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Branded
I have my hands full taking care of my little sister and covering for my uncle as ranch foreman. The last thing I need is a Texas princess like Callie Llewellyn getting up in my business and messing with my head.
All I can think of is getting up close and personal with those curves of hers. And being on the edge of discovery makes our quick-and-dirty encounters twice as hot. And that’s all they are—quick and dirty—there’s nothing deeper going on here.
There’s only one rule to keeping my job and a roof over my sister’s stay away from the boss’s granddaughter. But I’m not always great at following the rules.
All I can think of is getting up close and personal with those curves of hers. And being on the edge of discovery makes our quick-and-dirty encounters twice as hot. And that’s all they are—quick and dirty—there’s nothing deeper going on here.
There’s only one rule to keeping my job and a roof over my sister’s stay away from the boss’s granddaughter. But I’m not always great at following the rules.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2016
22 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Candace Havens
70 books1,016 followersBestselling author Candace Havens has published more than 25 books. Her novels have received nominations for the RITA's, Holt Medallion, Write Touch Reader Awards and National Readers Choice Awards. She is a Barbara Wilson Award winner. She is the author of the biography “Joss Whedon: The Genius Behind Buffy” and a contributor to several anthologies. She is also one of the nation's leading entertainment journalists and has interviewed countless celebrities from George Clooney to Chris Pratt. Candace also runs a free online writing workshop for more than 2000 writers, and teaches comprehensive writing classes. She does film reviews with Hawkeye in the Morning on 96.3 KSCS, and is a former President of the Television Critics Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 10, 2016
Rating 3.5/5
This is a romance between nineteen year old poor little rich girl, Callie Llewellyn, and the handsome, acting foreman on her grandparents’ ranch. She’s flunked a college course but doesn’t want to tell her grandparents who have brought her up since her parents died because she thinks they’ll be disappointed in her. She’s planning on studying over the summer to retake it and get her grades back up again without telling them.
He’s covering the role of his Uncle who had been seriously injured in an accident. He’s smart, hardworking and actually left college to take care of his sick mother and is now bringing up his fifteen year old sister. He seems like a real sweetheart, even if he’s wary of committing to any relationship because he’s determined to care for his sister and working to get a decent future for them both. The last thing he needs is the daughter of his boss endangering his job or that of his uncle! The only problem is their attraction is hot and mutual so resistance is well nigh impossible.
This is definitely not a story where what occurs behind closed doors stays there. In fact a significant proportion of the whole novel seems to involve descriptions of the sexual activities between the two main characters (sorry, personally would have preferred a lot less information!). However, there is also a plot there when you can untangle the sheets or clothing and there are some twists and turns in it so it isn’t totally predictable other than you know they’ll end up in sexual romps again soon. It is a quick, light and enjoyable read, complete with its own HEA ending.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a romance between nineteen year old poor little rich girl, Callie Llewellyn, and the handsome, acting foreman on her grandparents’ ranch. She’s flunked a college course but doesn’t want to tell her grandparents who have brought her up since her parents died because she thinks they’ll be disappointed in her. She’s planning on studying over the summer to retake it and get her grades back up again without telling them.
He’s covering the role of his Uncle who had been seriously injured in an accident. He’s smart, hardworking and actually left college to take care of his sick mother and is now bringing up his fifteen year old sister. He seems like a real sweetheart, even if he’s wary of committing to any relationship because he’s determined to care for his sister and working to get a decent future for them both. The last thing he needs is the daughter of his boss endangering his job or that of his uncle! The only problem is their attraction is hot and mutual so resistance is well nigh impossible.
This is definitely not a story where what occurs behind closed doors stays there. In fact a significant proportion of the whole novel seems to involve descriptions of the sexual activities between the two main characters (sorry, personally would have preferred a lot less information!). However, there is also a plot there when you can untangle the sheets or clothing and there are some twists and turns in it so it isn’t totally predictable other than you know they’ll end up in sexual romps again soon. It is a quick, light and enjoyable read, complete with its own HEA ending.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2016
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this book, because I enjoyed it, but at the same time there were a lot of things that bothered me.
I liked the fact that it was a fast paced, easy and hot read, and the characters were cute, but nothing was special about this novel. It had nothing that stood out or that would make me remember this book. It was like a quick fuck, enjoyable then, but later quickly fading. The plot was hella predictible and I feel like it was too much drama and the characters argued for the sake of arguing. Or I'm to rational and I don't like yelling for every little shit.
If I had to pick between Cole and Callie, I would choose Cole. And not because he is the guy or because he is full of muscle and etc. But because he's more rational, or it was in the first chapters of the book, when he's not thinking with his dick. And at least he says that himself. Callie, to me was like a rich girl who had everything and wants everything, and who hopes that everything and everyone is going to happen or to behave as she wants. Even though she says that she's not like that and tries to show to Cole that she's a normal girl and not one living in fluff. But she didn't convinced me, especially with that contract *and here I'm going to stop, because spoilers*. But if you read it, you'll know what I mean.
Then, and is their fault, when they aren't arguing and then jumping on each other bones and kissing like crazy, they have sex. A LOT. And it wouldn't had bothered me, because I'm fine with sex in books and they were okish scenes, *I've read worse*, if before doing it, they wouldn't have discussed to the moon and back, that they can't be together because her grandparents will find out and he will be fired. And neither of them want a relationship, they want just sex or a one night stand. And of course after that they can't stop thinking about each other. Which happens almost every time, but not everytime is done right.
All in all, this was an ok read, both Cole and Callie had issues and pushed my buttons wrong, and sometimes the plot had me rolling my eyes. For a quick read at the beach or besides the pool, or when you're in a reading slump or you can't sleep at night, this is very good. But if you want something that would stick with you... in my opinion, this is not the one.
I liked the fact that it was a fast paced, easy and hot read, and the characters were cute, but nothing was special about this novel. It had nothing that stood out or that would make me remember this book. It was like a quick fuck, enjoyable then, but later quickly fading. The plot was hella predictible and I feel like it was too much drama and the characters argued for the sake of arguing. Or I'm to rational and I don't like yelling for every little shit.
If I had to pick between Cole and Callie, I would choose Cole. And not because he is the guy or because he is full of muscle and etc. But because he's more rational, or it was in the first chapters of the book, when he's not thinking with his dick. And at least he says that himself. Callie, to me was like a rich girl who had everything and wants everything, and who hopes that everything and everyone is going to happen or to behave as she wants. Even though she says that she's not like that and tries to show to Cole that she's a normal girl and not one living in fluff. But she didn't convinced me, especially with that contract *and here I'm going to stop, because spoilers*. But if you read it, you'll know what I mean.
Then, and is their fault, when they aren't arguing and then jumping on each other bones and kissing like crazy, they have sex. A LOT. And it wouldn't had bothered me, because I'm fine with sex in books and they were okish scenes, *I've read worse*, if before doing it, they wouldn't have discussed to the moon and back, that they can't be together because her grandparents will find out and he will be fired. And neither of them want a relationship, they want just sex or a one night stand. And of course after that they can't stop thinking about each other. Which happens almost every time, but not everytime is done right.
All in all, this was an ok read, both Cole and Callie had issues and pushed my buttons wrong, and sometimes the plot had me rolling my eyes. For a quick read at the beach or besides the pool, or when you're in a reading slump or you can't sleep at night, this is very good. But if you want something that would stick with you... in my opinion, this is not the one.
August 14, 2016
Perfect
My first book by this author and hopefully not my last.
Right from the beginning I was pulled in and intrigued as to why Callie was in prison and you only find out why later in the plot as you are then taken back to where it all began upto that point.
Cole is the ranch hand and Callie is on a break from college and the boss's grandaughter.
Not a predictable read as there are twist and turns along the way although the outcome is inevitable.
Cole is a great character, caring for his sister, responsible,loving, bossy, hot and smart, all things good in a contemporary romance read.
Callie is also a likeable character she's down to earth, sweet, fun and also smart although at times she does make a few wrong choices.
An insta love story with two people who try to fight their feelings.
Told in dual pov's you are able to get the thoughts and feelings of each character and feel more involved with the journey.
I would class this as a great Sunday read to relax with angst is minimal it's hot and leads to a great HEA.
question I would ask author: what happened to James, he just wasnt in the plot any more after his ultimatum, Callie should of confronted him.
Loved Branded, I have a hot new bbf cowboy on my shelf, Candace Havens is an author to look out for.
Arc received by netgalley
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My first book by this author and hopefully not my last.
Right from the beginning I was pulled in and intrigued as to why Callie was in prison and you only find out why later in the plot as you are then taken back to where it all began upto that point.
Cole is the ranch hand and Callie is on a break from college and the boss's grandaughter.
Not a predictable read as there are twist and turns along the way although the outcome is inevitable.
Cole is a great character, caring for his sister, responsible,loving, bossy, hot and smart, all things good in a contemporary romance read.
Callie is also a likeable character she's down to earth, sweet, fun and also smart although at times she does make a few wrong choices.
An insta love story with two people who try to fight their feelings.
Told in dual pov's you are able to get the thoughts and feelings of each character and feel more involved with the journey.
I would class this as a great Sunday read to relax with angst is minimal it's hot and leads to a great HEA.
question I would ask author: what happened to James, he just wasnt in the plot any more after his ultimatum, Callie should of confronted him.
Loved Branded, I have a hot new bbf cowboy on my shelf, Candace Havens is an author to look out for.
Arc received by netgalley
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http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
August 2, 2016
Loved this book! It was sweet, sexy, and had off-the-charts chemistry. Cole...UNF. Cole was a great brother, man, really he was just a great everything (he's all mine, ladies!). I really loved how caring and kind Cassie was and how she took Cole's sister under her wing. Loved the passion and sparks between Cassie and Cole. Another great book from Havens <3
September 20, 2016
Lord have mercy, this man, I mean book, just lasso'd my heart! I was wondering aimlessly looking for a book to read and just so happened to Crack this bad boy open, and boy am I glad. This book pulled me in from the get-go and I just couldn't get enough.. I thought please don't let this be another college romance, and it wasn't. Not by a long shot. Callie has lived a privileged life with her grandparents but she's not your typical spoiled rich girl, ooh no, she's so much more. She has a heart of gold and is an amazing person who doesn't mind getting down and dirty in the stalls with the best of them. And Cole, hot dang, he's a man after my own heart. He is such a sweetheart and hard working man, he knows what he has to do to make life as adult and he's definitely on the right track.
This book was wonderful and I'm almost sad it had to end, and if you know me, I like the shorter books. It had all the bells and whistles needed for a romance, and it was overpowering. A light and very consuming read. I'm ready for more from this author.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
This book was wonderful and I'm almost sad it had to end, and if you know me, I like the shorter books. It had all the bells and whistles needed for a romance, and it was overpowering. A light and very consuming read. I'm ready for more from this author.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
September 19, 2016
**I received a copy of Branded by Candace Havens from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review**
This is my first book by Ms. Havens and hopefully she'll continue the series with Adi and Uncle Charlie and Callie's grandparents in their own books. I LOVED this book!!! Having read some of the reviews that remarked how the two main characters Callie and Cole were very combustible when they eventually do act on their attraction is off the charts!
Cole Keller has his hands full filling in for his injured Uncle as temporary Ranch Foreman and his sister Adina. But when Callie practically falls into his arms when she disembarks her plane, he remembers what his uncle told him: Don't mess with the boss's granddaughter, Little does he know that that one incident will change both Callie and Cole will lead to a contract (see Callie did learn something from her contract law class) that they will both walk away when she leaves for Europe, in the mean time they find will change their lives in the future.
Callie Llewellyn is home for the summer from Harvard but she has just found out that she has failed her Finance class. How does she tell her grandparents who have plans for her to take over the family business in the near future? What she really wants is to be a writer but is afraid to tell her grandparents. She will experience a colt's birth, Adi becoming her "little" sister that she never had and of course many nights with Cole.
I have to say that Branded could easily be more than five star and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Callie and Cole.
This is my first book by Ms. Havens and hopefully she'll continue the series with Adi and Uncle Charlie and Callie's grandparents in their own books. I LOVED this book!!! Having read some of the reviews that remarked how the two main characters Callie and Cole were very combustible when they eventually do act on their attraction is off the charts!
Cole Keller has his hands full filling in for his injured Uncle as temporary Ranch Foreman and his sister Adina. But when Callie practically falls into his arms when she disembarks her plane, he remembers what his uncle told him: Don't mess with the boss's granddaughter, Little does he know that that one incident will change both Callie and Cole will lead to a contract (see Callie did learn something from her contract law class) that they will both walk away when she leaves for Europe, in the mean time they find will change their lives in the future.
Callie Llewellyn is home for the summer from Harvard but she has just found out that she has failed her Finance class. How does she tell her grandparents who have plans for her to take over the family business in the near future? What she really wants is to be a writer but is afraid to tell her grandparents. She will experience a colt's birth, Adi becoming her "little" sister that she never had and of course many nights with Cole.
I have to say that Branded could easily be more than five star and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Callie and Cole.
September 18, 2016
The cover lured me in and I’m so glad it did!
I admit to being lured into a book, on more than one occasion, by a beautiful cover. Bright colors, an eye-catching title or the occasional bodacious body (for purely artistic reasons, of course!) will grab my attention and talk me into trying a new author. I fight it, or try to, but in this case, I’m so glad I caved!
Callie is trying her best not to drown in family expectations she is struggling to meet. Going home and meeting up with a new ranch foreman, one who immediately grates as he gives her attitude, was not what she was hoping for in her holidays.
“Grandma had it wrong. He was an asshat.”
It doesn’t take her long to start getting under his skin as well. With the notion of a relationship that could never happen, their frenemy chemistry quickly evolves into something hot and hidden.
Callie is sweet and funny, loving and smart-assy, a great combination to push all of Cole’s buttons. Cole is so much the cowboy—handsome, strong, loyal and somber. They sound like the perfect match… If you need to light a fire…
I wasn’t expecting the focus on family that added so much warmth to an already emotional ride. Callie and Cole fought their attraction using siblings and grandparents as an excuse, but how that worked for, and against them, made for a fun and flirty read.
I laughed, I smiled, and I wanted to share in the support and love that invaded every page…
Oh, and this made me laugh:
“These jeans make your ass look like Jesus made it special.” ~ Diane, 4 stars
I admit to being lured into a book, on more than one occasion, by a beautiful cover. Bright colors, an eye-catching title or the occasional bodacious body (for purely artistic reasons, of course!) will grab my attention and talk me into trying a new author. I fight it, or try to, but in this case, I’m so glad I caved!
Callie is trying her best not to drown in family expectations she is struggling to meet. Going home and meeting up with a new ranch foreman, one who immediately grates as he gives her attitude, was not what she was hoping for in her holidays.
“Grandma had it wrong. He was an asshat.”
It doesn’t take her long to start getting under his skin as well. With the notion of a relationship that could never happen, their frenemy chemistry quickly evolves into something hot and hidden.
Callie is sweet and funny, loving and smart-assy, a great combination to push all of Cole’s buttons. Cole is so much the cowboy—handsome, strong, loyal and somber. They sound like the perfect match… If you need to light a fire…
I wasn’t expecting the focus on family that added so much warmth to an already emotional ride. Callie and Cole fought their attraction using siblings and grandparents as an excuse, but how that worked for, and against them, made for a fun and flirty read.
I laughed, I smiled, and I wanted to share in the support and love that invaded every page…
Oh, and this made me laugh:
“These jeans make your ass look like Jesus made it special.” ~ Diane, 4 stars
August 21, 2016
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The best I can say is that this book was fine. I wasn't wowed, but I also didn't hate it. Something about the romance between Callie and Cole just didn't connect for me. I was not that interested in how things turned out for them. I also kind of have a problem with the way that Callie recognized that she had 'first world problems' but still continued to gripe about them in front of someone with real things to worry about. This was a quick read, so at least there's that.
Slightly spoiler-y:
Can we put an end to the women that get upset because the man they dumped 'didn't fight hard enough to keep them'? That is crazy talk. Callie made it clear she didn't want him; would she have begged for him to stay if the roles were reversed? Especially since Cole had just suggested they try to have a real relationship and Callie shot him down. His pride had just taken a beating. He was also respecting her wishes not to be in a relationship with him. Good for him for recognizing that women can choose not to be with him. (Rant over)
The best I can say is that this book was fine. I wasn't wowed, but I also didn't hate it. Something about the romance between Callie and Cole just didn't connect for me. I was not that interested in how things turned out for them. I also kind of have a problem with the way that Callie recognized that she had 'first world problems' but still continued to gripe about them in front of someone with real things to worry about. This was a quick read, so at least there's that.
Slightly spoiler-y:
Can we put an end to the women that get upset because the man they dumped 'didn't fight hard enough to keep them'? That is crazy talk. Callie made it clear she didn't want him; would she have begged for him to stay if the roles were reversed? Especially since Cole had just suggested they try to have a real relationship and Callie shot him down. His pride had just taken a beating. He was also respecting her wishes not to be in a relationship with him. Good for him for recognizing that women can choose not to be with him. (Rant over)
September 11, 2016
I really enjoyed this one! Sweet romance, sizzling hot chemistry, nice pace and interesting characters. Callie was a bit whinny for my taste but overall she wasn't too bad. Cole more than made up for her! It was interesting to see how their first impressions of each other were disproved as they got to know each other. He had her pegged as a rich girl who never worked a day in her life while she marked him as a no goals cowboy, happy to spend his life on the ranch. Reality was far different and once they were being honest with the people around them it became clear how perfect for each other they really were.
A great read and one I would definitely recommend.
A great read and one I would definitely recommend.
August 8, 2016
The guy on the cover reminds me of Scott Eastwood, and for people who don't know Scott Eastwood, go look him up he is one Fine (with a capital F) specimen. Cole is one dominant man, "...he turned me around so that I was against his chest and my *** bumped against his hard-on. “This is what you do to me— twenty-four-seven.” Cole is like a little kid when things don't really go his way, "eff. What? I jumped off the fence and ran after her. “What about the makeup sex?” I said, lowering my voice in case someone was around." I really liked this book, it was steamy and lots of sexual tension.
September 16, 2016
~ 4 - Cocky Cowboy & Pretty Princess - Stars! ~
What's a girl to do when the man of her dreams pushes her away at every turn?
When Callie Llewellyn butts heads one too many times with her grandfather's new foreman, Cole Keller, she decides it's time to change tactics. She might be home for the summer and trying to sort out her academic future but that doesn't mean she can't have a little fun with a stubborn and sexy cowboy either. Callie's approach to Cole's adamant refusal to mix business and pleasure isn't a normal reaction, but when you want something this bad, even a bad idea sounds good :)
She writes up a no strings attached contract of course
Granted the idea of writing a contract for some smexy times with a cowboy who pushes her away at every opportunity wasn't my first choice, but boy did it work. Cole has some legitimate reasons for trying to keep Callie at a distance. He has his teenage sister to worry about and his uncle's livelihood depending on him. Plus, Ms. Havens definitely worked this quirky plot device. I was rooting for Callie and Cole all the way and their story was a none stop ride of sweet and wicked moments.
This book had me laughing and crying and you know its a hit when the author makes you feel every smile, every tear, and every touch! This book definitely left it's brand on me! *wink wink*
This does have a college princess, a sexy dominate H, and a lot of dirty talking, wild midnight romps likely to fog up your kindle! It has a bit of angst and a HFN ending. Safety: No OM/OW drama and there is push and pull from both H/h.
Although it didn't make a lot of sense that both Cole and Callie were so freaked out about her grandparents finding out they were together, especially since they seemed so nice and not at all judgmental when it came to the type of person their granddaughter should date. Add the fact that Cole was a smart, responsible and hard working guy, where was the objection?
Even with that minor hiccup, I loved reading Branded, it was funny, sweet, touching and the sexiness on the cover delivers - this was an off the charts sexy read. Loved the epilogue, it wrapped it all up nicely and left me wanting to re-read all those yummy Cole moments again :)
*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ***
What's a girl to do when the man of her dreams pushes her away at every turn?
When Callie Llewellyn butts heads one too many times with her grandfather's new foreman, Cole Keller, she decides it's time to change tactics. She might be home for the summer and trying to sort out her academic future but that doesn't mean she can't have a little fun with a stubborn and sexy cowboy either. Callie's approach to Cole's adamant refusal to mix business and pleasure isn't a normal reaction, but when you want something this bad, even a bad idea sounds good :)
She writes up a no strings attached contract of course
Granted the idea of writing a contract for some smexy times with a cowboy who pushes her away at every opportunity wasn't my first choice, but boy did it work. Cole has some legitimate reasons for trying to keep Callie at a distance. He has his teenage sister to worry about and his uncle's livelihood depending on him. Plus, Ms. Havens definitely worked this quirky plot device. I was rooting for Callie and Cole all the way and their story was a none stop ride of sweet and wicked moments.
This book had me laughing and crying and you know its a hit when the author makes you feel every smile, every tear, and every touch! This book definitely left it's brand on me! *wink wink*
This does have a college princess, a sexy dominate H, and a lot of dirty talking, wild midnight romps likely to fog up your kindle! It has a bit of angst and a HFN ending. Safety: No OM/OW drama and there is push and pull from both H/h.
Although it didn't make a lot of sense that both Cole and Callie were so freaked out about her grandparents finding out they were together, especially since they seemed so nice and not at all judgmental when it came to the type of person their granddaughter should date. Add the fact that Cole was a smart, responsible and hard working guy, where was the objection?
Even with that minor hiccup, I loved reading Branded, it was funny, sweet, touching and the sexiness on the cover delivers - this was an off the charts sexy read. Loved the epilogue, it wrapped it all up nicely and left me wanting to re-read all those yummy Cole moments again :)
*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ***
August 18, 2016
Branded by Candace Havens
Branded...yes, you will definitely be branded after you read this novel. Cole and Callie may be in the heat of Texas but boy are they generating their own heat down on the ranch.
Cole is acting foreman on Callie's family ranch while his uncle is recovering from an injury. Callie is a college student home for the summer. An instant attraction...and a whole lot of resistance. Cole is beyond attracted to Callie, yet he cannot act on his attraction to Callie because he desperately needs his job to take care of his little sister. Besides, Callie is a rich, stuck-up girl anyways, right? WRONG! Callie may be the granddaughter of an oil typhoon but she is anything but stuck-up. Little does Cole know Callie was raised with the best of them on the ranch, shoveling shit and mucking stalls everyday. Yet, even though Callie may not be the stuck-up person Cole thought she was he cannot make a move. He refuses.
That is until he literally cannot stand it any longer. Callie and Cole agree to an exclusive yet, private affair for the duration of the summer. However, can they keep their feelings aside and just let sex be sex? Will Callie's family accept Cole for who he is and acknowledge Callie is a grown woman who can make her own decisions? Or will they live up to Cole's expectations of a typical "rich" family? Will Callie be able to finally tell her grandparents about the truth of what happened while at college and what she really wants for her future, including Cole?
Great author, great book. Lots of steamy sex.
Branded...yes, you will definitely be branded after you read this novel. Cole and Callie may be in the heat of Texas but boy are they generating their own heat down on the ranch.
Cole is acting foreman on Callie's family ranch while his uncle is recovering from an injury. Callie is a college student home for the summer. An instant attraction...and a whole lot of resistance. Cole is beyond attracted to Callie, yet he cannot act on his attraction to Callie because he desperately needs his job to take care of his little sister. Besides, Callie is a rich, stuck-up girl anyways, right? WRONG! Callie may be the granddaughter of an oil typhoon but she is anything but stuck-up. Little does Cole know Callie was raised with the best of them on the ranch, shoveling shit and mucking stalls everyday. Yet, even though Callie may not be the stuck-up person Cole thought she was he cannot make a move. He refuses.
That is until he literally cannot stand it any longer. Callie and Cole agree to an exclusive yet, private affair for the duration of the summer. However, can they keep their feelings aside and just let sex be sex? Will Callie's family accept Cole for who he is and acknowledge Callie is a grown woman who can make her own decisions? Or will they live up to Cole's expectations of a typical "rich" family? Will Callie be able to finally tell her grandparents about the truth of what happened while at college and what she really wants for her future, including Cole?
Great author, great book. Lots of steamy sex.
August 6, 2016
Holy shit. There's really no way to accurately describe what this book did to me. The feels, though!
Callie is awesome. She's kind of bad ass who defies the rich girl stereotype and you really see her come into her own here. She starts off this little meek, shy person on the outside - a super bad ass on the inside - and really learns to voice what she wants to say. Well, to an extent. Girl's gotta keep her secrets, right?
And Cole? Swoon. Just... If all Cowboys were like that, sign me up. Please. Man whore status or not, sign me up. Yum. He's super sexy and will light a fire in the reader. I mean, cowboy, techie, entrepreneur who can make a woman's toes curl? Check, check, and double check. But down to the whole of him, he's super protective and he values in his family. And it's super charming. He's an interesting one, between sweet and asshole, and it makes a great combination.
There's really no way you can go wrong with this book. Each character defies their own stereotype that they're branded with, and it's pretty intense and amazing.
All in all, it's one of the best books I've read in a long time, and just like always, Candace never fails to impress. You go girl!
Callie is awesome. She's kind of bad ass who defies the rich girl stereotype and you really see her come into her own here. She starts off this little meek, shy person on the outside - a super bad ass on the inside - and really learns to voice what she wants to say. Well, to an extent. Girl's gotta keep her secrets, right?
And Cole? Swoon. Just... If all Cowboys were like that, sign me up. Please. Man whore status or not, sign me up. Yum. He's super sexy and will light a fire in the reader. I mean, cowboy, techie, entrepreneur who can make a woman's toes curl? Check, check, and double check. But down to the whole of him, he's super protective and he values in his family. And it's super charming. He's an interesting one, between sweet and asshole, and it makes a great combination.
There's really no way you can go wrong with this book. Each character defies their own stereotype that they're branded with, and it's pretty intense and amazing.
All in all, it's one of the best books I've read in a long time, and just like always, Candace never fails to impress. You go girl!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2016
LEEANN'S REVIEW
4 STARS
I really really enjoyed this book. It is about 2 young people with completely different upbringings and living completely different lives. On paper they are completely opposite, but In reality they are a perfect match.
What I liked about Cole and Callie is that although they are young and somewhat immature, they are not nasty or vindictive. They don't set out to hurt each other. It is refreshing to read about characters who make decisions based on what is best of their partner. The only selfishness in this story is that they just can't get enough of each other.
These 2 characters bring out parts of each other that they didn't know existed. They suprise themselves with how quickly their feelings develope and it is lovely to watch how it all plays out. Their biggest support comes from where they least expect it!
There are lots of steamy sex scenes so if that's not your thing then you should move along, but if you like that kind of story then get one clicking because you will thoroughly enjoy this book!
This is a great quick happy holiday read and well worth getting your one click finger out for.
4 STARS
I really really enjoyed this book. It is about 2 young people with completely different upbringings and living completely different lives. On paper they are completely opposite, but In reality they are a perfect match.
What I liked about Cole and Callie is that although they are young and somewhat immature, they are not nasty or vindictive. They don't set out to hurt each other. It is refreshing to read about characters who make decisions based on what is best of their partner. The only selfishness in this story is that they just can't get enough of each other.
These 2 characters bring out parts of each other that they didn't know existed. They suprise themselves with how quickly their feelings develope and it is lovely to watch how it all plays out. Their biggest support comes from where they least expect it!
There are lots of steamy sex scenes so if that's not your thing then you should move along, but if you like that kind of story then get one clicking because you will thoroughly enjoy this book!
This is a great quick happy holiday read and well worth getting your one click finger out for.
August 15, 2016
The story line for this book? Wow. Just, wow. I have no words.
Callie. The misunderstood. I confess, I had my objections about her at first. I genuinely thought she would be some rich bitch, who in some realistically cruel twist of fate, got the guy. Blah, blah, blah. Cliché. But no! She turns out to be the most unselfish person ever. It's a breath of fresh air, and I loved her.
Now Cole? One word. Smokin'. But condescending. A little. I mean, there's a story there, and it's a good one. A REALLY good one. So his actions, as chauvinistic as they were, made sense as you got to know him and his lovely little sister, who basically won everyone's hearts.
Now, all stories have their ups and downs, and this story had so many ups it made my heart smile. Callie's grandparents? Magical. They're fierce, but fair, and it gave a great understanding of what love and family are supposed to be, even when family isn't blood. All in all, an amazing read. Two thumbs up, Candace. Two thumbs up.
Callie. The misunderstood. I confess, I had my objections about her at first. I genuinely thought she would be some rich bitch, who in some realistically cruel twist of fate, got the guy. Blah, blah, blah. Cliché. But no! She turns out to be the most unselfish person ever. It's a breath of fresh air, and I loved her.
Now Cole? One word. Smokin'. But condescending. A little. I mean, there's a story there, and it's a good one. A REALLY good one. So his actions, as chauvinistic as they were, made sense as you got to know him and his lovely little sister, who basically won everyone's hearts.
Now, all stories have their ups and downs, and this story had so many ups it made my heart smile. Callie's grandparents? Magical. They're fierce, but fair, and it gave a great understanding of what love and family are supposed to be, even when family isn't blood. All in all, an amazing read. Two thumbs up, Candace. Two thumbs up.
August 22, 2016
Branded is my first book by this author, but I'll definitely be trying her other books! This was a fun, cute new adult romance with a handsome cowboy as the main love interest - I was hooked just on the cover ;)
I loved Branded, especially the main character Callie! She was funny, hardworking, and such a good person too! My favourite thing was Cole's love for his sister and his family - he was so protective and determined to do right by them! More men should be like that! The romance was a bit of your typical, let's keep it all a secret until it all gets found out thing...but in a good way! Sometimes you just need a fun, angsty, easy read like that! The only thing I wasn't keen on was James - he annoyed me a lot! I'm sure he was just looking out for Callie but he got on my nerves so much!
4.5 stars from me!
I loved Branded, especially the main character Callie! She was funny, hardworking, and such a good person too! My favourite thing was Cole's love for his sister and his family - he was so protective and determined to do right by them! More men should be like that! The romance was a bit of your typical, let's keep it all a secret until it all gets found out thing...but in a good way! Sometimes you just need a fun, angsty, easy read like that! The only thing I wasn't keen on was James - he annoyed me a lot! I'm sure he was just looking out for Callie but he got on my nerves so much!
4.5 stars from me!
June 8, 2019
okay, so .... #CoverWin **yikes** and it only got better from there. The blur mentions "...quick-and-dirty encounters..." but i beg to differ. They were downright filthy and scorching hot!
The story of Callie and Cole flew by for me. I was excited to see their transformation unfold throughout the pages. They started out with the typical misconceptions about each other but it all turned before my eyes. The story has a huge heart beating right through it. It was so heart-warming to be a part of both their growth's, within them selves and towards one another as well.
And here's the BEST part ... these kids were young and not one time did their journey make me want to drive ice picks thru my eyeballs. THIS IS MAJOR! ... SO put this on your TBR .. it's worth it.
Copy provided for blog tour
The story of Callie and Cole flew by for me. I was excited to see their transformation unfold throughout the pages. They started out with the typical misconceptions about each other but it all turned before my eyes. The story has a huge heart beating right through it. It was so heart-warming to be a part of both their growth's, within them selves and towards one another as well.
And here's the BEST part ... these kids were young and not one time did their journey make me want to drive ice picks thru my eyeballs. THIS IS MAJOR! ... SO put this on your TBR .. it's worth it.
Copy provided for blog tour
August 6, 2016
Loved it!
February 1, 2023
Timing is everything!
This fast simple but hot read was everything I needed at the moment. Five stars would be too generous for this Harlequin drama-like, but 4 stars is absolutely deserved!
P.S. Why are all the new releases I come across these days, too long and/or dragging with tons of drama?
August 18, 2016
The book is incredibly hot, steamy in all the right places and I love a good cowboy story. Cole is filling in for his Uncle Charlie as ranch manager for Callie's grandparents. Callie is coming home from college on summer break after being put on "probation" for failing her business class. Something she cannot face telling her grandparents, fearing their disappointment. Grandpa has been grooming her to take over the business, her grandparents are loving and supportive of her. Cole and his sister Addy are living on the ranch, Grandma insists they move into the big house while Callie is home, so they all have company. Addy is 16 and now Cole's responsibility since the death of their Mother. He quit college to come home and take care of her. Uncle Charlie's unfortunate farm accident lands Cole and Addy at the ranch for at least the summer. Callie and Addy bond instantly. Cole treats her like she has the plague. He's attracted to her, but was warned off by his uncle. Plus he fears losing the job should anyone find out. He's overly responsible and very protective of his sister. Callie and Addy are fast friends and Callie helps her make new friends, nice ones her age while trying to get Cole to loosen up. Cole and Callie battle their attraction for each other until Callie comes up with a plan. A contract, sort of an NDA with an expiration date no less. After a little twist in the story, Callie who is due to go to Europe with her college roommate but was considering staying after Cole asks her to, blows Cole off and makes a beeline to Europe. She thinks she's protecting him. The story moves on from there...
This was a great story, Callie and Cole were both so suited for each other, her grandparents were both amazing... roomie was a little iffy but she fit the small part she had. I honestly enjoyed this book and would love to see this as a series. It had all the necessaries and feels that you want from a great read with minimal angst which I always appreciate. Thank you Candace for writing a great story here.
**arc from NetGalley and Entangled** in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great story, Callie and Cole were both so suited for each other, her grandparents were both amazing... roomie was a little iffy but she fit the small part she had. I honestly enjoyed this book and would love to see this as a series. It had all the necessaries and feels that you want from a great read with minimal angst which I always appreciate. Thank you Candace for writing a great story here.
**arc from NetGalley and Entangled** in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2016
If you're looking for a light romantic romp with lots of sizzling sex, then this is the book for you. Callie is the match that lights Cole's fire, no matter how much he tries to stamp out the flames. I found Callie's humour particularly engaging and Cole's unconditional love for his sister moving. A few interesting twists and turns keep the story moving along at a page-turning pace. As Callie said so well, if you're looking for "heat to pool in your lower regions," then look no further. Happy reading!
August 9, 2016
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Oh so enjoyable! Sexy, funny, and adorable all in one! The only downside I really have it the chemistry the two main characters have. They interact and we know that they find each other attractive and all and then eventually fall in love with each other but it didn't really flow well and found it hard to believe that they could really feel that way. But, it was a quick read that really was enjoyable.
Oh so enjoyable! Sexy, funny, and adorable all in one! The only downside I really have it the chemistry the two main characters have. They interact and we know that they find each other attractive and all and then eventually fall in love with each other but it didn't really flow well and found it hard to believe that they could really feel that way. But, it was a quick read that really was enjoyable.
September 19, 2016
Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
What a surprise Branded was. The Prologue peaked my interest and the ending was like a fairy tale. From start to finish, I smiled, laughed and had a wonderful time with Callie and Cole. There’s was a love that was inevitable, unstable and down-right dirty.
Candace Havens really knows how to write a cowboy. He’s hot, he’s smart, he’s dirty. Callie does something to him. Trying to stay away from her has become fruitless. He’s drawn to the woman who can muck a stall, lift feed bags and has befriended his little sister, as well as curves that could make a saint sin. He tries being mean. He tries to ignore her. He tries to not put her up against the wall and give her all he’s got. He has too much to lose by fooling around with the Princess of the ranch but she comes up with a solution to his dilemma that is convenient and totally unconventional.
Callie can’t keep her mind off of Cole. He totally frustrates and infuriates her. She cannot understand why he doesn’t like her, is mean to her. She tries to prove that she’s only a Princess in her grandparent’s eyes, but to no avail. She finally calls him on his behavior and gets the surprise of her life. So decides to take matters into her own hands. He’ll be her dirty little secret.
Something happens and Cole and Callie find themselves in a position that neither one of them counted on. Being in love, sharing their secrets and enjoying each other way too much. What happens when they both realize it, both frustrated and amused me.
The people that make up both Cole and Callie’s lives were wonderful. They added humor and understanding to a wonderful story. The book would not have been the same without Bethany, Addy and Callie’s grandparents. I seriously think that Grandma and Grandpa Llewellyn played matchmakers right from the beginning of the book.
Candace Havens really kept this story moving. As the two different worlds came together, as both Cole and Callie fought their feelings and tried, desperately, to keep things to the bedroom, she really let us get to know both of them … what they thinking and feeling … what they were hiding and what they had to lose. She did a wonderful job of allowing these two characters understand each other and fall in love. I loved that there were times of angst, times of laughter and times of seriousness. Ms. Havens did a great job of writing all of this into a great story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
What a surprise Branded was. The Prologue peaked my interest and the ending was like a fairy tale. From start to finish, I smiled, laughed and had a wonderful time with Callie and Cole. There’s was a love that was inevitable, unstable and down-right dirty.
Candace Havens really knows how to write a cowboy. He’s hot, he’s smart, he’s dirty. Callie does something to him. Trying to stay away from her has become fruitless. He’s drawn to the woman who can muck a stall, lift feed bags and has befriended his little sister, as well as curves that could make a saint sin. He tries being mean. He tries to ignore her. He tries to not put her up against the wall and give her all he’s got. He has too much to lose by fooling around with the Princess of the ranch but she comes up with a solution to his dilemma that is convenient and totally unconventional.
Callie can’t keep her mind off of Cole. He totally frustrates and infuriates her. She cannot understand why he doesn’t like her, is mean to her. She tries to prove that she’s only a Princess in her grandparent’s eyes, but to no avail. She finally calls him on his behavior and gets the surprise of her life. So decides to take matters into her own hands. He’ll be her dirty little secret.
Something happens and Cole and Callie find themselves in a position that neither one of them counted on. Being in love, sharing their secrets and enjoying each other way too much. What happens when they both realize it, both frustrated and amused me.
The people that make up both Cole and Callie’s lives were wonderful. They added humor and understanding to a wonderful story. The book would not have been the same without Bethany, Addy and Callie’s grandparents. I seriously think that Grandma and Grandpa Llewellyn played matchmakers right from the beginning of the book.
Candace Havens really kept this story moving. As the two different worlds came together, as both Cole and Callie fought their feelings and tried, desperately, to keep things to the bedroom, she really let us get to know both of them … what they thinking and feeling … what they were hiding and what they had to lose. She did a wonderful job of allowing these two characters understand each other and fall in love. I loved that there were times of angst, times of laughter and times of seriousness. Ms. Havens did a great job of writing all of this into a great story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
September 26, 2016
Hot and steamy!!!!
A story about two people who are down on their luck and are trying to find happiness. Callie returns to her grandparent's ranch on summer break from college after learning she is being placed on academic probation because she failed a class. Determined to keep this information from her grandparents in fear of disappointing them, she enrolls in an online class to make up for the she failed.
Cole is a temporary ranch hand, helping out after his uncle was in a horrible tractor accident which forced him to drop out of college. His small family means everything to him, which means under no circumstances can he fall for Callie, his boss' granddaughter.
I found this book to be a cross between a romance and a new adult book. The sex scenes were steamy, but the characters lacked maturity - specifically Callie. She was constantly running away from her problems rather than facing them. Cole seemed mature beyond his age, so falling for someone who could act so immature at times didn't fit. I wanted Callie to stop running, to open up to Cole and to her family about Cole especially after the way her grandparents reacted after she told them about failing her class.
** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
A story about two people who are down on their luck and are trying to find happiness. Callie returns to her grandparent's ranch on summer break from college after learning she is being placed on academic probation because she failed a class. Determined to keep this information from her grandparents in fear of disappointing them, she enrolls in an online class to make up for the she failed.
Cole is a temporary ranch hand, helping out after his uncle was in a horrible tractor accident which forced him to drop out of college. His small family means everything to him, which means under no circumstances can he fall for Callie, his boss' granddaughter.
I found this book to be a cross between a romance and a new adult book. The sex scenes were steamy, but the characters lacked maturity - specifically Callie. She was constantly running away from her problems rather than facing them. Cole seemed mature beyond his age, so falling for someone who could act so immature at times didn't fit. I wanted Callie to stop running, to open up to Cole and to her family about Cole especially after the way her grandparents reacted after she told them about failing her class.
** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
August 10, 2016
"Branded" is the first book I have read by Candace Havens and I am glad to have been introduced to her work.
I enjoyed the book but wish the blurb had hinted that the MC's were so young (h was only 19!). It really made them sound older. I like New Adult but not quite that "New". That being said it was a nicely paced book and I loved Cole. Although he started out a player he was also such a stand up guy trying to take care of his family. And he had such a delicious naughty side. Gotta love that! I do wish the book had gone more into his past and explained the full story behind his scars.
I felt like Callie showed her age a bit but she did grow on me and I appreciated that although she lived a priviledged lifestyle, she was a fairly down to earth girl who cared so much for the welfare of Cole and his sister. I loved that the heat factor was off the charts between Callie and Cole!
All in all a fun read and I am really hoping there are follow up books for Cole's sister Ads and Callie's friend Bethany as they were pretty interesting characters.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I enjoyed the book but wish the blurb had hinted that the MC's were so young (h was only 19!). It really made them sound older. I like New Adult but not quite that "New". That being said it was a nicely paced book and I loved Cole. Although he started out a player he was also such a stand up guy trying to take care of his family. And he had such a delicious naughty side. Gotta love that! I do wish the book had gone more into his past and explained the full story behind his scars.
I felt like Callie showed her age a bit but she did grow on me and I appreciated that although she lived a priviledged lifestyle, she was a fairly down to earth girl who cared so much for the welfare of Cole and his sister. I loved that the heat factor was off the charts between Callie and Cole!
All in all a fun read and I am really hoping there are follow up books for Cole's sister Ads and Callie's friend Bethany as they were pretty interesting characters.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 27, 2016
This book should have come with a disclaimer.Warning, be prepared to pull an all nighter. I was hooked from the beginning. It wasn't long before I was wanting to be branded by Cole myself. After all a super hot cowboy, with daddy issues, someone who is book smart, protective, has an amazing butt that was made for jeans, I will not say no to that. Ms Havens has not let me down, I couldn't stop turning the pages to see how Callie and Cole's relationship develop. A must read if you're looking for a feel good romance that's fast paced, and so steamy it will curl your toes. Definitely should be on your must read now list
August 11, 2016
Branded was a sexy, emotional and thoroughly enjoyable quick read; with interesting characters that were much more mature than expected for their age, suffering understandable angst over the consequences their secret liaisons may impose on those they love.
While this was my first read by Ms Havens, the effortless flow of her writing kept me captivated until the very last page and ensured I will be reading more of her work.
While this was my first read by Ms Havens, the effortless flow of her writing kept me captivated until the very last page and ensured I will be reading more of her work.
August 13, 2016
Branded is a sexy read, with its emotional angst and great storyline it had me gripped from beginning to end. I will definitely be looking to read more by this author
Book generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Book generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
August 12, 2016
Really enjoyed this. Full review to come closer to release day.
August 11, 2016
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Entangled Publishing*
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