Why Not Tonight: Happily Inc Book #3 by Susan Mallery

    While Why Not Tonight may be the third book in the Happily Inc series, it is not the third story. There is a short story or novella that falls between Second Chance Girl and this one. I haven’t read it yet, but that did not keep me from enjoying this book.

    If artist Ronan Mitchell hadn’t left his cell phone at work, probably none of what did happen would have happened. Art gallery office manager Natalie Kaleta never would have gotten stuck at his house, and Ronan never would have fallen in love.

    But Ronan did leave his cell phone, and Natalie did get stuck at his house. And yes, Ronan fell in love.      

    Known for going missing when he is in one of his moods, Ronan is very surprised to find Natalie on his doorstep. Ronan hasn’t communicated with anyone for days, and Natalie has come up to his mountain home to make sure he is alright. She came during a severe storm. Her car is totaled. The roads are blocked. Natalie’s only option is to stay with Ronan until she can safely get home again.

    This arrangement ends up being beneficial for Ronan. He is inspired by the origami creatures Natalie leaves around the house. It gives him ideas for his glasswork.

    Natalie also gets to work on her own art, something she is not yet able to afford dedicating her life too. Stuck at Ronan’s, Natalie is able to work in his hidden studio, full of nearly every art supply you could imagine. A mixed-media artist, this is exactly the place for Natalie to work.

Paint/Artwork by Kate Dorsey

    During this time, Ronan and Natalie also get to know each other better. They may work together, but they have never been close. Now, living together for this short time, they realize they may have feelings for each other. Feelings that could possibly carry over once Natalie goes home.

    Surprisingly, for the most part, the relationship between Ronan and Natalie goes smoothly. He gives her the care she needs, and Natalie tells Ronan the truth of matters so he doesn’t fall into self-pity.

    Or at least Natalie can keep him from self-pity to a point. When Ronan is confronted with his family, and Natalie’s love for him is revealed to the world, Ronan can’t handle it. He has too many questions about things from his past, and there is only one person who has the answers. Whether or not he will receive those answers is unknown. As is his future with Natalie.

    I’m glad Natalie herself admitted she can be annoying, because she sure can be. The constant talking and peppiness mixed with immaturity drove me crazy at times. Despite this, there is still a lot to like about Natalie. She could bring Ronan down a peg, which he definitely needed as his sense of self could definitely become over-inflated. She was also resilient and determined to make her art career a success, something I greatly understand. I was very happy for Natalie when her career began to take off. It would have been nice to see the things she created.

    In fact, I think it would be great if all artists could have the success Natalie, Ronan, and Ronan’s brothers have. It is very helpful they have a gallery owner who believes in them and is willing to sell their work (for a cut, of course). But the fact that a gallery owner supports them and sells their work is a great thing. Sadly, not all artists get to experience that. No matter how good they are.