Phillip

7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes #4

by Cristin Harber

Meet the Blackthorne men, each one as hot, fast, and smooth as the whisky that built the family fortune, and the yachts and race cars that bear their name. From proud Scottish stock, Blackthornes never lose. But, one by one, the seven sexy men in this family are about to risk everything when they fall for strong and beautiful women who test their mettle in life... and love. Phillip - Book 4 When Phillip Blackthorne secures his title as Harvard's most mischievous co-ed with a prank that makes the campus newspaper, he also loses his first love and complete opposite, Ashley Catherine Cartwright.Twelve years later, another of Phillip's stunts goes wrong when his runaway golf cart crashes through Ashley's charity event on live TV. Their reunion goes viral-not only for the classic car he's forced to donate, but the sparks that everyone but Ashley can see.Phillip is determined to win her heart again, but his shot at a second chance is doomed if Ashley refuses to see that life's unexpected hurdles can be the best part of a happily ever after. Don't miss these sexy, heartwarming, emotion-filled books by seven bestselling Barbara Freethy, Julia London, Lynn Raye Harris, Cristin Harber, Roxanne St. Claire, Christie Ridgway and Samantha Chase.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

210 pages, Paperback

First published August 22, 2019

About the author

Cristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She writes sexy romantic suspense, military romance, and new adult. Fans voted her onto Amazon's Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was both a #1 romantic suspense and #1 military romance bestseller.

The Titan Series:
Winters Heat
Sweet Girl
Garrison's Creed
Westin's Chase
Gambled
Chased
Savage Secrets
Hart Attack
Sweet One
Live Wire
Black Dawn
Bishop’s Queen
Locke and Key
Jax
Deja Vu

The Delta Series:
Delta: Retribution
Delta: Revenge
Delta: Rescue*
Delta: Redemption
Delta: Ricochet

*Delta: Rescue is a novella in Liliana Hart's MacKenzie Family Collection. It can read as a standalone story or in conjunction with either authors' series.

The Only Series:
Only for Him
Only for Her
Only for Us
Only Forever

Each Titan and Delta book can be read as a standalone (except for Sweet Girl), but readers will likely best enjoy the series in order. The Only series must be read in order.

7 Brides for 7 Soldiers:
Ryder (#1) - Barbara Freethy
Adam (#2) - Roxanne St. Claire
Zane (#3) - Christie Ridgway
Wyatt (#4) - Lynn Raye Harris
Jack (#5) - Julia London
Noah (#6) - Cristin Harber
Ford (#7) - Samantha Chase

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - "Secrets doom relationships…" Stars.



Book four of the 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes series moves along to Phillip’s story. Not one of the men we have learned much about in the previous three books I was interested to get into this guy’s head.

"To think… I forgot how I hated you…"

"…Glad to see nothing’s changed."

I am in the minority when it comes to my feelings on this title, and I would urge you to still give the book a go if you are reading the series as a whole, but I just felt that compared to the previous three, Phillip and Ashley’s story was a hot mess.

This is a second-chance trope with Ashley dumping jokester Phillip in the Prologue while they are in University, in part due to a meddling mother (parental drama is a pet hate for me as well) and if their behaviour in this book when they reconnect in King Harbor is any indication to go on, it is because they both still struggle to actually communicate with each other as adults.

You literally spend around 70% of the book with one of the other of them leaving whatever location they are in together because either one or the other of them is angry, upset, a combination of the two or just not willing to discuss anything important, the sexual tension between them for me was at lukewarm levels, and the first sex scene which occurs @ 72% is a lacklustre as well as being three extremely short paragraphs.

They didn’t know each other anymore… Too much time had passed…

Time may have passed for these two, but I don’t think either of them has really grown up or matured that much in the interim. Not a winner for me this time, but Brock is up next, and I’m hoping his story will pull me back into the series again, because before this little bump in the road I was really enjoying it.

ARC generously provided by L. Woods PR in exchange for the above honest review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phillip (7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes Book 4) by Cristin Harber  
 
They loved. They lost. They moved on. Or so they thought. For Phillip Blackthorne and Ashley Cartwright, the damage of their not so distant past is about to wreak havoc on their all too recent, future. Harber brings out the big guns when it comes to romance. Phillip revisits a past gone wrong to help make another sad love song right. Phillip and Ashley are my favorite Blackthorne couple to date. With a dash of sentiment and a smidge of humor, Harber delves deep into heartbreak and finds heartwarming instead.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review of Phillip (7 Brides For 7 Blackthornes #4) by Cristin Harber
I have to say that I am really enjoying this series about the Blackthorne men and the women that capture their hearts. Each story is written by a different author and I love the diversity of the stories and the writing.

Having read and enjoyed several books previously from Cristin Harber I was interested to see what she had in store for Phillip. Phillip seems to me to be the wildest one of the group with an absolutely wicked sense of humour, the one who lands in trouble or causes trouble and I couldn’t wait to start his story.

Phillip’s story is a lover’s to enemy’s to lover’s story that drew me in from the start and refused to let me go. Always known to be up for a prank, he lost the love of his life because of it when Ashley Cartwright dumped him while they were attending Harvard.

Fast forward 12 years and without meaning to Phillip crashes his golf cart right through the charity event that Ashley is holding, even worse it happens on live TV and their re-union is just as public.

The attraction and chemistry between Phillip and Ashley is still there and both realize that the feelings they had for one another haven’t faded. The question is whether these two can confront the past and move forward together, or are they destined to part?

This is a well written, funny, romantic, passionate read was also sad at times. The characters were relatable (although I wasn’t too keen on Ashley’s rather controlling mother) and the writing was strong. An entertaining read that I happily recommend.

[Kathy Rouchelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story that will have you laughing right from the start. A lover's to enemy to lover's story that will grab you right from the start and take you along for the funny yet loving ride of your life. Phillip has always had a sense of humor and always had some sort of gag going on. But when his attempt to ease Ashley's nerves during her presentation goes terribly wrong, humiliating her in front of everyone, including her stuck up mother! She's had enough and ends it with him right there in front of everyone.

Twelve years later, some things never change and Phillip's at it again, except this time the result is accidental and costly. She's there. It's her event and he has just crashed through it and right back onto her life. Now the question is. Can he win the one woman who has held his heart for years and get her to lighten up and learn how to relax and enjoy the fun of life or will he lose her forever?

This is a wonderful read with wonderful characters that will attract you, entertain you and leave you wanting to be a part of their world. I highly recommend this series! Those Blackthorne men will definitely leave you wanting!

[Linda Ketter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, way to turn Phillip around. At first I was not fond of him. But as we learned more about his story, I fell in love with him. Ultimately, his heart is in a good place. It just doesn't always know a proper way to achieve his goals. I like the fact he did not go into the family business, but rather went out on his own and is succeeding. It was hard to tell, but I think his success is in spite of his family. He raises the money necessary to run his camp on his own. Granted the family is there to support him, but they're not writing his paycheck or sponsoring/funding this endeavor.

Ashley is another success story in spite of her family. She has built a successful event planning business in spite of her mother's interference. But she has mommy issues. She has always wanted to make her mother proud of her, but no matter what she does, she can't.

These two are made for each other, but they have a lot of history to work through. And I really hope there are more goat adventures in their future.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4, and this is just as good as the others! 5 stars, this series has been amazing so far! If you haven't started it yet, what are you waiting for!!
Meet Phillip, oldest of the Blackthorne cousins, but always felt like he was the cause of his parents accident. He's a jokester, who sometimes takes things to far, like his college girlfriend, Ashley's presentation snafu! And here he is ten years later, goofing off with his brother at the golf course, when he crashes his golf cart into a party that she's in charge of.
Ashley has a lot of regrets through out her life, but leaving Phillip the way she did has to be the biggest one. Constantly under her mothers thumb, always trying to impress her just a little to no end. Watch as these two struggle with their feelings that haven't seemed to lessen over the years!
I enjoyed their story, I know you will too!!

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really loved each book in this series. I wasn’t sure at first if I’d like Phillip, seemed like he was too wild and needed to grow up. Ashley broke up with him, but realizes he’s the love of her life. How can they make up? She talks him into donating a car and he agrees. Had some tears on why he didn’t really want to donate that car. I felt for Ashley as she’s got problems with a overbearing Mom. When will Phillip and Ashley finally talk about the past? Loved getting both POV, and a happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I recommend this book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment Phillip and Ashley's eyes meet after years apart, their insta-connection with deep roots erupts back to life, blazing through past and present heartwrenching burdens to a place of healing and contentment.

Ashley struggles with breaking fully from the expectations of others and living up to impossible standards pressed upon her. Feeling her helplessness and pain, it's beautiful to watch her break her way through those chains and find herself. It's always a journey, and feels neverending, but you can see Ashley finding her way.

Phillip has his own set of burdens and pain to carry, and like Ashley, while his eyes came opened to seeing reality and the truth, it still is a long journey to healing, but one he takes on and finds a place of peace.

I adore how these two are total opposites, but yet they match up, filling up the missing parts of the other. Phillip had me melting with his pursuit of Ashley and tenacity to dig in and claim her and not let her go. Ashley had me cheering with her fight and resolve to make it through, even as much as she could also run away. I mean, who doesn't need an escape at times?

Blending some giggles with heart touching truths and sweet moments, this story delivers on all the feels, giving a sense of hope, healing and acceptance.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great! I loved Phillip and Ashley's story. The entire ending really pulled at the heartstrings with the auction and everything with Ashley's parents. Such a good story! I couldn't put this down and ended up finishing it very quickly.

[J Lundsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

This is the fourth book in the series.

I really enjoyed Phillip and Ashley's second chance story.

I can't wait to read more of the Blackthornes!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m struggling with this review.....
To date, all 4 books in the Blackthorne series have been very short. For the first 3 books, that was my major complaint - that the length of the book prevented the depth I would have liked to have seen in multiple levels (plot, character, etc). Philip has this issue as well, the story just isn’t long enough to do itself justice.

The premise behind Philip’s book is interesting. He’s the “bad” Blackthorne, the goof ball who has grown up but still doesn’t always make the best choices. One of those choices creates a problem for Philip’s ex girlfriend and they reconnect while trying to fix it.

I liked Philip and appreciated the emotional struggles he showed. His own guilt, fears, and how to be better. I also liked Ashley and rooted for her while she dealt with her wagon load of mommy issues, both past and present.

What took this from a potentially really good and interesting book to average was the length. There was a lot here to unpack and address. Both Philip and Ashley have baggage from their own histories plus their failed college romance. All of that gets glossed over. There are also a couple of places where something is brought up, but there is no context or follow through. I think the authors behind the Blackthorne series had a wonderful idea, but I am afraid they have done themselves a disservice by keeping the books so short.

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start by saying that I was SO not a fan of Phillip in the beginning of this book, but as everything was laid out and we even saw him growing as a person, I definitely started to swoon just a bit. Ashley on the other had, I freaking loved her from the beginning!

This book was an interesting premise. It is a second chance romance but with a lot at stake and a short time to get everything done. Having the dual POVs was crucial to see exactly what each character was thinking at the time. Their reconnecting seemed a little sudden and not too much communication was going on, but it was still and enjoyable read!

All in all, I enjoyed reading this book. It took me a little time to warm up to our main man, but once i did, I was all in! Philip was an extremely caring man, he just tended to joke about stuff more than dealing with it, but quickly changed his tune. I also really liked that he was the ying to Ashley's yang and they just fit together, even though it didn't seem as if they would. The secret that is happening between the patriarch and the matriarch of the Blackthornes also gets more and more intriguing and has me wondering what is going to happen.

If you enjoy books a bit on the faster side with a helping of second chance and strong chemistry, I recommend checking out the book!

I received an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past comes back to haunt them💕

Ashley has always sought the approval of her mother in particular and after she whispers in her ear about her boyfriend Phillip and how he’s not the right Blackthorne to make a respectable partner for Ashley, they break up over a silly incident. Fast forward years later and Ashley is making a name for herself organising events for businesses and non-profits. Unfortunately, when a golf cart careens into their tent, with Phillip at the helm...all their past issues rise once again😢

Phillip has always been the more carefree Blackthorne with a bit of a mischievous streak when the golf cart he’s driving loses its brakes and steering, landing in a tent set up for a charity event. Trying to make things right, Phillip is asked to sell his luxury car to fix the damage sustained by the cart. Sparks fly between Ashley and Phillip and they both wonder how things would’ve turned out years before and if they can have that future a second time around now?

Loved this story and I look forward to finding out more Blackthorne secrets in Brock’s story next😍

[Books 2 Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually by the fourth book of a series you’re either totally invested or you not. I can safely say I’m in the latter category with the Blackthorne series. Philip’s story is just as engaging as the previous 3 books. Familiar with this author’s style of writing, I wanted to see how this would be different from her other writings. Guys, she didn’t disappoint! Philip and Ashley were meant for each other even if timing and humor were not their best friends.

After Philip’s shenanigans cost him 12 years, Philip was not letting Ashley go this time around. She loved him, she hated him, she still loved him. Poor girl thought she was losing it! The passion and attraction these two had for each other would not be denied and 12 years did not diminish there deep feelings one iota.

A passionate read filled with laughter and some deep feels, Philip and Ashley story is another shining star in these wonderfully written Blackthorne stories. Can’t wait to read what the next author does with Brock’s story.

5🌟
B2B Mila

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a prank that went very wrong twelve years ago, Ashley walked away from her romance with Phillip, noting that his immaturity was just way too much. But as his luck will have it they meet again after he crashes a golf cart through the tent of her fundraiser. The only way to fix the problem is for Phillip to work with Ashley and try to recoup the loss at another event. But can Phillip redeem himself and prove to the only woman he ever loved that he is so much more than fun and games? Will Ashley give him a chance to prove he is worth fighting for? This story had me laughing out loud in sections and wiping tears from my cheeks with others. The Blackthorne series is filled with such great characters and Cristin Harber's book is a wonderful addition.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC for honest review with no compensation received from L Woods PR

Phillip by Cristin Harber is book 4 in the series 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes written by six other amazing authors! Each book is a standalone but has an underlying story that connects to each book...

Phillip Blackthorne and Ashley Cartwright where friends and lovers in college until a mischievous prank turns both their worlds upside down and tears them apart. Now years later, Phillip pulls another prank, golf car crashes into Ashley’s charity event on live TV...what happens next will keep you turning pages as these two still have unresolved issues, sparks, pranks, secrets and hopefully a second chance at their HEA...

Brock by Roxanne St. Clair is up next but we still don’t have any answers to the underlying story...

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been groomed into Ashley since she was a child that appearances are everything so when Phillip, her college sweetheart, crosses the line with his fun antics she ends their relationship.

Years later Phillip is still the same fun loving man he has always been however he didn’t expect that his latest caper would literally having him crashing into his ex, Ashley. The chemistry and connection between them is more intense then ever but will she be willing to give him a second chance?

This is a story of two people who couldn’t be more different but together they create the perfect balance. I am enjoying this series and look forward to more of the Blackthorne family.

[Ree · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this second chance romance, Phillip Blackthorne gets, through serendipity, another chance to prove his love - and maturity - to Ashley Cartwright, the one who got away.

The story's premise was good. I just felt that, at the end, there were still loose ends to tie up, or that we hadn't fully gotten the entire story. Phillip and Ashley, in my opinion, still needed to speak to each other more.

I look forward to the next one in the series, though.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Shannon Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing addition to the Blackthorne series! It was a bit of an enemies to lovers/reunited lovers story that had me sucked in. I really enjoyed Phillip and Ashley’s characters, and loved seeing how they came out on top, even with others trying to keep them apart. There were some laughs through this story, and definitely some tears!! I would definitely recommend this read!!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this entry in the series. Phillip Blackthorne is the fun-loving one in the family. But, he's really a man with a lot of pain in his past. He does not follow in the family business but instead operates a non-profit camp for kids who have lost their parents as he did. He lost his college sweetheart and love of his life, Ashley Cartwright, due to a prank in college. Move forward 12 years and his golf cart crashes into a tent where Ashley's event planning company is hosting a premiere charity event damaging everything set for the silent auction. Phillip tells Ashley he can help her recover by combining her event with his charity car auction. We learn that both Phillip and Ashley have been affected by difficulties growing up. But, they are stronger together. They rekindle their romance and share their important histories and how it affected them in the past and what they want going forward. This was a good second chance story with likeable characters.

[Elaine A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read

Phillip is the Blackthorne who was always causing trouble. He couldn't seem to stop with the practical jokes. And one of them cost him the woman of his dreams. He meets her again when one of his pranks has the golf cart plow into the tent where she is staging a fund raising event for a group. Ashley isn't surprised to learn he is involved. And as much as she wants to, she can't deny the attraction between them. Phillip has never forgotten her. But he has to come to terms with his behaviors and how they can affect others. Add in Ashley's controlling mom and Phillip's brothers and you have a great story. Can these two come to terms with all the issues impeding their ability to come together again?

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sightly angsty second chance romance. Ashley has a mother with high expectations and standards and only those she deem suitable are good enough even if there is no real connection. She also demands perfection of her daughter, that Ashley can no way attain, it ruined her relationship first time around. Phillip though hurt still from the past still loves Ashley enough to work with her and try to 're build something. Both characters have issues regarding family which really influence their behaviour and feelings to a certain degree. Thankfully both are strong enough to get past that and see they have something worth fighting for. I enjoyed the pace and plot , wonderful characters and the romance of second time around. It's an easy read to sink into and relax.

[Helen Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phillip Blackthorne was known as the mischievous co-ed when he was a student at Harvard. But that mischievousness cost him his first love, Ashley Cartwright.

Now twelve years later, Phillip’s stunts with a golf cart brings him face to face with Ashley again. This stunt goes viral during a live charity event hosted by Ashley. To make things right with Ashley, Phillip agrees to donate his much loved classic car (the last gift given to him by his late father) for charity.

Phillip is determined to win her heart again, but past secrets and manipulations are revealed that may doom their chances at rekindling what was lost.

[Pamela Devereux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phillip Blackthorne was considered the family goof. He never seemed to take things seriously. Losing his parents left a hole in him. He now runs a non-profit for kids that are like him. Needing a safe place to land after losing a parent or a care giver. Ashley Cartwright runs a business that is no way part of her parents company. By accident those two meet again. Old feelings are stirred up. Phillip knew she was the one from college but something happened and she ran. Now they are back in the same world. Old feelings are surfacing. When things are revealed, Ashley let her mother have it. I really liked Ashley's dad. Another one bites the dust!

[Philippe · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing style is good and the author shows promise. Unfortunately she wrote the main character so well, I found him to be a complete idiot and a waste of space. And if I dislike the MC, well the book loses me fairly quickly. The female lead also had issues: most everyone has issues doing public speaking but you learn to overcome them, ESPECIALLY if you are as stubborn as she's supposed to be. The age the character is is at, it rings false for her to still have major problems with that. Her relationship behaviour was strange, with Ashley and Phillips sounding like 12 year olds.

[Dawn Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Phillip and Ashley's story. In my opinion there is some of the story missing, I felt things were a little rushed. I wanted more of the backstory. I wanted more of the Abigail/Ashley story, more of Phillip and his parents story. In my opinion Ashley and Phillip are very immature on some things. Even with the immaturity factor I still liked Ashley and Phillip. I liked Phillip's big heart and how he is committed to helping kids. I liked Ashley's drive and her strength. I enjoyed there was more tension in this book than the others. Overall all I liked the book. I read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Jennifer Artiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phillip and Ashley

A second-chance romance with a misunderstanding aggravated by a mother's manipulation. These two were young when they met and first fell in love. Choices led to heartbreak but 12 years later they finally clear the air and reunite. They both had tragic events in their childhoods but are stronger now and able to put it all in the proper perspective. An enjoyable read.

[Irene Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre

Another sweet romance in this series nothing particularly interesting just another basic love story. Philip the Blackthorne who bucks against the business and works for his charity and is seen as the irresponsible one crashes a golf truck into a charitable event and literally crashes into his ex girlfriend Ashley of course sparks fly and through a series of events love blossoms once more. Simple story without much depth.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phillip

I enjoyed the first book, it was so refreshing not to have to slip past the sex scenes to finish the book. I loved the way that Ashley’s mother got what was coming. No where in book before the Car Show did there be a mention of Ashley’s father it was so surprising when things turned out as they did. Can’t wait for 6 more books.

[June Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in this series.

Cristina Garner has done an outstanding job with her contribution to this series. Her characters and storylines keep your interest from beginning til the end.