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Thirty-Something in the City: The Coopers #1
Breaking Her Defences
Johannesburg… City of Gold. City of Love?
Adam Cooper can’t do relationships, and has two failed engagements to prove it. His work as a lawyer, a shark in the courtroom, brings out a side of him that women don’t like or understand.
With his last breakup, he was left so disillusioned he not only swore off relationships but even took an extended break from the work he loves.
And then Holly Monroe, arrives in Johannesburg.
She has been on her own since she was fifteen. With a past she’s trying to forget and a future she’s afraid to hope for, Adam and his big, loving family are exactly what she cannot allow herself to trust. She is determined to maintain her defences and rely only on herself. It’s safer that way.
The more Adam gets to know Holly, the more he wants to break his no relationship rule. But his killer instinct that’s been honed for cross-examining witnesses in the courtroom rears its head in their romance. He can’t shake the feeling she’s keeping secrets from him. And Adam knows that secrets in a relationship lead only to one verdict.
Adam Cooper can’t do relationships, and has two failed engagements to prove it. His work as a lawyer, a shark in the courtroom, brings out a side of him that women don’t like or understand.
With his last breakup, he was left so disillusioned he not only swore off relationships but even took an extended break from the work he loves.
And then Holly Monroe, arrives in Johannesburg.
She has been on her own since she was fifteen. With a past she’s trying to forget and a future she’s afraid to hope for, Adam and his big, loving family are exactly what she cannot allow herself to trust. She is determined to maintain her defences and rely only on herself. It’s safer that way.
The more Adam gets to know Holly, the more he wants to break his no relationship rule. But his killer instinct that’s been honed for cross-examining witnesses in the courtroom rears its head in their romance. He can’t shake the feeling she’s keeping secrets from him. And Adam knows that secrets in a relationship lead only to one verdict.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2019
13 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 22, 2019
I am always in awe when I discover a new author with a debut book that amazes me. This newest release is no different and a definite must read for anyone who love to read a really great romance story. Well written, characters are fantastic and a relatable story are just a few reason that I highly recommend this read. I need the rest of the family story and hope the author writes their story.
March 22, 2019
I like a romance where one or both of the lead characters have a painful past. Because... well, love heals all.
Breaking Her Defences scores on both. Adam Cooper is a good guy who wanted a relationship, he's been engaged twice and has been hurt twice. Whats worse, both girlfriends made him feel it was his fault, so he's lost faith in himself as a potential husband. A really shame because he comes from a large loving family, the kind who are always in an out of one-another's houses, in and out of one-another's business.
Holly is the opposite. She's lived alone, there is a big sad reason but you;ll find out when you read. So he never even tried to have a relationship longer than a 3-night stand. She craves a family but can't have one.
So far, so good. But the author makes it even more interesting because Holly can't afford to get too close. She has a half brother who doesnt even know her. She's trying to rescue him from a life in the orphanage, and that means not getting tangled up with Adam in case it messes things up for her adoption. Great story
Whats even better is a great setting in Johannesburg. Nice local detail
Breaking Her Defences scores on both. Adam Cooper is a good guy who wanted a relationship, he's been engaged twice and has been hurt twice. Whats worse, both girlfriends made him feel it was his fault, so he's lost faith in himself as a potential husband. A really shame because he comes from a large loving family, the kind who are always in an out of one-another's houses, in and out of one-another's business.
Holly is the opposite. She's lived alone, there is a big sad reason but you;ll find out when you read. So he never even tried to have a relationship longer than a 3-night stand. She craves a family but can't have one.
So far, so good. But the author makes it even more interesting because Holly can't afford to get too close. She has a half brother who doesnt even know her. She's trying to rescue him from a life in the orphanage, and that means not getting tangled up with Adam in case it messes things up for her adoption. Great story
Whats even better is a great setting in Johannesburg. Nice local detail
March 24, 2019
After seeing her family crumble in the worst of ways she endured the system until she was able to find her brother. Now the hard part begins. Moving and starting a new life she had no idea what the change would mean, for her it was a means to an end. He was gun shy after a couple of failed attempts at marriage but she called to everything in him. Lies of omission and an unwillingness to have a white night take care of everything causes unexpected results. Finding a place that's home, new friends and a family she didn't know she was looking for may break every defense she has built. This is this author's debut novel and it is well done. With characters flawed yet human and a great story line this series will draw you in and wrap you up with her words. This new author brings you a story about not only finding love but also about opening yourself to self love and the blessing of family.
