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The Williams Brothers #1
Elliot
A REVERSE BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE
Elliot Williams isn’t exactly known for his sparkling personality. A hardworking contractor, his needs are fairly simple and when his grandmother’s house comes up for sale, everything seems to fall into place. Until his offer on the place goes up in flames when some out-of-towner drops a number he can’t even fathom, let alone match.
Julia Hawkins is your average socially-inept, tech wizard on the verge of selling her multi-billion dollar website. Tired of the city grind and unable to handle the intricacies of being in the public eye, Julia retreats to a place no one will think to look for her: The Suburbs. But the place she's chosen as her own isn't quite up to par and she wants to make some changes. Big changes. If only she could get the local construction company to return her phone calls.
What follows isn’t enemies to lovers. It isn’t insta-love. It’s two complicated people, with complicated problems, finding their forever in the most unlikely place. Right at home.
***This series is a spin-off from The Freehope Series. We initially met The Williams Brothers in Book 3 of the Freehope Series, Confessing History. As Logan's cousins, they'll be attending Beth and Logan's beach wedding, and if you read this book, you will too!***
Elliot Williams isn’t exactly known for his sparkling personality. A hardworking contractor, his needs are fairly simple and when his grandmother’s house comes up for sale, everything seems to fall into place. Until his offer on the place goes up in flames when some out-of-towner drops a number he can’t even fathom, let alone match.
Julia Hawkins is your average socially-inept, tech wizard on the verge of selling her multi-billion dollar website. Tired of the city grind and unable to handle the intricacies of being in the public eye, Julia retreats to a place no one will think to look for her: The Suburbs. But the place she's chosen as her own isn't quite up to par and she wants to make some changes. Big changes. If only she could get the local construction company to return her phone calls.
What follows isn’t enemies to lovers. It isn’t insta-love. It’s two complicated people, with complicated problems, finding their forever in the most unlikely place. Right at home.
***This series is a spin-off from The Freehope Series. We initially met The Williams Brothers in Book 3 of the Freehope Series, Confessing History. As Logan's cousins, they'll be attending Beth and Logan's beach wedding, and if you read this book, you will too!***
279 pages, ebook
First published April 17, 2018
324 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Jenni M. Rose
12 books196 followersJenni M Rose is a sometimes writer with an all the time imagination.
More often than not, she can be seen typing away in the waiting rooms of local gymnastics gyms or dance studios.
mom, business owner, writer, taxi driver, accidental chicken lady.
More often than not, she can be seen typing away in the waiting rooms of local gymnastics gyms or dance studios.
mom, business owner, writer, taxi driver, accidental chicken lady.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 26, 2020
Elliott: The Williams Brothers was the first in the series by Jenni Rose. It was also my first by the author.
Overall it was well written, well developed and I thoroughly enjoyed both the characters and the storyline. The plot has depth and dimension. And sexy, wow, Rose knows how to write sex scenes! The only drawback was the editing errors.
I don’t want to say too much because the way the story developed was important and I don’t want to reveal anything before it’s time. But with that said, Julia Hawkins was gorgeous and quirky. Elliot Williams was tall, dark and broody. And although polar opposites, they meshed well together. They each had some baggage that was slowly but effectively unraveled at just the right time. And I loved how Elliott treated Julia. Although I couldn’t relate on a personal level with Julia, I did relate and I enjoyed her progression.
I also enjoyed the secondary characters - of course the brothers Cole and Tucker, but also Kelsey and Bram. Hopefully they’ll all get their own stories. I’m not sure where Rose will take us next, regardless, I’m all in and can’t wait. In the meantime, I’ll have to explore some of Rose’s other works.
Overall it was well written, well developed and I thoroughly enjoyed both the characters and the storyline. The plot has depth and dimension. And sexy, wow, Rose knows how to write sex scenes! The only drawback was the editing errors.
I don’t want to say too much because the way the story developed was important and I don’t want to reveal anything before it’s time. But with that said, Julia Hawkins was gorgeous and quirky. Elliot Williams was tall, dark and broody. And although polar opposites, they meshed well together. They each had some baggage that was slowly but effectively unraveled at just the right time. And I loved how Elliott treated Julia. Although I couldn’t relate on a personal level with Julia, I did relate and I enjoyed her progression.
I also enjoyed the secondary characters - of course the brothers Cole and Tucker, but also Kelsey and Bram. Hopefully they’ll all get their own stories. I’m not sure where Rose will take us next, regardless, I’m all in and can’t wait. In the meantime, I’ll have to explore some of Rose’s other works.
May 22, 2018
Julia is not your average woman.
She graduated high school when she was 13. She went to MIT, and developed a platform worth billions of dollars on its first 2 years.
She’s blunt, a straight shooter. She doesn’t do social interaction. She has trouble understanding sarcasm and humor.
But she’s brilliant.
Her mind moves a thousand miles a minute.
She is insecure, has anxiety attacks, and has never felt cared for or loved by anyone.
In comes Elliot. From the moment he meets her, he hates her. She outbid him, and took the one thing that mattered the most to him. The memories of his grandmother.
Working for Julia they are forced to interact with one another. In true Julia fashion, she tells him she’s attracted to him, and that she wouldn’t mind having sex with him.
Some may find her cold. An Ice Queen if you will. But over the years, ever since she was little, she had to develop a core, an armour around her so that she wouldn’t fall apart. She fears a lot of things, and her insecurities run deep.
Elliot is tough. And even as he doesn’t understand what’s going on between him and Julia, he’s willing to drop everything to be by her side. The urge to protect her and be there for her, is new to him, and that makes it just... more.
“And I don’t give a fuck what that lady says; if she tries to have you committed like she said she would, I’m going to go apeshit".
He knows just how far to push, and he is so darn understanding. He listens, makes thoughtful comments. Helps her feel strong and capable. A true partner.
Julia will never stop impressing you. Her quirks become endearing. Her sense of humor oddly funny.
By hiring the Williams brothers, she got way more than what she bargained for. She got Cole, the sweetest and most chill guy ever. He didn't make a big deal of things, and allowed her to feel relaxed and at ease around them. He pushed, but within reason.
“It is what you wanted, right?” Cole asked warily.
She nodded. “I just told Kelsey,” she paused to collect herself. “You guys are my best friends. I got a lot more than what I asked for when I hired you.”
Then you get Tucker. He's simply going along with the ride of what Julia represents. Quirky, smart, sarcasm and joke impaired.
And Elliot. Ah Elliot. He's perfection. Rough, serious, someone who earned his life, by starting out low. And whose love for his people runs so deep, he'd stand by you even if that meant facing a hurricane.
This book was a 10. It had me feeling emotional and teary eyed until the very end.
10/10 would recommend.
She graduated high school when she was 13. She went to MIT, and developed a platform worth billions of dollars on its first 2 years.
She’s blunt, a straight shooter. She doesn’t do social interaction. She has trouble understanding sarcasm and humor.
But she’s brilliant.
Her mind moves a thousand miles a minute.
She is insecure, has anxiety attacks, and has never felt cared for or loved by anyone.
In comes Elliot. From the moment he meets her, he hates her. She outbid him, and took the one thing that mattered the most to him. The memories of his grandmother.
Working for Julia they are forced to interact with one another. In true Julia fashion, she tells him she’s attracted to him, and that she wouldn’t mind having sex with him.
Some may find her cold. An Ice Queen if you will. But over the years, ever since she was little, she had to develop a core, an armour around her so that she wouldn’t fall apart. She fears a lot of things, and her insecurities run deep.
Elliot is tough. And even as he doesn’t understand what’s going on between him and Julia, he’s willing to drop everything to be by her side. The urge to protect her and be there for her, is new to him, and that makes it just... more.
“And I don’t give a fuck what that lady says; if she tries to have you committed like she said she would, I’m going to go apeshit".
He knows just how far to push, and he is so darn understanding. He listens, makes thoughtful comments. Helps her feel strong and capable. A true partner.
Julia will never stop impressing you. Her quirks become endearing. Her sense of humor oddly funny.
By hiring the Williams brothers, she got way more than what she bargained for. She got Cole, the sweetest and most chill guy ever. He didn't make a big deal of things, and allowed her to feel relaxed and at ease around them. He pushed, but within reason.
“It is what you wanted, right?” Cole asked warily.
She nodded. “I just told Kelsey,” she paused to collect herself. “You guys are my best friends. I got a lot more than what I asked for when I hired you.”
Then you get Tucker. He's simply going along with the ride of what Julia represents. Quirky, smart, sarcasm and joke impaired.
And Elliot. Ah Elliot. He's perfection. Rough, serious, someone who earned his life, by starting out low. And whose love for his people runs so deep, he'd stand by you even if that meant facing a hurricane.
This book was a 10. It had me feeling emotional and teary eyed until the very end.
10/10 would recommend.
January 7, 2019
Amazing
Love the story, characters are so defined it's like I'm in the book with them. Hot Hot sex scenes ,, wonderful story can't wait to read the next book
Love the story, characters are so defined it's like I'm in the book with them. Hot Hot sex scenes ,, wonderful story can't wait to read the next book
February 13, 2020
It's not you, it's me.
January 26, 2019
All consuming
I am so happy Elliot was first in the series. Most novels leave the serious "Hot but awful" characters last in the series, I was not disappointed.
Having never read a female billionaire book, I didn't know what to expect. Julia is a braniac which apparently goes hand in hand with socially awkward, I'm glad it was later described as "genius" and not aspergers.
Love a smart, rich, tatted woman. I was thrown off by the possible eating disorder yet had a rocking body... Esp one that works non stop. Whatever, still a good read. The grandparents played a large role in the story line, yet left so many holes in the end.
I am so happy Elliot was first in the series. Most novels leave the serious "Hot but awful" characters last in the series, I was not disappointed.
Having never read a female billionaire book, I didn't know what to expect. Julia is a braniac which apparently goes hand in hand with socially awkward, I'm glad it was later described as "genius" and not aspergers.
Love a smart, rich, tatted woman. I was thrown off by the possible eating disorder yet had a rocking body... Esp one that works non stop. Whatever, still a good read. The grandparents played a large role in the story line, yet left so many holes in the end.
July 18, 2018
On the surface, neither Elliot nor Julia is an easy person to like, much less to love. He's broody, stoic, hard and closed off. She’s brilliant, business savvy and wealthy with no interpersonal skills or social acuity and a wall a mile high hiding deep seated insecurities. Elliot had a rough beginning that has influenced all of his relationships. Fortunately, he landed in a loving home and grew into a responsible adult who started a construction company with his brothers. Julia has always known she’s a freak. She’s beyond genius-level smart but so peculiar her grandparents tucked her away in the guest cottage with a nanny so they didn’t have to deal with her. She graduated college at sixteen but had no interpersonal skills or social aptitude, and certainly no idea of how to be an adult. In spite of all her challenges, she’s managed to build a multi-billion dollar company but now she's had enough of enduring life in the big city. She purchases a home in a small town and after weeks of unreturned phone calls has a chance meeting with Cole Williams in the grocery store, resulting in her hiring Williams construction to handle her very specific home remodel.
Returning calls is Elliot's responsibility, but he’s adamant about not working for a snooty rich woman, especially since she wants to take his late grandmother's home full of his best childhood memories and make it unrecognizable. The contractor/customer relationship between Elliot and Julia is so far beyond starting off on the wrong foot, and sparks between the two fly immediately. But it’s not long before Elliot realizes how wrong his first impression is and that he's actually found a kindred spirit in Julia. Instead of being put off by her unique quirks, he sees deeper to the wounded little girl who was never wanted and never fit in. He quickly comes to admire her brilliance, her work ethic, and her strength as he learns about all she has accomplished and overcome. For the first time in her life, someone sees beyond the protective wall Julia has used to survive and appreciates all of her complex, fascinating layers.
This one had me teary eyed so many times. For the little boy whose parents abandoned him yet, through a benevolent fate, landed in a family who showed him unconditional love and acceptance. For the little girl raised by cold, selfish, affluent, socialite grandparents who never saw beyond her unique differences to give her a moment of love and acceptance. For the two adults who struggled to find themselves and somehow managed to find that one person, the other half of their heart, who would accept and love them with every part of their being.
It’s a rare occurrence that an author creates a main character with as many peculiarities and deficiencies as Julia, but it's hugely fulfilling to fall in love with those shortcomings and see the character develop and grow and receive the love and acceptance she’s so long been denied but so richly deserves. This author does an extraordinary job with Julia's character, handling her so preciously and carefully that this book easily goes in my list of top five books for the year. Along with the thrill and joy of watching Julia blossom and come into her own is the beautiful message that will breathe new life into even the most jaded heart. Everyone deserves to be loved, human frailties and all, and there is that one special person for each of us, ready to offer that kind of love.
Rose is a new author for me, and my heart is doing a happy dance to have found her! This book is really terrific, and now I’m hooked. I’ve seen book reviews that say, “This book is everything,” a I’ve wondered about the reviewer's inability to articulate the feelings the book evokes. With this book, I definitely understand, because this book is everything. This romance is exquisitely beautiful with such depth of emotion that the reader can’t help experience every thought and feeling the characters experience but also feel so much for these magnificently flawed, eternally endearing characters. Lest you think this is all a rip-your-heart-out-and-leave-you-hemorrhaging type of book, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Rose had me laughing out loud from the first pages of the book and included plenty of sweet and tender and hot and steamy, and tossed in a little frustrating and awkward for good measure. She struck the perfect balance between highs and lows, heartbreak and happiness, emptiness and contentment and loneliness and belonging. Don’t miss this beautifully heartwarming, emotionally evocative, supremely satisfying, extraordinary read. Your romantic heart will thank you.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Returning calls is Elliot's responsibility, but he’s adamant about not working for a snooty rich woman, especially since she wants to take his late grandmother's home full of his best childhood memories and make it unrecognizable. The contractor/customer relationship between Elliot and Julia is so far beyond starting off on the wrong foot, and sparks between the two fly immediately. But it’s not long before Elliot realizes how wrong his first impression is and that he's actually found a kindred spirit in Julia. Instead of being put off by her unique quirks, he sees deeper to the wounded little girl who was never wanted and never fit in. He quickly comes to admire her brilliance, her work ethic, and her strength as he learns about all she has accomplished and overcome. For the first time in her life, someone sees beyond the protective wall Julia has used to survive and appreciates all of her complex, fascinating layers.
This one had me teary eyed so many times. For the little boy whose parents abandoned him yet, through a benevolent fate, landed in a family who showed him unconditional love and acceptance. For the little girl raised by cold, selfish, affluent, socialite grandparents who never saw beyond her unique differences to give her a moment of love and acceptance. For the two adults who struggled to find themselves and somehow managed to find that one person, the other half of their heart, who would accept and love them with every part of their being.
It’s a rare occurrence that an author creates a main character with as many peculiarities and deficiencies as Julia, but it's hugely fulfilling to fall in love with those shortcomings and see the character develop and grow and receive the love and acceptance she’s so long been denied but so richly deserves. This author does an extraordinary job with Julia's character, handling her so preciously and carefully that this book easily goes in my list of top five books for the year. Along with the thrill and joy of watching Julia blossom and come into her own is the beautiful message that will breathe new life into even the most jaded heart. Everyone deserves to be loved, human frailties and all, and there is that one special person for each of us, ready to offer that kind of love.
Rose is a new author for me, and my heart is doing a happy dance to have found her! This book is really terrific, and now I’m hooked. I’ve seen book reviews that say, “This book is everything,” a I’ve wondered about the reviewer's inability to articulate the feelings the book evokes. With this book, I definitely understand, because this book is everything. This romance is exquisitely beautiful with such depth of emotion that the reader can’t help experience every thought and feeling the characters experience but also feel so much for these magnificently flawed, eternally endearing characters. Lest you think this is all a rip-your-heart-out-and-leave-you-hemorrhaging type of book, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Rose had me laughing out loud from the first pages of the book and included plenty of sweet and tender and hot and steamy, and tossed in a little frustrating and awkward for good measure. She struck the perfect balance between highs and lows, heartbreak and happiness, emptiness and contentment and loneliness and belonging. Don’t miss this beautifully heartwarming, emotionally evocative, supremely satisfying, extraordinary read. Your romantic heart will thank you.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
April 20, 2018
I thought Elliot was an interesting story with a great cast of primary and secondary characters, with one glaring exception - the heroine did absolutely nothing for me in any way. For some reason I just did not connect with her or find anything at all interesting or likable about her. She was a flat, boring, unlikable character, but Elliot, his brothers, and Kelsey sort of made up for all her shortcomings.
Julia has bought a house in the suburbs and is trying to have it renovated but has never gotten a call back from the contractors she's been told are the best in the area. Then one day she meets a sweet, kind man in the grocery store who happens to be one of the partners (all brothers) in that contracting company, and he takes it upon himself to drag his brothers over to her house so they can figure out the specifics of the the job. Elliot is the eldest and the one who has been refusing to call Julia back, all for one reason - the house she bought is the one he wants and it's their grandmother's old house. Of course, the two who seem to dislike each other are the two that fall in love with each other, and how.
I adored Elliot, and how he comes around to seeing Julia in a different light than he did at first. I can get behind that even if I didn't think she was good enough for Elliot. I just can't get behind how thoroughly I felt nothing for her. She evoked nothing in me but perhaps irritation and that's why the 3 stars instead of the 4 it could have been if only she'd been a good character. Other than Julia, though, everything else about Elliot is great. There's passion, there's a little drama, and there's a great secondary cast.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Julia has bought a house in the suburbs and is trying to have it renovated but has never gotten a call back from the contractors she's been told are the best in the area. Then one day she meets a sweet, kind man in the grocery store who happens to be one of the partners (all brothers) in that contracting company, and he takes it upon himself to drag his brothers over to her house so they can figure out the specifics of the the job. Elliot is the eldest and the one who has been refusing to call Julia back, all for one reason - the house she bought is the one he wants and it's their grandmother's old house. Of course, the two who seem to dislike each other are the two that fall in love with each other, and how.
I adored Elliot, and how he comes around to seeing Julia in a different light than he did at first. I can get behind that even if I didn't think she was good enough for Elliot. I just can't get behind how thoroughly I felt nothing for her. She evoked nothing in me but perhaps irritation and that's why the 3 stars instead of the 4 it could have been if only she'd been a good character. Other than Julia, though, everything else about Elliot is great. There's passion, there's a little drama, and there's a great secondary cast.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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January 6, 2022
It's clear that Julia is neurodivergent in some way, although it's never discussed explicitly in the book and no labels or diagnosis are mentioned. I liked how the author demonstrated it -- truly showing instead of telling -- we can see that Julia is a savant, very skilled at coding, but struggles to understand and read social cues or to respond in what others might consider "appropriate" ways.
I first read a neurodivergent female main character in the contemporary romance The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, and I've also seen a neurodivergent male main character in the historical romance The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley. In The Kiss Quotient, Stella has received a diagnosis and knows why she's facing such challenges, but in this book, Julia does not seem to have received a diagnosis -- despite having been in therapy -- and still perceives herself as odd and even unlikeable.
What I like about this book is that although Julia and Elliot start out as enemies of a sort (he doesn't like her because she bought his grandmother's house and wants to alter it completely, and he's disdainful of her rich city girl ways), he's never mean to her, just grumpy and unfriendly. And once he gets over his anger, he's more fascinated than put off by Julia's quirks. I also liked that Julia seeks professional help to overcome her anxieties and the trauma of her past. She sees a therapist, and doesn't magically get better on her own or just with Elliot's help. I feel this sends the right message to readers, and felt more realistic than many other romances I've read.
I did think that Elliot was unfair because he kept asking Julia about her past, yet when she asks him in return, he's not willing to talk about his. I was surprised that they never had a discussion about birth control -- they keep having all this sex and he comes inside her, but he never once seems to worry that she could get pregnant. Later in the story, we find out that Julia gets Depo shots, but as she never told him that, why wouldn't it occur to him to ask whether she needed protection?
But the really big thing that I didn't like was that he was clearly uncomfortable about her wealth and the stark differences in their lifestyles, yet they never had a proper discussion about it. He did tell her once that he wasn't comfortable to have her buying him expensive and lavish things, but that was all, and she didn't even say that she would stop doing it. I feel like he will eventually start to feel the financial inequality: how she can afford to buy things at the snap of a finger, while he has to carefully plan and consider before doing so. And I wonder if he will start to resent her for that, or feel inadequate next to her.
Julia's craving to be surrounded by expensive clothes and shoes was probably to try and make herself feel better about herself -- a form of security, and a coping mechanism -- but again, neither he nor she ever addressed the issue. When Elliot proposed to Julia, I just felt like the fundamental difference in how they handle money and material luxuries will be a big issue in the future, and that made it hard to believe that they truly would have a HEA. I mean, how long before he looks around at the house crammed full of designer clothing and $1800 shoes, and starts to feel contemptuous because Julia places so much importance on such things, which he deems frivolous and shallow?
So, while I liked the development of the relationship between Elliot and Julia, I felt that the end was a bit rushed because these major issues were not addressed. Her grandparents were another loose end that wasn't tied up. I kept expecting her grandparents to make another move, especially after her grandmother's threats -- but nothing happened. I did like how Elliot always supports Julia and is careful not to push her, and I liked how straightforward Julia is with him, no playing games. It's just that I found it hard to believe in a long-term HEA for both of them.
I first read a neurodivergent female main character in the contemporary romance The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, and I've also seen a neurodivergent male main character in the historical romance The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley. In The Kiss Quotient, Stella has received a diagnosis and knows why she's facing such challenges, but in this book, Julia does not seem to have received a diagnosis -- despite having been in therapy -- and still perceives herself as odd and even unlikeable.
What I like about this book is that although Julia and Elliot start out as enemies of a sort (he doesn't like her because she bought his grandmother's house and wants to alter it completely, and he's disdainful of her rich city girl ways), he's never mean to her, just grumpy and unfriendly. And once he gets over his anger, he's more fascinated than put off by Julia's quirks. I also liked that Julia seeks professional help to overcome her anxieties and the trauma of her past. She sees a therapist, and doesn't magically get better on her own or just with Elliot's help. I feel this sends the right message to readers, and felt more realistic than many other romances I've read.
I did think that Elliot was unfair because he kept asking Julia about her past, yet when she asks him in return, he's not willing to talk about his. I was surprised that they never had a discussion about birth control -- they keep having all this sex and he comes inside her, but he never once seems to worry that she could get pregnant. Later in the story, we find out that Julia gets Depo shots, but as she never told him that, why wouldn't it occur to him to ask whether she needed protection?
But the really big thing that I didn't like was that he was clearly uncomfortable about her wealth and the stark differences in their lifestyles, yet they never had a proper discussion about it. He did tell her once that he wasn't comfortable to have her buying him expensive and lavish things, but that was all, and she didn't even say that she would stop doing it. I feel like he will eventually start to feel the financial inequality: how she can afford to buy things at the snap of a finger, while he has to carefully plan and consider before doing so. And I wonder if he will start to resent her for that, or feel inadequate next to her.
Julia's craving to be surrounded by expensive clothes and shoes was probably to try and make herself feel better about herself -- a form of security, and a coping mechanism -- but again, neither he nor she ever addressed the issue. When Elliot proposed to Julia, I just felt like the fundamental difference in how they handle money and material luxuries will be a big issue in the future, and that made it hard to believe that they truly would have a HEA. I mean, how long before he looks around at the house crammed full of designer clothing and $1800 shoes, and starts to feel contemptuous because Julia places so much importance on such things, which he deems frivolous and shallow?
So, while I liked the development of the relationship between Elliot and Julia, I felt that the end was a bit rushed because these major issues were not addressed. Her grandparents were another loose end that wasn't tied up. I kept expecting her grandparents to make another move, especially after her grandmother's threats -- but nothing happened. I did like how Elliot always supports Julia and is careful not to push her, and I liked how straightforward Julia is with him, no playing games. It's just that I found it hard to believe in a long-term HEA for both of them.
April 16, 2019
Jenni M Rose has done it again. She has taken me on a wild ride and in all honesty—this is the best book she has written to date. It has it all, romance, relatable characters, humor, heartache. Oh, the heartache… I have no idea how she does it, but Miss Rose has a way of bringing characters and their feelings to life like no other. I cried at the end. I don’t cry over books, but this one did it.
Julia, the heroine of this book, is complex, comes with a lot of baggage, and is quite standoffish. She still managed to sweep me up, so I rooted for her, big time. She is as relatable as she is strange, quirky, and riddled with flaws. Her perception of herself, the world around her, and the people she meets is all out of whack in the beginning. There are times she doesn’t notice anyone or anything around her, which is how much she concentrates on her work. These parts are written extremely well, and I could feel her focus, her drive and her exhaustion after she was done.
Elliot… Where do I even begin? He is the epitome of tall-dark-and-broody. I love the strong, silent types, and gosh, does he ever do it for me!!!
He doesn’t like our heroine in the beginning, doesn’t even return her calls as she tries to book him and his brother’s to redo her newly acquired house. Thing is—it’s his grandmother’s house and he wanted to buy it, but was outbid at the last minute. (I’ll leave it at that, so I don’t spoil anything) So obviously he resents her, and does not want to work for her. His brothers still get him to do so, and he—very slowly—starts seeing our heroine in a new light.
Elliot has his own set of baggage to carry, and his inner workings are complex, his growth natural and believable.
Also, I love a good enemy to lovers’ trope. And this is not only fun, but also heart wrenching in so many ways.
Miss Rose blew me away (once again) with her writing, her knowledge of human inner workings, and ability to fill my heart with heavy sadness and elating beauty.
Go read this book. NOW!
Julia, the heroine of this book, is complex, comes with a lot of baggage, and is quite standoffish. She still managed to sweep me up, so I rooted for her, big time. She is as relatable as she is strange, quirky, and riddled with flaws. Her perception of herself, the world around her, and the people she meets is all out of whack in the beginning. There are times she doesn’t notice anyone or anything around her, which is how much she concentrates on her work. These parts are written extremely well, and I could feel her focus, her drive and her exhaustion after she was done.
Elliot… Where do I even begin? He is the epitome of tall-dark-and-broody. I love the strong, silent types, and gosh, does he ever do it for me!!!
He doesn’t like our heroine in the beginning, doesn’t even return her calls as she tries to book him and his brother’s to redo her newly acquired house. Thing is—it’s his grandmother’s house and he wanted to buy it, but was outbid at the last minute. (I’ll leave it at that, so I don’t spoil anything) So obviously he resents her, and does not want to work for her. His brothers still get him to do so, and he—very slowly—starts seeing our heroine in a new light.
Elliot has his own set of baggage to carry, and his inner workings are complex, his growth natural and believable.
Also, I love a good enemy to lovers’ trope. And this is not only fun, but also heart wrenching in so many ways.
Miss Rose blew me away (once again) with her writing, her knowledge of human inner workings, and ability to fill my heart with heavy sadness and elating beauty.
Go read this book. NOW!
February 17, 2020
Excellent
This is the first in the Williams brothers series. Elliot had a very rough childhood but his life improved the day he was fostered and ultimately adopted by the Williams. He adored his late grandmother, so when he was outbid when he tried to purchase her house, he refused to respond to phone calls from the new owner, wanting to hire their company to do the renovations in it. When his youngest brother Cole ran into Julia, and she passed a comment on ignored phone calls, he told her that the Williams Brothers would take the job on, much to Elliot’s annoyance. After a very rocky start, gruff and serious Elliot began to warm to the young woman. She was a genius and her computer coding skills had created an exceptional company. Julia had a lot in common with Elliot with regards to an abusive childhood, and as much as his shaped the man he was today, so did hers. But as the renovations start coming together, bringing all of her ideas for her new home to life, their relationship begins to blossom. This is a well written story with interesting characters and a thoroughly enjoyable romance. Excellent.
This is the first in the Williams brothers series. Elliot had a very rough childhood but his life improved the day he was fostered and ultimately adopted by the Williams. He adored his late grandmother, so when he was outbid when he tried to purchase her house, he refused to respond to phone calls from the new owner, wanting to hire their company to do the renovations in it. When his youngest brother Cole ran into Julia, and she passed a comment on ignored phone calls, he told her that the Williams Brothers would take the job on, much to Elliot’s annoyance. After a very rocky start, gruff and serious Elliot began to warm to the young woman. She was a genius and her computer coding skills had created an exceptional company. Julia had a lot in common with Elliot with regards to an abusive childhood, and as much as his shaped the man he was today, so did hers. But as the renovations start coming together, bringing all of her ideas for her new home to life, their relationship begins to blossom. This is a well written story with interesting characters and a thoroughly enjoyable romance. Excellent.
January 25, 2019
Emotion Packed Love Story – Highly Recommended
Elliot is a construction contractor for the company he owns with his brothers. He's a broody alpha type, short on words, protective, loyal, committed. He resents Julia buying his grandmother’s house that he'd been saving up to purchase.
Julia has issues. Raised in a toxic environment, she somehow pulls herself up to succeed as a app creator and coding genius. As a result of her upbringing, she has trust issues, panic attacks, and an eating disorder. She also suffers from night terrors that happen in the morning. She is also loyal, committed, protective, and a woman of few words. She wears her expensive garments like armor.
First these two clash, then slowly begin to understand each other, and of course can't stop their mutual attraction. She is slow to trust but gradually reaches out for the help she needs to heal. This story is an affirmation in faith, in others as well as in self. This isn't just a romance but also a story of self-discovery and healing. Highly recommended.
Elliot is a construction contractor for the company he owns with his brothers. He's a broody alpha type, short on words, protective, loyal, committed. He resents Julia buying his grandmother’s house that he'd been saving up to purchase.
Julia has issues. Raised in a toxic environment, she somehow pulls herself up to succeed as a app creator and coding genius. As a result of her upbringing, she has trust issues, panic attacks, and an eating disorder. She also suffers from night terrors that happen in the morning. She is also loyal, committed, protective, and a woman of few words. She wears her expensive garments like armor.
First these two clash, then slowly begin to understand each other, and of course can't stop their mutual attraction. She is slow to trust but gradually reaches out for the help she needs to heal. This story is an affirmation in faith, in others as well as in self. This isn't just a romance but also a story of self-discovery and healing. Highly recommended.
June 18, 2019
Beautiful
An unexpected match of love comes when an unusual woman hires a new contractor to renovate her home. Julia has particular ideas and exacting wants. With the funds to back it up she fires coming any after company until she finds Walker Construction. Only it's been 5 weeks and no return calls.
Elliot is beyond angry. He wanted to buy his grandma's house only to bc was outbid so high that he lost it. Now the new owner wants to hire his company, no way is he going to do it. So he thinks. Now tall dark and surely has to eat his words.
So starts a fascinating tale of two like minded souls coming together.
I found this book encapsulating me in it's honest yet romantically fantastic story. Kudos to the author for describing so realistically someone who was undiagnosed to be on the SPECTRUM as well as a survivor of the child Foster Care system. Both come with their own challenges, yet it is told with respect and caring. I can't wait to read more by this author.
An unexpected match of love comes when an unusual woman hires a new contractor to renovate her home. Julia has particular ideas and exacting wants. With the funds to back it up she fires coming any after company until she finds Walker Construction. Only it's been 5 weeks and no return calls.
Elliot is beyond angry. He wanted to buy his grandma's house only to bc was outbid so high that he lost it. Now the new owner wants to hire his company, no way is he going to do it. So he thinks. Now tall dark and surely has to eat his words.
So starts a fascinating tale of two like minded souls coming together.
I found this book encapsulating me in it's honest yet romantically fantastic story. Kudos to the author for describing so realistically someone who was undiagnosed to be on the SPECTRUM as well as a survivor of the child Foster Care system. Both come with their own challenges, yet it is told with respect and caring. I can't wait to read more by this author.
January 5, 2019
Unexpectedly delightful
I was expecting hot. But what I got was an engrossing, compelling book that I didn't want to put down. Julia is broken but pasted together with sheer will and grit. It takes an iron will and a wild uncorruptable spirit to survive and thrive after a horrible childhood. Most people just get stuck reliving patterns and never escape the unending cycle of running from inner demons. So, Julia and Elliot were broken in the same way, but Elliott was mended with love and this wonderful book is him doing the same for Julia. Is it the greatest soliloquy ever written? No, but it's a message that needs to be heard. There are no perfect people, but everyone is deserving of love if they allow themselves to see it.
I was expecting hot. But what I got was an engrossing, compelling book that I didn't want to put down. Julia is broken but pasted together with sheer will and grit. It takes an iron will and a wild uncorruptable spirit to survive and thrive after a horrible childhood. Most people just get stuck reliving patterns and never escape the unending cycle of running from inner demons. So, Julia and Elliot were broken in the same way, but Elliott was mended with love and this wonderful book is him doing the same for Julia. Is it the greatest soliloquy ever written? No, but it's a message that needs to be heard. There are no perfect people, but everyone is deserving of love if they allow themselves to see it.
January 8, 2019
Elliot and Julia build something together
Julia bought a house. She looked for a contractor to make some serious renovations.
Elliot’s grandmother owned the house Julia bought. Elliot bid on the house but Julia’s bid was accepted. Elliot set up to hate Julia.
Elliot was the contractor Julia wanted to hire. Elliot acted hateful to Julia.
This story is not about a house. It’s about two strong-willed but lonely people looking to make a new life for themselves after momentous changes.
The house becomes the metaphor for a larger group of people who choose to care about and for each other. With contracts but without conditions.
A couple minor grammatical errors that did not detract from the story.
An amazing tale of demolition, rebuilding and renewal.
Julia bought a house. She looked for a contractor to make some serious renovations.
Elliot’s grandmother owned the house Julia bought. Elliot bid on the house but Julia’s bid was accepted. Elliot set up to hate Julia.
Elliot was the contractor Julia wanted to hire. Elliot acted hateful to Julia.
This story is not about a house. It’s about two strong-willed but lonely people looking to make a new life for themselves after momentous changes.
The house becomes the metaphor for a larger group of people who choose to care about and for each other. With contracts but without conditions.
A couple minor grammatical errors that did not detract from the story.
An amazing tale of demolition, rebuilding and renewal.
April 17, 2018
Compelling well written romance
Jenni M Rose did a wonderful job on this the first of The Williams Brothers series.
Julia and Elliot have a rough first meet which made the following encounters so much sweeter. Watching them really getting to know one another, flaws included, made both characters very realistic.
It was fascinating to see how love and kindness helped Julia accept herself and heal past hurts. I also think the author handled the "challenges" of being different very well. The book is a stand alone though I enjoyed seeing the couple's from the Freehope series it spun off from, and look forward to reading the other 2 brothers' stories.
Jenni M Rose did a wonderful job on this the first of The Williams Brothers series.
Julia and Elliot have a rough first meet which made the following encounters so much sweeter. Watching them really getting to know one another, flaws included, made both characters very realistic.
It was fascinating to see how love and kindness helped Julia accept herself and heal past hurts. I also think the author handled the "challenges" of being different very well. The book is a stand alone though I enjoyed seeing the couple's from the Freehope series it spun off from, and look forward to reading the other 2 brothers' stories.
April 20, 2018
This book is really amazing! It is well written, funny, full of laughter and emotional. The plot is well developed and consistent. The characters are well developed and the character progression throughout the story is very interesting. The side characters are very funny, supportive and bring substance to the story. There is limited overlapping of characters from the ‘Freehope’ series adding to the excitement of this book. This is my first time reading one of Jenni M Rose’s books and it will not be my last. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2019
No need for labels
Julia is a rich, coding genius all set to sell her first startup. She has built a great support system (lawyer, driver, personal assistant). As Elliot (and the reader) gets to know her, it becomes clear that Julia has ISSUES. She's getting some therapy, and she has some really good insight about her syndrome. After a very rocky start, Elliot becomes Julia's protector and cheerleader.
Big kudos to the author for putting this story out there, for focusing on Julia's internal struggle, and for showing what a healthy response to a differently -wired person looks like.
Julia is a rich, coding genius all set to sell her first startup. She has built a great support system (lawyer, driver, personal assistant). As Elliot (and the reader) gets to know her, it becomes clear that Julia has ISSUES. She's getting some therapy, and she has some really good insight about her syndrome. After a very rocky start, Elliot becomes Julia's protector and cheerleader.
Big kudos to the author for putting this story out there, for focusing on Julia's internal struggle, and for showing what a healthy response to a differently -wired person looks like.
January 13, 2019
Finding Home
Julia was selling her company, she needed a new start. She bought a house and was in the process of remodeling it and had already fired three different companies. She really wanted Williams Brother's construction to do it, they were known as the best, but they haven't called back. Elliott is mad that someone bought his grandmothers house out from under him and then wanted them to do the remodel. His be Cole ran into Julia at the grocery store and brought them together. Little did he know he was going to bring both of them love and happiness, but especially family for Julia.
Julia was selling her company, she needed a new start. She bought a house and was in the process of remodeling it and had already fired three different companies. She really wanted Williams Brother's construction to do it, they were known as the best, but they haven't called back. Elliott is mad that someone bought his grandmothers house out from under him and then wanted them to do the remodel. His be Cole ran into Julia at the grocery store and brought them together. Little did he know he was going to bring both of them love and happiness, but especially family for Julia.
January 8, 2019
Omg, it’s blooming marvellous
First time reading this author but won’t be the last. Saw this for free on free reads and thought I’d give it a try. How happy am I that I did. Brilliant writing, brilliant storyline and the characters? Loved them all apart from Johnathon and the granny, yuck.
Julia’s story was heartbreaking but Elliot was just the man for her, with his family. So tender and yet full of angst and then a man who lets things evolve slowly so that you take things at your pace. Brilliant and I’m gutted it’s finished and waiting for the next brother please.
First time reading this author but won’t be the last. Saw this for free on free reads and thought I’d give it a try. How happy am I that I did. Brilliant writing, brilliant storyline and the characters? Loved them all apart from Johnathon and the granny, yuck.
Julia’s story was heartbreaking but Elliot was just the man for her, with his family. So tender and yet full of angst and then a man who lets things evolve slowly so that you take things at your pace. Brilliant and I’m gutted it’s finished and waiting for the next brother please.
January 22, 2019
I wanted more than 5 stars!. I loved this book. Julia and Elliot were an old couple. Both had issues from their childhood, but Julia had to have things a certain way or she couldn't cope. Elliot didn't want to like her at first, but he couldn't help be drawn to her. This story showed how couple can support each other through thick and thin. Again, I loved this story and want to read more of this author. I got this book through KU but will most likely buy the set to reread - that's how much I enjoyed it
January 9, 2019
Brothers that love
Three hot talented brothers who truly have each other's back . She met Cole first the hot guy in the grocery store who changed her life ,but she fell hard for Elliot. They both had a bad childhood he was fortunate to be adopted by a great family .a grandmothers who changed his life.She escaped her rich damaging relatives .This is a great series with hot sweet intelligent people that holds your attention .
Three hot talented brothers who truly have each other's back . She met Cole first the hot guy in the grocery store who changed her life ,but she fell hard for Elliot. They both had a bad childhood he was fortunate to be adopted by a great family .a grandmothers who changed his life.She escaped her rich damaging relatives .This is a great series with hot sweet intelligent people that holds your attention .
January 21, 2019
Sweet, sexy, and complicated
Despite a mere handful of editing errors, this book hits all the right notes. Our heroine is awkward, but neither stupid nor clumsy. Our hero is self-assured and tough, but observant and tender. The author does a great job of creating layered, complex characters. The plot focuses on the develop of the real and character growth, so not much actually happens. But that's okay, because excellent writing propels the story forward. Well done!
Despite a mere handful of editing errors, this book hits all the right notes. Our heroine is awkward, but neither stupid nor clumsy. Our hero is self-assured and tough, but observant and tender. The author does a great job of creating layered, complex characters. The plot focuses on the develop of the real and character growth, so not much actually happens. But that's okay, because excellent writing propels the story forward. Well done!
February 23, 2020
Really enjoyable.
Both Elliot and Jules have had scarred childhoods. Elliot got adopted into a loving family, but Jules has had to live under the bitter recriminations of her grandparents. Jules is a genius with very little social niceties and likes to keep to herself.
Elliot realises once he has met her that he judged her harshly.
The renovation of the house was almost like the building of their trust and future relationship.
Both Elliot and Jules have had scarred childhoods. Elliot got adopted into a loving family, but Jules has had to live under the bitter recriminations of her grandparents. Jules is a genius with very little social niceties and likes to keep to herself.
Elliot realises once he has met her that he judged her harshly.
The renovation of the house was almost like the building of their trust and future relationship.
January 9, 2022
Unexpected
I picked this book to fulfill a reading challenge. Not ever reading this author before. I fell in love with Julia and Elliot. For those that struggle being an outsider, different, unable to express the unfolding of Julia is great coming out of her issues and learning to embrace them. It does help a hot surly man is there to support her on her journey with him. A man who takes his time to learn all of her.
I picked this book to fulfill a reading challenge. Not ever reading this author before. I fell in love with Julia and Elliot. For those that struggle being an outsider, different, unable to express the unfolding of Julia is great coming out of her issues and learning to embrace them. It does help a hot surly man is there to support her on her journey with him. A man who takes his time to learn all of her.
January 12, 2022
Adore it so much💕💕
I really like this story. It kept you engage and intrigue. This is my first time reading from Jenni and she did a terrific job. Julia is the one that brought the house from Elliot. Julia is matter of fact, pretty, and intelligent. She is her own boss. Elliot is in business with his brothers. He is broody, handsome, and smart. At first it was enemies that turn into much more. The writing was great. Great job Jenni M Rose
I really like this story. It kept you engage and intrigue. This is my first time reading from Jenni and she did a terrific job. Julia is the one that brought the house from Elliot. Julia is matter of fact, pretty, and intelligent. She is her own boss. Elliot is in business with his brothers. He is broody, handsome, and smart. At first it was enemies that turn into much more. The writing was great. Great job Jenni M Rose
February 25, 2022
I loved this story so much. I fell in love with the main character Julia. Julia reminds me of my son who has autism. I saw a lot of her quirks as quirks that he also has. It was kind of nice to see a character who has autism but higher functioning. I also loved Elliot in this book and how supportive he was of Julia. Though, I thought Julia's grandparents were going to be more of an issue then they were. I was surprised. I loved this book and can not wait to check out the next book.
May 11, 2022
Great book!!!
This was a very romantic book. Love how the author keeps your interest and the story line will keep you turning pages just to see what happens. You have a very beautiful somewhat insecure woman who had a very bad raising and a handsome man who also had a bad start on his life but ended up in a very loving foster family. They help each other understand this thing we call life. Great book!!!
This was a very romantic book. Love how the author keeps your interest and the story line will keep you turning pages just to see what happens. You have a very beautiful somewhat insecure woman who had a very bad raising and a handsome man who also had a bad start on his life but ended up in a very loving foster family. They help each other understand this thing we call life. Great book!!!
April 17, 2018
he likes things in a set way and he is a builder and he likes to work with his hands. when his grandmother house goes up for sale he wants to buy it. she buy the house from under him. see how they will deal with the situation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2018
Let's hear it for the woman being the rich one instead of the man! Loved this romance and the fact that the characters had a getting to know each other relationship made it even better. The characters seemed like real people and that is why I gave it five stars.! I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
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