Book Review - Maybe This Time

From Goodreads: 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: This is the second book in Nicole McLaughlin's Whiskey and Wedding series, and while I didn't love it quite as much as the first book (I really loved the main character Charlotte) this book is still really good.

Jen and TJ are both great characters - well-developed, fun, interesting, and engaging. I was truly invested in both of them and what was going on in their lives. I never had a single moment of rooting against them and was consistently cheering them on toward their good choices and character development. Just like Charlotte and Dean in book 1 I wanted to see Jen and TJ happy.

Speaking of Charlotte and Dean, the great cast of side characters McLaughlin created are back, shedding light on Jen and TJ, helping the plot along, and just genuinely making me happy to be back at the Stag and the quaint little town.

Overall this book is fun and lovely, it's the perfect thing to curl up with and enjoy on an early Spring weekend. I can't wait for book 3!