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Bluegrass Empires #1
The Feud: Bluegrass Empires, Book 1
As the oldest of his siblings, Ethan Blackburn bears the weight of responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Blackburn Farms, the largest Saddlebred breeding and training facility in Kentucky. Serious, gruff and solely focused on the success of the family business, Ethan isn’t one to mince words or waste time on anything that doesn’t further his interests. But when his meticulous world is upended by a shadowed secret brought into the light, Ethan is sent into a tailspin.
Marcie DeLeon just navigated her way through a bitter divorce, now intent on reimagining her life as a single career woman. She’s not looking to revisit the burden of a relationship anytime soon but when Ethan turns to her for help, she can’t help but lend a sympathetic ear to the handsome and broody man.
Ethan and Marcie are strangers who find a common thread to weave them together, creating a bond neither were seeking but both are loathe to walk away from. When Ethan faces a high-stakes battle against his family’s bitter enemy, he knows without a doubt there is nothing he won’t do to win the fight. Ready to give of himself completely, Ethan prepares to face-off with his foe hoping that no matter what the outcome, Marcie will be by his side in the end.
The Feud is a friends to lovers novel within the Bluegrass Empires series. All books in the series can be enjoyed as standalones.
Marcie DeLeon just navigated her way through a bitter divorce, now intent on reimagining her life as a single career woman. She’s not looking to revisit the burden of a relationship anytime soon but when Ethan turns to her for help, she can’t help but lend a sympathetic ear to the handsome and broody man.
Ethan and Marcie are strangers who find a common thread to weave them together, creating a bond neither were seeking but both are loathe to walk away from. When Ethan faces a high-stakes battle against his family’s bitter enemy, he knows without a doubt there is nothing he won’t do to win the fight. Ready to give of himself completely, Ethan prepares to face-off with his foe hoping that no matter what the outcome, Marcie will be by his side in the end.
The Feud is a friends to lovers novel within the Bluegrass Empires series. All books in the series can be enjoyed as standalones.
Audible Audio
First published June 25, 2024
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About the author
Sawyer Bennett
168 books14.4k followersNew York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
June 9, 2024
I was not expecting this book at all... but it was just what I needed.
Single Dad. Yup.
Cowboy. Yeehaw.
Centuries long feud. Oh Lord.
Accidental pregnancy from one drunken night 9+ years ago. uh oh.
And wait... the romance ISN'T between said one night stand! Huh?
Ethan Blackburn is the eldest in the family and he is very focused on the business. He doesn't have time for more than flings. But then... he learns that he has a secret child. With his nemesis and even worse than that... she has sadly passed away and left said child in his care. So yeah, that's tossing his whole life into disarray.
But he doesn't count on how immediately he wants to love his child and he is desperate to connect with her. He's fighting against her upbringing with his rival family and his own prejudices as well. So watching him work through that and do what's best for Sylvie was really beautiful.
Enter our heroine, Marcie, who is Sylvie's new principal and a champion for helping her acclimate and find her place. She and Ethan connect instantly and it's really just a matter of time for them to get together. She is such a kind woman and a wonderful advocate for all the children under her care. I was really rooting for her and Ethan to connect and live happily ever after.
Overall, this book was quieter than I was expecting. The focus was on the father and daughter connection as much as the romance. I really loved this family and I felt their warmth and joy towards Sylvie and Marcie as they both enter their family.
I am very intrigued for The Forbidden and to see the Mardraggon side of the feud. Because for all that I didn't like his family... I see potential in a romance with Kat.. IYKYK
5 Stars
2 on the spice scale.
CW: death from cancer, attempted harm to a child.
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and Sawyer Bennett for an ALC of this title.*
Single Dad. Yup.
Cowboy. Yeehaw.
Centuries long feud. Oh Lord.
Accidental pregnancy from one drunken night 9+ years ago. uh oh.
And wait... the romance ISN'T between said one night stand! Huh?
Ethan Blackburn is the eldest in the family and he is very focused on the business. He doesn't have time for more than flings. But then... he learns that he has a secret child. With his nemesis and even worse than that... she has sadly passed away and left said child in his care. So yeah, that's tossing his whole life into disarray.
But he doesn't count on how immediately he wants to love his child and he is desperate to connect with her. He's fighting against her upbringing with his rival family and his own prejudices as well. So watching him work through that and do what's best for Sylvie was really beautiful.
Enter our heroine, Marcie, who is Sylvie's new principal and a champion for helping her acclimate and find her place. She and Ethan connect instantly and it's really just a matter of time for them to get together. She is such a kind woman and a wonderful advocate for all the children under her care. I was really rooting for her and Ethan to connect and live happily ever after.
Overall, this book was quieter than I was expecting. The focus was on the father and daughter connection as much as the romance. I really loved this family and I felt their warmth and joy towards Sylvie and Marcie as they both enter their family.
I am very intrigued for The Forbidden and to see the Mardraggon side of the feud. Because for all that I didn't like his family... I see potential in a romance with Kat.. IYKYK
5 Stars
2 on the spice scale.
CW: death from cancer, attempted harm to a child.
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and Sawyer Bennett for an ALC of this title.*
July 20, 2024
Not bad. The audiobook narration elevated the story imo.
This takes place in Kentucky where the author used two of the things the state is most famous for: Horses and Whiskey to ground her to rival families.
In one corner we have the Horsey family, the Blackburns. And in the other corner we have the Whiskey family, the Mardraggons (..I am sorry I just could not take that name seriously...). These are not just rivals but straight up enemies of the Montague/Capulet sort. They hate each other. The enmity is based on an incident that resulted in the deaths of two young lovers from their family during the CIvil War days. The hatred has been crystallized over the years and the families have perpetuated for so long that by this point in time rationality has left the building.
But hormones are gonna hormone and 10 years ago Ethan Blackburn (the oldest son and heir of the Blackburns) got it on with Alaine Mardraggon (younger daughter of the Mardraggons) one night while they were both drunk. He went his way and she went hers to France.
However, she did not go away unscathed as she was pregnant with Ethan's child. Now fast forward back to the present and Alaine has died and in her will wants 9-year old Sylvie to be raised by Ethan, and not by her own family. Dun.Dun. DUNNNNN! Cue dramah!
Ethan is gobsmacked to learn ten years later he is a father, and his daughter is also a Mardraggon! So now he has to contend with a grieving, hostile little girl, the Mardraggons, and his own doubts about being a father since he has always felt he could not commit to any one person.
Luckily we have Marcie. Marcie is the Principal at Sylvie's school who Ethan turns to for advice and slowly comes to love.
This is a slow burn romance and kinda-family saga all at once. All of the drama, plot and conflict centers around the parentage issue and navigating the waters with the family rivalry. The romance itself is rather meh. Marcie is level headed and gives great advice, and Ethan and she decide they are in love in the end.
