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The Ruins of Emblem #1
Tristan
Teaching at a troubled small town high school might not be anyone's idea of a great plan.But after college, I was ready to leave my sheltered surroundings and do something meaningful. I know what people say about this place but my parents grew up here. My family still has deep roots. And I belong in this town no matter how much Tristan Mulligan tries to scare me off.Speaking of Tristan, that guy sure knows how to get under my skin. He’s arrogant and condescending and insanely sexy. He’s also a criminal. If I had any sense, I’d be running FAR away from Tristan and his bad attitude. Tristan is the type who can make a girl sorry she ever met him. But somehow I don’t care.I'm taking a risk, but there’s a rough charm and a deep sincerity to him that no one else sees.And whether I’m ready to admit it or not, I’m already his…**Banter, small town drama and spicy times in this grumpy sunshine romance. May be read as a stand alone.**
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2019
803 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
About the author
Cora Brent
64 books3,757 followersI'm a huge fan of insta-love , grunge era flannel, my vintage Kenmore sewing machine, embroidered dishcloths and absolutely everything that has to do with 1980s pop culture (i.e. leg warmers, scrunchies, big hair, early Madonna, boom boxes, wood paneled walls, stonewash jeans, etc).
If you believe in Happily Ever After and improbable love stories, chances are I'll love you too!!
Email: corabrentwrites@yahoo.com
If you believe in Happily Ever After and improbable love stories, chances are I'll love you too!!
Email: corabrentwrites@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
April 16, 2019
Arc provided in exchange for an honest review
3.5 stars..
“I was yours from the beginning,” I breathed into his ear. “Before I even knew it.”
I was really looking forward to Tristan when I read the blurb but after reading the book, I kinda felt the plot was predictable. I just felt the book needed a more climatic scene/s. Everything was ‘safe’ in this book. Like nothing truly bad happened to the characters in the present. (And that’s not a bad thing, I just prefer a bit more drama in my books). Besides that, Tristan was a nice read with strong characters.
Cadence (21), fresh-out-of-college, chooses Emblem High to teach. She believes she can help the students make different, better life choices. Tristan (22) is the opposite of her. He has accepted that this is the best life he will get. Meeting Cadence and having her in his life makes him want to be a better law abiding citizen.
The connection and chemistry between them was strong. And the first sex scene was hot AF.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters. Especially Pike. The way Tristan and he interacted was just adorable. Cadence is Cord’s and Saylor’s (from Draw) daughter. The whole Gentry family appears in this book.
Overall this book was good but I would not reread it.
Hero rating: 4 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Writing/creativity/plot: 3 stars
Sex scenes: 3 stars
Ending: 3 stars
——————————————
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
3.5 stars..
“I was yours from the beginning,” I breathed into his ear. “Before I even knew it.”
I was really looking forward to Tristan when I read the blurb but after reading the book, I kinda felt the plot was predictable. I just felt the book needed a more climatic scene/s. Everything was ‘safe’ in this book. Like nothing truly bad happened to the characters in the present. (And that’s not a bad thing, I just prefer a bit more drama in my books). Besides that, Tristan was a nice read with strong characters.
Cadence (21), fresh-out-of-college, chooses Emblem High to teach. She believes she can help the students make different, better life choices. Tristan (22) is the opposite of her. He has accepted that this is the best life he will get. Meeting Cadence and having her in his life makes him want to be a better law abiding citizen.
The connection and chemistry between them was strong. And the first sex scene was hot AF.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters. Especially Pike. The way Tristan and he interacted was just adorable. Cadence is Cord’s and Saylor’s (from Draw) daughter. The whole Gentry family appears in this book.
Overall this book was good but I would not reread it.
Hero rating: 4 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Writing/creativity/plot: 3 stars
Sex scenes: 3 stars
Ending: 3 stars
——————————————
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
August 4, 2019
4.25 Schoolteacher Stars
“Tristan,” is the first book in the Ruins of Emblem series, which is pretty much a spin-off of a spin-off, originating from the Gentry Boys series. The H was first introduced in Gentry Generations, and those characters and several scenarios are very much interwoven into this storyline. I’m a loyal Gentry Boys fan from way back, so I will keep reading them as long as Cora Brent keeps writing them!
Stories like this remind me why I love romance! I get all kinds of enjoyment in stories about a reformed bad boy, with a tragic past! The falling in love part is like icing on the proverbial cake! This author, does this trope exceptionally well!
Tristan Mulligan, starts out in this story hardened, snarky, and aloof, due to life circumstances that hardship cultivated. With each chapter he becomes less jaded, and reveals his true self—how soft hearted he truly is.
“There’s not much you can do about someone who enjoys his place in the gutter.”
~ Cord Gentry
Being the fairly sheltered youngest daughter of one of Emblem’s own original bad boys’, Cadence was pretty naive as to just how rough the new town she took up residence in really was. “A desperate little prison town dotted with trailer parks, surrounded by desert and trying to somehow hang on.” However, she made up for it with her moxie, and determination to follow her heart and make a positive influence. As the newest high school English teacher, of Emblem High, one of the states most troubled schools, she aimed to make a difference.
I adored seeing this misunderstood man come to life and be given purpose, with the love and understanding of a good woman like, Cadence Gentry. Can’t wait for the next book in this series, the teaser has me very intrigued!
“Tristan,” is the first book in the Ruins of Emblem series, which is pretty much a spin-off of a spin-off, originating from the Gentry Boys series. The H was first introduced in Gentry Generations, and those characters and several scenarios are very much interwoven into this storyline. I’m a loyal Gentry Boys fan from way back, so I will keep reading them as long as Cora Brent keeps writing them!
Stories like this remind me why I love romance! I get all kinds of enjoyment in stories about a reformed bad boy, with a tragic past! The falling in love part is like icing on the proverbial cake! This author, does this trope exceptionally well!
Tristan Mulligan, starts out in this story hardened, snarky, and aloof, due to life circumstances that hardship cultivated. With each chapter he becomes less jaded, and reveals his true self—how soft hearted he truly is.
“There’s not much you can do about someone who enjoys his place in the gutter.”
~ Cord Gentry
Being the fairly sheltered youngest daughter of one of Emblem’s own original bad boys’, Cadence was pretty naive as to just how rough the new town she took up residence in really was. “A desperate little prison town dotted with trailer parks, surrounded by desert and trying to somehow hang on.” However, she made up for it with her moxie, and determination to follow her heart and make a positive influence. As the newest high school English teacher, of Emblem High, one of the states most troubled schools, she aimed to make a difference.
I adored seeing this misunderstood man come to life and be given purpose, with the love and understanding of a good woman like, Cadence Gentry. Can’t wait for the next book in this series, the teaser has me very intrigued!
April 11, 2019
The cover is how I picture Tristan.
I liked the book but skimmed about 100 pages because it seemed boring. I'll reread inorning so rating might go up.
I liked the book but skimmed about 100 pages because it seemed boring. I'll reread inorning so rating might go up.
April 15, 2019
-Patti, 5 stars
Tristan’s story is my favorite book in the Gentry series. Ever since Cora mentioned Tristan Mulligan I couldn’t wait to get his storyt. Reading about him in Turn, I just needed to know what happened to him and I was not disappointed.
Tristan is Curtis’ younger brother who we met in Turn - Curtis and Cassie’s story. Tristan is the bad boy who went back to Emblem, even as everyone else is running out of town. Cadence is one of Cord and Saylor Gentry’s daughters. She goes to Emblem to teach, in hopes of helping the children of Emblem better their lives.
Tristan and Cadence's story is perfect. Reading about them kept me swiping my kindle, I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. Cora Brent definitely knows how to spin a story. She writes and you, as the reader, feel as though you are right inside the story with all the characters. Kind of like you are sitting off to the side and part of the story. Not only are the primary characters written well, the secondary ones are as well. She just knows how to make you feel like it’s real. Her writing is phenomenal and I’m so happy I found her and her stories.
I highly recommend Tristan and every other book Cora Brent has written. You don’t necessarily need to read the other books, but to understand the story and the families it’s a good idea to read them and in order. Happy reading.
Tristan’s story is my favorite book in the Gentry series. Ever since Cora mentioned Tristan Mulligan I couldn’t wait to get his storyt. Reading about him in Turn, I just needed to know what happened to him and I was not disappointed.
Tristan is Curtis’ younger brother who we met in Turn - Curtis and Cassie’s story. Tristan is the bad boy who went back to Emblem, even as everyone else is running out of town. Cadence is one of Cord and Saylor Gentry’s daughters. She goes to Emblem to teach, in hopes of helping the children of Emblem better their lives.
Tristan and Cadence's story is perfect. Reading about them kept me swiping my kindle, I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. Cora Brent definitely knows how to spin a story. She writes and you, as the reader, feel as though you are right inside the story with all the characters. Kind of like you are sitting off to the side and part of the story. Not only are the primary characters written well, the secondary ones are as well. She just knows how to make you feel like it’s real. Her writing is phenomenal and I’m so happy I found her and her stories.
I highly recommend Tristan and every other book Cora Brent has written. You don’t necessarily need to read the other books, but to understand the story and the families it’s a good idea to read them and in order. Happy reading.
April 10, 2019
4.5 stars. I really liked this story. Tristan is definitely a guy with a tough past and present, but a heart of gold underneath. I love how Cadence accepted and loved him as he was and how he did the same with her. It took me a little bit to feel the development of their relationship but once I did, I was all in for this story, this couple, and of course the dying town of Emblem. And anyone who is read the Gentry series books got some awesome cameos (although reading those books isn’t required to enjoy this one). If you like these types of overcoming hard knock life stories you will love this.
April 9, 2019
We are back in Emblem. OMG this book has the raw, grittiness that I originally found in Ms. Brent’s Gentry Boys Series. It amazes me how this read transports you to the world of poverty and you feel the challenges that culture faces.
Tristan initially feels like this hardened guy that has a strong alliance to his hometown even when it isn’t in his best interest. He is beautifully revealed to us as the story progresses. Lets just say he is more than a hottie. It is so bittersweet as you experience his childhood memories of his dad and brothers. He has this hidden giving heart that brings out his protectiveness towards the people of Emblem. Umm unfortunately it does get him in trouble at times. Ugh he is so misunderstood in many ways.
Cadence has come to Emblem to teach high school. Yikes what a hard age group and in my opinion she should be sainted for taking this on (haha). She has returned to the world and community her parents were raised in. Her naivety in the beginning makes cringe a bit in embarrassment for her. She really doesn’t understand the different world her students are raised in. They don’t need someone to “save them” but be accepted for themselves. Her journey in the early days of teaching is something I identify with. I appreciate that she is trying to lead with her heart and really cares about her students. SO SWEET!
Cadence and Tristan together are so wonderful. I love the way they compliment and teach each other about looking at things from a different perspective. Eek. Feeling emotional. Holy heck the SEXY times in this book are delicious. So flipping good.
I would be amiss if I didn’t mention how happy I am that some beloved Gentry’s made appearances in this book. You can’t see me but the happy dance is happening. Love love love this family. They define resiliency. I can’t wait for more stories from the Emblem community. Happy Reading XOXO
Tristan initially feels like this hardened guy that has a strong alliance to his hometown even when it isn’t in his best interest. He is beautifully revealed to us as the story progresses. Lets just say he is more than a hottie. It is so bittersweet as you experience his childhood memories of his dad and brothers. He has this hidden giving heart that brings out his protectiveness towards the people of Emblem. Umm unfortunately it does get him in trouble at times. Ugh he is so misunderstood in many ways.
Cadence has come to Emblem to teach high school. Yikes what a hard age group and in my opinion she should be sainted for taking this on (haha). She has returned to the world and community her parents were raised in. Her naivety in the beginning makes cringe a bit in embarrassment for her. She really doesn’t understand the different world her students are raised in. They don’t need someone to “save them” but be accepted for themselves. Her journey in the early days of teaching is something I identify with. I appreciate that she is trying to lead with her heart and really cares about her students. SO SWEET!
Cadence and Tristan together are so wonderful. I love the way they compliment and teach each other about looking at things from a different perspective. Eek. Feeling emotional. Holy heck the SEXY times in this book are delicious. So flipping good.
I would be amiss if I didn’t mention how happy I am that some beloved Gentry’s made appearances in this book. You can’t see me but the happy dance is happening. Love love love this family. They define resiliency. I can’t wait for more stories from the Emblem community. Happy Reading XOXO
April 11, 2019
Tristan by Cora Brent is the book 1 in "The Ruins of Emblems" series. This is Tristan Mulligan and Cadence Gentry's story.
Tristan knows Cadence from his brother. His brother married Cadence 's older sister . The few run ins that Tristan had with Cadence left him with the impression that she was this brat. Now Cadence is a teacher at Emblem High and she runs into Tristan at the local bar. Far from him thinking she's a brat now- sparks fly and there's this electric chemistry between them.
Tristan has had a rough life and the author has done a great job by showing how far he has come but still that he's a work in progress. He wasn't a real bad person but he did some not so nice things because he was rebellious at that time in his life. Cadence is this sassy, sweet woman who has both parts of her parents in her. She determined to be the best at her job and truly cares about the kids she teaches.
When it comes to Tristan and Cadence's relationship, it a push/pull. Its one where they learn about each other while pushing the other's buttons. There's heat, steam, humor, angst, twists, passion- it was beautiful to read because Tristan and Cadence were meant for each other. Not to say there wasn't bumps because yeah- life definitely got in the way and caused issues. I enjoyed book 1 and cannot wait for book 2.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *******
Tristan knows Cadence from his brother. His brother married Cadence 's older sister . The few run ins that Tristan had with Cadence left him with the impression that she was this brat. Now Cadence is a teacher at Emblem High and she runs into Tristan at the local bar. Far from him thinking she's a brat now- sparks fly and there's this electric chemistry between them.
Tristan has had a rough life and the author has done a great job by showing how far he has come but still that he's a work in progress. He wasn't a real bad person but he did some not so nice things because he was rebellious at that time in his life. Cadence is this sassy, sweet woman who has both parts of her parents in her. She determined to be the best at her job and truly cares about the kids she teaches.
When it comes to Tristan and Cadence's relationship, it a push/pull. Its one where they learn about each other while pushing the other's buttons. There's heat, steam, humor, angst, twists, passion- it was beautiful to read because Tristan and Cadence were meant for each other. Not to say there wasn't bumps because yeah- life definitely got in the way and caused issues. I enjoyed book 1 and cannot wait for book 2.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *******
April 10, 2019
Tristan by Cora Brent is the First book in The Ruins of Emblems Series. This is the story of Tristan Mulligan and Cadence Gentry.
Tristan and Cadence siblings are married so they are aware of each other but don't really know each other. Tristan lives in Emblem where there seem no hope for most people, where crime is strong...they even have a prison there. Tristan doesn't feel the need to leave and has embraced the life the best that he can. Cadence parents are from Emblem and she fresh out of college and has taken a job as a teacher there. So this puts Cadence and Tristan closer to learn more about the other. Cadence is a happy person with a positive attitude and she is focused on helping her students, and she knows that Tristan would be bad news but their attraction might be too much to fight.
Enjoyed their story and will be looking for more book by this author.
Tristan and Cadence siblings are married so they are aware of each other but don't really know each other. Tristan lives in Emblem where there seem no hope for most people, where crime is strong...they even have a prison there. Tristan doesn't feel the need to leave and has embraced the life the best that he can. Cadence parents are from Emblem and she fresh out of college and has taken a job as a teacher there. So this puts Cadence and Tristan closer to learn more about the other. Cadence is a happy person with a positive attitude and she is focused on helping her students, and she knows that Tristan would be bad news but their attraction might be too much to fight.
Enjoyed their story and will be looking for more book by this author.
August 10, 2019
Cadence was naive and Tristan was rough around the edges but they worked as a couple. Don’t love that they settled in shithole Emblem, but that’s what felt like home to them.
June 17, 2019
Ahhhh!! I am so so excited about this new series. I have been a huge Cora Brent fan and have loved her Gentry series! Tristan and Cadence were absolutely amazing. This story had sass, sizzle and an emotional connection that could not be denied!
When Cadence Gentry returns to teach English in the failing and depressing town of Emblem, she may be in over her head. But armed with the knowledge of wanting to help people better themselves, like her family did years past, she could never have expected to clash heads with her brother-in-law Tristan Mulligan. Gah!! This story had heart and fireworks and I never wanted it to end. I love how both Tristan and Cadence saw things in one another that no one else saw and how their love and respect for one another came right off the pages! This story was fantastic! I seriously can not wait for Jedson and Leah!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
When Cadence Gentry returns to teach English in the failing and depressing town of Emblem, she may be in over her head. But armed with the knowledge of wanting to help people better themselves, like her family did years past, she could never have expected to clash heads with her brother-in-law Tristan Mulligan. Gah!! This story had heart and fireworks and I never wanted it to end. I love how both Tristan and Cadence saw things in one another that no one else saw and how their love and respect for one another came right off the pages! This story was fantastic! I seriously can not wait for Jedson and Leah!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
April 11, 2019
Oh my gosh, every since I saw this title I have been SUPER excited to read the book and let me tell you that Cora Brent never disappoints, especially when it comes to a Gentry!
This is the first book in the Ruins of Emblem and we are back to the city where Cord, Chase, and Creed all escaped from once upon a time. This time we have the youngest of Cord's girls, Cadence and Tristan who is Curtis Mulligan's middle brother.
Cadence and Tristan's siblings are married to each other and she is super close with Cassie, but Tristan is definitely not close to his brother anymore and is doing some side jobs around town. He sees that Curtis was able to escape the town and their upbringing, but he just has no desire to do better, he feels he is doing just fine where he is. Cadence is like a combination of her sisters and is starting as a new teacher at the local HS in Emblem and let's just say that this is not the best place ever to start teaching, but she wants to make a difference and I love it!
This story is about finding yourself, being that best self, and what happens when you meet the person who is going to help you be that person. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for more!
Cora Brent's Gentry/Emblem stories are like a freaking drug and I am hooked!
5 outta 5 stars!
I received this book for free but am voluntarily reviewing it!
This is the first book in the Ruins of Emblem and we are back to the city where Cord, Chase, and Creed all escaped from once upon a time. This time we have the youngest of Cord's girls, Cadence and Tristan who is Curtis Mulligan's middle brother.
Cadence and Tristan's siblings are married to each other and she is super close with Cassie, but Tristan is definitely not close to his brother anymore and is doing some side jobs around town. He sees that Curtis was able to escape the town and their upbringing, but he just has no desire to do better, he feels he is doing just fine where he is. Cadence is like a combination of her sisters and is starting as a new teacher at the local HS in Emblem and let's just say that this is not the best place ever to start teaching, but she wants to make a difference and I love it!
This story is about finding yourself, being that best self, and what happens when you meet the person who is going to help you be that person. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for more!
Cora Brent's Gentry/Emblem stories are like a freaking drug and I am hooked!
5 outta 5 stars!
I received this book for free but am voluntarily reviewing it!
April 10, 2019
I have been waiting for Tristan's story ever since meeting him in Curtis' book. It was so worth the wait. I knew that Tristan would tug at my heartstrings and he did and I fell in love with that man. He knows Cadence from his brother...he is married to Cassie which his Cadence's older sister. The few times he met her he thought she was a spoiled brat. The few times she saw Tristan Mulligan she didn't like him. They happened to meet by chance....she is now a teacher in Emblem High and runs into him at the local bar. Sparks fly between them but nothing can happen they don't like each other....right? She learns that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Tristan and a relationship grows. He wants to be a better man for Cadence and works on redemption for himself to be the man that she deserves. I loved this book....omg all the freakin feels. Tristan has definitely my favorite Mulligan man (sorry Curtis lol) he is sweet with a mix of dirty and it was so hot!!f Cadence was the perfect match for Tristan and he was for her. I am excited for the new Ruins of Emblem series and I can't wait for the next book in this series. Ms. Brent knocked it out of the park with this story and I highly recommend it to all. Well done!!!!
April 9, 2019
Cadence and Tristan...sigh...
From their first meeting in a bar (after not seeing each other for a while) to his incessant teasing and inappropriate sexual remarks, to a heated encounter in a car...I was so intrigued by this couple as they dealt with life and love and families. It always makes me laugh when bad boys grow up to be good men and fathers, and then have to deal with their daughters loving boys who are very much like they once were in their wild youth! It's poetic justice and karma all rolled into one but it's also very entertaining and funny and almost cute.
I have always been a huge fan of this author's work...she manages to combine the sizzle with the sweet, the calm with the crazy and paints a perfect picture of dysfunctional but loving families working it out like they should. So go back to Emblem where everything started and enjoy the newest couple in town.
***** 5 ***** "they could teach each other a thing or two" stars
From their first meeting in a bar (after not seeing each other for a while) to his incessant teasing and inappropriate sexual remarks, to a heated encounter in a car...I was so intrigued by this couple as they dealt with life and love and families. It always makes me laugh when bad boys grow up to be good men and fathers, and then have to deal with their daughters loving boys who are very much like they once were in their wild youth! It's poetic justice and karma all rolled into one but it's also very entertaining and funny and almost cute.
I have always been a huge fan of this author's work...she manages to combine the sizzle with the sweet, the calm with the crazy and paints a perfect picture of dysfunctional but loving families working it out like they should. So go back to Emblem where everything started and enjoy the newest couple in town.
***** 5 ***** "they could teach each other a thing or two" stars
April 10, 2019
Cadence has recently returned to her hometown to teach high school full of dreams and ideals. She is determined to make a difference and show her students a better way, but her biggest test may be her brother in-law Tristan.
Tristan’s brother is married to Cadence’s sister and he has tried to convince his brother that there are other options than the life he is leading. He has chosen to stay in Emblem on the gray side of the law until Cadence comes barreling into town and has him wondering if he could have something more.
There is no denying the chemistry between them and it is only a matter of time before a relationship develop but will the good girl be able to show the bad boy that he is a better man than even he realizes?
Full of heat, humor and emotion it is always fun to catch up with the Gentry’s.
Tristan’s brother is married to Cadence’s sister and he has tried to convince his brother that there are other options than the life he is leading. He has chosen to stay in Emblem on the gray side of the law until Cadence comes barreling into town and has him wondering if he could have something more.
There is no denying the chemistry between them and it is only a matter of time before a relationship develop but will the good girl be able to show the bad boy that he is a better man than even he realizes?
Full of heat, humor and emotion it is always fun to catch up with the Gentry’s.
April 12, 2019
As much as I love the Gentry’s, and this one is about Cadance, I was even a tad bit more excited to find out it was also about Tristan, Curtis & Brecken’s brother. Where Cadance is sweet & caring & idealistic, choosing Emblem to start her teaching career to try to make a difference, Tristan is arrogant & sarcastic & quite a smarta**, wanting to wind her up for her choices. The two go head to head quite a bit, but as time goes on, they get to know each other better and see more to each other. This had a lot of Gentry’s, a lot of history, all 3 Mulligan brothers, and lots and lots of feels (if I’m perfectly honest, there were a bunch of tears too-wasn’t prepared for that lol). Once again, Cora Brent hit it out of the park. Can’t wait for the next one!
April 12, 2019
This is the first book in a new series from this talented author, and is Cadence and Tristan’s story. Cadence has recently returned to her hometown in order to follow her dream and teach English at the local high school. Tristan is a bad boy who stays in the grey area of the law. These two are as totally opposites as can be, yet the chemistry between them is explosive. This is a beautifully written story which is raw, gritty, emotional, steamy as well as humorous and all round powerful read. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner and cannot wait to read more from this exceptional author, whose work I highly recommend for all readers.
April 11, 2019
The first book in the Ruins of Emblem series was one I've been looking forward to and it did not disappoint me in the least! Tristan and Cadence's story was sweet, sexy and truly passionate. I consumed page after page of this beautiful story that had me wanting more of Tristan and Cadence when I reached the final page. If you haven't read any Gentry books I highly recommend you start because each one gets better and better while stealing a little piece of your heart.
April 10, 2019
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. I just love my gentry boys and now the muligan brothers. I honestky feel like all the brothers are alike. They brother bond is unbreakable. They have such a strong connection. And I also the gentry girls. And now I have a lot of catching up to do with Cassie and cadence. And I'm excited for Leah's story.
April 16, 2019
This book was really good!! It had wonderful characters, a town in need, a bad boy and a good girl. Everything you need to make an amazing story! The writing was well done and I was enthralled by the story and characters. I read this in one sitting!! Tristram makes an excellent addition to the harem, he's chilling with all the other bad boys!
May 2, 2019
Great read
This was another great read by Cora. I love that Cadence and Tristan got their HEA together.
I like the introduction and possibility for more books set in emblem and I can’t wait for them.
This was another great read by Cora. I love that Cadence and Tristan got their HEA together.
I like the introduction and possibility for more books set in emblem and I can’t wait for them.
Want to read
March 25, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/25/2020)! 🎁
April 10, 2019
I LOVE THIS!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!! Brand new series. Crossover characters. Lots more characters to fall for!! YES!!!
First up are the crossover couple, Tristan and Cadence.
Tristan is Curtis and Brecken's brother. We met him briefly in Gentry Generations.
Tristan left his brothers behind in order to make his own life and choices. He was mixed up in some heavy gang stuff for a while but they all disappeared so it's just him down in Emblem. He's a part time Tow truck driver and part time dealer. He's happy as he is. One day while he's in the local bar a ray of sunshine he'd been missing enters the room. Cadence. Of course he knows who she is. He's met her a couple of times and he thought she was hot but also a stuck up privileged girl. He decides he's gonna push all her buttons and have a bit of fun.
Cadence has left home for a teaching position in her mom and dads old home town. She wants to make a difference. Emblem is a run down poverty stricken area and she feels she can do some real good there. It feels like home to her even though she's never lived there. After her first day the other teachers take her out for a well earned drink. On entering the bar she spots Tristan. Her sister's brother in law. He's family so she goes over to say hi. He immediately rubs her up the wrong way but she can't help the way her body reacts to him.
They both push each other and it all comes to a head. It changes both of them. Can they overcome the problems living in Emblem puts in their way?
This author! Honestly she never ever disappoints me. I know as soon as this bad boy hit my Kindle i was gonna love it and i wasn't wrong. The way she writes just makes you care instantly about the characters she's wrote. You're gripped, intrigued, concerned and unable to stop reading until you get the ending that you want. The best ending! The one that gives you such a wide smile your face aches.
Loved both MC's. Cadence is kind of prim and proper but she also has a very bad side that Tristan fully draws out of her. She's fun and feisty and full of life. A few times it's referenced that she's half her mom and half her dad and it's exactly right she is. Not just her looks but in personality and i loved it. I am seriously going for a re-read of Cord and Saylor!!
Tristan was never really a bad boy. Sure he did some things that weren't legal but he was still really young and just rebelling at life. I swooned many a time over him. It was amazing to read his chapters when you see him realize there is more to life. That he could have the happily ever after. After the storm scene he just seemed to embrace what he could have and it made me fall for him hard. The scene near the end with his brothers had me shedding little tears of happiness and sadness at what they had been through and where they are now.
As always my heart skipped a beat when the triplets made an appearance. I love those guys and always will. It was also great to see her sisters doing amazingly and living their happily ever afters.
The setting of Emblem had me making mental notes of who's who and what connections are where. I really hope by the end of the series the good starting to come out of Emblem will change the town and will turn around the fortunes for the residents. Yes that's how much this book drags you in. I want the bloody town to prosper. After years of hating it i'm now rooting for the change!
Brilliant writing, engaging story-line and a beautiful love story. What ya waiting for? Download this book now! Although it has connections to other series' you can totally read this as a standalone. Although... you will be missing out on some of the best books I've ever read.
First up are the crossover couple, Tristan and Cadence.
Tristan is Curtis and Brecken's brother. We met him briefly in Gentry Generations.
Tristan left his brothers behind in order to make his own life and choices. He was mixed up in some heavy gang stuff for a while but they all disappeared so it's just him down in Emblem. He's a part time Tow truck driver and part time dealer. He's happy as he is. One day while he's in the local bar a ray of sunshine he'd been missing enters the room. Cadence. Of course he knows who she is. He's met her a couple of times and he thought she was hot but also a stuck up privileged girl. He decides he's gonna push all her buttons and have a bit of fun.
Cadence has left home for a teaching position in her mom and dads old home town. She wants to make a difference. Emblem is a run down poverty stricken area and she feels she can do some real good there. It feels like home to her even though she's never lived there. After her first day the other teachers take her out for a well earned drink. On entering the bar she spots Tristan. Her sister's brother in law. He's family so she goes over to say hi. He immediately rubs her up the wrong way but she can't help the way her body reacts to him.
They both push each other and it all comes to a head. It changes both of them. Can they overcome the problems living in Emblem puts in their way?
This author! Honestly she never ever disappoints me. I know as soon as this bad boy hit my Kindle i was gonna love it and i wasn't wrong. The way she writes just makes you care instantly about the characters she's wrote. You're gripped, intrigued, concerned and unable to stop reading until you get the ending that you want. The best ending! The one that gives you such a wide smile your face aches.
Loved both MC's. Cadence is kind of prim and proper but she also has a very bad side that Tristan fully draws out of her. She's fun and feisty and full of life. A few times it's referenced that she's half her mom and half her dad and it's exactly right she is. Not just her looks but in personality and i loved it. I am seriously going for a re-read of Cord and Saylor!!
Tristan was never really a bad boy. Sure he did some things that weren't legal but he was still really young and just rebelling at life. I swooned many a time over him. It was amazing to read his chapters when you see him realize there is more to life. That he could have the happily ever after. After the storm scene he just seemed to embrace what he could have and it made me fall for him hard. The scene near the end with his brothers had me shedding little tears of happiness and sadness at what they had been through and where they are now.
As always my heart skipped a beat when the triplets made an appearance. I love those guys and always will. It was also great to see her sisters doing amazingly and living their happily ever afters.
The setting of Emblem had me making mental notes of who's who and what connections are where. I really hope by the end of the series the good starting to come out of Emblem will change the town and will turn around the fortunes for the residents. Yes that's how much this book drags you in. I want the bloody town to prosper. After years of hating it i'm now rooting for the change!
Brilliant writing, engaging story-line and a beautiful love story. What ya waiting for? Download this book now! Although it has connections to other series' you can totally read this as a standalone. Although... you will be missing out on some of the best books I've ever read.
April 11, 2019
I was so reluctant to jump into this one. Tristan, is previous books has been such a brat. He hurt Curtis and little brother Brecken, I just didn't see how he was going to redeem himself for all the hurt he'd caused.
I shouldn't have worried. I never thought Cord could come back from it either, but he turned out to be one of my very favorites in this entire Emblem/Tempe crowd.... plus, don't you know.... all you need is the right person.
Enter Cadence. Cord and Saylor's daughter who moved to Emblem where her parents are from to teach high school. Armed with positive passes and such a sunny disposition, she's determined to make a difference in the dead-end town with nothing but a bar and a prison and a few dead ends businesses that can't stay afloat. She's unapologetic about it though, and she takes her job seriously. So really, running into her sister's husband's brother Tristan is the last thing she needs to do. If only he wasn't so tempting, eh?
And he is. He's a jerk at first... I honestly didn't undestand why he was the way he was.... Why he insisted on being the bad guy with no future, instead of getting out of Emblem and making something of himself like Curtis did. He never had any drive to do much of anything.... until Cadence.
I loved the way these two just couldn't stay away from each other. They reminded me a lot of Cord and Saylor, because like I said, Tristan was a jerk with no motivation ....and Cadence was sweet and bouncy and the girl had some backbone, especially for Tristan. It was entertaining, their banter and back and forth. The way they teased each other and let each other in, even if thinking it was a bad idea. They didn't give up on each other, and Cadence didn't care that Tristan was who he was in Emblem, because he was someone else completely with her.
I loved seeing Cord, Creed and Chase together, especially back in Emblem. If I thought they were hot as 20 somethings, they're even better as Dads. All of them. I loved Brecken's coming out to Tristan and the way it was handled, though I would've liked to have seen David, the boyfriend. I didn't like that he got hurt by Brecken's dismissal, I hoped they worked that out or that he gets his own book.
I'm anxiously awaiting Jake, I hope he gets a book (the boy that Truly and Creed adopted) He seems interesting.
I can't wait for Kellan. He's exactly like Creed and he'd be entertaining to read about.
I'm curious about the bartender Leah, and what her story is.
I really wanted to see what happened to the coach. Did he get investigated? Knocked out? Something??? Anything, for abusing students for years and years??? That's going to bug me half to death. I need karmic justice.
Overall though.... it was just a perfect addition to what I know will be an amazing series. I cannot wait for more!
5 stars from me!
I shouldn't have worried. I never thought Cord could come back from it either, but he turned out to be one of my very favorites in this entire Emblem/Tempe crowd.... plus, don't you know.... all you need is the right person.
Enter Cadence. Cord and Saylor's daughter who moved to Emblem where her parents are from to teach high school. Armed with positive passes and such a sunny disposition, she's determined to make a difference in the dead-end town with nothing but a bar and a prison and a few dead ends businesses that can't stay afloat. She's unapologetic about it though, and she takes her job seriously. So really, running into her sister's husband's brother Tristan is the last thing she needs to do. If only he wasn't so tempting, eh?
And he is. He's a jerk at first... I honestly didn't undestand why he was the way he was.... Why he insisted on being the bad guy with no future, instead of getting out of Emblem and making something of himself like Curtis did. He never had any drive to do much of anything.... until Cadence.
I loved the way these two just couldn't stay away from each other. They reminded me a lot of Cord and Saylor, because like I said, Tristan was a jerk with no motivation ....and Cadence was sweet and bouncy and the girl had some backbone, especially for Tristan. It was entertaining, their banter and back and forth. The way they teased each other and let each other in, even if thinking it was a bad idea. They didn't give up on each other, and Cadence didn't care that Tristan was who he was in Emblem, because he was someone else completely with her.
I loved seeing Cord, Creed and Chase together, especially back in Emblem. If I thought they were hot as 20 somethings, they're even better as Dads. All of them. I loved Brecken's coming out to Tristan and the way it was handled, though I would've liked to have seen David, the boyfriend. I didn't like that he got hurt by Brecken's dismissal, I hoped they worked that out or that he gets his own book.
I'm anxiously awaiting Jake, I hope he gets a book (the boy that Truly and Creed adopted) He seems interesting.
I can't wait for Kellan. He's exactly like Creed and he'd be entertaining to read about.
I'm curious about the bartender Leah, and what her story is.
I really wanted to see what happened to the coach. Did he get investigated? Knocked out? Something??? Anything, for abusing students for years and years??? That's going to bug me half to death. I need karmic justice.
Overall though.... it was just a perfect addition to what I know will be an amazing series. I cannot wait for more!
5 stars from me!
April 11, 2019
3.5 Stars
Recent college graduate Cadence Gentry believes she can make a difference, and she knows just the place that needs it. As the newest teacher at Emblem High, her drive to help it's troubled teens is met with a lot of resistance from the cynical residents of Emblem, Arizona.
Tristan Mulligan has never wanted to leave his hometown of Emblem. Even with the closed businesses and decaying homes, he has never felt like he belonged anywhere else. But, seeing a woman like Cadence in his town is a new one. He can spot a do-gooder who has more hope than sense from a mile away, and he will definitely enjoy taking her down a peg or two...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tristan is an opposites attract story with a little bit of a twist in the reach of the large Gentry family. From the storied history of previous Gentrys growing up in Emblem, there comes a new generation with Cadence, who sees the bright side of the dilapidated town and the people who call it home.
Cadence was such an admirable character, and I loved her choice to move to Emblem. In a town where her family had so many bad memories, she only sees a place that she can help change lives. From her unwavering optimism and her ability to truly make a difference, she was an incredibly strong woman for someone so young.
Tristan definitely flaunts his bad attitude and the chip on his shoulder. While being semi-estranged from his family, it takes spending time with Cadence for him to realize just what he is missing out on in his life.
With all of their differences Cadence and Tristan find a mutual love and understanding in each other that they never thought possible. From their hot sex life to their genuine happiness that they find in each others company, their relationship is on the road to something more permanent... until life gets in the way...
I really enjoyed this book and I am so excited for a series that focuses on the town of Emblem where most of the former characters originally fled from. This story did a fantastic job of embracing the "ruins" of the town and loving it for what it still is for so many... home.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
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Recent college graduate Cadence Gentry believes she can make a difference, and she knows just the place that needs it. As the newest teacher at Emblem High, her drive to help it's troubled teens is met with a lot of resistance from the cynical residents of Emblem, Arizona.
Tristan Mulligan has never wanted to leave his hometown of Emblem. Even with the closed businesses and decaying homes, he has never felt like he belonged anywhere else. But, seeing a woman like Cadence in his town is a new one. He can spot a do-gooder who has more hope than sense from a mile away, and he will definitely enjoy taking her down a peg or two...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tristan is an opposites attract story with a little bit of a twist in the reach of the large Gentry family. From the storied history of previous Gentrys growing up in Emblem, there comes a new generation with Cadence, who sees the bright side of the dilapidated town and the people who call it home.
Cadence was such an admirable character, and I loved her choice to move to Emblem. In a town where her family had so many bad memories, she only sees a place that she can help change lives. From her unwavering optimism and her ability to truly make a difference, she was an incredibly strong woman for someone so young.
Tristan definitely flaunts his bad attitude and the chip on his shoulder. While being semi-estranged from his family, it takes spending time with Cadence for him to realize just what he is missing out on in his life.
With all of their differences Cadence and Tristan find a mutual love and understanding in each other that they never thought possible. From their hot sex life to their genuine happiness that they find in each others company, their relationship is on the road to something more permanent... until life gets in the way...
I really enjoyed this book and I am so excited for a series that focuses on the town of Emblem where most of the former characters originally fled from. This story did a fantastic job of embracing the "ruins" of the town and loving it for what it still is for so many... home.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
Check out the Blog!
https://nightbirdnovels.com/2019/04/1...
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April 10, 2019
OMG...………………………………..Cora Brent has done it again, another fantastic book to add to the list she already has.
I was pulled straight into this story from the get go, that is where I stayed until I had read the last word written. At the same time I had my little mini movie playing in my head, I loved that happening.
There are surprises all the way through the book, some you will see coming others you won't, some you won't, some are large, some are small, but all are equally important and help to make the book the expectational read that it is.
The emotions that the characters go through can be felt, some actually will hit you square in the face, where as others will pull on your heart strings. But I will be very surprised if you don't feel them. I laughed, I got annoyed, I got frustrated, at one point I was actually talking to the character in the book (yer I know stupid), I wanted to knock heads together and yes I might of even shed a tear or two, while reading.
I never wanted this book to end, I did fine that the closer I was getting to the last page, the slower I started to read the book.
This book has gone straight into my go to file as I know I will read it again.
Cora Brent was one of the first authors I started following on here and on Facebook, there hasn't been a book that she has written that I haven't enjoyed reading and this is another. She has a way of making you feel as though you are apart of the story and falling in love with most of the characters within her book, or that is how she makes me feel.
She is one author that I very, very, highly recommend.
I highly recommend this book and if you have not read any of Cora Brent's book, I can say give them ago you will be not be sorry.
I was pulled straight into this story from the get go, that is where I stayed until I had read the last word written. At the same time I had my little mini movie playing in my head, I loved that happening.
There are surprises all the way through the book, some you will see coming others you won't, some you won't, some are large, some are small, but all are equally important and help to make the book the expectational read that it is.
The emotions that the characters go through can be felt, some actually will hit you square in the face, where as others will pull on your heart strings. But I will be very surprised if you don't feel them. I laughed, I got annoyed, I got frustrated, at one point I was actually talking to the character in the book (yer I know stupid), I wanted to knock heads together and yes I might of even shed a tear or two, while reading.
I never wanted this book to end, I did fine that the closer I was getting to the last page, the slower I started to read the book.
This book has gone straight into my go to file as I know I will read it again.
Cora Brent was one of the first authors I started following on here and on Facebook, there hasn't been a book that she has written that I haven't enjoyed reading and this is another. She has a way of making you feel as though you are apart of the story and falling in love with most of the characters within her book, or that is how she makes me feel.
She is one author that I very, very, highly recommend.
I highly recommend this book and if you have not read any of Cora Brent's book, I can say give them ago you will be not be sorry.
April 9, 2019
This was my first Gentry read and I am definitely looking forward to going back and catching up on the entire series of books related to the Gentry clan prior. Cadence Gentry has moved back to Emblem where her parents were from to teach at the local high school. She sticks out in the town because of her positive personality and sunny disposition, but teaches in Emblem in order to somewhat prove a point to both herself and her family. Tristan is the remaining Mulligan left in Emblem, with no desire to leave his upbringing behind. He seems to have resigned himself to the life his parents and the other people in town have done in their lives even though he has the ability to do more. While the two know of each other because their siblings are married, they don’t know each other very well although that changes once they are in the same town. While they initially fight the chemistry and feelings they have, they end up succumbing to those feelings and start a relationship. While both of them have things to work through, especially Tristan, they go through typical growing pains that happen within a relationship. Overall, it was a great book and storyline; to me it just seemed very anticlimactic especially based on the background of Tristan and the town I had expected something big to happen.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
April 15, 2019
Tristan, is a spin off from the Gentry boys books. It follows Cadence, Cord and Saylor’s youngest daughter. She’s moved back to Emblem, a poor run down town that her father and 2 brothers worked hard to escape from. Mostly everything is shutting down in Emblem, except the prison. Cadence is just starting out as a teacher and I think the reasons for moving there are to try and offer something to the underprivileged children of the town, to make their lives better, something that didn’t happen to her dad and uncles. However, Cadence is young and initially naive as to what the children need, being beaten at home, starving and we follow her journey as to what support she can offer as a teacher. Then there’s Tristan Mulligan, her brother in law’s wayward brother. The 2 rub each other the wrong way initially but it’s not long before they give in to their mutual attraction. Cadence doesn’t try to change Tristan, even though some of his work is dubious and illegal she can see his heart of gold and believes in him. Perhaps because of this Tristan wants to be a better version of himself for her. It’s quite sad to see how poor some places are and what opportunities or lack of some people have in life. Thoroughly enjoyed and nice to link to the original Gentry characters.
April 18, 2019
>Book Review – Tristan
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 1st in the Ruins of Emblem series and ends in an HEA. Tristan is the town of Emblem’s bad boy, in a town filled with bad boys. He dropped out of high school and decided to deal fake Viagra to the elderly, making him a drug dealer. His brother gave up his bad boy ways and is now a successful married man. Cadence is Tristan’s sister-in-law. She wants to make a difference in students’ lives and takes her very first teaching job in Emblem. The school is full of students with hard lives and no real chance for a future in the dying, prison town of Emblem.
>There are a lot of issues that pop up in this story, along with the slow burn romance between Tristan and Cadence. Issues of extreme poverty, child abuse by parents and drugs are a few of the hot topics brought up in this story. I love how Tristan is still a good guy behind his questionable ways. Cadence is a little loopy in her Pollyanna way of trying to help her students.
>The book introduces a threat to Cadence that brings out the alpha in Tristan, but the threat is neutralized way too quickly. This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. More could have been done with the Stryker threat.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 1st in the Ruins of Emblem series and ends in an HEA. Tristan is the town of Emblem’s bad boy, in a town filled with bad boys. He dropped out of high school and decided to deal fake Viagra to the elderly, making him a drug dealer. His brother gave up his bad boy ways and is now a successful married man. Cadence is Tristan’s sister-in-law. She wants to make a difference in students’ lives and takes her very first teaching job in Emblem. The school is full of students with hard lives and no real chance for a future in the dying, prison town of Emblem.
>There are a lot of issues that pop up in this story, along with the slow burn romance between Tristan and Cadence. Issues of extreme poverty, child abuse by parents and drugs are a few of the hot topics brought up in this story. I love how Tristan is still a good guy behind his questionable ways. Cadence is a little loopy in her Pollyanna way of trying to help her students.
>The book introduces a threat to Cadence that brings out the alpha in Tristan, but the threat is neutralized way too quickly. This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. More could have been done with the Stryker threat.
April 9, 2019
This is book one in the "Ruins of Emblem" series. This can be ready as a standalone.
I have been an avid fan of the Gentry's for years. I feel with each new book Ms. Brent gives us, we are able to gain more insight into this family.
What I loved most about this book was the push and pull between Tristan and Cadence. The will they, won't they dynamic is very satisfying. While Tristan, in my opinion, was very difficult to like, Cadence is simply a breath of fresh air. Her spirit, her vibe, her determination, make her one of the strongest Gentry women. I know Tristan was written to be unlikeable. He is rude, inconsiderate and selfish but he does redeem himself, in the best possible way. The reader gets to go on this journey of self-discovery with him, which makes his redemption that much sweeter. The chemistry between them was scorching.
I also really enjoyed the scenery of this book. Where other stories take place in Phoenix and surronding areas, Emblem provided an amazing backdrop, as if it was an additional character.
The writing was consistent and set at just the perfect pace.
If you have enjoyed in any of the other Gentry stories, this is a must read!
I have been an avid fan of the Gentry's for years. I feel with each new book Ms. Brent gives us, we are able to gain more insight into this family.
What I loved most about this book was the push and pull between Tristan and Cadence. The will they, won't they dynamic is very satisfying. While Tristan, in my opinion, was very difficult to like, Cadence is simply a breath of fresh air. Her spirit, her vibe, her determination, make her one of the strongest Gentry women. I know Tristan was written to be unlikeable. He is rude, inconsiderate and selfish but he does redeem himself, in the best possible way. The reader gets to go on this journey of self-discovery with him, which makes his redemption that much sweeter. The chemistry between them was scorching.
I also really enjoyed the scenery of this book. Where other stories take place in Phoenix and surronding areas, Emblem provided an amazing backdrop, as if it was an additional character.
The writing was consistent and set at just the perfect pace.
If you have enjoyed in any of the other Gentry stories, this is a must read!
April 9, 2019
This return to Emblem, Arizona is one of my favorites across all of the books in this universe. More than any of the other books in the Gentry series, this book gave such a vivid picture of what the lives of the residents of Emblem really look like and it's so sad to see the ramifications of a dying town.
Cadence is the youngest of Cord Gentry's daughters and the one I wanted to see grown up the most. She's the perfect combination of Cord and Saylor: feisty, sweet, a little sheltered. Tristan is like a lost soul; not quite able to let go of the criminal life in Emblem that his brother tried so hard to get him away from. But he was an absolute joy to get to know. He's loyal, he's funny, he cares so much about the people around him. I felt like I had hearts in my eyes every time he said something sweet to Cadence. I seriously could barely handle how cute and perfect they are.
I'm really loving this new spin-off of the Gentry's!! I can't wait to see what else comes from Emblem!!
Cadence is the youngest of Cord Gentry's daughters and the one I wanted to see grown up the most. She's the perfect combination of Cord and Saylor: feisty, sweet, a little sheltered. Tristan is like a lost soul; not quite able to let go of the criminal life in Emblem that his brother tried so hard to get him away from. But he was an absolute joy to get to know. He's loyal, he's funny, he cares so much about the people around him. I felt like I had hearts in my eyes every time he said something sweet to Cadence. I seriously could barely handle how cute and perfect they are.
I'm really loving this new spin-off of the Gentry's!! I can't wait to see what else comes from Emblem!!
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