Caught in the Act

Independence Falls #2

by Sara Jane Stone

Falling for his rivals' little sister could cost him everything…

For Liam Trulane, failure is not an option. He is determined to win a place in Katie Summers' life before she leaves Independence Falls for good. But first, he needs to make amends for the last time they got down and dirty.

Only problem?

His professional success hinges on striking a deal to buy Katie's family business. And after Liam's relationship with their Katie went south years ago, the Summers brothers are more enemy than friend. If both parties agree to set the past aside, they can reach an understanding. But when Katie welcomes him back into her bed, Liam risks everything to make her his.

After Liam betrayed her trust, Katie Summers will do anything to keep him from walking away with the family business. She decides to seduce him, knowing that when her brothers find out, they will back off from the deal. And she'll finally have her revenge. But when her plan spirals out of control, Katie learns that payback may come at too high a price…

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2014

About the author

Sara Jane Stone lives near New York's Hudson River with her very supportive real-life hero, two lively young children, a lazy Burmese cat, and a very active dog. When she is not finger painting with the kids, she loves writing sexy stories, staying up past her bedtime reading red-hot romance, and chatting with her readers on Facebook.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - "You were always an orgasm-first, talk second kind of guy." Stars!

Liam Trulane was the interfering older brother in book one, Full Exposure in the Independence falls series. The shoe is definitely on the other foot in Caught in the Act as he is now the one dealing with three intimidating older brothers in his attempts to rekindle his relationship with Katie Summers, a relationship that ended pretty much before it began seven years ago, because of her brothers pressure, and Liam’s resistance to long lasting commitments.

”I’m not giving up on you. On us. Not this time.”

I enjoyed this book, but it lacked a little of the emotional punch that its predecessor had. Liam and Katie together were hot, but I would have liked a little more emotion between them especially in view of their past together included to even out the sexy times.



Big plus for me is that we get more continuation of the series as a whole, Katies brothers; Brody, Chad and Josh are also forefront in this book, and seeing as the next book(s) in the series are going to be about them, I liked that we are given a little look into the dynamic of them as a family unit in Caught in the Act. Eric, Nate and Georgia all pop up as well.

There is no doubt in my mind now that Sara Jane Stone, writes books in a style I get on with, and offers characters and stories that I enjoy. The last few chapters of this one gave me the emotion between Liam and Katie that I was looking for in the rest of the book, so still, all in all a really enjoyable and solid addition to the Independence Falls series.

Onto Book 3!

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆

#Yay!! Liam’s story!!♥



If I wasn’t already sold on Sara Jane Stone’s writing, I am even more so now!! Caught in the Act was a lovely read that brought up themes of love, courage, family, righting old wrongs, and breaking away from what is expected to follow your own dreams and aspirations.

Everything from the book's story line, the characters and their varying feelings, emotions, and plights were just 'on point' and genuine for me that I couldn't help but remain invested in the unraveling of Liam and Katie's rocky romance. It was that honest and captivating for me.

Katie- I love you, but at times, I debated whether to give you a hug or a shove for certain predicaments that went down. I get where you're coming from but damn girl! Be more proactive and aggressive!! Take charge and set things straight with Liam and your family! You can do it! ♡

And Liam- While there's nothing you can do to rid the past, you do have a say in your future. I'm so glad you got your sh*# together and want to make things right with Katie. I so (♥♥) you!!

If I were Katie I would have done this for you:





Buahahahahaa! Just kidding! Or was I? Lol!

Such a hot, caring, alpha of a male who unconditionally wanted to make things better for his gal while in the midst of a sticky love+business situation!

Gah, Katie, I envy you!! >_<

#A great read and installment to the Independence Falls series!! I can’t wait for more from this author!!

[Defying Tradition Allisia Wysong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught In The Act by Sara Jane Stone
Sara has done it again, her first book in the Independents Falls series was a combination of ‘can’t touch’ and ‘stay ways’. She showed us she could write about forbidden love and how with the right person we can accomplish just about anything. Well she is back again with book two: Caught In The Act. This story is about two people who had their shot and blew it, big time!
Katie has a few things that keep her from being able to find true love: she has three overprotective brothers, lives in a small town, her dates keep hanging with her brothers more than her, and at seventeen she gave her heart away only to have it stomped on. We first meet Katie in Full Exposure and you can see there is a history between her and Georgia’s brother Liam. You see Katie’s brother’s dislike of him and really any guy Katie dates. Liam however feels he deserves their hatred.
Liam was drawn to Katie all those years ago and has kept his distance after what he did to her. He hated himself for hurting her and for how things ended between them, but now he might have a way to make it up to her and her brothers. His best friend Eric, owner of More Timber, has given him the assignment to buy Summers Family Trucking. The family business is having major financial issues and he is hoping to swoop in and help. He didn’t count of the anger this offer would bring out in Katie, she is not about to let her enemy take over her family’s business.
Feeling cornered and outnumbered Katie devices a plan to keep what has been in her family for generations. Her brothers want to sell, but not if they hear the rumors that she and Liam are sneaking around again. The trick is keeping her heart out of the seduction… Liam is thrilled for a second chance and will do anything even if it means losing everything he has worked his whole life for. Sometimes Love is a risk worth fighting for, even if the cost turns out to be the one person you can’t live without.
Sara Jane Stone has a way of writing this book that surprises the reader, events and ideas are so creative that you can picture the scene unfolding. Liam and Katie have a messy past and a complicated present. As you read you see how stubborn they both are and wonder how on earth this will all turn out. You will love her new book and keep your eyes open for book three Hero By Night coming out in January 2015. Happy reading and remember to keep dreaming!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

LIAM!  Liam was kind of NOT my favorite person in the first book.  BUT, I was still looking forward to getting to know him better and ohhhh boy did we ever get to know him better.  He was such a pleasant surprise!  And by pleasant I mean ROWR and hubba hubba.

"First, I'd strip off your clothes,"  he continued, his voice a low growl.

"I'm dying to see every inch of you.  Touch you.  Taste you. And make you scream.  I want to hear my name on your lips over and over."

Alrighty then.  Liam and Katie had pretty fantastic chemistry that went back many years.  So of course there's a bit of bad mojo between them, more so from Katie than Liam.  Poor Liam, he really does mean well.  Katie suffers from a case of revengitis, which frankly, I'm not a huge fan of the trope.  So, I kind of went back and forth a bit, wanting to smack Katie upside the head.  Liam was a total KEEPER.  You do not let a man like Liam get away!!!  Come on, Katie! Get over your issues and let the guy take care of you!  In the end, I really enjoyed how Ms. Stone brought everything and everyone together.

Katie's brothers.  OMG....I need their books now! I enjoyed their role in this book and I'm glad we got to meet each one of them just a little bit more.   I'm so excited that Ms. Stone is writing books for Katie's brothers.  I'm not sure I can handle waiting until January 2015 to get Chad and Lena's book.  Alas, I will survive somehow.  So, you have plenty of time to read this book and Full Exposure (book 1) and you'll be all caught up and ready for book 3 in Jan 2015.

 


Purchase: Amazon //B&N //iTunes // Google Play
 

This review was originally posted on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted on What I'm Reading

I got a chance to read Caught In The Act by Sara Jane Stone, which happens to be book two in Independence Falls books. I did like this book this better than Full Exposure, and I did like Full Exposure. All right, in this story we focus on Liam Trulane (Georgia' older brother) and Katie Summers.

So, Liam has been task with the job to make an offer to the Summers to buy their company for Moore Timber. However, there might be a problem cause when Liam was young and stupid he hurt Katie pretty bad, which cause the tension between him and the Summers brothers. Gotta love stupidity. Anyway, he's trying to make it up the hurt he caused Katie. Yet, Katie is set on revenge. After all she was at the impressional age of 18 when Liam caused her pain.

Anyway, I do love a good revenge plot, especially when the makes the story flow nicely. You have Liam who seriously wants to make amends for his misdeeds of youth, and Katie who would love to hurt Liam the way he did. We all know how those plans go flying out the window. Then you have three overbearing brothers trying to protect Katie for Liam, but they don't know her master plan. While this is all going on, you have negotiating going on about a buy outs. However, the story focus more on Liam and Katie working out the past.

I enjoyed the fact that Liam is trying his hardest to fix the past and Katie trying to seduce him. At the same time she's having a hard time doing when he's being a nice guy trying to repair the past. I think Katie summed it up best with this thought:
Desire had a way of wrecking even the best-laid plans for revenge. And forgiveness followed close behind.
I liked how the story can be read as a standalone, but at the same time moving forward in the series. if that makes any sense to you all. I like how Sara Jane Stone introduces a new character into the series, which should make the next book interesting to read. So, if you are looking for a reunited lovers with a revenge plot, you might give Caught In The Act a try.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss
Rating 4 1/2 Stars

[Redheads Review it Better · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Full Exposure and was excited to get to read Liam's story. We didn't see much of him in that book but what we did read, I loved the protective side of him towards his sister Georgia. And this spilled over into Caught in the Act through Liam's feelings for Katie. Years before when they were young, Liam and Katie came together and Liam basically threw Katie under the bus so to speak. Liam was young (and so was Katie) and was scared of his strong feelings he felt towards Katie, so he did what most men do...run away.

And poor Katie is left feeling as if her heart was ripped out and stomped on. And then she had to deal with her overprotective brothers. Years down the road and she still feels hurt. So when she finds out that her brothers are thinking about selling the family trucking company to Liam (through his best friend's company) she devises a plan to set him up so his brothers decided to decline the offer. She just didn't factor in that her feeling for Liam were walking that fine line of love and hate.

I really enjoyed the characters in this story. There were times though when I wanted to shake Katie and tell her to open her eyes and see how much Liam has changed from all those years ago. And Liam. I love when we see guys need some maturing in the past and they do a complete turn around when they are older. We have no issues seeing that Liam knows what he wants and he wants Katie. Knows he made a huge mistake in the past and has been working towards fixing it all these years. He made my heart go pitter patter. I'm happy Katie finally sees he's worth it. :)

I am definitely interested in the next set of love interests in this series. I really enjoy stories that deal with PTSD issues. And I'm oh so very curious how Ms. Sara is going to pull of getting these two characters together.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught in the Act is an intelligent and sexy romance novel that will sweep you along from start to finish.

I love romance novels, but I will admit that I sometimes have difficulty relating to the characters; this has never been the case with Ms. Stone's novels, and definitely is not the case with this book. Caught in Act's main characters Katie and Liam are relatable and believable; I wanted to be best friends with Katie, and Liam reminds me of so many of my male friends. They are not perfect by any means--Liam can definitely be an ass, and Katie is incredibly stubborn--but somehow that makes them even better because they seem real. Liam isn't the perfect hero, he has made mistakes and he knows that; however, this allows Liam to show vulnerability and strength in a way that the 'perfect' hero could not, and it makes you love him even more (plus, he's super hot, which is always a plus!).

Liam and Katie have a past that neither one had ever been able to leave completely behind--a past the ended in a broken heart for Katie. Despite the emotional baggage, hurt and misunderstanding, it is obvious from the very beginning that Katie and Liam have something special--incredible chemistry (the sex scenes are hot) and inescapable feelings for one another. However, the road to happily ever after is a bumpy one for these two as family rivalries, business deals, and dream opportunities complicate the relationship. The book is at times sweet, at times sexy and at times laugh out loud funny. It is a light, fun read, and yet still manages to touch on many important life lessons--following your heart, forgiveness, family loyalty, conflicting dreams, etc.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I am very excited to be reviewing Caught in the Act! :-D ...sorry a little fan girl there, okay deep breath.
Caught in the Act is the ultimate second chance romance and then though into that a little revenge, long held dreams and finally BROTHERS!!! and you have the a book that kept me up until 3am reading it....and then I craved it so much that I have read it again...and again 
I am really trying to not give away the story line, but I will say there are some major fireworks and explosions between Liam and Katie and not all of the bad kind. Liam and his brother wants to buy Katie family business and at the same time Katie has been offered the job of her dreams (even though it is temporary), it all seems easy right...well wrong. Add into that, her super-hot ex Liam, who wants her back it’s enough to make her head spin, but will she be able to make her decision and add a little sweet revenge or will her family and her heart get in the way.
The plot line is a delicious mixture of sex, love and family and I was hooked from the beginning. I have to say that Sara Jane writes in a way that places you inside the book, you become the characters and their emotions become your own. I find that sort of writing amazing and have found that very few writers have that talent. Lucky for me Sara Jane has that talent in abundance and I feel very privileged to have read her books. I give Caught in the Act 10 out of 10! It is the perfect book for snuggling on the sofa with.

[Catherine Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Katie Summers. She has a long standing history with Liam Trulane. When he and Eric set their sights on buying her family's company - she is 100% against it. There wasn't much she and her brothers agreed on these days. But when it came to their long-standing grudge against Liam Trulane? She knew her brothers were on her side.
You met Liam Trulane in the last installment of Independence Falls. Liam has recently acquired more responsibility in the company he runs with his best friend, Eric. First on his list - buy Summers Trucking. One problem? The family hates him. His questionable past with Katie has him listed an enemy number 1 on their radar.
Too bad for them, Love is determined to win in this one. She paused, resting her forehead against the mare's smooth neck. "I have important life-changing decisions to make, choices that affect my family and future," she murmured. "And I'm thinking about dinner with a boy."
This installment stole my heart. Something about 2nd chance loves hits me hard. Maybe it has to do with the back and front my husband and I went through before he tied me down...maybe it is all the history that goes with the story. Maybe I am just a sucker for all kinds of love. Katie and Liam could have given up, it would have been easier. With the buy-out of the company, the accident that left her brother in a coma and the unpleasant past that they share - they could have left bygones be bygones. "I'm not giving up on us. Not this time."

