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Men with Wood #1
Second Draft
It’s been almost a year since I’ve seen her, the only woman that’s ever gotten under my skin, and made me wish I was a better man. More than just the washed up hockey player, turned sports journalist whose body is almost as scarred as his soul.Layla Harper made me hope again. But life has a warped sense of humor, and I wasn’t the only Bennett brother that fell for the girl with the caramel colored eyes.The night I saw Travis with her I knew I’d lost, even before I had the chance to fight. Because one thing I never compete with my brother over is women. Even if the woman stole my breath, and my heart with one single kiss.And damn, what a kiss it had been.Now, she’s pregnant with my brother’s baby. A baby he wants nothing to do with. And he’s asked me to clean up his mess.What he doesn’t know is that I’m in love with her, and I have no intention of offering her the deal he’s laid out. I have a deal of my own. One that will finally make her mine.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2017
2792 people are currently reading
1972 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Seabrook
42 books1,079 followersAmazon bestselling author C.M. Seabrook writes hot, steamy romances with possessive bad boys, and the passionate, fiery women who love them. Swoonworthy romances from the heart!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 467 reviews
December 18, 2018
4.5 stars
I usually don’t like/read “family-sharing” books. But since the blurb was clearly honest I gave it a try and I didn’t regret it.
Well written deep and tragic, raw and touching, life-ugly beautiful love story.
I’m not good in retelling, I just point out some facts.
MC’s didn’t have any romantic/sexual/relationship history together, they met twice in the past: he saved her from being overrun by a car and then they coincidental met at a bar. H kissed the h (to “save” her from random guy who flirted with her) and then gave her his phone number, but the disconnected one. As he realized his mistake she was already gone.
One year later they met at his (and his younger brother’s) house.
The h had kind of clean-&-cook-for-rent arrangement with H’s brother.
So, the trigger with the child: h slept once with H’s brother - she was drunk and almost passed out. The brother almost took advantage of her, “almost” since she didn’t say no – she was wasted. Somehow despite using protection she got pregnant. So, she had sex with H’s brother only once, she didn’t have any memory of it and didn’t have any feelings for the guy.
The brother wanted her to do abortion, the h decided to keep the child.
The brother fled and the H took care of her.
The hero was an amazing caring guy. Not perfect; bad boy reformed. There was only one chapter I didn’t like him: at the beginning when he thought about finding a woman for a night, but it ended when he saw the h across the bar.
He didn’t forget her from year ago and his feelings grew stronger while they lived together.
Beautiful feelings, many sweet moments and hot sexy times.
I loved how he loved her.
I loved how he cared for her, how he claimed the unborn child as his.
I loved his patience, his protectiveness.
And he built her a library. A library! How awesome is that?! *swoon*
The h had not a nice childhood and overdramatic abuse experience. This one was my main trigger:
I reached my hard limit here.
My heart broke for her.
Lot of drama toward the end: brother’s come back, complicated labor, h’s fight for life…
But there were so many beautiful touching moments and so much love!
Sweet epilogue (except drama about H’s brother )
Well, since I never dare to recommend a book I wouldn’t do it with this one either.
I can only say that I really liked it.
It made me suffer, it made me cry, but it made me feel and I need it with my reads.
I usually don’t like/read “family-sharing” books. But since the blurb was clearly honest I gave it a try and I didn’t regret it.
Well written deep and tragic, raw and touching, life-ugly beautiful love story.
I’m not good in retelling, I just point out some facts.
MC’s didn’t have any romantic/sexual/relationship history together, they met twice in the past: he saved her from being overrun by a car and then they coincidental met at a bar. H kissed the h (to “save” her from random guy who flirted with her) and then gave her his phone number, but the disconnected one. As he realized his mistake she was already gone.
One year later they met at his (and his younger brother’s) house.
The h had kind of clean-&-cook-for-rent arrangement with H’s brother.
So, the trigger with the child: h slept once with H’s brother - she was drunk and almost passed out. The brother almost took advantage of her, “almost” since she didn’t say no – she was wasted. Somehow despite using protection she got pregnant. So, she had sex with H’s brother only once, she didn’t have any memory of it and didn’t have any feelings for the guy.
The brother wanted her to do abortion, the h decided to keep the child.
The brother fled and the H took care of her.
The hero was an amazing caring guy. Not perfect; bad boy reformed. There was only one chapter I didn’t like him: at the beginning when he thought about finding a woman for a night, but it ended when he saw the h across the bar.
He didn’t forget her from year ago and his feelings grew stronger while they lived together.
Beautiful feelings, many sweet moments and hot sexy times.
I loved how he loved her.
I loved how he cared for her, how he claimed the unborn child as his.
I loved his patience, his protectiveness.
And he built her a library. A library! How awesome is that?! *swoon*
The h had not a nice childhood and overdramatic abuse experience. This one was my main trigger:
I reached my hard limit here.
My heart broke for her.
Lot of drama toward the end: brother’s come back, complicated labor, h’s fight for life…
But there were so many beautiful touching moments and so much love!
Sweet epilogue (except drama about H’s brother )
Well, since I never dare to recommend a book I wouldn’t do it with this one either.
I can only say that I really liked it.
It made me suffer, it made me cry, but it made me feel and I need it with my reads.
February 18, 2017
Carter was that perfect possessive, OTT alpha that I love in books. From the first time he met Layla, he knew he wanted her more than he's ever wanted anything.
Life kept getting in the way. When they finally meet again, there's a big obstacle to overcome. Layla is carrying his brother's baby. There was never a relationship there and it was one night and the circumstances were anything but ideal.
What I adored about Carter, was that he didn't give two shits. He wanted them both. Travis was a total fuck up and this was one time that Carter had no issues with swooping in and saving the day.
Now while I understood Layla's hesitance not only because of the situation but also her background, I also wish she had given in and trusted Carter a little sooner. The man showed nothing but caring and kindness towards her from the beginning.
Loved the epilogue!! I appreciate so much when authors finish a story with an epilogue in the future allowing us readers to know what their lives are like. This is my first read by this author but I think I'll definitely try more in the future.
Life kept getting in the way. When they finally meet again, there's a big obstacle to overcome. Layla is carrying his brother's baby. There was never a relationship there and it was one night and the circumstances were anything but ideal.
What I adored about Carter, was that he didn't give two shits. He wanted them both. Travis was a total fuck up and this was one time that Carter had no issues with swooping in and saving the day.
Now while I understood Layla's hesitance not only because of the situation but also her background, I also wish she had given in and trusted Carter a little sooner. The man showed nothing but caring and kindness towards her from the beginning.
Loved the epilogue!! I appreciate so much when authors finish a story with an epilogue in the future allowing us readers to know what their lives are like. This is my first read by this author but I think I'll definitely try more in the future.
February 13, 2017
4.5 Stars!!!!
Thank you Alex, your review prompted me to read this book and IT WAS AMAZING!!!!
I devoured this book in one sitting.
Thank you Alex, your review prompted me to read this book and IT WAS AMAZING!!!!
I devoured this book in one sitting.
February 17, 2017
2 It felt kinda icky stars.
I really wanted to like it but I just couldn't get past the fact that she was carrying the brothers child. Plus the conception of said child involved dubious consent. I get the H and h had a connection BUT the H got over the fact that she was carrying his brothers child to easily. AND for being a "good" girl she ended up in the Hs bed to quickly for my liking. Overall...it just wasn't a win for me.
I really wanted to like it but I just couldn't get past the fact that she was carrying the brothers child. Plus the conception of said child involved dubious consent. I get the H and h had a connection BUT the H got over the fact that she was carrying his brothers child to easily. AND for being a "good" girl she ended up in the Hs bed to quickly for my liking. Overall...it just wasn't a win for me.
August 13, 2017
August 13 2017: stopped at 44%
I have to apologize to my GR friends Leonor and Alex. Majority of time we have similar taste in books. So I really trust them when comes to books triggers,opinions and rates. With this book though, I can't keep reading this female line of thoughts. I really, REALLY, understand why you girls liked it. But I can't sympathize with the "girl" in this book.
If I rated based on the HERO , it would be a solid 5 stars. But the fmc ruined for me. I wish we had only the hero's pov.
I can't relate to a person that says she's strong because she's being by herself for a long time, working and paying her bills. Imo, this is basic for more of half of population on earth.
She's indecisive, immature, for someone who left her "small town full of church goers judgmental and cruel people including her parents" (what a cliche. I'm so glad all small towns I visited people actually lived in reality. But what do I know?!). All those walls around her heart (I really hate these. This is the epitome of weak, imo) make so irritating to be in her head. She can't see an inch in front of her nose.
The guy is there in front of her. Talk to him about your concerns, doubts and fear. If she was smart she would know his intentions.
Now, this thing about people are going to judge me if I jump from one brother to the other makes no sense in here. The brother was just a way to cause conflict. To be used as a barrier. But he is just a nobody. It didn't cause any drama. It didn't feel like sharing. It was a one time thing she barely remember.
What, imo, was very irresponsible of her. She got drunk ( what she never did. Surprise surprise- eye rolls) and acted in a very unlikely way for her "standards ". Anyway, she was to blame.
So now, she should be smart enough and see the difference between brothers and accept what the real man is trying to offer her. And try. There is NO guarantee in life for happiness forever. But you can always try.
I have a feeling my review makes zero sense.
I stopped after this.
At some point the hero asks her not to pushing him away and her thoughts are:
"Too late. My walls are already up. "
I really hate those. But in hope of she smart up I pushed myself a couple of more pages for this:
"I WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING TO TRUST CARTER. TO BELIEVE THAT MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, THIS CRAZY RELATIONSHIP MIGHT WORK. BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO THINK ABOUT. THERE'S TRAVIS. AND THE BABY. NOT TO MENTION WHAT PEOPLE WOULD THINK ABOUT ME IF I JUMPED FROM ONE BROTHER'S BED TO THE OTHER.
SLUT.
WHORE.
THOSE NAMES SCREAM INTO MY BRAIN, CONDEMNING ME.
I CAN'T DO IT.
WE'VE ALREADY GOT TOO MANY STRIKES AGAINST US.
THIS THING BETWEEN US IS IMPOSSIBLE. EVEN IF HE REALLY IS THE ONE, THE WORLD WILL NEVER ACCEPT It. "
The world doesn't give a shit. There's no brother. There wasn't a relationship. You were both uti. You should be the strong one you said you are. Words mean zero when your actions don't show it. This brother should not even be mentioned again. He played the ridiculous part he was supposed to now he's gone.
I almost forgot she also has a secret in her past. The reason she left het religious judgmental small town.
Yep, nobody can guess what it it is. I won't even go to the trouble to confirm my suspicion because it's clear as water.
This book would be perfect if it was only in the hero's pov. The girl ruined it for me. If I was him I would leave her alone with her baby. I would take legal action so they both would be taken care of and leave.
But this is a book and a fictional romance. And not my story to tell. But I can choose not to keep reading it.
And again because of Alex and Leonor this book is going to my WANT TO READ. If they say it's good: it is.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have to apologize to my GR friends Leonor and Alex. Majority of time we have similar taste in books. So I really trust them when comes to books triggers,opinions and rates. With this book though, I can't keep reading this female line of thoughts. I really, REALLY, understand why you girls liked it. But I can't sympathize with the "girl" in this book.
If I rated based on the HERO , it would be a solid 5 stars. But the fmc ruined for me. I wish we had only the hero's pov.
I can't relate to a person that says she's strong because she's being by herself for a long time, working and paying her bills. Imo, this is basic for more of half of population on earth.
She's indecisive, immature, for someone who left her "small town full of church goers judgmental and cruel people including her parents" (what a cliche. I'm so glad all small towns I visited people actually lived in reality. But what do I know?!). All those walls around her heart (I really hate these. This is the epitome of weak, imo) make so irritating to be in her head. She can't see an inch in front of her nose.
The guy is there in front of her. Talk to him about your concerns, doubts and fear. If she was smart she would know his intentions.
Now, this thing about people are going to judge me if I jump from one brother to the other makes no sense in here. The brother was just a way to cause conflict. To be used as a barrier. But he is just a nobody. It didn't cause any drama. It didn't feel like sharing. It was a one time thing she barely remember.
What, imo, was very irresponsible of her. She got drunk ( what she never did. Surprise surprise- eye rolls) and acted in a very unlikely way for her "standards ". Anyway, she was to blame.
So now, she should be smart enough and see the difference between brothers and accept what the real man is trying to offer her. And try. There is NO guarantee in life for happiness forever. But you can always try.
I have a feeling my review makes zero sense.
I stopped after this.
At some point the hero asks her not to pushing him away and her thoughts are:
"Too late. My walls are already up. "
I really hate those. But in hope of she smart up I pushed myself a couple of more pages for this:
"I WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING TO TRUST CARTER. TO BELIEVE THAT MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, THIS CRAZY RELATIONSHIP MIGHT WORK. BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO THINK ABOUT. THERE'S TRAVIS. AND THE BABY. NOT TO MENTION WHAT PEOPLE WOULD THINK ABOUT ME IF I JUMPED FROM ONE BROTHER'S BED TO THE OTHER.
SLUT.
WHORE.
THOSE NAMES SCREAM INTO MY BRAIN, CONDEMNING ME.
I CAN'T DO IT.
WE'VE ALREADY GOT TOO MANY STRIKES AGAINST US.
THIS THING BETWEEN US IS IMPOSSIBLE. EVEN IF HE REALLY IS THE ONE, THE WORLD WILL NEVER ACCEPT It. "
The world doesn't give a shit. There's no brother. There wasn't a relationship. You were both uti. You should be the strong one you said you are. Words mean zero when your actions don't show it. This brother should not even be mentioned again. He played the ridiculous part he was supposed to now he's gone.
I almost forgot she also has a secret in her past. The reason she left het religious judgmental small town.
Yep, nobody can guess what it it is. I won't even go to the trouble to confirm my suspicion because it's clear as water.
This book would be perfect if it was only in the hero's pov. The girl ruined it for me. If I was him I would leave her alone with her baby. I would take legal action so they both would be taken care of and leave.
But this is a book and a fictional romance. And not my story to tell. But I can choose not to keep reading it.
And again because of Alex and Leonor this book is going to my WANT TO READ. If they say it's good: it is.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
Love me a possessive "mine" alpha, and Carter was all that without the arsehole.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 22, 2017
**3.5 Stars**
After a chance meeting where Carter saves Layla, she runs for the hills. When the two reconnect, the timing is just not right again. But after Carter has spent months with Layla on his mind, he gets a surprise when he goes to see his brother after receiving his frantic call.
Carter was absolutely amazing! He was so good to Layla but he was still that alpha hero with that "MINE" mentality I love. He just stepped right in and declared they were both HIS. Poor Layla...it just seems like fate kept handing her shit. But Carter was there to make it all better. I was really hoping for a little more closure with her family. I think there needed to be some serious retribution there.
I usually don't do sibling double dipping but in this case it didn't bother me. I really felt like the whole situation with Travis was a little "rapey" and though she might not have said no, I don't believe she was in any condition to consent. As douchey as Travis was, I was glad he did the right thing in the end.
So, all in all I enjoyed it. These two were definitely meant to be. AND thank you for the epilogue. It truly made the story.
After a chance meeting where Carter saves Layla, she runs for the hills. When the two reconnect, the timing is just not right again. But after Carter has spent months with Layla on his mind, he gets a surprise when he goes to see his brother after receiving his frantic call.
Carter was absolutely amazing! He was so good to Layla but he was still that alpha hero with that "MINE" mentality I love. He just stepped right in and declared they were both HIS. Poor Layla...it just seems like fate kept handing her shit. But Carter was there to make it all better. I was really hoping for a little more closure with her family. I think there needed to be some serious retribution there.
I usually don't do sibling double dipping but in this case it didn't bother me. I really felt like the whole situation with Travis was a little "rapey" and though she might not have said no, I don't believe she was in any condition to consent. As douchey as Travis was, I was glad he did the right thing in the end.
So, all in all I enjoyed it. These two were definitely meant to be. AND thank you for the epilogue. It truly made the story.
February 8, 2017
C.M. sure can write a hero!
I wasn't sure how I would like this story given the subject matter. But C.M. hasn't let me down yet, so I jumped in head first.
While most romance novels deal with issues that only affect the hero and heroine, this book dealt with some pretty heavy real-life issues that really put the characters to the test.
And wow, did Carter step up to the plate and knock it out of the park!
Even though Layla was a bit of a head case with a Debbie Downer streak, I enjoyed reading how she evolved throughout the story.
Oh, and by the way, be prepared for a TOTAL nail-biter towards the end!!!
All in all, a really deep story with a huge feel-good ending and further solidified the fact that C.M. writes one heck of a contemporary romance!
(I received a copy of this book in consideration of an honest review)
I wasn't sure how I would like this story given the subject matter. But C.M. hasn't let me down yet, so I jumped in head first.
While most romance novels deal with issues that only affect the hero and heroine, this book dealt with some pretty heavy real-life issues that really put the characters to the test.
And wow, did Carter step up to the plate and knock it out of the park!
Even though Layla was a bit of a head case with a Debbie Downer streak, I enjoyed reading how she evolved throughout the story.
Oh, and by the way, be prepared for a TOTAL nail-biter towards the end!!!
All in all, a really deep story with a huge feel-good ending and further solidified the fact that C.M. writes one heck of a contemporary romance!
(I received a copy of this book in consideration of an honest review)
nope
December 1, 2017She has a child from the hero's brother. I don't think I can get past that...
And to add insult to injury, I have learnt that the child is the product of a night when she is unconscious, which is basically a rape!!!
Nope... Not an appealing plot line for me!
And to add insult to injury, I have learnt that the child is the product of a night when she is unconscious, which is basically a rape!!!
Nope... Not an appealing plot line for me!
February 8, 2017
Another 5 amazing stars from C.M. Seabrook!!! I am a super stalker of hers because of books like this!!
This is a story of a bad ass, tatted up, good hearted alpha male and a damaged, good hearted, slightly jaded and innocent beautiful woman.
Carter is an ex hockey player who is just looking for a good time, he has no intentions on settling down at this time. But when he runs into this innocent looking angel not once but twice he feels something he has never felt before. Too bad he is leaving for New York for some months. Fast forward a year later and that's when the story gets interesting....
Layla has been through a lot in her 21 years so she knows that happy endings just do not happen. And this bad boy who seems to keep popping up is a temptation that she knows will end in heartache.
First of all this book had me hooked on page 1. I stayed up all night reading this book in one sitting. I loved it so much!! You know when you read a book by this author that you will get emotions, sex and just a need for more!! This was a perfectly written book with just the right amount of everything. I don't think I have ever felt so invested in a book relationship. I needed this to work!! Carter is the best type of man there is...alpha, inked, sexy as hell, huge heart, cooks (omg I love him so much) and most of all this man is willing to raise another mans baby as his own. You can't make up anything better then that. This book took you down so many paths and made me believe in the whole story. I loved all these characters and their stories!! I am bummed on how Travis turned out but he made his choices. But the ending was just PERFECT!! This is a must read of 2017!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return I gave my honest return**
This is a story of a bad ass, tatted up, good hearted alpha male and a damaged, good hearted, slightly jaded and innocent beautiful woman.
Carter is an ex hockey player who is just looking for a good time, he has no intentions on settling down at this time. But when he runs into this innocent looking angel not once but twice he feels something he has never felt before. Too bad he is leaving for New York for some months. Fast forward a year later and that's when the story gets interesting....
Layla has been through a lot in her 21 years so she knows that happy endings just do not happen. And this bad boy who seems to keep popping up is a temptation that she knows will end in heartache.
First of all this book had me hooked on page 1. I stayed up all night reading this book in one sitting. I loved it so much!! You know when you read a book by this author that you will get emotions, sex and just a need for more!! This was a perfectly written book with just the right amount of everything. I don't think I have ever felt so invested in a book relationship. I needed this to work!! Carter is the best type of man there is...alpha, inked, sexy as hell, huge heart, cooks (omg I love him so much) and most of all this man is willing to raise another mans baby as his own. You can't make up anything better then that. This book took you down so many paths and made me believe in the whole story. I loved all these characters and their stories!! I am bummed on how Travis turned out but he made his choices. But the ending was just PERFECT!! This is a must read of 2017!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return I gave my honest return**
Want to read
February 17, 2017I HATE sibling sharing, but this one intrigues me...
February 10, 2017
The blurb sucked me in, once I started this book and saw how the pregnancy played out I started to question whether or not this book was for me but I soldiered on and quickly fell hard for these characters. Carter was that magical perfect blend of gentleman and protective alpha, controlled yet not controlling. He knew when to push and when to hold when it came to Layla.
Layla, she was a bit down at times an I wanted to shake her an make her look at what she had right in front of her but Carter manages to pull her head out of her rear end!
Travis was my least favorite person, even when he showed up at the hospital it didn't redeem him even a tiny bit in my eyes, he disgusted me early on and there was no coming back from that!
After my initial oh hell no feelings about the pregnancy I was hooked, I didn't get up for 2 hours reading the rest of this book. What I questioned in the beginning no longer matter as I got more wrapped up in Carter, that man is pure perfection and this story is one I'll read again and again.
Layla, she was a bit down at times an I wanted to shake her an make her look at what she had right in front of her but Carter manages to pull her head out of her rear end!
Travis was my least favorite person, even when he showed up at the hospital it didn't redeem him even a tiny bit in my eyes, he disgusted me early on and there was no coming back from that!
After my initial oh hell no feelings about the pregnancy I was hooked, I didn't get up for 2 hours reading the rest of this book. What I questioned in the beginning no longer matter as I got more wrapped up in Carter, that man is pure perfection and this story is one I'll read again and again.
March 1, 2017
3.5*
I really liked the story and characters, but I don't feel like it was ever acknowledged by anyone that what happened between the h and H's brother was rape. I understand that given Layla's background she may have had some blurred lines in her head,but Travis new he raped her which we only know from a guilty expression. He also makes an off-color joke about practically having to force her into it. I was content with how the book ended for him. Also a pedophile seducing and impregnating a fourteen year old is just referred to as "wrong". Otherwise I would have given this a 5. I understand that there are shades of gray, but let's call rape rape.
I really liked the story and characters, but I don't feel like it was ever acknowledged by anyone that what happened between the h and H's brother was rape. I understand that given Layla's background she may have had some blurred lines in her head,but Travis new he raped her which we only know from a guilty expression. He also makes an off-color joke about practically having to force her into it. I was content with how the book ended for him. Also a pedophile seducing and impregnating a fourteen year old is just referred to as "wrong". Otherwise I would have given this a 5. I understand that there are shades of gray, but let's call rape rape.
February 11, 2017
I just have to start by saying that I really loved the cover of this book. I just fell in love with it. It just melted my heart. This is the first book that I have had the chance to read by this author and I can't wait to read more.
Carter has had to deal with a lot in his life. Losing his parents, left in charge of his seventeen year old brother, having a hockey career, and then have that career taken away from him. He helps his brother out of everything that he gets himself into. He just doesn't know what to do with his life anymore. That all changes the day that he saves Layla Harper's life.
Layla is running away from a past that she just wants to forget. She works two jobs and is trying to get her GED. When she lays eyes or bodies on Carter there is this instant connection. She has been down this road before and feels that she doesn't deserve a chance of happiness. It seems that her one drunken night with Travis will change her life forever.
I loved this book. It was pretty emotional and at times I just wanted to shake Layla but in a way I understood. It's hard to trust once you have been so broken. It seems that Carter is the person that saves her life in more than one way. I loved this couple and Carter is the man that I wish I could find for myself.
I wanted to knock Travis out and tell him to grow up. Of course there was no way that I could do that. I did it in my mind so that made me feel better. I loved the whole book but it's not until you get to the end that you find out how the book got its name. I will be reading this book again.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book.
Carter has had to deal with a lot in his life. Losing his parents, left in charge of his seventeen year old brother, having a hockey career, and then have that career taken away from him. He helps his brother out of everything that he gets himself into. He just doesn't know what to do with his life anymore. That all changes the day that he saves Layla Harper's life.
Layla is running away from a past that she just wants to forget. She works two jobs and is trying to get her GED. When she lays eyes or bodies on Carter there is this instant connection. She has been down this road before and feels that she doesn't deserve a chance of happiness. It seems that her one drunken night with Travis will change her life forever.
I loved this book. It was pretty emotional and at times I just wanted to shake Layla but in a way I understood. It's hard to trust once you have been so broken. It seems that Carter is the person that saves her life in more than one way. I loved this couple and Carter is the man that I wish I could find for myself.
I wanted to knock Travis out and tell him to grow up. Of course there was no way that I could do that. I did it in my mind so that made me feel better. I loved the whole book but it's not until you get to the end that you find out how the book got its name. I will be reading this book again.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book.
February 5, 2017
I am a huge fan of C M Seabrook books! Her writing has always captivated me from the first page. I find myself so engrossed in the story the next thing I know I finished the book in one sitting. Second Draft I read straight through. Layla reading while walking and crossing the street almost gets hit by a car. She is saved by a big tattooed hot looking guy. She feels things for Carter that scares her. He gets her name and a thank you and she runs. She is upset her half finished V I Keeland book got ruined in traffic :). Two weeks later Carter finds her in a bar his brother drug him to. He saves her again from being hit on by a drunk and pretending to be her boyfriend. One hot kiss and she leaves with her roommate for home. Fast forward a year!!! Carter finds the girl that has haunted him at his house! Here the story really turned me for a loop. A big complication I didn't see coming had my heart sink. But hold on the rest of the story I was cheering on Carter with his loving pursuit of Layla. I felt the excitement of their first meeting to all the emotions they would go through. This story had everything I love in my books. A hot strong alpha with a heart an equally strong woman overcoming obstacles with love. I could feel the steamy tension between them. You won't be able to put this book down it's that captivating.
February 12, 2017
I feel like this book was written just for me ,it has everything that I love in a story, EVERYTHING! I devoured this story , I wanted to read it based on the cover, I know I'm a cover whore, the cover is freaking Carter, the main hot as hell, tattooed,tall ,Over the Top Alpha, Heart of Gold Guy. I love Him, he is a Ex-Hockey star who had an injury,and write sports cover articles for a magazine. He is a normal Guy with hook up but only for one night.
Layla is a book nerd, (we are soul sisters) she is a lonely 21 year old , trying to figure out what to do in life. She is very much a reclusive you can tell that she is unsure of herself.
Carter saves Layla from being hit by a car, and their is an automatic spark . They happen to meet again at a bar and exchange numbers. A year later They run into each other again at Carter's house that Layla is renting a room in and shes no alone. I don't want to give anything away but a pregnancy is involved, but with a twist.
This book I didn't want it to end, I had heart palpitations at one point, It really puts you through the ringer with all the emotions that it invoked. SO In Love With This Story.
Layla is a book nerd, (we are soul sisters) she is a lonely 21 year old , trying to figure out what to do in life. She is very much a reclusive you can tell that she is unsure of herself.
Carter saves Layla from being hit by a car, and their is an automatic spark . They happen to meet again at a bar and exchange numbers. A year later They run into each other again at Carter's house that Layla is renting a room in and shes no alone. I don't want to give anything away but a pregnancy is involved, but with a twist.
This book I didn't want it to end, I had heart palpitations at one point, It really puts you through the ringer with all the emotions that it invoked. SO In Love With This Story.
June 30, 2019
I have to say, I was really skeptical on whether or not to read this book. I didn't like the whole she saw the H first, but got with his brother anyway thing. But I must say, it was wonderfully done, IMO. we didn't have to really see their "relationship" or anything and it was just one time, so I was ok with it.
The h was a bit annoying with the way she was so wishy washy.
The H was my favorite, though. He was sweet and loved her and the baby as his own. The story was really sweet and I would definitely recommend it.
The h was a bit annoying with the way she was so wishy washy.
The H was my favorite, though. He was sweet and loved her and the baby as his own. The story was really sweet and I would definitely recommend it.
June 14, 2018
Second Draft was the first book in CM Seabrook’s Men with Wood series. It was also the first book I’ve read by the author but it definitely won’t be my last.
Carter and Layla met under unusual circumstances but the sparks flew like crazy. Circumstances had them not seeing each other for a year then they had another chance meeting but by then everything had drastically changed. Layla was now pregnant with Carter’s brother’s child. This was where the story began. I normally wouldn’t like the premise of this type of story, but in this case, I loved it. It wasn’t your typical story. And I loved both Carter and Layla. They were perfect together, but the situation was anything but perfect.
Seabrook took us through the chemistry, the challenges, the friendship and more. There was also a bit of mystery behind Layla’s past. We knew there were issues and Seabrook slowly peeled back the layers as the story progressed. It was well written, well developed, multi-dimensional and complex.
In the end, it was emotional, heart felt, a daily struggle for overcoming life’s heart aches and a journey for healing, acceptance and love. There were a couple areas that I would have liked fleshed out a little more, but nothing crucial. Timing is everything and for me, it was the perfect book for what I was currently craving. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series, Second Shot.
Carter and Layla met under unusual circumstances but the sparks flew like crazy. Circumstances had them not seeing each other for a year then they had another chance meeting but by then everything had drastically changed. Layla was now pregnant with Carter’s brother’s child. This was where the story began. I normally wouldn’t like the premise of this type of story, but in this case, I loved it. It wasn’t your typical story. And I loved both Carter and Layla. They were perfect together, but the situation was anything but perfect.
Seabrook took us through the chemistry, the challenges, the friendship and more. There was also a bit of mystery behind Layla’s past. We knew there were issues and Seabrook slowly peeled back the layers as the story progressed. It was well written, well developed, multi-dimensional and complex.
In the end, it was emotional, heart felt, a daily struggle for overcoming life’s heart aches and a journey for healing, acceptance and love. There were a couple areas that I would have liked fleshed out a little more, but nothing crucial. Timing is everything and for me, it was the perfect book for what I was currently craving. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series, Second Shot.
March 1, 2017
2.5 stars
It was sweet but I should NOT have read this book.
I knew going in she was having his brother's baby. But I thought the brother was totally out of the picture. He was not and every interaction bugged the shit out of me! Plus
Just not for me.
It was sweet but I should NOT have read this book.
I knew going in she was having his brother's baby. But I thought the brother was totally out of the picture. He was not and every interaction bugged the shit out of me! Plus
Just not for me.
March 29, 2021
Safety:
- No details if he is celibate after they met but he is not a manwhore so I choose to believe he is
- She has sex with his brother and gets pregnant after they met, she didn’t know they were related and she was drunk, there wasn’t a debate about consent and it being rape, she doesn’t consider herself a victim so I will not dwell on it but his brother is an asshole
- They met when he saves her, two weeks later he is at a bar and is considering fucking some random woman before moving to another city. He went out with his brother and it is not a common situation. He saw her and he instantly drawn to her so he doesn’t pursue any other woman and they kiss
- They are apart for one year and there is no details about him being with other woman and she is now pregnant
- He is about 29 and she is 23 after they are reunited one year later.
- When he was younger he had his fun and fucked women, he was never in love though. She had one previous partner but she was 14 and the guy was 24 (disgusting pig)
His brother is an asshole and I was glad everything he did wasn’t easily forgiven.
The hero is a alpha guy, he wants her and he goes for it respecting her time. I like that, there is no bullshit about wanting her but fucking others while he waits.
I love how dedicated he is to their baby, he decides it is his and he is a true father.
It got a little boring whenever her walls are mentioned.
Her father is an abusive asshole and her mother supports him instead of her teenager daughter when he is pregnant at 15, her father beat her up until she lost her baby. I was glad there was no forgiveness given to this asshole, but she went to see her mother when she had a stroke and ask for forgiveness I was a little bit mad because she was a victim but I understood her mother was dying and she was nervous so I could take it.
The brother ended up dying, he didn’t even try to be there for the baby and the hero said he wasn’t going to stop him if he want to be there.
- No details if he is celibate after they met but he is not a manwhore so I choose to believe he is
- She has sex with his brother and gets pregnant after they met, she didn’t know they were related and she was drunk, there wasn’t a debate about consent and it being rape, she doesn’t consider herself a victim so I will not dwell on it but his brother is an asshole
- They met when he saves her, two weeks later he is at a bar and is considering fucking some random woman before moving to another city. He went out with his brother and it is not a common situation. He saw her and he instantly drawn to her so he doesn’t pursue any other woman and they kiss
- They are apart for one year and there is no details about him being with other woman and she is now pregnant
- He is about 29 and she is 23 after they are reunited one year later.
- When he was younger he had his fun and fucked women, he was never in love though. She had one previous partner but she was 14 and the guy was 24 (disgusting pig)
His brother is an asshole and I was glad everything he did wasn’t easily forgiven.
The hero is a alpha guy, he wants her and he goes for it respecting her time. I like that, there is no bullshit about wanting her but fucking others while he waits.
I love how dedicated he is to their baby, he decides it is his and he is a true father.
It got a little boring whenever her walls are mentioned.
Her father is an abusive asshole and her mother supports him instead of her teenager daughter when he is pregnant at 15, her father beat her up until she lost her baby. I was glad there was no forgiveness given to this asshole, but she went to see her mother when she had a stroke and ask for forgiveness I was a little bit mad because she was a victim but I understood her mother was dying and she was nervous so I could take it.
The brother ended up dying, he didn’t even try to be there for the baby and the hero said he wasn’t going to stop him if he want to be there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2017
3.5 Stars but Carter was 5 Stars all the way!!!!
Spoilers ahead so read with caution:
OK, I liked this book, not loved, not hated, just liked it. I couldn't connect with Layla....ehhhh her character, there was just not much depth or anything I got out of her, sorry. Now, Carter, he MADE the story, he was a total 5 Star Male Lead for me but I felt he could do "better".
Layla's back story as sad as it was when the revelation of a previous pregnancy came out, I was like, ehhhhhh just all set with her sadly. Again, Carter for me deserved someone "better", I know, that sounds awful because she wasn't a bad character per say but she wasn't a female lead that I normally prefer. Actually she was the opposite in a sense of what I like in my female heroines.....she didn't measure up with what I felt Carter deserved and what Carter would have been better suited for. Again this is all my feelings and please don't let that stop you from reading this story.
Not a great read but not terrible either. I think the whole brother "leftovers" in a sense just rubbed me wrong. Yes, I knew what I was getting into BUT that part of storyline did NOTHING for me except turn me off. I liked the concept and have read similar type of books and LOVED it but this one fell short on the execution of the storyline for me:(
Spoilers ahead so read with caution:
OK, I liked this book, not loved, not hated, just liked it. I couldn't connect with Layla....ehhhh her character, there was just not much depth or anything I got out of her, sorry. Now, Carter, he MADE the story, he was a total 5 Star Male Lead for me but I felt he could do "better".
Layla's back story as sad as it was when the revelation of a previous pregnancy came out, I was like, ehhhhhh just all set with her sadly. Again, Carter for me deserved someone "better", I know, that sounds awful because she wasn't a bad character per say but she wasn't a female lead that I normally prefer. Actually she was the opposite in a sense of what I like in my female heroines.....she didn't measure up with what I felt Carter deserved and what Carter would have been better suited for. Again this is all my feelings and please don't let that stop you from reading this story.
Not a great read but not terrible either. I think the whole brother "leftovers" in a sense just rubbed me wrong. Yes, I knew what I was getting into BUT that part of storyline did NOTHING for me except turn me off. I liked the concept and have read similar type of books and LOVED it but this one fell short on the execution of the storyline for me:(
February 4, 2017
"Sometimes you get a second chance. Sometimes you don't. Sometimes all you can do is forgive yourself for the things you can't change." --C.M. Seabrook
From the first time he saw her, Carter couldn't get her out of his mind. Because of events and circumstances beyond their control they were never able to connect. Then Carter's brother, Travis, calls him to come home because he's in trouble. When Carter and Layla finally see each other again, is it too late for them to have a chance to be together? Are circumstances going to keep them apart again?
I really enjoyed this story. Carter and Layla have both been through a lot but they always make it through. Carter's brother, Travis is irritating and very immature. He doesn't want to take responsibility for his own actions. Will that be a good thing for Carter and Layla? You'll have to read to find out! I definitely recommend this book. It's one of the best books that I've read in a while. You won't be wasting your time! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
From the first time he saw her, Carter couldn't get her out of his mind. Because of events and circumstances beyond their control they were never able to connect. Then Carter's brother, Travis, calls him to come home because he's in trouble. When Carter and Layla finally see each other again, is it too late for them to have a chance to be together? Are circumstances going to keep them apart again?
I really enjoyed this story. Carter and Layla have both been through a lot but they always make it through. Carter's brother, Travis is irritating and very immature. He doesn't want to take responsibility for his own actions. Will that be a good thing for Carter and Layla? You'll have to read to find out! I definitely recommend this book. It's one of the best books that I've read in a while. You won't be wasting your time! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 9, 2017
This was a great book two people meet he leaves town she has sex with his brother the gets pregnant with his brother. He wants an abortion she won't have one he leaves town then signs leaflet papers to sign all rights over. She gets Involved withthe first brother he has will raise baby as his own because he loves her. Other brother comes back but says nasty word she has baby prematurely, when other brother gets their baby is healthy by they can't stop the bleeding.other brother leaves and doesent co;e back,
February 10, 2017
Holy cryfest! I can't even. I guess I should warn you to have your tissues ready.
This is my first book by this author and I'm in love. Carter is an amazing book boyfriend, totally alpha and sexy and says the most melt your heart things. You really feel for each character in this story. I can not wait to see what CM Seabrook comes up with next, this was so good. A story hasn't affected me this much in a long time. Oh I received an arc.
This is my first book by this author and I'm in love. Carter is an amazing book boyfriend, totally alpha and sexy and says the most melt your heart things. You really feel for each character in this story. I can not wait to see what CM Seabrook comes up with next, this was so good. A story hasn't affected me this much in a long time. Oh I received an arc.
February 13, 2017
Alex pretty much covered it here in her review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So I don't have much to add apart from a box of Kleenex!
Trigger: if you have issues with past relationship with family members, and don't think that you can look past it, then this book is definitely not for you.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So I don't have much to add apart from a box of Kleenex!
Trigger: if you have issues with past relationship with family members, and don't think that you can look past it, then this book is definitely not for you.
February 20, 2017
3.5 stars
Easy and sweet read with a likeable hero and heroine. Would definitely read more books by this author.
Easy and sweet read with a likeable hero and heroine. Would definitely read more books by this author.
September 8, 2019
3.5 Stars! Enjoy it. Was a quick read.
Interesting enough characters. Liked getting to know them. Not the best book I’ve ever read, but defiantly entertaining and easily read.
RE-READ In 2018 - was looking for an easy read and picked this one up. Still felt the same as above. Enjoyed it.
Interesting enough characters. Liked getting to know them. Not the best book I’ve ever read, but defiantly entertaining and easily read.
RE-READ In 2018 - was looking for an easy read and picked this one up. Still felt the same as above. Enjoyed it.
February 12, 2017
This is another winning romance novel from C.M. Seabrook!! The hero is one super alpha male, who is very protective and handsome as all get out while the heroine is slightly broken due to life , yet still retains her innocent ways and is quite beautiful. The story is how second chances are worth everything!
Carter Bennett is an ex hockey player who likes fast women and good times, never wants to settle down yet when he literally runs into Layla Harper not once but twice, he starts to question his thoughts on life, love and everything in between. Bad thing is he isn’t staying in town so he doesn’t pursue her, because if he had, life maybe would have turned out so differently for them.
Layla has been thru so much in her young life, already 21 yrs old and ended up with a boyfriend that treats her so bad. She thinks her life isn’t ever going to get better and no one will ever love her for her. Enter back into her life again is Carter –he keeps popping up kind of like a bad penny. She has feelings for him but now , without giving away why, his timing is so bad. She wants to let him in her life but is afraid he will walk, if not, run away from her due to the situation she is in. It’s a HUGE complication neither were expecting …but Carter is one strong man and he isn’t about to let this woman go walk out of his life again.
I fell so deep for Carter and his kind and caring ways that he had for Layla and OMG, Layla-boy did she have it tough in life yet she kept on trying to make her life better, to make things better for herself no matter how bad it got. She was so strong even when she was scared . I cant tell you the boxes of tissues I used during this book because I would cry and rage right along with Layla and Carter. Or the times I would laugh with them. It is a deeply emotional, angsty, passionate, loving , personal read that one has to experience. It will literally blow you away, that is how great a read this book is.
My rating: 4.7 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Carter Bennett is an ex hockey player who likes fast women and good times, never wants to settle down yet when he literally runs into Layla Harper not once but twice, he starts to question his thoughts on life, love and everything in between. Bad thing is he isn’t staying in town so he doesn’t pursue her, because if he had, life maybe would have turned out so differently for them.
Layla has been thru so much in her young life, already 21 yrs old and ended up with a boyfriend that treats her so bad. She thinks her life isn’t ever going to get better and no one will ever love her for her. Enter back into her life again is Carter –he keeps popping up kind of like a bad penny. She has feelings for him but now , without giving away why, his timing is so bad. She wants to let him in her life but is afraid he will walk, if not, run away from her due to the situation she is in. It’s a HUGE complication neither were expecting …but Carter is one strong man and he isn’t about to let this woman go walk out of his life again.
I fell so deep for Carter and his kind and caring ways that he had for Layla and OMG, Layla-boy did she have it tough in life yet she kept on trying to make her life better, to make things better for herself no matter how bad it got. She was so strong even when she was scared . I cant tell you the boxes of tissues I used during this book because I would cry and rage right along with Layla and Carter. Or the times I would laugh with them. It is a deeply emotional, angsty, passionate, loving , personal read that one has to experience. It will literally blow you away, that is how great a read this book is.
My rating: 4.7 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
February 5, 2017
I want my own Carter please,pretty please !!
Second Draft by C.M. Seabrook is a wonderful novel. With No Cheating!!!
Meet Layla and Carter Bennett. Layla works odd jobs to come by. Carter is a ex hockey player and now sports journalist.
They run into other. They have this crazy insta-chemistry. But Carter leaves to New York.
One year later they meet again but life has his own fate.
Layla rooms with his brother and is pregnant with his baby.
Carter wants her but she doesn´t trust anymore, her walls are high up.
This book has it all. There´s drama and violence, but also sweet, sweet romance, love and a wonderful HEA.
I loved the characters of Layla and Carter. How they struggle and how they love .
5 Stars and Thank you C.M. Seabrook !!
Second Draft by C.M. Seabrook is a wonderful novel. With No Cheating!!!
Meet Layla and Carter Bennett. Layla works odd jobs to come by. Carter is a ex hockey player and now sports journalist.
They run into other. They have this crazy insta-chemistry. But Carter leaves to New York.
One year later they meet again but life has his own fate.
Layla rooms with his brother and is pregnant with his baby.
Carter wants her but she doesn´t trust anymore, her walls are high up.
This book has it all. There´s drama and violence, but also sweet, sweet romance, love and a wonderful HEA.
I loved the characters of Layla and Carter. How they struggle and how they love .
5 Stars and Thank you C.M. Seabrook !!
February 7, 2017
This is my first book I read by this author. I have to say I loved it. Layla has a sheltered life and until something happens and she runs away. Carter is a cocky ex hockey player who got hurt. When they meet the first time there was a pull that they didn't know how to explain. They agree to met up later but there was a mix up. Fast forward 1 years and they meet under different circumstances. One drunken mistake Layla gets pregnant with Travis baby. Who happens to be Carters younger brother. When Travis walks away from Layla and there unborn child. Carter steps in to help also to claim what's his. I don't want to spoil anymore of the book. This is a must read. It had my emotions all over the place. I and now a C.M. Seabrook fan.
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