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The Brothers #1
Gibson
“You go hit up grandma Myrtle if you want, but the rest of us are leaving.”
Charlene’s world starts changing one night when she overhears two men talking about her, and the changes keep coming hard and fast. After leaving her cheating husband, Charlene goes on a journey that takes her to Wilhelmine, a small town in the mountains where she decides to settle for a while. As she’s celebrating this decision with her new friend Jenny, Gibson walks in with blood running down his face.
Gibson Ward moved back to his hometown after years as a cop in Chicago, and he likes his life. He works when he wants to, dates who he wants to, and with his four childhood friends, he also protects the county they live in. Then he walks into his friend Joke’s bar Oak, takes one look at a small, blonde woman, and everything changes.
Charlene is not at all interested in getting involved with anyone, and definitely not with the man who called her a mousy grandma, but Gibson is not willing to give up, not even when bad things start to happen which threaten both of their lives.
Please note: This book contains crude words and somewhat explicit adult scenes. If this isn't your thing, then this book might not be for you.
Charlene’s world starts changing one night when she overhears two men talking about her, and the changes keep coming hard and fast. After leaving her cheating husband, Charlene goes on a journey that takes her to Wilhelmine, a small town in the mountains where she decides to settle for a while. As she’s celebrating this decision with her new friend Jenny, Gibson walks in with blood running down his face.
Gibson Ward moved back to his hometown after years as a cop in Chicago, and he likes his life. He works when he wants to, dates who he wants to, and with his four childhood friends, he also protects the county they live in. Then he walks into his friend Joke’s bar Oak, takes one look at a small, blonde woman, and everything changes.
Charlene is not at all interested in getting involved with anyone, and definitely not with the man who called her a mousy grandma, but Gibson is not willing to give up, not even when bad things start to happen which threaten both of their lives.
Please note: This book contains crude words and somewhat explicit adult scenes. If this isn't your thing, then this book might not be for you.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2018
196 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
July 25, 2019
Going into this book I knew right off the bat I was going to have problems. See, when a book is just that similar to one as iconic as Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley I automatically start comparing them, and this one fell short. There were just too many “similarities” …. Lee doesn’t/can’t have kids, nor could Lauren; Lee was drab and overweight, gets fit and loses all the weight when she kicks her husband to the kerb for cheating, so did Lauren; Gibson isn’t his 15 year old “ready to go again self”, uh I remember Tate having that sort of problem ….. you get my drift? It wasn’t BAD per se, buuuut similarities.
There were plot holes – what happened to Janie? If you’re going to throw a character in there, you need to follow through and not just keep the reader hanging. There wasn’t any point to her introduction or disappearance (unless I blinked and missed it?)
There were silly editing issues that could have been picked up with a good edit.
And my biggest bug bear? That ridiculous and unnecessary kink that was thrown in at the 60% mark. Not only did it come out of left field, it didn’t fit with the story and certainly (for me) did not work. I couldn’t get my head around Lee’s reaction to it, and harking back to Tate and Laurie – there is no way on god’s green earth Tate would have EVER allowed that to happen. In fact I struggle to think of any strong, protective alpha male that would initiate that without ensuring beforehand that his woman was going to be okay with it.
2.5(ish) stars
There were plot holes – what happened to Janie? If you’re going to throw a character in there, you need to follow through and not just keep the reader hanging. There wasn’t any point to her introduction or disappearance (unless I blinked and missed it?)
There were silly editing issues that could have been picked up with a good edit.
And my biggest bug bear? That ridiculous and unnecessary kink that was thrown in at the 60% mark. Not only did it come out of left field, it didn’t fit with the story and certainly (for me) did not work. I couldn’t get my head around Lee’s reaction to it, and harking back to Tate and Laurie – there is no way on god’s green earth Tate would have EVER allowed that to happen. In fact I struggle to think of any strong, protective alpha male that would initiate that without ensuring beforehand that his woman was going to be okay with it.
2.5(ish) stars
no-way-jose
July 18, 2018Gladly I got this info. I hate when there’s any kind of involvement from other people in the couple’s sex time. It’s like authors want to be all modern and open minded and it really feel low class, unnecessary, distasteful and disgusting. 🤢🤮🤢🤮🤢🤮🤢🤮
Some SPOILERS:
By: A
“I finally got around to reading the talked about smex scene mentioned in this book. I just needed to vent somewhere for a minute, so I can shake it off. Though I've liked this book so far...This wasn't my cup of tea. For me, it just didn't belong and felt wrong.
Gibson (The Brothers, #1) by Mia Malone
Romance Safety Gang: [ Joke is in the kitchen with Lee and Gibson early in the morning. Gibson starts doing the business with Lee, in front of Joke, on the counter, including Joke in on their action by dirty talking/telling Lee maybe he should let Joke do her one day. Basically encouraging Joke to whip it out and masterbate, which he does, with Lee locking eyes with him while doing it. Afterwards, Joke touches Lee on the cheek lovingly and sweetly kisses her and she kisses him back, with Gibson standing right there. Since I’m all about keep the loving between the main couple, it felt wrong, inappropriate, completely unnecessary, and out of place for how possessive Gibson was of her. (hide spoiler)] “
Some SPOILERS:
By: A
“I finally got around to reading the talked about smex scene mentioned in this book. I just needed to vent somewhere for a minute, so I can shake it off. Though I've liked this book so far...This wasn't my cup of tea. For me, it just didn't belong and felt wrong.
Gibson (The Brothers, #1) by Mia Malone
Romance Safety Gang: [ Joke is in the kitchen with Lee and Gibson early in the morning. Gibson starts doing the business with Lee, in front of Joke, on the counter, including Joke in on their action by dirty talking/telling Lee maybe he should let Joke do her one day. Basically encouraging Joke to whip it out and masterbate, which he does, with Lee locking eyes with him while doing it. Afterwards, Joke touches Lee on the cheek lovingly and sweetly kisses her and she kisses him back, with Gibson standing right there. Since I’m all about keep the loving between the main couple, it felt wrong, inappropriate, completely unnecessary, and out of place for how possessive Gibson was of her. (hide spoiler)] “
July 18, 2020
Reread, rating stands because I did enjoy it but my issues remained the same
Spoilers ahead, 3.5*
The h goes on a ski trip with her sister in law and friends and overheard the H make some dumbass remarks about her
She eventually flees
Goes back home and finds out her husband is cheating
She divorces him, leaves town and loses a lot of weight
She goes to a small mountain town and sees none other than the H and his buddies
While her rental home is under repairs she moves in with the H
A badguy he put away during his days as a cop is after the H and she gets hurt instead. Justice is delivered however
This was actually pretty similar to Sweet Dreams by KA but the difference is I didn't like that book but loved this one 😂
It's weird as hell and I can't even explain it! I did think that the guys were too old for some of the comments they made....I mean 50 year olds looking for "pussy"? Gross! I had some minor quibbles also like the fact he never told her about his kids but his reasoning was okish. Nevertheless I enjoyed it for what it is.
H/h have an encounter where she overheard him being a fool he was looking for a hookup that night and from a comment he made he did hookup with someone. She was married at the time
When they actually do meet that's it for him
No cheating
No OW/OM drama
H was married twice before and had grown children
h couldn't have kids(I admit I was hoping his badass sperm would magically fix that issue but nope)
Older couple
***** There is an incident where the mcs had sex with his friend watching and getting off. Joke was attracted to the h and the scene took place with no warning so it was a weird as hell random throw in but it didn't bother me much. I did think it didn't fit the H's character because he was a typical Alpha possessive badass but 🙍
*****Edited to add- so Apparently the sharing continued into the next book and escalated to touching. I'm not sure how I feel about that however. I may revisit this rating after seeing how it plays out in Joke's book
Spoilers ahead, 3.5*
The h goes on a ski trip with her sister in law and friends and overheard the H make some dumbass remarks about her
She eventually flees
Goes back home and finds out her husband is cheating
She divorces him, leaves town and loses a lot of weight
She goes to a small mountain town and sees none other than the H and his buddies
While her rental home is under repairs she moves in with the H
A badguy he put away during his days as a cop is after the H and she gets hurt instead. Justice is delivered however
This was actually pretty similar to Sweet Dreams by KA but the difference is I didn't like that book but loved this one 😂
It's weird as hell and I can't even explain it! I did think that the guys were too old for some of the comments they made....I mean 50 year olds looking for "pussy"? Gross! I had some minor quibbles also like the fact he never told her about his kids but his reasoning was okish. Nevertheless I enjoyed it for what it is.
H/h have an encounter where she overheard him being a fool he was looking for a hookup that night and from a comment he made he did hookup with someone. She was married at the time
When they actually do meet that's it for him
No cheating
No OW/OM drama
H was married twice before and had grown children
h couldn't have kids(I admit I was hoping his badass sperm would magically fix that issue but nope)
Older couple
***** There is an incident where the mcs had sex with his friend watching and getting off. Joke was attracted to the h and the scene took place with no warning so it was a weird as hell random throw in but it didn't bother me much. I did think it didn't fit the H's character because he was a typical Alpha possessive badass but 🙍
*****Edited to add- so Apparently the sharing continued into the next book and escalated to touching. I'm not sure how I feel about that however. I may revisit this rating after seeing how it plays out in Joke's book
July 9, 2018
Charlene was a stereo-typical woman of a certain age, but to actually hear some hot looking dumba** refer to her as Grandma Myrtle? I know, I know, but that phrase and her cheating husband were the catalysts for her to remake herself into the woman she knew she was inside. After getting rid of a couple hundred pounds of useless baggage, (her husband), she takes off to re-group and relax.
That is how she ended up in a small town, in a small bar and was witness to that same hot dumba** coming into said bar bleeding and in need of stitches. Fate?
Gibson, no spring chicken, was a Chicago cop until his life was upended, so he came home to the laid back life he once knew, his four best friends at his side. With blood pouring down his face, he saw her, a cute blonde, and he was a goner. Why yes, that cute blonde was the new Charlene…and no, she didn’t tell him. But that won’t be their only obstacle to overcome as danger lurks in the shadows…
Sometimes Fate has a way of steering two unlikely people into being in the right place at the right time and Mia Malone’s GIBSON is proof positive that love, lust and raw animal attraction is NOT limited to the twenty somethings! As a matter of fact, this mature romance not only sizzles, it boils over, smokes, and is completely mouth-watering! Lots of humor, a self-assured woman who KNOWS who she is and is comfortable in her own skin, as well as a seasoned alpha-type male who knows what he wants and what he likes.
Thank you Mia Malone for a hot, raw, mature and erotic tale that celebrates real adults “of a certain age!” Can you say, “Move over kids, THIS is how its done?”
I received a complimentary copy from Mia Malone!
Series: The Brothers - Book 1
Publisher: Mia Malone; 1 edition (April 2, 2018)
Publication Date: April 2, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 233 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
That is how she ended up in a small town, in a small bar and was witness to that same hot dumba** coming into said bar bleeding and in need of stitches. Fate?
Gibson, no spring chicken, was a Chicago cop until his life was upended, so he came home to the laid back life he once knew, his four best friends at his side. With blood pouring down his face, he saw her, a cute blonde, and he was a goner. Why yes, that cute blonde was the new Charlene…and no, she didn’t tell him. But that won’t be their only obstacle to overcome as danger lurks in the shadows…
Sometimes Fate has a way of steering two unlikely people into being in the right place at the right time and Mia Malone’s GIBSON is proof positive that love, lust and raw animal attraction is NOT limited to the twenty somethings! As a matter of fact, this mature romance not only sizzles, it boils over, smokes, and is completely mouth-watering! Lots of humor, a self-assured woman who KNOWS who she is and is comfortable in her own skin, as well as a seasoned alpha-type male who knows what he wants and what he likes.
Thank you Mia Malone for a hot, raw, mature and erotic tale that celebrates real adults “of a certain age!” Can you say, “Move over kids, THIS is how its done?”
I received a complimentary copy from Mia Malone!
Series: The Brothers - Book 1
Publisher: Mia Malone; 1 edition (April 2, 2018)
Publication Date: April 2, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 233 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 16, 2018
The Good
I’d seen the buzz on GoodReads, and since I don’t have 25687391038 books on my kindle already waiting to be read,
I figured I’d check this out. Then I realized that it a) features an older hero and heroine (both are in their 50s), b) in a ‘verse filled with quirky characters and older alpha heroes and c) it’s reminiscent of Sweet Dreams, one of my all time fave KA books.
I got sucked in and I cannot deny that I was into the premise. There's some nice wish fulfillment moments, a little comeuppance for useless ex and decent Firsts (meet/kiss/love scene) to carry th story.
The Bad
Ms. Malone knows KA well, and it shows. However, the beginning of the book is HEAVILY KA-influenced, and if you’ve read Sweet Dreams it will be very, very familiar. That said, it is not a carbon copy, and there are enough distinguishing characters and plot points that it stays on the “imitation is sincerest form of flattery” side.
Say what you will about the Colorado Mountain series, there’s something about KA’s rambling prose that allows the reader to learn all about the characters, and really get immersed in the setting. She can paint that picture very well. This story, on the other hand, had much broader strokes. The "villains" aren't fleshed out, everything is in service to the romance, so not alot of time is spent giving some depth to the conflict, other than the cliched 'exes are the worst' theme that's kind of tired. And the big bad is dispatched rather abruptly.
As the story progressed however, it started to find its own voice, and THAT is what intrigues me enough to want to check out more from this author.
An editor is definitely needed though. The typos and grammatical errors (brakes, not breaks) are abundant enough that they distracted me from the story, and there’s a random sexy bit around 60% in that just doesn’t make much sense based on the characters’ actions/thoughts up until that point. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, just an discordant note in this particular tune.
Everything in Between
It was a quick and easy read though, and while this has “shades” of a MC romance, it’s about the safest version of an MC romance you can find. They just like to ride, yo! and protect the town and people they love, natch. So if you’re in the mood for a romance with a hint of danger but also makes you feel safe, this would be in that wheelhouse.
If you’re in the mood for a bit of Sweet Dreams inspired romance, you may enjoy this. It’s not perfect, but it’s got the tropes I enjoy and potential for growth. It really needs an editor, but I’m going to check out the next book and see where it goes.
For more reviews, visit
July 20, 2018
2 "Meh" stars.
There was a lot of chatter about this book recently and I got curious. A book that is compared to KA's "Sweet Dreams"? Both main characters are in their 50s? Super sexy story with a splash of MC drama? Sold!
Sadly this book was a disappointment. Let's review:
A book written like KA? Yes, this is true although it felt like a cheap paint-by-number copy. There were too many similarities and to be honest, the similarities are what drew me to the book in the first place. The sample was really good and I wanted to see where things went. However, this book is just a pale copy.
Both main characters in their 50s? I seek out books with older characters because they are so rarely written about. I can only read so much about college drama and tstl idiots. Sadly, these 50ish characters came off like those same tstl idiots. They may as well have been 30 years old. The dialogue was immature. The "brothers" acted like horny frat boys. There was so much wrong with these manwhores I don't even know where to start. Which brings me to:
Super sexy story with a splash of MC drama? Gibson is just not the kind of hero I can admire. When we first meet him, he says something rude to Lee and she overhears. It's not him calling her "mousy" that bothered me. It was his other comment. Coming from a 55 year-old father of 3 who taught his son's to "respect women":
"I suddenly heard voices outside the bathroom door. (Lee)
"Time to start looking for a fuck," a man said.
"Nothing worth looking at," a deep grovel voice stated...
"A skank is a skank...I'd rather go for young skank than aging skank, if I ever get that desperate."
What. A. Prince. So I don't really care that he called Lee "mousy". That is the least of his sins in my opinion. And fear not! After overhearing, Lee ran away and Gib went to another bar where he found him some skank.
Then there is the whole uproar over . That was disgusting in its own right. But what really pissed me off is that Joke had been attracted to Lee back at the beginning. Back when she was fat and old and "mousy". Gib knew this. He also knew that his friend was still attracted to Lee. So it seems kinda cruel to rub his nose in something he'd never have, even if they all got off on it.
This whole book was just a mess. And I feel bad saying that. I'm sure this author worked hard to write this book. But the content and plot holes, and the way that everything just gets swept under the rug really bothered me. I felt squicky the whole time I read this book. There is no OW drama in this book because apparently the county man-whore never runs into any of his former ONS. If it's not in the book, it will never happen, I guess!?! And Gib is such a winner that he admits to his grown sons that
So, I must admit that my GR friends were right when they marked this book on their never read shelf. I wish I could do the same...
There was a lot of chatter about this book recently and I got curious. A book that is compared to KA's "Sweet Dreams"? Both main characters are in their 50s? Super sexy story with a splash of MC drama? Sold!
Sadly this book was a disappointment. Let's review:
A book written like KA? Yes, this is true although it felt like a cheap paint-by-number copy. There were too many similarities and to be honest, the similarities are what drew me to the book in the first place. The sample was really good and I wanted to see where things went. However, this book is just a pale copy.
Both main characters in their 50s? I seek out books with older characters because they are so rarely written about. I can only read so much about college drama and tstl idiots. Sadly, these 50ish characters came off like those same tstl idiots. They may as well have been 30 years old. The dialogue was immature. The "brothers" acted like horny frat boys. There was so much wrong with these manwhores I don't even know where to start. Which brings me to:
Super sexy story with a splash of MC drama? Gibson is just not the kind of hero I can admire. When we first meet him, he says something rude to Lee and she overhears. It's not him calling her "mousy" that bothered me. It was his other comment. Coming from a 55 year-old father of 3 who taught his son's to "respect women":
"I suddenly heard voices outside the bathroom door. (Lee)
"Time to start looking for a fuck," a man said.
"Nothing worth looking at," a deep grovel voice stated...
"A skank is a skank...I'd rather go for young skank than aging skank, if I ever get that desperate."
What. A. Prince. So I don't really care that he called Lee "mousy". That is the least of his sins in my opinion. And fear not! After overhearing, Lee ran away and Gib went to another bar where he found him some skank.
Then there is the whole uproar over . That was disgusting in its own right. But what really pissed me off is that Joke had been attracted to Lee back at the beginning. Back when she was fat and old and "mousy". Gib knew this. He also knew that his friend was still attracted to Lee. So it seems kinda cruel to rub his nose in something he'd never have, even if they all got off on it.
This whole book was just a mess. And I feel bad saying that. I'm sure this author worked hard to write this book. But the content and plot holes, and the way that everything just gets swept under the rug really bothered me. I felt squicky the whole time I read this book. There is no OW drama in this book because apparently the county man-whore never runs into any of his former ONS. If it's not in the book, it will never happen, I guess!?! And Gib is such a winner that he admits to his grown sons that
So, I must admit that my GR friends were right when they marked this book on their never read shelf. I wish I could do the same...
September 1, 2019
3 Slightly Unstable Stars
Having left her cheating and apathetic husband, Charlene (aka Lee) arrives in Wilhelmine, a changed woman compared to the one she was 6 months ago, ready to begin a new chapter of her life, what she doesn’t expect is to once again bump into the guy who called her ‘Grandma Myrtle’ - 55-year-old retired cop Gibson Ward.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, took a read of the sample found myself engaged by Lee so downloaded the book, something I don’t regret…. mostly, I do wish one scene could be obliterated from the book but more on that in a while, first the positives.
I really liked the fact the main characters in this are in the 50s, as it highlights that life doesn’t end when a person reaches their 50s – they still have desires, ambitions and things to discover and do. I’m hoping to find some more romance books where the main characters are older/more mature when it comes to age.
This book seems to be a homage to the work of KA her Sweet Dreams book with Tate and Lauren, there are a fair few similarities, for example
Now turning to the scene that should have never been included, it’s one of those scenes that will have you double blinking in bafflement, as you frantically check if you’ve somehow switched books. Whilst in the kitchen Gibson The scene just didn’t work within this book and the main characters.
This is a light read, it doesn’t have the depth of Sweet Dreams, the characters aren’t as layered, and then there is that scene, so not sure if I will re-read.
99p on Amazon on the 31st August 2019.
Having left her cheating and apathetic husband, Charlene (aka Lee) arrives in Wilhelmine, a changed woman compared to the one she was 6 months ago, ready to begin a new chapter of her life, what she doesn’t expect is to once again bump into the guy who called her ‘Grandma Myrtle’ - 55-year-old retired cop Gibson Ward.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, took a read of the sample found myself engaged by Lee so downloaded the book, something I don’t regret…. mostly, I do wish one scene could be obliterated from the book but more on that in a while, first the positives.
I really liked the fact the main characters in this are in the 50s, as it highlights that life doesn’t end when a person reaches their 50s – they still have desires, ambitions and things to discover and do. I’m hoping to find some more romance books where the main characters are older/more mature when it comes to age.
This book seems to be a homage to the work of KA her Sweet Dreams book with Tate and Lauren, there are a fair few similarities, for example
Now turning to the scene that should have never been included, it’s one of those scenes that will have you double blinking in bafflement, as you frantically check if you’ve somehow switched books. Whilst in the kitchen Gibson The scene just didn’t work within this book and the main characters.
This is a light read, it doesn’t have the depth of Sweet Dreams, the characters aren’t as layered, and then there is that scene, so not sure if I will re-read.
99p on Amazon on the 31st August 2019.
August 21, 2018
2.5+ RATING - I don't mind reading a story that's been heavily influenced by Kristen Ashley. Hell, I'd even welcome one considering that the current KA doesn't write like the old KA. I'd read a stand in all day long. But Gibson didn't feel like it was inspired by KA, it felt more like a low talent rip off. I'm sorry if that comes across as harsh, but you can't try to replicate Sweet Dreams and if you dare to try you better bring your A game. That's not what we have here.
I have no idea why the author didn't change more about her story so it wasn't so similar to such a popular book. All that aside, the book is at best just okay. None of the characters, the writing, or the events are noteworthy at all. I have no desire to read more in the series and that's saying something because I'm a pursuer of guilty pleasure reads. I'm not going to go on and on here, this one just didn't work that well for me. I don't think I'll try anything else by this author.
I have no idea why the author didn't change more about her story so it wasn't so similar to such a popular book. All that aside, the book is at best just okay. None of the characters, the writing, or the events are noteworthy at all. I have no desire to read more in the series and that's saying something because I'm a pursuer of guilty pleasure reads. I'm not going to go on and on here, this one just didn't work that well for me. I don't think I'll try anything else by this author.
July 21, 2018
I have such mixed feelings about this book. First time author for me and first book for this author. I think she has a writing style that will take her far, especially when she finds her own voice. I loved the concept of mature major characters who are 50’ish. Let’s face it, everyone in their 50’s don’t immediately turn into old geezers looking for the senior citizen’s discounts. Look out there at the number of hot, alpha men who are swoon worthy that are in their 50’s. So I applaud the chance to read about characters who aren’t still maturing even though they’re 20 something. The writing flows well and the book was edited well.
Now on to the things that kept me from rating this book more than 3 stars. I know many of you know about that huge segment out there in the romance book world called “KA Addicts.” Yes, there’s so many discussion threads, blogs, etc about KA books and characters. I first fell in love with KA back in 2012 after reading The Colorado Mountain series, Dream Man series and The Burg series. Many KA addicts, like myself, have read those books so many times we can recite paragraphs from them. Well, when I read Gibson I was immediately thrown back to Sweet Dreams from the Colorado Mountain series and Tate/Lauren’s story. There were so many instances in Gibson where I stopped and said, hey that happened in Sweet Dreams. Phrases like “it’s so good to be home” after Gibson came back from hunting the bad guys immediately recalled Tate saying the same thing after one of this bounty hunting trips. So, in short, there was just way to much similarity in characters and story line for Gibson.
Then there’s the whip lash with a sudden scene of a threesome between three of the characters that seemed totally out of context compared to the “sweetness” of the rest of the book. It just didn’t fit. There’s more things I could expand upon but I don’t want to be totally negative about an author’s first book. I do think this author has the ability to write an excellent story, but only if it’s based on something unique and different from what’s out there and especially what has been out there for a very long time.
I am moving on to the second book in this series and I hope that it will give me something more than the basic framework of another KA novel.
Now on to the things that kept me from rating this book more than 3 stars. I know many of you know about that huge segment out there in the romance book world called “KA Addicts.” Yes, there’s so many discussion threads, blogs, etc about KA books and characters. I first fell in love with KA back in 2012 after reading The Colorado Mountain series, Dream Man series and The Burg series. Many KA addicts, like myself, have read those books so many times we can recite paragraphs from them. Well, when I read Gibson I was immediately thrown back to Sweet Dreams from the Colorado Mountain series and Tate/Lauren’s story. There were so many instances in Gibson where I stopped and said, hey that happened in Sweet Dreams. Phrases like “it’s so good to be home” after Gibson came back from hunting the bad guys immediately recalled Tate saying the same thing after one of this bounty hunting trips. So, in short, there was just way to much similarity in characters and story line for Gibson.
Then there’s the whip lash with a sudden scene of a threesome between three of the characters that seemed totally out of context compared to the “sweetness” of the rest of the book. It just didn’t fit. There’s more things I could expand upon but I don’t want to be totally negative about an author’s first book. I do think this author has the ability to write an excellent story, but only if it’s based on something unique and different from what’s out there and especially what has been out there for a very long time.
I am moving on to the second book in this series and I hope that it will give me something more than the basic framework of another KA novel.
December 13, 2019
Good story, well written.
Very similar vibes to Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley.
Older woman, finds herself recently divorced, goes to a new place to start over.
The Hero and his mates are in a sort of club that keeps the peace above and beyond the law.
Older Hero and heroine.
Hero has grown up kids from previous relationships.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books.
No cheating.
No other woman drama.
When the Hero and heroine sort of meet, she overhears him talking about her, he is single but she is still married.
Later they are just for each other.
Refreshingly the Hero says I Love you fairly easily.
There was some voyerism with his mate which I felt was out of character with him warning his mates off before that so for me that didn't fit at all.
HFN.
Seemed to end a bit abruptly but I assume their story will carry on in the series when else read about others.
One refreshing thing the heroine can't have children, the reason is medical but not explained, she doesn't end up pregnant by the Hero's super sperm which is how romances often go.
It is one of those books where all the Hero's mates love the heroine and think how lucky he is.
Very similar vibes to Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley.
Older woman, finds herself recently divorced, goes to a new place to start over.
The Hero and his mates are in a sort of club that keeps the peace above and beyond the law.
Older Hero and heroine.
Hero has grown up kids from previous relationships.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books.
No cheating.
No other woman drama.
When the Hero and heroine sort of meet, she overhears him talking about her, he is single but she is still married.
Later they are just for each other.
Refreshingly the Hero says I Love you fairly easily.
There was some voyerism with his mate which I felt was out of character with him warning his mates off before that so for me that didn't fit at all.
HFN.
Seemed to end a bit abruptly but I assume their story will carry on in the series when else read about others.
One refreshing thing the heroine can't have children, the reason is medical but not explained, she doesn't end up pregnant by the Hero's super sperm which is how romances often go.
It is one of those books where all the Hero's mates love the heroine and think how lucky he is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2020
Very very much like Kristen Ashley's stories. It did hold my attention and I might continue with the series.
February 18, 2020
Great read!
The characters in the story are easy to get to know and even easier to call for.
I appreciate that they are older, and not young twenty-something's just starting out in life. I can't wait to read the rest of the series, as I am totally invested in what will happen with Jenny!
The characters in the story are easy to get to know and even easier to call for.
I appreciate that they are older, and not young twenty-something's just starting out in life. I can't wait to read the rest of the series, as I am totally invested in what will happen with Jenny!
April 20, 2020
Not bad
This is my first book from this author. The storyline was good, but the writing was a little awkward this places and it made me cringe a little. I an curious about the next book, but not sure if I want to spend money on it.
This is my first book from this author. The storyline was good, but the writing was a little awkward this places and it made me cringe a little. I an curious about the next book, but not sure if I want to spend money on it.
September 20, 2023
I paid $.99 for this one and it was not worth it. I skimmed the last 25%. Forgettable.
June 19, 2021
It was a quick, good read. The characters are likable and the story was an easy read. There wasn't much mystery and/or depth that made my head spin, but that was just what I needed.
July 18, 2018
Started off as a five star read...Then slowly those stars started to dim:
Though off to a brief, rocky start, it takes Gibson, the hero, the blink of an eye to decide to go after what he wants, Charlene, the heroine. Nothing is going to stand in his way, my fellow romance book loving friends. He’ll patiently pursue her without her even picking up on it if need be. This former cop knows how to go dark, access a situation, and make the most of whatever circumstances gets thrown his way. It’s that or throw her over his shoulder and go live in a remote cave. Well, make that a secluded cabin in the mountains, either one works for him. I have to admit I found it refreshing this guy told it like it was. He didn’t sugarcoat his past. No, he came right out and told her the skeletons in his closet, so she would know the real him. Needless to say, it came as a big surprise he didn’t reveal one big family matter until he had no choice to do so.
Charlene, quicked dubbed the nickname of Lee, is a sassy, starting over heroine who has been living an empty life with an empty hearted husband for years. To her surprise, she immediately starts to find genuine friendships among the local townspeople in a small town where everyone seems to know your name and business.
All the thrown in at times randy, random sex conversations started to get old, whether it was between the main couple, Lee and her friends, Gibson and his band of buddies, etc. The very threesome like smex scene certainly felt out of place. TMI (too much information) and sharing in more ways than one, if you know what I mean. I agree with others who felt it really wasn’t appropriate, necessary, or fit this main couple’s romantic profile. To have that subcharacter continue to make soft, googly eyes at the heroine and call her endearing nicknames didn’t sit well with me. Since these macho guys gossipped like middle school teenage girls, I wasn’t surprised they didn’t keep it a secret. Oddly, though, depending on what they were discussing, the comradery, back and forth banter between these hot guys did seem to give them a brotherly type cohesiveness.
However, it was from that point on Gibson started to lose it’s 5 star rating with me. The writing started to meander, folks. Despite the intriguing threat looming in the background, the focus started jumping to too many inconsequential things, which caused me to start skimming over large parts of it, especially the overly numerous, drop of the pants, smexy scenes.
This debut author has definitely caught my attention. I liked several aspects of this book (KA/Sweet Dreams vibe, main couple chemistry, hero's determination to get/keep this girl). I hope to have the opportunity to read and review the upcoming books in this series, as well. I’m just hoping there will be more of a streamlined, focused plot. While I really enjoyed this posse of banded together like MC brothers and can’t wait for each of them to get their own HEA, I’m just hoping scenes like the one I just mentioned are left out.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Gibson, Series: The Brothers (Book 1), Author: Mia Malone, Pages: 233, stand-alone but part of series, alpha good guy hero, sassy/starting over heroine, very steamy scenes, very smexy conversations, both divorced main couple, one controversial smexy scene that felt like sharing, danger subplot.
(These comments are based on a purchased copy. This is not a detailed ARC review.)
Though off to a brief, rocky start, it takes Gibson, the hero, the blink of an eye to decide to go after what he wants, Charlene, the heroine. Nothing is going to stand in his way, my fellow romance book loving friends. He’ll patiently pursue her without her even picking up on it if need be. This former cop knows how to go dark, access a situation, and make the most of whatever circumstances gets thrown his way. It’s that or throw her over his shoulder and go live in a remote cave. Well, make that a secluded cabin in the mountains, either one works for him. I have to admit I found it refreshing this guy told it like it was. He didn’t sugarcoat his past. No, he came right out and told her the skeletons in his closet, so she would know the real him. Needless to say, it came as a big surprise he didn’t reveal one big family matter until he had no choice to do so.
Charlene, quicked dubbed the nickname of Lee, is a sassy, starting over heroine who has been living an empty life with an empty hearted husband for years. To her surprise, she immediately starts to find genuine friendships among the local townspeople in a small town where everyone seems to know your name and business.
All the thrown in at times randy, random sex conversations started to get old, whether it was between the main couple, Lee and her friends, Gibson and his band of buddies, etc. The very threesome like smex scene certainly felt out of place. TMI (too much information) and sharing in more ways than one, if you know what I mean. I agree with others who felt it really wasn’t appropriate, necessary, or fit this main couple’s romantic profile. To have that subcharacter continue to make soft, googly eyes at the heroine and call her endearing nicknames didn’t sit well with me. Since these macho guys gossipped like middle school teenage girls, I wasn’t surprised they didn’t keep it a secret. Oddly, though, depending on what they were discussing, the comradery, back and forth banter between these hot guys did seem to give them a brotherly type cohesiveness.
However, it was from that point on Gibson started to lose it’s 5 star rating with me. The writing started to meander, folks. Despite the intriguing threat looming in the background, the focus started jumping to too many inconsequential things, which caused me to start skimming over large parts of it, especially the overly numerous, drop of the pants, smexy scenes.
This debut author has definitely caught my attention. I liked several aspects of this book (KA/Sweet Dreams vibe, main couple chemistry, hero's determination to get/keep this girl). I hope to have the opportunity to read and review the upcoming books in this series, as well. I’m just hoping there will be more of a streamlined, focused plot. While I really enjoyed this posse of banded together like MC brothers and can’t wait for each of them to get their own HEA, I’m just hoping scenes like the one I just mentioned are left out.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Gibson, Series: The Brothers (Book 1), Author: Mia Malone, Pages: 233, stand-alone but part of series, alpha good guy hero, sassy/starting over heroine, very steamy scenes, very smexy conversations, both divorced main couple, one controversial smexy scene that felt like sharing, danger subplot.
(These comments are based on a purchased copy. This is not a detailed ARC review.)
November 9, 2019
First things first
I love trying new and/or new-to-me authors. There are few things as satisfying as finding an author that just works for me.
Strengths: Solid writing and plot. Main characters have emotional agency. Hot sexy times. Special bonus: All of the main characters are in their 50s and act it.
Weaknesses: Not many. A little more editing and proofreading wouldn't be bad. Occasional wobbles here and there but nothing obnoxious
I love trying new and/or new-to-me authors. There are few things as satisfying as finding an author that just works for me.
Strengths: Solid writing and plot. Main characters have emotional agency. Hot sexy times. Special bonus: All of the main characters are in their 50s and act it.
Weaknesses: Not many. A little more editing and proofreading wouldn't be bad. Occasional wobbles here and there but nothing obnoxious
September 10, 2021
Refreshing to read about mature women discovering romance on their own terms, without being defined by age. I am impressed when a book surprises me and I enjoy it. Sprinkled with humour. This is a rich emotive story, steeped amongst insecurities ... and the empowerment of love.
Charlene/Lee’s life is irrevocably changed one night out with her snide
sister-in-law and her trashy, barracuda friends as she overhears two men describing her in the most unflatteringly way.
“The barracudas by the door would be easy pickings,” the first voice said, I clamped my lips together in surprise.
“A skank is a skank, doesn’t matter the price of her clothes. I’d rather go for
young skank than aging skank if I ever get that desperate.” Ouch.
“The blondie looked sweet,” the first voice said.
“Mousey?” the man in the black tee snorted. “No thanks.”
“Granny-hair, well beyond chubby, fading into the wall she was leaning on?”
As I watched myself in the mirror, my eyes started burning.
“It’s not like she’s fat,” the first man protested.
“I like a soft body as much as the next guy, Joke, but there are limits to everything.”
They chuckled, and then the gravelly voice said, “You go hit up grandma Myrtle if you want, but the rest of us are leaving. Logan’s is a better place to find pu**y”.
Leaving her cheating nondescript husband Bob, after discovering everyone’s known except her, that he’s been cheating on her for two years.
‘No one here will tell you, but you should know, Bob’s sleeping with the woman in the red and green dress.”
“Slee –”
I stopped speaking, too stunned to go on. My husband, the middle-aged, pot-bellied, balding man who fell asleep on the couch each evening before eight o’clock?
“Bob,” I snapped. “Do I need to go and get tested?”
“Jeanie-Mae doesn’t have –”
“Go, you have one hour, and then you have to be gone.”
The people she believed to be friends all knew of his extramarital trysts, and kept it to themselves.
After Bob, she got tested —priorities:::: Get tested for STD’s and find an attorney.
Soul-searching, was apparently the best diet. Transforming her and toning her shape using yoga. She now has a flattering body, flat tummy and defined muscles in her arms. Her sun-kissed golden hair has grown until it reaches her shoulders.
She sets off on a journey of self-rediscovery, ultimately arriving in Wilhelmine, a small town in the Rocky mountains and slowly begins to re-emerge and establish new relationships when Gibson walks in wounded. She wants to run and hide remembering the derogatory remarks he uttered about her.
Gibson Ward moved back to his hometown after years as a well-known law enforcement officer in Chicago, with a stellar reputation. He walks into Joke’s bar after a break-in at his house and sees Lee, a small, blonde woman - the woman he insultingly referred to as Grandma Myrtle.
Charlene is not at all interested in getting involved and definitely not with the man who called her a mousey grandma.
She’s a 15-year inner-city ex-trauma ER nurse and requested an admin transfer after witnessing the darkness of the job. She is impenetrable and copes by taking everything in stride. The good and the bad.
Gibson and his four childhood friends, protect their county and investigate crimes, following the death of Mac’s wife and son.
“Mac’s wife died ten years ago, baby. Drugs were pouring into the area. Drug cartels were making headway, and the motorcycle clubs were unhappy. Small time dealers got into the mix. Mac wasn’t chief back then, but he fought them. I started going back on weekends to help out where I could. Had a rep already back then and used it. Joke got into fights in the bar. Day had his own issues, so he was reckless as all hell and Paddy… He tried to hold us all together and run his company at the same time. Mac did everything by the book. Believing in the system and that we would beat it all back. Corinne got caught in the crossfire on her way back from picking their boy up from a friend. They both died.”
“She was the first girl I kissed, Jenny’s best friend and Paddy’s sister. The five got together and took them out. We announced that we were the top dogs and we had our own club and they’d better not mess with us. We’re not a motorcycle club, babe, although we all ride. Made it out as something like it, though.”
“I will tell you this, Gibson Ward, if either of you ever call me an old lady, I’d better be on the other side of ninety.”
“We’re not an MC, babe.”
“You’re Sergeant at Arms in a group of men who drive motorcycles together You’re totally in a biker gang.”
“Jesus. Motorcycle Club or MC, babe. They don’t joke around with that shit in the clubs. And I’m not in one.”
“You totally are,” I said primly and got up to clear the table. “Do you have any
tattoos?”
I knew he did because I’d seen them when he pulled off his shirt after I stitched him up.
“Uh, what?” he stalled.
“See! Motorcycle Club.”
I drawled the last part out and fought to hold my grin back. Now that Callum’s moved to town, there are six of them securing the safety of the town.
There is a kill contract on Gibson’s life from someone he had convicted, instead Lee gets shot. “He could have killed you and then what?” Gibson roared suddenly.
“You’d be dead, but I love you so where would I be?” His shoulder sagged a
little, and his voice was a hoarse whisper when he asked again, “Where would I
be, Lee?” “Right here with your brothers and your boys, with Jenny, the Alvarez’s, Eddie and Billy. Life is rough sometimes, Gib. You and I, we know that.” She paused and caressed his cheek. “Baby,” Gibson said and closed his eyes.
“I’m okay. I love you too, and we’re both fine. It’s all good, Gibson.”
His three sons announce an unexpected visit unfortunately he forgot to mention their existence to Lee, out of respect knowing she cannot have children (she’s always known from age fourteen that she cannot have children). Lee already knew about his three sons.
Incredibly, for the first time at fifty-five, he’s in love. He admits to his sons that he never loved either of their mothers.
His overprotective sons, Callum, Parker and Andrew or as Lee refers to them, a huge wall of Gibson, shower her with concern; equally so are his friends the charismatic ‘Brothers’ men in their prime. There is a naughty group activity involving a kitchen scene shared between Gibson and Lee as Joke gets all hot and bothered.
My breaths were quickening, and I whispered a hoarse, “Oh, God.”
“Yeah,” Joke rasped out and increased his pace a little.
The way he moved and how Gib was touching me was beyond hot, and I felt my insides quiver again.
She had one man behind her and one in her, leaning over me and holding her, at the same time as a man stood in front of her, arousing himself, Lee being the centre of two men’s attention, and what they’d shared had been truly smoking.
This is a liberating and heartwarming, over-fifty book.
Charlene/Lee’s life is irrevocably changed one night out with her snide
sister-in-law and her trashy, barracuda friends as she overhears two men describing her in the most unflatteringly way.
“The barracudas by the door would be easy pickings,” the first voice said, I clamped my lips together in surprise.
“A skank is a skank, doesn’t matter the price of her clothes. I’d rather go for
young skank than aging skank if I ever get that desperate.” Ouch.
“The blondie looked sweet,” the first voice said.
“Mousey?” the man in the black tee snorted. “No thanks.”
“Granny-hair, well beyond chubby, fading into the wall she was leaning on?”