[The Smutty Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed KittyKelly

4 out of 5 Licks

After reading Full Exposure (the first book in this series) I was chomping at the bit for book 2. I was not disappointed. The tension between Liam and Katie was clear in book 1 and I couldn't wait to hear the back story and see where this was going to go. Katie was all about the revenge in this one and it did skew my view of her a bit. I certainly don't begrudge her for not forgiving Liam immediately, but she was definitely holding tight to the woman scorned philosophy and it made her hard to like at times. Liam was by no means perfect, but he was trying really hard to make up for the past. There were some super hot moments with these two and some downright hilarious ones. I loved that we get to see a bit of Georgia and Eric (from Full Exposure) in this one too. I see on the website there are at least two more books planned in the series and I'm really looking forward to them!!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary romance with protected sex. The second in a series. Can be read as a stand alone, but the first book is good - give it a try!

This is Katie & Liam's story. Liam is Georgia's brother (the heroine from the first book). Katie has 3 over protective brothers whom I assume will get their own books. Katie & Liam have a past history. They had sex back when she was 18 & he just got back from college. He got scared by her love for him & backed off. Now she's got revenge on her mind. Maybe. I'm probably making a mess of this review. It's a good story & I liked it!

We get the set up for the next book in the series, with Chad (Katie's brother)as the next hero.

[Josie]

First read - 26 to 27 December, 2014
5 stars
I loved that Liam was dominant without feeling apologetic. So many alpha heroes in fiction who like to be in control sexually have so much guilt about it, so that was a refreshing change. I wasn't sure if the occupation angles of this book would be boring but they were really well handled, and did not take over from the romance. Liam and Katie were a great couple and I can't wait to see more of them in Chad and Lena's book.

Second read - 19 to 20 January, 2021
DNF
This didn't hold up for me. I found the pacing slow and I didn't buy into the relationship development. DNF and unhauled.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this today and absolutely loved it! I enjoyed the first book and wasn't sure about a second book (I find I don't usually care much for a second book with new characters) but this was not the case here. I was completely enthralled with this and was surprised at how quickly the story went. Loved the characters...really felt that I had a good grasp of them and felt like I was actually watching a story unravel rather than reading. Sara Jane Stone is definitely in my list of favorite authors and I can't wait to read more!!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book from Sara Jane Stone and it won't be the last. I found this one to be very enjoyable. I thought the heat and chemistry between Liam and Katie was pretty hot and enjoyed watching them rekindle their relationship. I do think at times the story seemed a bit slow and I would have liked to have seen a bit more or Liam and Katie but I still liked it and I'm looking forward to more.

[Kelley Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Sara Jane Stone is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I couldn't stop reading in anticipation of what was gonna happen next. Well written with very likable characters and true-to-life emotions. I'm looking forward to more books in the Independence Falls series.

[The Brunette Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read. Likable characters, interesting plot and lots of sexy alphas :).

[Melissa Alonso · Rating 5 out of 5]

read

What a great series ... Can't wait yo read the next one .. Who will the summers brothers have stories with? Is their more in moore's lumber? All in the family?

[Jamie Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really great read!

[Holley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't think the characters were as well developed as in some of the other books. Maybe it's disorienting because I read some of another linked series that happen later than this book. It's not a bad book by any means; I just didn't think it was up to the standard of the other books I've read by this author.

[June Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series.

I love books about family, friends and romance. This series has been right there with characters that really keep you interested and easy to follow.

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance love story with HEA
This story felt a little slow at times but it made steady progress. Miscommunication and overprotective family kept it interesting. This was the only story in the series that I've read so far, and can be read as a standalone

[Alexa Kravitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

a quick and sexy read with lovable characters. it’s very fast paced both narratively and in the timeline of the book. i love a second chance romance and this absolutely delivered.

[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Liam Trulane had broken not just her heart but her trust once. Katie Summers thought they were on the same page, but he was so wrong. Now older, and a little wiser, it would take a whole lot more before she’d let him into his life again.

But it wasn’t only Katie who’s all grown up, Liam did as well. He realized his mistake once, and he made sure he will do right by Katie this time. The problem is, he not only needed to win her heart, but he needed to make that deal to buy Katie’s family business. First, he needed to make peace with her brothers, whom trust he had lost when he had a relationship with Katie all those years ago. If they can set the past aside, they can make a win-win deal for all parties. But when Katie welcomes him back into her bed, Liam is willing to risk everything to make her his. He had waste a whole lot of years, he’s not going to waste a moment longer.

But Katie has something up on her sleeves, and she will do anything to keep his hands off their family business even if it means seducing him. When her brothers will find out, they will back off the deal. This was their legacy, and their family’s business. Their father had worked hard for it, even their eldest sibling. She wouldn’t have it wasted, even if it means giving up her own dreams. Especially not with someone who have broken her heart. She’ll have the company, and the revenge. It was too good to be true, because the more they get closer, the more they spent time with each other, old, hidden feelings resurfaces. She might be older and stronger now, but was still powerless to stop them.

Katie and her compassionate heart for the abandoned animals will capture your heart, and Liam, even though he was such a jerk back then, he realized his mistake and the cost of it – he was so willing to make it up for it. I adore her over protective brothers, the one who wanted the best for her and would sacrifice anything for her. She thought it was her time to return the favor, but she was so wrong.

This is my first Independence Falls novel, and I think I’m going to be hooked. Finished this in one sitting, and I think I am off to read the first book in the series too (which I skipped). I love the characters, the pacing was perfect, and the plot was just great. I do love second chances, and this one proves that sometimes second chance might come with a price or risks, but whatever it costs its worth it!


•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•

More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com

[Lisa Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get to read Caught In The Act early thanks to an e-ARC provided by Avon as part of the Avon Addicts program.

This was a super sweet and super sexy story. Sara definitely had the heat dialed up to 11 with this book. The heat and chemistry between Katie and Liam was great-you really believed that these two characters felt something deep and true for each other, even though they had to deal with a lot of hurt, misunderstandings, and baggage from the past.

I really liked Katie as a character, and felt her struggle between pursuing her dreams and doing her best by her family. But I loved at the end, she dug deep and made the decision that was best for HER.

Liam was one sexy hero! He melted my heart with how much he still loved Katie, after all this time, and how much he wanted to make things right from 7 years ago. I've always liked heros who are good with their hands, and I guess timber guys can now be added to the list. ;)

There is a great array of secondary characters, especially Georgia's friend Lena.

I also really enjoyed the family dynamics with the Summers siblings. Katie may chafe a bit because of how overprotective her brothers are, but there is still so much love between all 4 of them. I hope Brody or Chad gets their story next.

I am looking forward to the next Independence Falls story!

[Whispering Chapters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Caught In The Act a lot but I thought I was going to enjoy it more than Full Exposure and I didn't. Yes, it was a great story between Liam and Katie but I expected more rivalry between Katie's brothers and Liam, I expected more bitterness from Katie's part. She talked about getting revenge, yet she never did and Liam never found out that Katie was planning to get revenge for what he did. There weren't many intense scenes either. At times, I felt like I was reading a Young Adult book instead of Adult.

I thought that when Liam had left Katie all those years ago, that something else had happened but no. He only left and said he regretted it but that was it. I expected more drama on this story and...I didn't get it.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam Trulane made a mistake and he's regretted it ever since. Katie Summers thought they had something worth fighting for seven years ago but she can't forget how Liam left her. But now Liam has been made an equity partner in his friend's logging business and they want to purchase Katie's family's trucking company. But Katie doesn't want to sell and she knows that her brothers will back off from the deal if they catch her with Liam...

A fun, contemporary romance that has a strong heroine and a selfless hero who must reconcile old hurts before taking the next step forward makes for a very engaging (and sexy) read. Highly recommended!

[Jemilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story in this didn't particularly interest me and I had trouble forming any sort of emotional connection with the characters until about 2/3 of the way through, and even then it was only vaguely there. Katie's attitude towards everything just really annoyed me and a lot of the character interactions seemed immature in relation to how I was imagining them. I'm sure teenage girls and young ladies who have lived their whole lives on a farm would probably enjoy it, but I just couldn't get into it. The sex scenes were pretty good though.

I received this book for free as a First Reads giveaway.

[Dana K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

I'm not a big fan of stories that pick up with another character from a book that I already really enjoyed. But I'm really enjoying these Independence Falls books. However; chapter 12 was literally all over the place. It seems as though a paragraph/page was missing and I reread the same pages twice.. very confusing.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Second in the Independence Falls series by this author but can easily be read stand alone. This is wonderful story of second chances, forbidden love, and family loyalty. Liam and Katie seem to have the worst timing in the world but the chemistry between them is too strong to deny. Loved their story and I definitely recommend this one!

[EgyptDiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars , nothing bad , but nothing that special either , Maybe it's me because I was kinda bored when I read it so it really depends on what mood you're in . as for the characters , I liked them all . Like I said , nothing bad about them , just didn't capture my attention that much .