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Beautifully Broken #4
Until We Fly
Ex-Army Ranger, Brand Killien, has always been good.
A good friend, a good soldier, a good everything. .
The problem is, good hasn’t gotten him anything but a crushed heart.
So after licking his wounds, he decides to move on. And moving on doesn’t include being good anymore.
Bad sounds so much better.
Jaded and detached, Brand is determined to never open himself up to anyone again. It’s not worth the pain. Instead, he becomes closed, hardened, aloof.
But then he’s called back home for a family emergency… a family that he is estranged from. A family that he put out of his mind a long time ago for very good reasons…reasons that involve secrets and pain. Reasons he tried hard to forget.
But home is where the heart is, and it just might be where Brand finds his again.
Why? Because home is where Nora Greene is. A fiery, red-headed spitfire, Nora is a thing from his past. A beautiful, feisty thing. When Brand left, she was away at boarding school.
But she’s back now.
And she wants Brand, scars and all.
A good friend, a good soldier, a good everything. .
The problem is, good hasn’t gotten him anything but a crushed heart.
So after licking his wounds, he decides to move on. And moving on doesn’t include being good anymore.
Bad sounds so much better.
Jaded and detached, Brand is determined to never open himself up to anyone again. It’s not worth the pain. Instead, he becomes closed, hardened, aloof.
But then he’s called back home for a family emergency… a family that he is estranged from. A family that he put out of his mind a long time ago for very good reasons…reasons that involve secrets and pain. Reasons he tried hard to forget.
But home is where the heart is, and it just might be where Brand finds his again.
Why? Because home is where Nora Greene is. A fiery, red-headed spitfire, Nora is a thing from his past. A beautiful, feisty thing. When Brand left, she was away at boarding school.
But she’s back now.
And she wants Brand, scars and all.
260 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2014
35 people are currently reading
3452 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Cole
44 books4,547 followersCourtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist who loves to eat your emotions for breakfast.
She believes in the power of blonde hair dye and red lipstick, and that a well-timed smile can save the world.
Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolecreates.com
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/courtneyc...
She believes in the power of blonde hair dye and red lipstick, and that a well-timed smile can save the world.
Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolecreates.com
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/courtneyc...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
February 16, 2015
4.5 stars!!
I’ve had this book on my TBR for the longest time but never got around to reading it…and now I’m asking myself why?! Why didn’t I read this book earlier? Because it easily makes my top favorites list. Not only did I love both main characters, the plot itself was layered and had so many surprising twists I never got bored, never wanted to put the book down, and quite frankly, didn’t want the story to end when it did. And out of all the books in this series, this one’s now my favorite – it was addicting, unputdownable, and memorable.
I’ll admit, before I even started this book, I was prone to adore it because of the hero Brand Killien. Throughout this series, the one side character that has always stood out to me was him and no one deserved to find love more than this sweet, considerate guy. He’s different from most books heroes I’ve read in that he’s truly a good guy. Not a bad boy, not a womanizer, just a gentleman through and through. A former soldier and expert in weaponry and machinery, Brand returns to his hometown for a family emergency and before he’s even situated, a car crash grabs his attention and he heroically rescues the people in trouble, including the heroine Nora.
Though from a wealthy family background, Nora Greene lives a trapped life. She’s groomed and expected to follow the footsteps of her father and brother in their family business and hides deep her insecurities and emotional scars, never letting anyone really see the real her. But the one guy she’s always kept in her heart is Brand, even though he never really noticed her. And with him back and her staying in town for just the summer, Nora doesn’t want to have any regrets and asks for a no-strings-attached fling.
Having a hero who wasn’t a bad boy, jerk, or womanizer was refreshing. Having a heroine who had a clear mind and knew what she wanted was even more refreshing, because that’s who Nora was. Her personality may come off as brazen and desperate, but because the author does such a good job of setting up her background and explaining her motivations, I thought she was strong and feisty, yet still retaining this layer of vulnerability only Brand understands and can relate to.
The only thing keeping me from giving this book the full 5 stars is towards the end, I thought some of the twists that were revealed got tied up too nicely and quickly without much explanation afterwards. It was noticeable, yet didn’t bother me too much. But what really stood out to me aside from the endearing characters was the writing. Because good lord, this author can write! The book seriously started with a bang, immediately gripping me, and that’s when I knew this one would be a winner for sure. In the beginning I thought I was reading just another typical NA romance but the more I read, the more my preconceptions faded away. At the heart of the book is a story of self-discovery and two individuals, two halves of a whole who really do find love in the most unexpected of places and heal together.
I will warn you though, this book is slightly dark (which I LOVE) and has a twist that will shock but make you feel for these characters and so if dark content isn’t your thing, this book may not be for you. Otherwise, give this one a try! I wholeheartedly recommend it and who knows...it may surprise you like it did for me ;)
Until We Fly is a NA romance within the Beautifully Broken series. You can definitely read it as a standalone, but for the best reading experience possible, I suggest checking out If You Leave at the very least so you can get a feel for Brand’s character. I started this book already loving the hero because of what I read about him in previous books :)
I’ve had this book on my TBR for the longest time but never got around to reading it…and now I’m asking myself why?! Why didn’t I read this book earlier? Because it easily makes my top favorites list. Not only did I love both main characters, the plot itself was layered and had so many surprising twists I never got bored, never wanted to put the book down, and quite frankly, didn’t want the story to end when it did. And out of all the books in this series, this one’s now my favorite – it was addicting, unputdownable, and memorable.
I’ll admit, before I even started this book, I was prone to adore it because of the hero Brand Killien. Throughout this series, the one side character that has always stood out to me was him and no one deserved to find love more than this sweet, considerate guy. He’s different from most books heroes I’ve read in that he’s truly a good guy. Not a bad boy, not a womanizer, just a gentleman through and through. A former soldier and expert in weaponry and machinery, Brand returns to his hometown for a family emergency and before he’s even situated, a car crash grabs his attention and he heroically rescues the people in trouble, including the heroine Nora.
Though from a wealthy family background, Nora Greene lives a trapped life. She’s groomed and expected to follow the footsteps of her father and brother in their family business and hides deep her insecurities and emotional scars, never letting anyone really see the real her. But the one guy she’s always kept in her heart is Brand, even though he never really noticed her. And with him back and her staying in town for just the summer, Nora doesn’t want to have any regrets and asks for a no-strings-attached fling.
Having a hero who wasn’t a bad boy, jerk, or womanizer was refreshing. Having a heroine who had a clear mind and knew what she wanted was even more refreshing, because that’s who Nora was. Her personality may come off as brazen and desperate, but because the author does such a good job of setting up her background and explaining her motivations, I thought she was strong and feisty, yet still retaining this layer of vulnerability only Brand understands and can relate to.
The only thing keeping me from giving this book the full 5 stars is towards the end, I thought some of the twists that were revealed got tied up too nicely and quickly without much explanation afterwards. It was noticeable, yet didn’t bother me too much. But what really stood out to me aside from the endearing characters was the writing. Because good lord, this author can write! The book seriously started with a bang, immediately gripping me, and that’s when I knew this one would be a winner for sure. In the beginning I thought I was reading just another typical NA romance but the more I read, the more my preconceptions faded away. At the heart of the book is a story of self-discovery and two individuals, two halves of a whole who really do find love in the most unexpected of places and heal together.
I will warn you though, this book is slightly dark (which I LOVE) and has a twist that will shock but make you feel for these characters and so if dark content isn’t your thing, this book may not be for you. Otherwise, give this one a try! I wholeheartedly recommend it and who knows...it may surprise you like it did for me ;)
Until We Fly is a NA romance within the Beautifully Broken series. You can definitely read it as a standalone, but for the best reading experience possible, I suggest checking out If You Leave at the very least so you can get a feel for Brand’s character. I started this book already loving the hero because of what I read about him in previous books :)
August 9, 2016
5 BRANDed Stars
If there's one thing I know when I read a Courtney Cole book it's that the woman is going to take all my emotions and feels and fuck with them like the sadist that she sure has to be. I've been a fan of this series since the very first book, and each one has managed to burrow inside me and stay. While I can't say I loved the last book, Before We Fall, this one managed to blow me away. Emotional, captivating, steamy and unputdownable, Until We Fly is going to put you on an emotional roller coaster filled with twists and turns, but you're going to love the ride.
What I love about Courtney's books, are her characters. Those beautifully broken characters that never fail to tug at every single one of my heartstrings. And Brand? Well Brand I have been dying to get my hands on since first meeting him in If You Leave. He's so different from most heroes you'd find in books these days. Yes he's a sexy as hell, tatted up Army Ranger. So what sets him aside? He's a nice guy. This is not a womanizing asshole. Nope. But he's broken in his own way. Demons from his past continue to haunt his present, and Brand just learns to deal with it.
I knew that the woman that will finally steal Brand's heart will have to be special. After putting it all out there and being there for everyone (Jacey in particular), Brand deserves a woman that would pursue him. And that's definitely what he got with Nora.
Nora has practically been in love with Brand since she was a teenager. But then he left the small town they both grew up in and hadn't returned since. Now he's back to settle his father's estate after his passing, and presents the perfect opening for Nora to make her move. When Brand gets injured rescuing her from the site of an accident, she has her perfect opportunity.
Nora seemingly has it all. Being the daughter of one of the most influential and richest families in town, a Stanford law graduate and on her way to work in her father's company, her life is set. Only problem? It's not what she wants. What she wants if even for a little bit, is Brand. Pure, wholesome, clean, hero Brand.
Nora is not shy about pursuing him, and she really doesn't pull her punches when it comes to her seduction. Stuck in a cottage together with Nora taking care of him, Brand can only resist her for so long.
Nora hides her own demons. Demons that continue to haunt even her waking minutes. Demons that no amount of scrubbing and cleaning will ever cleanse from her soul. Demons that only quiet in the presence of Brand.
Can't say I blame her, Brand really was absolute perfection
What first started out as a strings-free summer fling, soon begins to turn into something much more for both Brand and Nora. But beyond the love story and the steamy sex scenes was an incredible story about 2 very broken characters and their journey to healing themselves.
This book, for me anyway, was probably one of the most emotional. It was filled with twists that I never saw coming and a story that kept me glued to my Kindle until the very last page. And that last chapter? Well you definitely know you've read a 5 star book when the last chapter manages to make you tear up like a baby. I almost didn't want it to end. I could probably ramble on and on, but why read my review when you can experience it for yourself?
If you haven't yet read this series, it is a must read. While you could read this as a standalone, I'd recommend starting with at least If You Leave so you can really get a better grasp of Brand's character. But Courtney certainly gives you enough background that you wouldn't be lost starting with this book. Definitely a huge rec from me.
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
Being brave doesn't mean not being afraid, Nora. It means being afraid and doing it anyway."
If there's one thing I know when I read a Courtney Cole book it's that the woman is going to take all my emotions and feels and fuck with them like the sadist that she sure has to be. I've been a fan of this series since the very first book, and each one has managed to burrow inside me and stay. While I can't say I loved the last book, Before We Fall, this one managed to blow me away. Emotional, captivating, steamy and unputdownable, Until We Fly is going to put you on an emotional roller coaster filled with twists and turns, but you're going to love the ride.
What I love about Courtney's books, are her characters. Those beautifully broken characters that never fail to tug at every single one of my heartstrings. And Brand? Well Brand I have been dying to get my hands on since first meeting him in If You Leave. He's so different from most heroes you'd find in books these days. Yes he's a sexy as hell, tatted up Army Ranger. So what sets him aside? He's a nice guy. This is not a womanizing asshole. Nope. But he's broken in his own way. Demons from his past continue to haunt his present, and Brand just learns to deal with it.
I knew that the woman that will finally steal Brand's heart will have to be special. After putting it all out there and being there for everyone (Jacey in particular), Brand deserves a woman that would pursue him. And that's definitely what he got with Nora.
Nora has practically been in love with Brand since she was a teenager. But then he left the small town they both grew up in and hadn't returned since. Now he's back to settle his father's estate after his passing, and presents the perfect opening for Nora to make her move. When Brand gets injured rescuing her from the site of an accident, she has her perfect opportunity.
Nora seemingly has it all. Being the daughter of one of the most influential and richest families in town, a Stanford law graduate and on her way to work in her father's company, her life is set. Only problem? It's not what she wants. What she wants if even for a little bit, is Brand. Pure, wholesome, clean, hero Brand.
Nora is not shy about pursuing him, and she really doesn't pull her punches when it comes to her seduction. Stuck in a cottage together with Nora taking care of him, Brand can only resist her for so long.
Nora hides her own demons. Demons that continue to haunt even her waking minutes. Demons that no amount of scrubbing and cleaning will ever cleanse from her soul. Demons that only quiet in the presence of Brand.
Can't say I blame her, Brand really was absolute perfection
What first started out as a strings-free summer fling, soon begins to turn into something much more for both Brand and Nora. But beyond the love story and the steamy sex scenes was an incredible story about 2 very broken characters and their journey to healing themselves.
This book, for me anyway, was probably one of the most emotional. It was filled with twists that I never saw coming and a story that kept me glued to my Kindle until the very last page. And that last chapter? Well you definitely know you've read a 5 star book when the last chapter manages to make you tear up like a baby. I almost didn't want it to end. I could probably ramble on and on, but why read my review when you can experience it for yourself?
If you haven't yet read this series, it is a must read. While you could read this as a standalone, I'd recommend starting with at least If You Leave so you can really get a better grasp of Brand's character. But Courtney certainly gives you enough background that you wouldn't be lost starting with this book. Definitely a huge rec from me.
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
May 6, 2015
4.5 Branded stars!
Brand. A good friend, a good soldier, a good everything but never seems to be good enough to be loved. When Jacey broke his heart for the last the time in Before We Fall, Brand decided to move on with his life. Hurray! But then a family emergency forces him to go back to his hometown, which the last place he wanted to be in. The last place he expected to find…her.
Nora Greene has loved Brand from afar for a long time. On the outside, she’s had the perfect life but nothing could be further from the truth. When a tragedy brought Brand and Nora together, she finally got her chance to be with Brand even for a little while.
I’m usually not a fan of heroines chasing the hero or being the aggressor in the relationship but I made an exception for this one. Why? Because BRAND DESERVES TO BE CHASED for once. He deserved to be first. Nora gave that to him.
But Nora was keeping secrets. Big ones. My jaw dropped when I found out what these secrets were. My heart just ache for her and I wanted her to have Brand even more. Brand himself was battling his own demons and I loved that Nora was there with him. While their relationship started out as nothing more than a sexual convenience, it became apparent that they were made for each other as the story went along.
What I loved even more aside from Brand and Nora, are the twists and turns that Courtney Cole masterfully placed throughout the book. This book literally started out with a bang. Fortunately, the revelations just kept on coming and that ending was everything I could have hoped for. In other words, this book kept me on my toes and kept me up all night reading because I just couldn’t put it down.
Definitely my favorite book in the series and Brand is definitely my fave hero in the series as well. Plus, I’m glad how everything tied very nicely together in the end.
An ARC was given to Ever After Romance Book Blog in exchange for an honest review.
Brand. A good friend, a good soldier, a good everything but never seems to be good enough to be loved. When Jacey broke his heart for the last the time in Before We Fall, Brand decided to move on with his life. Hurray! But then a family emergency forces him to go back to his hometown, which the last place he wanted to be in. The last place he expected to find…her.
