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Colebrook Siblings Trilogy #2
Wyatt's Stand
A wounded warrior in need of healing. The cost of war was high for Wyatt Colebrook, scarring him inside and out. Since coming home to Sugar Hollow to figure out what his new normal looks like, he’s retreated into himself, just going through the motions of living. Since losing his lower leg and an eye, he doesn’t feel whole anymore, and every day he battles with the inner demons he brought back with him. The only things keeping him going are family, stubbornness, and the chance to buy the one property that will allow him to begin to heal again. When that dream is suddenly stolen from him, it leads to a confrontation with the new owner that will change his life forever. A woman strong enough to win his heart. After suffering a painful loss of her own, Austen Sloan left everything from her old life behind to start a new one in Sugar Hollow. When she finds the house of her dreams in a run-down Victorian in desperate need of love, the last thing she expects is to have a run-in with a disgruntled wounded combat veteran who soon steals her heart. But danger lurks in the shadows, stalking ever nearer. To hold on to Austen and the chance for a future together, Wyatt must make a stand against a deadly enemy. He’ll protect her with everything he has, or die trying.
230 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2016
About the author
Kaylea Cross
103 books1,817 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, HOLT Medallion, and the National Readers Choice Awards. A former Registered Massage Therapist, Kaylea holds a BA in anthropology and history from UBC, and a MSc in Human Bioarchaeology and Paleopathology from Durham University. She’s also an avid gardener, artist, baker, osteology geek, novice rower, history buff, humpback whale enthusiast, and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and rescue pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 28, 2016
Very well written, but the relationship development between hero and heroine was too subdued and a touch sappy for my taste. It just sort of happened after some mild flirting scenes and a heated kiss initiated by the heroine (which was nice). I liked how she mentally drooled over him throughout the book. LOL
The hero had one prosthetic eye, so it annoyed me when the author constantly made references to the different expressions in his EYES. Can a prosthetic eye show expression?
The subplots with the 3 minor characters’ povs were annoying. I basically skimmed those.
The puppy, Grits, sounded adorable but after a while I felt like I was reading a Walt Disney story whenever Grits made an appearance which was more often than not.
Overall it was a struggle to finish this book. The last chapter and the epilogue had me rolling my eyes so much I gave myself a headache.
The hero had one prosthetic eye, so it annoyed me when the author constantly made references to the different expressions in his EYES. Can a prosthetic eye show expression?
The subplots with the 3 minor characters’ povs were annoying. I basically skimmed those.
The puppy, Grits, sounded adorable but after a while I felt like I was reading a Walt Disney story whenever Grits made an appearance which was more often than not.
Overall it was a struggle to finish this book. The last chapter and the epilogue had me rolling my eyes so much I gave myself a headache.
October 20, 2016
4.0 RATING- I liked this second book more than the first book in this series. It is more of a slow burn and there are no sexy bits in the first half of the book so be prepared. Still, I liked the story, liked the characters. I liked that the heroine was strong, capable, and sexy. It's a nice change of pace from the damsels in distress I tend to read about. I'm a sucker for wounded warriors so the book rated high there for me as well. The sexy bits that were in the book were well written and steamy. There was some sap throughout the book- from the story line involving the dog to the overall romance. Still, I'm a dog lover and I thought that part of the story was cute. I get that it might be a little too cheesy for others.
Overall, another enjoyable book by one of my favorite romantic suspense writers. Wyatt's Stand sets up the next book in the series nicely and I can't want to dive into that story.
November 3, 2016
They latched on to each other rather too fast. I don't like that in my Rom-books.
August 5, 2016
Wyatt Colebrook's self-imposed solitude ends when a woman buys the house he'd been after and by some twist of events, finds himself working on the entire renovation process. Hostile to the buyer at first, things between him and Austen move quickly to friendship to more.
Kaylea Cross tackles the wounded veteran story (with a very heavy focus on canines) in Wyatt's Stand' and it's a very different one from what I normally expect out of Cross's stories. I do like Cross's stories for several reasons to begin with: the general lack of stupidity that doesn't involve the lead characters pushing each other away at the end because of some asinine reason intended to create unnecessary conflict, the fast-paced action and suspense and the loyalty that her characters develop for each other once they are paired up.
What had me impressed was how Wyatt didn't fall into the category of men who suddenly believe they aren't good enough for a woman because their physical shine had been shorn down and rubbed off thanks to any injury they'd suffered through while doing their military service. Not to downplay the self-esteem issues that scarred vets do face, but I did like how Wyatt - aside from becoming a recluse - owned his injuries and didn't spend most of the time looking back at the 'good ol' days' before it all went downhill. That Austen never once questioned his altered appearance or scars also pushed her up several notches my esteem of her.
Yet I do think back with more nostalgia to the earlier books where Cross is a little more discerning with her writing style and perhaps, even more poetic with her use of language. There are several clichés that seemed to have developed in her writing that are cringe-worthy each time these come up - phrases like 'her most sensitive flesh', 'making her his' - simply pop up rather freely in her recent series and somehow they do remind me of the older (and more sexist) romance books where the language tended to stereotype gender roles. Every story is wrapped up with a HEA where no one important dies or someone falls magically pregnant - sometimes too bright a HEA for me - and those who matter wake up to smell the roses whose thorns have been thoroughly stripped.
That said, 'Wyatt's Stand' isn't a bad read, with fairly likeable characters (but a rather predictable suspense plot) whom I thought I could get behind.
Kaylea Cross tackles the wounded veteran story (with a very heavy focus on canines) in Wyatt's Stand' and it's a very different one from what I normally expect out of Cross's stories. I do like Cross's stories for several reasons to begin with: the general lack of stupidity that doesn't involve the lead characters pushing each other away at the end because of some asinine reason intended to create unnecessary conflict, the fast-paced action and suspense and the loyalty that her characters develop for each other once they are paired up.
What had me impressed was how Wyatt didn't fall into the category of men who suddenly believe they aren't good enough for a woman because their physical shine had been shorn down and rubbed off thanks to any injury they'd suffered through while doing their military service. Not to downplay the self-esteem issues that scarred vets do face, but I did like how Wyatt - aside from becoming a recluse - owned his injuries and didn't spend most of the time looking back at the 'good ol' days' before it all went downhill. That Austen never once questioned his altered appearance or scars also pushed her up several notches my esteem of her.
Yet I do think back with more nostalgia to the earlier books where Cross is a little more discerning with her writing style and perhaps, even more poetic with her use of language. There are several clichés that seemed to have developed in her writing that are cringe-worthy each time these come up - phrases like 'her most sensitive flesh', 'making her his' - simply pop up rather freely in her recent series and somehow they do remind me of the older (and more sexist) romance books where the language tended to stereotype gender roles. Every story is wrapped up with a HEA where no one important dies or someone falls magically pregnant - sometimes too bright a HEA for me - and those who matter wake up to smell the roses whose thorns have been thoroughly stripped.
That said, 'Wyatt's Stand' isn't a bad read, with fairly likeable characters (but a rather predictable suspense plot) whom I thought I could get behind.
Read
August 28, 2016"Wyatt’s Stand" started off really well for me, I was enjoying its good writing and characterization, a host of likeable characters, strong family ties and a small town atmosphere. But things got too easy too soon, and then the romantic plot was mostly a series of trivialities mixed with long sex scenes. In the midst of this the wounded hero just loses his wounded persona into the usual trope’s commonplaces (the healing by the strong woman and the dog, the nightmares, the guilt, etc.). So I gave up. What seemed to be really cute was the relationship between the big alpha warrior and the little dog, Grits, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: so sweet!
August 30, 2016
4/5
Good book
Easy to read
Military romance
Mystery
Flows well
Wounded hero
Safe read
Good book
Easy to read
Military romance
Mystery
Flows well
Wounded hero
Safe read
April 25, 2019
Started out well but the insta thing is just so boring and then predictable and then disappointing. The writing is good but the storyline and characters are mediocre.
June 30, 2021
This was a great read with all the elements of a book I like. Action, suspense, a good story, a bit of heat and a hea! Throw in the cute, adorable dog and it's a 5 star read!
August 2, 2020
WYATT'S STAND takes place immediately after the ending of BRODY'S VOW but you don't need to read the first book to understand this story. While this one is still romantic suspense it's not as action packed as the previous book but I think that was fitting for these characters' story. Wyatt and Austen don't have the best first meeting but after those initial fireworks these two find themselves getting along easily. I really liked both Wyatt and Austen and I enjoyed watching them fall in love.
Austen was my favorite kind of heroine; tough, smart, and independent. She's almost 6 feet tall, an ex-firefighter and a hobbyist carpenter. She doesn't take any shit from anyone and has no problem calling Wyatt out when he's in the wrong. Her steadfast compassion and upbeat personality is also a great match for the quieter and stoic Wyatt who has been struggling with guilt and grief as the only survivor of an IED blast in Afghanistan. He's especially struggled with the loss of his Military Working Dog, Raider. I thought Wyatt and Raider's connection was so beautiful and it was great to see Wyatt start to open his heart again with his foster dog Grits.
While Austen has found a way to accept and continue on from her grief, Wyatt is still very much stuck in his, but together that begins to change. These two were really sweet together and their chemistry was off the charts even when they were still circling around each other as possible adversaries. I also really liked the beginnings of Easton and Piper's relationship and I can't wait to read their book.
Content Warning: On page animal injury: memories show the death of Wyatt's Military Working Dog and present day events show Wyatt's foster dog being badly injured but surviving
Austen was my favorite kind of heroine; tough, smart, and independent. She's almost 6 feet tall, an ex-firefighter and a hobbyist carpenter. She doesn't take any shit from anyone and has no problem calling Wyatt out when he's in the wrong. Her steadfast compassion and upbeat personality is also a great match for the quieter and stoic Wyatt who has been struggling with guilt and grief as the only survivor of an IED blast in Afghanistan. He's especially struggled with the loss of his Military Working Dog, Raider. I thought Wyatt and Raider's connection was so beautiful and it was great to see Wyatt start to open his heart again with his foster dog Grits.
While Austen has found a way to accept and continue on from her grief, Wyatt is still very much stuck in his, but together that begins to change. These two were really sweet together and their chemistry was off the charts even when they were still circling around each other as possible adversaries. I also really liked the beginnings of Easton and Piper's relationship and I can't wait to read their book.
Content Warning: On page animal injury: memories show the death of Wyatt's Military Working Dog and present day events show Wyatt's foster dog being badly injured but surviving
July 1, 2019
3.5 stars
April 4, 2022
Out of heartbreak comes hope and a second chance, for love and for life. Both characters have heartbreak though very different reasons, Wyatt also has other issues and is struggling to find his way back though a certain little animal is certainly helping. Austen, has moved her whole life to a new town, away from everyone she knows and her family. This is her new start, new beginning. But lurking behind the scenes is a threat to every bit of progress they make. Suspense and twists galore, heart wrenching moments to break the strongest heart. There is some violence that is very much a part of the plot. Some characters to be suspicious of and others to fall in love with. This was by no means an easy story, the pain and torment for Wyatt especially was enough to have me empathetic to him and his suffering. Austen seemed strong and had dealt with a lot of her pain but she still had moments, but she knew that John would want her happiness and would have liked Wyatt, so that made it a bit easier for her. The scenic area the plot is set in should just be that, idealic and beautiful, you don't expect the threats and danger that come from the villains of this, in somewhere like this. It was gripping and exciting, picks up right after the traumatic night in Brody's book so we get Wyatt' s aftermath of that as well and how it sets his recovery back a bit and in what way. Who stole my heart the most was little Grits, such a tiny creature with a heart big enough for a bear. Powerful read with a HEA.
June 19, 2019
Loved it!
I just scored Wyatt and Austen's story. It was a powerful plot. Wyatt, just having been there for his brother Brody and still dealing from his own issues has to face the fact that they one thing he knew that could give him a sense of purpose was just yanked out from under him. He could not loose it, so he took off like a bat out of hell.
Austen, had come to Sugar Hallow to start a new life for herself. Having lost the love of her life, she was going to put all of her money, heart and soul into renovating this old Victorian house. Now she was face to face with an angry good looking hunk of a man on her porch. A man refusing to take "No, I am it selling" for an answer.
These two have a lot to overcome, but there is danger threatening them both.
This was so good! I look forward to Easton's and Charlie's story.
I just scored Wyatt and Austen's story. It was a powerful plot. Wyatt, just having been there for his brother Brody and still dealing from his own issues has to face the fact that they one thing he knew that could give him a sense of purpose was just yanked out from under him. He could not loose it, so he took off like a bat out of hell.
Austen, had come to Sugar Hallow to start a new life for herself. Having lost the love of her life, she was going to put all of her money, heart and soul into renovating this old Victorian house. Now she was face to face with an angry good looking hunk of a man on her porch. A man refusing to take "No, I am it selling" for an answer.
These two have a lot to overcome, but there is danger threatening them both.
This was so good! I look forward to Easton's and Charlie's story.
December 30, 2018
Awesome
Austen moves from Philly to Sugar Hollow for a new start. She buys a house that’s needs lots of work. Wyatt is a former Marine who lost his leg in Afghanistan. He has been saving his money to buy the house Austen bought. When Austen needs some contractors to help with the remodeling she can’t do, she asks Wyatt. After his initial shock of her buying the house, he comes to like and admire her. But someone is out to get Wyatt, they are sending him threatening text messages and someone is spying on him and Austen. When she gets caught in the middle, will he be able to save her in time?
Loved the story and characters. Sexy former Marine and a gorgeous former firefighter. Cute little dog. Sexy and mystery.
Austen moves from Philly to Sugar Hollow for a new start. She buys a house that’s needs lots of work. Wyatt is a former Marine who lost his leg in Afghanistan. He has been saving his money to buy the house Austen bought. When Austen needs some contractors to help with the remodeling she can’t do, she asks Wyatt. After his initial shock of her buying the house, he comes to like and admire her. But someone is out to get Wyatt, they are sending him threatening text messages and someone is spying on him and Austen. When she gets caught in the middle, will he be able to save her in time?
Loved the story and characters. Sexy former Marine and a gorgeous former firefighter. Cute little dog. Sexy and mystery.
July 26, 2025
Wyatt and Austen:)
What a wonderful follow up book in Colebrook Siblings Trilogy. Wyatt is a construction worker and has his eye set on an old property in the hopes of renovating it. Unbeknownst to him the property is sold out from underneath him. Austen has moved to Sugar Hollow in the hopes of starting over since where she lived previously reminded her too much of her fiancé that died.
Wyatt and Austen don't have the best meeting but as they get to know each other, feelings develop and puts them in danger when someone makes it clear that he/she is watching the both of them, seeking revenge.
Great read, a couple twists I didn't see coming, but definitely looking forward to Easton's story next!!
What a wonderful follow up book in Colebrook Siblings Trilogy. Wyatt is a construction worker and has his eye set on an old property in the hopes of renovating it. Unbeknownst to him the property is sold out from underneath him. Austen has moved to Sugar Hollow in the hopes of starting over since where she lived previously reminded her too much of her fiancé that died.
Wyatt and Austen don't have the best meeting but as they get to know each other, feelings develop and puts them in danger when someone makes it clear that he/she is watching the both of them, seeking revenge.
Great read, a couple twists I didn't see coming, but definitely looking forward to Easton's story next!!
May 20, 2017
Seriously - if I'd know before hand.....
I'm a firm believer in being honest in reviews - any book which can raise the level of emotion this book evokes is top of my list. This author - Kaylea Cross was a go to purchase without question, that's just been surpassed. I smiled, laughed, gasped in both shock and horror at the tales of circumstances around Wyatts service and suffering, I wanted Austin to see him the real him, then I cried like a baby when Wyatt shared Raiders story. Only beaten by the crying for Grits, a girl needs to see to be able to find out what happens next. Without a doubt one of the best books/series I've the pleasure of reading in a while.
I'm a firm believer in being honest in reviews - any book which can raise the level of emotion this book evokes is top of my list. This author - Kaylea Cross was a go to purchase without question, that's just been surpassed. I smiled, laughed, gasped in both shock and horror at the tales of circumstances around Wyatts service and suffering, I wanted Austin to see him the real him, then I cried like a baby when Wyatt shared Raiders story. Only beaten by the crying for Grits, a girl needs to see to be able to find out what happens next. Without a doubt one of the best books/series I've the pleasure of reading in a while.
March 27, 2019
Gave it 4 but might only be 3 stars
Just a but too predictable with ending but nice quick read. Nothing that original. Liked both Wyatt and Austen, but I think I liked Wyatt better in my head than how he turned out. Really liked Piper so hopefully I'll like the next book.
I've only read a few books by this author and really like them but noticed with this one and maybe with Brody's book that everything I'm reading is just slightly different versions of the same story. Can't help but think this was the exact same story as "Fractured Honor" or really the other way around since this book is older. I just happened to read that one first :(
Just a but too predictable with ending but nice quick read. Nothing that original. Liked both Wyatt and Austen, but I think I liked Wyatt better in my head than how he turned out. Really liked Piper so hopefully I'll like the next book.
I've only read a few books by this author and really like them but noticed with this one and maybe with Brody's book that everything I'm reading is just slightly different versions of the same story. Can't help but think this was the exact same story as "Fractured Honor" or really the other way around since this book is older. I just happened to read that one first :(
December 23, 2020
I accidentally came upon this series. I liked the first book even though everything moved pretty quick, I liked Brody and Trinity together. But Wyatt and Austen? I’m not too sure about that. I liked Wyatt’s character and I thought the book was okay, fairly decent at the beginning but the insta love just got so boring I ended up skimming halfway through the book hoping it’ll get better. Here’s to hoping Easton’s and Piper’s book is better and I’ll think about whether I want to try and read her earlier series.
March 6, 2019
A great series
God bless all of our men and women in uniform and the K9's that protect them. This story will tear at your heartstrings. It is a suspenseful, romantic thriller that will warm your heart. Two wounded souls in search of a new start. When Wyatt finds out "his" house has been sold, he is fit to be tied. When he approaches the new owner, she is not what he expected. Will they be able to mend each other's souls?
God bless all of our men and women in uniform and the K9's that protect them. This story will tear at your heartstrings. It is a suspenseful, romantic thriller that will warm your heart. Two wounded souls in search of a new start. When Wyatt finds out "his" house has been sold, he is fit to be tied. When he approaches the new owner, she is not what he expected. Will they be able to mend each other's souls?
August 18, 2017
WOW I have read the first two of this series.
The first one was great and I was hoping the second one would be as good as the first one. Well Wyatt's Stand was just great! Now I'm going to read the next one and I know it will be as great as the first two. So if you want something great to read this series is one of the best of Kaylea Cross's series.
The first one was great and I was hoping the second one would be as good as the first one. Well Wyatt's Stand was just great! Now I'm going to read the next one and I know it will be as great as the first two. So if you want something great to read this series is one of the best of Kaylea Cross's series.
April 30, 2024
Absolutely my favorite so far!!!.
Wyatt is a medically retired Combat Veteran. Austen was a Firefighter, retired. For the moment. They started off a little rough on their first meeting. After struggling to rehab her House she called Wyatt for help. They discovered an attraction for each other. Then all neck broke !lose when a psychotic Vet tried to kill them! Loved Grits!!!
Wyatt is a medically retired Combat Veteran. Austen was a Firefighter, retired. For the moment. They started off a little rough on their first meeting. After struggling to rehab her House she called Wyatt for help. They discovered an attraction for each other. Then all neck broke !lose when a psychotic Vet tried to kill them! Loved Grits!!!
October 1, 2017
A wounded Vet, his rescue pooch & the girl....
Such a good story! Love a story with a dog involved. Austen & Wyatt are great together. Love an alpha male with a soft side! Love this author!!
Such a good story! Love a story with a dog involved. Austen & Wyatt are great together. Love an alpha male with a soft side! Love this author!!
January 27, 2019
Great read
It was suspenseful, heartwarming and romantic. Very touching. Let's you know a little about what soldiers go thorough when they return from war. Even something for people who love dogs.
It was suspenseful, heartwarming and romantic. Very touching. Let's you know a little about what soldiers go thorough when they return from war. Even something for people who love dogs.
January 7, 2022
Wyatt's stand
PTSD. This story explains much about ptsd. We civilians experienced ptsd after 911 but this gives us an insight what our troops went through. I am so happy that Wyatt found a strong woman to be there for him. I would recommend this book to all readers.
PTSD. This story explains much about ptsd. We civilians experienced ptsd after 911 but this gives us an insight what our troops went through. I am so happy that Wyatt found a strong woman to be there for him. I would recommend this book to all readers.
October 29, 2022
Wyatt with his grumpy self with Grits is one of my favorite characters and Austen is perfect for him. Great story the way it started out with his grumpiness and so cute. You gotta love Grits, Sarge and Gunny
February 17, 2024
Love this author and have read almost all her books. This small series however is all the same. The plot is the same, the characters are interesting and well drawn, dialogue is good, but there's nothing different about the story.
September 3, 2017
Enjoyed it a lot. Can't wait for the next one.
May 15, 2018
Grits made this book perfect!
December 3, 2018
Wyatt
Loved it! This is emotional and sexy and gut wrenching. I could not put it down, plus now I need to find me a Grits.
Loved it! This is emotional and sexy and gut wrenching. I could not put it down, plus now I need to find me a Grits.
December 28, 2018
Great story, won't read again
Good plot, good character development. I appreciated learning of veterans' struggles.
Too much sex detail. The story didn't need it.
Good plot, good character development. I appreciated learning of veterans' struggles.
Too much sex detail. The story didn't need it.
January 2, 2019
Great read!
Kaylea Cross has done it again with this hot romantic thriller! Can't wait for the next installment in this trilogy!
Kaylea Cross has done it again with this hot romantic thriller! Can't wait for the next installment in this trilogy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews