Acts of Manipulation

Brooks Family Saga #3

by Maggie Cole

The head of the gang declared, kidnapped, and ripped me away from the love of my life and family.

Sid’s a monster, but not to me.

He tells me he loves me and will die for me.

And he claims it’s my choice—love him or choose not to.

No matter what he says, I can’t stop yearning to feel Javier’s arms and lips on me.

Nor can I forget the future he promised me, no matter how much Sid pressures me.

And the consequences of not picking Sid will kill my family and Javier.

All I want is for him to come rescue me before I have to do the unforgivable.

But I’m running out of time.

Acts of Manipulation is the third installment of the Brooks Family Saga. This forced proximity, kidnapping dark romance is an epic journey of one family's struggle of forgiveness, hope, and new beginnings amidst dangerous situations. Each story intertwines and focuses on a new sibling trying to find their Happily Ever After. Trigger Warning: This books contains acts of sexual manipulation and may be triggering to survivors. Please note: This series was previously called Together We Stand.

Genres: Romance

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2023

About the author

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Maggie Cole is committed to bringing her readers alphalicious book boyfriends and fiercely strong heroines.

She’s been called the literary master of steamy romance. Her books are full of raw emotion, suspense, and will always keep you wanting more. She is a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and loves writing about broken people who rise above the ashes. Her books can often be found hanging out in the top 100, even years after publication.

Maggie lives in Florida with her son. She loves tennis, yoga, paddleboarding, boating, other water activities, and everything naughty.

Her current series were written in the order below:
All In (Stand alones with entwined characters)
It's Complicated (Stand alones with entwined characters)
Together We Stand (Brooks Family Saga - read in order)
Behind Closed Doors (Read in order)
Mafia Wars
Mafia Wars New York
Club Indulgence Duet
Mafia Wars Ireland
Wilted Kingdom Duet
The Underworld
The Cartwright Family (Holiday Romance)

Reviews

[Steph Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

0 Stars

I absolutely hated this book and don't understand the amazing reviews it got.

Gabriella and the Hot amazing Javier are engaged to be married only she gets kidnapped by a disgusting gang leader. The same gang that had her brother do 10 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.

Spoilers
Gabriella sleeps with Triker and enjoys it. Marries him. She is develops feelings for him and loves him but she loves Javier more. When Triker is finally killed she mourns him. Then she finds out she is pregnant with his baby. Poor Javier still desperately wants to marry her and raise the baby she willingly conceived with this dirty manipulative thug. This is not a HEA. I can't continue with the series after this book. It was so terrible. The baby part was the worst. Would've been nice if her and Javier had a baby to get past this.

[Jessica G · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a big Maggie Cole fan, so giving this book 1 star isn't my norm. However, based on only a few chapters of this book I have to. ***SPOILER ALERT***

The first 27 chapters of this book I'm great with, even with Gabriella being kidnapped. However, once Gabriella, who is a VICTIM give into Sid, who is her KIDNAPPER and becomes intimate (not what I would call it, but not sure what word will be accepted within a review) with him the book lost me. I don't mind books that take real life issues and puts them out there. However, there is no reason why when Sid is intimate with Gabriella that we need the detailed version. I found it disgusting to read that when it could have been left to us to know what happened and just followed up with Gabriella's feelings on it. It took away from what Gabriella and Javier had. We knew it would happen but to read it was just over the top. Her being pregnant by her kidnapper is just the topper of how this book is disturbing. This is supposed to be a romance with an HEA and although real life issues are involved, ultimately many readers read to escape.

[Cortnee Lites · Rating 3 out of 5]

Manipulating

I wasn’t crazy about this story or the plot. I did like the main characters but not everything else. I feel Javier deserved better. I mean your fiancé is kidnapped and when you get her back there are other going on also. Give the man a break.

[Liane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a Declaration could have 180 degrees difference in meaning? Not I.

Gabrielle declares Javier her man and Javier declares Gabrielle his woman as their hearts fill with love and happiness upon finding each other - mutual declarations.
Sid Triker, the leader of the crime “family” Twisted Hearts, sees Gabrielle and tells the gang she is Declared - as in he will pay large sums of money to have her kidnapped and brought to him so he can force her to become the First Lady of the gang. A 180 twist to Javier and Gabrielle’s declarations of love.

After being kidnapped and taken to Triker’s compound, he does give her the choice to be his or not to be his. However, the consequences of not being his are death to her family and the love of her life, Javier. She is manipulated mentally into accepting she has no other option and this is her new norm.
Following a breakdown due to the effect of her brother being imprisoned for the murder of his best friend & the friend’s sister who was Gabrielle’s best friend, Gabrielle’s therapist taught her to use mantras as a coping mechanism. Utilizing mantras in her situation with Triker - from which she saw no escape - allowed her to function while saving her family and her true love, Javier.

Javier, an FBI agent, never stops trying to rescue Gabrielle. It is a 24/7 mission for him. Their reconciliation brings an unexpected surprise while proving true love never dies.

This is the third book in the Together We Stand series by Maggie Cole. As you read each book you will become more and more invested in the Brooks family and their mission to stand together against the evil of the Twisted Hearts.
Acts of Manipulation contains passages which may trigger some readers with similar experiences. See reference under book blurb.. One of the wonderful things in this book is showing us how asking for help and using coping mechanisms during and after an event or situation can help us heal.

Together We Can All Stand Against Evil and For Healing and Love.

Do not miss this great series or the other two series by Maggie Cole. All In and Its Complicated are her first two series. Each book is a standalone HEA (Together We Stand is best read in order). The characters flow throughout each series in a cohesive manner as we get to know each one in depth.
One-click today to ensure you do not miss this great book. You will be So glad you did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished reading Gabrielle and Javier’s story and I’m left speechless. Their story is heartbreakingly beautiful, emotional, and with highs and lows that no one can survive on their own. Gabrielle is so strong and brave, but she has struggled in the past, and now she is moving forward, and her sights are set on Javier. Javier knows that getting involved with Gabrielle shouldn’t happen, she’s sweet, sexy and fun, he can’t help himself, but these two are made for each other.

There’s danger lurking behind every corner in the form of Triker, the family needs to take precautions and they do the best they can to keep everyone safe. All it takes is one quick moment for your life to take a drastic change and for Gabrielle, it was one she didn’t see coming and had no idea what she was in for. When you are being manipulated, broken and lied to, you lose all hope of getting your life back. The journey that Gabrielle and Javier are on has a long road ahead of them, finding their way back to each other, dealing with guilt, picking up the pieces, loving each other and accepting their fate.

Their story is outstanding and a must read by this author. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride, it has some dark moments, loving moments and I’m going to tell you right now you will need some tissues. Your heart will be ripped apart and slowly put back together with these two. I’ve never read a book where the love of a family is bonded so tightly together. Maggie Cole weaved her magic with this one with a little twist at the end and I can’t wait for the next book. I absolutely loved it and if I could give it more than 5 stars I would. I found this book on BookSprout.

[Lorraine Brattin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heart wrencher. This is Gabriella and Javier's story.

Javier is an FBI agent. He's been working the Twisted Hearts gang file for several years now. His partner Chloe was invited to a party by a young lady that she met while shopping for summer wear. Her name is Gabriella Brooks. When Javier gets to the party with Chloe, Gabriella tells Javier to remove his shirt because it's a pool party. So he does. He notices how stunning she is and is amazed by her.
Everything goes great until Javier sees a man named Striker who happens to be having sex with 2 women on Gabriella's parents bed. Striker is 2nd in command with the gang he's watching. Striker sees how beautiful Gabriella is and he makes a play at her. Javier tells him to leave and he eventually does but not before Striker tells Gabriella that he wants her.

The Brooks Brothers go ballistic when they find out that Striker was at the party, especially when Beckett tells everyone that they did time in jail together. Javier pledges he will do whatever it takes to keep Gabriella safe.

Javier and Gabriella start dating and find out that Striker has put a pledge out to all other Twisted Hearts to kidnap Gabriella so he can make her his. After months of being together Javier and Gabriella get engaged. He won't let Gabriella out of his site or that of her family.

When Javier wasn't looking, Twisted Hearts make their move and kidnap Gabriella.

This story was not for the light hearted. Lots of dark elements here. You find out how much strength and love they have for each other and learn a lot more about the Brooks family.

Such a good story. Ready to read next story about Lena who became a good friend to Gabriella while she was kidnapped.

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing her brother arrested for murdering his best friend, Gabriella struggled. She fought to keep herself sane, and failed. there were times when even the smallest thing could destroy her. But she was better now, she fought and clawed and finally got herself to where she needed to be. She had boundaries, and as long as she looked after herself she was fine. But then Triker, the new leader of the Twisted Hearts sets his sights on her. It didn't matter that she was with Javier, that they had fought to be together, he wanted her. And what he got he wanted. The Twisted Hearts were known for taking women, breaking them, wearing them down. Can Gabriella remain strong, knowing that Javier will move mountains to find her, or will she find herself doing whatever it takes to survive, and losing herself in the process?

Acts of Manipulation is the third book in Maggie Cole's Together we Stand series. This one focuses on Gabriella and Javier's story. Instead of picking up from where book two ends, we find ourselves backtracking, which is normally a pet peeve of mine when I have to relive the same story from an alternative perspective, however, there are some cases where this works, because while the previous book centred around Chloe and and Ryland, this one has us seeing the relationship and troubles that Gabriella and Javier have to overcome, only for adversity to step in. When Gabriella is kidnapped, you can feel the pain and confusion, see the mind games, ask yourself the same questions she asks. It's an amazing story where you can't help but become invested in the characters and wonder how it will end.

[Tyme · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a minute to come up with a way to put this review into words. After reading Acts of Manipulation, I had to sit back and let the plot of the novel soak in. Normally I would write how steamy it was and how hot the main character was...and though this book has all of that and more, there is another layer that needs to be peeled back and examined in this story.
In Acts of Manipulation, Gabriella is left in the dark by her brothers to the hardships and tragedies of their family's battles with a notorious gang known as The Twisted Hearts. Javier is a FBI agent assigned to take the same gang down working alongside the Brooks family and will stop at nothing until every member is known and dealt with. He knows he shouldn't mix business with pleasure but Javier just can't seem to stay away from Gabriella, but neither can Triker, the leader of the Twisted Hearts gang and puts out a declaration for her. With a price on her head, Gabriella is quickly captured and put into a hostage situation.
Gabriella has to fight through the mental manipulation that Trike puts her through--always remembering the strength of the words her brother and Javier had left for her. With a dash of luck, a lot of heart, and a steel resolve, Gabriella pushes through and survives everything thrown at her.
There is a beautiful lesson to be learned when you read this book. Even if you are a survivor of abuse, I encourage you to read this to the end. You'd be surprised to find the peace left in your heart after finishing the last word.

[Deb Moncrief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acts of Manipulation is the third book in the Together We Stand Series by Maggie Cole. After reading this book I was gobsmacked. This book invoked so many emotions in me. The Brooks Family has become my all-time favorite book family. Their strength and love for one another shines through this series and especially in this book. Gabrielle and Javier's love for one another superceded my expectations. Gabrielle goes through so much in this book, but she has a strength about her that she does not realize she has.

Acts of Manipulation is an intense read that deals with heavy topics such as mental health, kidnapping, and mind manipulation, and gang activity. The book had me on a rollercoaster ride, but it was well worth it. Maggie has a way of weaving a story that makes me invested in the world she has created. The primary and the secondary characters are well-developed. I highly recommend Acts of Manipulation. I am looking forward to reading the next installment of this series. Kudos to Maggie Cole.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Mulvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me
Start by saying i work 2 jobs and have no time to binge books. I saw this series was in a special
So I had to buy it and I’m reading a book in like 2 days and that’s just crazy.

This series is amazing. I’m loving all the characters. I want to know the Brooks family. I am obsessed with this series.

At first I wasn’t sure if I liked Gabriella or not but this book totally dug more into her and what she has been through. Unfortunately, the dark cloud over her doesn’t go away just yet. Triker wasn’t her and will
Stop at nothing to get her. Him and his family are very dangerous. Gabriella cannot
Go anywhere alone. She needs to have one of her brothers with her, Mia or Javier at all times when she is out. Will they go so
Far as to grab her from
Her home?

She knows how to survive and she does what she needs to do to survive. I don’t want to give away to much on this book but it’s an emotional
Roller coaster….the ending of this book has be dying to start the next one to see what happens next. Cannot wait to see what happens. This series has a lot of heat, romance, close bonds, trust, emotion and suspense. Definitely a 5 star read.

[Billie K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Cole’s TWS Series has captured my heart for the Brooks Family . Acts of Manipulation weaves the saga of Gabriella Brooks , her true love Javier Lopez FBI Agent) , and Twisted Hearts Gang Lord Sid Triker through a maze of human emotions when Triker declares Gabriella will be his woman . She is kidnapped by the Twisted Hearts and the turmoil that ensues for her, Javier, the Brooks Family and Sid Triker takes us on a journey through some hard hitting
and sensitive issues . The mind games and extreme manipulation by Triker to make Gabriella his own questions her loyalty to Javier and her family. To keep them safe from Triker’s threats to kill those she loves , she finds herself responding to his manipulations . Is this going to be her life from here on out?
I couldn’t put this book down until the last page was read. What an ending ! Maggie Cole continues to amaze me with her books. The depth of this series and it’s subject matter really touched me !

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esmeralda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if you find the one that you're supposed to be with the love of your life and they feel the same way, but because of unknown circumstances you are ripped out of each other's lives and you are thrown into a world of manipulations by someone who wants to use you to destroy the love of your life. Acts of manipulation Gabby has to choose between falling for the manipulations of her kidnapper to make sure that the love of her life Javier stays alive and unharmed. but the question is will she let her mind fall into depths of manipulation and sense of self-preservation? Will she do the things she needs to do to stay alive knowing that at the end of it all she might just end up losing the love of her life and her life also? Maggie Cole really takes you through one with this one you feel the ups and downs and the turmoil that Gabby goes through in this story you are right there with her feeling the pain feeling the mind game that runs within herself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heidi Eddinger-Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acts of Manipulation is a moving story about the love and hardships of Javier and Gabriella's relationship. I cried several times while reading their story. I have personally been through something almost similar to Gabriella so my heart was with her throughout this story. I love the strength that Javier has with Gabriella and her family's undying devotion to each other. This book has a twist to it and it will pull at your heart and emotions. It has mental health, kidnapping, mind manipulation and gang loyalty. This book has an interesting story line that remains strong from beginning to end and it will blow your mind. This is a steamy romance novel that shows that true love and devotion can come in different shapes and sizes. Javier is every womans dream guy. He is a true man that sticks by Gabriella after everything she goes through with her kidnapper and a true man to take on the responsibility of what comes from that time in her life.

[Stephanie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Javier meets Gabriella it was instant attraction. However Javier is determined to put the brakes on it because of there age difference. Gabriella has been through a lot over the past 10 years. She knows what she wants and will not settle for anything less. After try to fight it, Javier is unable to control his desire for Gabriella and is determined to make her his.

Gabriella has been claimed by the head of the Twisted Hearts. She is being protected by her family and Javier. Javier and the FBI are doing their best to put a stop to the Twisted Hearts. Unfortunately that is not enough! Gabriella is kidnapped and claimed by the head of the Twisted Hearts. Can Javier save her before it’s too late??? Is Gabriella and Javier’s love strong enough to survive the trama they have gone through???

Once you start reading, you will not put it down. Get ready for a wild, emotional ride of manipulation and vengeance!

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say to give this book the love and respect and all the things that it deserves? This is the most amazing book ever... first, if you have not read ‘Kiss of Redemption’ and ‘Sins of Justice’... go read them!
This book is the 3rd book in ‘The Together We Stand Series’ By Maggie Cole.
Their story is outstanding and a must read by this author. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride, it has some dark moments, loving moments and I’m going to tell you right now you will most definitely need some tissues. Your heart will be ripped apart and slowly put back together with these two.
I’ve never read a book where the love of a family is bonded so tightly together.
Maggie Cole weaved her magic with this one with a little twist at the end and I can’t wait for the next book. I absolutely loved it and if I could give it more than 5 stars I would.

***I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.***

[Mrs Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here’s the thing, I loved the first half of the book.

But, ugh… I wished it ended differently.

I kind of felt bad for Triker in a way. He loved Gabriella, and he died in vein. He didn’t have the best childhood, and he allowed Gabriella to see the real him.

But, I’m annoyed it went on for 6 months, I loathe time jumps with couples split apart in books. I particularly hate this story more, because she developed feelings for him.

I loved her & Javier. I hated how it panned out.
So, for that it gets a 3 star. Why did she have to end up pregnant by him?
Also, as a woman who has been on birth pills, at points in my life. In my opinion, they have a certain taste about them when you put them in your mouth. I think you’d know.

I’d rate it higher, if she’d have ended up pregnant by Javier and didn’t develop feelings for Triker.

Moving on. Hudson’s story sounds juicy, and they’ve set up Gracie’s story with Kade being mentioned.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not for the faint of heart, but most life worth living isn’t.

Gabriella knows all about dealing with loss and coping with unexpected events, thanks to the Twisted Hearts gang and her brother’s unjust incarceration. Never in a million years did she think she would have to use those carefully cultivated skills to save her own sanity and life.


Javier’s Marine career showed him more than enough unwarranted deaths, he was determined to prevent as many as he could working as a FBI agent to end the Twisted Hearts. Little did he know, he would have to dig into his Marine strength to fight for the love of his life.

Maggie Cole has succinctly and accurately depicted the way emotionally abusive and manipulative relationships progress. As well as describing the emotions, thoughts, and thought processes of survivors of this type of trauma.

[Jennifer L. Bialk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriella and Javier have a real love story in Acts of Manipulation, the third installment of the Together We Stand series. Gabriella Brooks is being hunted by the Twisted Hearts gang. Sid Triker, new gang president, has issued a declaration for her. This book documents the difference between love and control. Gabriella struggles to survive her kidnapping at Triker‘a hands. Acts of Manipulation focuses on her fight to withstand the psychological manipulation that accompanies her abduction. Will Gabriella survive her kidnapping sane? Acts of Manipulation is very different from the other books written by Maggie Cole. I found the story compelling. I had to finish reading once I started it because I found the characters fascinating. I also needed a box of tissues. Acts of Manipulation is definitely a 5-star read!!!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Together We Stand series. Before you go any further, you NEED to know that there are potential triggers in this story.
This book gets very serious and hits you right in the feels. I'm not a crier. The older I get, the harder it is for a story to make me cry. By the time I was done reading this, I needed a healthy, cleansing cry. Gabriella's story is intense and hard to handle at times. But the love between Javier and Gabriella is also intense, so the trade off is worth it. This book is a must read if you're going to read the TWS series. I eagerly await the destruction of the entire Twisted Hearts Gang.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading this book a few days ago and I am still having a hard time putting my thoughts into words to write a review. I really enjoyed reading Gabriella and Javier’s story. They fall in love only to be torn apart from each other. After searching for months, he rescues her and they have their happily ever after. This series keeps getting better and I can’t wait to finish it.
I am a new reader of Maggie Cole’s books and am loving them so far. This is my first series and I am looking forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man this one was rough, but so worth it. Gabriella’s & Javier’s story is so full of love while actually dealing with mental health issues. I loved that those issues were not just hinted at or put on the back burner, they were openly discussed & dealt with. I loved how Gabriella grew & how she focused on the important things for her well being.

Everything else was hard edges & acts of manipulation, making the title come to fruition. Gabriella continues to fight for herself & survive as she is thrown into several dangerous situations.

Javier’s love is so strong & true & he will protect her at all costs. He loves her unconditionally & never backs down. Javier strength will have to save them both

[Cindy Woschnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acts of Manipulation by Maggie Cole is a moving novel chronicling the deep love of Javier and Gabriella. I cried several times while reading this novel. I love the strength that Javier brings to Gabriella and the Brooks family's undying devotion to each other. The book was a roller coaster of highs and lows including topics of maintaining good mental health, kidnapping, mind manipulation and gang loyalty. Acts of Manipulation has an interesting story line that remains strong from beginning to end. This is a steamy romance novel that shows that true love and devotion can overcome the darkest of days.

[Marcella Gillespie thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is just fantastic! Maggie Cole has once again taken my emotions for a ride! Gabriellas story is just so much more intense then her brothers! I couldn’t put it down. Forget cooking dinner for the family or taking the kid to his sports I had to read this book to it’s finish I had to find out what happened next! Each book in this series gets better and better! My heart broke and then was repaired the broke again for Gabriella!!! What a great fantastic read! Now I have to have the next book in the series and not sure how I’m going to wait!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG THIS BOOK‼️‼️‼️ Maggie Cole has totally wrecked me with this book!!! I loved it! I hated it at times too! I even dreamt about it the entire night. THIS BOOK IS A “CAN’T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD BOOK❣️“ I truly believe this is her best work yet - and I’ve read them all. Be prepared to take the ride of your literary life with this one. It’s packed full of ALL THE FEELS. Javier & Gabriella’s story is one that you’ll never forget as you experience their love, loss and struggles together. Don’t miss thIs 3rd installment of the “Together We Stand” series beginning with “Kiss of Redemption” & “Sins of Justice.” BRAVO MAGGUE COLE‼️Another fabulous read.

[Kelli Miller a_brunette_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this love story! It’s the books that has a little bit of everything! I cannot begin to you how much I loved Gabriella and Javier’s story! Every story of the Brooks family keeps getting better and better. All these alpha males in one place is overwhelming in the best way. I love how they fiercely protect those they love. This will make you have all the feels a romantic book should. It’s that home run in the bottom the the 9th inning to win the World Series kind of love that I could read over and over. Thank you Maggie Cole for brining us into this world! You will not regret clicking on this book and taking a chance on this series! Cannot wait for Hudson’s story next!

[Averi Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

👮‍♂️Book review 👱‍♀️ This is the third book to this series and @maggiecoleauthor definitely didnt fall short. This book made me feel all type of ways. Definitely loved it from beginning to end. If you do decide to read this book. I suggest you start from book 1 Kiss of redemption, because if you don't you definitely will be lost. This series has consumed me. Its so good. Book 4 web of betrayal comes out on the 25th of August. So i finally have time to catch up with the rest of my books. . . If your looking for a good series to read. I definitely recommend this one. Their all available on kindle unlimited. . . Rating: 5:📱🐕 4:🔥

[MRS SHARON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Javier & Gabriella story Bk3

Continuing with the Brooks family, Gabriella & Javier tell us their story from their point of view.

We read all the lovely dovey stuff and how the pair fall in love so quickly, but then we get turned on our heads when the Twisted Hearts gang kidnap Gabriella & deliver her to Sid Triker the new leader since Skates is dead.

Gabriella hates herself for starting to have feelings for Sid but hes fought to break down her barriers & the next thing ya know shes married to him and telling him she does love him.

This book finishes with twists & turns & plenty of questions.
Cant wait to download book4. Hudson's story

[Sylvie Rochon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 - Gabriella and Javier

I'm a little less enthused about this one. It is a great story, we have the siblings, the steam, the banter, the suspense! But I didn't like the turn of the story. Now I do love Gabriella and Javier. Gabriella has some trauma from what happened to Beckett 10 years ago and she need self-care to keep her mental health good. Javier wants to love and protect her. Danger comes knocking when Trinker the new head of the twisted hearts gang puts a 'declaration' on Gabriella. There is suspense, and sadness, guilt and hope but its worth the read. Especially to understand the next book Hudson's story.

[Jacqueline Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together we Stand

My oh my Maggie Cole certainly creates stories which keep you wanting to read the full series. The 3rd book sees the Brooks siblings facing even more upset and leaves you intrigued as to what will happen next. The kidnapping of Gabrielle, who has had her share of mental health issues, and her subsequent manipulation by the Twisted Hearts leader Sid Triker was a difficult read. Nevertheless it was great to see that she not only survived but overcame. It was also heartwarming to find that despite being left pregnant with his baby, she and Javier were able to re-kindle their love and they get their happy ever after. An emotional read.

[Rena Spensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart wrenching, Rollercoaster of emotions

Honestly wasn’t sure how I felt going into this book. I love the chemistry between Gabriella and Javier who shows her how a real man takes care of his woman, then throw in the bad boy Triker, one of the worlds biggest scumbags, that shows his soft side to the woman he “loves”. You get a better understanding of the bond the Brooks have for each other and what they’d do to keep their family safe. This book has a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns, unconditional love and an unexpected HEA. I’m glad I stumbled upon the Brooks family, now bring on Hudson ❤️