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The Donovans #5
Build It Up
Wes Donovan and his best friend Max aren’t like most guys. Having been friends since they were very young, they’ve shared almost everything. As single men, they’ve had their share of adventures together without any complaints from the woman lucky enough to be their focus, even if it was only for a short time.
When Wes and Max met Damaris, a co-worker of their new sister-in-law, they tried to resist their instant attraction. It wouldn’t do to hurt the relationship they were building with Quinn’s new wife by pursuing her best friend. Instead, they studied her from afar and wondered what their lives would be like with her in it until a weekend far away from home presented them with a chance that would change their lives in ways they never even imagined.
Single and childless by choice, Damaris is ready to make some major life changes. It’s time to settle down in her forever home and maybe even buy a dog for some companionship. As rudimentary as that may seem to most, it’s quite a step for her. After raising her younger brothers and sisters in their mom’s absence, Damaris has had her fill of being responsible for another human being. That aversion kept her from committing to a man she’d have to wake up next to for the rest of her life.
One weekend with the two handsome men she’d had her eye on for months will change Damaris’ outlook on everything. They’ve got so much in common that falling in love with them is almost as easy as a walk in the park. Now she’s found herself seeking out reasons to keep Wes and Max by her side instead of making her way alone. She’s on a new path even if it goes against everything she thought she knew about herself.
When the life they’re building implodes, will they be able to stick together or will they let something that’s out of their control pull them apart? Join Cee Bowerman in Marlboro, getting to know the ins and outs of this unique relationship between one woman and two best friends who are more than content to share everything, including her, for the rest of their lives. Catch up with the Donovans you’ve come to love and check in with some of your other favorite characters as Cee helps Wes, Damaris, and Max find their happily ever after.
When Wes and Max met Damaris, a co-worker of their new sister-in-law, they tried to resist their instant attraction. It wouldn’t do to hurt the relationship they were building with Quinn’s new wife by pursuing her best friend. Instead, they studied her from afar and wondered what their lives would be like with her in it until a weekend far away from home presented them with a chance that would change their lives in ways they never even imagined.
Single and childless by choice, Damaris is ready to make some major life changes. It’s time to settle down in her forever home and maybe even buy a dog for some companionship. As rudimentary as that may seem to most, it’s quite a step for her. After raising her younger brothers and sisters in their mom’s absence, Damaris has had her fill of being responsible for another human being. That aversion kept her from committing to a man she’d have to wake up next to for the rest of her life.
One weekend with the two handsome men she’d had her eye on for months will change Damaris’ outlook on everything. They’ve got so much in common that falling in love with them is almost as easy as a walk in the park. Now she’s found herself seeking out reasons to keep Wes and Max by her side instead of making her way alone. She’s on a new path even if it goes against everything she thought she knew about herself.
When the life they’re building implodes, will they be able to stick together or will they let something that’s out of their control pull them apart? Join Cee Bowerman in Marlboro, getting to know the ins and outs of this unique relationship between one woman and two best friends who are more than content to share everything, including her, for the rest of their lives. Catch up with the Donovans you’ve come to love and check in with some of your other favorite characters as Cee helps Wes, Damaris, and Max find their happily ever after.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2023
234 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 16, 2023
This was not an easy one, these 3 people all have issues stemming from childhood that are affecting them now and how they see a relationship. A lot of what went on for them was one step forward, then a freak out and someone would over react, then they needed time to figure out their head, then they'd come back as a group, often after getting advice from others, which helped them see the other side. Things would be solid again, then another freak out. This sounds tedious, but it wasn't, I liked seeing each of them face their fears and talk things through. At the end, events happened that could have sent all 3 into a downward spiral, but with an hour or so, they were quickly back to talking and realizing how great they had it and how much better things were going to get!
May 15, 2023
4.5 stars.
Very sweet book.
Not gonna lie, not a whole lot happens in this book. I mean, not on page at least.
It skips through time randomly and sort of aggressively. One minute they’re making up and she’s staying over, the next chapter, it’s been six and a half weeks and they’re going about daily life.
So. That was a bit jarring, and because of that we don’t actually see a lot of the relationship developing on page. (A total bummer.)
But.
I will say that what we did get was super sweet and sometimes sexy, and really heartwarming.
I would’ve really loved to see some mundane days, and some random conversations, and just maybe a smoother transition between time jumps…but again.
I still really enjoyed it.
As always with this author, I really loved the characters and their interactions with all the side characters.
I don’t know how she makes me like ‘people’(maybe cause they’re fake🤷🏻♀️😂) but she must sprinkle some magic into her books, because every time I read them I fall in love with every character we encounter.
I can’t wait to see what happens with James in the next book in this series…for sure it’ll be James..I’m guessing it’s gonna be James to fall next, but I guess we’ll see. Lol
Very sweet book.
Not gonna lie, not a whole lot happens in this book. I mean, not on page at least.
It skips through time randomly and sort of aggressively. One minute they’re making up and she’s staying over, the next chapter, it’s been six and a half weeks and they’re going about daily life.
So. That was a bit jarring, and because of that we don’t actually see a lot of the relationship developing on page. (A total bummer.)
But.
I will say that what we did get was super sweet and sometimes sexy, and really heartwarming.
I would’ve really loved to see some mundane days, and some random conversations, and just maybe a smoother transition between time jumps…but again.
I still really enjoyed it.
As always with this author, I really loved the characters and their interactions with all the side characters.
I don’t know how she makes me like ‘people’(maybe cause they’re fake🤷🏻♀️😂) but she must sprinkle some magic into her books, because every time I read them I fall in love with every character we encounter.
I can’t wait to see what happens with James in the next book in this series…for sure it’ll be James..I’m guessing it’s gonna be James to fall next, but I guess we’ll see. Lol
June 27, 2023
This was so much better than I had hoped for, and I loved the guys so much. I can't wait to read more with the Donovan family.
May 27, 2023
• 27/5/23 (kindle)
-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-
Wes Donovan
Damaris Turner
Max Brumley
-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-…-
Wes Donovan
Damaris Turner
Max Brumley
July 23, 2024
Rated
5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
Cee Bowerman has struck again. Boardman is one of my newly discovered to me authors that is a favorite. The way this are reading, Bowerman u will earn a spot among my all time favorites. In this glimpse of the Donavan family we getting Wes and Mac story.
Wes was brought to the Donavan's as a scared and hungry child. But eventually finds his family among the Donavan's but the old scars are still there.
Mac finds himself a victim of bullying after losing his family to a car accident and living with his grandparents. The Donovan's aren't big on bully so they step in and Wes and Mac become inseparable.
Unfortunately, during a sleep over at the Donavans' Mac looses his grandparents to a fire. Poor Mac has an irrational fear that death is chasing him.
These two together are like yin and yang and together make the perfect man. Now that they are all grown up and done fulfilling someone elses bucket list they are looking for that one perfect woman who is strong enough to be with them.
The question however is the woman they want right one?
5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
Cee Bowerman has struck again. Boardman is one of my newly discovered to me authors that is a favorite. The way this are reading, Bowerman u will earn a spot among my all time favorites. In this glimpse of the Donavan family we getting Wes and Mac story.
Wes was brought to the Donavan's as a scared and hungry child. But eventually finds his family among the Donavan's but the old scars are still there.
Mac finds himself a victim of bullying after losing his family to a car accident and living with his grandparents. The Donovan's aren't big on bully so they step in and Wes and Mac become inseparable.
Unfortunately, during a sleep over at the Donavans' Mac looses his grandparents to a fire. Poor Mac has an irrational fear that death is chasing him.
These two together are like yin and yang and together make the perfect man. Now that they are all grown up and done fulfilling someone elses bucket list they are looking for that one perfect woman who is strong enough to be with them.
The question however is the woman they want right one?
June 30, 2023
Yes to Wes and Max
This is book five and it’s the story of Wes and Max. Surprises abound in this book with the history of each as they came to be part of the Donovan family. Patrice and Robert are amazing people and parents. They are impressive! Patrice knows all and is working every angle to keep the grandchildren coming. I liked Damaris too. What a backstory she has along with being a phenomenal attorney. The interaction between Kyla, Penni, and Damaris was so entertaining as BFF. Another good story for this series. Read On!
This is book five and it’s the story of Wes and Max. Surprises abound in this book with the history of each as they came to be part of the Donovan family. Patrice and Robert are amazing people and parents. They are impressive! Patrice knows all and is working every angle to keep the grandchildren coming. I liked Damaris too. What a backstory she has along with being a phenomenal attorney. The interaction between Kyla, Penni, and Damaris was so entertaining as BFF. Another good story for this series. Read On!
May 18, 2023
All three main characters had pretty serious childhood trauma which totally shaped the choices they made and their reactions. That part was well written and crested an interesting premise.
But the 'supporting' characters all blasted or belittled them about it rather than helping them work through it. They also did it to each other, especially the female character. She got angry at the MMCs for freaking out in a crisis when both these guys have serious mental health issues; both suffered with panic attacks and flashbacks. I get that their reactions weren't healthy, but they were predictable given their issues. And ripping into them about not being responsible when they were vulnerable didn't make her seem strong or whatever to me.
If the author is going to write characters like this, that supposedly have a supportive loving family, maybe they shouldn't treat the MMCs like immature boys who "overreact" and are "stupid". Those are such triggering words for people who really have mental trauma. If the Donaldson's were such great parents why didn't they get these guys counseling? The way the female characters; sisters and FMC talked to the MMCs in this book really put me off.
But the 'supporting' characters all blasted or belittled them about it rather than helping them work through it. They also did it to each other, especially the female character. She got angry at the MMCs for freaking out in a crisis when both these guys have serious mental health issues; both suffered with panic attacks and flashbacks. I get that their reactions weren't healthy, but they were predictable given their issues. And ripping into them about not being responsible when they were vulnerable didn't make her seem strong or whatever to me.
If the author is going to write characters like this, that supposedly have a supportive loving family, maybe they shouldn't treat the MMCs like immature boys who "overreact" and are "stupid". Those are such triggering words for people who really have mental trauma. If the Donaldson's were such great parents why didn't they get these guys counseling? The way the female characters; sisters and FMC talked to the MMCs in this book really put me off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2023
This is the 5th book in The Donovans series. It is a MFM story. Wes Donovan and Max Brumley have been close friends since they were young and share everything. Damaris Turner met both Wes and Max thru her close friend and has been fascinated by them ever since. They all come together at an out-of-town event and agree to spend some time together. Then Wes and Max push for something more. Damaris is unsure about proceeding. Can Wes, Damaris and Max overcome their pasts to make it work? Then when things seem to be falling in place, an unexpected event from Wes and Max’s past shows up and seems to put everyone in shock. This book has laughs, tears and everything in between because after all it’s a Cee Bowerman book. This tells the story of family that’s not defined by blood ties but rather love and respect.
Cee writes stories of wonderfully strong women who meet and fall for strong, protective alpha males and this one is no exception.
Cee writes stories of wonderfully strong women who meet and fall for strong, protective alpha males and this one is no exception.
May 17, 2023
I am Glad Cee tells HEA stories that some would consider unconventional. She never stops amazing me.
As this story unfolds I see three people who go into an unconventional commitment to each other. They fall in love and over come things from their pasts as children. The love and strength they have is beautiful. I'm Glad Damaris found the loves of her life, and that Wes and Max found the women that would love both of them. Lots of laughter with the Donovan clan. Thank you Cee for this beautiful story.
As this story unfolds I see three people who go into an unconventional commitment to each other. They fall in love and over come things from their pasts as children. The love and strength they have is beautiful. I'm Glad Damaris found the loves of her life, and that Wes and Max found the women that would love both of them. Lots of laughter with the Donovan clan. Thank you Cee for this beautiful story.
May 17, 2023
This story has a lot of heart. Each of them had some childhood trauma that affected their adult viewpoints and they had to work through a minor misunderstanding to move forward. I like that the misunderstanding was at the very beginning of their relationship and then they were solid for the rest of the book. This story has some time jumps, so we don't see everything and important childhood events are mentioned in conversation, but not dwelled on. I adore these big families that the author creates in her various series.
June 17, 2023
LOVED IT!
I usually have to pace myself when I'm reading anything by Ms Cee 😆 I always thought this author was talented and engaging and a few other words I could use to describe her! Only good words of course😍I must say though it took me quite a bit longer to read this particular story, and not because I was uncomfortable with the trouple (sp), It was just harder for me to keep track of everybody's feelings, even though I'm very familiar with this village😘 In the end Ms Cee sorted it out for me and I fell in love!
I usually have to pace myself when I'm reading anything by Ms Cee 😆 I always thought this author was talented and engaging and a few other words I could use to describe her! Only good words of course😍I must say though it took me quite a bit longer to read this particular story, and not because I was uncomfortable with the trouple (sp), It was just harder for me to keep track of everybody's feelings, even though I'm very familiar with this village😘 In the end Ms Cee sorted it out for me and I fell in love!
May 17, 2023
Must read the other books first
I was hoping that this story went a bit differently than it did. Both male characters do not want kids for their own reasons, the female character is the same way. All their reasons are completely understandable but how they all three act when the difficulties of something happens, did not sit right with me. I felt that the author was a little distracted while writing the story, as it did not flow as well as her other books do.
I was hoping that this story went a bit differently than it did. Both male characters do not want kids for their own reasons, the female character is the same way. All their reasons are completely understandable but how they all three act when the difficulties of something happens, did not sit right with me. I felt that the author was a little distracted while writing the story, as it did not flow as well as her other books do.
May 20, 2023
Wes, Damaris & Max
I am so happy right now!! I loved this book. I love spending time with all the Donovans and their friends. Getting to know Wes and Max better was amazing. They both have uncharted depths. And Damaris is a strong, independent woman. She was made for Max and Wes - as they were made for her. So freaking good! I am so excited to be able to experience the Donovans. ❤️
I am so happy right now!! I loved this book. I love spending time with all the Donovans and their friends. Getting to know Wes and Max better was amazing. They both have uncharted depths. And Damaris is a strong, independent woman. She was made for Max and Wes - as they were made for her. So freaking good! I am so excited to be able to experience the Donovans. ❤️
June 16, 2023
Families aren’t always blood
The Donovan’s have made life very interesting for those who have come into their world. Wes and Max have always been there for each other. Making decisions as a pair. Accepting change is hard for them and when they meet a woman with a like mind can they find happiness together. What the future might look like are questions needing answers. Throw in the unexpected and life changes forever.
The Donovan’s have made life very interesting for those who have come into their world. Wes and Max have always been there for each other. Making decisions as a pair. Accepting change is hard for them and when they meet a woman with a like mind can they find happiness together. What the future might look like are questions needing answers. Throw in the unexpected and life changes forever.
August 3, 2023
Great!
I chose this rating because this was a pretty good book. I enjoyed pretty much all of the characters. This was a book of choice, compassion, understanding, assumption, protection, being yourself and also falling in love. I really enjoyed Wes, Max and Demaris story. I think the author did a great job were putting these characters together. Great read! I recommend this book to all romance readers.
I chose this rating because this was a pretty good book. I enjoyed pretty much all of the characters. This was a book of choice, compassion, understanding, assumption, protection, being yourself and also falling in love. I really enjoyed Wes, Max and Demaris story. I think the author did a great job were putting these characters together. Great read! I recommend this book to all romance readers.
May 15, 2023
I absolutely loved this book.
Seeing Wes and Max get their HEA with Damaris.
They all three have been through hell in their childhood and seeing them all together they complete and compliment each other.
I love the relationship between Wes and his mum plus his siblings.
This book has taken my #2 spot in this series and I can't wait to see what happens next.
💯 MUST READ
Seeing Wes and Max get their HEA with Damaris.
They all three have been through hell in their childhood and seeing them all together they complete and compliment each other.
I love the relationship between Wes and his mum plus his siblings.
This book has taken my #2 spot in this series and I can't wait to see what happens next.
💯 MUST READ
May 15, 2023
Another fantastic book
I love this contemporary romance series by Cee. The series follows the lives of the Donavan family and this book is about Wes and Max. Damaris is introduced in an earlier book and in this book what starts as a weekend to remember grows into more. This book is a definite must read but should be read as part of the series.
I love this contemporary romance series by Cee. The series follows the lives of the Donavan family and this book is about Wes and Max. Damaris is introduced in an earlier book and in this book what starts as a weekend to remember grows into more. This book is a definite must read but should be read as part of the series.
May 15, 2023
Wes, max and Damaris 🥰
Life isn't easy for anyone and if you pick yourself up focus on the life you really want anything is possible! I love how each of these wonderful people started out with struggles and became jaded but didn't fall into the traps of their childhood they all became wonderful responsible adults!
Life isn't easy for anyone and if you pick yourself up focus on the life you really want anything is possible! I love how each of these wonderful people started out with struggles and became jaded but didn't fall into the traps of their childhood they all became wonderful responsible adults!
May 15, 2023
HOT!!🔥🔥
This was a fantastic triad. I loved the dynamics between Max Wes and Damaris. All three of them had hung ups stemming from their childhood but were able to work through them to come out with a beautiful loving relationship. There was a little surprise towards the end that I thought was perfect for this triad. This book is another perfect edition to the Donovan family.
This was a fantastic triad. I loved the dynamics between Max Wes and Damaris. All three of them had hung ups stemming from their childhood but were able to work through them to come out with a beautiful loving relationship. There was a little surprise towards the end that I thought was perfect for this triad. This book is another perfect edition to the Donovan family.
May 17, 2023
Still loving this series.
The Donovans are an amazing family. Wes and Max hit the jackpot with Damaris. They story made my smile. They come to realize they are work together so well. And they work on their issues to help heal each other. Great story hope there are more to come from the Donovans.
The Donovans are an amazing family. Wes and Max hit the jackpot with Damaris. They story made my smile. They come to realize they are work together so well. And they work on their issues to help heal each other. Great story hope there are more to come from the Donovans.
May 19, 2023
Enjoyed this, it is a MFM. I loved the fact that they all weren’t so hell bent on not having kids. That they each had their own personal reasons. Sometimes situations happen & things change. Definitely different from the previous books in this series & different from other MFM books. Can’t wait now for the next book in this series.
May 19, 2023
Max, Wes and Damaris
Just a fabulous story!! These three were definitely made for each other, and Wes and Max have always balanced the other out. There stories are sad with what they endured and what they thought about life, but Damaris was a little bit different with basically taking care of her siblings while growing up.
Must read!! Happy reading!
Just a fabulous story!! These three were definitely made for each other, and Wes and Max have always balanced the other out. There stories are sad with what they endured and what they thought about life, but Damaris was a little bit different with basically taking care of her siblings while growing up.
Must read!! Happy reading!
May 20, 2023
loved this book!
The Donovan family is such a treat to get to know. Demaris is a real hoot! I love a strong female lead. Max and Wes both tugged at my heartstrings with their tragic histories that brought them to the Donovan’s. Cee always rips out my heart then makes it even better with a really happy ending. Can’t wait for the next story!!!
The Donovan family is such a treat to get to know. Demaris is a real hoot! I love a strong female lead. Max and Wes both tugged at my heartstrings with their tragic histories that brought them to the Donovan’s. Cee always rips out my heart then makes it even better with a really happy ending. Can’t wait for the next story!!!
May 23, 2023
Cee did it again
Loved this book and another great addition to the donovan series all their back stories were so said especially max but Patricia and Robert love proves to be the greatest gift to all of them cee does amazing job at writing strong female characters especially the matriarch of the family I was in tears with some of the bits with her and max or was
Loved this book and another great addition to the donovan series all their back stories were so said especially max but Patricia and Robert love proves to be the greatest gift to all of them cee does amazing job at writing strong female characters especially the matriarch of the family I was in tears with some of the bits with her and max or was
May 25, 2023
Winner
It took awhile for me to read this book. It was double the love, triple the pain. All three characters had a lot of baggage to get through, but in the end we got out happily ever after. As always I will always recommend a book by Cee Bowerman for anyone who loves a good story and a great happily ever after. Another winner !
It took awhile for me to read this book. It was double the love, triple the pain. All three characters had a lot of baggage to get through, but in the end we got out happily ever after. As always I will always recommend a book by Cee Bowerman for anyone who loves a good story and a great happily ever after. Another winner !
May 27, 2023
Perfect
Couldn't put it down once I started reading.
This book is perfect and I've fallen in love with Max and Wes.
They are the sweetest, cutest, loving guys ever and I think they're my new book boyfriends.
Can't wait to see who is next with the Donovan's.
Keep up the awesome work Cee
Couldn't put it down once I started reading.
This book is perfect and I've fallen in love with Max and Wes.
They are the sweetest, cutest, loving guys ever and I think they're my new book boyfriends.
Can't wait to see who is next with the Donovan's.
Keep up the awesome work Cee
May 28, 2023
another winner
This book was amazing and I loved it. The tears I shed were worth it, the laughter made it better, and the anger I felt to one of the sisters (you’ll know what I mean when you read it) was even worth it. I love the books Cee gives us. This is a must read just as all her books are. Thank you Cee!
This book was amazing and I loved it. The tears I shed were worth it, the laughter made it better, and the anger I felt to one of the sisters (you’ll know what I mean when you read it) was even worth it. I love the books Cee gives us. This is a must read just as all her books are. Thank you Cee!
May 30, 2023
Build It Up is book 5 in the Donovans series written by the talented author Cee Bowerman. This is Wes, Damaris and Max MFM story. The plot has everything from drama to love, family banter, sexy men and very strong ladies. Couldn't put it down once I started reading. I absolutely loved this book.
Can't wait to see who is next with the Donovan's.
Can't wait to see who is next with the Donovan's.
June 17, 2023
4.5* read because of Satan Barbie
Wes and Max cross paths with Damaris at Wes' sister's wedding. They share a weekend together, but little did these three know this is the beginning of their love journey that includes a lot of angst, anxiety, and drama.
Cee Bowerman knows how to weave a tale!
I truly enjoyed this read 📚!
Wes and Max cross paths with Damaris at Wes' sister's wedding. They share a weekend together, but little did these three know this is the beginning of their love journey that includes a lot of angst, anxiety, and drama.
Cee Bowerman knows how to weave a tale!
I truly enjoyed this read 📚!
June 25, 2023
These three sure have their issues! Just goes to show that everyone has a battle they fight inside. They all screw up but they get through it in the end and WOW what an end it is. Did not see that coming but again life is full of unexpected moments. Always some laughs and good times too when the Donovans are together. Thank you for another great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews