Brave

Contours of the Heart #4

by Tammara Webber

Courage means rising up to defend your beliefs...
or daring to question them.

Erin McIntyre was captivating, but forbidden
His professional subordinate
The embodiment of unearned privilege
The daughter of his sworn enemy

Isaac Maat was impossible to read
Smart, ambitious, and emotionally detached
Hotter than anyone's boss should ever be
And definitely hiding something...

He told himself that getting to know her would help him take down her father.
She told herself that getting under his skin would distract her wrecked heart from its misery.

Neither predicted their private war would lead to an intimate battle in which the victor would be the first one to SURRENDER.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance, Audiobook, Young Adult

310 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2017

About the author

Author of the CONTOURS OF THE HEART series and the BETWEEN THE LINES series.

I'm a New York Times and international bestselling author of contemporary romantic fiction. My novels have been translated into twenty-five languages around the world. Gen-Xer. Feminist. Hopeful romantic. Fueled by coffee, a supportive spouse, and a never-ending feeling that I've forgotten to do something.

Please check my website for book updates. If you have questions, I have an FAQ tab there, and a contact form for anything not covered. :)

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!!



Even though it’s been a long time since I’ve read Easy, Erin’s character came back to me pretty quickly. Brave is very much a slow burn (as well as enemies to lovers) romance. It takes a lot of time for the relationship to build between Erin and Isaac. But once it did, it was so worth the wait.

Erin McIntyre starts work at her father’s company, and Isaac Maat is her new boss. As soon as they meet, Erin can tell Isaac doesn’t care for her, but she has no idea why. She’s just there to do her job while she tries to decide what’s next for her. Isaac has his reasons to be leery of Erin. As soon as he truly gets to know her though, things change between them. Still, there are secrets about their pasts that haven’t come out.

This is one of those books that are hard for me to rate. Honestly, through most of the book, I thought this would be a 3 star read for me. I listened to it quickly, but it felt slowish. But once it picked up and started to get more in depth, I started to love it. And I adored the ending. So I'll give it a 3.5. Tammara Webber’s writing and prose is fantastic and I’m hoping she releases a new book soon!

[Tammara]

I'm the author of this New Adult novel, a spinoff, stand-alone Contours of the Heart novel - Erin's story. :)

[aniryllis · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's no other way to put it.

I'm disappointed.

At the beginning the slowness didn't bother me because it was a (well written) slow burn "romance". In fact, I was pretty excited and I was loving it. But then at 50% still nothing was burning and I've begun to lose interest.
There was no sexual tension. None. No build-up. I feel like saying "I felt nothing!". Every emotion I had was never related to them as a couple.
This is not an enemies-to-lovers and/or an office romance book. I could even say it's not a romance (it's that bad). I never felt their love relationship was forbidden (which was the point of this book, #epicfail).

He told himself that getting to know her would help him take down her father.

Did I read a different book? Where was this?!
THERE WAS NO CONFLICT.
THERE WAS NO ANGST.
NOTHING.
The "big" revelation moment was just so fucking MEH.
And on top of that, they get together (and finally have sex for the first time) only in the last chapter and are a couple only in the fucking epilogue.
I had some problems with Erin too (so annoying).
I don't exactly like Tammara Webber's heroines, but I freaking love her heroes. Isaac was perfect. I think this book would have worked much better from/with his POV. Without his voice it felt incomplete to me.

Sigh. My fault. I was expecting something else completely.
So disappointed, I wanna cry.


After the latest books in this series and especially after the Between the Lines series (don't read that shit), I'm starting to think Easy was just a fluke.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Erin's story. As in, it's focused solely on Erin, her ptsd, her Daddy issues, her family's racist past and, in a small part, her crushing on Isaac.
I loved the parts about her work, how she managed to use her phycology training and degree on her job, how she proved herself worthy of the job, her dedication.
I didn't like her arrogance or her relationship with her siblings.
I would like to see more of Erin and Isaac together as a couple, how they would be around each other after their relationship's establishment.
That's why I feel this book isn't about the couple but is focussing mainly on Erin and her journey to find out who she wants to be in her life.....

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do adores Counters of the Heart. Especially Easy. So when I found audio book of Brave I dived into it. Expecting a sweet sweet love story between 2 strong characters.

But then I found a different story. Erin is a strong character who tries to make a break into the real world. After a tragic accident on her past, she is not sure how to fix herself. So she accepts a job in her company. She works under Isaac. Now Isaac has his own secret past.

So the story begins with Erin trying to fit in and figure out her place in the workplace. I can relate of some of her struggle in a work place. Hey I even had similar experience during my first years in work place. A lot of awkward situation. But I feel proud that she can finally makes a name of herself.

But this book is suppose to be about romance between Erin and Isaac. The book is from Erin's POV and Miss Webber spends too much portion of her book on Eric journey on the work place. And not about the romance. So that is what missing on this book.

I still like it. But I wish the romance can be more hotter and more pronounce.

3 stars

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am so disappointed right now... I can’t believe this book is part of this series. Or even written by the same author Easy was written by.
This book was so boring I thought I would DNF it. I was 65% in until something interesting happened. And after that another 23% of boredom. I can’t... I just can’t... I have no words. This book was that bad.
And again: I can’t believe it’s part of the same series with Easy - which was my favorite book for years.
So damn disappointed 😔

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why it took my so long to finish this series. Tammara Webber is one of my favorite romance writers. Her stories are grounded in reality with just enough drama to add excitement and mystery.

Here we have Erin McIntyre who we originally met in the first book as a side character. After a heartbreaking loss that she can't seem to deal with, she starts questioning her choices and ends up working for her father in a position created just for her. You can imagine how that goes over with her new supervisor. Isaac Maat has a secret. There's a reason he works for Erin's father and it has to do with family history. When he meets Erin, he wants to hate her but of course, we all know that's not where it's going. But he's going to fight it all the way.

I really liked both of these characters. Erin was relatable and I felt for her with her family. Their expectations were how high of a marriage prospect she could be. But that's not what she wanted and she went out of her way to show it. I loved the message of strong female characters here. Also I liked how Webber tackled racism in our current world.

This was the second full series that I've read from Webber and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Because her romances are fantastic.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quiet little book that slowly builds things. The romance is subtle, which works really well. As much as I liked the romance I liked Erin working on figuring out her life. I liked the couple of times that she talked about things with Issac, he gave her some great advice.

I was almost to the end of the book and not much had happened, leaving me wondering how things would end. Then Issac comes in with some game changing info, some of which I guessed. I loved how he relayed the info. I liked how Erin reacted on a couple different levels. It made her choice at the end all the better and giving me an ending that left me smiling!

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read NA novel that can be read as a standalone or part of the fabulous CONTOURS OF THE HEART series. This novel tackles some tough issues. It's eye-opening and will break your heart as well as make you swoon. Smart, sexy, and beautifully written. Expect the unexpected! This novel has depth, compassion, and a window into this world reminding us that hatred is poison and love can transform. BRAVE reminds us all to stand up for what's right. Brava, Tammara!!!

Highly, highly recommend!

FRTC!

[katyjanereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. I’m sad this series is over.
2. I enjoyed this E.L. James-esk wealthy business feel.
3. I wanted to kill Erin’s brother Leo for sucking at this job and screwing over their dad.
4. I learned that the word woolgathering means absent-mindedness.
5. The stick up Erin’s butt about working for her dad was annoying. Family businesses are a thing and it’s not shameful to work there. She earned it by going to college.
6. I learned that convivial means friendly and cheerful
7. Joshua is scum. Talking about how his girlfriend’s butt could only be a certain size before she was scolded for it. Thank u, next. Erin was correct when she called it, “Bullshittery”.
8. I feel like the Chaz dying/proposing thing was kind of random and not needed.
9. Alright, Erin calling her corded phone “antique” was a bit much.
10. Isaac=drool.
11. I learned the word fratricide means killing one’s brother.
12. I want to live with Isaac and pet his dog and have him cook for me and have him bring me blankies and take care of me.
13. Loved this quote. “Grief is grief. It’s not a contest, and there’s no sense comparing them.”
14. I learned that the word aggrandizement means to increase the power or reputation of something.
15. I loved the self review Erin had to complete for work. a) list accomplishments and strengths b) challenges that may hinder someone from working effectively and how the challenges might be overcome c) future goals. I shared this with my boss and he made me do it. haha.
16. I want to know where Isaac and Erin went!!! And I love that she was going to frame the heart map!
17. This is the first book in this series where an ex didn’t come try to kill someone.
18. I want to see Tuli’s house!

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay let's see:

- enemies to lovers
-opposite
-this cover
-blurb
-heroine from previous books
all of that got me to swoon really hard, and be all like I want to read it, badly.




This had everything to be extraordinary romance book.





Great hero; smart, courageous, honorable, handsome.
Likable heroine, yes she is privileged, but I liked her. She also was very smart and I did not find her annoying. At all.




I liked the plot line and slow burn of this story. Some may find that lacking but not me.

But the ending was really rushed. That ruined excellence of this book for me. I think over the night turnover in the story really ruined it for me. I do not mind that it was predictable. There is a huge gap that is missing for this story to be five star read.

Also I should point out this is a really new adult kind of book, chemistry is there but the lead characters do not kiss until waaaaay late into the book and all the rest happens at the end, but never mind that I DO NOT, but I really felt more of a potential for this book, and sadly all I feel is lacking.....

Where are all the pages,huh?!




Overall this is for all of you who love NA, slow burn , opposite attract, no cheating, om/ow with very likable characters.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait

Tammara Webber once again proves to be a masterful storyteller and the Queen of character development. It's been a long while since I've been unable to put a book down until it was finished. The characters are likeable, the story is engaging, the issues aren't shied away from. All that and the chemistry is between Erin and Isaac is palpable. This is going to be re-read, and often.

[Erika B. (SOS BOOKS) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm trying not to be disappointed, but I am. I know I shouldn't compare books but Easy is still a favorite book of mine. I'm talking multiple re-reads so that makes it shiny and important to me. This story lacked all the shine and sparkle. I'll even shorten that last word and tell you that the spark between the two characters wasn't all that spectacular either. I wasn't invested. The butterflies in my stomach didn't come out to play. So I'm giving it three stars for the things that I did like--that being I still love Erin as a character. She's pretty sassy! Overall, I am going to live somewhere between sort of liking this and probably forgetting about it all together in the end.

[MiriMama · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was beyond disappointing. Utterly heavy-handed, way too much detail about things completely disconnected from the plot while glossing over things I would’ve cared to read a lot more about to make me more connected to Erin and Isaac and their relationship - which didn’t even happen until the last chapter and epilogue, and in a completely dissatisfying way, I have to add, and by then I barely bothered reading it thoroughly. The mark was sadly missed with this one.

[Dísir · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been a long, long time since I’ve read a Tammara Webber book and coming back to one is a reminder of ‘Contours of the Heart’ as one of the first few books that actually made me aware of the then-emerging New Adult (sub)genre that had suddenly scored big hits with so many people.

As the rocky relationship between Isaac Maat and Erin McIntyre emerges in the first few chapters however, what I’d evidently also forgotten is Webber’s seductively poetic and perceptive writing of this pairing—particularly so for a NA story—just as her portrayal of her characters are realistic, quite multifaceted and believable, with the undertones of racial bias that sets up the conflict of the story years before Isaac and Erin are even on the scene.

These alone makes ‘Brave’ easy to go through, as Webber unravels the heroine, strips her bare, then puts her in front of the reader like a bold testament to the flawed (and young) heroine…complete with broken dreams, scorching fantasies, colossal fuck-ups and everything else in between. With only Erin’s POV available to us though, it is more difficult to figure out who Isaac really is, and my own inference in this case, coming through the filter of Erin’s own perceptions, doesn’t peel back that much. Consequently, Isaac remains relatively shrouded in mystery (and very alluringly sexy) but as unreadable and unattainable as Erin makes him out to be.

I did find myself somewhat bored for the first half—the slow burn also translates into slow pacing—as Erin and Isaac take a while to warm up to each other, then flatten out until the climax near the end and a hurried resolution that’s unsatisfactory because of its swiftness and abruptness. The romance at some points, seems to flicker out, only to return when Erin/Isaac sort out the fallout from the big reveal and this, coupled with the rushed (and only) sex scene at the end, just left me needing a lot more than a HFN conclusion.

[Marja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh. It's been a while that I've read something from Tammara Webber, but it seems like.. The longer you wait, the better it gets!
I loved Erin, she represented someone familiar, and I understood her struggles so well.
And then Isaac. Strong, silent Isaac. Damn. We all need men like that in our lives.
Missing them already <3

[Quinn's Quippy Quotes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really liked this! I love reading books with diversity and definitely need to read more.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Very Good. This whole series is good, and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy it.

I was surprised at how late in the book the romance started, but that's sort of in line with this series, in that the main stuff is always about the protagonist anyway.

Since it's set in 2014/2015 there are a fair few conversations about Ferguson and Tamir Rice which feel better a few years removed, but were still a little pointed, BUT I like that Webber tried, and mostly succeeded, to make a point about privilege.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Brave

This was worth the beautiful wait. I adore everything about the words that Mrs. Webber always gives us. I loved Erin in easy, but this story was wonderful, from the dedication to the acknowledgements. To find these characters that are hurt and damaged and trying to find themselves and love is always beautifully done. These two wonderful people were struggling, but they found what they needed in each other. It made my heart so happy! Thank for this beautiful books and your words.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just about as perfect as you can get. I couldn't have enjoyed this more. I missed the male POV at first but I soon learnt what was in Isaacs head because he was so candid with Erin. Love. Love. Love.

[A.D. McCammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series.

Tammara Webber never disappoints me. I’ve loved every book on this series & I’ll keep coming back for more. ♥️

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where was the romance, the connection between the characters? Disappointed.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4-5 stars. I loved Erin in Easy. She was the girl we all wanted to be friends because she was a source of strength for Jacqueline and she stood by her side through the worst as well as advocated for her fellow sorority sister. Erin is back home now after finishing college, taking on a job at her father's company that she didn't even need to interview for. She grew up surrounded by wealth and privilege and has been placed under the supervision of Isaac Maat, much to his chagrin. Isaac is very intelligent, professional and hardworking. He has had to earn his way through life to get where he is and still has to face racial injustices. I loved Erin and Isaac's chemistry - the attraction was undeniable but completely masked by a disdain for each other. Erin was determined to prove her worth in the company and to Isaac and he was intent on resisting her and seeing her true capabilities. I admired Isaac for his stoic nature and he was very impartial when it came to being her boss without crossing any lines. As for Erin, I enjoyed her tenacity and perseverance to be the best at her job. The story addresses several issues that are woven into the plot regarding stereotypes, racism, social class and family ties. The heat between Erin and Isaac was intense and had this build up that kept me turning the pages so I could finally enjoy the conclusion once all of the issues were resolved.

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

3.75 ⭐️

I enjoyed this one and part of me isn’t sure of why, because not a lot happened for the majority of the book, it it didn’t stop me wanting to continue and find out what happens.

I have loved Erin from the very first book, she and Jacqueline have a wonderful friendship and it was great to see that even though they struggle to connect, the friendship is still there, and Jacqueline knows when Erin is needing help. I enjoyed that she questions her chosen field, and struggles with what happened with Chaz

I enjoyed seeing Mindi and how she rebuilt her life.

Isaac was a hard character to get to know due to his quietness and the fact that we were only really seeing him from Erin’s point of view. I figured his connection from the second chapter but wasn’t quite sure how it fit, and knowing didn’t effect my enjoyment.

[Smitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on Smitten by Books Reviews blog .

4.5 Top Pick

I was introduced to Tammara Webber’s books by way of Easy, which was easily one of the best (if not best) book I read that year. I was so delighted and impressed by it, I immediately devoured her entire backlist, which was the Between the Line series. At this point I’m even more impressed. Easy wasn’t a one-off. Ms Webber is a talented storyteller and a wonderful writer. I will admit, I didn’t love Breakable nearly as much as the others, which I thought was more of a coming-of-age novel. I want my romance novels to be romance-centric.

Getting to Brave, I didn’t know what to expect. This story features an interracial romance and I was wondering what would Isaac be like. Please, please please (I begged) don’t let Isaac be a sad stereotype. Well, I put my trust in Ms Webber and I was not disappointed. Gosh, not only wasn’t I disappointed, I was thrilled by Erin and Isaac’s romance. Easy and Brave are easily my favorite books of the Contour of the Heart series.

First let’s start with the writing. Vivid and accomplished are the first words that come to find. I love it. It’s smooth and reading it feels effortless and there’s nothing I love better than immersing myself in a great story with great writing.

Second, but just as important, are the two main characters. I’m so glad Ms. Webber decided to give Erin, who was Jacqueline’s roommate (heroine) in Easy, her own book. She was a wonderful secondary character and at the end of Easy I wondered what became of her. Did she stay with Chaz? That question was answered by just reading the blurb of the book or glancing at the cover. Nope, after college Erin ends up working for her father at his construction company, where they build custom, high-end homes. With her psychology degree in mind, a customer liaison position is created for her and she ends up working for Isaac. She’s his only direct report and he’s not thrilled about taking her on. Something he makes known the moment he sets eyes on her.

The expressions my new coworkers wore ranged from wide-eyed curiosity (the receptionist, who looked like a twelve-year-old wearing half a pound of mascara) to veiled animosity (some guy glaring down from the open gallery of the second level as though his sworn enemy had just breached the castle walls).

Yeah, that guy glaring down at her is Isaac Maat, her new boss. Needless to say they don’t get off to good start. And for me, it was the perfect way to start off their relationship. A good healthy dose of animosity never fails to heighten my interest. At this point, I’m completely tuned in and engaged (I read this book in the span of one day). I didn’t even wonder at Isaac’s resentment and neither did Erin. She was the owner’s daughter. Privileged and entitlement wrapped in money, as she so aptly puts it.

Isaac, whose POV you don’t get, is hot. If the cover doesn’t convey that as it should, I’m here to tell you he’s a hottie—or as Erin observes, close up, he’s beyond good-looking. Great voice, great face and great body to match. He dresses like a GQ model. His physical appeal handicap was so low he could turn pro. And he’s no slouch in the education arena either, attaining an MBA from Wharton and graduating magna cum laude with an architectural degree. So yes, Isaac Maat is the whole package. Erin wonders what he’s doing working at her father’s company. Surely he could be making a lot more money elsewhere.

Isaac proves to be the dark, broody, silent type (love them!) and I began to wonder as the story when on, why he was so set against liking Erin. Erin is wildly attracted to him but he’s a brick wall. Although, I was happy to see a crack every now and then. And there was that time he saved her bacon big time. Honestly, he was a puzzle I personally wanted to solve much less Erin.

I loved the push and push of their developing relationship. I loved the fact that she did some of the pursuing. I loved the way the romance unfolded, bit by bit, action by action and word by word, building the ever-present sexual tension that sizzled between them. I loved catching up with Jacqueline and discovering what was going on with her and Lucas. And I loved the fact that the issue of race was part of the storyline but not overdone. Then of course there’s what happened to Chaz. I won’t say anymore than that, you’ll have to read it to find out.

All in all, a fabulous, meaty story with fully developed characters. I came to the end not wanting it to end. I also sent out a personal plea to Ms. Webber requesting a book about Mindy and Rhys’ romance and perhaps a couple weddings. Yeah, I’m not too demanding.

~ Beverley

[RaqvelReads]

dnf
Im just not interested AT ALL in this story, specially after all those bad reviews and expecting (honestly) the story to be between Erin and whatever-his-name-was jock from book 1. Like cmonnnnn that was such a promising story. All that drama about both of them liking each other and the guy being like a puppy for Erin and the breakup being because of Buck just to make it a REAL breakup and not building plotline for Erin's book???? I was actually disappointed seeing this was about some other random guy😭 the breakup had so much potential, I was so ready for the groveling and character evolution, and I was actually not expecting the change between the college scene for this around the corner office story tbh.

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sehr verwirrendes Buch, was einen merkwürdigen Schreibstil hatte...
-dauernd komische Zeitsprünge, die man gar nicht kommen sieht und einen sehr verwirren
-ca 20 Seiten vor Ende passiert dann endlich mal etwas, aber es kommt super random und hätte so viel besser und ausführlicher in die Story eingearbeitet werden können
-Das Ende ergibt im Gesamtkontext nicht so viel Sinn??

=> Fazit: Einfach nur "Häää"??

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good sequel to this emotional series! I also liked how this story tackled social issues in the US along with the growing affection of Erin and Issac.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I have been waiting for this for such a long time and now I have finally read it. It did not disappoint!!

[Beatrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Még mindig Lucas az etalon.