As I watched myself in the mirror, my eyes started burning.
“It’s not like she’s fat,” the first man protested.
“I like a soft body as much as the next guy, Joke, but there are limits to everything.”
They chuckled, and then the gravelly voice said, “You go hit up grandma Myrtle if you want, but the rest of us are leaving. Logan’s is a better place to find pu**y”.
Leaving her cheating nondescript husband Bob, after discovering everyone’s known except her, that he’s been cheating on her for two years.
‘No one here will tell you, but you should know, Bob’s sleeping with the woman in the red and green dress.”
“Slee –”
I stopped speaking, too stunned to go on. My husband, the middle-aged, pot-bellied, balding man who fell asleep on the couch each evening before eight o’clock?
“Bob,” I snapped. “Do I need to go and get tested?”
“Jeanie-Mae doesn’t have –”
“Go, you have one hour, and then you have to be gone.”
The people she believed to be friends all knew of his extramarital trysts, and kept it to themselves.
After Bob, she got tested —priorities:::: Get tested for STD’s and find an attorney.
Soul-searching, was apparently the best diet. Transforming her and toning her shape using yoga. She now has a flattering body, flat tummy and defined muscles in her arms. Her sun-kissed golden hair has grown until it reaches her shoulders.
She sets off on a journey of self-rediscovery, ultimately arriving in Wilhelmine, a small town in the Rocky mountains and slowly begins to re-emerge and establish new relationships when Gibson walks in wounded. She wants to run and hide remembering the derogatory remarks he uttered about her.
Gibson Ward moved back to his hometown after years as a well-known law enforcement officer in Chicago, with a stellar reputation. He walks into Joke’s bar after a break-in at his house and sees Lee, a small, blonde woman - the woman he insultingly referred to as Grandma Myrtle.
Charlene is not at all interested in getting involved and definitely not with the man who called her a mousey grandma.
She’s a 15-year inner-city ex-trauma ER nurse and requested an admin transfer after witnessing the darkness of the job. She is impenetrable and copes by taking everything in stride. The good and the bad.
Gibson and his four childhood friends, protect their county and investigate crimes, following the death of Mac’s wife and son.
“Mac’s wife died ten years ago, baby. Drugs were pouring into the area. Drug cartels were making headway, and the motorcycle clubs were unhappy. Small time dealers got into the mix. Mac wasn’t chief back then, but he fought them. I started going back on weekends to help out where I could. Had a rep already back then and used it. Joke got into fights in the bar. Day had his own issues, so he was reckless as all hell and Paddy… He tried to hold us all together and run his company at the same time. Mac did everything by the book. Believing in the system and that we would beat it all back. Corinne got caught in the crossfire on her way back from picking their boy up from a friend. They both died.”
“She was the first girl I kissed, Jenny’s best friend and Paddy’s sister. The five got together and took them out. We announced that we were the top dogs and we had our own club and they’d better not mess with us. We’re not a motorcycle club, babe, although we all ride. Made it out as something like it, though.”
“I will tell you this, Gibson Ward, if either of you ever call me an old lady, I’d better be on the other side of ninety.”
“We’re not an MC, babe.”
“You’re Sergeant at Arms in a group of men who drive motorcycles together You’re totally in a biker gang.”
“Jesus. Motorcycle Club or MC, babe. They don’t joke around with that shit in the clubs. And I’m not in one.”
“You totally are,” I said primly and got up to clear the table. “Do you have any
tattoos?”
I knew he did because I’d seen them when he pulled off his shirt after I stitched him up.
“Uh, what?” he stalled.
“See! Motorcycle Club.”
I drawled the last part out and fought to hold my grin back. Now that Callum’s moved to town, there are six of them securing the safety of the town.
There is a kill contract on Gibson’s life from someone he had convicted, instead Lee gets shot. “He could have killed you and then what?” Gibson roared suddenly.
“You’d be dead, but I love you so where would I be?” His shoulder sagged a
little, and his voice was a hoarse whisper when he asked again, “Where would I
be, Lee?” “Right here with your brothers and your boys, with Jenny, the Alvarez’s, Eddie and Billy. Life is rough sometimes, Gib. You and I, we know that.” She paused and caressed his cheek. “Baby,” Gibson said and closed his eyes.
“I’m okay. I love you too, and we’re both fine. It’s all good, Gibson.”
His three sons announce an unexpected visit unfortunately he forgot to mention their existence to Lee, out of respect knowing she cannot have children (she’s always known from age fourteen that she cannot have children). Lee already knew about his three sons.
Incredibly, for the first time at fifty-five, he’s in love. He admits to his sons that he never loved either of their mothers.
His overprotective sons, Callum, Parker and Andrew or as Lee refers to them, a huge wall of Gibson, shower her with concern; equally so are his friends the charismatic ‘Brothers’ men in their prime. There is a naughty group activity involving a kitchen scene shared between Gibson and Lee as Joke gets all hot and bothered.
My breaths were quickening, and I whispered a hoarse, “Oh, God.”
“Yeah,” Joke rasped out and increased his pace a little.
The way he moved and how Gib was touching me was beyond hot, and I felt my insides quiver again.
She had one man behind her and one in her, leaning over me and holding her, at the same time as a man stood in front of her, arousing himself, Lee being the centre of two men’s attention, and what they’d shared had been truly smoking.
This is a liberating and heartwarming, over-fifty book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2018
3.5 stars. Quickie review:
This was a pretty good, entertaining, easy read. It is pretty KA like, in terms of the story, but I still enjoyed it. Gibson and Lee are older characters, in their early 50s, but I think they acted more like in their 40s. Especially Lee, who acted very girlish sometimes. I didn't like a few things- like the semi-threesome moment with Gibson's friend. I thought that came out of nowhere and took away from the couple's relationship growth a bit. Still, this book was mostly a cute, fast paced read that kept me entertained for a morning. This is my first read by Mia Malone and I will probably continue with the series at some point.
This was a pretty good, entertaining, easy read. It is pretty KA like, in terms of the story, but I still enjoyed it. Gibson and Lee are older characters, in their early 50s, but I think they acted more like in their 40s. Especially Lee, who acted very girlish sometimes. I didn't like a few things- like the semi-threesome moment with Gibson's friend. I thought that came out of nowhere and took away from the couple's relationship growth a bit. Still, this book was mostly a cute, fast paced read that kept me entertained for a morning. This is my first read by Mia Malone and I will probably continue with the series at some point.
December 4, 2021
I've had this on my pile for a while...and since I am saving the new release for my Christmas break, I thought why not...and holy cow, it was AMAZING. Everything worked, just all of it, even the most surprising scenes somehow worked, the chemistry between all of them was so good. And there are 4 more of them, yay!
July 12, 2020
Very refreshing to read a series where the main characters are mature and older than usual.. But let me tell you Gibson is smooookinggg hotttt! 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Can't wait to read the rest of the Brothers!
#FiftyButHunky
#SmallTownRomance
#Brothers
Can't wait to read the rest of the Brothers!
#FiftyButHunky
#SmallTownRomance
#Brothers
December 9, 2019
I M going to be honest here ... not my kind of read. I DNF, I do it personally like books where the H shares the h with his mates. It is. Or romance to me. When he started to share the h I was out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2021
I was semi feeling this book until that unnecessary and random threesome scene
not-gonna-be-able-to-do-it
October 3, 2023DNF, 32%
July 16, 2018
This was an awesome find. I saw a review of Padraig book 2 on Tome Tender Blog So I checked out the book and saw that Gibson was 99cents and thought go for it! And it did not dissapoint!! Love this one.
Great story and writing style. Its funny.
I read it in 1 sitting couldn't put it down.
Great story and writing style. Its funny.
I read it in 1 sitting couldn't put it down.
March 14, 2021
Mature Motorcycle Mountain Men
Charlene (Lee) had a marriage that fell apart, a body that was letting her down and job she wasn’t really enjoying, so she moved to the mountains and settled in a small town, in a tiny cabin. She took up yoga, spent time outdoors and started to look and feel better about herself and her life again. So she decided to actually start living in her small town and started talking to people. One of the first women she spoke to, Jenny, ran the diner and desperately needed the help of someone with Lee’s skills in cake decorating (rusty but better than Jenny’s).
Gibson is 55 with two failed marriages, three grown sons and a really cool dog. He retired from Chicago PD and moved back home after all the cases got too much. He now practices his carpentry skills for rich folks buying in the mountains for his friend Paddy’s construction company, when he is needed. When Gibson spots Lee with Jenny, his friend’s sister, he is instantly smitten in a way he’s never before in his life experienced and spends some time trying to devise a way around her moratorium on relationships.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that the characters were all mature, had histories, previous relationships and kids. I loved they had bodies that were slowing down but hadn’t stopped by a long shot, that they had sex and gossiped with their friends about it. I liked that there was an incredibly tight group of friends who’d known each other their whole lives that lived in a wider community that all knew each other.
There were lots of additional things I loved about this book that revolve around plot and humour and general sexiness. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series, because I’m very intrigued about the lovely Paddy.
Charlene (Lee) had a marriage that fell apart, a body that was letting her down and job she wasn’t really enjoying, so she moved to the mountains and settled in a small town, in a tiny cabin. She took up yoga, spent time outdoors and started to look and feel better about herself and her life again. So she decided to actually start living in her small town and started talking to people. One of the first women she spoke to, Jenny, ran the diner and desperately needed the help of someone with Lee’s skills in cake decorating (rusty but better than Jenny’s).
Gibson is 55 with two failed marriages, three grown sons and a really cool dog. He retired from Chicago PD and moved back home after all the cases got too much. He now practices his carpentry skills for rich folks buying in the mountains for his friend Paddy’s construction company, when he is needed. When Gibson spots Lee with Jenny, his friend’s sister, he is instantly smitten in a way he’s never before in his life experienced and spends some time trying to devise a way around her moratorium on relationships.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that the characters were all mature, had histories, previous relationships and kids. I loved they had bodies that were slowing down but hadn’t stopped by a long shot, that they had sex and gossiped with their friends about it. I liked that there was an incredibly tight group of friends who’d known each other their whole lives that lived in a wider community that all knew each other.
There were lots of additional things I loved about this book that revolve around plot and humour and general sexiness. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series, because I’m very intrigued about the lovely Paddy.
January 30, 2026
*************************
reread jan 2026 : 4 stars
*************************
Some readers say it's remains them a lot of KA works - esp. Sweet Dreams - the reason why It was in my TBR: it is not a carbon copy !!! (lack of KA rambling and how she twists a thought in 5 sentences).
A mature (hot /erotica? ) romance with a self-assured woman who (finally) knows who she is and is comfortable in her own skin (after a 20 y marriage and divorce), as well as a seasoned alpha-type male who knows what he wants and what he likes.
It was a quick and easy read though, and while this has “shades” of a MC romance, it’s about the safest version of an MC romance you can find.
It’s not perfect, but it’s got the tropes I enjoy and potential for growth. It really needs an editor, but I’m going to check out the next book and see where it goes.
reread jan 2026 : 4 stars
*************************
Some readers say it's remains them a lot of KA works - esp. Sweet Dreams - the reason why It was in my TBR: it is not a carbon copy !!! (lack of KA rambling and how she twists a thought in 5 sentences).
A mature (hot /erotica? ) romance with a self-assured woman who (finally) knows who she is and is comfortable in her own skin (after a 20 y marriage and divorce), as well as a seasoned alpha-type male who knows what he wants and what he likes.
It was a quick and easy read though, and while this has “shades” of a MC romance, it’s about the safest version of an MC romance you can find.
It’s not perfect, but it’s got the tropes I enjoy and potential for growth. It really needs an editor, but I’m going to check out the next book and see where it goes.
July 16, 2018
Lee and Gibson...yes please!
Oh my goodness. Loved this book. Read it in one day. Loved Lee and Gibson...I always wanted a Tate or a Tack. A Joe or a Ty now I can add a Gibson to my want list. Loved the story, the characters, the small town vibe but the best for me was that they were my age. I'm 50 and I sometimes can't get into the stories about 20 or 30 year old anymore. Good to know 55yr olds can have this much fun, love .....and sex. Phew!!!!
Excellent book. Can't wait to read about his brothers and hopefully his sons. Well done Mia Malone.....a fabulous book. Get it. You won't be sorry.
Oh my goodness. Loved this book. Read it in one day. Loved Lee and Gibson...I always wanted a Tate or a Tack. A Joe or a Ty now I can add a Gibson to my want list. Loved the story, the characters, the small town vibe but the best for me was that they were my age. I'm 50 and I sometimes can't get into the stories about 20 or 30 year old anymore. Good to know 55yr olds can have this much fun, love .....and sex. Phew!!!!
Excellent book. Can't wait to read about his brothers and hopefully his sons. Well done Mia Malone.....a fabulous book. Get it. You won't be sorry.
August 20, 2018
Loved it, loved it, loved it!
I agree with some of the other reviews, there is a similarity to Kristen Ashley's writing in this book. But even though I have read all of KA's books, and have them saved on my kindle, in some ways I liked this book even better. There were parts where I found myself laughing out loud, parts where the drama was perfect, and the H/h were a perfect fit. I've already purchased the next two books, one which is being released tomorrow. I am anxious to read them since I couldn't put this one down and will be keeping it and reading it again...and again. I think I have a new favorite author!!! Well done Mia!
I agree with some of the other reviews, there is a similarity to Kristen Ashley's writing in this book. But even though I have read all of KA's books, and have them saved on my kindle, in some ways I liked this book even better. There were parts where I found myself laughing out loud, parts where the drama was perfect, and the H/h were a perfect fit. I've already purchased the next two books, one which is being released tomorrow. I am anxious to read them since I couldn't put this one down and will be keeping it and reading it again...and again. I think I have a new favorite author!!! Well done Mia!
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