A stunning, heartfelt new stand-alone by New York Times best-selling author Mia Sheridan - available in audio first!
Brant Talbot runs a glitzy network of high-end bars in New York City, enjoying all the benefits of the lavish lifestyle he's worked so hard to achieve. When he learns that his estranged father is dying, he must return to his family’s Kentucky horse farm - and to a past he thought he left behind.
While facing long-buried truths, he collides with his father’s secretary, Isabelle Farris. Despite his undeniable attraction to the beautiful, independent young woman, he sees secrets in her eyes and believes she has designs on Graystone Hill.
Now the one woman he can’t afford to trust is about to become the one he can’t let go.
Brant's Return felt like an old school Mia Sheridan book to me, and that's what I loved about it. It gave me the feels and was heartfelt and emotional.
Brant Talbot returns home to Kentucky for the first time in over a decade after receiving a call from his father's secretary, Isabelle Farris. All Isabelle wants is for Brant to have the time to say goodbye to his father and for both of them to find some forgiveness and healing. Brant, however, thinks she has ulterior motives at first. Before he gets to know her, that is. Anyone that truly knows Belle knows that her heart is pure and she would never take advantage of anyone.
Isabelle has been through tragedy. She suffered an unthinkable loss three years ago and still hasn't moved on fully. Brant brings out feelings inside of her she's not ever felt. These two don't get along at first, but once they do, the chemistry is there full force. The only problem is Brant doesn't know what to do with his feelings. He's never had feelings like this for another woman. It's a learning curve for them both.
This was very much a beautiful and emotional romance, but it also had some suspense and twists and turns. I loved both the characters, but Belle was my favorite. And Brant's dad- I adored him! I loved the way this story ended. It left a huge smile on my face. I listened to the audio book and it was narrated by one of my favorites, Jacob Morgan, along with Virginia Rose. They both did a wonderful job.
Mia Sheridan's writing is stunning, this story is heart-wrenching, steamy, and an all around great read.
I only cut the point because heroine overshadowed hero. Belle is so strong, emotional, a survivor who is embracing her pain , past traumatic experiences. She’s an amazing and respectful woman who is raised in Amish community but she finds her purpose by connecting horses. She’s full of life and still a believer of second chances. But I found Brant a little shallow when I compare him with her. And Brant’s father is also one of my favorite characters in this book. I also expected the final twist but I still liked this book. I know it’s not even close to Archer’s voice or Becoming Calder, but I still like the way of Mia Sheridan’s storytelling. Maybe it’s based on a formula and she’s criticized about it. But it’s fine for me if she continue to create better heroes in her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
You know what I like most about Mia Sheridan books?
No matter how much you like or dislike her characters or the story, you can always count on her masterful storytelling.
It's beautiful in its simplicity. I rarely cry over books these days and yet there was a moment in this story that moved me so deeply that my poor heart still hurts.
Yes, the story is deeply emotional and enjoyable but somehow... forgettable. Nothing makes it stand out from her other works or other good romances I have read. It felt just like a filler in between her truly epic novels.
I wish she would break free from clichés and predictability once and for all. One moment I'm totally lost in another world and blinded by raw emotions and the next my eyes are stuck to the back of my head - a result of too much eye-rolling.
I know what Mia Sheridan is capable of. Remember Archer?
Trigger warning: Why do so many author write about ["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
its so difficult to find any fault with this story.
the characters are wonderful, the setting is cosy, the writing is so emotionally compelling, as always. it should come as no surprise to anyone that i loved this.
Here's the thing about Mia Sheridan books. This gal can write. The dialogue flows naturally and evenly, not choppy or dumbed down. The characters talk like real people that are doing real actions. She at least puts some effort into researching the setting of her stories. She's written 20-some books so she's no freshmen to the genre. The writing was good so I think that at least deserves 2 stars.
So everythign sounds good, right? Wrong.