I liked the overall story and the vibe of the book and the narrators of the audiobook were superb.
I could not rate it higher for a couple of reasons:
1) the romance was meh. I can absolutely love books where the romance was meh but everything else was crack-a-lackin' along. But this was not quite there. The family rivalry/secret child plot was good, but it didn't kick into that higher register of really great. The place where I could handwave the 'eh' feeling I got from the romance.
2) the author's tendency to stop action or momentum to describe a room. Like really? Ethan is about to come face to face with his hated rivals after a bomb revelation and we have to stop and talk about the wainscotting, the drop ceilings, and the italian flooring? This happened a couple of times where the action was paused to go into DEEP detail about room decor. I mean, I like to visualize a room and all but there was questionable placement sometimes. DItto with first person POV describing themselves in a way no person ever thinks of themselves (e.g. my cornflower blue eyes and red flowing hair).
3)The writing for Sylvie felt discordant to me. She is a 9 year old who felt more like she should have been 15 or 16. I know some kids can be mature for their ages, but Sylvie spoke and acted with a maturity that was jarring. Also she was really an asshole for the whole first part of the book.. Hey, I get a grieving kid acting out. But there were times when she was manipulative, bitchy and cruel -- again in a way that felt waaay too mature for a 9-year-old. And again... luckily we had Marcie. I will say the author wrote Marcie very well. She was pure grown folks! And her come-to-Jesus talk with Sylvie turned the tide. It was the perfect balance of reasonable and authoritative without being mean. It was exactly the way someone should talk to a child acting out. And, also to the author's credit, she let Sylvie hear the words. I swear I wanted to reach through the book and throat punch that kid. I HATE bratty children (and no, I am not talking about toddlers, they don't know how to use words) but a child who is written like a 16 year old who acted the way this child did deserves a throat punch. But again, luckily, I loved the growth and ended up really liking Sylvie. She still was written too old for her age, imo, but the character was much more enjoyable in the back half of the book.
The Mardraggons feel one-dimensional. I get it, this was largely from Ethan' POV so his perception of them should be skewed. And there is obvious sequel-bait for the one Mardraggon who comes off as rather decent if stand-offish.
So this was a good listen and whetted my interest enough for the sequel.
This takes place in Kentucky where the author used two of the things the state is most famous for: Horses and Whiskey to ground her to rival families.
In one corner we have the Horsey family, the Blackburns. And in the other corner we have the Whiskey family, the Mardraggons (..I am sorry I just could not take that name seriously...). These are not just rivals but straight up enemies of the Montague/Capulet sort. They hate each other. The enmity is based on an incident that resulted in the deaths of two young lovers from their family during the CIvil War days. The hatred has been crystallized over the years and the families have perpetuated for so long that by this point in time rationality has left the building.
But hormones are gonna hormone and 10 years ago Ethan Blackburn (the oldest son and heir of the Blackburns) got it on with Alaine Mardraggon (younger daughter of the Mardraggons) one night while they were both drunk. He went his way and she went hers to France.
However, she did not go away unscathed as she was pregnant with Ethan's child. Now fast forward back to the present and Alaine has died and in her will wants 9-year old Sylvie to be raised by Ethan, and not by her own family. Dun.Dun. DUNNNNN! Cue dramah!
Ethan is gobsmacked to learn ten years later he is a father, and his daughter is also a Mardraggon! So now he has to contend with a grieving, hostile little girl, the Mardraggons, and his own doubts about being a father since he has always felt he could not commit to any one person.
Luckily we have Marcie. Marcie is the Principal at Sylvie's school who Ethan turns to for advice and slowly comes to love.
This is a slow burn romance and kinda-family saga all at once. All of the drama, plot and conflict centers around the parentage issue and navigating the waters with the family rivalry. The romance itself is rather meh. Marcie is level headed and gives great advice, and Ethan and she decide they are in love in the end.
I liked the overall story and the vibe of the book and the narrators of the audiobook were superb.
I could not rate it higher for a couple of reasons:
1) the romance was meh. I can absolutely love books where the romance was meh but everything else was crack-a-lackin' along. But this was not quite there. The family rivalry/secret child plot was good, but it didn't kick into that higher register of really great. The place where I could handwave the 'eh' feeling I got from the romance.
2) the author's tendency to stop action or momentum to describe a room. Like really? Ethan is about to come face to face with his hated rivals after a bomb revelation and we have to stop and talk about the wainscotting, the drop ceilings, and the italian flooring? This happened a couple of times where the action was paused to go into DEEP detail about room decor. I mean, I like to visualize a room and all but there was questionable placement sometimes. DItto with first person POV describing themselves in a way no person ever thinks of themselves (e.g. my cornflower blue eyes and red flowing hair).
3)The writing for Sylvie felt discordant to me. She is a 9 year old who felt more like she should have been 15 or 16. I know some kids can be mature for their ages, but Sylvie spoke and acted with a maturity that was jarring. Also she was really an asshole for the whole first part of the book.. Hey, I get a grieving kid acting out. But there were times when she was manipulative, bitchy and cruel -- again in a way that felt waaay too mature for a 9-year-old. And again... luckily we had Marcie. I will say the author wrote Marcie very well. She was pure grown folks! And her come-to-Jesus talk with Sylvie turned the tide. It was the perfect balance of reasonable and authoritative without being mean. It was exactly the way someone should talk to a child acting out. And, also to the author's credit, she let Sylvie hear the words. I swear I wanted to reach through the book and throat punch that kid. I HATE bratty children (and no, I am not talking about toddlers, they don't know how to use words) but a child who is written like a 16 year old who acted the way this child did deserves a throat punch. But again, luckily, I loved the growth and ended up really liking Sylvie. She still was written too old for her age, imo, but the character was much more enjoyable in the back half of the book.
The Mardraggons feel one-dimensional. I get it, this was largely from Ethan' POV so his perception of them should be skewed. And there is obvious sequel-bait for the one Mardraggon who comes off as rather decent if stand-offish.
So this was a good listen and whetted my interest enough for the sequel.
July 14, 2024
Read if you like: Single dad romance, cowboys, family sagas, emotional journeys, small-town settings.
📚 Ethan Blackburn, the eldest of his siblings, runs Blackburn Farms, the largest Saddlebred breeding and training facility in Kentucky. His life is meticulously organized until a long-hidden secret disrupts his world, sending him into a tailspin and challenging his meticulously planned life.
👨👧 Ethan’s transformation from a gruff, business-focused man to someone willing to embrace change is heartwarming. His journey to find balance between personal happiness and professional responsibilities forms the emotional core of the story. Watching Ethan navigate these changes is both touching and inspiring.
💞 Enter Marcie DeLeon, who has just come out of a bitter divorce and is not looking for love. However, her compassion and kindness draw Ethan in. Their bond is natural and inevitable, providing a beautiful balance to the family drama. Marcie’s supportive presence helps Ethan navigate his new reality, and their romance blooms sweetly and steadily.
👧 Marcie’s role as a principal and advocate for children adds depth to her character, making her more than just a love interest. Her interactions with Ethan showcase her empathy and strength, making her a standout character.
✍️ Sawyer Bennett’s writing is engaging and heartfelt, balancing the emotional weight of the story with moments of levity. The focus on family dynamics and personal growth enriches the narrative, making it more than just a romance.
🌟 Overall, "The Feud" is a touching tale of unexpected challenges, love, and overcoming deep-seated enmity. The quieter moments of family connection are as compelling as the romance, making this a well-rounded and satisfying read.
📲 General QOTD: What’s the most unexpected challenge you’ve faced that turned out to be a blessing in disguise?
#BookReview #TheFeud #SawyerBennett #SingleDadRomance #CowboyRomance #FamilySaga #EmotionalJourney #SmallTownRomance #HeartwarmingReads #RomanceReaders #BookRecommendations
📚 Ethan Blackburn, the eldest of his siblings, runs Blackburn Farms, the largest Saddlebred breeding and training facility in Kentucky. His life is meticulously organized until a long-hidden secret disrupts his world, sending him into a tailspin and challenging his meticulously planned life.
👨👧 Ethan’s transformation from a gruff, business-focused man to someone willing to embrace change is heartwarming. His journey to find balance between personal happiness and professional responsibilities forms the emotional core of the story. Watching Ethan navigate these changes is both touching and inspiring.
💞 Enter Marcie DeLeon, who has just come out of a bitter divorce and is not looking for love. However, her compassion and kindness draw Ethan in. Their bond is natural and inevitable, providing a beautiful balance to the family drama. Marcie’s supportive presence helps Ethan navigate his new reality, and their romance blooms sweetly and steadily.
👧 Marcie’s role as a principal and advocate for children adds depth to her character, making her more than just a love interest. Her interactions with Ethan showcase her empathy and strength, making her a standout character.
✍️ Sawyer Bennett’s writing is engaging and heartfelt, balancing the emotional weight of the story with moments of levity. The focus on family dynamics and personal growth enriches the narrative, making it more than just a romance.
🌟 Overall, "The Feud" is a touching tale of unexpected challenges, love, and overcoming deep-seated enmity. The quieter moments of family connection are as compelling as the romance, making this a well-rounded and satisfying read.
📲 General QOTD: What’s the most unexpected challenge you’ve faced that turned out to be a blessing in disguise?
#BookReview #TheFeud #SawyerBennett #SingleDadRomance #CowboyRomance #FamilySaga #EmotionalJourney #SmallTownRomance #HeartwarmingReads #RomanceReaders #BookRecommendations
October 20, 2024
I've never read a feuding family trope quite like this one, but that is something Sawyer Bennett tends to do well. That is take a good trope and turn it into a series unlike anything you've ever read.
Ethan finds out he got his one night stand with the daughter of the rival family pregnant years ago and now has a daughter coming to live with him and the kicker is she hates him. Her mother just died, her maternal grandparents filled her with lies and exaggerations and through her grief she struggles to make sense of anything and so she takes it out on her father's family.
I love how Ethan never gave up on Sylvie and fought for her in every sense. I also love how he fell for her principal while having her help with anything and everything about making Sylvie feel comfortable. It was such an ease as these two went on a few dates and then fell hard and I loved it!
Ethan finds out he got his one night stand with the daughter of the rival family pregnant years ago and now has a daughter coming to live with him and the kicker is she hates him. Her mother just died, her maternal grandparents filled her with lies and exaggerations and through her grief she struggles to make sense of anything and so she takes it out on her father's family.
I love how Ethan never gave up on Sylvie and fought for her in every sense. I also love how he fell for her principal while having her help with anything and everything about making Sylvie feel comfortable. It was such an ease as these two went on a few dates and then fell hard and I loved it!
June 19, 2024
Miss Bennett starts off her new Bluegrass Empire series with a bang. The Blackburn and Mardraggon families have hated each other for years. Ethan Blackburn discovers that he has a nine-year-old daughter from a one night drunken fling with Alaine Mardraggon. Needless to say that puts both families in a tizzy and pretty much upsets Ethan‘s whole life as he knows it. His daughter Sylvie hates him and his family, even though she’s never met them. When he ends up with custody life at the Blackburn home becomes very tense. Thankfully, Ethan develops a friendship with the principal at Sylvie school who seems to have a calming influence on the girl.
I really enjoyed watching Ethan and Marcy‘s relationship develop as well as Ethan and Sylvie’s. This whole story wrapped around the idea of big life changes and having to adapt while struggling with years of antipathy towards your child’s family. Marcy has issues of her own from her previous marriage. The story just kept getting better and better with some exciting twists throughout. This book was a great mix of family drama, romance, and even some evil doings. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, The Forbidden
.
I really enjoyed watching Ethan and Marcy‘s relationship develop as well as Ethan and Sylvie’s. This whole story wrapped around the idea of big life changes and having to adapt while struggling with years of antipathy towards your child’s family. Marcy has issues of her own from her previous marriage. The story just kept getting better and better with some exciting twists throughout. This book was a great mix of family drama, romance, and even some evil doings. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, The Forbidden
.
June 19, 2024
5 Star Review The Feud (Bluegrass Empires #1) by Sawyer Bennett
eBook/Audio:
I was excited when I heard that Sawyer Bennett had a new series, Bluegrass Empires, releasing. It was everything I was hoping for and more. I quickly became invested in Ethan Blackburn and Marcie DeLeon’s story as it ticked all the boxes for me. Well written, you cannot help but be drawn into the story that Ms. Bennett wove. When Ethan suddenly find himself the father to nine year old daughter Sylvie, he is shocked as it sets in motion a chain of events that ne never expected.
I fell hard and fast for Ethan, he is my idea of a true book boyfriend, not only swoon worthy but caring, protective and reliable, stepping up when many would not whilst Marcie is the sort of woman that you would want by your side as a friend.
The Feud was a good balance of romance, drama and suspense and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. The performances by Sean Masters and Kit Swann were wonderful. Their voices are easy to listen to and they did justice to the characters and the story Ms. Moreland wove. They brought out the passion and emotions that Ethan, Dom and Sylvie went through and I was riveted to their performances.
]
eBook/Audio:
I was excited when I heard that Sawyer Bennett had a new series, Bluegrass Empires, releasing. It was everything I was hoping for and more. I quickly became invested in Ethan Blackburn and Marcie DeLeon’s story as it ticked all the boxes for me. Well written, you cannot help but be drawn into the story that Ms. Bennett wove. When Ethan suddenly find himself the father to nine year old daughter Sylvie, he is shocked as it sets in motion a chain of events that ne never expected.
I fell hard and fast for Ethan, he is my idea of a true book boyfriend, not only swoon worthy but caring, protective and reliable, stepping up when many would not whilst Marcie is the sort of woman that you would want by your side as a friend.
The Feud was a good balance of romance, drama and suspense and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. The performances by Sean Masters and Kit Swann were wonderful. Their voices are easy to listen to and they did justice to the characters and the story Ms. Moreland wove. They brought out the passion and emotions that Ethan, Dom and Sylvie went through and I was riveted to their performances.
]
June 16, 2024
4.5/5
Ohh my first by the author and def not my last this was great! I loved the longtime feud between the families and the drama was sooo good. The romance was authentic feeling and sweet but also spicy and the narrators were 🤌🏻💋 I loved Kit Swann’s accents, she was fantastic and Sean Masters had that gruff cowboy voice nailed!
Ohh my first by the author and def not my last this was great! I loved the longtime feud between the families and the drama was sooo good. The romance was authentic feeling and sweet but also spicy and the narrators were 🤌🏻💋 I loved Kit Swann’s accents, she was fantastic and Sean Masters had that gruff cowboy voice nailed!
August 4, 2024
I listened to the audio version. This book was well written and had excellent narrators. It was an interesting story - dealing with family sadness, angst and drama, as well as a slow burn romance.
November 6, 2025
audio review
i love a good cowboy romance and sawyer bennett blew me away with this one!
first of all, the narrators were fabulous and i had a hard time putting this book down!
and the drama in this damn story?! IT KEPT ME FED!!! it was everything i needed! a century long feud and an accidental pregnancy from one drunken night over 9 years ago... delish!
thank you soo much to my loves at must love audio and sawyer bennett for an ALC of this title!
i love a good cowboy romance and sawyer bennett blew me away with this one!
first of all, the narrators were fabulous and i had a hard time putting this book down!
and the drama in this damn story?! IT KEPT ME FED!!! it was everything i needed! a century long feud and an accidental pregnancy from one drunken night over 9 years ago... delish!
thank you soo much to my loves at must love audio and sawyer bennett for an ALC of this title!
July 3, 2024
The Feud- Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by Sean Masters and Kit Swann
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Talk about a gut wrencher! This was my first Sawyer Bennett book, so I wasn’t familiar with her writing but I gobbled this up in one sitting and it had me so captivated, I didn’t even realize I was coming up to the end of the book. It is a bit of a slow burn and I think it could do with a bit more spice but I understand with the emotional nature of the plot that it may not have fit.
We’ve got horse breeder/trainer and rancher Ethan who just came to find out he was a father after a one night stand with the daughter of his family’s biggest enemy. Since Ethan has learned of Sylvie’s existence, he learned Sylvie’s mom had moved to France after their one night together to run the winery side of her family’s business and has since passed away, leaving Sylvie to have to move back to the US so Ethan can raise her per the last request of her mother. Seeking all the help he can with a moody, grief stricken child who has seemingly been fed lies about their families’ feud, he reaches out to the principal of her new school, Marcie. Marcie has recently gotten over a bitter divorce. She’s been an advocate and sounding board for Sylvie through her transition to a whole new life. The more time Marcie and Ethan spend together the more they start developing feelings. As things seem to be settling for everyone, the centuries long feud starts to rear its head as discussions of the winery start coming up.
Sean and Kit did phenomenal with this narration. This is the first I’ve heard Sean narrate and it was so good. He’s going an industry favorite, I can tell now. And Kit does so good every time. Her accents were phenomenal especially a young child’s French accent!
Narrated by Sean Masters and Kit Swann
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Talk about a gut wrencher! This was my first Sawyer Bennett book, so I wasn’t familiar with her writing but I gobbled this up in one sitting and it had me so captivated, I didn’t even realize I was coming up to the end of the book. It is a bit of a slow burn and I think it could do with a bit more spice but I understand with the emotional nature of the plot that it may not have fit.
We’ve got horse breeder/trainer and rancher Ethan who just came to find out he was a father after a one night stand with the daughter of his family’s biggest enemy. Since Ethan has learned of Sylvie’s existence, he learned Sylvie’s mom had moved to France after their one night together to run the winery side of her family’s business and has since passed away, leaving Sylvie to have to move back to the US so Ethan can raise her per the last request of her mother. Seeking all the help he can with a moody, grief stricken child who has seemingly been fed lies about their families’ feud, he reaches out to the principal of her new school, Marcie. Marcie has recently gotten over a bitter divorce. She’s been an advocate and sounding board for Sylvie through her transition to a whole new life. The more time Marcie and Ethan spend together the more they start developing feelings. As things seem to be settling for everyone, the centuries long feud starts to rear its head as discussions of the winery start coming up.
Sean and Kit did phenomenal with this narration. This is the first I’ve heard Sean narrate and it was so good. He’s going an industry favorite, I can tell now. And Kit does so good every time. Her accents were phenomenal especially a young child’s French accent!
July 8, 2024
This is Abby’s family’s series from Code Name: Omega it was great seeing her and Kellen for a bit in this story.
Welcome to Blackburn Farms, Kentucky's largest saddlebred breeding and training facility. Now that his father has retired and his parents are traveling more, Ethan Blackburn runs the daily operations with the help of his siblings. But things are about to change a bit when he receives information about fathering a child with his enemy's daughter ten years earlier. Ethan knew nothing about Sylvie but was given guardianship of her in her mother's Last Will and Testament. Can this single guy make fatherhood work, or will he screw things up, and Sylvie will be forced to go back to her grandparents, that aren't the best influences?
Ethan is a standup guy who wants to provide a safe and loving environment for his daughter, so he enlists the help of her school principal, Marcie DeLeon. With Sylvie acting out and Ethan at his wit's end, Marcie is determined to help the two find common ground and hopes their relationship will bloom.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewTF
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
Welcome to Blackburn Farms, Kentucky's largest saddlebred breeding and training facility. Now that his father has retired and his parents are traveling more, Ethan Blackburn runs the daily operations with the help of his siblings. But things are about to change a bit when he receives information about fathering a child with his enemy's daughter ten years earlier. Ethan knew nothing about Sylvie but was given guardianship of her in her mother's Last Will and Testament. Can this single guy make fatherhood work, or will he screw things up, and Sylvie will be forced to go back to her grandparents, that aren't the best influences?
Ethan is a standup guy who wants to provide a safe and loving environment for his daughter, so he enlists the help of her school principal, Marcie DeLeon. With Sylvie acting out and Ethan at his wit's end, Marcie is determined to help the two find common ground and hopes their relationship will bloom.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewTF
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
June 13, 2024
I love this new series Ms. Bennett started. The Blackburn and Mardraggon feud is crazy and has lasted for so many years I wonder if the memories that have been handed down have been embellished. Ethan Blackburn took over the duties of running their horse farm in Kentucky when his parents retired and wanted to travel more. Can you imagine how Ethan felt when he finds out he has a nine year old daughter from a drunken one night stand with a Mardraggon! Sylvie had been raised in France where her mother owned a winery that Sylvie had grown up to love. After a DNA is run, it is confirmed that Ethan is Sylvia’s biological father. Sylvie was not happy to be taken to Ethan’s house and shows her anger is so many ways. The best way was when she spoke French to everyone and they had no idea what she said. I was happy to see that Marcie, the local elementary principal, offered to help with Sylvie. I loved that she had a crush on Ethan, but had never let on. She was so good with Sylvie and knew how and what to say to her. It was so sweet watching the family show Sylvie so much love as well as see Marcie and Ethan become friends. Something terrible happens that you would not believe. I loved the story and strongly encourage you to read it.
July 8, 2024
Sawyer Bennett’s first book of a brand new series the Bluegrass Empires, ‘‘The Feud’’, dives deep into the tangled web of family legacy and unexpected connections in the heart of Kentucky’s horse country. Set against the backdrop of Blackburn Farms, the largest American Saddlebred breeding and training facility, this novel intertwines romance with generations-old animosities, crafting a story that is as passionate as it is poignant.
At the helm of Blackburn Farms is Ethan Blackburn, a man whose world is meticulously ordered until a long-hidden secret shatters his carefully constructed life. Discovering he has a nine-year-old daughter, Sylvie, from a past liaison with Alaine Mardraggon thrusts Ethan into uncharted territory, forcing him to confront not only his newfound fatherhood but also the bitter feud that has divided their families for years.
Enter Marcie DeLeon, a resilient woman navigating her post-divorce journey, who unexpectedly becomes a pivotal figure in Ethan and Sylvie’s lives. As Ethan seeks to bridge the gap with his estranged daughter, Marcie offers unwavering support, gradually unraveling the layers of both Ethan’s guarded heart and the longstanding rivalry between the Blackburns and Mardraggons.
Fans of Bennett’s ‘‘Code Name: Omega’’ might recall a glimpse of Ethan, who didn’t quite make a favorable impression then. However, ‘‘The Feud’’ allows readers to see beyond his gruff exterior, revealing a man deeply committed to his family and willing to fight for those he loves. This deeper exploration of Ethan's character adds a rich layer to the story, making his journey of growth and redemption all the more satisfying.
Bennett weaves a tale that is equal parts heartwarming and intense, drawing readers into a narrative brimming with familial drama, tender moments, and unforeseen twists. From the lush landscapes of Kentucky to the complexities of building trust and love amidst longstanding grudges, ‘‘The Feud’’ captivates with its rich storytelling and compelling characters.
For fans of Sawyer Bennett, this novel is a testament to her ability to blend romance with deep emotional resonance, crafting a narrative that lingers long after the final page. ‘‘The Feud’’ is a standalone gem within the Bluegrass Empires series and a testament to the power of love and forgiveness amidst familial strife.
Grab your copy of ‘‘The Feud’’ and prepare to be swept away into a world where passion and tradition collide, forever changing hearts.
Happy reading!
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Yes
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review was originally posted on: https://miabookaddict.com/
At the helm of Blackburn Farms is Ethan Blackburn, a man whose world is meticulously ordered until a long-hidden secret shatters his carefully constructed life. Discovering he has a nine-year-old daughter, Sylvie, from a past liaison with Alaine Mardraggon thrusts Ethan into uncharted territory, forcing him to confront not only his newfound fatherhood but also the bitter feud that has divided their families for years.
Enter Marcie DeLeon, a resilient woman navigating her post-divorce journey, who unexpectedly becomes a pivotal figure in Ethan and Sylvie’s lives. As Ethan seeks to bridge the gap with his estranged daughter, Marcie offers unwavering support, gradually unraveling the layers of both Ethan’s guarded heart and the longstanding rivalry between the Blackburns and Mardraggons.
Fans of Bennett’s ‘‘Code Name: Omega’’ might recall a glimpse of Ethan, who didn’t quite make a favorable impression then. However, ‘‘The Feud’’ allows readers to see beyond his gruff exterior, revealing a man deeply committed to his family and willing to fight for those he loves. This deeper exploration of Ethan's character adds a rich layer to the story, making his journey of growth and redemption all the more satisfying.
Bennett weaves a tale that is equal parts heartwarming and intense, drawing readers into a narrative brimming with familial drama, tender moments, and unforeseen twists. From the lush landscapes of Kentucky to the complexities of building trust and love amidst longstanding grudges, ‘‘The Feud’’ captivates with its rich storytelling and compelling characters.
For fans of Sawyer Bennett, this novel is a testament to her ability to blend romance with deep emotional resonance, crafting a narrative that lingers long after the final page. ‘‘The Feud’’ is a standalone gem within the Bluegrass Empires series and a testament to the power of love and forgiveness amidst familial strife.
Grab your copy of ‘‘The Feud’’ and prepare to be swept away into a world where passion and tradition collide, forever changing hearts.
Happy reading!
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Yes
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review was originally posted on: https://miabookaddict.com/
August 2, 2024
4.25*
What I liked :
*Great set-up to the series with the introduction of the main players and the century-long feud between the families.
*Ethan's evolution from stoic and work-obsessed to devoted single dad was done so well.
*Marcie was a dream. Such a calming force in their lives. So supportive. I loved how she was an advocate for Sylvie above all else.
*The relationship that developed between Ethan and Sylvie captured my heart. I loved their interactions and how Sylvie slowly embraced the Blackburn family.
*Ethan and Marcie actually like mature adults, talked through issues, and kept their priorities straight even as they explored a relationship.
*Very excited to continue the series!
But Not So Much :
*The lack of hands-on support for Sylvie at the beginning had me scratching my head. This little girl was grieving and yet no one talked to her about her mother or seemed to outwardly acknowledge how her entire life had imploded. Marcie changed that but I wish it had been handled even sooner.
*This is a minor quibble but the long-winded descriptions of the exterior of the Blackstone estate, every piece of furniture, the décor, the light fixtures, the architecture (and on and on) seemed never-ending. I've read many books by Bennett and have never run into this before so I don't know why she suddenly got so descriptive in this one.
What I liked :
*Great set-up to the series with the introduction of the main players and the century-long feud between the families.
*Ethan's evolution from stoic and work-obsessed to devoted single dad was done so well.
*Marcie was a dream. Such a calming force in their lives. So supportive. I loved how she was an advocate for Sylvie above all else.
*The relationship that developed between Ethan and Sylvie captured my heart. I loved their interactions and how Sylvie slowly embraced the Blackburn family.
*Ethan and Marcie actually like mature adults, talked through issues, and kept their priorities straight even as they explored a relationship.
*Very excited to continue the series!
But Not So Much :
*The lack of hands-on support for Sylvie at the beginning had me scratching my head. This little girl was grieving and yet no one talked to her about her mother or seemed to outwardly acknowledge how her entire life had imploded. Marcie changed that but I wish it had been handled even sooner.
*This is a minor quibble but the long-winded descriptions of the exterior of the Blackstone estate, every piece of furniture, the décor, the light fixtures, the architecture (and on and on) seemed never-ending. I've read many books by Bennett and have never run into this before so I don't know why she suddenly got so descriptive in this one.
June 25, 2024
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed The Feud by Sawyer Bennett.
The storyline is well written, emotional and getting to know the characters had me turning the pages late into the night as I just wanted to keep reading.
I enjoyed watching Ethan and Marcie getting to know each other and slowly allowing the growing feelings into their hearts. Marcie and Ethan both had past hurts they needed to work through but seeing them come together made my heart smile.
The Feud is a great start to the Bluegrass Empires series, can't wait for Katherine & Gabe's book The Forbidden: A Mardraggon Novel
Now Live!!!
Amazon:
https://bit.ly/469U5hK
Nook:
https://bit.ly/4685BKD
Apple:
https://bit.ly/3RHK8Ux
Google:
https://bit.ly/496V2J7
Kobo:
https://bit.ly/3PUMQok
I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I really enjoyed The Feud by Sawyer Bennett.
The storyline is well written, emotional and getting to know the characters had me turning the pages late into the night as I just wanted to keep reading.
I enjoyed watching Ethan and Marcie getting to know each other and slowly allowing the growing feelings into their hearts. Marcie and Ethan both had past hurts they needed to work through but seeing them come together made my heart smile.
The Feud is a great start to the Bluegrass Empires series, can't wait for Katherine & Gabe's book The Forbidden: A Mardraggon Novel
Now Live!!!
Amazon:
https://bit.ly/469U5hK
Nook:
https://bit.ly/4685BKD
Apple:
https://bit.ly/3RHK8Ux
Google:
https://bit.ly/496V2J7
Kobo:
https://bit.ly/3PUMQok
I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
July 22, 2024
I’ve been waiting for this series to start for a year and it did not disappoint. I have been warned this is a slow burn and even though they aren’t my favorite this I was OK with. I really enjoyed the storytelling with Ethan and Marcie and Sylvie. I think when Sylvie is older, I hope she has a book of her own because I think she’s going to be a powerhouse in everything she does. I love how she was written. She was bratty. She was sweet. She was curious. She was pissed everything you expect in a 9 to 10-year-old. Sawyer wrote her perfectly as a kid. I really enjoyed Ethan and Marci and their slow build to a relationship. It didn’t feel forced. I liked how their friendship started out and organically transformed into their own HEA. I liked all the family members and what they brought to the story. I remember Ethan in Abby‘s book and he is so different in this book in the best way. Also, it makes me want to live in their small town. I am so glad we do not have to wait long for the next book. Gabe and Kat I can already tell are gonna bring the heat.
June 20, 2024
A new series from Sawyer Bennett is always fun. I love getting to know the families and even a bit of pervious characters from other series…hi Kellan. The premise is that two very rich families live in the same town of Kentucky. A feud between the two families started hundreds of years ago continuing to this day. A young child is in the center of the current feud, and I loved Sylvie with all my heart. She was a one night stand between Ethan Blackburn and the Mardraggon daughter that results in Sylvie which Ethan did not know about. Mama dies and leaves word she wants Ethan to raise the child. Along comes Marcie, the elementary school principal to help guide Sylvie and Ethan to a better relationship. This was quite a story with the romance that blossoms between Marcie and Ethan but one I really got into. Loved that we learn who all the major players are in the Blackburn family, and at least one of the Mardraggons. Cant wait for the next book in the series!
January 17, 2026
4.25 stars
It took quite a while for this story to rev up in the romance department. A majority of the first half didn’t have any romance between Ethan and Marcie at all. It more was about family feuds, an unknown daughter, and raising daughter that was very much tied to the feuding families. Though understandable due to the circumstances, it was rough because there was so much turmoil, pain, and head butting. It really took over the entire book, and the romance was reduced to the sidelines because of that. However once emotional connections were made on all sides not just in the romantic sense either, the story soared. Things were very sweet and lovely. I was all for Ethan and Marcie getting their HEA. At the end of the day, the ending was very satisfying.
It took quite a while for this story to rev up in the romance department. A majority of the first half didn’t have any romance between Ethan and Marcie at all. It more was about family feuds, an unknown daughter, and raising daughter that was very much tied to the feuding families. Though understandable due to the circumstances, it was rough because there was so much turmoil, pain, and head butting. It really took over the entire book, and the romance was reduced to the sidelines because of that. However once emotional connections were made on all sides not just in the romantic sense either, the story soared. Things were very sweet and lovely. I was all for Ethan and Marcie getting their HEA. At the end of the day, the ending was very satisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2024
I was not prepared for the story and how much I was going to obsess over it. There is so much drama, passion, love, humor and pure craziness. Two rich families are involved in a feud spanning generations. It reminded me of a mix between the show Dallas/Dynasty, and the historical Hatfield-McCoy situation. Ethan Blackburn didn’t realize it until ten years later when an attorney showed up on his doorstep, but after he had a one night stand with one of the rival family members, she became pregnant. The attorney shows up to tell him she died and he has a daughter that is being left in his care. This does not sit well with the remaining members of the Mardraggon family, and all hell breaks loose. This was seriously an emotional roller coaster.
Ethan’s daughter, Sylvie, is quite the character, I adored her and felt terrible for everything she had to go through.
Aside from the family drama, there is the cutest love story between Ethan and Sylvie’s school principal, Marcie. Marcie is dealing with her own personal issues, but she steps in to help Ethan and Sylvie try to forge a healthy relationship. She is the sweetest and was a fantastic FMC.
This was actually my first Sawyer Bennett book and I will definitely be going through and reading her entire backlist! And I can’t wait to see what comes next in the 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴.
I was able to listen to the audiobook and it was incredible! I loved listening to Sean Masters (he nailed the gritty cowboy) and Kit Swann (the perfect southern sweetheart voice), and it was great listening to them read for Sylvie with her little French accent. I thought it was perfect!
Read/listen if you like:
🤠Single Dad
🍃Millionaire Cowboy
🤍Family Drama
🤠Friends to Lovers
🍃Grumpy/Sunshine
🤍Dual POV
🤠Spice
Ethan’s daughter, Sylvie, is quite the character, I adored her and felt terrible for everything she had to go through.
Aside from the family drama, there is the cutest love story between Ethan and Sylvie’s school principal, Marcie. Marcie is dealing with her own personal issues, but she steps in to help Ethan and Sylvie try to forge a healthy relationship. She is the sweetest and was a fantastic FMC.
This was actually my first Sawyer Bennett book and I will definitely be going through and reading her entire backlist! And I can’t wait to see what comes next in the 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴.
I was able to listen to the audiobook and it was incredible! I loved listening to Sean Masters (he nailed the gritty cowboy) and Kit Swann (the perfect southern sweetheart voice), and it was great listening to them read for Sylvie with her little French accent. I thought it was perfect!
Read/listen if you like:
🤠Single Dad
🍃Millionaire Cowboy
🤍Family Drama
🤠Friends to Lovers
🍃Grumpy/Sunshine
🤍Dual POV
🤠Spice
June 26, 2024
The Feud❤️🩹
Oh my gosh, I had only planned on reading a few chapters of this book, as the book I was reading I was struggling with…only to discover I finished it in one sitting. This book is just a phenomenal start to the feud between the Blackburns and the Mardraggons and other than the next book Forbidden coming out in a July, I’m seriously hoping for more of this series🤞
I feel like words don’t always sufficiently convey a book in its entirety, but suffice to say this story is about Ethan Blackburn, the oldest Blackburn and also the CEO of their various businesses. When he discovers something that turns his world upside down, he’s not quite sure how to process everything. Marcie helps him when he turns to her for help and soon becomes an integral part of his life❣️I loved these two together, felt so genuine and helped me connect with them both.
Oh my gosh, I had only planned on reading a few chapters of this book, as the book I was reading I was struggling with…only to discover I finished it in one sitting. This book is just a phenomenal start to the feud between the Blackburns and the Mardraggons and other than the next book Forbidden coming out in a July, I’m seriously hoping for more of this series🤞
I feel like words don’t always sufficiently convey a book in its entirety, but suffice to say this story is about Ethan Blackburn, the oldest Blackburn and also the CEO of their various businesses. When he discovers something that turns his world upside down, he’s not quite sure how to process everything. Marcie helps him when he turns to her for help and soon becomes an integral part of his life❣️I loved these two together, felt so genuine and helped me connect with them both.
July 11, 2024
Audio-Sean Masters & Kit Swann. Fantastic start to a new series by one of my favorite authors. Grumpy/sunshine, Kentucky horse farm, surprise single dad, divorced principal, Hatfield vs McCoy feud, or I should say Romeo & Juliet feud. So good. I am anxious for the next release 7/23 to see how this plays out.
September 4, 2024
3.5 Stars ✨️
Read
January 24, 2025The perfect balance of romance, horses, and plot. Can’t wait to read the next one in this series!
October 26, 2024
Enjoyable start to a new series. The author goes a bit too far in describing the surroundings (furniture, architecture, devo style, etc) in her scenes but the story was fine.
June 25, 2024
Ethan and Marcie make the perfect couple. This is a great read, I can't wait for the next ones in this series of standalones
June 8, 2024
Wow! Wow! Such an exhilarating experience! A feud and revenge! I giggled, swooned, and my heart almost exploded! Such an emotional roller coaster! I could feel the love, wisdom and so much warmth coming off the pages! “ Thrilling, awe-inspiring, overwhelming and just the best words ever”! What a remarkable start to an exciting new series! Incredible!
July 9, 2025
This follows Ethan Blackburn, 37, who over many years has rivalled with the Mardraggon family that caused an uproar in the town centuries ago and to this day never seen eye to eye. Now Ethan finds himself in a custody battle against them over a 9-year-old who was conceived one drunken night.
Then we have Marcie DeLeon, 34 who is a principal at a local primary school, divorced and not looking to jump into a relationship. But the grumpy single bachelor of the town makes her question everything.
I loved this book. The audiobook was fantastic from Kit and Sean. Loved listening to the Southern accent. I did not expect some of the twists which made me love it more. I felt for Sylvie who was thrown into an environment she didn’t understand but Ethan did everything for her to settle in. Marcie was the middle ground and needed to bring them together. It dealt with a few emotional deep topics which made it more raw. It is a slow-burn romance but you get a few intimate spice scenes. Excited to continue the series!
If you love:
🔹Single Dad
🔹Friends To Lovers
🔹Grumpy Sunshine
🔹Millionaire
🔹Slow Burn
🔹Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: Adult Ranch Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook
Audiobook Length: 8hrs 34mins
Narrators: Kit Swann and Sean Masters - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Bluegrass Empires Series
Tropes or Themes: Single Dad, Friends To Lovers, Grumpy Sunshine, Millionaire, Slow Burn, FMC Principal, Horse Ranch, Secret Child, Family Drama, Attempted Murder, Medical Content, Sexual Content and Eyes On Me
Discusses: Death Of Parent and Cancer
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Then we have Marcie DeLeon, 34 who is a principal at a local primary school, divorced and not looking to jump into a relationship. But the grumpy single bachelor of the town makes her question everything.
I loved this book. The audiobook was fantastic from Kit and Sean. Loved listening to the Southern accent. I did not expect some of the twists which made me love it more. I felt for Sylvie who was thrown into an environment she didn’t understand but Ethan did everything for her to settle in. Marcie was the middle ground and needed to bring them together. It dealt with a few emotional deep topics which made it more raw. It is a slow-burn romance but you get a few intimate spice scenes. Excited to continue the series!
If you love:
🔹Single Dad
🔹Friends To Lovers
🔹Grumpy Sunshine
🔹Millionaire
🔹Slow Burn
🔹Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: Adult Ranch Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook
Audiobook Length: 8hrs 34mins
Narrators: Kit Swann and Sean Masters - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Bluegrass Empires Series
Tropes or Themes: Single Dad, Friends To Lovers, Grumpy Sunshine, Millionaire, Slow Burn, FMC Principal, Horse Ranch, Secret Child, Family Drama, Attempted Murder, Medical Content, Sexual Content and Eyes On Me
Discusses: Death Of Parent and Cancer
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
October 12, 2024
4.0 stars. Good start to a new series, surprisingly without a hockey player in sight. Set in Kentucky centering on two wealthy feuding families with a surprise thrown in to make it really interesting. This is Ethan/Marcie's story. At only 264 pages, there's a lot going on here, and it went by so quickly it was over before I was ready for it to be. I'm looking forward to more in book 2 out next month.
July 12, 2024
The author clearly has a word count in mind and spends way too much of it describing interior and exterior decorating. More action, less description, please (who cares about the provenance of the chairs!)
June 25, 2024
Review by Trinette Dungee
Ethan Blackburn’s life has always revolved around the family business. With his father now retired it's his entire life; until life throws him a curve ball in the form of a thirteen-year-old daughter, Sylvie. Not only is he blindsided by the fact that he has a daughter he never knew about, but he also learns she is the result of one night spent with Alaine Mardraggon, the daughter of his family’s sworn enemy. The Blackburns and Mardraggons are the modern day Hatfields and McCoys and now Sylvie is caught in the middle of battle that has been going on for decades on top of dealing with the loss of her mother.
Sylvie is currently living with her mother’s parents who have not painted Ethan in the best light, but Alaine’s directives were for Sylvie to live with her father. Now, along with getting to know his daughter, he has to undo any damage Sylvie’s grandparents have done to his and his family’s character. Ethan finds an ally in Marcie DeLeon, the Principal of Sylvie’s new school, and the aunt of one of the riding students on his ranch.
Marcie DeLeon is navigating her own life after being recently divorced. Upon meeting Sylvie and Ethan she instantly recognizes the newly introduce father and daughter could use her help in getting along with each other. Marcie is determined to do what is best for Sylvie and tries her best to remain neutral when it comes to helping Sylvie navigate the relationships she has with her mother’s and father’s family. She also has to deal with the small crush she had on Ethan (like every other woman in the county).
The first introduction to the Blackburn Family was in Code Name: Omega, Kellan McCord’s and Abby Blackburn’s story, when Abby’s family comes to her rescue. From the moment we met the Blackburn siblings I hoped we’d get a story for them. Well, I got my first story, and I was not disappointed. This story was a bit of a departure from most recent Sawyer books, but a return to some of the older Sawyer books, if that makes any sense. The steam/spice level is relatively low, but the chemistry that only Sawyer can deliver was there!
This book gave all the feels and all the emotions, in addition to humor. This wasn’t just Ethan’s journey, or Ethan’s and Marcie’s journey, but it was Sylvie’s journey as well. Often when the storyline is of a single parent, the child in the story seems to get lost and the story seems to focus more on the couple. Sylvie was just as much a part of this story as Ethan and Marcie. I’d actually go so far as to say Sylvie was more a part of the story than Marcie.
Sylvie’s mother raised her primarily in France, so she was fluent in French. The scenes where she mocked Ethan in French were hilarious! And I thought Ethan’s solution in dealing with her French dialogue were brilliant.
I loved all of the characters in this book, be they main or supporting characters. When it comes to series, especially a family series Sawyer is very good at setting up the upcoming storylines without having you lose focus of the current storyline. As Sylvie’s uncle, Gabe was introduced as one of the antagonists, but you quickly realize there is more to this guy, and he most definitely is someone who wants the best for his niece. With that being said, next up in this Bluegrass series we’ll get Gabe Maddragon’s and Kat Blackburn’s story.
I actually did double duty on this story with a visual and audio read. With the narrators selected for these characters, Sean Masterson and Kit Swann it was easy to transition from one to the other. I’ve listened to, and have enjoyed these narrators in other books, but this wasn’t my favorite for either of them. I think I enjoyed the visual read a bit more. But the audio is definitely worth the listen.
Ethan Blackburn’s life has always revolved around the family business. With his father now retired it's his entire life; until life throws him a curve ball in the form of a thirteen-year-old daughter, Sylvie. Not only is he blindsided by the fact that he has a daughter he never knew about, but he also learns she is the result of one night spent with Alaine Mardraggon, the daughter of his family’s sworn enemy. The Blackburns and Mardraggons are the modern day Hatfields and McCoys and now Sylvie is caught in the middle of battle that has been going on for decades on top of dealing with the loss of her mother.
Sylvie is currently living with her mother’s parents who have not painted Ethan in the best light, but Alaine’s directives were for Sylvie to live with her father. Now, along with getting to know his daughter, he has to undo any damage Sylvie’s grandparents have done to his and his family’s character. Ethan finds an ally in Marcie DeLeon, the Principal of Sylvie’s new school, and the aunt of one of the riding students on his ranch.
Marcie DeLeon is navigating her own life after being recently divorced. Upon meeting Sylvie and Ethan she instantly recognizes the newly introduce father and daughter could use her help in getting along with each other. Marcie is determined to do what is best for Sylvie and tries her best to remain neutral when it comes to helping Sylvie navigate the relationships she has with her mother’s and father’s family. She also has to deal with the small crush she had on Ethan (like every other woman in the county).
The first introduction to the Blackburn Family was in Code Name: Omega, Kellan McCord’s and Abby Blackburn’s story, when Abby’s family comes to her rescue. From the moment we met the Blackburn siblings I hoped we’d get a story for them. Well, I got my first story, and I was not disappointed. This story was a bit of a departure from most recent Sawyer books, but a return to some of the older Sawyer books, if that makes any sense. The steam/spice level is relatively low, but the chemistry that only Sawyer can deliver was there!
This book gave all the feels and all the emotions, in addition to humor. This wasn’t just Ethan’s journey, or Ethan’s and Marcie’s journey, but it was Sylvie’s journey as well. Often when the storyline is of a single parent, the child in the story seems to get lost and the story seems to focus more on the couple. Sylvie was just as much a part of this story as Ethan and Marcie. I’d actually go so far as to say Sylvie was more a part of the story than Marcie.
Sylvie’s mother raised her primarily in France, so she was fluent in French. The scenes where she mocked Ethan in French were hilarious! And I thought Ethan’s solution in dealing with her French dialogue were brilliant.
I loved all of the characters in this book, be they main or supporting characters. When it comes to series, especially a family series Sawyer is very good at setting up the upcoming storylines without having you lose focus of the current storyline. As Sylvie’s uncle, Gabe was introduced as one of the antagonists, but you quickly realize there is more to this guy, and he most definitely is someone who wants the best for his niece. With that being said, next up in this Bluegrass series we’ll get Gabe Maddragon’s and Kat Blackburn’s story.
I actually did double duty on this story with a visual and audio read. With the narrators selected for these characters, Sean Masterson and Kit Swann it was easy to transition from one to the other. I’ve listened to, and have enjoyed these narrators in other books, but this wasn’t my favorite for either of them. I think I enjoyed the visual read a bit more. But the audio is definitely worth the listen.
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