Nora Greene has loved Brand from afar for a long time. On the outside, she’s had the perfect life but nothing could be further from the truth. When a tragedy brought Brand and Nora together, she finally got her chance to be with Brand even for a little while.
I’m usually not a fan of heroines chasing the hero or being the aggressor in the relationship but I made an exception for this one. Why? Because BRAND DESERVES TO BE CHASED for once. He deserved to be first. Nora gave that to him.
But Nora was keeping secrets. Big ones. My jaw dropped when I found out what these secrets were. My heart just ache for her and I wanted her to have Brand even more. Brand himself was battling his own demons and I loved that Nora was there with him. While their relationship started out as nothing more than a sexual convenience, it became apparent that they were made for each other as the story went along.
What I loved even more aside from Brand and Nora, are the twists and turns that Courtney Cole masterfully placed throughout the book. This book literally started out with a bang. Fortunately, the revelations just kept on coming and that ending was everything I could have hoped for. In other words, this book kept me on my toes and kept me up all night reading because I just couldn’t put it down.
Definitely my favorite book in the series and Brand is definitely my fave hero in the series as well. Plus, I’m glad how everything tied very nicely together in the end.
An ARC was given to Ever After Romance Book Blog in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2017
post-read:
"My eyes are up here, Miss Greene."
WELL THEN. Where do I start?
Brand, Brand, Brand. Oh my sweet child. I have loved him from the moment he was introduced. And I'm so glad that he finally got his own book and his own HEA. And Nora Greene...wow, Nora Greene. She is such a badass HBIC really. What happened to her is very scary.
Anyway, despite a few hiccups here and there , I enjoyed this book a lot.
And as usual, the Author's Note part made me cry.
pre-read:
PTERODACTYL SCREECH !!!!
FINALLYYYYYY
"My eyes are up here, Miss Greene."
WELL THEN. Where do I start?
Brand, Brand, Brand. Oh my sweet child. I have loved him from the moment he was introduced. And I'm so glad that he finally got his own book and his own HEA. And Nora Greene...wow, Nora Greene. She is such a badass HBIC really. What happened to her is very scary.
Anyway, despite a few hiccups here and there , I enjoyed this book a lot.
And as usual, the Author's Note part made me cry.
pre-read:
PTERODACTYL SCREECH !!!!
FINALLYYYYYY
August 26, 2014
4 "I hear your heart" STARS
A great finale to an awesome series! Brand's story was great and learning about his dark and tortured past was all that I'd hoped it would be. Nora was easy to bond with. I understood her draw to Brand and her fantasy of being his from such a young age. I did struggle a bit with her blatant attempts to throw herself at Brand but given the demons in her past and what she was running from, it was somehow easier to accept her, sometimes not so decent, behaviour.
Thank you Courtney Cole for four wickedly sexy, beautifully broken men with Pax, Gabe, Dom and then, deciding to end with Brand! Even your smart and sassy women were also fractured but loveable. Amazing!
A great finale to an awesome series! Brand's story was great and learning about his dark and tortured past was all that I'd hoped it would be. Nora was easy to bond with. I understood her draw to Brand and her fantasy of being his from such a young age. I did struggle a bit with her blatant attempts to throw herself at Brand but given the demons in her past and what she was running from, it was somehow easier to accept her, sometimes not so decent, behaviour.
Thank you Courtney Cole for four wickedly sexy, beautifully broken men with Pax, Gabe, Dom and then, deciding to end with Brand! Even your smart and sassy women were also fractured but loveable. Amazing!
February 19, 2015
4.5 stars
October 19, 2014
2.5 - 3 Stars for Brand ONLY!
So I have always been a fan of the this series. Courtney Cole has always delivered great angst and created beautifully broken characters who found peace and healed slowly. She can also deliver passionate romance and heat along the way.
That being said, I am a bit disappointed at the story that was Brand Killian's. Brand has been on my radar as the big bad mysterious alpha. He is genuinely good and deserved to have his world rocked! I really wanted Jacey to love him, but nope...Dominick Kindcaid took that! Brand's past is quite horrific and for once you get a glimpse into the man he is. His personal story hard, dark and so good!
It is that tragic past that takes him back home...and that is where Nora Green is...this woman is NUTS! I understand crushing on a boy, fantasizing about a beautiful man and wanting to have real love. When a small town accident puts Brand back into her town she wastes no time placing her into his life! I mean NO TIME...swoop in, move in, prance naked, and state...I want you! VERY OVER THE TOP!
Honestly I felt for Brand. I mean there is only so much nakedness a man can take right? Nora just boggled me...her inner jealousy, her belief that Brand would "save" her always...just kinda too much in the weird department. Now don't get me wrong, her life is a quite bit of crazy and horrific itself...but honestly this woman needs a good psychiatrist and Brand, he just deserved so much more!
So I have always been a fan of the this series. Courtney Cole has always delivered great angst and created beautifully broken characters who found peace and healed slowly. She can also deliver passionate romance and heat along the way.
That being said, I am a bit disappointed at the story that was Brand Killian's. Brand has been on my radar as the big bad mysterious alpha. He is genuinely good and deserved to have his world rocked! I really wanted Jacey to love him, but nope...Dominick Kindcaid took that! Brand's past is quite horrific and for once you get a glimpse into the man he is. His personal story hard, dark and so good!
It is that tragic past that takes him back home...and that is where Nora Green is...this woman is NUTS! I understand crushing on a boy, fantasizing about a beautiful man and wanting to have real love. When a small town accident puts Brand back into her town she wastes no time placing her into his life! I mean NO TIME...swoop in, move in, prance naked, and state...I want you! VERY OVER THE TOP!
Honestly I felt for Brand. I mean there is only so much nakedness a man can take right? Nora just boggled me...her inner jealousy, her belief that Brand would "save" her always...just kinda too much in the weird department. Now don't get me wrong, her life is a quite bit of crazy and horrific itself...but honestly this woman needs a good psychiatrist and Brand, he just deserved so much more!
August 24, 2014
4.5 stars!
July 26, 2014
I fell in love with this book the moment I read the dedication. That alone was powerful, inspiring, and set the perfect mood for the book. I won't reveal what it says because I want you to read it and experience it as you are supposed to.
"Sometimes bad things happen in life. Sometimes they happen when you're really young. These are the memories that wont fade with time." For those of us who fell in love with Brand earlier on in the Beautifully Broken series this book felt long overdue. He is a mystery that every woman wants to unravel. Nora Greene has wanted to indulge in him for years. ever since she was a teenager. He was her dream man, the one that she compared all others to. All of us ladies have that man, for some of us he is fictional though. An accident occurs and Nora sees her chance to get in with Brand, and she takes it.
This entire series is filled with people who have troubles in their lives. They are somewhat dark and twisty inside, We all are. That is why what Courtney does is so appealing to us all. We love the dark and twisty people, or as she puts it the Beautifully broken. There is something inside of all of us that wants, no needs, to see other people overcome their obstacles and have a happy ending. It gives us all hope that we can do the same.
With every book in this series that she writes you feel a tiny piece of your own soul that heals with the characters. You may not face the same problems, but we are all facing something. These books don't hold back. They are more than just fiction. If you allow it, fiction can heal the soul.
"Being brave doesn't mean not being afraid, Nora, it means being afraid and doing it anyways." Although they come together in an unconventional way they get eachother from the beginning. They know that they both have demons and they don't pry to make the other bring theirs to the surface. They slowly learn to trust eachother and they learn to need someone in the best kind of way.
As with the other books in this series their are a few "adult scenes" although this book, I believe, is one of her more tame ones. It deals with some very mature situations. Brand and Nora have real struggles, the kind most of us just have nightmares about. Take the adventure and watch them heal from the outside in. You will love this book. Also, don't worry, the ending is spectacular. You couldnt possibly be disappointed if you've loved all the other books in the series.
xoxo
**I recieved an ARC in exchange for a honest reivew**
"Sometimes bad things happen in life. Sometimes they happen when you're really young. These are the memories that wont fade with time." For those of us who fell in love with Brand earlier on in the Beautifully Broken series this book felt long overdue. He is a mystery that every woman wants to unravel. Nora Greene has wanted to indulge in him for years. ever since she was a teenager. He was her dream man, the one that she compared all others to. All of us ladies have that man, for some of us he is fictional though. An accident occurs and Nora sees her chance to get in with Brand, and she takes it.
This entire series is filled with people who have troubles in their lives. They are somewhat dark and twisty inside, We all are. That is why what Courtney does is so appealing to us all. We love the dark and twisty people, or as she puts it the Beautifully broken. There is something inside of all of us that wants, no needs, to see other people overcome their obstacles and have a happy ending. It gives us all hope that we can do the same.
With every book in this series that she writes you feel a tiny piece of your own soul that heals with the characters. You may not face the same problems, but we are all facing something. These books don't hold back. They are more than just fiction. If you allow it, fiction can heal the soul.
"Being brave doesn't mean not being afraid, Nora, it means being afraid and doing it anyways." Although they come together in an unconventional way they get eachother from the beginning. They know that they both have demons and they don't pry to make the other bring theirs to the surface. They slowly learn to trust eachother and they learn to need someone in the best kind of way.
As with the other books in this series their are a few "adult scenes" although this book, I believe, is one of her more tame ones. It deals with some very mature situations. Brand and Nora have real struggles, the kind most of us just have nightmares about. Take the adventure and watch them heal from the outside in. You will love this book. Also, don't worry, the ending is spectacular. You couldnt possibly be disappointed if you've loved all the other books in the series.
xoxo
**I recieved an ARC in exchange for a honest reivew**
April 14, 2015
This book was my favorite in the whole series! I love Branden he is awesome! Nola was perfect for him. It was perfect! LOVED,LOVED!!
July 5, 2014
Courtney Cole has made her mark in the Romance Genre, AGAIN and Until We Fly may be one of her best works yet! Each installment of her Beautifully Broken Series has struck an emotional cord with me, but Brand and Nora’s tale is probably one of the most intriguing of the lot. Nora, on the outside is a strong and confident, no nonsense woman, but that façade masks an insecure and battered soul who dreams of being loved just for being herself, but the shame and guilt of her past is like a haunting from an evil demon that never lets her go. Controlled and manipulated by both her father and uncle, her life has been a living nightmare.
Brand has always been the go to guy when someone is in trouble, afraid or just needs a strong should to lean on. He is a fixer of problems, but what of his own inner pain and the hell he has lived through since he was only six years old? Never able to share his deepest past, he keeps a wall erected around his heart, because wearing it on his sleeve has proven too painful. Like Nora, he questions whether he is worthy of love.
Two damaged souls, brought together by fate’s quirky plans struggle to help one another to face and overcome their pasts while learning to trust in someone completely to always be there for them in every way. United, their demons don’t stand a chance, but are they ready to drop their shields and take a chance on love?
Every word that Courtney Cole writes feels like a magnet drawing me deeper into the hearts and minds of her characters as she builds a world that can be twisted and dark one moment and warm and sensual the next. I raged, I was crushed, I felt sick and then, when I am ready to take an emotional breather to re-group, Ms. Cole turns on the sunlight and a future that appears as bright as a field of flowers choking out the weeds of the past.
I received an ARC edition in exchange for my honest review as part of the Until We Fly Release Day Launch and the Until We Fly Blog Tour both stopping at Tome Tender.
Expected publication: July 7th 2014 by Lakehouse Press Inc
Brand has always been the go to guy when someone is in trouble, afraid or just needs a strong should to lean on. He is a fixer of problems, but what of his own inner pain and the hell he has lived through since he was only six years old? Never able to share his deepest past, he keeps a wall erected around his heart, because wearing it on his sleeve has proven too painful. Like Nora, he questions whether he is worthy of love.
Two damaged souls, brought together by fate’s quirky plans struggle to help one another to face and overcome their pasts while learning to trust in someone completely to always be there for them in every way. United, their demons don’t stand a chance, but are they ready to drop their shields and take a chance on love?
Every word that Courtney Cole writes feels like a magnet drawing me deeper into the hearts and minds of her characters as she builds a world that can be twisted and dark one moment and warm and sensual the next. I raged, I was crushed, I felt sick and then, when I am ready to take an emotional breather to re-group, Ms. Cole turns on the sunlight and a future that appears as bright as a field of flowers choking out the weeds of the past.
I received an ARC edition in exchange for my honest review as part of the Until We Fly Release Day Launch and the Until We Fly Blog Tour both stopping at Tome Tender.
Expected publication: July 7th 2014 by Lakehouse Press Inc
May 16, 2015
Bueno, bueno, bueno.
No sé qué historia es más dura, si la de Brand o la de Nora.
Con la vida de Brand yo sólo quería entrar en el libro y golpear a sus padres por haberle tratado cómo lo hicieron.
¿Cómo se atreven a culpar a mi precioso bebé por algo que él no pudo evitar?
Personas como esas no deberían tener hijos.
Pero entonces lees la historia de Nora, y bueno... mierda.
¿Qué carajos tienen en la cabeza su 'tío' y su 'padre' para hacerle lo que le hicieron a esa pobre chica?
Según iba leyendo, ¡pedía a gritos venganza para Nora!
Malditos bastardos, enfermos hijos de...
Me encanta Nora, toda decidida a ir sobre Brand y no retrocediendo incluso cuando él la rechaza. Ella fue simplemente un soplo de aire fresco.
Y el final, ay por Dios, ¡qué bonito y qué triste!
Recomiendo totalmente este libro.
No sé qué historia es más dura, si la de Brand o la de Nora.
Con la vida de Brand yo sólo quería entrar en el libro y golpear a sus padres por haberle tratado cómo lo hicieron.
¿Cómo se atreven a culpar a mi precioso bebé por algo que él no pudo evitar?
Personas como esas no deberían tener hijos.
Pero entonces lees la historia de Nora, y bueno... mierda.
¿Qué carajos tienen en la cabeza su 'tío' y su 'padre' para hacerle lo que le hicieron a esa pobre chica?
Según iba leyendo, ¡pedía a gritos venganza para Nora!
Malditos bastardos, enfermos hijos de...
Me encanta Nora, toda decidida a ir sobre Brand y no retrocediendo incluso cuando él la rechaza. Ella fue simplemente un soplo de aire fresco.
Y el final, ay por Dios, ¡qué bonito y qué triste!
Recomiendo totalmente este libro.
February 16, 2015
This was such an emotional, heartbreaking read. Brand and Nora have both gone through so much in their lives their HEA was well deserved. This author never disappoints. The characters were likable and there was no insta-love. Instead they pull each other through their dark times and love eventually develops.
July 8, 2014
Brand lets the hospital gown fall away and I inhale sharply.
Sweet Mary and all the saints.
God, I wish he were mine.
First we had Pax, then we had Gabe and after him we got Dominic. 3 incredible and delicious in their brokenness men. Only to be followed by possibly the most beautifully broken (see what I did there?) of them all. Brand.
Courtney Cole has a unique way of promoting her books, and it’s been so much fun, I hope to be included in future releases the same way.
We’ve known Brand for a while now. He’s Gabe’s best friend from their Army Rangers days. He was wounded right along with Gabe and has been in love with Jacey, Gabe’s sister, for years. Acting as her knight in shining armor he saved the day more often than not. But then Jacey ran off to marry Dominic.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m fine with that, because: A) they’re so NOT compatible, it’s ridiculous. B) Dominic.
Until We Fly opens with Brand learning of his father’s passing and his mother asking him to visit for the funeral. Only Brand isn’t so keen on going. His father was an abusive asshole, and his mother wasn’t much of a mother to him. But Brand being awesome – goes.
Only to stumble upon a horrific accident where he, once again, saves the day (and a bunch of kids and a beautiful redheaded girl). Brand hates his parents and with good reason. The plot gradually reveals the details of his childhood and his pain. And really, while you’re curious and want to read it – it’s painful to think kids go through things like that. He gets his closure, though, and it’s glorious.
Back paddling to the redhead. That’s Nora. And she’s pretty amazing.
Nora has been in love with Brand since she was a young teen. He didn’t know it, of course, working for her father, but when she sees him again, 10 years later, and he saves her only to be injured pretty badly, she decides to nurse him back to health.
For Nora, though, this break from being home helps her avoid being around her father and her uncle. Both very strict and demanding. And both have an integral part in the reason why Nora is, as the other characters in this series, beautifully broken.
I don’t want to spoil much and I’ve already revealed enough about the plot. This book is very complex and can be looked at a multilayered plot of heartache. But there’s also a lot of good, and fun and sexy hotness.
I think in one of my past reviews of this series, probably Gabe’s story (or maybe Dominic? idk) – I said that Cole has chosen for each title a very difficult subject to tackle. And this one is no different. Both Brand and Nora have their demons to deal with, and while Brand’s is a past demon from which he has yet to break free, Nora’s demons are very much still a threat.
Both characters go through clear stages of realizing their self worth, although it’s more pronounced with Nora, I think. Our heroine is phenomenal in the way she decides to deal with her troubles. And while at the end there it’s a little bit of a touch-and-go, Nora is very much the perfect example of how a troubled woman can be written without being depicted as a weak creature that needs a strong man to save her.
Courtney Cole added another extraordinary tale to the Beautifully Broken series. Until We Fly will make the butterflies in your stomach flutter, the tears in your eyes spill and you’ll feel the earth drop from under your feet from shock; but the ache in your heart will subside by the time you finish the book, and you’ll love Brand and Nora just as much as I do.
My rating: 5 BRANDed stars
* Thank you Courtney Cole, KP Simmon and the Branded! group for the advance copy of the book and more laughs, swoons and fun than I’ve had in a while.
The review is also live on my blog.
Sweet Mary and all the saints.
God, I wish he were mine.
First we had Pax, then we had Gabe and after him we got Dominic. 3 incredible and delicious in their brokenness men. Only to be followed by possibly the most beautifully broken (see what I did there?) of them all. Brand.
Courtney Cole has a unique way of promoting her books, and it’s been so much fun, I hope to be included in future releases the same way.
We’ve known Brand for a while now. He’s Gabe’s best friend from their Army Rangers days. He was wounded right along with Gabe and has been in love with Jacey, Gabe’s sister, for years. Acting as her knight in shining armor he saved the day more often than not. But then Jacey ran off to marry Dominic.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m fine with that, because: A) they’re so NOT compatible, it’s ridiculous. B) Dominic.
Until We Fly opens with Brand learning of his father’s passing and his mother asking him to visit for the funeral. Only Brand isn’t so keen on going. His father was an abusive asshole, and his mother wasn’t much of a mother to him. But Brand being awesome – goes.
Only to stumble upon a horrific accident where he, once again, saves the day (and a bunch of kids and a beautiful redheaded girl). Brand hates his parents and with good reason. The plot gradually reveals the details of his childhood and his pain. And really, while you’re curious and want to read it – it’s painful to think kids go through things like that. He gets his closure, though, and it’s glorious.
Back paddling to the redhead. That’s Nora. And she’s pretty amazing.
Nora has been in love with Brand since she was a young teen. He didn’t know it, of course, working for her father, but when she sees him again, 10 years later, and he saves her only to be injured pretty badly, she decides to nurse him back to health.
For Nora, though, this break from being home helps her avoid being around her father and her uncle. Both very strict and demanding. And both have an integral part in the reason why Nora is, as the other characters in this series, beautifully broken.
I don’t want to spoil much and I’ve already revealed enough about the plot. This book is very complex and can be looked at a multilayered plot of heartache. But there’s also a lot of good, and fun and sexy hotness.
I think in one of my past reviews of this series, probably Gabe’s story (or maybe Dominic? idk) – I said that Cole has chosen for each title a very difficult subject to tackle. And this one is no different. Both Brand and Nora have their demons to deal with, and while Brand’s is a past demon from which he has yet to break free, Nora’s demons are very much still a threat.
Both characters go through clear stages of realizing their self worth, although it’s more pronounced with Nora, I think. Our heroine is phenomenal in the way she decides to deal with her troubles. And while at the end there it’s a little bit of a touch-and-go, Nora is very much the perfect example of how a troubled woman can be written without being depicted as a weak creature that needs a strong man to save her.
Courtney Cole added another extraordinary tale to the Beautifully Broken series. Until We Fly will make the butterflies in your stomach flutter, the tears in your eyes spill and you’ll feel the earth drop from under your feet from shock; but the ache in your heart will subside by the time you finish the book, and you’ll love Brand and Nora just as much as I do.
My rating: 5 BRANDed stars
* Thank you Courtney Cole, KP Simmon and the Branded! group for the advance copy of the book and more laughs, swoons and fun than I’ve had in a while.
The review is also live on my blog.
May 17, 2017
Until We Fly es el cuarto libro de la serie Beautifully Broken, que narra la historia de amor de Brand ( amigo de Gabe ) y Nora.
No es un secreto que estaba muy emocionada de leer la historia de Brand, puesto que desde que aparecio en el segundo libro, tuve un flechazo con el, no me pueden culpar, tengo debilidad por los protagonistas torturados y si ademas son soldados, pierdo totalmente la cabeza ( y el corazon ) * sonrojo *
Tenia mis dudas sobre si me gustaria la protagonista femenina, pero desde el primer momento ame a Nora, se me hizo una protagonista valiente, decidida y muy simpatica. Me encanto como nunca dejo de luchar por Brand, a pesar de que el fuera un cabezota.
Esta historia me mantuvo todo el tiempo con un nudo en la garganta, fue hermosa, desgarradora, en momentos dolorosa de leer, pero sobre todo fue perfecta.
Brand es el hombre perfecto, el que toda mujer quiere : dulce, amable, cariñoso, protector, guapo... y la lista de cualidades continua.
Ojala en el mundo hubiera gente tan pura como lo fue su personaje.
Y Nora fue tan facil de querer, se me rompia el corazon cada vez que ella creia que estaba manchada y que por eso Brand no era capaz de quererla, como si fuera su culpa lo que le hicieron esos asquerosos.
Me costara mucho tiempo olvidar este libro, hacia mucho que no sentia tanto con una lectura.
Totalmente recomendada!
5 Estrellas!!! Aunque si pudiera le daria el doble, porque el libro se lo merece.
Read
October 3, 2014DNF
I didn't the like the fact that Nora continued to pin all her hopes, dreams and happiness on Brand. I understand the dynamics of having a crush but what Nora had was obsession. She moved in with him under the guise of helping him with his injury and then relentlessly threw herself at him. I mean she proposed doing the whole friends with benefits thing and after he declined she only took that as reinforcement to try harder. She chose to go the "classy" route by proceeding to get naked in front of him at every opportunity. Then when he would shut her down she would berate herself and go on and on about how she's not that kind of girl.(could have fooled me)
To make a long story short I just couldn't deal with Nora and all her "so-called" baggage. I wanted to stick around for Brand in the hopes that he FINALLY got the story he deserved but I couldn't and as much as I hope he got his HEA I just didn't have the patience to deal with yet another emotionally unstable Heroine. The secrets Nora with-held have been written so many times before that at this point it's merely wash, rinse, repeat...
I didn't the like the fact that Nora continued to pin all her hopes, dreams and happiness on Brand. I understand the dynamics of having a crush but what Nora had was obsession. She moved in with him under the guise of helping him with his injury and then relentlessly threw herself at him. I mean she proposed doing the whole friends with benefits thing and after he declined she only took that as reinforcement to try harder. She chose to go the "classy" route by proceeding to get naked in front of him at every opportunity. Then when he would shut her down she would berate herself and go on and on about how she's not that kind of girl.(could have fooled me)
To make a long story short I just couldn't deal with Nora and all her "so-called" baggage. I wanted to stick around for Brand in the hopes that he FINALLY got the story he deserved but I couldn't and as much as I hope he got his HEA I just didn't have the patience to deal with yet another emotionally unstable Heroine. The secrets Nora with-held have been written so many times before that at this point it's merely wash, rinse, repeat...
March 31, 2015
I struggled with the beginning of this book, but I was definitely smitten with Brand. Have been intrigued with him throughout the series. And after him getting his heart broken by Jacey, I wanted something good to happen for him!
Brand receives a call from his mother that his father died. With no love lost between them, Brand does the right thing and returns home. As you may or may not know, Brand is a military guy.... yep, my weakness!
He is immediately immersed into a dangerous situation and plays hero to the small town and a woman named Nora. Nora remembers Brand from her childhood even though he's older than her. When Brand is seriously hurt and can't immediately return home, Nora takes over as his caretaker and boy did sparks fly! Nora was spending her time in the small town before beginning a job with her family's company in the Fall. But guess what, there's no love lost with her parents either!
The last 30% of this book is what earned the 4 star rating. I literally could not stop turning the pages!
Geat series and I love Courtney Cole!
Brand receives a call from his mother that his father died. With no love lost between them, Brand does the right thing and returns home. As you may or may not know, Brand is a military guy.... yep, my weakness!
He is immediately immersed into a dangerous situation and plays hero to the small town and a woman named Nora. Nora remembers Brand from her childhood even though he's older than her. When Brand is seriously hurt and can't immediately return home, Nora takes over as his caretaker and boy did sparks fly! Nora was spending her time in the small town before beginning a job with her family's company in the Fall. But guess what, there's no love lost with her parents either!
The last 30% of this book is what earned the 4 star rating. I literally could not stop turning the pages!
Geat series and I love Courtney Cole!
February 5, 2017
3.5 star rating
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***
I don't know why I had trouble with this one. I guess I just wasn't the biggest fan of Nora's in the beginning. She just threw herself at Brand, and it kind of turned me off. I love Brand, though! He was trying to save Nora from himself; telling her numerous times that he was just not good enough for her. But, she had it in her mind that she was going to finally have him because of a long-time crush, even if it was only for the summer. And, Nora, her life was not without embarrassing and horrifying issues also. I did feel sorry for her in the end because her family life was just not something to be proud of. Together, however, I do feel that Brand and Nora healed each other emotionally and lovingly. They both finally find that special someone that loves them for who they are. A very fitting ending to a heartfelt romance....
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***
I don't know why I had trouble with this one. I guess I just wasn't the biggest fan of Nora's in the beginning. She just threw herself at Brand, and it kind of turned me off. I love Brand, though! He was trying to save Nora from himself; telling her numerous times that he was just not good enough for her. But, she had it in her mind that she was going to finally have him because of a long-time crush, even if it was only for the summer. And, Nora, her life was not without embarrassing and horrifying issues also. I did feel sorry for her in the end because her family life was just not something to be proud of. Together, however, I do feel that Brand and Nora healed each other emotionally and lovingly. They both finally find that special someone that loves them for who they are. A very fitting ending to a heartfelt romance....
August 3, 2016
Zum Buchinhalt
Als Ex-Soldat Brand in seine Heimatstadt zurückkehrt, muss er sich wohl oder übel der Vergangenheit stellen, vor der er vor Jahren geflohen ist: Seiner Mutter, die ihn nie geliebt hat und der jungen Nora, die sich seit der Highschool nach ihm verzehrt. Noras feuriges Temperament überwältigt Brand, doch sie hat ein dunkles Geheimnis, das ihrer beider Liebe zu zerstören droht.
Meine Meinung
Auf diesen Band habe ich mich ganz besonders gefreut, da Brand die Person ist, die ich im Laufe der Beautifully Broken Reihe am meisten liebgewonnen habe. Laut Courtney Cole bin ich nicht die einzige Leserin, die ihr Herz an Brand verloren hat und sich brennend für seine Geschichte interessiert. Das Buch beginnt damit, dass Brand aus einem Albtraum erwacht, in dem er wieder einmal mit seinen Erlebnissen, die er als Army Ranger in Afghanistan machen musste, konfrontiert wird. Doch, dass das nicht die einzigen Erinnerungen sind, die ihn belasten, wird durch den Anruf seiner Mutter, die ihm vom Tod seines Vaters berichtet, überaus deutlich. Statt Trauer breitet sich nämlich Wut und vor allem Erleichterung in ihm aus. Trotz seiner gemischten Gefühle, kehrt er schließlich in seine Heimatstadt zurück, wo er in einen schrecklichen Unfall entwickelt wird. Zwar kann er so manches Leben retten, wie z.B. das von Nora Greene, aber er wird dabei selbst schwer verletzt. Nora, die ihm nicht nur unfassbar dankbar ist, sondern auch schon seit Jahren Gefühle für ihn hat, nutzt die Gunst der Stunde und ist ab sofort seine persönliche Krankenschwester. Wie man sich jedoch vorstellen kann, bleibt es natürlich nicht dabei…
Durch seine Perspektive, habe ich Brand noch mehr in mein Herz geschlossen, falls das überhaupt möglich ist ;) Er ist ein netter, hilfsbereiter, selbstloser und herzensguter Mensch, der selbst über diejenigen kein schlechtes Wort verliert, die es ihm in seinem Leben dreckig gemacht haben. Sein gespaltenes Verhältnis zu seinem Vater und dem unmöglichen Verhalten seiner Mutter nach zu urteilen, scheint seine Kindheit alles andere als toll gewesen zu sein. Diesen Eindruck gewinnt man durch die vielen Rückblenden, die sich mit der Zeit wie Puzzleteilchen zusammensetzen lassen. Sein innerer Kampf wurde von der Autorin gut dargestellt. Einerseits belasten ihn die Gedanken an seine Vergangenheit belasten, andererseits versucht er sich selbst zu täuschen, in dem er sich immer wieder einredet, dass er mit damals abgeschlossen hat.
Nora habe ich zu Anfang eigentlich als starke und selbstbewusste Persönlichkeit wahrgenommen. Doch während sie nach außen eine fröhliche junge Frau ist, sieht es in ihr drinnen ganz anders aus. Ein Erlebnis, das noch gar nicht so lange zurückliegt, lastet schwer auf ihren Schultern und macht ihr unheimlich zu schaffen. Durch Andeutungen der Autorin konnte ich mir relativ schnell zusammenreimen, was passiert, wobei ich – als mir die später ganze Wahrheit mitsamt den Hintergründen eröffnet wurde – ziemlich geschockt war. Im Laufe der Geschichte hat Nora aber auch für den einen oder anderen unfreiwillig komischen Moment gesorgt. Es war teilweise wirklich zu amüsant, wie sie versucht hat Brand auf sich aufmerksam zu machen bzw. sein Interesse für sie zu wecken. Mit der Zeit fand ich es jedoch etwas peinlich, wie sie sich ihm an den Hals geworfen hat. Ich kann verstehen, dass sie möchte, dass er sie genau so begehrt wie sie ihn, aber ein bisschen Würde sollte Frau dabei behalten. Naja auf der anderen Seite haben ihre Versuche immerhin Wirkung gezeigt ;)
In der zweiten Hälfte des Buches konnte ich ihr Verhalten fast gar nicht mehr nachvollziehen. Manchmal hätte ich sie am liebsten kräftig durchgeschüttelt und sie zur Vernunft gebracht. Ich konnte es nicht ertragen, dass sie sich selbst für so schwach/hilflos hält, dass sie sich einfach so in ihr Schicksal fügt. Niemand sollte kampflos aufgeben - egal wie schwierig eine Situation ist. Fast zu spät begreift sie, dass sie endlich ihren Mut zusammen nehmen muss, um sich gegen ihren Vater, ein herrschsüchtiger und kranker Mistkerl, der sie in allen möglichen Entscheidungen bevormundet, zur Wehr zu setzen. Es ist schließlich ihr Leben und nur sie bestimmt wie sie es lebt.
Obwohl manche Aspekte für mich etwas voraussehbar waren, ist Frau Cole die eine oder andere Überraschung gelungen. Im Übrigen kann ich nur sagen, dass die Geschichte genauso eindringlich, bedrückend und intensiv war, wie die anderen zuvor. Außerdem fand ich es sehr schön, dass es ein Wiedersehen mit Gabe, Maddy, Jacey und Dominic gab.
Mein Fazit
Mit „Until We Fly: Ewig vereint“ ist Courtney Cole ein fantastischer letzter Teil für ihre Beautifully Broken Reihe gelungen. Brands und Noras Geschichte war ein tolles und intensives Leseerlebnis, das mich bis zum Schluss eine Achterbahn der Gefühle durchleben ließ. Brand ist nicht nur der Traumtyp schlechthin, dem die Frauenherzen reihenweise zu Füßen liegen, sondern auch ein absoluter Sympathieträger. Bei Nora dagegen hat meine Sympathie immer wieder ein wenig geschwankt. Sie tat mir zwar einerseits leid, andererseits hat sie es sich in meinen Augen manchmal unnötig schwerer gemacht.
July 29, 2014
4.5 stars!
Brand Killien had a family emergency that brought him home to Angelbay. When he arrives there it's chaos. There's an accident and Brand jumps into action trying to save as many people as he can. One of those people was Nora. At first he didn't recognize her but then he remembered that he knew her from years before when he lived in Angelbay. Nora definitely remembered Brand because he was her ultimate fantasy and she had been in love with him for years.
Nora wants Brand even if their relationship is all sex, no strings, and just for the summer. Brand knows better then to let anyone into his heart because it always ends badly. Nora is a challenge to resist because she just doesn't give up. At some points this became annoying and Nora even seemed a little childish to me. If this wasn't one of my favorite series I would probably have thrown my book against a wall. When I say she annoyed me I'm going to have to tell you a little spoiler. If you don't' want to be spoiler then please don't' read any further. So as you can see Nora's actions were very contradictory to what her storyline portrayed her as.
One of the reasons that I enjoyed this book so much was because the lead couple was almost always together. I get tired of hearing aobut what they are wearing every single day and what their friends are wearing and what they are eating and even how work goes every single day. You don't have to worry about Courtney Cole doing that to you. She has a great writing style that cuts right to the parts you want to read about with very little filler involved. This also allows a lot more together time for the lead couple which really is who I want to read about in a book.
Nora's storyline was a little far fetched but it all worked in the end. Brand also lacked the self confidence that I would have liked but I still loved this story as always. This is one of my favorite series and Courtney Cole is definitely one of my auto buy authors.
July 17, 2014
Um... a word of advice on this one, peeps. Don't open it till you're ready to finish it cause you're not gonna want to put it down. Some books fly by and others don't. This one FLIES. I started it thinking I'd read about half before bed. Yeah, so much for sleep. I was up till 2AM finishing it.
Why does this one fly? The characters. Both are broken... very, very broken. And it isn't a "we can heal" each other kinda story at all. What they've both experienced isn't something you just get over. No, it's more like they are the buoy that keeps the other afloat. They are stronger standing next to each other. They can handle it when the other one is there. I really liked that.
Nora. People can be cruel. I know that. But it always surprises me how cruel parents can be. I just can't understand that. My kids are everything to me. Nora's father (and I'm using that term extremely loosely.) is the worst kind of human being. He owns his daughter. He might as well have bought and paid for her. And he makes me so mad. I hated him before I found out what he was doing and then I loathed him. Nora never believed that things could ever be any different. This was her life. She looks happy from the outside. But she admits to Brand that she's not. She believes spending the summer with Brand will give her the strength to deal with what's to come in the fall. But a summer of Brand could never be enough of Brand or for Brand.
Brand. I have no words for the way Brand grew up. My heart hurts and my mama bear claws are out. I want to kick some character behind on his behalf. But Brand doesn't need my help. He can kick some behind on his own. He endures it and is a good person despite it. Graduate of West Point and a decorated Ranger, he's the kind of guy you want coming to your rescue. He protects what's his. He resists Nora because a fling is not his thing. And he can't offer her anything more. His heart has been shredded in the past and he's not going to risk it again. But as their friendship grows, he learns he can't resist Nora.
The story is fast paced and very sexy. These two together are adorable. If you missed my Teaser Tuesday yesterday, you should check it out because it's a fun moment between them. I had a few questions about Brands recovery and such that gave me pause. It's the only reason this one didn't get 5 stars but I loved them together.
If you've read the rest of this series, then this one needs to be next. It can easily be read stand alone and it's a sexy, fast read. It has what's great about New Adult mixed with some surprises. Anyone who loves NA, will love it.
Why does this one fly? The characters. Both are broken... very, very broken. And it isn't a "we can heal" each other kinda story at all. What they've both experienced isn't something you just get over. No, it's more like they are the buoy that keeps the other afloat. They are stronger standing next to each other. They can handle it when the other one is there. I really liked that.
Nora. People can be cruel. I know that. But it always surprises me how cruel parents can be. I just can't understand that. My kids are everything to me. Nora's father (and I'm using that term extremely loosely.) is the worst kind of human being. He owns his daughter. He might as well have bought and paid for her. And he makes me so mad. I hated him before I found out what he was doing and then I loathed him. Nora never believed that things could ever be any different. This was her life. She looks happy from the outside. But she admits to Brand that she's not. She believes spending the summer with Brand will give her the strength to deal with what's to come in the fall. But a summer of Brand could never be enough of Brand or for Brand.
Brand. I have no words for the way Brand grew up. My heart hurts and my mama bear claws are out. I want to kick some character behind on his behalf. But Brand doesn't need my help. He can kick some behind on his own. He endures it and is a good person despite it. Graduate of West Point and a decorated Ranger, he's the kind of guy you want coming to your rescue. He protects what's his. He resists Nora because a fling is not his thing. And he can't offer her anything more. His heart has been shredded in the past and he's not going to risk it again. But as their friendship grows, he learns he can't resist Nora.
The story is fast paced and very sexy. These two together are adorable. If you missed my Teaser Tuesday yesterday, you should check it out because it's a fun moment between them. I had a few questions about Brands recovery and such that gave me pause. It's the only reason this one didn't get 5 stars but I loved them together.
If you've read the rest of this series, then this one needs to be next. It can easily be read stand alone and it's a sexy, fast read. It has what's great about New Adult mixed with some surprises. Anyone who loves NA, will love it.
July 7, 2014
Review originally published at A Belle's Tales.
Fans of the Beautifully Broken series have been longing for lovable ex-Army Ranger Branden Killien to have his own book, and Ms. Cole didn't disappoint us one bit. Brand was everything I'd dreamed he'd be and more. I've wanted Brand to have his happy ending ever since I met him in If You Leave and especially after what transpired in Before We Fall. A guy like Brand shouldn't have had his heart broken like he did. He has his battle scars, but the most troubling ones are those that were left on his heart. And even though he's been through hell and wrestles with a lot of doubt, will he see the possibility of a happily ever after with Nora Greene? And most importantly, does he have enough left in him to fight one more battle for Nora – and will she trust him enough to let him?
"She is tossed by the waves, but she does not sink."
