Lip Service [Mass Market Paperback]

Lip service is the 2nd in a series about Texas sisters. While I'd agree with other reviewers that Skye, the main character, would not be my favorite female lead in a book, the other characters in the story more than make up for it. One of Susan Mallery's many talents in my opinion, is her ability to write very enjoyable secondary characters. Dana, Joss, and even the chickens add to the fun of this book. In addition to the humor though there is also a lot of emotion and drama brought on by Mitch's injury, Titan family dynamics, and the needs of a little girl. This should be a definite read for any Mallery fan, but read Under Her Skin first! Can't wait for the next one, which will be out soon.

New York Times best selling author Susan Mallery continues to amaze with her second in the Long Star Sisters series, Lip Service which is Skye's story, the middle Titan sister. The reader was introduced in May to all three sisters who share a father in Under Her Skin. One also learned they had an illegitimate brother Garth who has only revenge on his mind and has vowed to take the entire family down. To use adjectives like amazing or brilliant don't even describe how wonderful the second book is and waiting until July for Straight from the Hip is going to be torture.

Skye is the dutiful daughter of Jed Titan and she hopes one day to inherit the family home and have her father finally tell her he loves her. Nine years earlier instead of marrying the boy next door, who she loved deeply, she married a much older man her father arranged for his own selfish reasons and a sweet daughter Erin came from that marriage. Now she's a widow, hosting her father's business parties and again, Jed wants to marry and threatens her because he's aware that her exlover is back in town and he'll destroy Mitch and his ranch if need be; trust me you'll want to strangle Jed Titan and take him down yourself.

Skye's and Mitch's story was lovely to read because in the end as only Susan Mallery can pen it's about what's important in life and that's family, love and a real home, not one like Jed Titan is dangling and manipulating his daughters to believe they want. The reader literally watches Skye become stronger and realize that she and Erin can have a happy life with Mitch and their love story was incredibly beautiful.

Susan Mallery has written wonderful family stories which I've read throughout the years and some of them have sincere patriotisms as she relates tales of honour and valour for the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces and who give up their lives or come home injured fighting for our Country. That was the case with Mitch Cassidy who has returned nine years later missing part of his leg and with a real chip on his shoulder. It's the people who assisted raising him and maintaining the ranch and Skye's daughter Erin who help him to heal. It was sad to read about his ordeal and his final acceptance through therapy, group sessions and finally forgiving Skye and realizing he still loved her and her daughter. In the end, I was cheering for both Mitch and Skye because they stood up to Jed Titan.

The Titan sisters Lexi, Skye and Izzy have one common thread they love and are devoted to each other and the fact they all want their father's affection. Love is the common theme in both books, how it can heal and how much stronger the three sisters are because of it!

BREAKING NEWS: 6/19/2009 On the rise on the NYT Paperback list is Lip Service by Susan Mallery which moved up to number 13 in its second week on the list from number 14

I'll give Susan Mallery this- she's created a world that I'm sucked into and I do want to see these sisters defeat the baddies of their worlds and find love. I enjoy her pacing and writing as well.

This is #2 of 3 in a trilogy about three sisters in Texas. They're rich, beautiful, and have had every advantage in life. At times this makes them hard to relate to or sympathize with. Lip service is about middle daughter Skye and her first love (turned SEAL who's home without 1 foot) Mitch. The parts with Mitch save this book. His pain, suffering, and acceptance of his new world are touching and I found myself rooting for him often.

Skye is the 'good girl' who is a 100% spineless, whiny, eye roll worthy, I wanna please my daddy (but he don't care) girl. I wanted to smack her, get rid of her, anything to just SHUT HER UP. Right up to the end she proves herself to be someone I'd never want as a friend. Is she a great mom and doing charity work? yeah. But she doesn't have to have a job, never has had a job. Her world is so removed from any reality I know that it was hard to get behind her.

The plot lines running through the trilogy (their issues with dear 'ol dad, the 'bad guy' trying to take them down) remain and this very much feels like a 'book 2 of 3' not in a good way. Ending unsatisfying and has me tapping my foot for July 1 when it'll all be revealed.

My suggestion would be to wait and see how book #3 does (reviews & take a peek at it yourself) and then decide. This wasn't anywhere near as good as book #1 for me.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 18 reviews  3.8 out of 5 stars