Acrimonious

Remington Family Law #1

by Marie Force

He’s made a solemn vow to his brothers—and he fully intends to honor it

Julian Remington, the eldest of nine siblings, is on the fast track to senior partnership at Remington Family Law, the renowned Los Angeles firm founded by his grandfather and now run by his father. As an attorney to some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Julian is a sought-after guest at all the A-list parties and considered one of the most eligible bachelors in town. And he plans to stay that way.

After their parents dragged him and his siblings through an ugly, protracted custody battle, the last thing any of them wants is to put themselves in such a vulnerable position. No, their plan is to stay single and live on their own terms, answerable to no one as they spend their days dealing with some of society’s most difficult challenges. The minute he finishes up at the office, Julian heads out to play a gig with his band or to work out his stress at Club Quantum. Life is good, and he wouldn’t change a thing.

When a close friend asks Julian to help her sister, who’s on the run from a violent marriage, he quickly finds himself ensnared in a trap he never saw coming until it’s much too late to turn back. Could the notoriously commitment-averse bad-boy-about-town end up with a shackle around his ankle and a ring on his finger after all? What about the vow he made with his brothers to never make themselves vulnerable by falling in love or getting married?

ACRIMONIOUS begins an exciting new series featuring the Remington family—brothers Julian, Griffin, Carson, Ethan, Jackson and Roman, and their sisters, Jordan, Kaidan and Gillian. This tight-knit group went to hell and back together, and while they’d take a bullet for each other in life, anything goes when they face off in court. Watch for book 2, CONTENTIOUS, featuring Carson Remington, coming soon!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, BDSM, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2026

About the author

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.

Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.

Reviews

[Lynne Regine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story but felt it very repetitive.

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love it when a confirmed bachelor with no intention of falling in love gets hit by Cupid’s arrow.

Julien Remington is a high profile divorce lawyer. After what happened with his parents he and all his siblings have sworn off relationships.

Isla is a beautiful shy woman with baggage of her own.

“I was just thinking how you came strolling into my office and turned my well-ordered life upside down in the course of an hour, and I’d like to know how exactly you did that.”

What a fantastic start to a new series. These nine siblings are going to be a trip to watch them all find there one and only.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy received from the author. Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Acrimonious by Marie Force is a fast-paced and highly engaging start to a brand-new romance series. From the very first chapter, the story moves with purpose, and there was never a point where it felt easy to set the book down.

Set within a busy family law practice, the story follows Julian, the oldest of nine siblings — several of whom work together at the same firm. Even while juggling multiple active cases and a wide cast of characters, the author keeps everything clear and easy to follow. The strong character development makes the story feel seamless rather than overwhelming.

The combination of high-stakes legal drama and compelling family dynamics kept me fully invested from beginning to end. Not to mention the romantic turmoil the family experiences throughout- I can’t wait to see which direction everyone goes from here. If you enjoy fast-moving contemporary romance with a strong ensemble cast, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Stephanie Osborne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Marie Force can always be counted on for a well written story. I was disappointed though that this story followed the same pattern as every common romance out there - boy meets girl, they become a thing, someone does something stupid or other contrived drama for them to break up at the 80% mark…. And this one seemed even worse than most because both FMC and MMC acknowledge their feelings but say goodbye anyway. Don’t worry, you’ll know why because the backstory to Julian’s history is rehashed many times. And c’mon… the brothers are mad at him because they made a “deal” ?!

This is a separate series from Fatal/First Family, but one thing I LOVE about that series is it does NOT follow that same worn out pattern.

[Shannon McGlone · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book grabs your attention and keeps it the entire time you know it’s going to be a good one. I can’t even tell you why but this book grabbed me from page one. This is my first book that I have read by this author and I loved it. Honestly can’t wait for the next installment to this one.

If you like second chance stories this one is for you. Although some parts were a bit predictable it all flowed so well. Genuinely recommend this book.

Thank you Book Lovers Arc Club and Marie Force for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to read Acrimonious by Marie Force. It was, great, just as you would suspect from her.

Julian comes from a Long line of family divorce lawyers. Also, because of their family pasts they have all sworn off love and relationships completely.

Isla, a single mom of two small kids, has just escaped a really bad marriage and desperate for a divorce. She has little money and now needs a divorce lawyer and her brother steps in with someone he knows that will help.

The moment Isla steps into Julian’s office he is left speechless. He has never felt like this and never drawn to a client because that’s off-limits. When he hears all that she has been through and how she handled it to protect herself and her kids, he is so impressed of her. Immediately he wants to do anything that he can to protect her and her kids.

I loved watching them get to know each other. How supportive Julian was to her and everything that she was dealing with. You can’t help but love him for her.

I fell in love with Marie Force’s new Remington Family Law series. I am excited for the next release in this series.

Narrated by Andi Arndt and Lee Samuels and published by HTJB, Inc. The narration was just what you would expect from these two - exceptional!

[Heather Dube · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!

Acrimonious by Marie Force is an easy read so much that it’s hard to put down the book. I thought the spice level could have been a bit more but was good just the same. This is a series I’m definitely going to follow!

[Alexandria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

He said he’d never fall in love…
and then she walked into his office with two kids and a past that would wreck anyone

I LOVE a man who swears off relationships just to get absolutely humbled by the right woman👏🏾

Julian Remington
high powered divorce lawyer 
emotionally unavailable king
 commitment issues ON PURPOSE…and then Isla shows up and this man is like:
“well… damn.”🙃

This wasn’t just romance…it was messy, emotional, real.


We’re talking:

🖤 protective hero energy

☀️ grumpy x sunshine

👩‍👧‍👦 single mom + kids (who I would die for btw)

⚖️ high stakes legal drama

🫶 found family that WILL have you obsessed

And the way Julian shows up for her…
not loud, not flashy… just consistent, protective, and intentional🥹🤌🏾

Also can we talk about the siblings?

NINE of them. NINE.

And I already need every single one of their stories immediately.

If you love:

✨ “I don’t do love” men getting wrecked

✨ soft but strong FMCs

✨ family chaos + loyalty
…yeah this one’s for you.

[Ashley Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Julien Remington has sworn off relationships. Him and his brothers - all 8 of them - all have after what happened with their parents.

He’s a high profile divorce lawyer and the oldest sibling. Isla is our FMC with her own baggage - she’s beautiful and such an introvert. Can she be the one to mess up the pact of brothers!?

This story was fast-paced but easy to follow. The narrators I felt like did a really good job with their characters and the emotions - I hate when they don’t fit what I have in my head for them 😂 but I love Andi and Lee was great!

This was just book one in the new series! I can’t wait to see what’s to come and who falls next. I honestly love it when a self righteous bachelor is taken to his knees 😍 Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and Marie Force for the early listen! All opinions are my own!

[Patti L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Marie Force and this series is going to be a winner with this first novel starting strong with the oldest Remington sibling, Julian. Maries’ novels have the ability to provide a good distraction and comfort when I need one. Looking forward to the next, but may revisit another series while I wait.

[Corinne]

Marie never disappoints with her books.
The Remington family will be an amazing series to read if it’s anything like the first book.

It was great reading the layout of the family dynamics.

I’ve fallen in love with Julian already.

Great supportive characters, great story line, beautiful love and great writing. What else can you ask for in a book

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The start of a new series by Marie Force. From the very 1st page I found this an enjoyable read. The male lead is a high flying lawyer who is committed to stay single due to his dysfunctional family upbringing. Whilst a slightly predictable romantic story it is well told, with lots of emotional upheavals and the characters are very credible. Enjoyable if this is your genre.
I await the next book in this series which presumably will concentrate on a different sibling.
3 stars

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5stars--ACRIMONIOUS is the first instalment in Marie Force’s contemporary, adult REMINIGTON FAMILY LAW erotic, romance series. This is thirty-eight year old attorney Julian Remington, and single mother Isla Santana’s story line. For fans of Marie Force, there is a slight cross-over with the author’s QUANTUM series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Julian and Isla, ACRIMONIOUS introduces the Remington family of nine siblings, and their family owned law firm in which most of the siblings practice law. Thirty-eight year old Julian Remington is the eldest sibling, a divorce attorney who doesn’t do relationships, and with his brothers and sisters, had made a vow never to marry but a new client, a woman struggling in the face of domestic violence, has Julian rethinking his life, and the promises he made. Isla Santana, for all intents and purposes, is a single mother. Her husband has mostly been absent from her life and their children’s, and in the preceding weeks, his personality and tendency towards violence is unrecognizable. With the help of her older brother Denny, Isla secures high-powered divorce attorney Julian Remington, the man with whom our heroine will fall in love but all is not as it appears to be, as the Isla’s marriage implodes, several of Julian’s more public cases take on lives of their own.

The world building focuses on several of Julian Remington’s cases, high powered divorces set in the public eye, and not all will end amicably or quietly. The Remington siblings, having lived most of their life in the public eye, in the wake of their parent’s high profile divorce, have all pledged to remain single but as each begin to forge their own paths in different directions, their private lives will collide.

The relationship between Isla and Julian begins as attorney and client but from the outset, their attraction to one another is immediate and strong. Julian struggles with the client-attorney dynamic, and Isla battles between head and heart in the wake of the chaos that has become her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, charismatic and determined secondary and supporting characters including all of Julian’s brothers and sisters: Carson, Griffin, Jordan, Kaidan, Ethan, Jackson, Gillian, and youngest Roman; Isla’s brother Denny, and her children Thoe and Mila, and soon to be ex Gabriel, as well as several clients including model Cresley Dane.

ACRIMONIOUS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise dramatic and edgy; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic; the romance is seductive and passionate. ACRIMONIOUS ends on a happily ever after-for now.


copy supplied for review

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

TLDR: Acrimonious—despite its title—was a cute, hopeful romance if you can suspend disbelief that human trauma will take more than 14 days from which to recover and writing that is good, but that can get bogged down with details and redundancy more than you would expect from a NY Times bestselling author.

Acrimonious, by NY Times bestselling author, Marie Force, details two weeks in the lives of Julian Remington—high-power family law attorney who has sworn off commitment due to past family drama—and Isla Santana—a traumatized, fed-up wife of an erratic, unreliable man, and mother of two small children—as Isla hires Julian to help her escape her troubled marriage.

The characters are lovable, the love is passionate, the ending is happy, but everything kind of bogs down with the details. An inordinate amount of time is spent hashing and rehashing Julian’s background and his feelings about that background throughout the story. As this book is the first in a series of books about the Remington siblings, who will clearly suffer from the same childhood drama, I understand the need for a solid background. However, I feel that the rehashing of the same details—yet without actually providing specifics of the events—draws the focus away from Julian and Isla’s story and adds to the difficulty believing that something so central to a character’s every waking thought and feeling could be so quickly overcome. Likewise, considerable effort is spent describing Isla’s fear and trauma resulting from her marriage, but within the span of 14 days, she is able to self-analyze, reason through her emotions, and completely set aside any lingering emotional or mental damage. Then, there is also more detail and attention than is needed spent on events related to characters that are not even secondary or tertiary to the plot, such as Julian’s clients.

Despite the over-hashed background and doubtful, near-miraculous mental and emotional resilience of the FMC, the banter between the main characters is very good. You root for them to figure things out, and ultimately, are happy when they do. There was a little steam—definitely not closed door—but it wasn’t central to the story. I would definitely recommend this for fans of the lighter variety of romance novels who looking for an against-the-odds, insta-love connection. I would not recommend this book for readers seeking high-stakes conflict, a third act breakup/make-up, or plot twists/surprise endings.

*Received a free review copy from the Author.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a Marie Force Fan. I've read all of her Gansett Island series, her Fatal series and her First Family series. So it pains me to give her first book in this new series anything less than a glowing review. And even though I'm fairly certain I'll continue to read the series which considering there are 9 Remington siblings and the rate at which Ms. Force releases books in her series, will probably be around for years. I just didn't love this story. My biggest problem is how the Remington men stick to their vow of never falling in love and never getting married even after Cupid shoots them in the ass with an arrow. I get it to a point. When they were growing up their parents (both attorneys) dragged them through a famously long 10 year custody battle during their divorce. Add to that their chosen profession as attornies specializing in divorce where they see married people at their worst, its easy to understand why they aren't high on holy matrimony. But when they actually find a woman (or maybe a man? We don't really get to know the female siblings very well in this story) who sparks a real interest they turn tale and run from love. And if they don't the other siblings immediately try to perform an intervention. Because heaven forbid one of them actually find a happily ever after in the arms of someone and not just some easy orgasms. I find this is just an act of emotional cowardice. And as a man who has experienced a bitter divorce myself I think I am okay to make that judgement. And quite honestly when the book opens with Julian fucking some woman when he's mentally not even in the moment did nothing to endear his character to me. And my other problem with this story is how quickly Julian the eldest of the Remington siblings meets Ilsa the aforementioned woman divorcing her violent husband he foresakes the whole, never get attached, never fall in love mantra he' lived by for all of his 39 years. I mean Hooray for Julian getting his head out of his ass and getting out of his own way. But the speed from which he goes from confirmed bachelor to love sick puppy about gave me whiplash. And lastly, while I don't want to give away too much of this story look up the definition of the word benign. Not malignant. Having no harmful influence nor effect. The opposite of how it is used in this story.
Good story. Just IMHO not a great one.

[Dhawy Febrianti · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Free review copy received from Marie Force**

This book is beyond amazing! Each time I finished a chapter, I found myself pausing for a while because the story filled me with indescribably good feelings and meaningful insights about the clashes that can happen in relationships, even the worst scenario of all, divorce. Those reflections stayed with me after every chapter.

While I am going to settle down with a man that truly wins my heart, I am still a 24-year-old homebody who knows very little about navigating relationships, especially marriage and divorce. Reading this book felt like receiving quiet lessons that I want to remember so that, in my future marriage, I may avoid the kind of painful situations that lead to divorce, like the ones faced by Julian’s clients and even his own parents.

The intimate and character driven writing style pulled me in from the very beginning and carried me all the way to the end. It often felt as if I were living inside the characters’ minds.
Every action, every thought, and every reason behind the decisions the characters make is described with such clarity that it becomes easy to understand the many layers of emotions and dilemmas they experience.

I truly do not have any critiques because I simply fell in love with the story. Everything about the book captured my heart. Each character stands strong with distinct personalities, unique ways of thinking, and memorable quirks that stayed with me long after I finished reading.

The character dynamics also feel incredibly real and natural. The moments of love between Julian and Isla, the tension surrounding his work at the courthouse, and the interactions and pushbacks about a solemn vow that’s been made together between Julian and his brothers as he navigates his own emotional changes, all feel deeply human and personal. Nothing feels forced or out of place because every emotional moment grows naturally from the characters and their circumstances.

I am usually very bad at remembering names, especially when new characters keep appearing as clients, as they do in this story. But somehow this masterpiece has its own kind of magic. Thanks to Marie Force’s writing style, I never lost track of the characters, their names, or even the glimpses of their backgrounds.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acrimonious is the first book in Marie Force's new Remington Family Law series. The family business centers mostly around divorce and many of them are for the rich and famous in the Los Angeles area.

Julian Remington is the eldest of nine siblings all of whom have sworn off serious, committed relationships due to what their parents put them through when going through their own divorce. The decade they fought over the children and drug them through things they didn't need to, soured all of them on relationships. Even so, Julian is still one of the most eligible bachelors in town. When his friend asks him to help out his sister, who is in a dangerous relationship, Julian doesn't hesitate to take the case pro bono.

Isla Santana has been put through it by her husband Gabriel. She has done everything she can to protect herself and her two children, but when things turn violent, she does what she has to do and calls her brother Denny to help her get out. Denny helps her and calls his friend Julian to help her with the legal side of things.

When Isla shows up to Julian's office with her two little ones, Julian is shocked to be immediately attracted to Isla. The strong feelings are not something Julian is used to and he's not sure what to do with it. Especially since he knows there are two little ones to consider in all of this too. As Julian works to get her out of her marriage, will Isla and Julian act on their attraction? Will Julian change his stance on never settling down?

I was totally drawn into this new world that Marie Force has created! Not only with Isla and Julian, but also the other eight siblings. I can't wait to see what happens with all of them, as I'm sure it is going to be quite the ride. I would absolutely recommend picking up this book!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Remington Family Law series and it is Julian and Isla’s story and omg what a great start to a new series and definitely a must read. Julian is a partner at his Remington family law firm and he enjoyed his job even though he didn’t know what would happen from one day to the next and even though he had long days it was definitely worth it but as for relationships and commitment that was not him at all especially after what his parents put him and his siblings through with their divorce so they made a pact never to get married. When Isla’s husband kept disappearing and then coming back full of rage that was so bad that she had to hide with her two children she decided enough was enough especially when he smashed the whole apartment and everything in it apart so she decided to file for a divorce with the help of her brother Denny and move away so that he couldn’t find her and her and the children would be safe. Julian stepped forward to represent Isla but what he wasn’t expecting was his reaction to her and he didn’t like how she made him feel so he decided to keep his distance from her but sometimes someone is put in front of you for a reason and you have no control over it at all. Julian and Isla are so attracted to each other right from the start and the more time that they spend together the stronger the attraction and chemistry between them grows but with Julian not doing commitment they are in for a really bumpy ride with many ups and downs along the way but how will it all work out for them in the end only time will tell. Wow I absolutely loved this book so much and it took you on the biggest rollercoaster ride of so many different emotions but I still couldn’t put it down as it was so addictive and kept my attention throughout the whole book and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I hear the words new series by Marie Force and I am instantly intrigued. I have read almost every book she has published and have never been disappointed, except maybe when a series of hers ends. I am a huge fan!
This book starts off the new Remington Law series with a bang! As the eldest of 9, Julian has always held fast to their vow as a family to never get married after seeing the carnage a bad divorce can cause the children, like his own parents’ divorce. Not only that but as a family lawyer he has seen first hand what devastation a divorce can cause.
He did not think he would ever have an issue with that vow, until he meets Isla. She is his friend Denny’s sister and needs his services. From the moment she “strolls” into his office with her two adorable toddlers his world as he knew it is flipped upside down. He is so torn up between his reaction to her and the vow he made his siblings and the fact that he has never had anything like this happen before.
Isla has already been through so much and it is not over yet. The emotions and gut wrenching experiences she has to endure are so much for this sweet woman. And tear at your heartstrings.
But Julian makes all of that better. They both know it is unusual timing but the chemistry and attraction is very real. They try to fight it, they really do.
I absolutely love everything about this story! I positively adore Julian and Isla and her two little ones. My heart was put through the paces with their story.
I am happy we will get more of their story in the upcoming books staring with Carson’s book next up in the fall. I cat wait! I am already addicted to this new series!

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather Mcsweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acrimonious, the first in a new series by Marie Force, brings us the story of Julian Remington, a partner in the renowned LA law firm founded by his grandfather, and Isla, a woman who is seeking his services when she is finally in a place to leave her marriage from a man who had torn apart her life and home in a violent fashion. Due to his upbringing and the way his parents handled their own divorce, Julian has sworn off being part of anything that even resembled a relationship, so when feelings begin to develop between him and Isla, he doesn't know how to react, especially given the vow he and his siblings all made to never find themselves in the position their parents were in.

Isla, going through the motions of being a single parent, craves the love and comfort from a man and hopes to one day, be able to provide her children with another parent who loves them unconditionally. Becoming attracted to her attorney and knowing his story leaves her no choice but to be upfront about her needs, ending things before they really even start.

As a longtime fan of Marie Force, picking up this book wasn't even a thought, and I am so glad I did. One of the beauties of being a fan of Ms. Force is the guarantee that I will get to continue seeing my favorite characters in subsequent books within the series. The author even said as much at the conclusion of the book, with the promise of continued storylines, even when the featured couple changes. Even more, there are cameos across series (but you aren't required to have read them to enjoy this series!), which keeps me so engaged and waiting for more!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing start to this new series by one of my favorite authors! Julian Remington, who is one of nine siblings, grew up in a contentious household and is determined to never marry. His parents, both attorneys, went through a decades long divorce which adversely affected his, and his siblings, childhood memories. Julian is the eldest and he and his brothers, all attorneys but one, work at their father’s firm, Remington Family Law. His three sisters, also attorneys, work at their mother’s firm, Kate Remington Law Office. Julian’s other love is music and he plays guitar with a local band with his best friend, Denny Clarkson. Denny asks Julian to advise his sister, Isla, with her divorce. Isla has two young children and her husband has become volatile and no longer the man she once knew. She is afraid of him and has even made a secret place, in their home, when he loses control. Meeting Julian, a wealthy and well-known attorney, will begin a journey for both of them as she deals with her feelings toward the end of her marriage and their beginning attraction. He is confused as to what now, for them, when he was once firm in his decision to remain single. A late notification for Isla will derail any decisions they were considering while he battles with his “no marriage” rule and she has not given up on marriage to someone who will love her and her children. Loved it! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acrimonious begins a new series by Marie Force. It explores life in a well to do lawyer family in California. They mainly deal in divorce for the rich and famous.

The first member of the family for us to take a look at is Julian, my first introduction to him was not positive. He seemed to have no heart and was rather ruthless. However on a second look I swung around and noted the many good things about him. He is the oldest in the family, all of whom have decided never to marry because of the awful divorce the parents put them through as children.

We meet most of the rest of the family as well, some slightly more in depth, but I am sure they are all going to be interesting.

Isla and her two children are first introduced to us in very violent circumstances but she has had the foresight to make a place of safety for herself and her children. When she comes to the notice of Julian, guess what, he falls.... big time. Pride goes before a fall they say. Maybe too much insta lust and love, but there you are. We don't come to the end of Julian and Isla, there story will continue with further books.

Obviously the book explores divorce for different couples and the difficulties that ensues. Marie Force did a course of family law in California to make sure she got the facts right. The story also has some snarky dialogue which is a big feature of her First Family series.

I think fans of Marie Force (count me in), will enjoy this book and settle in for the series.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acrimonious by Marie Force is the first in a new series of lawyer/romance stories. The Remingtons went through a contentious custody battle when their parents split. Both lawyers, both wanted to win, never mind their children getting hurt. As a result, as a group they had vowed never to marry, never to get close, never to invite hurt. That was all well and good until the oldest, Julian, met the younger sister of a long-time friend, possibly his best friend. From the moment they met he was hooked. He didn’t like it. He like it less when the story unfolded. And what a story it was, with glimpses of what the next several books may hold.

Julian was the best divorce lawyer in town. High profile clients lined up for his help. He was always an object of speculation. He was up front with the women he dated: no expectations. Do not fall in love. Sometimes that didn’t work out. But, Isla was different and he knew it. She even tried to break up with him because she knew her goals and his didn’t line up. It was a fast-paced, entertaining read. Good characters, decent story. I can’t wait for the next one. Steamy, real, sad.

I was invited to read Acrimonious by Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #VictoryEditingNetgalleyCoop #MarieForce #Acrimonious

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acrimonious by Marie Force was an easy five stars for me. She’s already one of my favorite authors, and this felt like such a strong start to a new series.

The story pulled me in right away, but in a way that felt natural, not over the top. I really liked how the characters were introduced with enough background to understand their baggage without it feeling like an info dump. You can tell pretty early on that there are past connections and some unresolved stuff that’s going to matter later, which kept me interested.

I also liked the balance between Julian and Isla and the overall storyline. The chemistry is definitely there, but it builds in a more realistic, slower way as they start to trust each other and work through everything going on around them. There are a few twists and reveals about their pasts that added just enough tension without feeling forced.

Another thing I appreciated was how this clearly sets up the rest of the series. There are side characters and little hints that made me curious about what’s coming next, but it didn’t take away from this story.

Overall, it just felt like a really solid, engaging read. If you already like Marie Force, I think you’ll enjoy this one. And if this is any indication of where the series is going, I’m definitely in for the next book.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series
Wow, this new series really started off with a bang! While reading this story, it really reminded me of the Quantum series and how well written that whole series was. This story is about Julian, the oldest of 9 siblings that grew up with a rough childhood thanks to their parents and a very messy divorce that really affected the 9 kids. You really had to feel sorry for Julian and his siblings when you read about everything that they had to go through during that messy time in their life. It also left all of them gun shy about every getting into a marriage and dealing with what their parents did. It was really sad to read about that as these guys made this pact when they were still young adults and haven’t even started to live their adult lives yet.
Then Julian meets Isla and his whole world is turned upside down. Isla’s brother is friends with Julian and he asks Julian to help her with a divorce. Watching Julian the first time he met Isla was heartwarming. He was so nice to her and her young kids you just can’t help but love this guy. He was exactly what Isla needed and watching these two grow their relationship was a thing of beauty. I cannot wait for all the other sibling’s stories!

[Lukas Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acrimonious is the first book in a new spin-off series from the Quantum series. You don't need to read the Quantum books to enjoy this book, however.

This contemporary romance centers around Julian Remington, the eldest of 9 in a family of lawyers going back generations. After suffering through a decade long custody battle between his parents, Julian and his siblings vow to never get married or have kids. It's not worth the chance of that pain being revisited. Juilian's life is turned upside down when an attraction to a client turns into something he can't let go.

Force does an excellent job with character building and although all the siblings work for the family law firm, they're all presented as very unique people with their own struggles. But through the story you see several of the brothers face life changing events and this is the year each of them grow as people.

While the forbidden love trope will be familiar to most fans of this genre, Force goes further to set this up as a drama to get invested in.

The cliffhanger at the end was the perfect setup to the next book in the series, Contentious, which is due out Sept 2026.

Received a free review copy from the BOOK LOVERS ARC club

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am hooked on this new series!

Julian is the oldest of nine Remington siblings working for their high-powered family law business. From the first pages, I thought I wasn’t going to like Julian; in fact, I thought, “Who hurt you?” But it became quite clear why this handsome, intelligent, and powerful man, along with his siblings, wanted nothing to do with love.

Enter Isla, a longtime friend’s sister, who needs legal aid from an abusive situation, which challenges Julian’s vow against love and marriage in a way he hasn’t felt in years. Between his ever-growing feelings for Isla and surprises happening in his big, boisterous family, Julian’s world is turned upside down.

This felt like a true legal drama as well as a romance, as it was very immersive in the workings of a law office and court cases. One of my favorite side characters was Mattie, Julian’s assistant. She is so kind, sixty years old, and Julian readily admits she keeps him on schedule.

I fell for this family, not only Julian, but I loved how he interacted with his siblings. They bicker and banter, but there is genuine affection. I can’t wait to read more about them throughout the series, especially with those juicy cliffhangers!

Thank you @marieforceauthor for this gifted eARC.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have 3 authors who when I know there is a new book coming out I am there and usually give them my rare rating of 5 stars. Marie Force is one of those authors. I am always so excited when I know she has a new book in the works so when I heard about Acrimonious I just couldn't wait. Another big family so knew there would probably be 9 books which I loved to hear. However, this was a quick read but the characters and the story??? Questionable. First of all let me say I didn't love it and had to stretch to give it 3 stars. I was extremely disappointed that these characters were not believable and I just couldn't get into the storyline. Everyone was pretty or good looking with great bodies but lacking in depth. It had the potential but just never got there. I loved the Butler Vermont series about a large family because each had a winning personality and I cared because of the way Marie wrote them. I especially loved discussions between Dad and Grandpa because they were so believable and warm and funny.

This review makes me very sad as does the fact that I probably won't read anymore in this series. Still looking forward to the next in the First Family books tho, have read everyone of them from the very beginning before they were first family.

[Laura Cozicar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love how the cast of characters keeps expanding in the Marie Force Universe. Her latest series has some crossover with the Quantum Series as they take place in the same reality and I am loving it! In this new series, we get to know the Remingtons through all their quirks and relationships trials. After surviving their parents’ contentious divorce, the nine siblings have all vowed to protect themselves at any cost, rely only on each other, and never commit to a romantic relationship of any significance. But we all know what happens when people make unrealistic promises …

Acrimonious is the story of the eldest sibling, Julian. A hotshot divorce lawyer in the family firm whose love ‘em and leave ‘em reputation is legendary. He is up for almost everything but don’t fall for him or he’s done. Many have tried and all have failed. So when he’s asked to help a friend’s sister he doesn’t hesitate to step up.

Isla has two adorable kids and a dangerously unpredictable husband that she needs to escape from. But the more Julian is around her the more the lines blur.

Engaging characters, well written storylines and a wide range of emotions to explore all the possibilities. Can’t wait to read the rest of this series!

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard Book for me to get through. I listened to the audiobook and had to rewind a few times. I though there was something wrong with the audio and came to realize that there waa a lot of repetitive dialogue and other elements in the book.

It started out with Julian's behavior being offensive. If he wasn't into Stacy that way, then leave her alone. I thought it was a little weird they both fell so hard for each other after one encounter. Especially after going through what Ilsa went through with her husband and with what Julian's siblings seemed to be so committed to based on their pasts.

I was almost done when the brothers showed up angry about a grown man changing his mind. I felt this book was longer than it had to be. I really didn't care about the history of Cass Elliott's house, or the discography of the Mamas and the Papas, or any of the other music from that era. I was tired of hearing why none of the siblings could have a committed relationship. I thought Ilsa made some kind of clueless moves.

I did like her kids and thought there were a number of interesting moments in the book. I felt they were weighed down by all of the extraneous, repetitive fluff and nonsense.