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To outsiders, it might seem that Emerald Hamilton has led a charmed life. She has a loving and supportive family, a daughter that holds her entire heart, a beautiful house in a great neighborhood, a successful career, and friends that would do anything for her. She’s got it all, or so you might think, but the path that brought Emerald to this point in life was a rocky one. As strong as she seems, she still has doubts and fears about what she could become. Those fears get in the way sometimes, and no matter how hard she tries, she just can’t get past them.

Emerald has experienced more than her fair share of pain in her life, and that has shaped her into the strong and independent woman she is today. She finds that even the strongest people need help sometimes after an injury brings her down and renders her nearly helpless. Luckily, she’s got the support of her friends, a group of people that have grown up together and know each other almost as well as they know themselves.

Join Cee Bowerman as she explores the life of the young woman who stole a place in readers’ hearts, and discover the woman she’s become as she finds the happily ever after she deserves.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2023

372 people are currently reading
75 people want to read

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Cee Bowerman

98 books1,206 followers

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5 stars
917 (73%)
4 stars
234 (18%)
3 stars
83 (6%)
2 stars
13 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Alex(Books-In-A-Storm).
2,618 reviews69 followers
January 23, 2024
This one was amazing. I don't know why it took me so long to read, but it was amazing. I can't wait for more. But I need a family tree to keep track of everyone.
63 reviews
October 17, 2023
I’ve waited a very long time for Emerald’s love story, but it was so worth the wait.

This is the 1st book in the 2nd Generation series: Rojo Gems. This is the story of Emerald Hamilton and Adam Forrester. If you’ve not read any of Cee Bowerman’s book before this one, I highly recommend reading Lout (Texas Kings Book 5), Daughtry (Texas Kings Book 10) and Nick & Cindy (Rojo, TX Book 6), While not necessary, it will enhance your understanding of some of the main characters. We have watched Emerald struggle thru some horrible situations and come out on the other side. It was a surprise to me that Adam and Emerald ended up together but so sweet as they both were scared to reach out to each for fear of destroying their friendship. It was great to see another of the kids from the 1st Generation books (Texas Kings, Texas Knights, Conners, Rojo and Tempests) grow up and find their happily ever after. It was also so fun to see some of our favorite characters who’ve gotten older but haven’t really grown up.

Cee writes stories of wonderfully strong women and strong, protective alpha males, with funny yet emotional moments sprinkled in. This story is no exception. Can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews542 followers
October 16, 2023
This was another book that didn't have drama between the couple. They were friends for years, but scared to cross that line. Now when they are 40, life looks different and a high as a kite Emerald throws out what she had been keeping secret for years, while recovering from surgery. I loved that Adam heard this, along with the rest of the their clan and how it spread like wild fire to those that weren't there. It made for a big group cheering this couple to finally go for what they wanted for a long time. Nice to see them finally on the same page and happy together.

On a side note, the prank that Emerald and crew did at the end, so cruel, yet it couldn't have happened to a better person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vfc.
1,543 reviews
August 17, 2024
Flashbacks … I haven’t read the previous books.

Emerald Hamilton (Stone) was a teenage mum. She’s strong, fearless with a quick temper, a penchant for violence and oftentimes can be utterly unreasonable.

Adam Forrester (Eve)
“Tell me you haven’t ever just wanted to knock the sh*t out of him.”
“Every goddamn day from the time he was 13 until he was 21.”

“I’ll tell you the same thing my dad always told us.  Don’t add to the population, don’t take away from the population.  Don’t end up in the hospital, newspaper, or jail.  If you do end up in jail, establish dominance the second the doors close behind you, and don’t open your mouth until Marcus gets there and gives you permission to do so.”

Aspen had a good relationship with Esme Cardenas, the child Emerald had at 13. She’d given her biological daughter up for adoption at birth, and she’d been raised by a loving couple named Nick and Cindy who had become some of her closest friends. At 28, Esme was a firecracker, just like Aspen. I couldn’t help but grimace when I remembered all the times Cindy had called me complaining that Esme had my attitude and jokingly offered to ‘return her for a full refund.’  Of course, she’d offered up the same deal for her other daughter, Rosie, even though she wasn’t my biological child. One of Nick and Cindy’s other children, Bendicion Cardenas, or Ben as the family called him, was also my biological child and Esme’s half brother.  Eighteen years ago, I had volunteered to be Nick and Cindy’s surrogate to round out their family, and even though giving up another baby was hard, Nick and Cindy had been honest with all four of their children about their individual origins and had welcomed me into their family from the start.  We’d had an open adoption with Esme, and since I was barely 13 when she was born, we’d grown up like siblings.  Her adoptive parents had been friends with Nick and Cindy before she came to live with them, but when she chose the couple to adopt her baby, they grew even closer. 
She was in college when she became their surrogate, and it was harder for me to get over Ben’s birth, both physically and mentally.  My family and friends had helped with that, and so had knowing I could see him anytime and watch him grow.

Emerald had known Hunter Tempest since his mother married into their extended Colorado family.  Being close in age, they spent a lot of time together and became very good friends, almost ruining it by falling in love and getting married, but in their case, divorce was more a relief rather than a traumatic experience.  They were able to put aside their differences and focus on their daughter, Aspen. 

Emerald and Adam share a deep, close friendship spanning years. They’ve both been married and are parents to teenagers equally close. Under the influence of drugs after a serious injury, Emerald is vocal and descriptive about her feelings for Adam. One of those that baits Adam to pursue Emerald is her ex-husband, Hunter.

“Our family gossip line is faster than high-speed internet”.
Truer words have never been spoken‼️

Emerald was introduced in Lout, Book 5 of the Texas Kings MC series as a young girl.  She was fundamental to Nick and Cindy’s story from the Rojo, Texas series and a major influence in several other books. Emerald’s childhood trauma was enough to bring the most stoic person to tears, but watching her blossom under the care of her new family can warm the coldest heart. 

Adam Forrester was introduced in Daughtry, the tenth installment in the Kings series as he coped with the death of his father, a fresh start in a new town, and the events that culminated in his mental health diagnosis.
2,023 reviews24 followers
October 24, 2023
1.5 stars
Spoilers ahead
I think I took this book too seriously
Lots of characters that it helps to read her other series to keep people straight.
I know every love story can't start with boy meets girl but I did not feel this one.
I didn't think Adam was all that and it made me sad.
They both always loved each other but...
He proposed to someone else and that broke her heart.
She married someone else
They both had kids with others
They both got divorced
They are now in their 40s

She had pain medication in the hospital, said some things, then boom, he was doing everything in his power to get together with her. The time is now right. Cue eye roll. Everyone knew that they were so made for each other.

He put a baby monitor in her bedroom so he could hear her when she was recovering, without her knowing. This is not ok.
He and everyone else spiked her drinks with pain medication because she didn't want to take it. That is her decision and they should have stood by her. Not trick her. This is so not ok and she forgave way way way way too fast. With friends like that you don't need enemies. He wasn't sorry and I would never trust a thing he gave me in the future.
He was a jerk a time or two. I skimmed some things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
16 reviews
October 16, 2023
Back to Rojo

Cee Bowerman brings us another delightful tale from Rojo Texas! We get to catch up with Emerald and Adam as they navigate through friendship, family, and pasts that were often painful. Through it all they stood by each other as best friends, but can they give in to their feelings and have more?

You will root for these two to finally find their happily ever after and laugh along with their crazy extended family who are rooting for them too. I love returning to Rojo and look forward to seeing the second generation build the lives they deserve. If you are new to Rojo, please take the time to check out the Texas Kings, Texas Knights, Tempests, and Connor Brothers Construction series. The back stories of all the crazy wonderful Rojo characters can be found there, you won't be disappointed!
328 reviews
October 17, 2023
Emerald and adam

Emerald and Adam are all grown up and have their own families and careers but like the generations before them still know how to cause trouble and keep us laughing.

Adam and emerald grew up together from the time they were teenagers and but have lived though more than your average person which has dictated their adulthood now in their 40s and both single parents they will cross that boundary of being best friends to lovers to joining their family. This book starts from just before Marcus and Reagan wedding it again is a great read and brings all our emotions out and the older kids are causing as much chaos as the younger kids and the old generation so settle down for the ride as cee bowerman has done it again and written a amazing book
Profile Image for Vickie Adkins.
193 reviews13 followers
October 20, 2023
Emerald and Adam

If any two characters ever deserved a HEA, its Adam and Em. Emerald childhood was horrible but it made her sure of all the things she didn't want to do with her life. Adam's life was a turmoil of his mother leaving and his father being deployed and oh, yeah, he was given the little gift of mental illness by his biological mother. They both have worked so hard to overcome their childhood and even though they were best friends they had not entertained the idea of love. Seeing them find each other was very gratifying. The angst and confrontation was minimal. This is an enjoyable, happy book that was a joy for me to read. Looking forward to our next trip to Rojo, Texas. I don't ever want to leave!
113 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2023
I don't know how Cee does it

I swear the woman finds it impossible to write a book that doesn't have the worlds most memorable one liners. Then on top of that it's like every book is even better than the last one. I think Daughtry and Lout have always been two of my favorite characters so it was really great to get to finally see their children experience their own HEA. Willow broke me with the tough love in the third act. She truly was the mom Emerald deserved despite the terrible circumstance that introduced them to one another. Can't wait to see whose child Leia was talking about towards the end.
Profile Image for Jeanette Jessen.
143 reviews1 follower
Read
October 20, 2023
Funny and Sexy!!!

I adore Rojo! All the other families that cross over to and fro within the bloodlines or by marriage, to include but not limited to adoption. There is something special about Emerald due to her early journey difficulties in life. She has truly earned her right to an HEA. Reading the love story for her and Adam just melts my butter. He is the epitome of what a man should be for their lady. Now with all this being said I laughed so many times because Cee Bowerman knows her way around the funny bone. It was hilarious and very enjoyable. It was a fun read for me.
93 reviews
January 8, 2026
Just perfect

I can't believe just how good all these books are I have literally just finished 3 books in two days . I am so caught up in the 2nd gen I can't stop reading (devouring) them they are all so good. I love Emeralds story so much I know each and every woman in the entire Rojo / Colorado sphere is strong and so capable but there is much more to Em . Her strength both on the inside and out is so awe inspiring that I have never read in any other book then pairing her with Adam wow chef's kiss from start to finish. I can't decide whether to start the next story or get some sleep.
Profile Image for Marsha.
579 reviews17 followers
October 16, 2023
Stone and Eve

Rojo is one of my favorite places to visit. Cee Bowerman has created a world in Texas that I truly wish I could visit in real life. I would love to have neighbors like these crazy folks! Emerald and Adam have been best friends forever. They finally are at a point in their lives where they realize they are perfect together. I laughed out loud so many times while reading their story. I can't wait to see who in the second generation will be next - the possibilities are almost endless.
157 reviews
October 16, 2023
Stone & Eve!! ❤️❤️

Holy smokes, I loved this couple! Emerald and Adam both had been through so much and definitely came out the other side very well respected and great loving people!!. I'm loving the second generation of kids so much!! I really respect that Adam is completely OK with Emerald and Hunters relationship and understands it, and Hunter was so happy for them. I really hope Hunter can find a love that is so understanding of how this family loves so unconditionally because they are a one of a kind!!
77 reviews
October 18, 2023
a well deserved HEA

If any character ever deserved an HEA, it’s Emerald. I am thrilled that she found it with Adam. Cee Bowerman once again delivers a story filled with heart, family, fun, and the antics we’ve come to expect. The dialogue is perfection and reflects the lifelong bonds that exists among the characters. I enjoyed spending time with my “old favorites” and can see they have had their hands full with the next generation since the Knights/Kings books. Emerald and “her girls” are a force of nature. I can’t wait for my next visit to Rojo, Texas!
2,911 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2023
loved it

I love every character in this one. So many characters because their family tree encompasses several different series. This made me smile and laugh out loud. It also made me want to high five the ladies. The men are virile, tough and adorable. The women are feisty, sexy and brave. There is never a dull moment. A romance blossoms and an attack is thwarted. And someone gets served hotdogs. I hope more books are forthcoming from the 2nd generation of all the interwoven series. Highly recommend, no cheating, no cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Daniela.
1,185 reviews
August 13, 2024
We finally get to see a vulnerable side to Emerald. She has always been strong in every story she's been involved with. I understood her worries but I'm pretty certain she didn't have anything to worry about. It was great to see an Adam who is put together. The last time we read about him he was only a teenager and working at his uncles' Luc & Levi's gym. They make a great team and I'm glad that they finally found their way to eachother. As usual it was great having the 1st generation mixed in with the 2nd.
Profile Image for TrueBookJunkie.
643 reviews16 followers
October 15, 2023
Excellent!

Finally, having Emerald’s book was everything! Now, a reread of Lout is up next. Cee Bowerman gave us the perfect read, and although I still find it hard to picture the babies and kids I fell in love with as adults, I still devoured this book. I honestly didn’t see this pairing, but it worked. I hope Leia is up next because there’s a new cowboy that’s piquing my interest😏
Profile Image for Robin.
2,545 reviews20 followers
October 16, 2023
Adam & Emerald

I can’t even begin to find the words for how happy I am that these two got together!!! They both had such trauma in their childhoods and deserve every bit of happiness! I laughed so much! I love the Texas Kings and Texas Knights and all their families and friends. It always feels like going home when we get a new book! Love Adam and Emerald and their beautiful story! ❤️
Profile Image for Jodie Mihas.
548 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2023
5 ⭐️

It doesn’t get better than a second generation story,all the new people,all the old people,all the favourites and this book delivers all of that and more.Emerald has been a reader favourite ever since we met her when she was younger and fell in love with her and Adam is the perfect guy for her,I’m so glad they got their happily ever after and as usual Cee gave us all the feels in this book,she knocked it out of the park with this one ❤️🖤
Profile Image for Janis M Lomax.
53 reviews
October 16, 2023
Adam and Emerald

I have been waiting for Emerald’s book, since Cee announced there would be a second generation series. Emerald was worth the wait. One of my favorite lines “If the tutu fits, put that b?$$ch on and dance around in it.” Of course there was plenty of laughing, some tears, and appearances by my favorite Kings! Way to go, Cee Bowerman and can’t wait for the next one!!!
152 reviews
October 16, 2023
AMAZING!!!!!!

I have always had a soft spot for Emerald and Adam due to their beginning with the Kings. Em is the amazingly strong woman we all knew she would become. Adam the boy everyone wanted to just hug and protect and comfort. Is the now man everyone dreams of. They are an awesome pair together. Cee thank you for a great new series please keep them coming. Like Bright Eyes Em was another one I had hoped would be one of the first in the next gen series.
Profile Image for Leslee.
2,656 reviews76 followers
October 19, 2023
Completely swoon-worthy, Emerald and Adam are a dreamy couple! Knowing they both had pined for each other, thinking a relationship was impossible melted my heart. Finally getting to be with the person who completes them was sheer perfection. I laughed so much, there are absolutely hilarious moments. If you can make me laugh and happy sigh, you have a fan for life and this lady brings her A game every single time! All the stars for Adam and Emerald!
Profile Image for Angela.
3,409 reviews33 followers
October 22, 2023
A fantastic story

This was a fantastic beginning to what is going to be another amazing series! I would highly recommend that you read all of the different series in the suggested order that the author has listed in the beginning of her books. ALL of the series are absolutely fantastic, and you definitely won't be disappointed!
I can't wait for more!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
477 reviews12 followers
October 22, 2023
Interesting

I've read all of Cee Bowermans books and I just couldn't follow this. It presupposes you could remember all of the extended families from previous books. I couldn't so I tried to read it as a standalone. It goes through two teenagers lives as they grow up, fall in love and get married (not to each other) children, divorce and finally the story.
There's some brilliant parts that are funny, some that are moving and some informative.
576 reviews
October 24, 2023
The love these families have for each other is amazing.

Adam and Emeralds story was a long time coming, but so worth the wait. I laughed so much. The anticts Emerald and her girls got up to was priceless. I miss my Texas characters. So when I get to visit with them in these stories I soak it up and enjoy it. Cee thank you for continuing to write fabulous stories. I am so glad that they got their happily ever after.
29 reviews
October 24, 2023
Stone and Eve

Just loved this story having a happy ever after for that wonderful girl who fell off the roof into the arms of a very special man . And now all grown up and in love with the boy of her dreams and he with his dream girl , once again a great story full of fun love a little drama and a heap of crazy . Fantastic just simply fantastic. Thanks Cee you've done it again .🌸
Profile Image for Debbie Sanchez .
245 reviews
October 30, 2023
Yes finally Emerald's and Adam's story

I'm so very excited that Emerald and Adam finally got their happy ever after. If any two people deserve a HEA and went through hell to earn it, it was them two. I really liked how they were absolute best friends first before becoming a couple., I think that only strengthened them.
Another amazing first story and what I know is going to be an awesome new series.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.2k reviews257 followers
January 1, 2024
Amazing!!

This is the first book in a new series and what an awesome beginning this story is. This is a well written flawless story which has family, friendships, humour, witty banter, hilarious shenanigans, emotions,romance, and love, which all leads to an entertaining, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
289 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2024
No words

I literally had to do this book in 1 sitting completely forgot about breakfast lunch And dinner I absolutely loved emerald in all of the books previously in Adam has grown so much the timely kind of thrown me for a little bit but I love that everybody is young at heart And I just know that there's gonna be more crossovers But seriously coda steals the show in any book he's in that kid is absolutely hilarious This is another great story I cannot wait for more
1,796 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2025
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 determination, compassion, kindness, protection, falling I love, and finally doing what you have been wanting to do for years. I enjoyed Adam and Emerald story. I was happy they finally got together after pussyfooting around each other for so long. Great read! I recommend this book to all MC lovers and romance readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews

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