The Happily Inc. Series in Order

About the Happily Inc. series

Series Premise

The central premise revolves around Happily Inc, a town of about 50,000 in the southern California desert (near Palm Springs), which transformed from a dying community in the 1950s into a thriving wedding and event destination. The reinvention stemmed from a quirky, fairy-tale-inspired legend that embraced eccentricity—think animal statues, themed weddings for unconventional couples, and a welcoming vibe for artists, dreamers, and those seeking love or renewal. Each book spotlights a new central couple from the town's close-knit circle of friends and locals, who navigate romance amid the backdrop of the wedding industry. Stories often involve event planners, sculptors, animal rescuers, business owners, and creatives facing personal obstacles—family betrayals, self-doubt, career setbacks, or past heartbreaks—while finding love and belonging. Interconnections abound: characters cameo across books, group friendships provide support, and community events (galas, festivals, holiday celebrations) tie narratives together. The overarching arc celebrates reinvention—both the town's and the characters'—with love conquering insecurities through support, humor, and small-town magic.

Main Characters

The series thrives on an ensemble of interconnected friends whose lives overlap across books.

- Pallas Saunders (You Say It First): Creative wedding planner who runs It Girl Weddings; optimistic but guarded after past disappointments.
- Nick Mitchell (You Say It First): Famous sculptor; charming yet haunted by family issues; one of the artistic Mitchell brothers.
- Violet Lund (Second Chance Girl): Kind-hearted animal rescuer; shy but resilient.
- Mathias Mitchell (Second Chance Girl): Another Mitchell brother; easygoing artist with hidden pain.
- Natalie Owens (Why Not Tonight): Cheerful assistant; bright and supportive.
- Ronan Mitchell (Why Not Tonight): Talented but troubled artist; the brooding Mitchell sibling.
- Silver Dawn (Not Quite Over You): Party bus owner; independent and fun-loving.
- Drew Lovato (Not Quite Over You and novella): Charming businessman with a royal connection.
- Renee Grogan (Meant to Be Yours): Organized wedding planner.
- Jasper Dineen (Meant to Be Yours): Former military, now writer; intense and protective.
- Wynn Beauchene (Happily This Christmas): Single mom and bookstore owner; strong and nurturing.
- Garrick McCabe (Happily This Christmas): Scarred police captain seeking peace.

Supporting cast includes the Mitchell brothers' family dynamics, quirky locals, animals (goats, giraffes in rescues), and friends who offer advice and laughter. Female friendships form the emotional core—empowering, non-competitive bonds.

Setting

The setting is the star: Happily Inc, California, a fictional desert oasis that embraces whimsy and reinvention. The town boasts animal sculptures, quirky shops, art galleries, wedding venues, and desert landscapes—sunsets over cacti, starry nights, and a mix of modern luxury and small-town charm. Key locations include Pallas's wedding-planning business, galleries run by the Mitchell brothers, animal preserves, and community spots like festivals or holiday events.

The desert environment adds unique flavor: heat, vast skies, and isolation contrast with the vibrant social scene, symbolizing characters' journeys from emotional "deserts" to fulfillment. Proximity to Palm Springs brings occasional glamour, but the focus stays on Happily Inc's eccentric, inclusive community—welcoming to artists, LGBTQ+ couples, and second-chance seekers. This backdrop enhances romance: sunset proposals, outdoor weddings, and creative events feel magical yet grounded.

Tone & Themes

The tone is warm, uplifting, humorous, and feel-good—classic Susan Mallery with emotional authenticity balanced by light-hearted fun. Stories deliver genuine heart: characters confront real issues like grief, betrayal, or low self-esteem, but resolutions emphasize hope, acceptance, and joy. Banter is witty and playful, romantic tension builds sweetly (with steamy moments), and drama stays manageable—no prolonged angst or dark twists. Humor arises from quirky town traditions, eccentric side characters, and relatable mishaps in the wedding world. The mood is empowering and optimistic: women are strong, independent, and supportive of each other, while men grow through vulnerability. It's escapist comfort reading—perfect for cozy evenings—with satisfying HEAs that affirm love's transformative power. Fans often call it "cozy romance with depth," ideal for those who enjoy Hallmark-style warmth with more character development and spice.

Susan Mallery's Happily Inc series captures the magic of small-town romance with a whimsical twist, delivering 8+ books of heartfelt love stories set in a delightfully eccentric wedding destination. From artistic sculptors and animal lovers to wedding planners and scarred heroes, the characters find healing, connection, and joy through friendship and romance in a supportive desert community. With its warm humor, emotional depth, uplifting themes, and satisfying happily-ever-afters, the series offers pure escapism—perfect for readers craving feel-good contemporary romance with relatable stakes and charming vibes. Whether discovering the town's fairy-tale origins or celebrating holiday cheer, Happily Inc proves that love—and a little quirkiness—can transform any life.