Bittersweet Moments

Steele Family #3

by Emily Bowie

Not all true love has that fairytale magic. Happily ever after can be bittersweet.

Brax:
I swear I was staring at a ghost. Raya Stratton died five years ago. But one shared look was all it took to open a vault of secrets. With lies and greed unraveling together, we learn that a single mistake could cost both of us more than we are willing to lose.

Raya:
The only way to escape my power thirsty father was to leave the only man I ever loved. We were supposed to have our fairytale ending. Instead, I tore that chapter out, burning it, along with the rest of my future, in order to protect the secret that would show itself in a few months.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2019

About the author

Emily Bowie is a USA Today bestselling author. She's from a small town in Western Canada.

From the time she could place her thoughts on paper, she has been making characters come to life through her writing. She loves her white wine cold, her heels red, and her books spicy.

She married her high school sweetheart and they have two amazing children.

Reviews

[Sara ✨ Next Book Review Blog ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has read at least Emily Bowie's last six books I can say that this is her best recent work to date. Brax is a manly-man and he's been screwed in the past. However, he's been in love with Raya for years now and everything goes up in flames one night. Now all he does is work and try extremely hard to make money, to increase what his father has handed down to him. Raya is a woman hiding away with some pretty big secrets... secrets so large they're hard to keep hidden. Until one night everything aligns... eyes meet across the room and worlds crumble!

Emily Bowie has written a story that is layered and hits you right in the gut. It's a storyline twisted with so many lies and half truths. I enjoyed the irresistible storyline and how I felt connected to all the previous characters and getting to see the family as they work through some problems.... and boy are there problems!! Don't miss this visit to Three Rivers and the Steele family.

I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.

Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
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[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disjointed and hard to follow

I just didn't like the authors style. It seemed disconnected or something and I just couldn't get into it or the characters. The writing didn't flow. As for the two main characters they were okay but just not my taste. I didn't feel the romance. they were separated way too long and of course He had lots of sex and she had none and I hate that. He thought he was great because he never fooled around with the other women in his bed because it was sacred and only for the h. Just gagworthy and I know it was five years apart and he thought she died but I don't need to read about it. I liked little Madden and The other characters were okay but I just didn't feel the love between the hero and the heroine.

[Books I Flove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Steele family series, and it can be read as a stand-alone, but I strongly advise to read these books in order, just so you get to know and fall in love with the characters!

This is Brax’s story, and he doesn’t have it easy in life. Losing his first girlfriend due to a tragic incident, his now girlfriend Raya ends their relationship. A few days later she dies in a fire.

5 years later he thinks he sees her at a concert. Could it be true that she’s still alive?

As the first two books in this series, I loved this book a lot! I was waiting for the day to finally read it, and it ended way too quickly for my liking. Lol. Emily Bowie has a fantastic writing style, and she sucks me right into the story, and makes me feel like a bystander right next to everyone in Three Rivers. I love this family a lot, and the twists and turns this family is going through is amazing. It just makes them a bigger and better family, kinda like: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

Thank you for this lovely trip back to this small town 💖

I kindly received an arc for an honest review

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweet moments
Emily Bowie

Reviews on goodreads. Amazon. BookBub. The book addicts.

Y’all !!
I devoured this book !! It would have been faster except we had a long drive and I get terribly car sick !! But anywho !! I could not put it down !!! Brax and Raya where absolutely fabulous!!!

I think the is my favorite couple in this series. I love this family but Brax just melted my heart. I felt all the emotions for him !!

It’s going to be hard for you to make me like anyone else... but ... that last brother just might do it. !!

[Jennifer Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweet Moments by Emily Bowie is a fantastic book and read! This is the 3rd book in her Steele Family Series. This is series is so fantastic and Emily Bowie has done a fantastic job writing this series. This is the 3rd book that I have read by this author and she didn’t disappoint me at all! I couldn’t put my kindle down until I finished reading this book!
Bittersweet Moments by Emily Bowie begins where the previous book left off. In this latest installment, Bittersweet Moments explores the romance between Raya Stratton and Brax Steele. Brax is a rancher who is working on the family ranch and Raya was a college student. Brax and Raya was a couple until Raya broke it off unexpectedly after she was coming to the Steele ranch to tell Brax something important. Brax is upset by this and he blames his brother Kellen for it all. Raya had to leave Brax to keep her father from finding out some news that she didn’t want to be known.
Will Brax and Raya find their way back to each? Will the pair give in to the chemistry that is still simmering at the surface? Will Brax and Raya finally get their happily ever after? You will have to read Bittersweet Moments by Emily Bowie to find out! This book has plenty of romance, suspense, and love scenes. You will not be able to put Bittersweet Moments down!
Make sure to grab a copy of Bittersweet Moments by Emily Bowie today! You won’t be disappointed! This latest installment was definitely worth the wait! Emily Bowie is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors to read.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third in the series and this one got to me. This was an emotional ride. This one is about Brax and Raya. These two just cant be together. Her father wont allow it. His family is to different from hers. Raya learns something and decides to take matters into her own hands. But by doing this it changes life for both her and Brax. Years later they run into each other again and Raya tries to explain everything that has happened the last five years, why she did what she did. But will Brax understand and forgive her? Will these two be able to make a future? This was a very emotional story at times. A forbidden love because of her father but yet you can easily see that these two belong together. A great storyline that I couldn't put down. I read it from beginning to end. I had to know what was going to happen. Emily did an amazing job writing this one and making sure that you felt what each character was feeling. Another great story from this series.

[Erika P · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Shards of my heart and soul escape into Brax, making sure I will never be complete without him, creating him as my other half."

I've been dying for this one!! Brax has been flitting around in my brain since this series started and I was not prepared for how heart tugging, impossibly heart breaking, and action packed this one was. The loss, the pain, the missed time that both of these characters endured filtered through the pages, but the love, the attraction, the deep desire overcame the obstacles and made for an addictive read. We saw more of the eldest Steele, and now I'm salivating for his story next!! Seeing the entire crew again warmed my heart!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!

~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweet Moments by Emily Bowie a five-star read that will leave you filled with great moments. This is number three in the Steele Family series and it can be read as stand-alone, but I would advise to read them all as they are amazing and do tell a phenomenal story. Brax Steele is a man with a past few would be able to live through, he has his own history, and many see him as cursed, but sometimes life is deeper than that, sometimes its more than that. Raya also has a history, and something else that will surprise many, many people. This is a bittersweet story, that involves loss and drama, but its also very, very sweet and a story that you can’t miss. Emily Bowie is a great storyteller, and this is one story you do not want to miss.

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. I love reading Emily Bowie books. This is the third book in the Steele Family series. This is Brax and Raya. Brax is a manly-man and he's been screwed in the past. Raya is a woman hiding away with some pretty big secrets. This story has secrets, lies, loss, twists, emotion, and love, which all had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner. There's so much that i can say about this book but it will giveaway some REALLY good parts about this book. So I suggests that you GET this ONE! I can't wait to read your next book. Keep up the fantastic work!

review by Chantelle

[SCBookAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Bittersweet Moments, we get Brax and Raya's story.
Brax is the middle son of the Steele family. It seems as though he's cursed. He had a crappy girlfriend in high school and was left in the dark by his own family members when their relationship is terminated.
Then he finds the love of his life, pulls out all of the stops for this woman, only to read in the paper that she died!
Raya sacrifices her love to escape her father's grip. Who knew one night of fun five years later would destroy everything she's fine top create safety for herself?
This series is WAY more than I expected when I started. I would suggest starting this series from the beginning. It's worth it.
Brax is the good guy that had bad luck. He's also has issues stemming from high school that don't get resolved until this book.
This book was fast paced and easy to read. There is suspense, LOTS of heat, and questionable characters.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this awesome series, and is Brax and Raya’s story. No spoilers, this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a well written fast paced story which is an emotional roller coaster journey throughout. This story has secrets, lies, loss, twists, emotion, and love, which all had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner. I highly recommend for all readers.

[Charlotte Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put this down once started. It had everything wanted. It goes to show romance can't always be fairy tales.

I always wondered what happened to Raya and Brax after ending of moonlight moments. And I wasn't disappointed.

We also got to meet Rhett too.

I can't wait for more of this family.

[Rina's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

So.... that title is very fitting for the story.
I adore Brax, he is so perfect for Raya.
Raya.... I wanted to hate her, I really did. But I couldn't.
Why? Well, you will have to read the story to find out!
A beautiful story of love, loss, heartache, bittersweet moments and second chances. Ms Bowie has written a wonderful book that kept me reading til the early hours of the morning.

[Lauren Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't stop reading once I started and got so mad when I had to a few times. I was desperate to know what happened next. I loved the twists and turns throughout this story so much. The storyline was fantastic and very enjoyable. An absolute must read.

[Catherine Wright (Cat's Guilty Pleasure) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't wait for this book and I'm so not disappointed. I loved this one, Brax and Raya were so good together and the little twist that happened shocked me, I totally didn't see it coming. Now I look forward to the next one.

[Emily Bowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope you love this book as much as I did writing it. Brax and Raya hold a special place in my heart. Straight from the start of book 1 I had an idea of where I wanted to to go with them. Thank you so much for reading!!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say I was completely invested in this family since reading the first two books is an understatement. Especially when it came to Brax. That poor guy. I swear he could not win. Then you have Raya who he connected with but things crumble.The push and pull that these two have is heartbreaking but also beautiful. Their connection was so intense that you couldn’t help but get immersed into their love.
I have to say, the one thing that you do get with this series is epic twists and turns that leave your jaw on the floor. The whole concept of this one is just wow. Honestly have no words for it because of not wanting to spoil anything. I can really say you do need to pick up this series because this is a unique ride you get with this insane family!

[diann bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brax’s story! It’s a twisted one! Raya and Brax were in Love and once Raya found out she was pregnant, she did what she could to escape her Father’s house.

This HEA was not something that just happened, it was fought for.

Loved the characters! Fun quick read!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweet Moments was a story that really pulled out my emotions, so I wavered between leaky eyes & rage at certain situations, and aren't those the best kinds of stories? It's the story of Brax Steele who has not only lost one significant other to tragedy, but then actually lost "the one" for him. Raya Stratton was his everything, until one day she choose to tell him it was over, and then a couple days later, died in a house fire. Five years later, he's at a concert when he thinks his eyes are playing tricks on him, as he's positive he's staring at the woman he thought was dead. Raya's father was an evil control freak, and if she didn't toe his line, he would destroy everyone in his way. So when circumstances came up that would set him off, she knew she had to get away from him any way possible, so she set her room on fire, leading everyone to believe that she was killed. She's been under the radar for all that time, but she never stopped loving Brax, however, she believed she was protecting him & others important to her by disappearing. However, she took a chance to see his brother in concert, and it all blew up in her face as he chased her down. Now, she's having to reveal things that she never planned to, while making sure her father didn't know she was alive. Brax was justifiably upset at secrets & lies revealed, though at the time, he would have never been able to take on her father. And I'm just not sure whose back I have because Raya had a point, though I'm wasn't fully down on her solution, but then, Brax was so mad & never took into consideration that she knew how bad her father really was. All I know is that I was beside myself with all of the emotional stuff flying at me, which is thanks to the awesome writing style of Emily Bowie! So where do Brax & Raya go from there?! Can he forgive her, and will she be able to trust him enough to protect her? For the answers to these questions, go and one click this awesome story that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Chantelle Bouffanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. I love reading Emily Bowie books. This is the third book in the Steele Family series. This is Brax and Raya. Brax is a manly-man and he's been screwed in the past. Raya is a woman hiding away with some pretty big secrets. This story has secrets, lies, loss, twists, emotion, and love, which all had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner. There's so much that i can say about this book but it will giveaway some REALLY good parts about this book. So I suggests that you GET this ONE! I can't wait to read your next book. Keep up the fantastic work!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book #3 in the Steele Family series and it is my favorite book. It had everything I look for in a book- romance, heartache, twists and turns. I can not wait to read the next book on Rhett. Every time I have read a book in this series it is like coming home.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is the third book in the Steele family series. And although each book is a stand-alone is recommend you read the first two books first.
So this is Brax’s story. So poor Brax is familiar with heartbreak having lost his first girlfriend in a tragic incident. But he finds love again with Raya. And he loves her deeply. Raya is also deeply in love with Brax but knows deep down that the two can’t be together. So despite not wanting too she ends things with him. And a few days later she is killed in a tragic accident.
Five years later Brax is attending one of his brother Rhett’s concerts when he sees a familiar face, Raya.
Thinking he’s seen a ghost he follows her.
I really enjoyed this story and it was nice to catch up with the Steele family again.
And I loved Brax’s story. He and Raya are so good together and the author has such a great way of writing that you can clearly see these two are meant to be.
I can’t wait for Rhett’s story now.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice engaging read about family and second chances if not for the last few.. I was kind of feeling the suspense and all but just like that, it went flat for me.. and some inconsistencies regarding the hero's pronouncements concerning his financial situation after a certain incident in the final chapters compared to the middle of the book.. I have so many questions regarding the aftermath of that incident but I wouldn't spoil.. and what happened to Nate?.. he played an important role in this book, how come he just disappeared with no mention of what happened to him? The henchmen of the heroine's father, nothing? the cops didn't look for them? Also, I don't know, despite some steamy scenes and love declarations from both main characters, I didn't feel the passion and the love.. maybe it's just me.. I was kind of disconnected.

Overall, I'm kind of okay with this one.. just felt a bit lacking in the end, despite the HEA.. maybe that's why it's bittersweet.. It lives up to its title.

[Mandy Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there truly anything a man won't do for the woman he loves, but yet he must also guard his heart and pray it's not to be broken again? But when the one woman who holds not just his heart but his everything is presumed dead, can this man Brax Steel come to terms with never loving again or find the answers to the questions he needs to be answered?

Raya has always had to do what's best for her even if it goes against what her heart and mind are saying, but until she can make that decision she has to do the unthinkable, she must die. But can she find it in her to finally get to claim the man who is her entire world or risk everything to lose it all once and for all?

Bittersweet Moments the 3rd book in the Steel Family Series by Emily Bowie is full of surprises, passion, and heartbreak. I have fallen in love with this series with every book and turn of the pages.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review. My rating is actually 3.5 stars. Raya and Brax were together until Raya went to talk to Brax about some news and she saw police officers in his driveway. Instead of talking to Brax about her pregnancy she decides the best way to protect her baby is to fake her own death. Fast forward 5 years later and she ends up running into Brax. Raya decides that Brax deserves to know he is a father and they end up reconnecting. There is a little bit of drama to the story but overall, it was not too angsty. I felt the two got back together a little too quickly for my taste, but you also get to see the characters from the previous books and see what they are up to now.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Brax attends his brother’s concert he is shocked when one of the members in the audience bears a striking resemblance to Raya, the woman he loved and thought had passed away five years earlier. When he sees her again the connection and chemistry between them is stronger than ever but once the secrets of the past are revealed will he be able to forgive her?

Five years ago Raya made a decision to protect everyone involved. Now that they are back in each other’s lives will this be their second chance or will what kept them apart in the past keep them apart in the future?

Full of emotion this story has a few twists you won’t see coming.

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hum..... this is a great unknown child book. The hero wasn’t a big ol jerk like he could have been when it came to everything thing that went down with Raya. I really loved that aspect. There was great suspense that kept me hooked after I got over the funk at the beginning. It wasn’t the story, it was me. Once the story picked up I finished it in one sitting. It was that enchanting. I needed to know what was going to go down and how these characters pushed forward. I can’t wait to read the next Steele sibling and go back to read the other two in the series. 4 stars #2OCCJD

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say that Brax Steele is unlucky in love is like saying that the sky is blue, this poor guy has never really known how to pick 'em. He thought that he found 'the one' with Raya, but after she breaks up with him and then is found dead, he gives up completely.... until one night he finds a ghost he never thought he would see again. Mystery, suspense, and a healthy portion of love/chemistry, Bittersweet Moments sure lives up to it's name. In typical Emily Bowie fashion there is intrigue and super hot moments mixed in with a heck of a story! I give this book a 4 stars and highly enjoyed it!

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bittersweet Moments is book three in the Steele Family Series. It can be read as a standalone. I read the first two and when starting this one I was debating whether to read this or not because I really wasn't feeling Brax and Raya. Brax is a sweet nice guy and I so wanted him to get his happen ever after. I was surprised how much I liked this one and can't wait to get Rhett's story.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bittersweet Moments is the third Steele Family Book. It was fast paced, second chance, family, love story. The twists kept me guessing til the end. I liked Brax and Raya. They had good chemistry, and they really loved one another. I liked seeing past characters in this book too. One brother left, and I can't wait to see him fall.