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Benson Brothers #1
Brooks
Brooks Benson is bored, stuck and miserable. When both his parents were unable to continue running the variety store, he dropped out of college and came back home to help. It’s been almost two years and he’s tired of making pizzas and selling scratch tickets to the locals of Hope Harbor, Maine. But as the second oldest Benson brother, he’s the one that stepped up. Now all he can see is a gray future in front of him.
Remington “Remi” Wright is disappointed, frustrated and out of options. After dropping out of college and trying to make a go of it in New York, she’s forced to come back home to live with her parents in Hope Harbor. Totally humiliating. Things are looking pretty grim until she starts baking again and runs into Brooks when she visits Benson Variety to ask if they’ll sell her whoopie pies, cakes, and cookies.
What was once a high school crush is now something much more mature that hits both of them like a ton of bricks. Brooks is game, as long as they keep things physical. which is just fine with Remi. She’s not planning on sticking around Hope Harbor forever and Brooks is definitely a lifer. They’re just two different to ever build something that could last.
Life rarely goes according to plan and what starts as just sex soon turns into something that splashes color into their once-drab lives. For the first time, they find peace and security in one another. But will it last? Or will everything crumble into pieces, leaving them with nothing?
Remington “Remi” Wright is disappointed, frustrated and out of options. After dropping out of college and trying to make a go of it in New York, she’s forced to come back home to live with her parents in Hope Harbor. Totally humiliating. Things are looking pretty grim until she starts baking again and runs into Brooks when she visits Benson Variety to ask if they’ll sell her whoopie pies, cakes, and cookies.
What was once a high school crush is now something much more mature that hits both of them like a ton of bricks. Brooks is game, as long as they keep things physical. which is just fine with Remi. She’s not planning on sticking around Hope Harbor forever and Brooks is definitely a lifer. They’re just two different to ever build something that could last.
Life rarely goes according to plan and what starts as just sex soon turns into something that splashes color into their once-drab lives. For the first time, they find peace and security in one another. But will it last? Or will everything crumble into pieces, leaving them with nothing?
Unknown Binding
First published June 28, 2016
9 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea M. Cameron
114 books4,881 followersChelsea M. Cameron is a New York Times/USA Today/Internationally Best Selling author from Maine who now lives and works in Boston. She's a red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, former cheerleader, and world's worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, eating brunch in bed, tweeting, and playing fetch with her cat, Sassenach. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 7, 2016
Title: Brooks
Author: Chelsea M. Cameron
Series: Benson Brothers, Volume 1
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 200
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“He leaned down and held out his arm as if to escort me. There was mischief in his eyes and my heart thumped an extra beat.”
5 Benson stars!!
I seriously fell in love with this book the minute I started reading!! I had a hard time putting my kindle down!! I don’t even know how to put my thoughts into sentence. Forget everything you’ve read by Chelsea because this one is so different than what you’re used too and trust me that’s not a bad thing!! I won’t go into too much detail, but I will say that the characters have heart and depth and the story is so insanely good!! Go grab it now!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author: Chelsea M. Cameron
Series: Benson Brothers, Volume 1
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 200
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Brooks Benson is bored, stuck and miserable. When both his parents were unable to continue running the variety store, he dropped out of college and came back home to help. It’s been almost two years and he’s tired of making pizzas and selling scratch tickets to the locals of Hope Harbor, Maine. But as the second oldest Benson brother, he’s the one that stepped up. Now all he can see is a gray future in front of him.
Remington “Remi” Wright is disappointed, frustrated and out of options. After dropping out of college and trying to make a go of it in New York, she’s forced to come back home to live with her parents in Hope Harbor. Totally humiliating. Things are looking pretty grim until she starts baking again and runs into Brooks when she visits Benson Variety to ask if they’ll sell her whoopie pies, cakes, and cookies.
What was once a high school crush is now something much more mature that hits both of them like a ton of bricks. Brooks is game, as long as they keep things physical. which is just fine with Remi. She’s not planning on sticking around Hope Harbor forever and Brooks is definitely a lifer. They’re just two different to ever build something that could last.
Life rarely goes according to plan and what starts as just sex soon turns into something that splashes color into their once-drab lives. For the first time, they find peace and security in one another. But will it last? Or will everything crumble into pieces, leaving them with nothing?
Review:
“He leaned down and held out his arm as if to escort me. There was mischief in his eyes and my heart thumped an extra beat.”
5 Benson stars!!
I seriously fell in love with this book the minute I started reading!! I had a hard time putting my kindle down!! I don’t even know how to put my thoughts into sentence. Forget everything you’ve read by Chelsea because this one is so different than what you’re used too and trust me that’s not a bad thing!! I won’t go into too much detail, but I will say that the characters have heart and depth and the story is so insanely good!! Go grab it now!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
June 30, 2016
Review by Lisa Kane
Brooks Benson is stuck running his family's pizza shop. He was about to enter the master's program after completing his bachelor's in business when the bottom dropped out of his life. His dad suffered a heart attack and his mom broke her back. He has a bunch of brothers and a sister, but they are all wrapped up in their own lives and he can't let the family lose their business. To be honest, he wasn't exactly in love with business and secretly found his passion in art, but that passion seems to be non- existent right now.
Remi Wright never thought she would wind up back in Hope Harbor Maine. After she earned her degree in psychology, she had trouble holding down a job. Drowning in student loans, she ended up leaving the New York for her home town and moving back in with her parents. Her mom micro manages her life and she feels like she's drowning. Bored out of her mind and still jobless, she bakes to fill the hours in her day.
I'd spent the whole day covered in flour and when my parents came home they'd find trays of snickerdoodles and cakes and pies. There were only three of us, so Dad brought them to his co-workers and they started putting in order.
Surprisingly that leads to an unexpected career. Her dad took some of the baked goods they couldn't eat to work and the orders for more poured in. Looking to expand her business to some of the town's shops, she finds herself at the Benson pizza shop. She forgot about Brook Benson, the douche she remembered back in high school. He was one of the guys who made her life miserable and one of the reasons she couldn't wait to leave this town.
Brooks Goddamn Benson. Goddamn wasn't his middle name, but it might as well have been. We'd graduated the same year, but we'd never been friends. Not even close.
Their first meeting doesn't go over too well, but Brooks doesn't seem to remember having any animosity towards Remi. But then again, he looks at his high school self and thinks he was kind of a jerk back then.
Remi Wright got hot. I mean, way hot. Not that she wasn't in high school, but holy shit. That purple hair and the attitude were totally working for her.
Brooks agrees to stock some of Remi's baked goodies for a commission of the sales. He just might find himself a little attracted to the hot little baker and is thrilled when her things sell out so she can come back and restock on a regular basis. The two drift into a casual friendship, hanging out, sharing a few meals, eventually breaking down the walls they've built up. They are two souls trapped in the same town, neither one really wanting to be here.
Remington Wright was a complication. A sweet, sexy complication that I was looking forward to unraveling.
The refreshing thing about Brooks' story line was the couples' shared desires to escape the lives they were living. But in being back to a place they wanted to move on from, they were forced to confront their real desires. Remi's forced changes led to her natural knack for baking which led to a surprising career change. Brooks thought he had a path in business waiting for him, but he kept suppressing his real passion for art. Being with each other brought out their real desires. There is some mild angst, some steam and a lot of humor in this first installment of the Benson Brothers.
"Believe. I believe you can do anything."
"Yeah, well, I feel the same way about you, Brooks Benson. And maybe we can do anything together."
Brooks Benson is stuck running his family's pizza shop. He was about to enter the master's program after completing his bachelor's in business when the bottom dropped out of his life. His dad suffered a heart attack and his mom broke her back. He has a bunch of brothers and a sister, but they are all wrapped up in their own lives and he can't let the family lose their business. To be honest, he wasn't exactly in love with business and secretly found his passion in art, but that passion seems to be non- existent right now.
Remi Wright never thought she would wind up back in Hope Harbor Maine. After she earned her degree in psychology, she had trouble holding down a job. Drowning in student loans, she ended up leaving the New York for her home town and moving back in with her parents. Her mom micro manages her life and she feels like she's drowning. Bored out of her mind and still jobless, she bakes to fill the hours in her day.
I'd spent the whole day covered in flour and when my parents came home they'd find trays of snickerdoodles and cakes and pies. There were only three of us, so Dad brought them to his co-workers and they started putting in order.
Surprisingly that leads to an unexpected career. Her dad took some of the baked goods they couldn't eat to work and the orders for more poured in. Looking to expand her business to some of the town's shops, she finds herself at the Benson pizza shop. She forgot about Brook Benson, the douche she remembered back in high school. He was one of the guys who made her life miserable and one of the reasons she couldn't wait to leave this town.
Brooks Goddamn Benson. Goddamn wasn't his middle name, but it might as well have been. We'd graduated the same year, but we'd never been friends. Not even close.
Their first meeting doesn't go over too well, but Brooks doesn't seem to remember having any animosity towards Remi. But then again, he looks at his high school self and thinks he was kind of a jerk back then.
Remi Wright got hot. I mean, way hot. Not that she wasn't in high school, but holy shit. That purple hair and the attitude were totally working for her.
Brooks agrees to stock some of Remi's baked goodies for a commission of the sales. He just might find himself a little attracted to the hot little baker and is thrilled when her things sell out so she can come back and restock on a regular basis. The two drift into a casual friendship, hanging out, sharing a few meals, eventually breaking down the walls they've built up. They are two souls trapped in the same town, neither one really wanting to be here.
Remington Wright was a complication. A sweet, sexy complication that I was looking forward to unraveling.
The refreshing thing about Brooks' story line was the couples' shared desires to escape the lives they were living. But in being back to a place they wanted to move on from, they were forced to confront their real desires. Remi's forced changes led to her natural knack for baking which led to a surprising career change. Brooks thought he had a path in business waiting for him, but he kept suppressing his real passion for art. Being with each other brought out their real desires. There is some mild angst, some steam and a lot of humor in this first installment of the Benson Brothers.
"Believe. I believe you can do anything."
"Yeah, well, I feel the same way about you, Brooks Benson. And maybe we can do anything together."
July 1, 2016
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
Brooks was a cute, quick read. A story of two people stuck in a small town for various reasons. Two people who had previously gotten out, but were now back. It was sweet.
Brooks was working on a masters degree when some family issues caused him to give it all up and come home to run the family store. Not that he was happy with what he was doing, but now his life is just he same thing day after day. He lives with his parents, he sees the same people buying the same things, he is not very happy, but he doesn't know what he really wants either. Plus he wouldn't go back and do anything different. He has a very strong sense of family and will always do whatever he can to help if they need it.
Remington never fit in in Hope Harbor. She let as soon as she could to go to school and get a job in New York City. Only one thing after another happens and she has to move back home. To her mom who is always telling her what she should do and how she should be different. To a town where she doesn't feel comfortable and she is just counting down the days until she can leave again. She has to get out or she will suffocate. At first I thought Remington and I could be twins. We both grew up in a small town, both disliked it and didn't fit in, both like dying our hair fun colors, both don't seem to care what others think. Only Remi does. She puts up a good act, but people hurt her so she tries to keep everyone at a distance. She is only back home temporarily and doesn't want any attachments.
Remington and Brooks went to high school together and neither was ready for the other to walk back into their lives. Remi does not like Brooks, does not like who he was in high school, so she especially is not happy to be seeing him all over town. When they start working together, Remi selling her baked goods in Brook's store, it was fun. She is definitely prickly, but Brooks is so sweet and kind and wants the best for her. They fall into a quick camaraderie and I loved reading it. Sure Remi has a bit of tunnel vision and is a bit frustrating at times, but I get it. I understood why she tried to keep Brooks at arms length and not let him make her want to stay.
They both push each other to do what makes them happy and really support each other which I loved. Brooks love art, but never wanted to try and make money from it, until Remington starts talking about how he could and not ruin it. And Remi realizes that she loves baking and making treats for people and Brooks supports her 100%. It was a fun, quick read and I really enjoyed it.
Brooks was a cute, quick read. A story of two people stuck in a small town for various reasons. Two people who had previously gotten out, but were now back. It was sweet.
Brooks was working on a masters degree when some family issues caused him to give it all up and come home to run the family store. Not that he was happy with what he was doing, but now his life is just he same thing day after day. He lives with his parents, he sees the same people buying the same things, he is not very happy, but he doesn't know what he really wants either. Plus he wouldn't go back and do anything different. He has a very strong sense of family and will always do whatever he can to help if they need it.
Remington never fit in in Hope Harbor. She let as soon as she could to go to school and get a job in New York City. Only one thing after another happens and she has to move back home. To her mom who is always telling her what she should do and how she should be different. To a town where she doesn't feel comfortable and she is just counting down the days until she can leave again. She has to get out or she will suffocate. At first I thought Remington and I could be twins. We both grew up in a small town, both disliked it and didn't fit in, both like dying our hair fun colors, both don't seem to care what others think. Only Remi does. She puts up a good act, but people hurt her so she tries to keep everyone at a distance. She is only back home temporarily and doesn't want any attachments.
Remington and Brooks went to high school together and neither was ready for the other to walk back into their lives. Remi does not like Brooks, does not like who he was in high school, so she especially is not happy to be seeing him all over town. When they start working together, Remi selling her baked goods in Brook's store, it was fun. She is definitely prickly, but Brooks is so sweet and kind and wants the best for her. They fall into a quick camaraderie and I loved reading it. Sure Remi has a bit of tunnel vision and is a bit frustrating at times, but I get it. I understood why she tried to keep Brooks at arms length and not let him make her want to stay.
They both push each other to do what makes them happy and really support each other which I loved. Brooks love art, but never wanted to try and make money from it, until Remington starts talking about how he could and not ruin it. And Remi realizes that she loves baking and making treats for people and Brooks supports her 100%. It was a fun, quick read and I really enjoyed it.
July 2, 2016
3.5/5
Brooks weaves together the theme of identity, self-awareness, the pursuit of happiness and a heart-warming romance.
Both Brooks and Remi find themselves in a position of unhappiness with their lives, having returned home to their small town and families for different reasons. Having both attended college but not really pursuing their dreams. Brooks has had to return to help his family with their store, a responsibility he is happy to help with but resentful for at the same time. While Remi has made a few mistakes tryign to find her place in the workd, lack of money and job prospects lead to her return to a judgemental mother pushing her into remaining within the small town that would suffocate her.
The story shows the pressure placed on young people to carve out their wholes lives and careers at a time when they are still getting to understand who they are. Forgoing their dreams due to family pressure or lack of confidence, especially when their passions lie in non-traditional careers such as baking and art.
Remi is determined to make her dreams come true and escape the path her mother has laid out for her, while Brooks has lost himself within his responsibility to his family. I adored Brooks family, the way in which his mother, in particular, encouraged him to pursue his own life rather than maintaining the family.
Brooks and Remi were in the same year group through high school but very different social circles. Brooks large family and the constant shadow of his older brother played a large part in making Brooks a bit of a douche in high school. Something that is still very clear in Remi's mind and clouds her perception of the person he is now. Their life experiences have altered them from the people they were in high school, something Remi is quick to realize. Although the chemistry between the two is off the charts from the start. The progression of their relationship was utterly sweet and heart-warming to follow.
As they spend more time together, Brooks and Remi encourage and support each other in ways that they have never fully experienced before. Growing their self-confidence and finding ways in which to help each other realize their dreams. I felt as if fate had brought them together when they need each other the most. What they make of it was up to them. You don't have to sacrifice one dream for another, although it takes work and commitment, you really can have it all.
Brooks weaves together the theme of identity, self-awareness, the pursuit of happiness and a heart-warming romance.
Both Brooks and Remi find themselves in a position of unhappiness with their lives, having returned home to their small town and families for different reasons. Having both attended college but not really pursuing their dreams. Brooks has had to return to help his family with their store, a responsibility he is happy to help with but resentful for at the same time. While Remi has made a few mistakes tryign to find her place in the workd, lack of money and job prospects lead to her return to a judgemental mother pushing her into remaining within the small town that would suffocate her.
The story shows the pressure placed on young people to carve out their wholes lives and careers at a time when they are still getting to understand who they are. Forgoing their dreams due to family pressure or lack of confidence, especially when their passions lie in non-traditional careers such as baking and art.
Remi is determined to make her dreams come true and escape the path her mother has laid out for her, while Brooks has lost himself within his responsibility to his family. I adored Brooks family, the way in which his mother, in particular, encouraged him to pursue his own life rather than maintaining the family.
Brooks and Remi were in the same year group through high school but very different social circles. Brooks large family and the constant shadow of his older brother played a large part in making Brooks a bit of a douche in high school. Something that is still very clear in Remi's mind and clouds her perception of the person he is now. Their life experiences have altered them from the people they were in high school, something Remi is quick to realize. Although the chemistry between the two is off the charts from the start. The progression of their relationship was utterly sweet and heart-warming to follow.
As they spend more time together, Brooks and Remi encourage and support each other in ways that they have never fully experienced before. Growing their self-confidence and finding ways in which to help each other realize their dreams. I felt as if fate had brought them together when they need each other the most. What they make of it was up to them. You don't have to sacrifice one dream for another, although it takes work and commitment, you really can have it all.
July 1, 2016
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Brooks is the first book in the new adult contemporary romances series, called The Benson Brothers, by Chelsea M. Cameron. I have read and enjoyed a few of Chelsea's books in the past and I have always really enjoyed them. I think Brooks might be my favorite of all of them that I have read by her. Brooks is told in dual narrative between Brooks and Remi. It will appeal to fans of edgy small town romances. I know those two things hardly ever go together, but it works with these characters.
I liked Brooks a whole lot more than I liked Remi. She is just described as the kind of person that annoys me in real life. But her actions and her personality are very different. Her personality is a miss for me, but her actions and the way she is with Brooks, I really loved. You can tell that she can be thoughtful when she wants to be, and she is very talented. She is just a grump-a-saurous to the extreme.
Brooks though. Brooks, I loved! He was immediately smitten with Remi, and I found it to be totes adorb. I loved that Remi pushed Brooks to get back into his art. And I really liked how taken Brooks is with Remi. I wanted everything to work out for his benefit. Brooks is a super quick read. One that immediately drew me in, and before I knew it...I was done! I love a quick one sitting read that still gives me all the nice feelings. That is Brooks to a T.
I am a little concerned with how I am going to take to the rest of the books in the series. I am definitely interested in continuing on, but I didn't love the other brother I met- Avery. So it will be cool to see what Chelsea does with his story. If you are a fan of new adult romances, this is a solid read. it is sexy and fun.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
I liked Brooks a whole lot more than I liked Remi. She is just described as the kind of person that annoys me in real life. But her actions and her personality are very different. Her personality is a miss for me, but her actions and the way she is with Brooks, I really loved. You can tell that she can be thoughtful when she wants to be, and she is very talented. She is just a grump-a-saurous to the extreme.
Brooks though. Brooks, I loved! He was immediately smitten with Remi, and I found it to be totes adorb. I loved that Remi pushed Brooks to get back into his art. And I really liked how taken Brooks is with Remi. I wanted everything to work out for his benefit. Brooks is a super quick read. One that immediately drew me in, and before I knew it...I was done! I love a quick one sitting read that still gives me all the nice feelings. That is Brooks to a T.
I am a little concerned with how I am going to take to the rest of the books in the series. I am definitely interested in continuing on, but I didn't love the other brother I met- Avery. So it will be cool to see what Chelsea does with his story. If you are a fan of new adult romances, this is a solid read. it is sexy and fun.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
July 3, 2016
This was my first read by this author and it certaintly wont be my last.
Brooks tells the story of Remi and Brooks, as they come to terms with moving back to the small town they grew up in and finding love.
Remi feels like a failure, having failed to make life in the big city work she has no other choice but to move back home with her parents, until she can find something to do with her life. With her overbearing mam and no friends in her home town, Remi sets about using her baking talent to get herself back out of Hope Harbour as fast as she can. Only theres one thing she never saw coming and he might just turn her whole plan and her life upside down.....damn Brook Benson!
Brook Benson never really had direction or a plan for his life, having majored in business he never really saw it as his future, art was his true passion. However when his parents needed his help in running the family business he moved back to Hope Harbour and did just that. He spent his days working at his parents shop and coming to terms that this was his life now. Until Remi came barrelling through the shop door and into his life. He never saw her coming but now that he had her he didnt want to give her up.
This is a story about small town love and two people who wanted different things coming together to make it work. Was it easy? No, but then again love never is. The story flowed easily and was everything i'd expect from a YA. I think my only gripe was for me the epilogue could have been more. I wanted to know what direction their lives had taken a few years later instead of just a few short months. Having said that im now hooked and i need the rest of the books in this series....like now!
4*
Brooks tells the story of Remi and Brooks, as they come to terms with moving back to the small town they grew up in and finding love.
Remi feels like a failure, having failed to make life in the big city work she has no other choice but to move back home with her parents, until she can find something to do with her life. With her overbearing mam and no friends in her home town, Remi sets about using her baking talent to get herself back out of Hope Harbour as fast as she can. Only theres one thing she never saw coming and he might just turn her whole plan and her life upside down.....damn Brook Benson!
Brook Benson never really had direction or a plan for his life, having majored in business he never really saw it as his future, art was his true passion. However when his parents needed his help in running the family business he moved back to Hope Harbour and did just that. He spent his days working at his parents shop and coming to terms that this was his life now. Until Remi came barrelling through the shop door and into his life. He never saw her coming but now that he had her he didnt want to give her up.
This is a story about small town love and two people who wanted different things coming together to make it work. Was it easy? No, but then again love never is. The story flowed easily and was everything i'd expect from a YA. I think my only gripe was for me the epilogue could have been more. I wanted to know what direction their lives had taken a few years later instead of just a few short months. Having said that im now hooked and i need the rest of the books in this series....like now!
4*
July 4, 2016
Brooks by Chelsea M Cameron was an enjoyable romance with both characters growing and finding what makes them happy.
Taking place in a small town in Maine, both Brooks Benson and Remington “Remi” Tate find themselves back home, in their parents house and floundering. Brooks has been here 2 years now. He came home to run his family's variety store but that isn't where his passion lies. Remi, struck out in the city and has come home to start over (not in this town though!)
I really liked how the relationship between Brooks and Remi developed. They may have known each other in high school but they weren't friends. As they get reacquainted now we get to watch a true friends to lovers story. We get to see them slowly knock down each other's walls as begin to trust, to share their dreams and passions. And you can't miss the chemistry between them! They prop each other up, pull their strengths out and let them shine. Each pushing the other to admit what they want in life, what will make them happy and going about making sure the other's happiness is realized. I also enjoyed their families. Their families are very different, but each loves them in their own way. I really appreciate when author's actually include the families that are mentioned in the actual plot of the book, not just mention them and then forget them. You could really see this happening in real life.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Taking place in a small town in Maine, both Brooks Benson and Remington “Remi” Tate find themselves back home, in their parents house and floundering. Brooks has been here 2 years now. He came home to run his family's variety store but that isn't where his passion lies. Remi, struck out in the city and has come home to start over (not in this town though!)
I really liked how the relationship between Brooks and Remi developed. They may have known each other in high school but they weren't friends. As they get reacquainted now we get to watch a true friends to lovers story. We get to see them slowly knock down each other's walls as begin to trust, to share their dreams and passions. And you can't miss the chemistry between them! They prop each other up, pull their strengths out and let them shine. Each pushing the other to admit what they want in life, what will make them happy and going about making sure the other's happiness is realized. I also enjoyed their families. Their families are very different, but each loves them in their own way. I really appreciate when author's actually include the families that are mentioned in the actual plot of the book, not just mention them and then forget them. You could really see this happening in real life.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 6, 2016
I enjoyed reading about Brooks and Remi. Two adults having to come back home to their families for different reasons. Stuck in a place that they are not happy and trying to find their futures in the midst of life. It was a quick read and Brooks and Remi had some great chemistry and super hot moments that I could definitely savor !!
Brooks came home to run the family store after his mother was injured and his dad was sick. He may come from a big family but he was the one to step up and give up his life. He has the help of a couple siblings and lives under the scrutiny of others. He loves his family but is not 100% happy doing what he does daily and never having a break. Along comes Remi... They went to school together yet didn't really hang out , now back in town together their families and fate have a field day setting these two up for more than they were looking for. Remi loves to bake and when her and Brooks pair their skills they end up spending tons of time together at the store baking , selling and heating up the place !! Getting to know each other again comes easy and falling does too. Remi doesn't want to stick around - here lies the problem - can Brooks make her happy enough to keep her in town or will she leave him behind and chase her dreams ??
Brooks came home to run the family store after his mother was injured and his dad was sick. He may come from a big family but he was the one to step up and give up his life. He has the help of a couple siblings and lives under the scrutiny of others. He loves his family but is not 100% happy doing what he does daily and never having a break. Along comes Remi... They went to school together yet didn't really hang out , now back in town together their families and fate have a field day setting these two up for more than they were looking for. Remi loves to bake and when her and Brooks pair their skills they end up spending tons of time together at the store baking , selling and heating up the place !! Getting to know each other again comes easy and falling does too. Remi doesn't want to stick around - here lies the problem - can Brooks make her happy enough to keep her in town or will she leave him behind and chase her dreams ??
August 31, 2016
***ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***
Brook Benson, has taken a piece of my heart. This first book in the Benson Brother's Series is such a great opening into the Benson family. Brooks, and Remi are sweet, funny, and sexy. I really enjoyed reading their story, and I cant wait to see what happens next and where this series goes!
If you are looking for a fast, easy read for a lazy afternoon I recommend picking this one up! Brooks and Remi will have you flipping the pages until the very end!
Brook Benson, has taken a piece of my heart. This first book in the Benson Brother's Series is such a great opening into the Benson family. Brooks, and Remi are sweet, funny, and sexy. I really enjoyed reading their story, and I cant wait to see what happens next and where this series goes!
If you are looking for a fast, easy read for a lazy afternoon I recommend picking this one up! Brooks and Remi will have you flipping the pages until the very end!
January 2, 2017
3.5 stars
October 28, 2020
Just 2 stars from me. This was lacking in a few ways for me. Primarily the storyline was way too basic and there was no real crisis point. The main characters lacked depth and I didn’t really connect with either one of them.
I found it really irritating the way many of the spoken parts were done - with the spoken bit followed on the same line by the reaction of the other character which made it super confusing as to who had said what - especially for a conversation back and forth. That is not how it’s supposed to be done in usual writing conventions. It made me have to stop and re-read to work out who was saying what.
E.g. (a new paragraph) “Do what you need to do. You’re smart, you’ll figure it out.” He looked out at the ocean and the wind played with his hair.
Now, as the comment directly after the speech was about him it makes it seem as though he has said the spoken part. He hasn’t. This was all the way through the book and it was just way too confusing.
Also, I really hated the way Reno’s relationship with her mother was depicted. She is a 22 year old woman (despite coming across as very immature), and the back and forth with her mother is ridiculous. She’s a grown woman and to have her mother treat her like a child and her just take it is so incongruous with the way the author was trying to characterise her that it’s just frustrating and unrealistic.
I didn’t enjoy this at all.
I found it really irritating the way many of the spoken parts were done - with the spoken bit followed on the same line by the reaction of the other character which made it super confusing as to who had said what - especially for a conversation back and forth. That is not how it’s supposed to be done in usual writing conventions. It made me have to stop and re-read to work out who was saying what.
E.g. (a new paragraph) “Do what you need to do. You’re smart, you’ll figure it out.” He looked out at the ocean and the wind played with his hair.
Now, as the comment directly after the speech was about him it makes it seem as though he has said the spoken part. He hasn’t. This was all the way through the book and it was just way too confusing.
Also, I really hated the way Reno’s relationship with her mother was depicted. She is a 22 year old woman (despite coming across as very immature), and the back and forth with her mother is ridiculous. She’s a grown woman and to have her mother treat her like a child and her just take it is so incongruous with the way the author was trying to characterise her that it’s just frustrating and unrealistic.
I didn’t enjoy this at all.
June 30, 2016
Storyline: 5
Angst: 2
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 4.5
Over All Rating: 4.25 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Brooks and Remington have something in common. Both of them escaped Hope Harbor, Maine to go to college and make something of themselves and have been sucked back into their parents’ homes. Brooks is running his family’s variety store after health issues hit his mom and dad. Remi is back home after losing her job and apartment. Although they didn’t mix in high school, somehow there is an unexplained attraction when they reconnect. This doesn’t fit in with Remi’s plans for escaping Hope Harbor in the near future. Can Remi revise her plans to include Brooks or will she feel trapped to a life in Hope Harbor?
“I hummed along. Brooks was watching me, but I didn’t care. There was something about being with him that was simultaneously thrilling and comfortable. As if we’d been friends for so long that we’d lost all shyness.
Then he would shoot me that boyish smile and undo my insides and my feelings were definitely not of friendship. Unless you wanted to bang your best friend, then it was exactly like that.”
Remi is my girl. I loved her snarkiness and ability to say whatever she was thinking. The only issue I had with that concerned Brooks. You know when you want to shake a character and say “why can’t you see?” I laughed, wanted to punch something and swooned reading this book. The developing friendship and attraction…and trying to fight against it, it was just fun banter to sit back and digest. I devoured this book pretty quickly and recommend this one to those who like friends to lovers stories. I’m so happy there are lots of Benson brothers to look forward to reading about. And a sister!
If you are curious about Brooks Goddamn Benson and Hope Harbor, what are you waiting for? Dive in and find out what’s hidden in his attic room. Remi did.
Angst: 2
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 4.5
Over All Rating: 4.25 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Brooks and Remington have something in common. Both of them escaped Hope Harbor, Maine to go to college and make something of themselves and have been sucked back into their parents’ homes. Brooks is running his family’s variety store after health issues hit his mom and dad. Remi is back home after losing her job and apartment. Although they didn’t mix in high school, somehow there is an unexplained attraction when they reconnect. This doesn’t fit in with Remi’s plans for escaping Hope Harbor in the near future. Can Remi revise her plans to include Brooks or will she feel trapped to a life in Hope Harbor?
“I hummed along. Brooks was watching me, but I didn’t care. There was something about being with him that was simultaneously thrilling and comfortable. As if we’d been friends for so long that we’d lost all shyness.
Then he would shoot me that boyish smile and undo my insides and my feelings were definitely not of friendship. Unless you wanted to bang your best friend, then it was exactly like that.”
Remi is my girl. I loved her snarkiness and ability to say whatever she was thinking. The only issue I had with that concerned Brooks. You know when you want to shake a character and say “why can’t you see?” I laughed, wanted to punch something and swooned reading this book. The developing friendship and attraction…and trying to fight against it, it was just fun banter to sit back and digest. I devoured this book pretty quickly and recommend this one to those who like friends to lovers stories. I’m so happy there are lots of Benson brothers to look forward to reading about. And a sister!
If you are curious about Brooks Goddamn Benson and Hope Harbor, what are you waiting for? Dive in and find out what’s hidden in his attic room. Remi did.
July 8, 2016
I love small towns, so I have to admit when I hear about a book that takes place in one I am ready and willing to jump in. I also have to admit that I have never read a Chelsea Cameron book before, so I was ready and willing to read this and I have to say I was not disappointed.
Brooks and Remi are the type of characters that you want to root for. They are both down on their luck and just need a little time to refresh and figure out what is the next step in their lives. Brooks is a little less motivated then Remi. She knows that she wants to leave and is willing to do what needs to be done to leave. Brooks thinks that he is stuck where he is. After health problems from both of his parents, he thinks that he is doomed to run the family store to the end of time.
Remi is a force to be reckoned with. She speaks her mind and holds nothing back. That is probably what has gotten her into this situation. She is the perfect match for Brooks. He is that everyday good boy and family is always first. That is not the same for Remi. Her family drives her insane and she wants to spend as little time with them as possible, where family is everything for Brooks and he spends as much time as possible with them.
I love that Remi hates Brooks at the beginning of the book. It shows that there are always those opinions from high school that are not always what they seem. Sometimes who you hang out with gives you a reputation that is not always what it seems.
All in all I really liked this book and I think I devoured it in little under 24 hours. It was a very quick read. I wish that there was a little more spice to it,, but it didn't take away from the story without it. I am very excited to jump into some more of Chelsea's books and will wait and see which of the brothers is next in the series.
Brooks and Remi are the type of characters that you want to root for. They are both down on their luck and just need a little time to refresh and figure out what is the next step in their lives. Brooks is a little less motivated then Remi. She knows that she wants to leave and is willing to do what needs to be done to leave. Brooks thinks that he is stuck where he is. After health problems from both of his parents, he thinks that he is doomed to run the family store to the end of time.
Remi is a force to be reckoned with. She speaks her mind and holds nothing back. That is probably what has gotten her into this situation. She is the perfect match for Brooks. He is that everyday good boy and family is always first. That is not the same for Remi. Her family drives her insane and she wants to spend as little time with them as possible, where family is everything for Brooks and he spends as much time as possible with them.
I love that Remi hates Brooks at the beginning of the book. It shows that there are always those opinions from high school that are not always what they seem. Sometimes who you hang out with gives you a reputation that is not always what it seems.
All in all I really liked this book and I think I devoured it in little under 24 hours. It was a very quick read. I wish that there was a little more spice to it,, but it didn't take away from the story without it. I am very excited to jump into some more of Chelsea's books and will wait and see which of the brothers is next in the series.
July 16, 2016
3.5 - 4 Stars in my Sky!
In a market full of instalove stories I really appreciated the slow burn Chelsea M. Cameron has created in BROOKS. The key focus for Brooks and Remi isn't love and romance but finding their purpose in and life.
I enjoyed the kinda awkward almost detached tone of the book which can often be annoying, I found it entertaining here - it's difficult to describe but it'll make more sense when you ready the story.
Brooks Benson and Remi Tate have both returned to their small hometown and feel trapped by circumstance. Without getting into the issue too much, I felt Cameron perfectly conveyed the awkwardness of being forced home many Millennials face today.
Brooks is all kinds of sweet and I have to admit there were times when I wasn't entirely sure what he saw in Remi, but I liked their friendship and how they helped to steer each other in the right direction.
BROOKS is the first instalment on the series focusing on the Benson Brothers so because he has a lot of brothers we're in for lots more drama and fun. I'm looking forward to seeing more about a certain Daddy brother...
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
In a market full of instalove stories I really appreciated the slow burn Chelsea M. Cameron has created in BROOKS. The key focus for Brooks and Remi isn't love and romance but finding their purpose in and life.
I enjoyed the kinda awkward almost detached tone of the book which can often be annoying, I found it entertaining here - it's difficult to describe but it'll make more sense when you ready the story.
Brooks Benson and Remi Tate have both returned to their small hometown and feel trapped by circumstance. Without getting into the issue too much, I felt Cameron perfectly conveyed the awkwardness of being forced home many Millennials face today.
Brooks is all kinds of sweet and I have to admit there were times when I wasn't entirely sure what he saw in Remi, but I liked their friendship and how they helped to steer each other in the right direction.
BROOKS is the first instalment on the series focusing on the Benson Brothers so because he has a lot of brothers we're in for lots more drama and fun. I'm looking forward to seeing more about a certain Daddy brother...
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
July 4, 2016
Brooks by Chelsea M. Cameron is a cute and quick read that i loved every second of. I've never been disappointed in one of Chelsea's books and Brooks is no different. I loved both the characters and how Remi is not afraid to speak her mind about anything!
Remi and Brooks both escaped their hometown of Hope Harbor to go to college and make something of themselves. But life happened and they both ended up finding themselves not only back in Hope Harbor but living with their parents. Brooks is now running the families variety store and Remi lost her job(s) and apartment in New York.
They were never friends in high school and when push comes to shove Remi still cant stand Brooks. But after spending time together there is an attraction they just cant seem to fight.
What happens when you have your life planned out for it to all come crashing down. And when you finally fell like you can plan again there is something else thrown into the mix. Will Remi still want out of Hope Harbor and will Brooks follow his dreams and what he loves to do?
Remi and Brooks both escaped their hometown of Hope Harbor to go to college and make something of themselves. But life happened and they both ended up finding themselves not only back in Hope Harbor but living with their parents. Brooks is now running the families variety store and Remi lost her job(s) and apartment in New York.
They were never friends in high school and when push comes to shove Remi still cant stand Brooks. But after spending time together there is an attraction they just cant seem to fight.
What happens when you have your life planned out for it to all come crashing down. And when you finally fell like you can plan again there is something else thrown into the mix. Will Remi still want out of Hope Harbor and will Brooks follow his dreams and what he loves to do?
February 14, 2017
Loved Brooks. He was so patient and loving while Remi got through her angst.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2016
This story was wonderful. There were parts where I laughed till I cried. There were other parts that were pretty emotional. Both characters are very complex and have some of the same issues going on in their lives. The storyline was amazing. Both characters dealing with futures that didn’t pan out the way they were hoping. Brooks has an incredible family. I loved reading about them. I am hoping they will all get their HEA’s. I felt really bad about Remi’s relationship with her mother. Brooks and Remi together is magic. I love that their story took its time and wasn’t on a race to the finish. All the getting to know you was incredible. I will definitely have my eyes open for the next book in the series.
Reviewed for FMR Book Grind
Reviewed for FMR Book Grind
July 5, 2016
ERIN'S REVIEW
4 STARS
This story was wonderful. There were parts where I laughed till I cried. There were other parts that were pretty emotional. Both characters are very complex and have some of the same issues going on in their lives. The storyline was amazing. Both characters dealing with futures that didn’t pan out the way they were hoping. Brooks has an incredible family. I loved reading about them. I am hoping they will all get their HEA’s. I felt really bad about Remi’s relationship with her mother. Brooks and Remi together is magic. I love that their story took its time and wasn’t on a race to the finish. All the getting to know you was incredible. I will definitely have my eyes open for the next book in the series.
4 STARS
This story was wonderful. There were parts where I laughed till I cried. There were other parts that were pretty emotional. Both characters are very complex and have some of the same issues going on in their lives. The storyline was amazing. Both characters dealing with futures that didn’t pan out the way they were hoping. Brooks has an incredible family. I loved reading about them. I am hoping they will all get their HEA’s. I felt really bad about Remi’s relationship with her mother. Brooks and Remi together is magic. I love that their story took its time and wasn’t on a race to the finish. All the getting to know you was incredible. I will definitely have my eyes open for the next book in the series.
July 12, 2016
I think Brooks may be one of my favorite book heroes ever. He is a really great guy that is trying to help his family as much as he can and is sacrificing his happiness in the process. I don't know that I have ever been rooting for a hero as much as I was Brooks.
And Remi was just as amazing. She was such a smartass and so guarded being back in her hometown. These two together were so much fun, so perfectly dysfunctional, and so good for each other it was hard to put their story down.
Chelsea M. Cameron has a way of writing normal people that you want to be your friends. I can't wait to see more of the Benson family and more from Chelsea.
And Remi was just as amazing. She was such a smartass and so guarded being back in her hometown. These two together were so much fun, so perfectly dysfunctional, and so good for each other it was hard to put their story down.
Chelsea M. Cameron has a way of writing normal people that you want to be your friends. I can't wait to see more of the Benson family and more from Chelsea.
July 4, 2016
A solid start to Chelsea M. Cameron's new romance series. I adored Remi, and I'm looking forward to books about the rest of the messy, sprawling Benson family (Falyn!).
I did kind of want to throttle Brooks and Remi in the primary conflict of the novel, though. If Portland's close enough to drive to on a date, it doesn't feel like an insurmountable object to me. But I do spend 4 hours on a train every day getting to and from work, so that might just be me.
I don't love this one the way I loved STYLE, but it's very cute and well worth the read.
I did kind of want to throttle Brooks and Remi in the primary conflict of the novel, though. If Portland's close enough to drive to on a date, it doesn't feel like an insurmountable object to me. But I do spend 4 hours on a train every day getting to and from work, so that might just be me.
I don't love this one the way I loved STYLE, but it's very cute and well worth the read.
June 29, 2016
A great start to what is going to be a awesome series. I totally fell in love with the characters. Brooks is a sweet, hot guy who loves his family and puts them first. Remington is a head strong, take no crap, strong female. I love these two together! I liked how the story is about regular folks like you and I and The author did a fantastic job with the writing. This is going to be a wonderful series each Benson brother brings something else to the table. Great book!
January 31, 2017
Great romance. Brooks and Remi and terrific. They are trying to figure out their lives. Brooks is stuck helping his family business. Remi is back after an unsuccessful attempt at a career in New York. The two form an unlikely friendship.
Brooks' family dynamics are terrific. The story is great. A very enjoyable read!!
Brooks' family dynamics are terrific. The story is great. A very enjoyable read!!
June 30, 2016
4.25 Stars! There are many laugh out loud moments with Remi and Brooks. I think I'm going to love the Benson brothers but what about the sister? This is a cute series in a small town with all of the charm to go along with it. Full review coming on The Smut-Brarians.
July 5, 2016
I am very interested in seeing where this series goes. I thought this book was a little bit different from what I have read from Chelsea Cameron, but all the same it was a wonderful book.
-NightWolf Book Blog
-NightWolf Book Blog
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August 11, 20166/18/16
July 4, 2016
Dnf - 7%
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