Nickolas

Grant Brothers #1

by Kathi S. Barton

Nickolas Grant doesn’t know what to do when he finally realizes that he needs Morgan Becky for more than just his secretary. He doesn’t trust her… not with his love not even his friendship.Morgan has not had an easy life and finds it difficult to trust others. She needs to get her life in order, not fall for her handsome boss with a stiff spine and foul temper.When they come together in fiery passion and biting words, no one is safe, not even them.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Adult, Family, Erotica

241 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2011

About the author

Kathi Barton, author of the bestselling series Force of Nature, lives in Nashport, Ohio with her husband Paul. In addition to writing full time Kathi likes to spend time with her eight grandkids, three children and three children-in-laws. She writes to relax and have fun.
Her muse, a cross between Jimmy Stewart and Hugh Jackman brings them to life for her readers in a way that has them coming back time and again for more. Her favorite genre is paranormal romance with a great deal of spice. You can visit Kathi on line and drop her an email if you’d like. She loves hearing from her fans. aaronskiss@gmail.com.
Follow Kathi on her blog: http://kathisbartonauthor.blogspot.com/

Reviews

[♡Karlyn P♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a fast paced and angsty adventure romance with a good dose of steam, but also a bit over the top in the 'drama' department. I would have enjoyed it much more if I didn't find myself so frustrated with several of the characters through much of the book.

Nickolas was leery about Morgan, and I understood his hesitation with her, but as their 'relationship' progressed I felt he hung onto his distrust too long. We just didn't see a likable side of Nickolas enough for my tastes.

The mother was just a complaining and manipulative wind bag most of the time, although she did have her sons best interest in mind and often was the smartest one in the room. Go figure. I wish we could have seen a more likable side to her too.

Morgan ended up being a very enjoyable heroine, and WOW did she have some hard luck. She deserved an HEA like crazy. I did think they made a good couple in the end, and despite all of their fighting I did believe they could really have an HEA. I may continue with the series. We met his sexy brothers, and several of them really peeked my interests.

[LadyCalico · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so poorly written and so badly in need of a semi-literate proof-reader. The narrative was full of inconsistencies, bad grammar, and misused words. The heroine was obnoxious, oppositional, physically abusive, and much of the time down-right psychotic; the hero was a jerk and a masochist, and both characters were angry, mean, labile, vile, crass, stupid, and behaved with the maturity of 4-year-olds--exploding like firecrackers with fighting, swearing, insults, childish name-calling, and just generally going berserk over the smallest of stimuli or, much of the time, no real reason at all, making for a most unpleasant read. An overuse of a handful of four-letter words was what substituted for witty dialogue. The Psychotic heroine was supposed to be a receptionist--with a total lack of class and people-skills--give me a break! Yeah, that's about as likely as the Neanderthal hero having a doctorate in finance and being a self-made millionaire. The only place either of these uncouth boors could get a job is as guests on the Jerry Springer Show. The writing jumped all over the place in a helter-skelter manner, and much of what the characters said and did was either unnatural, foul, senseless, selfish, idiotic, callous, or some combination thereof. The only enjoyment I got out of this poor excuse for a novel was when the Neanderthal and his doctor brother worried that the heroine was not eating enough on the 3000 calorie diet another doctor had prescribed--what was she, the Goodyear blimp? Oh, yeah, and I also really enjoyed deleting this tripe from my Kindle.

[Victoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, let me be honest: I hated the main character of this book, Nickolas Grant, for about 93% of the book. He really is a love-or-hate type character and as someone who battles chauvinist pigs every day, I HATED him. Most of the time, I wanted to kick him in his rich, entitled face. But all threats of violence aside, I loved the story. It's sort of a rags-to-riches Cinderella story for Morgan Becky, who becomes a part of Nickolas' life after interviewing for a job with him. You really sympathize with Morgan. She's seen rough things. She's been to prison. She's had a hard life. She doesn't trust anyone. She's got a fiery spirit that is a bit frustrating at first. But as you get to know her, you realize that's all part of her charm.

Again, HATED Nicokolas for the majority of the book. But everyone has a method to their madness. The details about Nickolas and why he's such an asshole don't come out right away. But when you do, things click and the lightbulb goes off over your head. You realize the two characters are perfect for one another. I don't want to say too much, because I don't want to spoil the book. But it's a great read! I read it in the course of like 2.5 days and couldn't put it down!

Can't wait to read the rest of the Grant Brothers series. Surely I will love the other brothers more than I loved darling Nickolas.

[Jacquie Talento · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of the Grant Brother’s series. I personally wanted to take Nick over my knee and spank him for the way he acted! I don’t think I have never been so angry at a character as he made me. The man needed to wake up and smell the coffee and get with the program.
This is Nickolas and Morgan’s story. Nickolas Grant is a doctor of finance in the Grant Corporation. He plans on never loving any woman again, unless of course it’s Morgan. Morgan has been an orphan all her life, never being adopted by anyone. She’s also just getting out of prison for murdering a man that kidnapped and raped her repeatedly but now he’s dead by her own hands. She gets a job as Nick’s secretary/receptionist but things don’t go very well. He never asks, just demands from her and don’t touch her because she doesn’t like to be touched. But with the help of Nick’s brothers and his mother, things could change for Morgan. I loved Morgan and my heart ached for her from what she had been thru. Could she ever learn to love anyone or be loved herself after everything she had been through? Can she get thru the thick shell that Nickolas has put around himself? Just read it and find out because you won’t be disappointed.

[Avid Reader Amy's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great romance between the hardened Nickolas and defensive Morgan. Nickolas has a past that has left him always thinking that women want one thing...Money. After giving his heart away long ago and having it broken he refuses to get close to anyone other than family. Along comes Morgan. A warrior in her own right. She has fought for survival and has the scars to prove it. Years ago she was kidnapped , beaten and raped. She escaped and now years later needs to start over.
When Nick and Morgan meet it is almost like to alpha dogs trying to establish dominance. The constantly pick at one another but they realize that for them it works. For most people bickering would drive them apart, but not Nick and Morgan. It seems to bring them closer together.
Morgan innocently enough was trying to help out one of Nick's nephews gather info on him for a essay he is writing. Nick mistakes this task as her trying to gather intel on him for his money. He ends up sleeping with her and tosses her out into the night. The result of that one night is that Morgan is pregnant and broke. Morgan tries to do things on her own but Nick's family wants to help her out since he has nothing to do with her. Nick and Morgan have to trust one another. Just because you were hurt in the past doesn't mean everyone will do the same.
As I started reading this book I had a hard time putting it down. It was good. It is a story that got to me and I admit it I cried. Especially when Morgan talks about the things that have happened to her. The author doesn't go into gory details (thank goodness) just enough for you to know that her character went through hell. I loved the author's writing. She wrote a story that had not only 2 main character but many more. Without the others the story would have been flat. Nick and Morgan are surrounded by the Grant Brothers and Mama Grant aka Mrs. Parker. She a mother that inserts herself into your life but you can't bring yourself to say no and tell her to go away. She love to help others and that is how Morgan met Nick. She sent her to his office to get a job so she can start her new life.
Now I loved this book but sometimes I found the bickering between the main characters annoying. I know that it was what they do but I wish that Nick was less of an ass to her, he knew what she went through. I was happy that the romance was dragged out over a period of time. It was more believable. They didn't declare their undying love 3 chapters in.

Overall:

I enjoyed this story. Kathi did a great job of writing interesting and compelling characters. I recommend this one to anyone who wants to read a good romance.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Nickolas' is the first book in Kathi S. Barton's "The Grant Brothers" series. As unusual as it may seem, this is not a paranormal family, which is what I'm used to reading from Ms. Barton. This is also not the usual insta-love and fated mate scenario I'm used to finding. These are two people who have been so hurt and jaded it's almost caustic but somehow between the mom and the five other brothers, there's enough love and support to pull a happily ever after out of the end. It definitely was a gripping storyline but I can’t say Nickolas was my favorite character by any stretch of the imagination.

[Charlotte Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much! It has every element you could hope for in a read. Nickolas is a love/hate character, and Morgan you only want the best for this troubled young girl. Kathi Barton has a unique talent to pull you right into the story and leave you wanting more. This is a talented new author that we must all keep our eyes on, because her talent promises to bring us great things in the future.

Nickolas is the first book in the Grant Brothers series and I expect the following books to bring us just as much excitement as this one. You will not disappointed.

[Ginette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Good story

[Hope · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I did meet someone like Nickolas, I would have love to do a lot worse than hating him.

[Natasha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm giving this one star, but really, it deserves none. Hours wasted on a ridiculously horrible story!
There's a huge difference between the words "drama" and "over-dramatic" and this story is grossly over-dramatic. There's really no plot. It's just a compilation of dramatic events, as though the author simply wished to portray a series of traumatic events to weave unneeded and unnecessary drama into the plot.
Furthermore, I have never read about a more thoroughly unlikeable female protagonist and Morgan Becky is definitely in my top 5 most hated female characters. Her character is disgustingly horrid and truly I've no words that can describe how much I hated this story and Morgan.
Usually I never want a story to end, but I couldn't wait for this one to. The only reason I stuck to it is because it's part of a series and I'm hoping the next brother's story and the leading female character will be worth it.
Lastly, I don't recommend reading this book. At all. It's a disgrace of a story to the extent that this is the first time I've felt the urge to publicly criticize a story as I never wanted to be labelled as a Hater. Alas, this book was too abysmal that I find myself completely incapable of keeping my opinions to myself.

[Elaine Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good

I have read this book before but, I’m not sure if I gave it a review.

This story would be considered a contemporary romance even if it doesn’t really have much of any at all romance in it.

Morgan Becky is a woman struggling to make he ends meet when she meets Nickolas Grant. Morgan actually gets along better with the rest of his family than she does him; as he’s also jumping to the wrong conclusions about her.

But, this book was very good & I’m going to re-read the rest of the series.

[Sean Harding · Rating 1 out of 5]

Barton Bartoff #1
Grant Brothers #1
If you ever want a book about dealing with someone who has been abused in their past, and how a relationship could help them, take this one, walk outside, go to your recycle bin, and toss it in, at least then it will be made into something else and be useful.
What an offensive load of tosh, and the lead character is so unlikeable it is staggering.
Just simply a big load of rubbish.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book great first book in series would recommend
It if haven't read it already

[Adrianna Lamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Nickolas is a love hate character that a lot of people left reviews saying they didn’t like. Kathi Barton writes unique books with a variety of characters that always leaves me wanting more. She writes in a way that pulls you into the story.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say that if you were looking for your every day happily every after romance novel, this one should show right from the beginning that it is anything but typical. The characters are strong right from the moment, and pigheaded too. They have had their own troubled pasts, one of which included being raped and abused repeatedly. This did make it harder to read for me at times, because I could internalize the anguish this character must have felt as she tried the best she could to survive the outside world when everything seems to topple down around her. But as I said this is no cookie cutter story.

I have read some of the reviews that bashed the author for her portrayal of a victim falling for someone who could very well abuse her right from the beginning. That's life though, a life that is more realistic than someone just coming to her aid and helping her right from the beginning. More often than not people are attracted to the person who can hurt them the most and they continue to fall for them. Did I like Nickolas, the character? Not one bit, but that's the beauty of this book. Not every man a woman meets is the best thing in the world for her and Ms. Barton did a good job allowing you to hate her character while falling in love with the brothers that surrounded him. Some may want the brothers to do more to push the moral right on their brother, but I feel like they did and if you were a realist you would understand family dynamics a little better. There are many families that sit and watch their loved ones make mistakes repeatedly, for if you intrude or force your beliefs of the situation they become volatile to the point that they push their families away from them.

Do I get this book? Yes, I think I do. I think I understood it better than most people commenting on it. It was a fast read and had characters you loved to hate. It was original in that fact. I am actually looking forward to reading about the other brothers and hoping that I am able to fall in love with them as easily as I hated their brother.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

How to describe this book? To say I am pissed at the male leading character would be the understatement of the year...There are no words to describe him. Don't get me wrong I usually love Kathi's character...but Nickolas, just made me want to rip someone's throat.
As for our dear Morgan, let's just say she does seems a bit masochist. The way she goes through all that and seems to hold it in, not letting anyone in ; and only when being kissed by Nickolas does she looses her mind and goes nuts for him in a sexual way, for a woman who's been victimized she seems to enjoy a bit too much having been raped and still falling for the guy. She has been through a lot and its just senseless to see her being around Nickolas or even still wanting him after he does.She has enough in her plate as it is, but adding Nickolas seems like she has just too much, there are also some mistakes in the plot as we go by, specially in the psicological level-the deal of the nice Nurse that she barerily met for a few hours and how she trusts her more than Nick's mom who's been visiting her for almost five years U_U". If you actually sum up Nickolas and Morgan you might just find a homicide site, how did she manage to make them realize they love each other? Apparently is Boy-loves-girl-so-he-is-damn-mean-with-her until suddenly the book is about to end and the Boy finally realizes he's been an ass to said girl.
As for the rest of the characters, they are just way too lovable and very well developed.I did like them, I finished the book because of them, actually. Just loved Byron,and was hoping to have him snatch Morgan for himself.
As for Miss Kathi Barton's book after reading about three of her books,four with this one, I am very much inclined to beleive that she does favor a woman going through ordeal to find a prince charming to try and solve her problems in a very carverman-nish way.Code word Try because said girl has in mind that she must prove herself to the rest of the world she doesn't need them.

[Rachael · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a fast paced quick read for me. I found myself really wanting to know what was going to happen next.
Unfortunately there were some things that really pulled me out of the story and just didn't add up.
Morgan went through a horrific kidnapping and somehow winds up in jail? Everyone kept threatening to send her back to jail - but they couldn't because she wasn't on probation since she'd been acquitted of the charges against her. Damon is an inconsiderate, self-centered jerk whom I disliked almost from the beginning. I did like the initial interview in his office but after that he was a jerk. In order for me to forgive Damon for his being an ass I would have needed to see him doing more redeeming things long before the last few pages of the book. Morgan's pregnancy doesn't add up. The time frames don't add up. Where did she get a laptop?

So many things just didn't sit with me yet I was pulled in enough to the story to want to see its resolution. I wish the author had used a beta reader who would have caught some of these issues.
I'm intrigued by the other brothers but I'm not sure I can read them.

[Kathryn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know why but so much about this annoyed me.

Everyone apparently instantly thought Morgan had a bad attitude, and despite the author constantly saying she didn't sorry but the text made it seem she did.

With her background I can't believe that she'd just hop in to bed with her boss regardless of any attraction between them - surely from the description of the abuse she suffered there would be injuries beyond the mental health related ones which would need addressing.

The man himself, frankly he came off as an arrogant ass and completely unlikeable.

The Sugars - were they bar owners or lawyers?

The brothers - I defy anyone to keep them all straight, even after finishing I have no clue which was the Dr (or were two of them described as Dr?), the artist etc.

It desperately needs a good editor, maybe that would clear up some of the issues above but more than that it's littered with wrong spellings/wrong words spelled correctly but out of context, and the consistant use of "Could care less" in a sense that the characters clearly wanted to claim they "Couldn't care less"

[Niki Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I have never wanted to hit a character as much as I did Nickolas Grant. While I know it was a romance and everyone wants everybody to be happy at the end, I really wanted Morgan to kick him to the curb and stomp on him. With that being said, the fact that Ms. Barton brought out such strong emotions in me not just for Nick the Dick but also the protective feelings that I had for Morgan just emphasizes what an exceptional writer this author is. If you are looking for a happy sunshine and flower story this is not the book for you. This is a storyline filled with sorrow, pain, angst but also filled with love, forgiveness and acceptance. Not every man or woman is perfect, everyone makes mistakes and a true relationship takes work. The Grant family is different and each brother is quite the character. Sometimes it takes a gentle push to make you see your mistakes and other times it takes your brothers and your mother to hit you upside the head for you to see you are being an As@. I will warn you, once you start reading this story you will not want to put it down so make sure you leave enough time to really get the full experience of the taming of Nickolas Grant.

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of all Kathi's books I've read, Nickolas is probably one that even after re-reading, I still hate.

After reading the book and learning about Morgan's history, you would think she wouldn't readily jump into bed with her boss. Prior to anything happening between Morgan and Nickolas she comes across a bit rough and abrasive, but that's due to her past. However, it seems once Nickolas beds her she becomes this whinny wimpy woman. She has her moments where she starts to get riled up and fight back, but beyond that she just kind of seems to be a woman who rolls over and allows everything that happens to her.
Nickolas was just completely a jerk the entire book. I'm not quite sure how any woman can fall in love with someone constantly treating them as if they are a child and can't do things on their own. Nickolas is also the kind of guy I hate, who throws around his name and money to get his way.
*shaking my head* Not the kind of hero I adore.

[Kristina Franken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I would like to just mention first hand that Nickolas is the type of character that you are either going to like or flat or be disgusted with him half the time. I do not know one man who can make so many mistakes in the pages of a novel. It is like every time he opens up his mouth the wrong words come out. Also Morgan is the type of person that you want the best to happen to her. I really did enjoy this story and I can not wait to read the rest of the story so that I can find out what happens to the rest of the characters. Morgan is a magnet for trouble. With a fast paced plot that will keep you devouring the paged and beautifully written characters. I would defiantly put this book in my recommended pile.

[Deekee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was f**king terrible!! The main character was a complete asshole and just kept doing the most frustrating things!! The main female character Morgan has been through something horrible and it's like he doesn't even give a shit...then more and more bad things happen to her but every character in the book acts like she got a bloody paper cut, it's ridiculous I like my men to be protective and caring but he says a couple words and all is forgiven. Bloody hell if I could punch a character through a book it would him!! I'm going to be honest I can't even believe I read all of it, I just kept thinking 'alright he's going to do something that makes me love him' but nope still hate him. I'm not even going to bother reading the others.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this is a Goodreads giveaway. I couldn't wait to get started. After the first chapter, the overall storyline had me hooked. Morgan was an interesting character; a diamond in the rough. Nickolas was a work in progress as well. The language for Nickolas and his mother was rougher than I would have expected. They spoke more like the matriarch and eldest son of a mafia family than professionals. At points, the storyline became a little difficult to follow. At points, it felt disjointed and repetitive, especially between Morgan and Nickolas. Overall, I felt it needed a bit more polish.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this series as a boxed set - Each book in this series will take you on an emotional roller coaster!! Byron is still my favorite, but the ladies in this series are AMAZING! They have over come so much in their pasts and the men trying to convince them that they want yo be in their lives is pretty funny. Of course, Mom knows how to keep her boys in line and what's not funnier than watching a grown man squirm when his Mom is called in. It takes a strong man to go with a strong woman. Each couple has their ups and downs as their pasts rear their ugly heads. But working together and leaning to trust each other has it's benefits.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book so much that it only took me 2 days to finish it. my daughter finished it in 1 day. It is a hard to put down book. I like that this family of brothers that really care about family. Nickolas can't believe that the girl sitting in his office for a job was sent by his mother. Once Nickolas decides to quit trying to start a fight with her he realizes that he is in love with her. Kathi keeps the story going in a direction that you can't wait for the next page. I really loved this book and couldn't wait to start reading the next one in the series.

[SydneyGen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The relationship between the 2 was supposed to be volatile and unsure, but at times I was truly uncertain. Obviously he had issues with his past, and I think the author could have thrown in a few 'clues' more than she did. Also, we didn't get any sort of background info on the female character, even after the revelation. I'd like to have known 'how' she knows how to do all the things she does.
It was an enjoyable and easy read, I read it in 24 hours. Moving on to the next books in the series now :)

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional roller coaster this book was! I thought I was getting a typical smut with some story, turns out it was more story than smut! What an awesome surprise. Can not wait to start the next book in the series!

Nickolas has several severe jerk moments where I would like to smack him in the head with a frying pan but in the end her really comes through. And he has some serious groveling and pampering to do to make up for the a$$hat moments!

[Charlene Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nickolas

Nick is a rich arrogant ass, who judges all women by his late wife.

Morgan is an orphan, who has been to hell and back more than once.

Come see how they come together.

Its explosive, and touching. All the qualities of a great story.

You want to kick Nick's butt, and hug Morgan.

Kathi tells a wonderful story of love and adversities.

[Mary Ting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story so much that I want to continue the series. I went through all types of emotions when I read this book. My heart really ached and I couldn’t believe how much I was attached to Morgan. I wanted so much for her. I felt her pain, frustration, anger, and happiness, as if I was her…lol!!! Kathi, you did a fabulous job and I can’t wait to read the rest!!!

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nickolas is the first book in The Grant brothers series – he is one of those people you just love to hate. He meets Morgan Becky thru his mom when she sends her to apply for a job. It is a definite love hate relationship. A definite must read and would recommend to all – just be prepared to hate Nickolas. Another great read by Kathi S. Barton.