The Redirection of Damien Sinclair

Pine Bluff #4

by Nancee Cain

Acclaimed divorce attorney Damien Sinclair has witnessed more than his share of love’s ugly aftermath. He keeps things black and white, preventing anyone from getting too close. But his illusion of control fades when an attempt on his life leaves him struggling with PTSD.Enter Damien’s childhood friend, the free-spirited Harley Taylor. Shrugging off the awkwardness of their teenaged fling and her broken heart, she appoints herself his caregiver. The man needs to learn not to take himself so seriously, and she’s hellbent on snapping him out of his brooding funk.After a decade apart, Harley and Damien find their attraction is stronger than ever. Could Harley’s sunny disposition be the bright spot Damien needs in his life? Or will their differences overshadow any hopes of a future together?

Genres: Contemporary Romance

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Nancee is a retired addiction counselor & nurse who worked to support her coffee and reading habit. A terrible insomniac, her nights are spent writing magical realism, paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge. She puts the fun in dysfunctional and is a known book hoarder. You can find all of her books here: https://books2read.com/ap/xXAODR/Nanc...

And feel free to stalk her here:
Website: https://www.nanceecain.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nance...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NanceeCainAu...
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Nancee_Cain
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nanceecain/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanceecain/
Amazon: amazon.com/author/nanceecain

Represented by SBR Media: https://www.sbrmedia.com

Reviews

[Jennifer Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reunion of Rich Boy and Servant Girl

The Pine Bluff series features a fun, varied group of twenty-somethings living in small town Alabama. I love how each character has unique quirks and life circumstances. In the fourth installment, cranky attorney Damien fights off his budding attraction to his childhood sweetheart, Harley. It's the reunion of the over-responsible boy and the little girl with stars in her eyes.

Damien's wealthy family employed Harley's parents as cook and butler. Damien, his younger brother Angel, and Harley shared childhood spats and adventures. As teenagers, Damien and Harley fell in love, but their parents squashed their romance due to socioeconomic differences.

Flash forward to present time. Damien has just sustained a trauma involving his career as a divorce attorney, and Harley arrives to nurse him back to health. This time they don't have their parents standing between them, yet there are still haunting barriers to their love.

Harley tells Damien,

"You know, I credit myself with your success as a lawyer. Think about all those years you practiced arguing with me."

Unfortunately Damien has had too much success at helping his clients divorce each other, which has led him to be cynical and frightened about love.

Damien and Harley meet Harley's former lover, Mark, and the woman who loves Mark, Jinx. Jinx owns a big dog and it sounds like Mark, Jinx, and the dog will be main characters in book five.

It was the biggest goddamned dog Damien had ever seen. His tail swept across the floor like a windshield wiper.

Looking forward to future books in the series!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earlier this year, I read the second book of the Pine Bluff series, The Resurrection of Dylan McAthie. At the time I knew I’d go on to pick up other installments because it was clear that Nancee Cain had created several interesting residents of the small Alabama town that serves as the setting. She has cleverly set up a multitude of story possibilities and when I read the premise of The Redirection of Damien Sinclair, I was intrigued.

The story begins in an Atlanta courtroom, where divorce attorney Damien Sinclair has just won another case. His victory is short lived, however, when the disgruntled ex-husband viciously attacks him. The near fatal injury sidelines Damien, both physically and mentally. On New Year’s Eve, his childhood best friend, Harley Taylor, pays a surprise visit at his hospital bedside. When Damien is released from the hospital a short time later, Harley surprises him yet again by showing up uninvited at his doorstep and announcing that she has arrived to take care of him during his recovery.

Damien bristles at the intrusion, and Harley has a magical way of touching his every nerve while also endearing herself to him. He begrudgingly allows her to stay with him, albeit with conditions. The two are long-time friends, but polar opposites. They are attracted to one another, but also frustrate the hell out of each other. The long-buried complications of their history quickly resurface and the sexual tension that ensues is nothing less than romantic comedy gold.

These two can argue, and their hysterical squabbles immediately reminded me of Jamie and Claire Fraser. Damien and Harley are full of passion and it bubbles up in the most extraordinary moments. I laughed aloud several times while reading this book, but there is much more than great humor to The Redirection of Damien Sinclair. Harley and Damien are a fascinating pair – intelligent and artistic, sarcastic and kind, caring and sexy. They are perfect for each other, and watching them both come to this realization is an adventure well worth taking.

I’ve read many of Nancee Cain’s book over several years, and without question this is my favorite so far. The story unfolded organically, without any forced emotions or manipulations. I truly believe that the author has found her calling in penning romantic comedy, and I hope she’ll offer more novels like this in the future. One of my favorite reads of 2018, and one you should one-click right away.

[Joyce Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien Sinclair a well established divorce attorney thinks he has everything under control in perfectly organized life. Nope not a chance. A horrific attempt on his life sends him into a spiraling mess of uncontrollable chaos. Stripped raw and vulnerable Damien has no idea how to recover from the crippling effects of his current and dark situation!

Then a blast from his past steps into this current nightmare threatening to bring sunshine and hope. Harley Taylor a childhood friend and prankster is the complete opposite of Damien but there is no way this free spirited feisty woman is going let this bull headed cranky man refuse her help. As Harley tries to help Damien recover and to step back into some sort of normalcy things begin to heat up between the two! However past situations seem to invade their attempts to be more.

Can the electric chemistry between be lit up with extreme passion that they both crave so badly or will past complications leave them gutted and destroyed?

This story is extremely well written it flows beautifully and will keep you entertained clear till the very end! 5 stars all the way!!!

[Eunice J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Each book in the Pine Bluff series keeps getting better and better. Damien Sinclair is my new book boyfriend. A handsome man, who likes things to be in order. Harley is his childhood friend and so not about keeping things in order. Their story is so special and sweet. The underlying theme is PTSD and how to cope. A great love story with a message that can help anyone who's experienced a tragic event in their lives. Pick up a copy, in fact, read this series!

[Nancee Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

First they were friends... then they were lovers... and then the wanker went back to college breaking her heart. When Damien faces his darkest hour, Harley returns, and his world will never be the same.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Nancee Cain, there was plenty of twists and turn in this story with surprises around the corner to always keep a person what will happen next. Young love squashed by those wanting to keep Damien and Harley apart, but in all great stories something happens to bring them back together. Will they face their fears and find the love that was there in their youth or will they be torn apart? It's up to you Readers to find out. The Pine Bluff Series is a must read from the first to the last book so get yours and find out what happens

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damien and Harley's story isn't a favorite of mine. Don't get me wrong the life both of these characters lead is a bit depressing and he events that led them to where they are now is a bit heartbreaking, I guess I just didn't get as invested in these characters like I did the previous 2 books.

Harley Taylor has known the Sinclair's since she was a little girl. As the daughter of the help she grew up right along side the Sinclair brothers and participated in many of their kid-like antics. She's been in love with Damien since she was 5-years old, only to have him break her heart at the age of 18.
Now as an adult she gives off the vibe of being a care-free and wild woman. Someone who Damien definitely wouldn't have anything to with.

Damien has lived his life in a nice little box. As a divorce lawyer he's seen the ugly side of marriage both in his home life and with his job and is determined to not get married. With his latest case wrapped up he never expected the events to happen after, but they've led to Damien's perfectly time lifestyle to become a bit chaotic.

Harley is determined to care for Damien. He may think he's living and perfectly fine with what happened that day, but he's quickly learning everything is not as okay as he wishes it were.

Can Damien finally open his eyes to see the colorful life Harley can offer him? Or will he finally push too far and push away the best thing that could ever happen to him?

[Haylee James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I couldn't stop reading this book once I started. It sucks you in and refuses to let you go. You when they say opposites attract well that phrase is very clear in this book, because damien and Harley are completely different from each other in every way except for their attraction to each other. I love this book and i know others will too.

[Ruth Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the journey of this series so far. The characters are well developed and the plots are great. Damian Sinclair is a divorce lawyer that lives life in black and white he has extreme ocd and control issues. Harley Taylor is the complete opposite fun loving living on the edge colorful. They were close as children maybe as adults they can mend their past mistakes.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damien

Feisty and fun! A wonderfully delightful story that had me smiling the whole way through. I enjoyed the characters and how they each realized and worked through their issues with the help of each other. They were the perfect balance.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damien's story is the clash of the classes, the haves and the help and interfering parents. What happens when young love is destroyed and deterred because it's inconvenient? The author writes a compelling story filled with angst and feelings of inadequacy and feelings of abandonment and PTSD. When tragedy strikes his controlled life Damien is completely thrown for a loop. No longer comfortable in his daily life and now everything is different. She has loved him since she was 5 but he doesn't see her that way. The love that comes naturally for her is a battle for him and until they both face their individual problems they wont be any good for each other. A battle of the hearts that the authors gives us characters and emotions that make us want to see them fight and get their forever. Hearts will change and so will their lives as Damien and Harley learn to live.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I am not a sweet man, nor have I ever been a sweet man. I'm a bastard through and through. Don't ever forget it." ~ DS

Oh Pine Bluff, I love everything about you and every installment gets better and better. I wish I could send everyone a copy of this series, because you seriously don't know what you're missing. This installment, the Redirection of Damien Sinclair, is a second chance romance that will exceed the boundaries of your expectations.

Damien Sinclair is a divorce attorney. You know the kind - cold, and uncaring. He's meticulous, organized to a fault, and controlling doesn't even begin to describe him. Damien likes things his way because there is no other way. Enter Harley Taylor, a childhood friend. She's spunky and lively - everything he isn't. She sees him for him, and not who's he's supposed to be. She's everything he's ever wanted but can never have. They fall for one another at a young age but their love can never be because she's the daughter of his family's hired help.

Flash forward to present day... He's suffering from PTSD and she's bound and determined to do what she does best, take care of him, against the odds. Take care of him, she does. Knocking him down a few pegs she masters, but can they get past the hurt that each of them carries around and family expectations only intensify?

Nancee has yet again written another heart warming plot, with strong quirky heroines infused with perfectly layered complex heroes. I've said it before, this cast has worked it way into my heart. Ms. Cain's wonderful prose has you feeling all the feels in a realistic tale of life, love, obstacles, and what it takes to over come them.

"Then double down, girlfriend. You have to be willing to risk the heartache. I'll be here to celebrate if you succeed or pick up the pieces."
Harley Smiled. "Thanks, Claire Bear."
"That's what girlfriends do, Harley Harlot."

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I think I have a favorite couple in this series, along comes another one to compete for that top spot. I'll admit I wasn't sure about this one. When we met Damien in the last Pine Bluff novel, he was the rigid, follow the rules, older brother to Angel, and I didn't find him all that likable. However, Harley is everything Damien is not and exactly what he needs in his life. There's plenty of head-butting and loads of sexual chemistry and tension between this pair as they work their way to their second chance. We also get some drama as Damien deals with PTSD and the loss of his precious control, and Harley works through her insecurities in the midst of those that would compete for Damien's attention. Of course, the author sprinkles the story with plenty of wit and humor, including a couple of hilarious pranks and lots of fun banter. This fourth Pine Bluff novel is part of a series and characters from earlier books do pop in and out, but it works well as a standalone. However, once you've met any of these wonderful characters, you'll want to know more, so I recommend reading the from the beginning. To sum it up, Damien and Harley are everything I’ve come to expect from Nancee Cain as she once again transports us to her world of Pine Bluff and romance and makes us want to stay there. This is not just another romance in just another story, and these are not just a couple of characters. With her signature wit and talent for prose, Cain has given us two more friends – they make us laugh, they make us mad, they make us feel, and I loved every single minute of it.

[Jennifer Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for this series! Don't miss out on Damien's story!!

I would highly suggest you read the whole series, but Nancee Cain has done it again with this book! Oh my goodness I don't even know what to say. I mean besides I love love love absolutely love this book and this series as a whole!!! She has molded these wonderful masterpieces from clay and she calls them the Pine Bluff series!!
I love how in this book in particular Damien has a pretty nicely controlled lifestyle and seems to be doing just fine as is, but just like in life sometimes something or maybe even someone can shake it up a bit and redirect your path in ways you didn't know was possible. I don't want to give any spoilers so I gotta keep this short haha! So dive head first into this beauty and find out just how much Damian has endured and overcame and if he just loses control, decides to give it up on his own terms, or the lawyer in him accepts a fine looking settlement. Thanks for another great book!!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Nancee did it again. She takes you on this great journey of love that is so relatable and realistic. You know the story wealthy boy and the girl (who's parents are the help) fall in love but of coarse parents get involved and you know what happens.  Yet this book is so much more than a second chance at love.  This is about growth of not only the two main characters but of their families as well. This book is about the strength of a young woman who won't give up on the man she loves even when he gave up on himself. Hayley pushes Damien to face what has happened to him and to work threw it with her instead of working threw it alone and closing himself off to the world.  We get to see some characters from previous books and we met some new characters that I cannot wait to hear their stories! This is a must read and can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the other books in the series just because they are all great!!!

[Laura Voss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancee has created a community of lovable, flawed characters. Angel is my favorite male character of the series so far. I believe I have already claimed him as mine. Harley has to be my favorite female character. She is so full of life an spunky with just the right amount of flaws to make her not over the top nice. Damien is very structured and suborn. When disaster strikes it shakes up his controlled life and sends him reeling. Growing up with Damien the two have a past that's unfinished, but it also makes her the only person willing to stand up to him when he's being unreasonable and controlling. 
She's a free spirit who's just floating around in life and he's a so set in his ways and trying to be perfect he's stuck in life. The two need each other to balance out their lives but can they get past their past and the pressure of status expectations?

I have loved the entire series and can't wait for more!

[Chrissyvs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancee Cain blew this one out of the water!! I LOVE how this story grabs you from the get to!! Damien and Harley have been friends since they were kids.....which turned into something else for about a minute. They however find themselves thrown together 10 years later, where you realize that things were never really over, or dealt with, that the attraction is still there!! Second chances has ALWAYS been one of favorite types of romance and this story is just that.
These two never had a chance to see if they were made for each other, sadly the choice was taken away from them.....but this amazing story shows us all is not lost, that they both still deserve love.....if they would just stop fighting it. When they both finally came to that realization, it was magical. They really are perfect for each other.

[Gin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Terrific second-chance romance with amazing characters. This is my first read from this series and it was so good I’m going to read the others. The wonderful town is a character in the story as much as the fabulous humans. I loved Harley, the wild child of the past and present. She comes storming back to town ready to shake things up or at least one upright lawyer. Childhood friend Damien is said lawyer that’s suffering from recent events. These two had a childhood romance that the parents squashed. Harley’s determined to shake up Damien and get him back on track or at least where she wants him to be. Fantastic writing takes us on an entertaining journey with Harley and Damien as they find love and heal. The journey immerses us into the culture of Pine Bluff and its wonderful residents. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Redirection of Damien Sinclair is book four in the Pine Bluff series but it can be read as a standalone. I read The Reinvention of Jinx Howell (Book 5) first and then decided to read this one. Damien grew up with Harley. Harley's parents worked for Damien's family. Damien is now a successful divorce attorney. He's is not a fan of getting married. After having a won a case he finds himself in a bad situation that leaves him struggling. Harley is there to help. Harley has always had a crush on Damien. Harley is a wild card. She's a free spirit and a prankster. I wasn't a huge Harley fan at first but I warmed up to her. There was a part from The Reinvention of Jinx Howell that I was happy to see in this one too so I could read the aftermath of it between Damien and Harley. Harley and Damien have a lot of up and downs. Overall this one was a good read.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this phenomenal series, and is Damien and Harley’s turn. Damien is always in control of his life, even when he is struggling with PTSD. Harley and Damien have a history, and this free spirit appoints herself as his caregiver, and she certainly shakes up his quiet life. This is another beautifully written story from this exceptional author, and this story is humorous, and with suspense which all lead to a heart-warming read. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and cannot wait to read more form this talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all.

[Chantell Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m mad. Mad that it’s over. Mad that I couldn’t pace myself to have something to read later. Seriously. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down.

Sometimes it’s hard to see second chances for what they are. Life gets in the way and can steer you in the wrong direction if you aren’t paying attention. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, Fate will step in and give life a hard push out of the way.

I love the glimpses of previous characters in the the series.

Cain never disappoints. I have read and own everything she’s written.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well she did it again!! I have read the entire series, I fell in love with the characters that Nancee has created, and every time I say I found my new favorite couple, she throws me for the loop! Harley and Damien were a whirlwind, well at least Harley is. My emotions played high on this, one minute I was frustrated, the next pissy, then sad, then totally thrilled and laughing at her silly pranks. Thank you Nancee for giving me the opportunity to read this, as always you never disappoint. I look forward to the next great read!!!

[Chele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien appears like a hard nosed wanker, but there's a reason. Harley appears to be flighty and can't hold a job. They were friends , then more, then it was over. After a traumatic event , Harley comes in , to take care of Damien, Will he let Harley stay around long enough for her to find out what the reason was that split them up , or will he continue to shut her out . Join Damien and Harley as they figure out , what they are going to do next.
5 stars and a recommendation to all

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancee's latest Pine Bluff novel has it all! I loved the characters I'd already met in previous books but it's a great stand alone story. Damien and Harley have fantastic chemistry if they will just give into the inevitable. Their journey is filled with joy and heartbreak and is a story that stays with the reader long past the last page.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Loving Damien, he comes across as this cold, hard....well A-hole, but really hes got this huge scared and bruised heart. I love how Harley is rocking his world and bringing color(Harley red to be exact) into his monochromatic life.

[Jo Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Damien and Harley took me on a wild ride; the dips, the turns, the highs and lows, just wow. I really loved this story and enjoyed the interplay between the characters, and dang did it have a few hot spots too!!

[Denise Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book! Read it as fast as I could. I've read them all and loved them.

Don't miss this great read. Suspenseful all the way..kept me really guessing! Read all Nancee's books. You will love them. Her characters really come alive. I can't wait for the next promised book!!!

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damien is a successful lawyer who lives a very regimented life. His life takes a turn when he starts suffering from ptsd after experiencing the unthinkable. Enter Harley, the help, the total opposite of Damien. This fun-loving woman has always loved Damien and decides that she needs to take care of him. The narrative is often humorous, often exasperating as Damien and Harley try to work out their differences and their obvious need for each other. I particularly enjoyed the scene at Maggie and Angel's B and B. I love the continuity of characters as different relationships develop. Although not necessary I highly recommend reading all of the amazing stories from Pine Bluff. Another winner-looking forward to the next in the series.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 * for me

Damn! Damien is very much like me, the responsible old guy, in my case girl.
I know exactly his frustration about separations, he is a divorce attorney, hell my parents have their divorce at the age of 70... I'm still traumatized, it's been a year.

Love and caring has not been in his vocabulary for a long time but as Harley arrives, his teen sweet heart, his vocabulary might change. No worries like in their past, but obstacles still linger. I hope they can make it.

If you want to know grab it tomorrow!

Funny and enjoyable story, I recommend.

[Deb (D L) Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancee Cain can tell a story of tragedy, romance, and heartbreak all in a few pages. This book grabbed me from the beginning and kept me turning pages as quickly as possible all the way until the end. The Pine Bluff series could be read as a stand-alone series, but why? The characters support each other from each book to the next. I recommend reading in order. If not just read them! I see myself rereading this series in years to come.