I loved these two together! Nora was a feisty, bossy thing; and she was a lot of fun to read about. But when her demons were revealed, it was crushing. The one word I would use to describe Brand is strength. He’s been a rock for everyone around him – a brave soldier, an amazing friend to Gabe, and a rescuer for Jacey. I couldn’t imagine Brand ever having a weakness, but realizing he does and finding out what that weakness was cut my heart. If possible, I love him even more now.
"'Being brave doesn’t mean not being afraid…
it means being afraid and doing it anyway.'"
Courtney Cole always writes the most beautiful passages that work their way into my heart and make it impossible not to cry. Until We Fly was no exception. This story was perfectly paced, and I was captivated from beginning to end. I loved seeing Jacey and Gabe again, as well as other previous characters. This is a series that truly has something for everyone, and every reader will find a character that they can relate to and connect with. Brand and Nora's stories are incredibly gut-wrenching but offer so much hope and inspiration. This is a series that insists on being read again and again.
"'…The best things in life are worth the greatest risk. Sometimes, before we fall, we fly.'"
Fans of the Beautifully Broken series have been longing for lovable ex-Army Ranger Branden Killien to have his own book, and Ms. Cole didn't disappoint us one bit. Brand was everything I'd dreamed he'd be and more. I've wanted Brand to have his happy ending ever since I met him in If You Leave and especially after what transpired in Before We Fall. A guy like Brand shouldn't have had his heart broken like he did. He has his battle scars, but the most troubling ones are those that were left on his heart. And even though he's been through hell and wrestles with a lot of doubt, will he see the possibility of a happily ever after with Nora Greene? And most importantly, does he have enough left in him to fight one more battle for Nora – and will she trust him enough to let him?
"She is tossed by the waves, but she does not sink."
I loved these two together! Nora was a feisty, bossy thing; and she was a lot of fun to read about. But when her demons were revealed, it was crushing. The one word I would use to describe Brand is strength. He’s been a rock for everyone around him – a brave soldier, an amazing friend to Gabe, and a rescuer for Jacey. I couldn’t imagine Brand ever having a weakness, but realizing he does and finding out what that weakness was cut my heart. If possible, I love him even more now.
"'Being brave doesn’t mean not being afraid…
it means being afraid and doing it anyway.'"
Courtney Cole always writes the most beautiful passages that work their way into my heart and make it impossible not to cry. Until We Fly was no exception. This story was perfectly paced, and I was captivated from beginning to end. I loved seeing Jacey and Gabe again, as well as other previous characters. This is a series that truly has something for everyone, and every reader will find a character that they can relate to and connect with. Brand and Nora's stories are incredibly gut-wrenching but offer so much hope and inspiration. This is a series that insists on being read again and again.
"'…The best things in life are worth the greatest risk. Sometimes, before we fall, we fly.'"
August 1, 2014
This could have easily been a 5 star read for me except the ending kind of fell flat after a very riveting story.
The H is a mechanic's son, who bore the brunt of his father's abuse after the son was accused of not keeping tabs on his younger sister and she drowned. His life after his sister's death was one of physical and verbal abuse until now because his father has died.
The h is the daughter of one of the town's richest families. She has been groomed from when she was born to join the family business and do whatever she needs to do to keep her father happy and the company running smoothly. This includes unwanted attention from her uncle and now she's hiding a horrible secret and knows that at the end of the summer when she goes to work fulltime for her father, that horrible secret will probably multiply ten fold.
Her whole life, the h has secretly longed for the mechanic's son and since she sees her life becoming a living hell after the summer, she makes it her goal to spend her remaining free days in his arms and in his bed. They share secrets, share dreams and share love, until her father threatens the H and the h must end their relationship.
The ending, while it was satisfying in the relationship vein, just was not as well thought out and interesting as the rest of the book. But, overall, I did really enjoy the book and would recommend it to others.
The H is a mechanic's son, who bore the brunt of his father's abuse after the son was accused of not keeping tabs on his younger sister and she drowned. His life after his sister's death was one of physical and verbal abuse until now because his father has died.
The h is the daughter of one of the town's richest families. She has been groomed from when she was born to join the family business and do whatever she needs to do to keep her father happy and the company running smoothly. This includes unwanted attention from her uncle and now she's hiding a horrible secret and knows that at the end of the summer when she goes to work fulltime for her father, that horrible secret will probably multiply ten fold.
Her whole life, the h has secretly longed for the mechanic's son and since she sees her life becoming a living hell after the summer, she makes it her goal to spend her remaining free days in his arms and in his bed. They share secrets, share dreams and share love, until her father threatens the H and the h must end their relationship.
The ending, while it was satisfying in the relationship vein, just was not as well thought out and interesting as the rest of the book. But, overall, I did really enjoy the book and would recommend it to others.
January 31, 2015
5 amazingly spectacular stars.
I have no words. No words that can adequately express how incredible this series was and how captivating this particular story.
Brand's story was so heartbreakingly bad, both for the boy and the amazing man he came to be. Nora's story was shocking when it came to light. Together they were so awesome in how they understood and helped heal each other. The epilogue was perfect in how it brought most of our characters back together. I adored the little twist and admit to some tears. (ok, a lot...)
This story has stayed with me long after I finished the last page. Absolutely amazing.
I have no words. No words that can adequately express how incredible this series was and how captivating this particular story.
Brand's story was so heartbreakingly bad, both for the boy and the amazing man he came to be. Nora's story was shocking when it came to light. Together they were so awesome in how they understood and helped heal each other. The epilogue was perfect in how it brought most of our characters back together. I adored the little twist and admit to some tears. (ok, a lot...)
This story has stayed with me long after I finished the last page. Absolutely amazing.
Want to read
December 29, 2014Cover Reveal!!!!
January 29, 2015
Fantástico, como todos los libros de esta serie. Tenía ganas de saber más de Brand desde que leí If you leave.
Nora me ha sorprendido durante todo el libro. No me esperaba que fuera tan lanzada y decidida para conseguir lo que quiere; y fuerte para soportar todo lo que Maxwell y William (unos j**** enfermos) la han hecho pasar.
Brand es totalmente un héroe. Ha pasado por muchas cosas en subida, entre su familia y Afganistán, pero nunca se ha dado por vencido.
El final ha sido perfecto.
Nora me ha sorprendido durante todo el libro. No me esperaba que fuera tan lanzada y decidida para conseguir lo que quiere; y fuerte para soportar todo lo que Maxwell y William (unos j**** enfermos) la han hecho pasar.
Brand es totalmente un héroe. Ha pasado por muchas cosas en subida, entre su familia y Afganistán, pero nunca se ha dado por vencido.
El final ha sido perfecto.
February 18, 2015
3.5 stars***
I loved Brand in all the books and was So happy he was getting his own story after his heartbreak with Jacey. But I just didn't feel the connection between him and Nora. It was good to get his early years and what made him the man he was but I felt the romance side needed more development. I'm still a big fan of Brand he was just such a solid character.
I loved Brand in all the books and was So happy he was getting his own story after his heartbreak with Jacey. But I just didn't feel the connection between him and Nora. It was good to get his early years and what made him the man he was but I felt the romance side needed more development. I'm still a big fan of Brand he was just such a solid character.
dnf
April 13, 2018DNF at 52%
So I have a problem with this book and its called "Nora Greene". The male protagonist, Brand, is actually pretty amazing. But I can't stand Nora. She ruined this book for me, so I'm gonna DNF it, because I feel that if I keep reading it, I just won't like it.
So I have a problem with this book and its called "Nora Greene". The male protagonist, Brand, is actually pretty amazing. But I can't stand Nora. She ruined this book for me, so I'm gonna DNF it, because I feel that if I keep reading it, I just won't like it.
July 19, 2014
4 stars – Contemporary Romance
August 29, 2014
"You will not sink, Nora. You've been tossed my the waves, but you will not sink. No matter what."
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