After 20-some books you think an author would have written something that wasnt so entirely fucking cliche. Like, every. single. romance. cliche. in. one. book. She took the "How to Write a Contemporary Romance for Dummies" guide and copy-pasted it.
So now lets go over everything I didnt like.
The Hero: King douche manwhore of New York comes down from his castle and assumes the h is a gold digger because.... he just thinks that way and we need a plot device that will get these two characters together. He's gotta be rich, experienced and successful because thats what we, women folk, find attractive in a man. And even better, he has to look down on all of the other conniving women hes ever been with because all they want is to be in a relationship with him *cries real tears of angst*
The heroine: Overall, she was a square. A saintly farm girl with a tragic past (obvi her past needs to be tragic so she can be uber vulnerable around the hero so he can be more of a man) that puts herself on ice so the hero can teach her things about sex that she never got with her one and only previous lover; her deceased husband. We of course could not have a heroine who actually loved someone before the hero, no, that wouldn't be allowed. Ex-husband had to be a cheating asshole that was also into crime so the hero actually seems like a decent guy.
Heroine has no depth besides a) tragic past and b) likes to ride horses.
The plot: > Boy and girl get off on the wrong foot. > Girl is clumsy and drops stuff around boy because reasons > Boy realizes that girl is perfect in every way once he gets his head out of his ass. Because she's not like all the manipulative sluts in New York. Girl releases she likes the boy too because "Oh my god he makes me realize that I have a vagina and stuff!" > sex without condoms >Internal back-and-forth monologues and angst ensure >Is it time for OW drama? Of course it is!!!! Lets bring all those sluts of New York back into the picture to make the heroine a martyr of purity. Lets remind the audience that the heroine is the perfect girl and she's of course better than them because she doesnt show off any skin. Oh the horror!! >The OW plot thickens! A step by step guide: 1. Heroine is left alone by hero so she goes to the bathroom 2. Heroine hears OW talk shit on her and about getting back together with the hero 3. Heroine walks in on OW giving a forced kiss to the hero. 4. Only 100% original content here folks. > surprise! Heroine is pregnant! See previous note about sex scenes, sans condoms >Now its time for the finale, which is of course the part of the story where the heroines past comes back to haunt her! My favorite! Her life is in danger? With a gun pointed at her head? Even better! And you'll never guess who the villain is! No, actually, you will 100% be able to guess who the villain is because its so dang obvious. >Epilogue with kids.
Have you read this exact story before? Have you read it 10 times? 100 times? 200 times like I have?Well good, cause if you have and you're over the tropes and if you've read my review than I can tell you to skip this :))))
In all seriousness though, I think im finally over this author. Its just not worth the frustration.
Safety: -OW drama: see above -Pushing away from hero -Previous dead spouse and child trope -No other people after meeting -HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I absolutely loved it. I loved both Belle and Brant, plus I also loved Harrison, Brant's father! Really, Ms. Sheridan had me at the history/story of Caspian Skye with this one. (You'll have to read it to find out what Caspian Skye is. 😉) Well and then she added this line: "I looked for you."-Brant 💗
Plus, the whole setting on a horse ranch, both their tragic histories...
The book did have some issues. Quite frankly, the bad guy reveal made my eyes roll. Hard! But in spite of the few eye roll moments, and some predictably, this one made me swoon. This book left me happy with a very satisfied smile on my face. Happy reading!
I felt detached from the characters, and the romance was trite. There’s always an air of cliché or cheesiness in MS writing, but it’s also wrapped around layers of heartfelt, emotional, deep, and meaningful storyline. However, this one just didn’t hit the spot.
The reason behind Brant’s return was his father, but I feel like not enough attention was put into repairing their relationship. I think Brant should’ve cared more, but most of his focus was on Belle. I liked the animosity between them at the beginning.
But then it fizzled out, and they turned all mushy and acted so dang predictable. I adored the setting and enjoyed the mystery/suspense though. Overall, this book was ordinary. I like it better when MS surprises me with her dark gritty twisty romantic thrillers.
Overall Opinion: I agree with other reviewers in saying that this was reminiscent of Mia Sheridan's earlier works. I enjoyed it, but I didn't quite love it. Stinger and Archer's Voice will remain my favorites of hers. I know I am not describing it well -- but something just felt off with the pacing. I felt like I was always on this precipice of something big happening but it never really did. It might be that I had suspected the big reveal that happened in the major conflict way before it happened. I still liked it more than 3 "just okay" stars, but it just won't be gracing the top of my MS list.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Isabelle and Brant's story. Brant receives a call from Isabelle stating that his estranged father is dying of cancer and that he might want to return to make amends. Isabelle has been through tragedy, so she understands the value of being able to say goodbye. When Brant returns home, he is constantly surprised and intruiged by Isabelle while struggling with his broken relationship with his father. There are some big secrets revealed, some sweet moments, some sexy times, and a few suspenseful scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Isabelle and Brant's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It did feel slow a lot of the time. I never skimmed, but there was something that made me keep thinking it was about to pick up the pace but never did.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings -- but in the long run it isn't over a huge amount of time (it just didn't feel "insta" to me).
H rating: 4 stars. Brant. I liked him. Yes at first he was a jerk, but I understood his behavior after a while and forgave him. I think it helped a ton that we got his POV.
h rating: 4.5 stars. Isabelle. I really liked her. It's not that usual that I like a h better than a H, but I felt like that was the case here. She was just so strong and good despite her horrific past.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I cried a few times but I never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not by mcs
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had a cute epilogue with what I would call a HEA ending .
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
I read this book in one sitting as it felt like vintage Mia Sheridan where you felt for the characters as opposed to getting lost in the story. I missed this.
The first chapter gets your heart beating quickly with the horror and grief of one of the main characters. Isabelle (Belle) survives her worst nightmare and begins the healing with horses on an estate in Kentucky. She works for the owner and over time, they have formed a friendship. Her boss, Harrison, has terminal cancer and she wants to make sure he is comfortable. She discovers he has a son, Brant, and decides to reach out to him to inform him of his serious health. Brant has been estranged from his father for 13 years and shows little remorse to this news. This leaves a bitter impression on Belle. Brant decides to visit his old home as he has worked it out in his head that if his father dies, he may inherit a rare bourbon that was created by his grandfather and could boost sales with his successful bars and clubs in NY. He meets Belle, who is unimpressed, but is direct with the seriousness nature of his father's health and hopes that there could be a reconciliation. Brant had made assumptions that Belle was his father's girlfriend, but soon learns the truth about Belle and he is sucked in. She is trying to manage her grief, even after 3 years and learns that there are secrets that are starting to surface. What really happened that fateful night?
There are two storylines that are weaving its way towards the end and they soon intersect which keeps the suspense moving. I really enjoyed this and look forward to the next book.
Oooh, I loved this one! It made me cry--and that's a good thing.:)
No plot rehash, just some thoughts...
I loved and respected the heroine, Isabelle (Belle). What a tough life she had, and what tragic things she had to deal with! If ever a heroine deserved a HEA, it was this lady.
I also loved Brant, but it took some time for him to be true to himself and face his past. I can't believe he let himself be estranged from his father for 13 years. But once the circumstances of the estrangement were finally revealed...I couldn't believe his Dad let it go on as long as it did. Ack! What a waste of precious time...
Belle and Brant's relationship had everything I look for in a good angsty read. Some lovely, swoon-worthy passionate moments, and some disagreements and misunderstandings that had me tearing up along with our brave heroine. There were times when I thought 'Brant, wake up and face your past before it's too late!'
There was also some suspense that tied into Belle's past but it was kind of obvious how that was going to play out. No matter, I enjoyed it anyway, and there was an absolutely lovely epilogue with a HEA that put a big smile on my face.
4.5 "I Burn For You, Isabelle" Stars! (ARC provided by author)
Isabelle Farris is a woman from Ohio who's life has been touched by tragedy. Three years ago she moved to work and live at Graystone Hill, a horse farm in the Kentucky Bluegrass. She loved the land, and the wide open skies, and the serenity it brought her. The place had become her sanctuary, but her real passion was for the horses, and she spent as much time at the stables as she could. Being there gave her peace, pride, and purpose. When she wasn't working with horses she was the secretary to Mr. Talbot where she was in charge of the daily operations at Graystone Hill.
Brant Talbot left his past behind in Kentucky years ago to build his life in New York City. He now lives a lavish lifestyle where he's a successful, nightlife entrepreneur who owns and runs high end bars. When he hears his estranged father is dying he returns to his childhood home still angry and bitter, and immediately clashes with his dad's secretary Isabelle. He questions her motives while trying to figure out her story. She's a mystery to him, and he's intrigued by this beautiful, opinionated woman.
Isabelle is having a hard time dealing with he boss's arrogant, uptight, demanding son. Mr. Fancypants Businessman is extremely annoying, and unfortunately drop dead gorgeous. The man infuriates her every time he opens his mouth, but she's determined to do right by his ill father who has been nothing but good to her. He rescued her soul and gave her a home, and a deep sense of belonging. She cared about him and hoped he could somehow mend his relationship with his son. She realized right away after meeting Brant that he too had suffered. He seemed to carry a sadness inside him that she recognized in herself. As she gets to know him better she realizes there's more to him, as she see's glimpses of a funny, open, uninhibited, caring, protective man.
Brant spends time with Isabelle, and begins to have feelings for her. Soon he's crazy about her, and has never felt this way about a woman before. She makes him want things he never knew he'd want, but can he give her what she deserves? Can he trust someone enough to open up his heart to them?
-God, she was stunning.
-It felt as if I'd shared something with her I'd never shared with anyone else.
-I was his and he was mine, and the rightness of it soared inside me.
Brant's Return is an emotional standalone romance about second chances. This couple uncovers secrets and mysteries from the past as they explore the magic between them. It's about desire, chemistry, surviving, and being vulnerable. Two people from two different worlds that collide and find a once in a lifetime love.
Laced with a hefty dose of suspense and mystery, MIA Sheridan has crafted a sweeping love story that hit all my sweet spots.
It starts off with a bang. Brace your hearts, y’all because they’re in for some bruises. But for every punch it packs, this story also heals. It’s filled with hope and plenty of sweet, sweet emotion.
It’s also beautifully and flawlessly narrated. It was easy to get sucked into the story, the voices completely fitting for the characters.
In all? An absolute 5 Star hit. Original, emotional, and ultimately so so satisfying. Definitely don’t hesitate to pick this one up! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
The vibe that you get while reading a Mia Sheridan's book is so uniquely her. Like it or not but by the time you finish reading the epilogue your heart would have melted into a puddle.
I love Mia Sheridan’s Archer's Voice so much and since then, I have been a fan of her books.
Mia's stories have faith, love and are full of hope.
Brant's Return is not any different.
Isabelle was the victim of a horrendous crime. A home invasion left her without her husband Ethan and her four-year-old daughter Elise. Three years later, she’s working at Graystone Hill. She’s part secretary for Harrison Talbot, part horse trainer/whisperer. She also helps with the equine therapy which she used herself six months after she lost her family. Sadly, Harrison has been diagnosed with cancer and given six months to live. Isabelle recently found out Harrison has a son, Grant Talbot who’s a successful business owner in New York. Knowing Harrison is dying, she believes Grant and Harrison are running out of time. She decides to call Grant to make peace with Harrison before he passes.
Brant Talbot has not spoken to his father for over a decade. When his mother died, he severed ties to his father and to Graystone Hill. He’s the owner of many new bars in NYC. He’s in the process of buying one more when he gets the call from Isabelle. Curious about her and also the declining health of his father, he embarks on a trip back home. He has a shocking revelation when he arrives home. Belle is not like any other woman he has met before. She’s intriguing and she put him in his place. He also can tell she has lost much but loves being around the horses and she truly cares about his dad. Conflicting emotions develop for him. He has been used to having control and keeping his emotions buried while Belle has a very different way of dealing with hers.
Belle and Brant were so good together. There was chemistry and attraction. They helped each other heal from past events. Belle showed Brant how to open up his heart again.
The whole legend about Captain Skye and Glasblair was a truly gifted element to their romance. I loved every part of it.
I liked the secondary characters and two of them, Aaron and Hank deserve their own books.
After a disappointment with Seek, i am hoping Brant's Return will ammend my disappointment. And I am satisfy.
Isabelle suffers a tragic horific event that alter her life. Brant also losing someone he loves when he was young. Then 2 broken traumatic characters met by fate and their story collides. Collides into a beautiful story of healing and acceptance.
I wont say anything because if i do i have to spoil everything. Anyway... this book is different from other miss Sheridan books. This book has a mystery little bit. And thats makes this book so delicious.
Just a tiny thing. I can not really connect with Brant. I think its because Isabelle journey and her POV is the highlight of this book. Meanwhile Brant's POV is less.
Isabelle Farris is a woman who has rebuilt her life after suffering a terrible tragedy. She found solace and therapy in horses and now works as secretary to crotchety horse farm owner, Harry Talbot. She adores the old man and is deeply affected by his terminally ill health. She sees through his grumpy facade and hopes to repay the kindness he has shown her by contacting his estranged son in the anticipation that they may reconcile.
Brant Talbot left Kentucky thirteen years ago and has not once looked back. He’s made a success of himself in the New York bar scene and enjoys the trappings that come along with it. The call from Isabelle is unexpected to say the least; he wants nothing to do with his father but even so, he has his own reasons for going back.
He regards Isabelle with suspicion and the two do not have the best of starts. She thinks him pompous but her aim is to get him to establish a relationship with his father and nothing more. They call an uneasy truce of sorts and it’s only then that Brant realises his hasty unjustified assessment of her.
Brant’s Return is among my favourites of Mia. I’m left with such a wonderful feeling that shows no threat of dissipating. It’s a story to be treasured and encompassed such a wide range of emotions, I absolutely loved reading it. The epilogue gave me goosebumps and I can only hope my reading year ahead is filled with gems such as this one.
My friend Julia says that Ms Sheridan's new book sounds like a cliché. This is how she describes it: "She took the "How to Write a Contemporary Romance for Dummies" guide and copy-pasted it." LOL...
Overall, this was a very good listen. First, you can never go wrong with Mia Sheridan, she’s simply fantastic. And second, you can’t go wrong with Zachary Webber/Jacob Morgan, he’s simply the best male narrator. I don’t think I got as many feels as I usually get with a Mia book, that might change when I read the actual book but all in all this was very solid!
Magical, breathtaking, emotional, stunning... just some words that come to mind when I think about this book.
Belle has faced a tragedy no mother... no person... should ever experience. Years later she is working at Greystone Hill taking care of an elderly sick man while also working as his secretary/horse whisperer.
Enter Brant Talbot... devastatingly rich, successful businessman in NYC and owner of bars and clubs. Belle calls Brant to return home because his father is dying and they need to make amends to repair their relationship. When he arrives, he can’t help but not trust this beautiful secretary... is she in it for the money? Using his father? What is her story?
Despite their dislike for each other, there is an instant beautiful connection that they can’t deny. Being back home in Kentucky reminds Brant of who he once was, what it feels like to be himself again and more importantly puts him face to face with a beautiful woman and feelings and emotions... things he closed himself off to but things he deserves in his life. Conversely, Belle is happy and living and for the first time experiencing passion and love for what it’s supposed to be when you care for someone.
This road is bumpy... and there are elements of mystery and intrigue that kept me on my toes. But the parts that I loved the most was the healing, the finding out if the truth, the redemption, the love... the things that made my heart so happy that it felt like it would burst, the parts that brought tears to my eyes because I couldn’t contain the emotions.
Brant’s Return was heavenly and all-consuming and beautiful... all the words that make you feel... that’s what it felt like to me and more. Mia Sheridan writes magical stories and I’m in awe of her talent and the way she effortlessly gives us amazing stories over and over again and we just fall more and more in love with her, her writing, and her awe-inspiring characters... 😍😍
This book was interesting enough that I read it till the last page. But I did skim through. It was quite lengthy. I was bored at times. But the suspense was good. What was missing was some Heat. Brant and Isabella were nice but I didn’t feel the chemistry.
I don’t regret reading this book. If you want some cozy romance read with some suspense than this is a good read.
Audio - Nicely narrated by Jacob Morgan and Virginia Rose; although Virginia's accent was on and off throughout. Jacob did a wonderful job in adjusting his tone based on the emotion of the scenes. Nicely done.
The story was slow in the beginning which made it a struggle to stay interested but it picked up about 60% in. Overall I liked it but I didn't feel the connection between the main characters and couldn't understand the instant attraction. Even with the MCs sad backstory, it lacked the emotional intensity I felt when I read Archer.
AMAZING BALL as usual!!!! 🙏♥️ I prefer to read over audible so I imagine what the characters sound like in my own head 😂 but the storyline and the writing is just beautiful all the same. I am going to read it when it comes out though. After a tragic accident, Isabelle resigned at Graystone Hill taking care of the owner and the estate. When Mr. Talbot fell ill, Isabelle took it upon herself to inform Mr. Talbot’s estrange son of his grave condition hoping they can make amend before it is too late. Brant Talbot runs several high-end bars in New York City. He is living a high life that he always wanted it. When Brant left Graystone Hill many years ago he never thought he would step foot back in Kentucky or ever seeing his father again. However, there is something at Graystone Hill that he wanted so Brant decided to make a quick trip back, get what he need, and leave. Easy, right? When Brant finally came face to face with Isabelle nothing went according to plan…Brant’s father made an unexpected proposition that he might have to accept whether he likes it or not. I really like the enemies-to-lovers romance. Bring on the angst! Isabelle is a bit of a fragile character. She was dealt a shitty card and endured unimaginable heartbreak. She is resigned to living a quiet life but in a short time Brant turned her life upside down. When it comes to Brant though Isabelle isn’t shy about telling him exactly what is on her mind. LOL I love the proposition part – what she must of thought of this crazy man Brant also has been through tragedy that tormented him and hardened his heart over the year. Brant is all broody, accusatory, and skeptical when it comes to the woman in his father life but when it comes to Isabelle, all bets are off. I very much enjoyed the emotional heartfelt romance with a little bit of mystery and suspense. I adore Mr. Talbot who I feel really one of the main character of this book - such a good man. Brant’s return was such a heart-warming story over all, not only the beautiful romance but also the touching story of healing, forgiveness and second chance. Live it to Mia Sheridan to write such poignant and unique story – superb performance by the narrators. Love it!!!
Two different tragedies. One path Shattered dreams and hopes. One strong love
Beautifully written story, with right proportions of suspense, romance and angsty thriller.
What a roller coaster! What a great final twist. What can I say about main characters, I liked them. Although the hero f*cked up when he talked and when he was silent. You should know in your 30 when and what to tell your woman! And when you should stay silent. Safety: very manho before heroine, faithful to her since meeting. Crazy ex girlfriend, scene where she kissed her. Grovelling, I'd prefer much more. Wasn't enough for me. Heroine, well, Mia Sheridan made her Amish, she was Amish till her 18. Rebel Amish. She dreamed a lot and wanted to see the world. She escaped Amish culture with her late husband. Although she didn't have enjoyable sex life and only one partner before hero, she chooses just have sex with him, not marriage, not serious relationship. I liked her for not giving up on her dreams, personal and professional. she wanted being loved, she dumped her man because he thought he couldn't love her.
I didn't like parents of both MCs didn't tell them some important things, a lot of tragedies wouldn't be.