Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Cole Cavanaugh is convinced Grace’s father knows something about his sister’s death, and she is finally willing to work with him to find out the truth in this riveting and passionate romance.
Opening Sentence: I think Sweet’s right.
The Review:
Cole Cavanaugh has been haunted every day by the memory of his twin sister and still feels her loss keenly. He has channeled his guilt and rage into becoming a successful MMA fighter, and he has the biggest fight of his career coming up. Despite that, he still finds himself returning to his father’s ranch in order to help his brothers continue to try and find their sister’s killer. He knows Grace’s father knows something, but she still refuses to allow him to question her father.
Grace has been doing everything in her power to keep the Cavanaugh’s away from her ailing father. But when he says something about Cass’ murder in one of his more lucid moments, Grace can’t avoid the issue any longer. She needs to know if her father covered something up, and the only way to find that out is to work with Cole. As they begin spending more time together, they find it harder and harder to deny the attraction growing between them. But can a relationship ever work between them when there’s the possibility that Grace’s father knows something about Cass’ death?
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, so I was looking forward to reading this one, but boy, did it ever exceed even my heightened expectations. I read this book in one day. One day. When you consider the fact that I have two children under the age of two, the fact that I was so engrossed speaks volumes.
Cole is an amazing leading man. He’s tough – the extreme bad boy – and yet at the same time, he is incredibly vulnerable when it comes to Cass. Watching him let Grace crack through his tough façade is incredibly moving, and the time it takes for this to happen feels very realistic. The romance isn’t rushed at all, which is extremely refreshing. The reader is given time to get to know both Grace and Cole, so when their feelings are finally admitted, it doesn’t come as a shock at all.
As far as the mystery plot goes, it’s still keeping me on my toes. A little bit more is revealed here, but I feel a lot more is still to come in book four. I have absolutely no idea who is behind Cass’ murder, which is a definite positive for me, as I hate figuring things out before they’re revealed.
This series has been such a surprise for me. I have enjoyed each book so far, and this one is by far my favorite. I can’t wait to read Blue’s book next!
Notable Scene:
“In the meantime, why don’t you come home with us? Take the burden off Dr. Hunter here.”
“It ain’t no burden,” Cole said, sitting up now.
“Burdens don’t know they’re being burdens, little brother. That’s why they’re called burdens.”
“Fuck you, Deac.”
James’s head came around fast and his voice was sharp as a blade. “Don’t speak that way in front of a lady.”
Tossing his hands in the air, Cole turned to Grace. “Do you see what I put up with, Doc? I’m five years old to them no matter how low my voice is, how tall I grow, or how much hair I have on my ball-“
“Cole, Christ Almighty!” James exploded. He eyed Grace, who was trying not to smile. “Say the word and we’ll take him.”
As Cole cursed and tossed his brothers a slew of threatening looks, Grace lost the battle. She couldn’t help herself. Laughter bubbled in her throat. She didn’t have siblings, and though she imagined at times it was a real pain in the neck, it also seemed like a gift. No matter how angry you got at each other, how you fought, they were still your blood. They were there for you. Had your back. Helped you when you were tired and scared and unsure if you were doing the right thing with an aging parent.
“Her silence speaks volumes,” Deacon said with a hint of humor.
James nodded. “Should we toss him over our shoulder, then into the back of our truck, Dr. Hunter?”
“First, I’d say good luck with that – even with the hurt foot, he wrestles people for a living,” she returned. But truly, he’s welcome here.” It was surprising how easily the words rolled off her tongue. Probably because they were true. “It’s really up to him.”
Cole looked irritatingly chuffed. “That’s right,” he agreed with an arrogant twist to his mouth. “I’m welcome.”
FTC Advisory: Penguin/Signet provided me with a copy of Brash. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.