April 24, 2019
Sweet romance with authentic characters who prove that romance isn't all clouds of happiness and rainbows, but opening yourself up to the possibility of love without letting go of who you really are. Loved the story, the characters, and can't wait to read the remaining books in the series.
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March 21, 2019
Breaking Her Defenses by Bailie Hantman is a gripping and beautiful love story. It's full of unconditional love based on a dark past, one that has broken their hearts but that only themselves can mend, and subsequently heal each other.
Breaking Her Defenses is Adam and Holly's journey through life, love but most importantly to each other. You will particularly like how strong they evolved to be and how they remained true to each other. So many factors could have ruined their relationship but they fought with all their might and endured a lot for a relationship that blossomed into a poignant love story.
Breaking Her Defenses invites us, urges us to let go of our own personal mask that we seem to be hiding under to embrace our own "uniqueness", who we truly are. It presses us to take a good look inside and to stop pretending or try to live up to social expectations. The only important thing is to be personally in charge of our own destiny.
I voluntarily submitted an ARC review for this book
Breaking Her Defenses is Adam and Holly's journey through life, love but most importantly to each other. You will particularly like how strong they evolved to be and how they remained true to each other. So many factors could have ruined their relationship but they fought with all their might and endured a lot for a relationship that blossomed into a poignant love story.
Breaking Her Defenses invites us, urges us to let go of our own personal mask that we seem to be hiding under to embrace our own "uniqueness", who we truly are. It presses us to take a good look inside and to stop pretending or try to live up to social expectations. The only important thing is to be personally in charge of our own destiny.
I voluntarily submitted an ARC review for this book
March 21, 2019
Carla's Five Star Review
Adam Cooper is married to his job, and he has two failed engagements to prove it. His last break up has left him reeling both personally and professionally. He has all but given up on finding love until Holly Monroe unexpectedly shows up in his life.
Holly's life has been far from easy. She lost her parents at a young age, and she has always ached to have a loving family. Now, for the very first time, she has some hope that her dream might actually come true. However, her plans don't include falling in love with the close knit Cooper family. She really wants to let them all in, but she has only ever had herself to rely one, and old habits are hard to break.
Let me tell you, Bailie Hantam has hit a home run right from the start with this amazing story! Adam and Holly along with all of the additional characters come together to create a story that is sure to bring out all the feels! If you are looking for a love story unlike any other you have read, this is it! I can't wait to read more about this amazing cast of characters!
Adam Cooper is married to his job, and he has two failed engagements to prove it. His last break up has left him reeling both personally and professionally. He has all but given up on finding love until Holly Monroe unexpectedly shows up in his life.
Holly's life has been far from easy. She lost her parents at a young age, and she has always ached to have a loving family. Now, for the very first time, she has some hope that her dream might actually come true. However, her plans don't include falling in love with the close knit Cooper family. She really wants to let them all in, but she has only ever had herself to rely one, and old habits are hard to break.
Let me tell you, Bailie Hantam has hit a home run right from the start with this amazing story! Adam and Holly along with all of the additional characters come together to create a story that is sure to bring out all the feels! If you are looking for a love story unlike any other you have read, this is it! I can't wait to read more about this amazing cast of characters!
March 21, 2019
First i need to say that, I for one, hope to be reading more of this family. This was really great reading.
Holly needed a change in her career and made a choice to move. She came across a room for rent through her real estate agent, or flat as the author says it, which I liked. Within the first few seconds of getting to her new place, she meets Adam. And from what we all will gather, he is already smitten with Holly.
There is more to this story of course, but you won't find much of a spoiler alert from me I'm afraid. You'll need to read this one for yourself to find out what this one is all about.
Side note: This is an author to watch for sure. I'm glad to have had the chance to read her work.
Holly needed a change in her career and made a choice to move. She came across a room for rent through her real estate agent, or flat as the author says it, which I liked. Within the first few seconds of getting to her new place, she meets Adam. And from what we all will gather, he is already smitten with Holly.
There is more to this story of course, but you won't find much of a spoiler alert from me I'm afraid. You'll need to read this one for yourself to find out what this one is all about.
Side note: This is an author to watch for sure. I'm glad to have had the chance to read her work.
March 22, 2019
For a debut novel this author has blown me away, and she is certainly an author to look out for in the future! Adam is a dedicated career man after two failed engagements he is convinced that he does not want another relationship. Holly has had a tough life and moves to a new town to follow her dreams. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a beautifully written story which is filled with secrets, drama, and love, which all had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more in this awesome series, and highly recommend for all readers.
March 21, 2019
I cannot believe this is a debut author. Seriously I'm in shock.
This was the kind of book I expected from someone with more than a few books under their belt.
It is full of drama and secrets, plus love the fact it talks about the struggles SA is currently going through with load shredding.
Cannot wait to read more from this author as many of the characters hinted at back stories, and as I fell in love with every one in the tight nit bunch, I can't wait to learn them all.
Bravo Bailee Hantam, you're going to go far!!!
This was the kind of book I expected from someone with more than a few books under their belt.
It is full of drama and secrets, plus love the fact it talks about the struggles SA is currently going through with load shredding.
Cannot wait to read more from this author as many of the characters hinted at back stories, and as I fell in love with every one in the tight nit bunch, I can't wait to learn them all.
Bravo Bailee Hantam, you're going to go far!!!
September 26, 2019
Loved this book!
It was light-hearted but emotional and very good
The storyline kept me interested in the book from start to end and I already want more!
I cannot wait to dive into the others, Holly is going through a rough time but you know shes not a whiny girl she's just pulling up her big girl panties and getting on with it, Hopeless romantics you're going to love this one, great book, well worth the read.
It was light-hearted but emotional and very good
The storyline kept me interested in the book from start to end and I already want more!
I cannot wait to dive into the others, Holly is going through a rough time but you know shes not a whiny girl she's just pulling up her big girl panties and getting on with it, Hopeless romantics you're going to love this one, great book, well worth the read.
March 22, 2019
I'm really impressed with this book and author. Congratulations on making me fall in love with the Cooper family. Fantastic characters and great story line. Holly was very likable and a good for Adam. The writing style is a little different than I'm used to, but still a fantastic read. Can't wait to hear more from this family!
March 24, 2019
What a great first book by a new author. Adam & Holly are a beautiful couple that I can say I was truly rooting for. I fell in love with the Cooper family and really hope to see more of them.
March 25, 2019
This was the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be my last!
This book drew me in from the start!
This book drew me in from the start!
July 9, 2019
Brilliant start to a series thats just going to get better and better !!!
Ok so i really didnt know what to expect from this authors debut book ,i loved the sound of the story from the blurb and hoped it lived up to my expectations,but what you get it soooo much more.
I absolutely adore adam and holly's story i was hooked from the first page, adam has been deeply hurt in the past making him believe he never wants to fall in love ever again and holly is running from her past ready to start a new life with no complications or distractions her only goal is to achieve what she moved for , but one look at the hot lawyer and everything changes !!!
A fantastic slow burn story of love and hope its not all easy going when secrets and doubts begin to surface and pasts come crashing to the present ,
Is adam and holly's love strong enough to overcome everything????
Really excited to read more into this wonderful family and i cant wait to read more from the brothers especially logan !!!!
Ok so i really didnt know what to expect from this authors debut book ,i loved the sound of the story from the blurb and hoped it lived up to my expectations,but what you get it soooo much more.
I absolutely adore adam and holly's story i was hooked from the first page, adam has been deeply hurt in the past making him believe he never wants to fall in love ever again and holly is running from her past ready to start a new life with no complications or distractions her only goal is to achieve what she moved for , but one look at the hot lawyer and everything changes !!!
A fantastic slow burn story of love and hope its not all easy going when secrets and doubts begin to surface and pasts come crashing to the present ,
Is adam and holly's love strong enough to overcome everything????
Really excited to read more into this wonderful family and i cant wait to read more from the brothers especially logan !!!!
September 15, 2019
📚 Small town romance, big heart 📚
I love small town and family romance series, and author Bailie Hantam did a great job with her debut book that starts off her 30 Something series.
The Cooper Brothers have always had each other’s backs and are close to their mother, especially since their father bailed when they were younger leaving Judy and the boys to juggle jobs and responsibilities that shouldn’t have yet been theirs to shoulder. Not only that, he’d left behind secrets that could potentially split the family in two.
Ms Hantam’s introduction of the characters, for not only this book but also for the others that will follow, was well done, and the family and friend dynamics were described so well, it almost felt as if I was there meeting them all in person. Just like the kitchen is the heart of a home, so Mrs Cooper and her house turned B&B, is the heart of the family and this series. Her family and friends are loyal, outgoing and ever-welcoming of the new face who is just looking for a fresh start in life for herself and possibly her brother.
As for the storyline between Adam, a lawyer, and Holly, his mother’s new border, it is a witty, passionate and fun tale about second opportunities for love. I absolutely enjoyed everything about it, and I’m about to dive straight into the next book.
4.5 Stars for this small town romance and the family and friends that I am looking forward to reading more about!
I love small town and family romance series, and author Bailie Hantam did a great job with her debut book that starts off her 30 Something series.
The Cooper Brothers have always had each other’s backs and are close to their mother, especially since their father bailed when they were younger leaving Judy and the boys to juggle jobs and responsibilities that shouldn’t have yet been theirs to shoulder. Not only that, he’d left behind secrets that could potentially split the family in two.
Ms Hantam’s introduction of the characters, for not only this book but also for the others that will follow, was well done, and the family and friend dynamics were described so well, it almost felt as if I was there meeting them all in person. Just like the kitchen is the heart of a home, so Mrs Cooper and her house turned B&B, is the heart of the family and this series. Her family and friends are loyal, outgoing and ever-welcoming of the new face who is just looking for a fresh start in life for herself and possibly her brother.
As for the storyline between Adam, a lawyer, and Holly, his mother’s new border, it is a witty, passionate and fun tale about second opportunities for love. I absolutely enjoyed everything about it, and I’m about to dive straight into the next book.
4.5 Stars for this small town romance and the family and friends that I am looking forward to reading more about!
September 19, 2019
This story is an emotional rollercoaster ride to healing and love.Holly Monroe has always only had herself to depend on.When she moves to a small town to try and get her brother in her care.He's living in an orphanage.She knows what it's like having lived in an orphanage until she turned eighteen.Then she went to school to learn so she could support herself.She feels guilty not trying to get him sooner.Mrs.Connor her new landlord and her son's and their friends make Holly feel less alone for the first time in herlife.Adam has family law attorney.He's been down and hasn't been in a court room since catching his fiance cheating it's like he's lost his drive and fire.Yes he starburst as an attorney but he just works nothing else.When he sees the woman his mother detection he's speachless.Holly really hit him when he never expected it.Shareware a no strings attached relationship but will it turn into more?Quarantining from him?When her secret is exposed will that end what they were building .?Holly has been hurt so much she doesn't know how too trust.When she hurts Adam because she didn't trust him enough will it break both their hearts?The twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.
August 30, 2019
“You should read this book!” So I thought I’d give it a go and I read it in one sitting! I loved it! I liked the fast pace and the secret back stories of the characters that you just have to find out so you keep reading and next thing you know, you’re finished the book.
Adam is delightful, a little moody but the perfect match for Holly, who has not the nicest past but is doing her best to put it behind her. But will her secrets be her undoing? You have to read to find out so “you should read this book!”
I really hope we get to read about the other characters stories soon! 4 brothers all with issues of their own? Sounds like an awesome series to me!
Adam is delightful, a little moody but the perfect match for Holly, who has not the nicest past but is doing her best to put it behind her. But will her secrets be her undoing? You have to read to find out so “you should read this book!”
I really hope we get to read about the other characters stories soon! 4 brothers all with issues of their own? Sounds like an awesome series to me!
September 18, 2019
The emotional push and pull from Adam and Holly takes you on a read that will keep you wanting more from these two. Each have a past that is heartbreaking and doesn't leave them much for trusting peopl, and when one hides the truth from the other will they be left broken once again or will they find away to overcome it all? Amazing read that will bring tears to your eyes and make you laugh and all the feels as you read. Can't wait to read the next
August 5, 2019
Talk about an emotional book!! Definitely a great title for this book!!
Holly moves to a new city so she can straighten out her life as she seeks custody of her brother! Adam is at his mother's when Holly shows up to move into his mother's flat!
Heat and emotions will consume both Adam and Holly, but will the lies be the end of their connection or will it make them stronger?
Holly moves to a new city so she can straighten out her life as she seeks custody of her brother! Adam is at his mother's when Holly shows up to move into his mother's flat!
Heat and emotions will consume both Adam and Holly, but will the lies be the end of their connection or will it make them stronger?
October 9, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this very emotional story. This book had secrets, heartbreak, a very loving family, and romance. I fell in love with the whole family. Holly and Adam's chemistry was amazing, but their relationship was an emotional rollercoaster. Can't wait to read more about the family. You will love this book. I highly recommend.
September 2, 2019
Oh my I absolutely loved and enjoyed this story. Adam and Holly were so great and their story was fantastic. Matter fact I loved all of the characters. I'm excited to read the next in the series. I want to see more of these characters. Definitely recommend reading
March 22, 2019
Adam and Holly's story was full of emotion and insight. I really liked that these two weren't perfect, that they had their fair share of flaws. They not only recognized them, but accepted that it was a part of who they were. The Cooper family is amazing - their family dynamics was heartwarming yet full of the drama that families have. I'd love to read their stories as well. This book wasn't overloaded with steamy scenes, but there were enough to feel the chemistry between Adam and Holly. This was a wonderful story featuring a couple who needed to learn to trust each other in order to find true love.
October 3, 2024
Wow great book! So much drama and many secrets.
When Holly returns to town she meets lawyer Adam who is jaded from two failed relationships. But she is trying to escape a past she wants to forget.
Both avoiding getting together but the inevitability of it isn't lost. Adam and Holly grow closer and she holds secrets that he wants to find out. It's the lawyer in him.
Very well done. A great mix of characters and a suspenseful plot that keeps me involved and interested.
Can't wait for more.
When Holly returns to town she meets lawyer Adam who is jaded from two failed relationships. But she is trying to escape a past she wants to forget.
Both avoiding getting together but the inevitability of it isn't lost. Adam and Holly grow closer and she holds secrets that he wants to find out. It's the lawyer in him.
Very well done. A great mix of characters and a suspenseful plot that keeps me involved and interested.
Can't wait for more.
March 22, 2019
This my first book by this author. It will not be my last. I can not wait to read more from this author! I really enjoyed the characters and their story. I loved the family and the insights to each member and how their relationships play a role in the story. How far one will go to make their dreams come true? Is it worth It? A highly recommended read. Check this one out! I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading an advance copy of the book from the author.
October 19, 2019
Wow! What a debut novel this is!! I was hooked from the first page and literally finished this in a day.
The chemistry between the characters Adam and Hilly is fanrasic and you can actually feel the pain that Holly is in.
It has everything. Romance, suspense some angst and a happy ending.
I highly recommend this book
The chemistry between the characters Adam and Hilly is fanrasic and you can actually feel the pain that Holly is in.
It has everything. Romance, suspense some angst and a happy ending.
I highly recommend this book
September 6, 2020
Too short
There were too many characters around, with their interesting side stories which were very basically hinted at. Its like a teaser for many more exciting times so when the story of Adam and Holly ended, happily, i may add, there seemed to still be unfinished business. Not a very satisfying feeling to have when you are done with a book. But it was a good enough read.
There were too many characters around, with their interesting side stories which were very basically hinted at. Its like a teaser for many more exciting times so when the story of Adam and Holly ended, happily, i may add, there seemed to still be unfinished business. Not a very satisfying feeling to have when you are done with a book. But it was a good enough read.
August 10, 2020
Wonderfully engaging story
I loved this easy-going story of Adam and Holly's romance. The emotions are deep and heartfelt, and the characters really come alive. The ending was wonderfully rewarding, and the HEA was sealed with a delightful epilogue.
I loved this easy-going story of Adam and Holly's romance. The emotions are deep and heartfelt, and the characters really come alive. The ending was wonderfully rewarding, and the HEA was sealed with a delightful epilogue.
March 26, 2021
Overall, I really liked this book. The storyline was compelling, the characters likable, the chemistry obvious and there is a strong feeling of realism to it all that I thought really helped you connect with the book and its characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews