What do you think?
Rate this book
Christopher Davis Reardon's wife died young, leaving him with two small boys to raise on his own. Jake and Davis were typical boys, but good kids. Mr. Reardon lived to see them both grow into the kind of men any father would be proud to call his sons. Respect for others, right from wrong, honesty, and the value of family were among the many things he taught his boys. And teaching them about women was right at the top of the list, especially the right woman. He had a mantra that was repeated to both boys from the age of thirteen until they were grown men themselves. They still know it by heart.
"Son, you always treat a woman with respect, no matter who they are, what they do, or what they say. All men have lust in their hearts, so bed 'em if you have to, but treat 'em with respect. And when you think you're in love, you're not. Because when you are in love, you'll know it. When you really love a woman, she'll be the first thing you think about in the morning and the last thing you think about at night. When you really love a woman, she is your breath, your heartbeat, and your very soul. And when you really love a woman, you won't be lusting after any others because no other women exist."
Jake Reardon always understood what his father was saying. But he never felt the true meaning of those words...until he met Brinley Phillips.
Never mind that Tommy Joe Branden had "hands-off" signs posted all the way around her in big bright red letters. Never mind that she so completely believed in 'til death do us part that she was still hoping for a reconciliation with a man who would just as soon see her dead as not. And never mind that she lived and worked in Texas and had no plans on making Nevada her home. He practically felt his daddy nudge him in the back. Maybe that's why he stumbled off the edge of that cliff.
But when ghosts better left at rest raise their ugly heads, the path to that 'happily ever after' gets steadily more difficult and more dangerous. And just when he thought it couldn't get any worse...it did.
"Son, you always treat a woman with respect, no matter who they are, what they do, or what they say. All men have lust in their hearts, so bed 'em if you have to, but treat 'em with respect. And when you think you're in love, you're not. Because when you are in love, you'll know it. When you really love a woman, she'll be the first thing you think about in the morning and the last thing you think about at night. When you really love a woman, she is your breath, your heartbeat, and your very soul. And when you really love a woman, you won't be lusting after any others because no other women exist."
Jake Reardon always understood what his father was saying. But he never felt the true meaning of those words...until he met Brinley Phillips.
Never mind that Tommy Joe Branden had "hands-off" signs posted all the way around her in big bright red letters. Never mind that she so completely believed in 'til death do us part that she was still hoping for a reconciliation with a man who would just as soon see her dead as not. And never mind that she lived and worked in Texas and had no plans on making Nevada her home. He practically felt his daddy nudge him in the back. Maybe that's why he stumbled off the edge of that cliff.
But when ghosts better left at rest raise their ugly heads, the path to that 'happily ever after' gets steadily more difficult and more dangerous. And just when he thought it couldn't get any worse...it did.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2012
29 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Raeann Blake
12 books55 followersPrepare to be swept away by the enchanting storytelling of Raeann Blake, an award-winning author known for her intoxicating adult romances. With passion and desire woven into every page, Blake effortlessly transports readers on thrilling journeys of romance, heartache, and danger. From the depths of love to the heights of attraction, she enthralls readers with her sultry tales, igniting hearts and awakening desires.
Hailing from the Lone Star State, Blake is a proud Texan with a Montana soul. Her captivating narratives will transport you to picturesque small-town settings, where ordinary lives are transformed by extraordinary encounters. Through the unpredictable twists and turns of her stories, she unveils raw authenticity, inviting you to fall head over heels for her dynamic characters.
Join her on this wild literary adventure as she shares her deepest secrets, unleashing tales that whisper to her soul, demanding to be told. With a kindle that blushes and a heart that races, allow Raeann Blake to prove that everything truly is hotter in Texas. Don't miss out on the captivating magic of this romance author, hailed as an Amazon bestseller.
#BlushingReads #DangerouslyAddictive
Hailing from the Lone Star State, Blake is a proud Texan with a Montana soul. Her captivating narratives will transport you to picturesque small-town settings, where ordinary lives are transformed by extraordinary encounters. Through the unpredictable twists and turns of her stories, she unveils raw authenticity, inviting you to fall head over heels for her dynamic characters.
Join her on this wild literary adventure as she shares her deepest secrets, unleashing tales that whisper to her soul, demanding to be told. With a kindle that blushes and a heart that races, allow Raeann Blake to prove that everything truly is hotter in Texas. Don't miss out on the captivating magic of this romance author, hailed as an Amazon bestseller.
#BlushingReads #DangerouslyAddictive
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 13, 2013
4.5 stars
I actually really enjoyed this book, as I needed something completely different from books I have recently read.
Brinley Phillips, is living a life away from preying eyes, clients and interacting with people. Her best friend Sandy has taken over running her IT Software Development Company, allowing her to do what she enjoys the most writing IT programmes for her clients. She feels safe, working all hours doing a job she loves, without any interference from the outside world, safely tucked away in her house nestled in the middle of a Pecan Orchard, in Atlanta, Texas. All the people she needs are Sandy, her brother Casey and Tommy Branden. Tommy appointed himself as her brother after Carl her older brother had been killed in a motorcycle accident.
She has been divorced from her extremely controlling & abusive husband, Warren Phillips. Who has been in prison for the past few years now, waiting to be released on parole any day soon. Warren came from a very wealthy family, therefore having access to plenty of information on Brinley whenever he required & able to buy his way through any trouble.
Jake Reardon is an ex-Texas Ranger. Jake splits his time between Las Vegas where he is a partner in a security/bodyguard company, and his ranch outside of Elko, Nevada where he is just beginning to realize the dreams of his childhood. The lifelong lesson his father had left to him and his Brother Davis, was to treat woman with respect, no matter who they are. When you really love a woman, she is your breath, your heartbeat, and you’re very soul.
Just a chance meeting between Brinley and Jake, sets off a complexly interwoven web of hope, love, heartache, lies, deceit, and murder! You will be taken on a roller coaster of emotions, yes hard to believe that so much could possibly happen to one little lady, but the author manges to keep you engrossed right to the very end!
Looking forward to reading book 2,about Davis Reardon!
I actually really enjoyed this book, as I needed something completely different from books I have recently read.
Brinley Phillips, is living a life away from preying eyes, clients and interacting with people. Her best friend Sandy has taken over running her IT Software Development Company, allowing her to do what she enjoys the most writing IT programmes for her clients. She feels safe, working all hours doing a job she loves, without any interference from the outside world, safely tucked away in her house nestled in the middle of a Pecan Orchard, in Atlanta, Texas. All the people she needs are Sandy, her brother Casey and Tommy Branden. Tommy appointed himself as her brother after Carl her older brother had been killed in a motorcycle accident.
...
She has been divorced from her extremely controlling & abusive husband, Warren Phillips. Who has been in prison for the past few years now, waiting to be released on parole any day soon. Warren came from a very wealthy family, therefore having access to plenty of information on Brinley whenever he required & able to buy his way through any trouble.
Jake Reardon is an ex-Texas Ranger. Jake splits his time between Las Vegas where he is a partner in a security/bodyguard company, and his ranch outside of Elko, Nevada where he is just beginning to realize the dreams of his childhood. The lifelong lesson his father had left to him and his Brother Davis, was to treat woman with respect, no matter who they are. When you really love a woman, she is your breath, your heartbeat, and you’re very soul.
...
Just a chance meeting between Brinley and Jake, sets off a complexly interwoven web of hope, love, heartache, lies, deceit, and murder! You will be taken on a roller coaster of emotions, yes hard to believe that so much could possibly happen to one little lady, but the author manges to keep you engrossed right to the very end!
Looking forward to reading book 2,about Davis Reardon!
August 2, 2013
Just my type of book delivered just what i was after...thought the romance was well developed and very endearing...the plot was a bit over the top but that did not take away from the story for me...really good read
May 6, 2023
I really love these books so I've decided to reread. Wonderfully sexy, feel good romances. Big tough alpha men who love deeply and with their whole heart. There is a bit of insta-love but not so bad it distracts. Definitely a recommended read.
December 27, 2012
Please tell me we get Davis' story and Bo's??
Loved these characters and loved the story development.
Loved these characters and loved the story development.
April 20, 2013
I would have given it 4 1/2 stars! I really enjoyed this book and read another by this autor the same weekend. It's been a shile since reading it but I do remember I really enjoyed the read! I do so recommend it a really great romance story . iw ould love to read about the other six brothers in Elko!
From Good Reads:
Christopher Davis Reardon's wife died young, leaving him with two small boys to raise on his own. Jake and Davis were typical boys, but good kids. Mr. Reardon lived to see them both grow into the kind of men any father would be proud to call his sons. Respect for others, right from wrong, honesty, and the value of family were among the many things he taught his boys. And teaching them about women was right at the top of the list, especially the right woman. He had a mantra that was repeated to both boys from the age of thirteen until they were grown men themselves. They still know it by heart.
"Son, you always treat a woman with respect, no matter who they are, what they do, or what they say. All men have lust in their hearts, so bed 'em if you have to, but treat 'em with respect. And when you think you're in love, you're not. Because when you are in love, you'll know it. When you really love a woman, she'll be the first thing you think about in the morning and the last thing you think about at night. When you really love a woman, she is your breath, your heartbeat, and your very soul. And when you really love a woman, you won't be lusting after any others because no other women exist."
Jake Reardon always understood what his father was saying. But he never felt the true meaning of those words...until he met Brinley Phillips.
Never mind that Tommy Joe Branden had "hands-off" signs posted all the way around her in big bright red letters. Never mind that she so completely believed in 'til death do us part that she was still hoping for a reconciliation with a man who would just as soon see her dead as not. And never mind that she lived and worked in Texas and had no plans on making Nevada her home. He practically felt his daddy nudge him in the back. Maybe that's why he stumbled off the edge of that cliff.
But when ghosts better left at rest raise their ugly heads, the path to that 'happily ever after' gets steadily more difficult and more dangerous. And just when he thought it couldn't get any worse...it did
From Good Reads:
Christopher Davis Reardon's wife died young, leaving him with two small boys to raise on his own. Jake and Davis were typical boys, but good kids. Mr. Reardon lived to see them both grow into the kind of men any father would be proud to call his sons. Respect for others, right from wrong, honesty, and the value of family were among the many things he taught his boys. And teaching them about women was right at the top of the list, especially the right woman. He had a mantra that was repeated to both boys from the age of thirteen until they were grown men themselves. They still know it by heart.
"Son, you always treat a woman with respect, no matter who they are, what they do, or what they say. All men have lust in their hearts, so bed 'em if you have to, but treat 'em with respect. And when you think you're in love, you're not. Because when you are in love, you'll know it. When you really love a woman, she'll be the first thing you think about in the morning and the last thing you think about at night. When you really love a woman, she is your breath, your heartbeat, and your very soul. And when you really love a woman, you won't be lusting after any others because no other women exist."
Jake Reardon always understood what his father was saying. But he never felt the true meaning of those words...until he met Brinley Phillips.
Never mind that Tommy Joe Branden had "hands-off" signs posted all the way around her in big bright red letters. Never mind that she so completely believed in 'til death do us part that she was still hoping for a reconciliation with a man who would just as soon see her dead as not. And never mind that she lived and worked in Texas and had no plans on making Nevada her home. He practically felt his daddy nudge him in the back. Maybe that's why he stumbled off the edge of that cliff.
But when ghosts better left at rest raise their ugly heads, the path to that 'happily ever after' gets steadily more difficult and more dangerous. And just when he thought it couldn't get any worse...it did
June 15, 2013
WOW
This is the first book I have read by this author and came upon this by complete accident. But I'm so glad I did, I have never read a book that has made me cry and laugh like this one did, this was such a roller coaster of emotions that I could not out it down, I was so engrossed I didn't have a clue as to what was going on round me, I would highly recommend this book to everyone, this is possibly one of the best books I have read all year (and trust me I read a lot)
Cannot wait for Davis's story. Great start to what I can tell will be a great series. xx
December 27, 2012
I got this one as a freebie on the Kindle. It definitely wasn't what I was expecting in a REALLY GOOD way. Usually the free romances on the Kindle are short and decent, but not really that great. This one was GREAT! It took a lot more twists and turns than I thought it would and I was anxious to see what would happen next. My only regret is that some of the twists weren't quite as realistic as I hoped (with Jake's ex Linda), but other than that it was a really good book!
December 30, 2015
What a wonderful, amazing, heart-wrenching, roller-coaster of a book this turned out to be. The story, the writing, the characters, the dialogue, the imagery!!!! I was captivated from beginning to end. Not only does Raeann hit us with a powerful and emotional story-line, but she also throws in some erotic and steamy scenes - yippee ki yah! Can't wait to read Davis' story.
Save a horse - ride a cowboy!!!!
Save a horse - ride a cowboy!!!!
May 13, 2013
Wow. Read this book on a whim and it surpassed every expectation. Although it seemed long at times and probably could have been separated into two books, I couldn't put it down. The characters are AMAZING as well as the various relationship dynamics. The story is captivating, emotional, and edge of your seat throughout the book. Jake is very endearing. Brinley is such a layered contradiction, but she pulls you in. Mesmerizing book. Can't wait til the next.
December 27, 2012
I was lucky enough to download Jake for free, but would have willing have paid for this book! Firstly, I love long books...! Secondly, the plot twisted and turned...a real page turner! It was a rollercoaster of a read...harrowing and disturbing at times. But then there was love, romance, sex and humour too! I'm really looking forward to reading future books in the series.
April 11, 2013
This book had it all for me. Romance, suspense, angst, good twisted story and characters I could continue to read about for several books. I'd had the book on my shelf for awhile because I didn't want to wait too long for the next one. Hint, hint, Ms. Blake. I'm ready whenever you are.
May 30, 2013
This is by far the best book I have read in a very long time. I was laughing and crying at Brinley and Jake throughout the story. Would highly recommend this book to other readers. Can't wait for Davis to come out.
October 26, 2012
excellent read....well written, but thats no surprise with this author! excellent twists and turns and very romantic....spicy love scenes too!
December 28, 2012
Loved every word of this book I cried so much can't wait for Davis .
December 29, 2012
Just got done...I don't know who I loved more Jake or his brother. Such a great book and I cant wait to read the rest
February 3, 2013
Raeann never fails to deliver! Yet another of her wonderful cowboy romances. I gotta find me one of her men! Sensitive, thoughtful, kind, considerate, romantic, forceful......Oh yeah!
January 26, 2013
I loved it! Can't wait for book 2.
March 4, 2013
This was such a great read - couldn't put it down - can't wait for Book #2 Davis - awesome read ---
August 20, 2017
Great book
I love the book, the story line is great, chemistry between Jake and Brinley is wow. I have just read this for the third time. My only issue is the men are very emotional, lots of tears. Not that that is a bad thing but it felt like it was a lot. Obviously since I have read this for the 3rd time it is not stopping me from re reading this book
I love the book, the story line is great, chemistry between Jake and Brinley is wow. I have just read this for the third time. My only issue is the men are very emotional, lots of tears. Not that that is a bad thing but it felt like it was a lot. Obviously since I have read this for the 3rd time it is not stopping me from re reading this book
May 13, 2018
Wonderful.!
Exciting, enthralling, very moving with lots of emotional involvement. Satisfying plot outcome, full-fledged characters, well laced action and storyline. I highly recommend this book.
Exciting, enthralling, very moving with lots of emotional involvement. Satisfying plot outcome, full-fledged characters, well laced action and storyline. I highly recommend this book.
May 31, 2017
Unbelievably good
A wonderfully written romantic suspense, it will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you cry, laugh and sigh. It was wonderful.
A wonderfully written romantic suspense, it will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you cry, laugh and sigh. It was wonderful.
Want to read
May 20, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/20/2023)! 🎁
January 27, 2013
I so wanted to like this book, but it was all over the place and very unrealistic. The heroine has survived numerous rapes and beatings at the hand of her ex-husband. (He is only ex, because he divorced her). She barely survived the last one. She lives in the house they bought, and she was raped and beaten in. A friend, who is in love with her, "kidnaps" her to Las Vegas to be with him while he plays shows. Of course there is no hotel rooms available, so she stays in the guest room of the Texas Ranger that she just met. (She has a think about Texas Rangers.) She has her usual nightmare, and ends up in the hero's arms. This is a loooong strech for me, as she is a former rape victim. The ex gets out of jail, comes to see her, asks her to dance, and she says YES. Unbelieveable. Of course, she comes to her senses and decides she loves the hero. They get engaged and she goes shopping. The ex finds her, beats, cuts and rapes her bad enough she might not ever have kids. She goes right back into the Hero's arms. She finally gets a therapist. The Hero has an ex also, who arrives saying she is carrying his baby and he has to marry her or she will abort. The heroine leaves so the Hero can have his baby. She hides so well for six months that the Hero can't find her. Just by chance he does, and they get snowed in. Her ex comes after them, and the house they are staying in has a safe room. Not that she stayed in there. She shoots her ex. She and the Ranger get married, and she gets pregnant. All along the story are men who fall all over themsleves in love with her and will do anything. Thus the Hero's of the next books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2016
Book Review- Jake: The Seven Brothers of Elko by Raeann Blake
Brinley is a computer programmer that also owns her own business. She has turned over the running of her company to her friend and partner. After the incident with her husband she works from home. She has basically become a recluse. Her long-time friend Tommy is worried about her and refuses to take no for an answer when taking her to Las Vegas.
Once there she meets up with some more old friends and someone new, Jake. Jake owns a ranch near her friends and was once a Texas Ranger. Brinley loves the Texas Rangers and is shocked to learn Jake used to be one. She feels an instant attraction. She hasn’t felt those things in a long time.
Jake is also shocked at his instant interest in Brinley. She is full of life and light even though she has been through hell. She becomes all he wants.
When both of their pasts come back to cause problems, Brinley loses a lot. She refuses to stand in anyone’s way of happiness. Jake has other ideas.
This book started out really well. I liked Brinley as a character. She seemed to be strong and smart. Once she and Jake grew close, I liked her even more. Unfortunately as the story evolved and she ran, I didn’t like how she reacted to things and situations. Even though I liked the ending and how the author ultimately tied things up, I had lost my appreciation for Brinley as a character.
Jake and Davis were a fun pair. I like how they teased each other and had a healthy brother rivalry. They were great characters. I like how they were gentlemen and strong. They were definitely sigh-worthy. I can’t wait to see them again. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
Brinley is a computer programmer that also owns her own business. She has turned over the running of her company to her friend and partner. After the incident with her husband she works from home. She has basically become a recluse. Her long-time friend Tommy is worried about her and refuses to take no for an answer when taking her to Las Vegas.
Once there she meets up with some more old friends and someone new, Jake. Jake owns a ranch near her friends and was once a Texas Ranger. Brinley loves the Texas Rangers and is shocked to learn Jake used to be one. She feels an instant attraction. She hasn’t felt those things in a long time.
Jake is also shocked at his instant interest in Brinley. She is full of life and light even though she has been through hell. She becomes all he wants.
When both of their pasts come back to cause problems, Brinley loses a lot. She refuses to stand in anyone’s way of happiness. Jake has other ideas.
This book started out really well. I liked Brinley as a character. She seemed to be strong and smart. Once she and Jake grew close, I liked her even more. Unfortunately as the story evolved and she ran, I didn’t like how she reacted to things and situations. Even though I liked the ending and how the author ultimately tied things up, I had lost my appreciation for Brinley as a character.
Jake and Davis were a fun pair. I like how they teased each other and had a healthy brother rivalry. They were great characters. I like how they were gentlemen and strong. They were definitely sigh-worthy. I can’t wait to see them again. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
January 4, 2015
An Awesome Book!
I absolutely loved reading Jake (The Seven Brothers of Elko: Book One), all about Brinley Phillips & Jake Reardon who met in Las Vegas when she was visiting her big brother Tommy. You see Brinley has been thru a lot and is still trying to recover after her ex-husband nearly killed her two years ago. Tommy was her brother Carl's best friend, but when he died when she was fifteen, he decided she needed a big brother to look after her and he appointed himself. He's totally in love with her but she has no idea, and he just doesn't want anything bad to happen to her again. But he's seen the strain on her face and in her body and knew she needed a vacation, so he picked her up in Texas, and flew her on his jet to Vegas for a couple of weeks. Only problem is there are no rooms, so she's going to stay on his couch, but she's very Leary of this. So while they are having lunch with friends, she meets a guy named Jake that she can't take her eyes off. The author wrote an incredible story, and the characters literally bring this book to life. It's about an amazing women who has been thru the most horrific things that any human being should ever have to endure! Read this book because it will make you laugh out loud, cry like a baby, sigh, shake your head more then once, and cum up a storm. This one of the most heart-wrenching books I have ever read. I've been reading it from cover to cover for the last four days, and haven't been able to put it down! I can't wait to read book two! Please take the time to read book one, you won't be disappointed!
I absolutely loved reading Jake (The Seven Brothers of Elko: Book One), all about Brinley Phillips & Jake Reardon who met in Las Vegas when she was visiting her big brother Tommy. You see Brinley has been thru a lot and is still trying to recover after her ex-husband nearly killed her two years ago. Tommy was her brother Carl's best friend, but when he died when she was fifteen, he decided she needed a big brother to look after her and he appointed himself. He's totally in love with her but she has no idea, and he just doesn't want anything bad to happen to her again. But he's seen the strain on her face and in her body and knew she needed a vacation, so he picked her up in Texas, and flew her on his jet to Vegas for a couple of weeks. Only problem is there are no rooms, so she's going to stay on his couch, but she's very Leary of this. So while they are having lunch with friends, she meets a guy named Jake that she can't take her eyes off. The author wrote an incredible story, and the characters literally bring this book to life. It's about an amazing women who has been thru the most horrific things that any human being should ever have to endure! Read this book because it will make you laugh out loud, cry like a baby, sigh, shake your head more then once, and cum up a storm. This one of the most heart-wrenching books I have ever read. I've been reading it from cover to cover for the last four days, and haven't been able to put it down! I can't wait to read book two! Please take the time to read book one, you won't be disappointed!
February 13, 2015
The climax was a tear jerker, however, the plot was cliché, character development flat, repetitive phrasing, and too many eye-rolling moments to count. I live in Elko and was excited to see that the setting would be in Elko, but the setting turned out to be nothing but a name. The characters go to Elko to do their shopping and venture out to a club and what I'm assuming is the historic Star Hotel restaurant, but there is no effort in creating substance through details and research. Sadly, I don't know if I could be interested in six more books about the Brothers of Elko.
April 27, 2015
I believe this book was made artificially long by unnecessary and redundant dialog and description. I also felt Brinley's behavior was very unrealistic based on the repetitive rape and abuse by her ex-husband. (And by the way, he only got 2 years in prison after breaking both her legs, an arm, her jaw and her ribs, as well as brutally raping her, all leaving her near death the last time. Really?) But the thing that really grated on my nerves? Jake called Davis little brother. Tommy called Brinley little sister. Davis called Brinley little girl. All. The. Time. I won't be reading any more.
June 2, 2014
I have read this book several times and it never gets old. I love all of the characters and the connection they each share. Brinley and Jake take through a story of true love and their bumps along they way, I love how Ms. Blake makes the characters so real that you can see and feel them while you are reading.
March 24, 2015
I absolutely love this series. I have never reread a book before. I always thought I wouldn't be able to but I did and I'm even more in love with the characters
December 29, 2012
Will be looking forward to the next one of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews