Q. What could be better than getting a billionaire for Christmas? A. Getting THREE billionaires for Christmas!
Three Wise Men is a series of three books set in the sub-tropical Northland of New Zealand following the stories of three brothers and the single mums they fall in love with. Christmas is a time for miracles, but everyone knows wishes don’t really come true. Or do they?
Book 1: The Perfect Gift
Consultant paediatrician Brock King lost his wife to cancer two years ago, and he’s convinced the love he felt for her only comes around once in a lifetime. Then, while visiting the children’s ward, he meets single mum Erin, and suddenly his future doesn’t seem so bleak. Brock offers to take Erin away for her birthday, no strings attached, to give her the perfect gift every single mum would kill for—a night in an exclusive hotel. Will she take him up on his offer, which might (if she’s very lucky) end up with hot sex with a billionaire? Or should she take the moral high ground and say no?
Book 2: An Ideal Present
Research scientist Charlie King has given up on relationships. Going without sex is a major drawback to that plan, but even though he has an IQ one point off Einstein’s, he considers himself hopeless with women. When he discovers the gorgeous Ophelia is now single, though, he decides to give himself one last chance to find love. Ophelia’s torn between duty and desire. Should she follow her head and close this chapter of her life before she opens the next? Or should she follow her heart and give herself the ideal present—the prospect of forever with the man of her dreams?
Book 3: A Secret Parcel
Children’s author Matt can’t stop thinking about sexy Georgia. She insists he’s only interested in her because he can’t have her. He concedes she could be right, but how will he know until he’s sated his hunger? Eventually, she agrees to a brief fling, but that only seems to make the fire between them burn hotter. Matt wants more, but even though her son, Noah, seems to like him being around, when Matt unearths Georgia’s troubled past he wonders whether it’s time to move on before he gets too entangled. As Christmas approaches, though, he discovers that love can be like mistletoe, infiltrating and binding two people together until it’s impossible to separate their hearts.
By the time of the party on Christmas Eve, all three King brothers are in love. Will there be enough Christmas magic to make all their dreams come true?
USA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods writes feel-good romances full of friends, family, and falling in love. Most of her stories are set in Godzone, aka Aotearoa New Zealand, where she lives.
First book: hero very much still in love with his dead wife. I felt the only reason he “thought” was in love with the h is because she was the first woman he slept with after his wife and was about to get an insta family.
Second book was ok, hero was very much celibate for a long time. But h wasn’t legally divorced.
Third book assaulted all my senses. Hero had 4 girlfriends in the span of a year after knowing h and lusting after her. His latest ex told h hero was insatiable. *cue gagging* H didn’t understand the meaning of celibacy. I could have done unsafe. But he is unashamedly a manwhore. And doesn’t see anything wrong with having sexual relationships while mentally chasing h. Heroine was of course celibate. And only had one sexual partner.
Christmas romances that tug on your heart. Respectful billionaires - what a great concept! 5 stars overall
I read these three great romances separately, and I compiled my three reviews when I saw that a boxed set was available.
Book 1, The Perfect Gift, 5 stars After I finished reading it, my heart had swelled with love for this sweet couple and the adorable little boy. It was a thoroughly satisfying romance and an awesome start to a new trilogy. The author shows her adeptness with flowing conversation, warm characters, beautiful settings in New Zealand, some steamy love scenes that add to the relationship development, and great pacing. Erin is a single mother with an asthmatic toddler. She has been hurt by men in the past and hasn't dated for over three years. Then she meets the pediatrician that she has been chatting with for a year in an online support group for parents of kids with asthma. Brock is a doctor whose beloved wife died two years ago of cancer, and he has been dealing with his grief. He and his brothers happen to have a very successful company that has made them into billionaires, but the money has not changed them negatively. Brock is about the only billionaire in a book that I actually like: he is kind, respectful, modest, generous, and has the right amount of sensitivity! Well, Brock meets Erin, and she makes him feel ready for a new relationship with her. Awww! I like how Erin has doubts and insecurities that would be reasonable in her situation. I also love how Brock's affection grows for Erin's son Ryan. So sweet! There is a happy ending, but I can tell that we will see a little more of Brock and Erin's relationship in the next two books in the trilogy about Brock's brothers. I really love this book, and I can't wait for the next one! It also has a cozy Christmasy feel that is perfect for this time of year. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes contemporary romance. I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not paid for my review.
Book 2, An Ideal Present, 4 stars Charlie is adorable! He is my new favorite book boyfriend. He is an M.D. who does medical research to help sick children, and he happens to be very rich. He is a genius with Asbergers tendencies, which means that he has trouble interpreting facial expressions, body language, and complicated social interactions. Women that he dated have treated him badly in the past, but now he finally meets a woman who understands him. I love how awkwardly he first asks out Ophelia. Adorable! Charlie is patient, intelligent, nicely sensitive, sexy, and has a charming mix of confidence and uncertainty. It is also so sweet how he includes Ophelia's 6-year-old daughter in his and Ophelia's first and second dates. Awww! Ophelia has been having a hard time with her lovely daughter having cystic fibrosis (but is still an active little girl) and being separated from her husband for 6 months because he treated her terribly. I like Ophelia and I probably would not have reacted any better to that much stress. This book is a satisfying novel length and has no cliffhangers. It has a nice Happily Ever After. This book is the second in the trilogy about Charlie and his two brothers. I highly recommend Book 1, The Perfect Gift. There are a couple of things that bother me about the book. SPOILER ALERT: First, there is a little more angst than in Serenity Woods' other books, and it is a little too much for me to want to read the book again. Ophelia's manipulative, overly possessive husband (that she is separated from) is the source of all this negative energy, and he makes frequent appearances. I understand that this ex's nature is the reason for Ophelia's internal conflict and is necessary for the book, but it was a little too angsty and gritty. The second thing that bothered me was the incident of unprotected sex that occurred near the end of the book and the two main characters' reactions to it. They had just confessed that they loved each other, and they forgot to use a condom. Give me a break! I think that unprotected sex between anyone except married people is ridiculous and terribly irresponsible. Furthermore, Charlie and Ophelia both reacted like if a pregnancy occurred, that would be wonderful and she was not going to take the Morning After pill. That is just not right, especially in Ophelia's situation! She should take the pill. Due to divorce laws, it would be 1.5 years before she would be granted a divorce from the dastardly ex. It is unfair for the new baby to have no chance of being born with the two parents married, and it is just not fair for the child to be born when the mother is still legally married to her ex. This plot development bothered me, but I still liked the book and the main characters aside from that incident.
Book 3, A Secret Parcel, 5 stars Opening up a new Serenity Woods book is like meeting new friends. I was immediately sucked into the story from the very first paragraph! I love how Serenity thinks and writes. The dialogue is so natural, the characters are so likeable and relatable, and the prose flows along into my mind as I get swept away to New Zealand. This book is one of the Serenity's best books. I love these three guys in this trilogy. They are the nicest, most respectful billionaires that you could ever imagine, but they are still amazing in the bedroom. Matt has more mental and emotional depths to him than Georgia had first expected. They had been working together for a year and had become friends while Georgia turned down his weekly requests to go out with her. Georgia is such a strong, resilient, yet lonely woman. She is great! Sure, the plot is similar to that of the previous two books, but I think that is a very good thing for a romance trilogy. Each of the main characters in each book are unique, and it is a pleasure getting to know them. In this book, there is a revelation that bowled me over! I did not guess it in advance at all! Also, the love scenes are especially fantastic. Serenity outdid herself with the steamy, tender, smoking hot scenes! If you loved one or both of the previous books in the trilogy, I highly recommend this one. You will not be disappointed. Even if you haven't read the previous books and you love contemporary romance, get this one. It is well balanced, fun yet emotional, steamy and sweet - a romance to remember! I received the individual three books in exchange for an honest review.
5 Star Review of Three Wise Men Boxed Set by Serenity Woods
Three billionaire King brothers, three stories with each one unique and heart warming. All these books were well written and the writing was strong. I love the style of writing from Serenity Woods and look forward to reading more in the future. To sum up all books in brief, these are three, well written, full length books that can be all read as
The Perfect Gift Book 1 I have not read this series before and yet I somehow managed to begin the series based on the children of the Three Wise Men. Having loved those books I immediately went looking for their fathers stories and found this boxed set.
This is Brock and Erin’s story. Erin is a single mum to Ryan who has bad asthma. It turns out that Brock is a paediatrician whom Erin has been chatting to online for a while. Having lost his wife to cancer a couple of years ago. Brock doesn't believe he will ever find love again. That is until he meets Erin at the hospital. There was something so beautiful about their romance as they slowly but surely moved forward. The interactions with Ryan were so genuine and I found myself fully invested in their story.
An Ideal Present Book 2 This is Charlie and Ophelia’s story and I will say that Charlie King has stolen a piece of my heart. Charlie is a medical researcher and is a genius. He has trouble with relating to women, so when he asks Ophelia out on a date, it really is awkward yet cute. There is just something about Charlie that drew me right in, perhaps because although a billionaire, he has struggled for a lot of his life. I really felt that Ophelia appreciated him for the man he truly is and that she could accept his quirks. I admired how he dealt with Dillon, Ophelia’s ex husband. I loved how inclusive he was of Ophelia’s six year old daughter Summer who has cystic fibrosis. Ms Woods did and great joy in writing a story line about a child with a serious illness, she wrote with compassion and care and from someone whose niece has cystic fibrosis I felt she did it justice.
A Secret Parcel Book 3 This is Matt and Georgia’s story and may well be my favourite. Matt is so different from his brothers and I was really drawn to him. He is possibly a little kinkier than his brothers and is certainly a smoking hot man. The chemistry between Matt and Georgia was intense and had built up over the year that they had been working together. Not only had Matt gotten to know her but her son Noah as well. I really loved how the relationship between Matt and Noah developed and was based on a joint love of Art, it was so heart warming. There were some loose ends tied up in this story and to me it brought the brothers full circle.
Feel good boxset with lovable, heart-warming characters that is the perfect collection for any contemporary romance fans!
To sum up all books in brief, these are three, well written, full length books that can be all read as standalone books (I would say read them in order to avoid potential spoilers from pervious books if you are going to read the whole series), with no cliffhangers and happily ever afters (HEA). However, there is no doubt that once you start reading this series, you will be hooked! All books are written from dual points of views (POV) allowing the reader to get a greater understanding of both main characters in each book. As with all Serenity Woods books, this boxset trio are well written with a beautiful, easy to read flowing writing style, well rounded steadily paced plots, developed and complex characters, plenty of sweet and steamy scenes and some surprising twists and turns that will completely draw you in as a reader. While the series is based on how three billionaire brothers fall for single mom’s, each book is completely unique in it’s plot while highlighting some important messages throughout the whole series.
I’ve rated each story below out of the normal five stars on Amazon and put my original reviews for the three books that I read individually if you want full thoughts on each book.
I would definitely recommend you read this series as it’s a feel good boxset with lovable, heart-warming characters that is the perfect collection for any contemporary romance fans looking for short-ish but full length light hearted reads with a slight Christmas theme!
The Perfect Gift #1 - five stars
Sweet Christmas romance that will enrapture you!
I’ve read a couple of books now by Serenity Woods and each time I fall more and more in love with her writing.
The Perfect Gift is the story of Brock King & Erin Bloom. True to style, Serenity captured the emotions of both characters beautifully, especially getting the balance right with Brock talking about his grief and being ready to move on and with Erin learning to open up and trust again. You really can feel the battle both characters are warring with and can only keep wishing these two sweet characters can truly find happiness. The pace with which everything happened, that at times may be seen as moving fast, never actually felt that way with how everything was written and handled.
Another thing I really liked was the vivid descriptions throughout the book which really make you feel like you are there and can picture everything going on perfectly. Also, I loved how both characters truly felt like adults dealing with issues maturely in true adult ways, unlike sometimes in other books where characters can seem immature.
Finally, I dare you not to fall in love with Ryan; he will steal your heart by the end of the book!
Overall, if you are looking for a sweet, slightly Christmas themed, HEA book, The Perfect Gift will be perfect for you!
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An Ideal Present #2 - 5 stars
Charlie King is definitely one unique guy but still steals your heart!
An Ideal Present is the story of Charlie King and Ophelia. If you have read The Perfect Gift (Brock and Erin), this story is completely different, despite the theme of these books being the same of how three billionaire brothers fall for single mom’s. Personally, it had worried me before I started reading it might feel like a repeat but I guarantee it is nothing like the previous book, storyline wise (the writing is just as good and paced steadily though!).
Charlie King is definitely one unique guy but one that will still steal your heart and make you wish for your very own Charlie. Despite being very different and a little self conscious, I liked how Charlie was comfortable with who he is and neither he nor Ophelia felt like he had to change who he was. The odd glimpses you get of passionate Charlie, especially towards the end of the book with Dillion, really let you know he isn’t just some weak, geeky, typical genius who will step back when out of his comfort zone. Plus, the contrast with Ophelia’s ex-husband versus Charlie adds another complexity to this story and it’s characters. Also, the promise he made to Summer earlier on in the book is nice to see referred to and actually taken to heart as it’s so easy to see someone promise one thing but then just go back on his word.
Ophelia is a strong character in her own rights and it’s good to have seen she already had that strength to improve her life before she and Charlie get together. The relationship Ophelia has with Summer was so sweet and I adored how she treated Summer with respect in regards to being honest with her about things. Serenity is also doing a fabulous job in showing the impact of a child’s illness on not only the child but her immediate family because it’s so easy to throw an illness into a story but for it to be almost like a fleeting comment.
Throughout this book, one thing that really struck me was the mature way Serenity has all characters deal with the difficult situation of Ophelia moving on with her life after separating with her husband, Dillion, and how Charlie handles the situation throughout. There is no pettiness with characters getting jealous because an ex is still on the scene and involved in their daughter Summer’s life, even if Dillion does through an odd spanner here and there.
For those who have read The Perfect Gift, it is interesting to see that this is supposed to be running along at the same time as that story, rather than a follow on. However, as a result, if you haven’t read The Perfect Gift, you definitely don’t need to have read book 1 to read and follow this story as it doesn’t really impact at all on Charlie and Ophelia’s story.
One thing I would say is that although it’s Christmas themed, if you are a bit apprehensive about that, be assured Christmas isn’t the focus point of these stories, more just the general time of year setting. Personally, I preferred the first book as I seemed to feel Brock and Erin’s chemistry more but this is still just as good and it was interesting to see a very different dynamic with unique characters in contrast to what was seen in book 1.
Overall, this was an intriguing read with a HEA and can definitely be read as a standalone or as part of the series for greater understanding. I look forward to reading the final book in this series, A Secret Parcel, now to see what the final King brother Matt’s story is.
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A Secret Parcel #3 - 5 stars
Matt King aka the slightly more kinky and hotter of the three King brothers!
A Secret Parcel is the final part of this trilogy and tells the story of Matt King and Georgia. As I found previously in Charlie’s story in book 2, Matt King is very different from his brothers and has his own sweet charms but it also probably the slightly more kinky and hotter of the three King brothers when it comes to his overall personality.
Brock and Erin had been my favourite couple so far but I think they may just have been pipped by Matt and Georgia or they are a very close second. The chemistry between these two characters sizzled from the start and you can’t help but rooting for this couple to succeed. One of my favourite things about Matt and Georgia was that they already had a sort of relationship that had developed over the previous year and Matt already knew her son, Noah. I felt it just added a depth to their relationship that made it feel even more genuine and real; a solid foundation on where their story takes them. It’s not I didn’t like how the other King brothers’ relationships developed but of the three, I think this one had the most realistic substance, despite the difficulties and insecurities both characters have to deal with.
I found reading Matt’s story to be heartwarming, especially when talking about Pippa and not matching up to his brothers. That really got to me. The link as well with Matt and Noah, both interested in Art and both experiencing emotional issues as young children worked really well and opened up a different side to both characters you don’t fully see when they talk with Georgia, especially prominent in their talk by the river which was handled exceptionally well with the right amount of sensitivity.
Another thing that I felt was captured beautifully was the descriptions of the paintings in Matt’s studio; the emotion from that scene was unexpected because it captured things in a very unique way. The tattoo description and story too really stood out too.
A Secret Parcel rounds off the series nicely with tying up a few teasing loose ends from the previous two books. As always, it’s nice to see other characters from other books crop up, especially being Skye, Owen and Mozart, as their story was the first I read by Serenity and really got me into her stories.
Again, as with all books in this series, you don’t have to have read either of the other books in this series to be able to read this book as all books are a standalone with their own HEA. However, reading the whole series, especially before this book, definitely adds an extra dimension to this story and it’s conclusions. This was a brilliant Christmas themed trilogy that is perfect to read at any time of the year if you want a feel good romance! I would definitely recommend you give at least one of these books a read, if not all of them.
*I received a free copy of these books in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I've read all three books in this series and loved them. The following is my review for each book in the series.....
Perfect Gift
This is my first book from this author, and I must say I loved it! Having lost my mom to cancer (leukemia) I don't generally like to read books on that topic, and I wasn't sure if I would be able to continue once I started the first couple of pages, but I'm so glad I ventured on and finished the book! Brock and Erin's story is heart warming, very romantic, steamy, sexy, funny and definitely heart wrenching with the two situations the story is written around. Ryan was adorable, and the way Brock took to him just made my heart melt. I loved the interaction and matter of fact conversations that Brock and Erin had, really involved at times, but definitely got everything out on the table between the two of them. I think we've all been through bad relationships, this story gives one hope that there really is someone out there for everyone, regardless of financial status! Truly an awesome book, although I wanted to pull my hair out at the end when we are left hanging, but it's definitely worth continuing on with Book 2! Charlie and Ophelia's story should be equally as entertaining as this one was.
An Ideal Gift
This is book two in the Three Wise Men trilogy, which is Charlie and Ophelia's story. First the things I loved about this book...
I really love the way this author incorporates a special needs child into the story. It seems like she's done her homework in her writing, very accurate and compelling the way Summer and Ophelia handle the illness. I also really like how Charlie is portrayed, a nerdy scientist that doesn't quite know how to voice his opinion on his feelings when it comes to love. It really shows how some people of high IQ really can be brilliant at what they do, but when it comes to the simple things like love and peer interaction, it's hard for them to deal and know what to do. The relationship between Charlie and Ophelia is nothing short of hot, erotic, steamy, and yes, heart warming as they embark on how they truly feel about each other. I also really liked how thoughtful Charlie was towards Summer, not an easy situation, but the way he handled it was brilliant.
Now for the things I didn't really like....
At times I felt like Ophelia was treating Charlie like a child, yes he was smart, but it became a bit frustrating the way she spoke to him like he was a fragile child during their weekend away. Also, those of us who have gone through the separated/divorce scene and have an ex, there's no way I would have allowed Dillon into some of the situations Ophelia allowed him into, not to mention how she kept going back and forth on her "guilt" over the situation. I would have much rather her have been a little less neurotic about that situation and more in tuned with trying to pick up the pieces of her life and dating again. Dillon was just a jerk, so it was easy to see why the situation was the way it was.
Overall, this was a really good continuation of the series. I now know where this is headed to and why the author finished the first book the way she did. Love it, keeps you wanting more! Can't wait to read book 3!
A Secret Parcel
I really like the way this author writes. It's smooth, flows throughout the book, takes you through a wide range of emotions, and she writes hot steamy love scenes! A Secret Parcel is Matt King and Georgia Banks story in the third book about the We Three King brothers. I think what I adore the most about this series is that it includes single moms with kids that have real problems, and she's done her homework on every single issue. The fact that it includes three billionaire hunks that are trying to make a difference in the world of these kids makes it a home run all the way around!
I loved this story, Matt and Georgia have worked together for over a year, but Georgia finally breaks down and goes out with Matt. The story takes off from there and you are lead down a heart warming path telling you about how two people have dealt with loss and have found their way back to learn to trust and love again. Noah brought another level of how loss can affect kids, and how it takes a very special person to bring those levels of frustration and sadness out so they too can be happy again. Matt was amazing with Noah, and I for one would love to have a follow up book to close up all of the loose ends that this book presents. This book definitely made me shed quite a few tears, well worth the read, and I loved the ending with all three brothers being together like they were with the women they have fallen in love with. You will love this book!
I was giving this book in return for an honest review.
I've read so many Serenity Woods books and loved most of them. But this book about the Three Wise Men left me completely distracted because Ms. Woods didn't put one ounce of thought or research into the fact that she has her three main characters living in the same timeline as their adult children ( The Billionaire Kings) and Characters from Between the Sheets and Treats To Tempt you (all current times) making appearances. So disappointed. By all accounts, these characters should have been living in the 80's..... How can a author make this kind of mistake? I could list so many time errors, but I fear it would be much too long. Please Ms Woods, do your research for those of us who love your fiction, but also love accuracy.
I loved this series and how each book was connected, not just through their characters but also in time. The Three Wise Men, brothers Brock, Charlie, and Matt are billionaires who made it their life's work to help children in one way or another. Each of them meets, through everyday events, a woman who will change their life. Erin, Ophelia, and Georgia, all single moms have put their focus on their children and doing whatever they must do to provide for them. Their journey to Christmas was not always easy, but in the end it all worked out like it should.
If you love romance, Christmas, and happily ever afters, then you should grab this box set! These were some of my favorite Christmas reads this year! I read the first novel, and could not wait to get my hands on the other 2 books. Billionaires as real people? Characters that you could definitely hang out with? If these are things you enjoy, well you will find them in abundance here. Real-life problems, Love inspite of imperfections, Right Here! You are definitely missing out if you haven’t read this set of books yet!
This was a first for my by Mari Carr and it definitely won’t be my last . It took me a couple of chapters to accustom myself to this book being set in New Zealand but once I got used to the grammar then it was smooth sailing . This box set is about three brothers Brock, Charlie and Matt who take a devastating loss and turn it into helping others . These three men start the Three Wise Men foundation to help sick children and end up meeting their ladies in some way or another that involves the foundation .
Beat story yet. Three brothers, one a doctor, Brock, one a scientist, Charlie, and one a artist, Matt, creator of children’s books. Their beginnings go back to the point in their lives when their sister Pippa, died from an asthma attack before help could arrive to help Brock save her. The book explains why each became who they are and the troubles getting there. Each met the loves of their lives and their stories finding their true love. You will enjoy these three stories.
I loved this series and the way each book was interconnected—not only through the characters but also through the timeline. The Three Wise Men—brothers Brock, Charlie, and Matt—are billionaires dedicated to helping children in various ways. Each brother encounters a woman who profoundly changes his life during everyday events. Erin, Ophelia, and Georgia, all single mothers, have prioritised their children and are determined to do whatever it takes to provide for them. Their journeys to Christmas were not always easy, but in the end, everything fell into place as it should.
Amazing and emotional set of brothers and their Christmas blessings
Serenity has done an amazing job of bringing out the characteristics of each of the King brothers and their ladies. She did a remarkable in depth revelation of Charlie's scientific personality and how Ophelia recognized how to effectively communicate with him. As well as issues and life challenges specific to each of the ladies.
Woah! Where are they hiding all of these gorgeous, charismatic, and generous billionaires? I've got to say, this was an amazing read and I'm extremely glad that I backtracked to the stories of Brock, Charlie, and Matt after reading about their kids (The Billionaire Kings series). They and the women they've fallen in love with turned a dreary, rainy day into one of my favorites.
These were very lovable and noble heroes. I liked the strong female characters who had to deal with sick kids and adversity. Really enjoyed descriptions of New Zealand towns and scenery. Made me want to go there. I found myself looking up every town, island, and beach mentioned so learned a lot. I especially liked Charlie, the middle brother. I plan to read more of her books.
I had read book one a while ago, so when I had the change to read all 3 in one go I jumped on it. The book has it sad parts. It also the really good parts that make your heart warm and melt.
I loved this set of books. The story in each book was sweet & sizzling. The brothers always get what they want, and they want the ladies. The kids were a nice addition to the stories. Recommend to everyone.
This series is a wonderful introduction to the world of the Kings. Great storytelling. Intriguing lovestories. Well worth your valuable time. Feel good reading uplifting , honorable people. Enjoy!
I have read many of the books by Serenity Woods. I love the dialogue. The cute repartee between the characters and her sexy love scenes. I will continue to read and follow her. She has made me a kiwi lover and now I need a trip to New Zealand.
Read book 1, but did. It start the others. It felt unfinished. The book just stopped. It needed more to the ending. Kept me from wanting to start the others.
I. Loved. This. Series! Each brother is sooo unique. Sooo sweet. Sooo generous. The women they fall for were such a complement to them. I hope that they will show up in future stories.
Read the first book in this series a while ago but thoroughly enjoyed the re read and the additional two books giving more in the lives of these three brothers