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Aspen Valley #3
Branded
The third lighthearted romance in Colette Auclair’s award-winning Aspen Valley series, Branded takes us on a wild and dreamy ride through the beautiful valleys and mountains of Colorado.
Professional, polite, and pearl-wearing, dressage rider and resort consultant Cordy Sims is the last person anyone would expect to initiate a weekend of debauchery. And yet, that’s exactly what she does after meeting a handsome stranger at an Aspen resort. Agreeing that they’ll leave personal details at the door, they indulge in a memorable weekend of carnal recreation. On Sunday night, Cordy doesn’t want to leave this charming, seductive man, but she must play by her own rules.
On Monday, Cordy sits in a meeting at the ad agency that’s hired her as a freelancer, and her professional and personal worlds collide. Turns out agency owner Jack Cormier looks just as good in the boardroom as he did in the bedroom. Forced to work together, Cordy and Jack can’t ignore the chemistry that crackles between them, or the deeper feelings that have developed. But secrets and scars from their pasts may prove too formidable, even for a love that’s as powerful as it is unexpected.
Professional, polite, and pearl-wearing, dressage rider and resort consultant Cordy Sims is the last person anyone would expect to initiate a weekend of debauchery. And yet, that’s exactly what she does after meeting a handsome stranger at an Aspen resort. Agreeing that they’ll leave personal details at the door, they indulge in a memorable weekend of carnal recreation. On Sunday night, Cordy doesn’t want to leave this charming, seductive man, but she must play by her own rules.
On Monday, Cordy sits in a meeting at the ad agency that’s hired her as a freelancer, and her professional and personal worlds collide. Turns out agency owner Jack Cormier looks just as good in the boardroom as he did in the bedroom. Forced to work together, Cordy and Jack can’t ignore the chemistry that crackles between them, or the deeper feelings that have developed. But secrets and scars from their pasts may prove too formidable, even for a love that’s as powerful as it is unexpected.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
1 person is currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 18, 2015
Review original post:
http://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/...
ARC provided in exchange of an honest review
So, I got to the third and last book of this amazing series. And there is only one thing I have to say about all three of the stories I’ve read: they were just Amazing! I really enjoyed reading them and it was a great pleasure meeting these wonderful characters!
In this last book of Aspen Valley series we are reading the story of Jack and Cordelia. For whoever have already read the second book would know who Jack is. But, whoever hasn’t yet, let me give you an idea.
So, Jack Cormier is the guy who helped Beth – Amanda’s best friend – with the installment of her horse rescue. He’s, also, a former baseball player and the CEO of one of Aspen’s ad agencies. And that’s where Cordelia or Cordy get linked in the story. Cordelia Sims is a woman who has been hired by this agency to help with the promotion of one of Aspen’s resorts. But, this job isn’t the only reason Cordy is in Aspen. What she left behind is really big and its results are going to be uncertain.
Also, through this story you can easily see that Fate has a freaking wicked sense of humor and she is the master of timing. And, without a doubt, it’s a delight to read!
Their first meeting was definitely hilariously odd and really cracked me up! It was a giggling-like-mad-while-being-stunned moment for me then. And what came next, just made it even better! Every page had me taken by surprise and kept going like that until the very end where I was sure I would explode from the emotion surging inside me. Plus, there were some very steamy and panties-melting scenes that made you squirm at your seat and feel reaaaaaaally hot.
Auclair found the perfect story to write as the conclusion of this sweet series. Each book was really magnificent and a different trip to love. The situations and difficulties that she was putting her characters through were making their love-journey even more special to them but to you too. As for the lines that you get to read throughout them, are some great gems and unforgettable.
Aspen Valley is a series that I recommend without a second though and it’s perfect for those who are 21st century’s hopeless romantics. It really worths your time so go and check it out!
http://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/...
ARC provided in exchange of an honest review
So, I got to the third and last book of this amazing series. And there is only one thing I have to say about all three of the stories I’ve read: they were just Amazing! I really enjoyed reading them and it was a great pleasure meeting these wonderful characters!
In this last book of Aspen Valley series we are reading the story of Jack and Cordelia. For whoever have already read the second book would know who Jack is. But, whoever hasn’t yet, let me give you an idea.
So, Jack Cormier is the guy who helped Beth – Amanda’s best friend – with the installment of her horse rescue. He’s, also, a former baseball player and the CEO of one of Aspen’s ad agencies. And that’s where Cordelia or Cordy get linked in the story. Cordelia Sims is a woman who has been hired by this agency to help with the promotion of one of Aspen’s resorts. But, this job isn’t the only reason Cordy is in Aspen. What she left behind is really big and its results are going to be uncertain.
Also, through this story you can easily see that Fate has a freaking wicked sense of humor and she is the master of timing. And, without a doubt, it’s a delight to read!
Their first meeting was definitely hilariously odd and really cracked me up! It was a giggling-like-mad-while-being-stunned moment for me then. And what came next, just made it even better! Every page had me taken by surprise and kept going like that until the very end where I was sure I would explode from the emotion surging inside me. Plus, there were some very steamy and panties-melting scenes that made you squirm at your seat and feel reaaaaaaally hot.
Auclair found the perfect story to write as the conclusion of this sweet series. Each book was really magnificent and a different trip to love. The situations and difficulties that she was putting her characters through were making their love-journey even more special to them but to you too. As for the lines that you get to read throughout them, are some great gems and unforgettable.
Aspen Valley is a series that I recommend without a second though and it’s perfect for those who are 21st century’s hopeless romantics. It really worths your time so go and check it out!
November 7, 2014
I'm developing an unhealthy fixation with Colorado. I blame Kristen Ashley for giving me unrealistic expectations about mountain men that nobody in fiction, let alone real life, could ever live up to.
This is set in Colorado (Aspen - seemingly the posh end of Colorado I know all about thanks to Christian Grey) and features a woman who has just jilted her fiance and run away to work in Aspen. She immediately runs into a handsome, charming and sexy man (rich as well, naturally)and decides to let go of all of her inhibitions and spend the weekend bumping and grinding with the man on the strict understanding that they don't exchange any personal details and they don't see one another again afterwards. Naturally enough, on the first day in her new job she's introduced to the company owner and...well, guess who?
This read well and drew me into the story well and there was lots of sweet romance and good smut along the way,as well as a decent storyline that held my interest. I have to say though, it wasn't what I was expecting. Which brings me back to my unrealistic expectations about mountain men. The main character in this - Jack - was handsome, charming, rich...everything I like in a main character but he spoke a bit like Noel Coward. I think it was supposed to make him seem quirky and charming, but it turned me off so much that I struggled to find him attractive at all. Actually he sounded like a pompous arse to me. And when I don't find the main male character attractive, I also find it difficult to feel the chemistry or the power of the smut either. That's just a personal thing though, and probably just me.
I was also hoping there would be more made of the affair at work theme because I love to read about sneaking around the backs of co-workers, but it wasn't really made clear whether they were openly in a relationship at work, or if anyone at work cared either way which was a bit disappointing for me.
I don't think I've ever read such a 'horsey' romance before either. That wasn't a bad thing by any means, it made a pleasant change actually to read about caring for horses and riding horses and showing horses, so if you're a horsey sort of gal, this will sit right in your stable (see what I did there? Smoothie)
Overall, this was a sweet story with some hot smut so if that's what you're looking for, you can't go far wrong with this. I just wish the male character had been a little less Noel and a little more alpha.
**I received a copy of this from the publisher through Netgalley in return for my review. Thanks**
This is set in Colorado (Aspen - seemingly the posh end of Colorado I know all about thanks to Christian Grey) and features a woman who has just jilted her fiance and run away to work in Aspen. She immediately runs into a handsome, charming and sexy man (rich as well, naturally)and decides to let go of all of her inhibitions and spend the weekend bumping and grinding with the man on the strict understanding that they don't exchange any personal details and they don't see one another again afterwards. Naturally enough, on the first day in her new job she's introduced to the company owner and...well, guess who?
This read well and drew me into the story well and there was lots of sweet romance and good smut along the way,as well as a decent storyline that held my interest. I have to say though, it wasn't what I was expecting. Which brings me back to my unrealistic expectations about mountain men. The main character in this - Jack - was handsome, charming, rich...everything I like in a main character but he spoke a bit like Noel Coward. I think it was supposed to make him seem quirky and charming, but it turned me off so much that I struggled to find him attractive at all. Actually he sounded like a pompous arse to me. And when I don't find the main male character attractive, I also find it difficult to feel the chemistry or the power of the smut either. That's just a personal thing though, and probably just me.
I was also hoping there would be more made of the affair at work theme because I love to read about sneaking around the backs of co-workers, but it wasn't really made clear whether they were openly in a relationship at work, or if anyone at work cared either way which was a bit disappointing for me.
I don't think I've ever read such a 'horsey' romance before either. That wasn't a bad thing by any means, it made a pleasant change actually to read about caring for horses and riding horses and showing horses, so if you're a horsey sort of gal, this will sit right in your stable (see what I did there? Smoothie)
Overall, this was a sweet story with some hot smut so if that's what you're looking for, you can't go far wrong with this. I just wish the male character had been a little less Noel and a little more alpha.
**I received a copy of this from the publisher through Netgalley in return for my review. Thanks**
December 15, 2014
There was a lot less dressage in this book than I expected – far fewer horses too given the cover, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Actually this book is quite good at leading the reader in one direction, before changing its mind and going somewhere else. Cordy and Jack’s wild weekend involves some light bondage and other sexual shenanigans, but that’s not what this book is about either. In fact despite them hooking up several times throughout the rest of the book, once past the early scenes it’s mostly behind-closed-doors stuff.
Again, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it makes this book hard to describe. There’s some naughty bits, some horsey bits, a little work getting done and a whole lotta romance going on. Cordy is wound up pretty tight throughout this book, partly because of what happened before, and partly because that’s just who she is. She likes to be in control and she likes to succeed, so that’s what she does as much as possible. Jack is laid-back, charming and all around lovely. His whole Cajun persona is just gorgeous, from the way he behaves to the way he speaks. Don’t be fooled by his easy-going ways, though, once he sets his sights on Cordy, he’s determined to pursue her, no matter what they signed up to on a certain bar napkin.
Not that he’s pushy. Instead he’s cute and creative, and there’s a bit about a turtle that just made me laugh out loud. He’s also protective and supportive, and I adored him by the end of the book. Cordy is a lot less easy to like, because of the way she is, but her whole bond with horses was so familiar to me I couldn’t help liking her in the end.
This story starts out sexy, and builds into an enjoyable romance with hints of horseyness throughout. It’s fun in places, hot in others, with some really sweet moments and unexpected emotions. In all I really enjoyed it – I think I’ll be looking out for more from Aspen Valley.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Again, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it makes this book hard to describe. There’s some naughty bits, some horsey bits, a little work getting done and a whole lotta romance going on. Cordy is wound up pretty tight throughout this book, partly because of what happened before, and partly because that’s just who she is. She likes to be in control and she likes to succeed, so that’s what she does as much as possible. Jack is laid-back, charming and all around lovely. His whole Cajun persona is just gorgeous, from the way he behaves to the way he speaks. Don’t be fooled by his easy-going ways, though, once he sets his sights on Cordy, he’s determined to pursue her, no matter what they signed up to on a certain bar napkin.
Not that he’s pushy. Instead he’s cute and creative, and there’s a bit about a turtle that just made me laugh out loud. He’s also protective and supportive, and I adored him by the end of the book. Cordy is a lot less easy to like, because of the way she is, but her whole bond with horses was so familiar to me I couldn’t help liking her in the end.
This story starts out sexy, and builds into an enjoyable romance with hints of horseyness throughout. It’s fun in places, hot in others, with some really sweet moments and unexpected emotions. In all I really enjoyed it – I think I’ll be looking out for more from Aspen Valley.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
November 1, 2016
4.5 Stars.
Um, yeah. I freaking loved this book. Mostly, I loved Jack, and Cordy was fine. But I want a Jack in my life—everyone needs a Jack in their lives. I liked that this relationship started as a fling, and as the characters got to know one another better an actual friendship developed along with the romance. And I actually liked that the characters took time away from one another to work through some of their own feelings and issues. When they got back together, I believed more that their relationship would succeed. Oh, and horses. But the epilogue was sort of weak, which was disappointing.
Um, yeah. I freaking loved this book. Mostly, I loved Jack, and Cordy was fine. But I want a Jack in my life—everyone needs a Jack in their lives. I liked that this relationship started as a fling, and as the characters got to know one another better an actual friendship developed along with the romance. And I actually liked that the characters took time away from one another to work through some of their own feelings and issues. When they got back together, I believed more that their relationship would succeed. Oh, and horses. But the epilogue was sort of weak, which was disappointing.
December 15, 2014
Branded, Colette Auclair
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Contemporary.
I loved the first book in this series, but book two was let down for me by the female lead, Beth – I just didn’t take to her. We meet her again here, with husband Finn and her new baby. I found maybe marriage has mellowed her as I liked her so much more! It was great too to catch up with the wonderful Amanda and Grady, and of course Harris and his cocktails....It was the drama in book one that was the icing for me on a great read – the five star part – when Grady was a first class prick – and led to such sadness from Amanda ( he redeemed himself though – and that's just what I love in a book) Though I enjoyed this read it didn’t quite have that deep drama for me, so book one is still my favourite.
Cordy, I liked her, had the idea that maybe she was hiding the truth, but she’s so closed in nature its hard to see what she really feels. Jack on the other hand is so open he’s almost a heart on sleeve character. A real Southern gentleman, and I’m cross I can’t remember meeting him before – how could I have missed such a fabulous man? He seems to know just what Cordy needs, and when That scene, you will know when you read which part I mean – the one that’s so heart-breaking, hits he was just so perfect with what he did to help Cordy get through it. Its a great story, turned round from the usual where a couple meet and work there way up to sex, here Cordy and Jack meet and are very quickly flirting and more, and then after the magical weekend they need to get to know each other better...it was fun this way round, and lead to some steamy and sensual scenes. When the sh it hits the fan though it really does, and I was rooting for things to go right. I’d have liked just that bit more seeing how they were coping individually then, I need to see them sad, heartbroken, so I can wallow with them, but we seemed to get it via a retrospective glance back after some time had elapsed. It was a “good” sad, but but not quite up with Grady’s prick move!
Stars: Four, A great read, loved catching up with the progress of the others and seeing things like the rescue centre up and running. As a horse lover it played on my all things equine button, and gave me a reading fix that way too. Beth’s ethos mirrors mine, I hate cruelty, and the way horses get passed on all the while. Cordy did say she’d always taken pains to ensure the right homes for hers when they were sold which is good, but for me I knew once I had my horse( s) they’d be with me for life so choosing was a really careful thing.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Contemporary.
I loved the first book in this series, but book two was let down for me by the female lead, Beth – I just didn’t take to her. We meet her again here, with husband Finn and her new baby. I found maybe marriage has mellowed her as I liked her so much more! It was great too to catch up with the wonderful Amanda and Grady, and of course Harris and his cocktails....It was the drama in book one that was the icing for me on a great read – the five star part – when Grady was a first class prick – and led to such sadness from Amanda ( he redeemed himself though – and that's just what I love in a book) Though I enjoyed this read it didn’t quite have that deep drama for me, so book one is still my favourite.
Cordy, I liked her, had the idea that maybe she was hiding the truth, but she’s so closed in nature its hard to see what she really feels. Jack on the other hand is so open he’s almost a heart on sleeve character. A real Southern gentleman, and I’m cross I can’t remember meeting him before – how could I have missed such a fabulous man? He seems to know just what Cordy needs, and when That scene, you will know when you read which part I mean – the one that’s so heart-breaking, hits he was just so perfect with what he did to help Cordy get through it. Its a great story, turned round from the usual where a couple meet and work there way up to sex, here Cordy and Jack meet and are very quickly flirting and more, and then after the magical weekend they need to get to know each other better...it was fun this way round, and lead to some steamy and sensual scenes. When the sh it hits the fan though it really does, and I was rooting for things to go right. I’d have liked just that bit more seeing how they were coping individually then, I need to see them sad, heartbroken, so I can wallow with them, but we seemed to get it via a retrospective glance back after some time had elapsed. It was a “good” sad, but but not quite up with Grady’s prick move!
Stars: Four, A great read, loved catching up with the progress of the others and seeing things like the rescue centre up and running. As a horse lover it played on my all things equine button, and gave me a reading fix that way too. Beth’s ethos mirrors mine, I hate cruelty, and the way horses get passed on all the while. Cordy did say she’d always taken pains to ensure the right homes for hers when they were sold which is good, but for me I knew once I had my horse( s) they’d be with me for life so choosing was a really careful thing.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
May 8, 2015
Branded
by Colette Auclair
The third romance book in the series, and the third power couple connection. Cordy Cordelia Hannon Sims is a thirty-two year old Vassar alum, and member of the Junior League. She worked with making packages and developments for businesses around the world giving advice to marketing and sales. She has a lot in her pocket as she struggles to put her life back together. She did not expect to find Jack Cormier a business tycoon in Aspen Colorado. Jack is a former baseball player and best friend to Grady Brunswick a renowned actor and the featured story in Thrown, the author’s first novel. Her subsequent novel Jumped continued the idea of horse women finding unlikely love in Aspen. Cordy and Jack had an intimate no ties weekend that ended up meaning more to them both. Things may be getting out of hand, and their lives may be what lie between them. Can they overcome their own faults, and mistakes to find out what real love is?
by Colette Auclair
The third romance book in the series, and the third power couple connection. Cordy Cordelia Hannon Sims is a thirty-two year old Vassar alum, and member of the Junior League. She worked with making packages and developments for businesses around the world giving advice to marketing and sales. She has a lot in her pocket as she struggles to put her life back together. She did not expect to find Jack Cormier a business tycoon in Aspen Colorado. Jack is a former baseball player and best friend to Grady Brunswick a renowned actor and the featured story in Thrown, the author’s first novel. Her subsequent novel Jumped continued the idea of horse women finding unlikely love in Aspen. Cordy and Jack had an intimate no ties weekend that ended up meaning more to them both. Things may be getting out of hand, and their lives may be what lie between them. Can they overcome their own faults, and mistakes to find out what real love is?
January 1, 2016
Every single time I read a Colette Auclair Aspen Valley series book, I am once again wow’d by her ability to create a work of genius!! You will be intrigued from the moment you open the book, till you reach that last page. Make sure you are ready to read for the long haul, because you won’t be able to put this book down. There are some super sexy elements in the story, and you will enjoy every single one of them! This incredible novel will be one you must read!!!
September 8, 2018
Good read
Good story about Jack and Cordy and how they meet and fall in love.
Cordy ran out on her wedding day with relieve and never looked back.
Jack closed off met Cordy and thought he could spend the weekend with her and move on, but love wins and Jack was smitten.
Romance story are never straight forward there are a lot of tears and heartache. Great characters and loved reading it.
Good story about Jack and Cordy and how they meet and fall in love.
Cordy ran out on her wedding day with relieve and never looked back.
Jack closed off met Cordy and thought he could spend the weekend with her and move on, but love wins and Jack was smitten.
Romance story are never straight forward there are a lot of tears and heartache. Great characters and loved reading it.
November 21, 2014
I enjoyed this book, but I found it to be predictable in some parts. The main characters had chemistry. I enjoyed learning about the horses though. That was definitely different then a lot of books I have read.
December 5, 2014
Loved the romance between Cordy and Jack. Even though she was just looking for a weekend fling, he has other ideas and decides to win her over. While she is reluctant, she eventually changes her mind. Fun read!
April 30, 2015
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
July 26, 2015
Really enjoyed this story. Definitely my favourite. Jack and Cordy were a great couple together and it was fun watching their relationship evolve. Nice to see the characters from earlier books too.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews