Banished. Banished for being too good with the ladies, and now I’m stuck East of Nowhere doing my brother’s bidding as penance. But the luscious Emmaline Andersson might just be the silver lining in this nightmare. Who knew that a sweet mouth could be so wicked?
Tessa Layne is a five-time USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance across many genres. Known for her high heat "emotionally searing and uplifting" story lines, Tessa’s books take you on an adventure of the heart from the rugged and remote Kansas Flint Hills to the big-city boardroom. Additional pen names include TS Layne (billionaires) and coming in 2024, Tessa Snow (dark fantasy romance). Tessa lives in the heart of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, daughters, and two unruly cats. When she’s not writing, you can find her outside chatting up the bees in her garden, hunting for berries in the woods, or playing in the snow.
I didn't expect this book to be so emotional and intense. It was angsty, but not so much that it made me want to stop reading.
Dec was a real piece of work. Harsh, entitled, arrogant, a real a$$h*le. I could not see anyway for Dec and Em to become a couple.
The more time Dec spent with Em, the more layers of both of their personalities were exposed. They both lives with so much pain, past, present, and future. Em and Dec developed not only an intense physical relationship, but also an intense emotional connection.
My only real issue with this book was Em was such a defeatist. I understand on one hand, but on the other, I wanted her to be hopeful, or at least willing to investigate options.
Dec and Em find lust romance, love and solace in their relationship, all culminating in their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy received from Booksprout.
Where to start? I have so much to say about this book. When I started reading it and realised that it wasn't after Mr. Pink but at the same time I was sceptical. It took me a couple of chapters to remember who everyone was in terms of the first book. But it was made clear over the first few chapters. I soon found it really enjoyable to read about Declan's life while knowing what is happening in Austin's at the same time! I am guessing the next book will be about Nico and Alison and I can't wait to read it. Tessa Layne is a great author and the way she is able to write erotic romance but still have such sensitive topics at the heart of each book is mesmerising. I read Mr. Pink as an ARC and am so glad that I did. This series I will be following to the very end and I have already pre ordered the next book!
Ohmygod, the emotions of family of trials and illness. I cried so much. My heart went out to Emmaline, when so many of us have illnesses in our family. Declan, the abuse and horror he grew up in, could break any person. Can they tell each other their darkest secrets? Can they accept their feelings for each other? Will secrets always keep them apart. Can Declan walk away from his family business and trust fund? You really need to start with her first book and read to this one they are awesome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was okay for me. The writing flows well, but again it's hard for me to like these characters. This series is a big change from what this author usually writes, and the characters I'm used to. While these brothers have real problems, all I hear is how their dad is manipulating them and they won't get their inheritance. Declan comes across as a jerk, and it takes a long time before I could see him as anything else. Emmaline had her own problems, and it was interesting to see how they each dealt with them. While I'm still not the biggest fan of this series, I think it's more a my preference thing, and not a bad book thing. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
This is the first Tessa Layne book I have ever read and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Because of this, I think that I would have connected to the characters better if I hadn’t come into the story in the middle. I’m not sure whether Mr, White is supposed to be able to be read as a stand-alone novel, but I would recommend reading her earlier books in order to better understand the big picture.
I enjoyed this book. It is a familiar formula- bad boy who is angry with everything meets a woman and becomes much more than he had ever been. He ends up becoming the one in the relationship who wants the commitment and is the one who pushes for forever. I love how much power that gives women. Over time we learn what has made Declan angry and cynical just as we learn why Emmaline looks so haunted and sad. As Declan becomes more in-touch with his emotions and his past, he starts the healing process. He begins living his life for someone besides himself and focusing on something other than his bottom line. As he opens up, so does she and they both learn about each other’s secrets. In the end I liked these characters, even though Declan did not seem likable at the start. Tessa Layne made them three-dimensional characters and showed both of them growing as individuals as the story progresses. I always love a happy ending.
The story touched on some really painful issues, but this book didn’t pull me in so much that I was weeping. This is nice as I hate when I lose it while reading, but it also means that I didn’t become as invested in the characters lives as I often do. I was left wanting more, as I indicated in the it I indicated in the title. I want more books so that I can continue to learn about the people involved and the world that the author has created! I will be looking for more of Tessa’s books to fill in some of the blanks, especially the one about Declan’s older brother. So wanting more is a good thing.
I do recommend this book, just start by reading some of the earlier books in order to have all the information you need to immerse yourself in Tessa’s world. This doesn’t mean only reading the other “Bad Boys” books, but the fourth “Hero” book as well. I suspect that Mr. White is a richer experience when other books have fleshed out the town of Prairie where Declan and Emmaline fall in love. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book and share my thoughts with others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a beautiful storyteller. Tessa Layne manages to pull my heart out, crush it, and then mold it into something new with every book. Wrap the seriousness of this story with the white hot steamy scenes shared by the characters and you've got a page turner certain to make you forget your responsibilities for a few hours!
This book was no exception to the need to keep the tissues close and the kids busy. Don't let yourself be disturbed. Sit down and soak this one in with everything.
Emmaline has been a character I've loved from the beginning of Tessa's world. I've always wondered what made this woman tick. Finally, seeing behind the curtain and getting know her story has been a beautifully complex path.
I'm so glad that the Case brother's were brought to town, shown the glory of small town woman, and opened to the possibility of more. Declan was no exception. Emmaline needs him more than she knows and he somehow finds what he needs in the process.
Heartbreaking and life altering, this story has had me thinking now for a few days. I needed to really digest the plot, the back story, and the way it was folded together to understand what the message was for me. A message that not only is tomorrow never promised but sometimes it is flat denied. Some of us know the clock is ticking, that there are certainties that will affect all of our relationships, but in the end do we deserve less than for the time we have?!
I say no! I say that even when you know time is short you should embrace it all. Take the days you have an fill them fully.
My take away... I don't know where I stand, too many days or not enough, either way if I live every day with gusto, love fiercely, laugh often, and sing as loudly as I want where & whenever I want then it doesn't matter. I will have lived a life worth living. I will be remembered and cherished. I will be complete!
The emotions this story reveals is achingly sweet and heartbreaking. Emmaline and Declan have amazing chemistry and they make each feel as good as they have ever felt. Their lustful attaction sends them into a relationship which, they both do not expect. Their vulnerabilities and secrets seem to draw them closer instead of further away. My heart aches for Declan and his brothers in the series. Their childhoods and their relationships with each other isn't one of close ties. They tolerate each other while trying to become their own men despite their father's controlling ways. Declan finds something with Emmaline that he didn't realize he could have. Emmaline, on the other hand, had a childhood opposite of Declan. Her parents were loving and devoted. She has her own difficulties with her life that Declan helps relieve some personal torments. But, will their troubles be too much for them to have a future?
This story line actually takes some turns that surprise me. That on the edge feeling of what will happen next between Declan and Emmaline never goes away. It keeps you glued to the pages especially, with such dynamic characters. I really like how Declan's story is happening at the same time as Austin's story (the previous book in series). It keeps the whole saga fresh with what is going on around Declan and Emmaline with the other Case brothers and Prairie. I recommend this book and series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mr. White is the second book in the Case Brothers series, but it’s set within the Cowboys of Flint Hills world. Declan knows that at the first glance of seeing Emmaline, his heart has forever been stolen. Sensing a kindred soul full of secrets, and he’s dying to uncover each one of hers as he slowly unveils each of his. But as they get closer, Emmaline draws further away. Can Declan keep the girl who finally brings peace to his tarnished soul?
Oh my goodness, y’all. This book. It definitely ripped me open emotionally in ways that I was not expecting! There are issues in this book that too many people in the world need to face and it added a realness to the story that made my heart hurt. But! Declan and Emmaline were absolutely fabulous together. I loved that their physical connection was never an issue, but they were both such private people, that connecting on a deeper level was much harder. They both had emotional scars, but I loved that they could lean on each other when necessary. Declan needed to be in charge, craved being needed, and until Emmaline, never realized how important love could be in his life. Emmaline was compassionate, full of layers, both sensual and sweet, and so open to life experiences and making lasting memories. They really made an amazing couple! This romance takes place at the same time as Austin’s book in Mr. Pink, and sets things up nicely for the third book with Nico’s story. I am loving these books, these emotionally scarred brothers, and the women who bring them to their knees to face the power of love!
Despite the past, to have love, we need to learn to love on…
Mr White is the second book in the Case Brothers series by Tessa Layne. This book is about Dec and Emmaline. I wasn’t sure at the beginning of the series if I would be invested… but Tessa takes plenty of angsty emotion, deeply buried pain, fears and vulnerabilities - she takes that darkness that we hold on to so tight and spins a tale, that one one of us could experience, that we can find love if we learn to open up. That if Dec and Emmaline can learn to expose themselves openly, honestly and with trust - they can find love, not just chemistry, no matter what they have to face.
Again, as with Mr Pink (Austin), Mr White (Dec) has more to his surface persona than he lets on. Beneath the brashness and confidence, there is vulnerability and pain. Emmaline has her own secrets and fears to overcome… bear with them… while their chemistry is explosive… they need a lot of patience with each other to get you to the books conclusion. Isn’t that what real life is like also… we are all stories in the making, ever evolving.
Tessa Layne is a fairly new author for me and her story, MR WHITE, another enjoyable weekend read. I look forward to the next book in this series MR RED - to continue reading the books that make up this series and its connected series. Getting to know all of the characters, their dynamics, and most of all… their stories.
I was expecting all the hot and steamy parts but I had no idea that this book would emotionally destroy me.
First of all there was Declan, he is this man who is actually a good guy but has some rough edges. He had a terrible childhood and he still bares those scars even today especially when Dad forces him to work with the "monster" of his childhood. He is trying to make a name for himself outside of his family name and I have to respect that. The part about Declan that I loved the most, was how out of the blue his feelings for Emmaline was. Reading about him trying to figure out his heart was fun to read. My heart broke for Declan, but my respect went through the roof for what he did for Emmaline. He gave her space but didn't let her think he forgot her.
I can't put into words how much I adored Emmaline. She is an all around wonderful character. She is strong, independent, and loyal. It takes her awhile to open up to Declan but when she does you finally understand why she has the whole weight of the world on her shoulders. I could understand her concerns when it came to long term with Declan but just like him, I didn't like it.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. The cookie crumbs that were left in this book leads me to believe that the final book is going to be amazing!!
I am putting this book in the “just ok” category for me. This is part of a series and although it says it can be read as a standalone I feel like I missed something with the characters in this book.
This was Declan and Emmaline’s story. Both of them have heart wrenching pasts that make it difficult for them to love or be loved.
Declan Case is a real estate mogul, but growing with a family winery it was expected that he would take on the family business. Due to some very deep family issues he went out on his own. He doesn’t feel worthy of love or even know what that is until Emmaline comes into his life.
Emmaline is a tailor, wedding dress maker and has a secret company that no one knows about. She has dealt with the loss of her father to Alzheimer’s and now her mother is failing with the same disease. She is determined not to love because she knows the depths of what this disease can do to the ones who love you.
These two have amazing chemistry. I love how she turns him into a softy with just being her. He gives her the strength and courage she needs too. I just feel like I missed some things along the way. We don’t find out Em’s connection to Danny and Declan was in a financial bind from what I could gather, yet he still was buying property and lots of it? It was just confusing and left me with questions that never were answered. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am not one to write spoilers but this one will have a few so keep that in mind if you continue reading. I LOVED this book. I laughed and I cried. I actually cried a lot. While my grandmother and my mother did not have Alzheimer’s but they were sick enough and so heavily medicated that they did not know me, so the entire last third of the book I cried and cried and cried some more because I understood Emmaline’s pain and I understood why she thought she needed to push Declan away and I also understood that Declan didn’t care if they had 5 years or 50 years he just wanted to have those years because that is what love is all about. They both lived with so much fear and yet love found away and helped them both heal and embrace the love they had been blessed to find. I have read all of Tessa Layne’s books and this one touched my heart, mind and soul in special way. The emotions pour off of the pages. I felt truly connected to Declan and Emmaline. I highly recommend this one as well as the other books in the different companion series that all revolve around Flint Hills. Great writing. Great reading experience.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book when I started reading it. Declan seemed overly bitter, but the author hadn't given the reader the details as to why he felt this way. So I started viewing him as self-absorbed with a huge chip on his shoulder. I started really liking Declan after he got into a relationship with Emmaline. First of all, he realized that compared to her past, he really had nothing to complain about. As a result, he started focusing more on her needs and less on his own. He realized he'd been a jerk in the past, which helped to redeem him in my eyes. Secondly, as he got closer to Emmaline, he started to open up to her about his childhood so that the reason for his bitterness now became clear.
Emmaline was a bit of a mystery at first, but then we discover what she's been going through with her parents, and we can't help but feel sympathy for her.
I felt Declan's pain when Em broke up with him. At first I thought the ending was settled a bit too easily, but there really wasn't any other way for it to be resolved. Emmaline had to come to the decision on her own, and even though it was killing Declan to give her space, he knew he had to do it, resulting in a satisfying HEA.
I had previously read all the Cowboys of Flint Hills books and Mr. Pink so i was looking forward to reading Dec's story. Mr White takes us to Flint Hills for Jason's wedding to Maggie where he meets Emmaline and is immediately drawn to her. He then finds himself back in Flint Hills having to work with his brother Jason, the tormentor of his childhood, due to an edict by their controlling father after he's been "cut off." Dec and Emmaline run into each other again and there is some serious chemistry, but also a lot of mystery. As the story unfolds we learn more about each of their painful pasts, and how that pain continues and holds each of them back from finding happiness. There were times in this story where I definitely needed the tissues. So many ups and downs to this story as they try to work through their issues, and Dec tries to win Em over to be more than a short term fling. Loved the introduction of Dec's new winery manager - and the lead in to Nico's story next. I also enjoyed how the story took place in both California and Flint Hills, and coincides with Mr. Pink (Austin's story). Looking forward to reading Nico's story now that he's gotten rid of his horrible ex-wife.
I have read the first two books with the case brothers. The first with half brother to triplets, Jason. The most recent being Mr. Pink, which focuses on Austin, one of the triplets. This book is about triplet , Declan, and he is hands down my favorite of the Case brothers to date. Declan is forced to be in Kansas by being cut off of the trust fund by his father. He is supposed to learn the wine trade from half brother and childhood bully , Jason. Declan has been working his way in real estate trying to set up his own legacy and doesn’t want Jason in his life. Emmaline does become a part of his life since Jason’s wedding. The attraction and chemistry is instant and soul grabbing. Both have secrets they keep close at hand and are private. Yet they have a connection that grows quickly a d deeply. Declan stole my heart with all he was willing to do, change and provide of Em. Em was a character that broke my heart with her struggles. This couple had me desperate for their HEA. Amazing read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this book for free in return for a review. I am pleasantly surprised. Okay, maybe reading part 1 first would have been helpful to understand the first 40% of the story. The un-enlightened like me me stumble through the first verrrrry steamy/naughty 40% feeling overwhelmed by so much explicit activity between virtual strangers it was tough continuing. BUT then, at 50% the story picked up. You get glimpses of our protagonists' pasts, they develop their personalities, drama unfolds, at 60% you are really into those guys' lives, new, interesting characters are introduced who might her their own book at some stage (hint,hint) and then you end up reading the entire Lot in one go, because the plot really takes off and takes you along for the ride. So, I give 4 stars for characters, 3 for writing, because the description of scenery is rather sparse while our male protagonist spends a lot of time pondering his own feelings which slowsthe flow of the story, 4stars for a plot that takes a while to get rolling,but then is really good. Technically speaking (editing and such) it is 4 stars, so over all I give four stars to the book. It might be useful to read book 1first, and you DO want to read the sequel.
Declan is heir of a wine family – though currently he is “cut-off”. Preferring to create wealth through real estate he is being “encouraged” to take a more active part in the family wine business. Declan has been “ordered” to work for his step-brother Jason, who tormented him when he was younger, as a condition to even the possibility of getting his trust fund back.
Declan’s purchase of an abandoned vineyard leads to Emmaline. Dress designer by day, mystery by night, and an obvious lack of funds which adds to the intrigue. The relationship which grows between these two is emotional and brilliant.
Family history and impact on both sides, as both our main characters shy away from commitment. But when you meet your soul mate, perhaps the impossible can happen.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Mr. White is the second book in the Case Brothers series. Book 1 was Austin's story and I think that the 4rth brother, Jason also had a book, but it's not listed in the series. He seemed like a man who had already found his forever woman. I don't understand how he was redeemed though and I want to find out. The book overall was good. It was a light read and the main characters were good. It's on the short side, it doesn't lack something a full length has. The author did a good job at writing this book and it got me interested not only on the other brothers' stories but also on her other works in general. This is the first book of hers I read and it won't be the last! Nico's story is next and from what I gathered there is a possibility that the timeline's of the two books overlap which is even better if you ask me! Emmaline and Declan had a good story and I enjoyed reading every moment of it. They clicked for me as a couple and I think that you should also read this book.
Tessa Layne writes a hits the heart, this is life for some, romance. I could not put Emmalina and Declans book down.
Declan has worked hard to get out from his family's company. However, when his trust fund is cut off from him by his father and his deal he has been working on goes out the window. He makes a quick deal with a friend to try to earn him back some money.
Unfortunately that deal requires him purchasing a winery. When he goes to check out the winery he bought, the squatters his friend warned him about is anything he expected.
The squatter throwing a party on his land is none other than Emmaline Andersen. The woman from his brothers wedding that he wanted to make everything better.
And now that he has to return to Prairie to meet the obligations to try to regain his trust fund, he wants to know more about the woman he found on his land.
What he learns, and never thought he would want for a future is that he wants to protect her, and make everything all right for her.
But when he sees what she goes through in her life and then when she pushes him away so that he does not have to endure her same tragic fate, he does not want to let her go ever.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holy moly, this one is a page-turner with plenty of sizzle, and drama.
Declan has his eye on Emmaline, the seamstress with a secret and a taste for the naughty. They don't have to sneak around like Macey and Austin did, but Declan has his own interests and really doesn't want to follow the rules.
After losing out on a big deal because his father froze his trust, Declan manages to acquire a vineyard and a winemaker via his friend Danny. He need this to create the perfect wine required by his father. Which of course gives him free rein to pursue other more pleasurable things. There's only one thing, Danny said there may be squatters...
So many secrets, so many tears as Declan falls deeper in love with Emmaline.
Even with all the family drama on both sides, this book sizzles and brings on the tears.
I can't wait to read mr. red, which is Nico's story!
4.5 Stars This is book 2 in The Case Brothers series and it features Declan and Emmaline. This is a love story that will stick with me. There have been movies and books but the way this author told Em’s story is one I won’t soon forget. It is to the point without too much filler story. The romance is so real. Their confidence in each other, in the bedroom, is almost perfection! His love for her is astounding! For the short amount of time the book spanned, they lived through so much together emotionally.
BRAVO! Such a fantastic story line! I fell in love with Declan but for obvious reasons, I can’t wait to read about Jason. I’m definitely looking forward to reading about the rest of the Case brothers.
First of all, I didn't expect to cry! Emmeline has been a quiet player in so many Tessa Layne books, but finding out her story was just plain heartbreaking. I hated it and enjoyed how emotional it was all at the same time. I would deduct a half star if I could because of some time frame issues. I felt like it was a little off while reading. One part felt like very little time had passed, but it was quite a few weeks. Then another part felt like longer, but it wasn't. I still can't get over Jason. he already had his own book but I feel like we need more. even though this is a stand alone, I recommend you read them in order. this overlaps the same time frame as Mr Pink, and I assume Mr Red will be the same
Declan is still having nightmares about his childhood and the abuse of his half brother upon him and his brothers. He wants nothing to do with his family and his father’s wine business. Emmaline has suffered a lot because of her parents’ illness. She is afraid of the future, she is afraid o loving and not being able to remember it. Two scarred souls that together learn to heal and to live through their love. An emotional story that touches me very close. I think this is the more emotional story by Tessa. A story that gives us hope and strength to fight against our demons. Just one advice: keep a box of tissues close by, you’re going to need them. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mr. White is book number two in the Case Brothers series by Tessa Layne. This is Emmaline Andersson and Declan Case’s story.
I had trouble connecting to the characters at the beginning of the book. As I got to know the characters and they revealed their secrets and vulnerabilities it was easier to feel a connection with them. Declan and Emmaline both are dealing with some really tough real life issues. Will they be able to find love or will the life issues win out? The last half of the book really pulled this story together for me.
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I enjoyed this read. It was very emotional. Emmaline and Declan had good chemistry and I liked them as a couple. Both these characters have wounds and secrets. They are not the easiest characters to connect with. You have to peel back their layers as you read to get to the real them and then these characters are more relatable. These two are opposites in so many ways but emotionally I felt they had plenty in common. The story has an overall angsty feel that I feel will either appeal to you or be a turn-off. A very good addition to this series, that left me looking forward to book three. This is my sincere, voluntary review.
This is Book 2 of the Case Brothers Series by this author. The books in the series are interconnected but can be read as standalones. It is a emotional, angsty romance between Declan and Emmaline. These two emotionally scarred characters and the unconventional plot make for an intriguing read. Quite well written, it is a unique love story peppered with pain, fear, secrets, vulnerabilities, and passion, plus engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. It is a solid read with heart, heat and a happy for now ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Personally I don't care for time travel. The first chapter is good and gets the book going then states "One week earlier" on the second chapter. Then about the fourth chapter it is One week later but during this back and forth I get confused where they are. I thought they were in Napa but then they talk about Kansas so, for me, it just doesn't flow. I did finish the whole book. He helps her a lot. They fall in love and she even helps him in her own way. After her mother passes away and he is there for her, she dumps him. Then more time goes by and she goes back to him. Then they marry in one week, the end.
Triggers: childhood brutality, Alzheimers, parental death This book is made up of two parts. Part one is sex, hot, steamy sex in the blink of an eye. Part two is the coming together of two people with backgrounds of pain and futures of pain. One has been brutally mistreated by an older sibling and has scars and nightmares to prove it. The other has lost one parent and is now losing the second parent to early onset Alzheimers and knows that she carries the gene herself. One has money and is good at making more. The other doesn't have much money because of medical expenses, but has a talent that makes good money. The leveler is love. Recommended
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Tessa Layne Book. Had no idea what I was getting into with this book, and didn’t realize it was a book two. Was worried that not reading book one would leave me at a disadvantage but that was not the case.
I loved the story line with this entire family of characters it’s real, raw, edgy, and captivating. I rode a mini rollercoaster of emotions through this book but the last quarter of it basically had me in a constant teary state. I definitely hope to read more of this series!