Member Reviews

This was a new author for me and so I have not read the first book in the series, but I started with this one. I was not disappointed at all. This was a very well-written story that was full of emotion along with some drama and very nice humor. The characters were well-developed and very interesting and likable. I got into the story very quickly and found it very hard to put the book down. That's how good it was. A story filled with love and emotion along with some humor made this book a winner for me. I will definitely look for more from this author. Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful?

This was such an awesome book! This is a new to me author, and I was so excited when I started reading and couldn't put it down! The writing flowed well, and I loved all the characters. The O’Halloran sisters were great, and it was interesting to see all the sisters named after whiskey. Jameson and Scott were great together. You could tell that they really got each other, and were perfect together. Win was a jerk, and I really couldn't believe the extent he would go to make the people around him miserable. I know family is important, but I don't think that I could have forgiven him, and let him stay in my life in any capacity. I have to say there were several times that I teared up. The end especially got me. I can't wait to read the rest of the sister's stories!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

The story centers on a small town in Minnesota, with Jameson and her sisters. Jameson O’Halloran is now divorced and still dealing with the ex because they have a little boy together and he is really what has kept them and the family together. When tragedy strikes the grandfather which is her ex father in law it turns out that she must now locate her ex brother in law Scott which has been gone from the town for ten years. When he finally arrives in town is when all of their lives take a turn for the best it just takes you some time to get there. You get family drama between Scott and Win you used to be married to Jameson, but literally screwed that up but still thinks he has a shot at winning her back. You have Scott and Jameson who have always liked each other and are trying to figure things out, along with a family secret. Then of course there is her sisters and the shenanigans they pull especially her oldest sister at the county fair. All of the added characters just add to the story and overall this is a very fun story and worth the read.

Was this review helpful?

It's a sweet and yet emotional story. Not every love story can be straightforward and this one is quite complicated because Jameson was once married to Scott's brother. But, he can't stop himself from having feelings for this woman. She is the most beautiful person he has ever met and as guilty as he feels for being attracted to his brother's ex-wife, he simply cannot help it.
Jameson is a mother, first and foremost, also after her divorce she has lost faith in her judgment as well as men in general. But, Scott is not like any other man. He is sweet and he is considerate; the exact opposite of his brother. Perhaps that's why she feels the way she feels.
Both are scared of their complicated pasts and current situation, however, one thing is for, sure they may not be able to keep their feelings hidden for long...
It's a very well written novel and has some very interesting characters. I quite enjoyed the story and would recommend to all contemporary romance fans.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this second Whiskey Sisters book by L.E. Rico! Fantastic follow-up book to Blame it on the Bet! This series featuring four sisters (all of whom are named after whiskey), has humor, love, and heartbreak.

Jameson and her unfaithful ex husband (Winston) try to cope with his father's medical emergency and in the process they find out it is Win's estranged brother, Scott, who is his healthcare proxy. They find Scott doing charity work in a rural Mexico city, and he arrives home for the first time in 10 years.. Will Scott and Jameson remember their past, and be able to reconnect their feelings for one another, even though Scott and Win are brothers? Will the secrets of Scott and Win come out?

L.E. Rico writes with great flow and includes such great story lines and additions (Like Jameson & Win's toddler, Jackson!!!) I also love the main characters and the supporting characters (There is more of Bryan and Hennessy, Big Win, and Father Romance!)! I LOVED this second book and cannot wait for the next book in the series! I would recommend reading Blame it on the Bet first, but it isn't completely necessary ;)

Was this review helpful?

MISCHIEF and MAYHEM by L. E. RICO is a wonderful crazy romance! This was a very fun read, a story with lots of love. At some points I was laughing out loud! I'd love to visit Mayhem again. Lots of interesting characters with amazing gifts.

Was this review helpful?

I totally enjoyed Mischief and Mayhem by L.E. Rico, part of her Whiskey Sisters series. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Rico but will definitely not be my last. I loved that all four of the O’Halloran sisters were names after different brands of whiskey, which made sense since their father owned a bar in Mayhem, Minnesota. This story features Jameson who is trying to pulling her life together after her divorce while being on a strict avoidance of getting involved with any man other than her son. When her long-lost ex-brother-in-law shows up looking like sex on a stick she’s still not giving in. She’s been there and still wearing the messy T-shirt. After a ten year absence, Scott returns to Mayhem only because his father falls ill. After a lifetime of fights with his brother, Scott knows that despite his attraction to Jameson she is off-limits.

I loved the interaction between the sisters as they work together, support and love each other. Scott and Jameson have a wonderful friendship as they work together to find solve a mystery regarding the brothers. I also loved the town of Mayhem and how they are in everyone’s business; such a small town thing. I especially enjoyed the Pie Lady who had visions of the future and memories of the past. I live in the capital city of Minnesota and enjoyed the way Ms. Rico included many of the quirks and traditions of the State Fair. Yes, the butter sculptures, cheese curds, and food-on-a-stick are real things.

Ms. Rico wrote a wonderful story that drew me into her book and the lives of her characters, making me forget the world around me. I had trouble putting this book down, turning page after page, not letting go until I turned the last page, still wanting more. I highly recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

This is my first book by L. E. Rid, but it won’t be my last. Well written, funny, sad and sweet, book 2 in the Whiskey Sister series hits all the right notes and brought each character vividly to life for this reader.
Scott returns to town after his dad, who he hasn’t seen in over 10 years, is stricken ill. The first person he lays eyes on is Jameson, his former sister-in-law...but he’s unaware of the “former” distinction. Jameson is sweet as pie, mom to a toddling hellion and still devoted to Big Win, her father-in-law. Sparks fly from the get-go, naturally, and it’s a joy to watch. There was nothing forced in this pairing.
Can we talk a minute about Jameson and her sisters...Hennessy, Walker and Bailey?! This Irish lass got a huge kick out of those names, for sure! I couldn’t put it down, stayed up past my bedtime and was dragging at work today. For me, that’s the best indicator of a great book! Loved it...I’ll be back for more.

Was this review helpful?

4.5⭐
This was such a lighthearted, absorbing read. That grabbed me from the start and never let go. As it was perfectly charming, full of great characters, easy to read, fast paced and sweet. And for me just the perfect romance to read on the beach this summer.

Was this review helpful?

Her divorce should have put her off men forever, but somehow Jameson O'Halloran finds herself deeply attracted to her ex brother-in-law, Scott Clarke, when he comes back to town after his father suffers a stroke. Unfortunately, Jameson and Scott know nothing can come of their attraction, especially when family secrets and the fact that she was once married to his brother are reasons enough to keep away from each other. Will Scott and Jameson fight for their shot at happy ever after or does too much stand in their way of being together?

Having absolutely loved the first book of this series, I couldn't wait to read more about the O'Halloran sisters and the town they live in, as it's quirky and charming, and I've got to say that I loved this book every bit as much as the first. Really, the main characters were incredible, and the dialogue was highly entertaining due to the main characters back stories and everything these two go through on their journey to happy ever after because they have huge obstacles to overcome to be together. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where things really come alive, as there's plenty of chemistry between this couple, and yet, any relationship between them seems impossible.

As for the dialogue, it was a wonderful combination of intense moments due to the main characters back stories and playful banter that had me loving this couple's growing relationship, especially the moment where Jameson says things in a moment when she has a rather say-what's-on-your-mind reaction while under the influence. Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous, is a good mother and I liked the close bond she shares with her sisters, even though it seems she goes a little overboard when it comes to being protective of her younger sister. I also liked how the secondary characters helped bring the hero and heroine together since her ex is an absolute piece of work that didn't deserve such a wonderful person as Jameson in his life.

While the hero, family secrets have kept him on the run for years, and I liked how determined he was to learn the truth no matter how painful the truth might be to learn. He's also confident, kind, caring and I liked the way he took care of Jameson in her time of need. I also liked how determined he was to make things right with his dad, especially after everything that's happened and everything that he learns. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was his determination to win the heroine over, even though the obstacles they face are tough and there are times when it seems they'll never overcome them. Will he be loyal to family or follow his heart?

Overall, Ms. Rico has delivered another fantastic read for this series where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance was on the sweet side; the secondary characters entertained me just as much as the main ones, although the heroine's ex was a total jerk at times; and the ending had me loving what the heroine does to fight for her chance at forever with the hero. Talk about cryptic clues and deliciously good pie! However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up wonderfully, as the heroine knows this time around that Scott is her Mr. Right. I would recommend Mischief and Mayhem by LE Rico, if you enjoy the forbidden romance trope, second chance romances or books by authors Sonya Weiss, Victoria James, Jennifer Hoopes and Jody Holford.

Was this review helpful?

I laughed...a lot. I cried, just a little and I was tremendously entertained throughout this wild madcap ride of a story. It was quirky, fun, sentimental and romantic. Filled with love, Friendship, family and community. I wish for more of these stories about the Whiskey Sisters and the town of Mayhem.

Was this review helpful?

Mischief and Mayhem is just the kind of romance that I am a sucker for. It's smart, funny, well-paced, low on unnecessary angst, and magical. And, by magical, I mean everything that word embodies: captivating characters, a visit by a Goober (Uber) driving Angel, pies that can predict the future or guide on a path, and fun that literally makes you smile while reading.

If this sounds like the type of book you might like to read, first let me direct you to last year's Blame It on the Bet (you can read my review here). No, you absolutely don't have to read Blame It on the Bet before you read Mischief and Mayhem because the latter is definitely a standalone. However, if you are looking for some fun beach read titles (or anywhere titles that will transport you to a charmed place), I suggest you double your fun with both of them.

Now Mischief and Mayhem raised pretty much all of the emotions, well, except anger. (I think we've all got enough of that going around these days, so yay! on the no anger.) I went from laughing out loud to having my eyes filled with tears. And the smiles, I can't go on enough about the smiles.

Mischief and Mayhem begins magically with a very young Jameson and Scott at a christening party for Jameson's youngest sister, Bailey. At the party Scott tells Jameson how he's going to travel and that she can come with him to read the maps, and then maybe someday they'll get married. I know, if you're at all cynical you may not eat that up the way I did, but maybe you can...just let your guard down a little and let the magic seep in.

Of course, in the next chapter all hell kind of breaks loose as Jameson's father-in-law (Scott's father) Big Win has a stroke from which they're not sure he'll recover. This brings home the world traveling Scott, who is now Jameson's ex-brother-in-law.

The attraction between Jameson and Scott is immediate, although Jameson has sworn off men due to her ex-husband's cheating ways, which she feels sure she should have seen well before it got to a critical point.

Like Blame It on the Bet, the characters in Mischief and Mayhem are well drawn, behave like real people with their squabbles, foibles, and love. You have the power of Jameson's toddler, Jackson, who is both an imp and an angel (I guess a regular toddler). And the sisters each are a force unto themselves.

The pacing of the story is right on target with enough events (not too many) to keep the action and the fun swirling. To add to the fun is the fact that Scott has been in remote regions of Central and South America and is really out of touch as far as pop culture goes. So he goes for a ride on a Goober instead of an Uber. Taylor Swi[f]t is a guy and there's something about snack cakes...it's fun...trust me.

When I finished Mischief and Mayhem, I thought, oh, I can't wait for more. But there are only two more sisters! Oh, maybe there's some long-lost ones. And, I really can't wait to read surly Walker's story. I know that is going to be fun.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Mischief and Mayhem is a “sweet and clean” book – there is minimal mild cursing (no f-bombs) and no sex. If those things aren't your jam, there's nothing to worry about here. And even if you prefer those things in a book, this one has enough plot and good writing that you will not miss them. This is technically the second book in this series but it completely stands alone. You do not have to have read the other book to enjoy this one.

This is only my second L.E. Rico book, but as I read this one I was reminded of just how much I enjoy her writing style and storytelling skills. Although this book deals with issues that are very important and emotional, there is a gigantic amount of humor and happiness threaded throughout so the story isn't heavy or depressing, it is both hopeful and hilarious.

Mayhem is my kind of town. Even the most trivial background characters in the book added so much to the story that I found myself wishing Mayhem were real so I could visit the town and revel in the, well, mayhem.

Jameson was such a great character that I found myself rooting for her from the very start. The way that Jameson loved and supported everyone around her – including her weasel of an ex-husband – was beyond impressive. She unflinchingly supported Scott, Win, Big Win, and all of her sisters without fail, all while juggling her job and her duties at the bar and still being her own woman. She's the kind of woman I could easily see myself being friends with. I also really liked Scott. Despite having spent ten years of his life literally running away from his family and his life, he was a surprisingly great guy. His sense of humor and the way that he loved his father, Jameson, and Jackson was incredible. I found myself just hoping he would get his stuff together and be the man that Jameson deserved.

I cannot wait for more of the Whiskey Sisters stories, and more from Mayhem in general. But weirdly enough, as I was reading, I found myself wondering if there was a way to redeem Win. Of course, when I was thinking that thought, the putz went and messed up royally (the fair) so maybe not, but if any author could do it, it would be Ms. Rico.

I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a beautiful love story set in a small town full of amazing characters and wonderful people.

Was this review helpful?

I'm packing to move to Mayhem. I love the Whiskey Sisters and man did I take a header into this book! I loved Scott and Jameson.
Scott Clarke left Mayhem 10 years ago and hasn't been back after a falling out with his father. He's traveling the world working basically as an NGO helping do whatever needs to be done. Meanwhile his brother Win has married and now divorced Jameson. They are co-parenting their son Jackson who is a pip! The toddler has his own lingo and happily I understood exactly what he was saying. Wonder what that says about me?
When Big Win suffers a massive stroke, and on life support, Doc tells them that James is the second name listed on the health care surrogate form. Win is not the first. His brother Scott is. That makes Win really angry, not that the jack hat needed anything to make him contrary, the guy was just an all around dipwick. When they locate Scott, he dreads coming home, but he's also determined to discover the truth about who he is and the illusive clue his mother left him before she died. Win being Win won't help him, meanwhile Scott and Jameson grow closer and dang if that didn't just push all the right buttons for me. I loved them together. The guy has been living in third world countries for 10 years, no idea what a smart phone is, who certain celebrities are and what's been going on in the town of Mayhem; land of KnittyKitty, priests dispense love advice like a Pez dispenser and pies. Those magical pies. And then O'Halloran sisters! This book had so much going on in it. Goopa is the bomb!! Another lesson, never cross a sister! Then there's little Jackson.
I loved the way the book opened. That was a classic I won't soon forget.
I love the way Lauren weaves a story together and wow did she push my buttons in this one... had a little book hangover after reading this.
Lauren, you hit this right out of the park! Thank you! Showers of stars!

**advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**

Was this review helpful?

I was so excited to head back to the town of Mayhem! Only there would you find your sisters named after different kinds of whiskey.

I adored Jameson and Scott. She has had some hard times but remains so positive, and she is a great mother. Scott, after being gone a number of years, has returned home. The author did a great job with his character, and the family and romantic issues he deals with.

Just like the first book in the series, there are some hilarious moments. Especially with Scott's introduction to technology and pop culture after being out of the country so long.

With one or two books left in the series, I hope that Walker's book is next!

Was this review helpful?

A sweet and funny story. Ms. Rico has done a fantastic job of keeping a smile on my face with here creative use of child safe curse words and toddler speak. The teasing way in which Scott has to learn how to use the iPhone and be introduced to all the things he has missed around town since he has been gone is not to be missed. It is the little quirky details that she includes that makes this book such an exceptionally fun read.

Was this review helpful?

​I'm really enjoying this series about the Whiskey sisters, set in Minnesota, and this one was even better than the first one which I also enjoyed.

This time we get the story of the second sister, Jameson, who runs and owns O'Hallorans with her sisters, the Irish pub in their town of Mayhem. She is recently divorced from Win and they have a small son called Jackson, a holy terror but very, very funny too!

Her father-in-law, Big Win, collapses and is rushed into hospital on life support in a coma. So the family rally around, and 'missing' son Scott comes back to be by his Dad's bedside, as he is also his Primary Healthcare Proxy, with Jameson as Secondary Healthcare Proxy, leaving Win out entirely. Win and Scott have a very antagonistic relationship, hardly surprising since Win is a complete pain the behind anyway, and so there is quite a bit of hassle going on. There is also a secret that Scott thinks he knows all about, and is the main reason he left town 10 years ago to work for the Peace Project around the world, but in fact things are not as they seem and nasty Win knows more than he lets on.

Jameson and Scott start getting closer, but of course Win doesn't like it and creates grief for everyone, that luckily gets resolved in the end, with involvement from the pie lady and a mad dash to the airport!

There are some great characters in this series, I'd love to know more about the pie lady, and there's also the (very famous) shop that knits outfits for small animals, all mad but very, very appealing! I'm assuming this series will continue with the other two sisters and I am really looking forward to returning to Mayhem and catching up with everyone. Very entertaining.

Was this review helpful?

I haven't read the first book in this series, but don't think that matters. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series though.
Jameson is recently divorced, but still close to her father-in-law. When he has a stroke she is left with the task of getting in touch with his other son, somewhere in South America.
When Scott returns he can't help but be attracted to his ex-sister in law, and she in turn is drawn to him. But her ex doesn't like it so what will happen for them.

Was this review helpful?

Jameson and Scott. What a fun couple. Being from Minnesota myself I was eager to read this one, and was not disappointed. Great characters, great story and good writing. A good summer read if you like romance and a touch of mystery. Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Jameson and Scott’s story is the second book in the Whiskey Sisters series. The dialogue is just as sharp and witty as in the earlier book. In Mischief and Mayhem, Scott returns home to Mayhem, MN after learning that his father is gravely I’ll after a stroke. He is greeted by Jameson, his brother’s ex-wife. The author’s portrayal of Win, Jameson’s ex and Scott’s older brother, is hilarious. I’m not sure that he could possibly be a bigger jerk. After numerous trials and tribulations, Jameson and Scott realize, individually, they they have probably been in love since they were children. Fortunately, Win doesn’t ruin the day, and our couple gets their HEA.

Was this review helpful?