read Jen and TJ's story. This story is about Jen and TJ who has known each other since middle school. Jen doesn't think she is good enough for TJ because she is poor. Fast forward to them being adults and both of them wanting to be together but they don't think the other one feels the same way. . I enjoyed seeing the two of them get together and eventually fall into love. I cant wait to read more books by this other and the next book in this series.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an adavanced copy of this book!

Jen Mackenzie has been knocked down more than a few times, but she always gets up and makes sure she has the last word. TJ Laughlin, happens to be the one man who somehow manages to make Jen feel inadequate. TJ has secretly had a thing for Jen since high school. Now, as her new boss, it’s a daily struggle between revealing his feelings and wringing her beautiful neck.
The book was well written & the pace good. I liked TJ but couldn’t understand his feelings for Jen, who I thoroughly disliked. I know she’d had a difficult life but I found it hard to find even one redeeming feature. The book promised more but with a heroine like Jen the whole thing left me cold & I struggle to finish it.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I’m becoming a huge Nicole McLaughlin fan, I really enjoy her work. This book is such a heartwarming read. Jen & TJ are a great couple, the angst of their relationship is a great story. The drama in Jen’s life is massive & emotional. TJ’s life is on track but the one thing missing in his life is Jen, with them working together it brings them closer. I loved how the author brought real life issues to the forefront in this book. Definitely recommend this book. I started this series on the 2nd book & definitely want to read the first book.

Gifted read by netgalley, for an honest review.
Love, friendship, romance and self awareness is what this book is about. TJ and Jenn have known each other since middle school. Both from different home and financial backgrounds and each in love with the other. Both not strong enough to overcome prejudices or misunderstandings to try to talk to each other. Communication is a big problem for these two, TJ afraid to say to much afraid Jenn won't stay, Jenn used to taking care of herself most of her life is to afraid what she has with TJ won't last and always planning for it. These two!!!
A quote from TJ in this book sums up these two broken people and the love and lives they've endured.
" The brokenness he'd seen on her face had felt like a glance into a corner of his own soul. Their wounds weren't the same, but pain was pain, and rejection was rejection. "
In this book love conquers all!

Jen has a lot on her plate, she is dealing with her mom having cancer, working two jobs and a few other things. I find though that I just didn't like Jen all the time. Sometimes she was alright, but a lot of the time she had such a bad attitude and wasn't very likeable. I loved TJ and can't figure out why he was so in love with her. All-in-all, I liked the story, just not Jen.

While I definitely liked Nicole McLaughlin’s first book in this series, ‘Maybe This Time’ was a different kettle of fish unfortunately. Perhaps what made it worse was that I’d been wanting TJ to find his HEA particularly after pining after someone who absolutely didn’t deserve him at all.

There were so many aspects of the story that simply didn’t gel with me, though my primary issue lay with Jen, who rubbed me the absolute wrong way from the start. It began with the childish taunting she did of TJ—if this isn’t the childish equivalent of taunting the one you secretly have a thing for like—, the self-pity, the lashing out at people who didn’t deserve it all because she felt trodden down by life.

If I had any sympathy for the acrimonious struggles she faced with her mother and being stretched in all ways, that wore off quickly enough in her overcompensation for it by generally being a bitch to others, particularly TJ, who had (inexplicably) been panting after her for so long. That she tried to measure against herself against the women she thought TJ liked, then justified her own insecurities by putting TJ’s date down convinced me that this wasn’t a ‘heroine’ I could ever root for, much less even grow to like when she’d actually thrown her hookups in his face in the previous book and then being defiant about being late at work because of it.

For most part, I thought Jen pretty much acted like the whole world owed her something, and seemed petty over almost everything. And lordy, how I loathed her. I didn’t like how TJ had given up his own job for her, when she’d all but selfishly left him to pursue her own dreams. Mostly, I felt sorry for TJ, who seemed to be at the losing end of the deal, couldn’t understand what the hell he actually saw in her, and generally thought of their romance as a lacklustre one that I couldn’t see working out down the line.

And that pretty much clinched it for me. I couldn’t quite go on anymore after that, especially when I detested this so, so much. It’s a review that’s clearly against the grain, and admittedly, my strong reaction is one that shows my own issues with the type of characters I can and want to get on board with in romantic fiction. That said, I think I’m still cautiously optimistic about Jake’s story though—he and Alexis do seem to be headed down a path that isn’t pretty—though I’m still feeling burnt by this particular installment.

Maybe This Time (Whiskey and Weddings, #2) by Nicole McLaughlin .....This is a great series... I was glad #NetGalley gave me the change to preview this book.... TJ and Jen's story...His hangups are from his parents...he feels he can't please them...her hangups are her mother who never seemed to care enough and drank way to much (now she has cancer)...They both have crushed on each other in HS but she never felt good enough and he didn't know what to do... Now she works at Stag for him and his partners...Can they get together...so many laughs and tears..both kinds...I felt like I was part of the story and shed a few tears at their HEA. Can't wait for book 3.

Maybe This Time is the second book in Nicole McLaughlin's Whiskey and Weddings series. TJ Laughlin is one of three owners of The Stag Distillery in Kansas City, Kansas. Jen Mackenzie works for the trio as both bartender and event planner. The past year has not been good for Jen. First her mother was diagnosed and went through treatment for breast cancer. Then, the small community theater where Jen worked as voice coach folded after loosing their grant to continue. Now Jen is depending solely on her Stag paycheck to make ends meet. Luckily the Stag receptionist is away on maternity leave and Jen is filling in, adding in to her take home pay as well as helping out the guys.

Jen and TJ have known each other since middle school, and it seems that the attraction/repulsion has been there for both of them, but the other has been unaware. After several events, the worst of which being the fire that took both Jen and her mother's apartments, things start to unfold for TJ and Jen. But it is very difficult for Jen to believe someone from upper society could seriously be interested in her, and TJ gets tired trying to prove himself.

Jen's childhood was anything but secure. Making her understand someone's love or commitment is anything but easy. The final test is when she is offered the job of her dreams elsewhere. What will happen to this burgeoning relationship?

This was a very interesting read. I liked the depth of the characters and rooted for them every step of the way. I did enjoy it and recommend it for all those who like this genre.

Opposites attract? Second chance romance? Happily ever after? You know that Jen and TJ are going to overcome their differences and come together as a couple so if you like a relationship with ups and downs, the one's for you. I don't love the fact that TJ is Jen's boss but that's critical to the plot. As always, McLauglin has written two good characters (I like that Jen's got a smart mouth) with snappy dialogue. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

A friend to lovers story.
A good sweet romance between two people who really didn't like each other in school with some drama happening with her mother.
Love how they finality got together.and realize they didn't really did not hate each other in school.
Enjoyed very much.
Voluntarily reviewed

Maybe This Time is a sweet story that deals with difficult issues. Jen and TJ knew each other in school, basically growing up, if not together, at least knowing each other. Jen was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, but TJ still felt something for her. He even tried to protect her in his own way.

When we met Jen in the first Whiskey and Weddings book Maybe I do, you knew she was a bit different. She is definitely not the girl next door. She dresses a bit goth and has a lot of tats. That does not change the fact that there is and has been something between her and TJ. Their chemistry is real. She, like so many others, misses the parent she does not have. Most tats have a reason and Jen’s is endearing. That tells you a lot about her capacity to love.

TJ just does not know what to do with Jen. He does not know why there is so much antagonism between them. He is a very caring and loyal man. The fact that he and Jen are so different is not what keeps them apart as much as their lack of communication. Reading of the two of them and how hard it was to reach each other was heart-rending. He grew up with wealth but also with his own family issues that did not lend itself to good relationships. That did not help either.

Part of the book centered around her challenging relationship with her mom. I loved that she and her mom finally found each other and neither wanted to let go once they truly found each other.

This is a great book as a stand alone or as second in the series. The series centered around the men who own a distillery is kind of unique and a super enjoyable setting. I am looking forward to seeing what happens with Jake.

TJ and Jen had fantastic chemistry and showed that live can overcome many obstacles with a little work.

Jen Mackenzie has always been on the wrong side of right, she grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, was treated differently in high school because of it, and it sucked to say the least. Her families' struggles and her mother's illness, have taken it's toll on her, and also made her tougher. Always being treated as less than by everyone in town has made her be on constant high alert, made her wary of everyone around her, and want stow her heart away for safe keeping. So, when TJ Laughlin, one of the towns richest bachelor's, comes sniffing around she sends him packing, she is not about to lose her heart to a man like him... or is she?

TJ Laughlin has seen the way the town has mistreated Jen, he has stuck-up for her a time or two, and on some level he feels sorry for her, wishes he could change things in her life... but convincing her to except his help is damn near impossible. He can see that she is tough, but he can also see that her current situation has her struggling, and he wants to help lighten her load a little, but she isn't about to become his charity case. Maybe with her working for him now he might find an opportunity to show her that he isn't that bad of a guy, and eventually maybe one that she can trust her heart with...

Maybe This Time is a second chance romance story that is sure to tug on your heartstrings, and leave you with a smile! This wonderfully crafted tale caught my attention from the first page, and lured me completely in by the second, it was such a pleasurable read filled with many moments that could be appreciated by this romance lover!! It had the touching emotional content that brought on the feels, the naughty stuff that made me blush, and then the admirable tough as nails heroine who left me impressed and inspired!! This was my second visit to the series, and I have to say I loved this visit just as much as the first, and can't wait to make the third!! Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it's a touching and uplifting tale that should not be missed!!

I requested an advanced copy from NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed.

Blondes did have more fun? Jen has always tried to fit in but she wasn't good enough so she just started living her life they way she wanted. It hasn't been fun & games her mother has been sick for so long and they fight even more now. She is terrified that one day her mother won't be there anymore. She has a good job working at the Stag, but it isn't her first love. Theatre has always been her escape and she hopes that one day that she can live her passion but for now she needs to pay the bills. TJ has loved Jen forever but he has always been too scared to do anything with his feelings as they work together now and he would rather do nothing than to lose her for good. They have had a love/hate relationship since school but maybe it is time to see what these feelings mean. They try take it slow but TJ wants more and that scares Jen as she has never had anyone to rely on. Can she let him in or will her own feelings scare her too much? There is so much going on in her life right now and she has been offered a job in Chicago and that means leaving him behind can she do that? Will TJ let her go without a fight or will he do anything for the woman that he loves? A great fun read made me cry though. I was lucky to receive a copy via netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.