Every Step

Music, Love and Other Miseries #3

by C.J. Burright

An annoyingly irresistible cop and a dare that could ruin her life... Love is a complication Kat will avoid at any cost.

Sharp-shooting cop Katerina Hellman needs a fresh start. Leaving behind a failed marriage, she ditches the city and bunks with her sister in the tiny town of Graywood. When the local police chief offers her a position as the temporary firearms instructor, she jumps on it. So what if it's a 'mostly boys' club? She's done with men, doesn't need their unrealistic expectations and not even the tall, dark and annoying badge Roman can change that.

Roman Farkos lives for his job, to serve and protect...until Kat shows up with her snarls and superiority. He can't resist pushing her buttons. She wants to be considered one of the boys, which would be fine if she didn't stir a desire to do more than protect and serve her. Kat may be raw from her recent split, but Roman resolves to convince her that love—preferably with him—is worth the risk.

When Roman challenges Kat to a six-week contest of wits and skills, it's game on. As they work and play side by side, her resistance fades and unexpected passion flares. But when big-city danger hits and secrets are revealed, Roman faces the greatest challenge of all—convincing Kat that real love is worth the fight.

General Release Date: 12th May 2020

Genres: Romance

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2020

About the author

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Once upon a time, a girl with flat hobbit feet dreamed of adventures in the woods with an elven hero, fighting off orcs and saving magical rings. All grown up now, C.J. Burright resides in Oregon (at least she got the trees). While she faces her duties at the law office day job, she avoids writing legal thrillers and instead turns toward romance—contemporary (sometimes with a supernatural flair), paranormal or fantasy. With a 5th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, it’s no surprise she prefers feisty heroines who aren’t afraid to jump into the fight. Her slivers of spare time are spent working out, gardening, playing the latest Assassin’s Creed, and rooting on the Seattle Mariners, always with music. She shares a house with her husband (not elven, alas, but a fine alternative) and a devoted cat herd while missing her daughter from afar. C. J. is represented by Brittany Booker of The Booker Albert Literary Agency. Find her on Facebook, Twitter (@CJBurright), Instagram, Bookbub, and Goodreads.

Reviews

[Bookadmirer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trusting anyone is always a risk. That’s the beauty of relationships. Without taking a chance on someone, you’ll never know what you might have found at the end of the rainbow.”

This is a story of Kat and Roman. Kat is such a strong character. What I most liked about this book that Kat took the time to get involved with Roman. She tried to understand him first. Roman is funny, his devotion to Kat was remarkable.

Both protagonists are tough cops. They are trying to understand each other. However, this book was too long for me as the plot was very vague except the romance between Kat and Roman. I was kind of annoyed a few times because the push and pull between the protagonists seemed silly and pointless. it's an ok read for me. Everything was kind of predictable, no plot twist or anything. It was just a cute story.

Thank you for Netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat lost it after her divorce. Ordered to take time off from her law enforcement job, she heads to her sister’s and falls into a temporary job with the local police. As a sharp-shooter, she seems a perfect fit to train his officers until Roman walks onto the range. As they say, “Let the games begin!”

Both are equally tough. Both have mad shooting skills. Both are as headstrong and competitive as can be, and both find an attraction that makes for a fun and entertaining read!

C.J. Burright’s EVERY STEP is that feel good romance that will make you smile, right after driving you nuts. I’m sure not saying Kat doesn’t have reasons to be as prickly as she is, but there were times she was over-the-top! Roman was almost like that kid who pulled the hair of the girl whose attention he wanted. Together, they made for a fun romance with some hard truths revealed. The question remains, are their feelings on the mark? Has Cupid scored a bullseye?

I received a complimentary ARC edition from C.J. Burright! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Music, Love and Other Miseries - Book 3
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (May 12, 2020)
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 270 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Carola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Totally Bound Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.
Every step is the third book of the Music, Love and Other Miseries series by C.J. Burright but you can read it as a standalone. It’s the first book I’ve read by this series but after reading this book I intent to read the other books as well.

This book has everything I look for in a romance. The main characters are great and I fell in love with Roman from the start. It’s a book I highly recommend if you like strong, badass woman and love a man who goes all the way for the woman he falls for.

[Gwessie Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic read, loved this feisty couple , and their journey to their HEA.

[Samantha Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I have been waiting and hoping for Kat and Roman’s story, and it’s an amazing one! Two tough cops, each learning to be vulnerable, find their way through some adventures ripped from current events and test the relationship waters along the way. So much good here! Just grab it and settle in for the ride.

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Another love fest from this author who writes books where seemingly alpha males go gaga for their women who often push them away. While I did find Roman charming and funny, i did feel he was a bit too intense with his unrelenting devotion to Kat. A bit too desperato for my taste.
Overall, a sweet love story worth reading.

[Nextbookaroundthecorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb of this book made me curious. So although I hadn't read anything of C.J. Burright, not even the other books of this series of Music, Love and Other Miseries, I dove right in. And this was definitely a slow burn story, because Kat and Roman really hate each other. Kat wants to have nothing to do with men, after her cheating and lying ex-husband embarrassed her by calling her the ice queen to all of their colleagues.
So, when she punched him in the face, she got an extended leave for harassing her co-workers. And now she needs to do something to keep her mind of things. When she is asked to be the temporarily firearms instructor in her old hometown, where her sister lives, she happily agrees. She didn't count on the annoying Roman to be pushing her buttons at every move she makes.
Roman doesn't know why, but he feels a need to get Kat riled up. Because he is convinced she is not the ice queen her colleagues name her to be. So, they agree on a six-weeks-challenge to find out who is the better cop. But throughout the challenges, both Roman and Kat learn that there is so much more than meets the eye, their mutual hate turns into trust. And then into something more... Until Kate finds out that Roman has been hiding something. Can she learn to trust again? Or will she turn ice queen once more? Find out for yourself in this wonderful read. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katerina Hellman is known for her strength, badass attitude and her ability with firearms. She taught firearms at the police academy, attended sniper school and is now employed as the temporary firearms instructor in Graywood. Officer Roman Farkos is a senior officer in Graywood and is struck by her beauty and demeanor when she arrives in town, she intrigues him. Katerina is recovering from her impending divorce and tries to avoid him, but he slowly seduces her with his words. The entertaining dialog, between these two main characters, carries on throughout the story. Homeless teenagers disappearing from the area could mean that they have moved on, but Roman with his work at the after-school club, doesn’t think so. When a new group brings trouble to Graywood, will Roman and Katerina be up to the challenge? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katerina Hellman is ready for a change. After she leaves behind her cheating husband and is forced to take a leave of absence she decides rooming with her sister in Graywood is as good a place as any. Bonus when the local police chief offers her a position as the temporary firearms instructor, sign her up! She's only focused on getting through the six weeks and proving she is still capable of doing her job.

Roman Farkos has his sights on Katerina. He had been mesmerized by her after meeting under less than ideal circumstances. And he'll use any means necessary to get her to give him a chance, even a challenge she won't say no to. Now he needs the six weeks and insider information from her sister to break down her walls and show her she can have someone in her corner.

[Krystin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mind is completely blown with C.J. once again. Roman has always fascinated me from his very first appearance in the series so getting to delve into his character in this installment was amazing. This book had my heart pounding so hard towards the end and I'm extremely saddened that there wasn't even more. I'm hoping there's another book that might explore more of Kat's life in her newfound place. I got choked up on several occasions, especially as I got closer to the end. I'm unbelievably invested in all of these characters' lives and want to know more and see how their lives turn out. Can't wait for the next one.

[Amy Vida · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of Every Step in exchange for an honest review. This was a love hate book for me. I loved Katerina. She was full of snark and attitude and "nailed" her role. Roman was also a great addition. He dished it right back at Katerina, and he never gave up on her. I enjoyed the sidebar addressing human trafficking and Valerie was a great secondary character adding depth to the plot.

Even with these great characters, I found some of the themes were repetitive, and the plot kept stalling. For that reason, I had a difficult time staying engaged and finishing the book. The "grand finale" was also over embellished. I was hoping for a more tactical approach with a more realistic response for entering an abandoned building with armed subjects inside.

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Step is the third story in C.J. Bright’s Music, Love and Other Miseries series and I was thrilled to see Kat and Roman finally get their story. How do two determined, focused and tough police officers, learn to let down their guard, show emotion and vulnerability as they navigate the rocky road each relationship much travel to find true happiness at the end? The author did a fabulous job of depicting their journey and the angst and drama that was part and parcel of their tale. A wonderful story to settle in and read in one sitting.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning of this series dedicated cop Roman has been a supportive and good friend. I have been looking forward to him getting his own story, delving into his backstory. Katerina is tough as nails cop, sharpshooter, fiercely protective sister and newly divorced woman. She hides the many facets of her personality behind a prickly facade, that Roman is determined to breach. He has been intrigued by the beautiful, intelligent determined woman, ands sets forth a campaign to woo Katerina. Amidst this slow burn romance a menace stalks the small town of Graywood.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katerina is a different sort of heroine for romance novels. She’s a police officer who is a crack sharpshooter. And now she has had to take a leave from her job after she punched her husband, another policeman, when she found out he was cheating on her. She’s come to a small town where her sister lives and is tasked with giving shooting lessons to members of their police department including the sexy and charming Roman Farkos. Roman is a delight. He clearly has fallen deeply in love with Katerina, but he understands her personality and personal strengths and weaknesses. I really enjoyed his gentle teasing and the efforts he goes to in order to set up opportunities for Katerina to get over her suspicions of all guys and really get to know him Add in their joint efforts to help a young girl stuck in a crummy foster care system and uncover a human trafficking operation in their area and there is plenty to keep the reader interested from beginning to end.

My one complaint was that the author kept misspelling the name of Yankee great, Lou Gehrig. For shame.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

[Bookshelf Rebel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Every Step is the third installment in the Music, Love and other Miseries series. However it can be read as a standalone. Which is what I did.

The story is about Kat, who after her divorce is not doing so well. So she decides to stay with her sister for a while in the small town of Graywood and temporarily work for their police department as a firearms instructor.
In comes Rowan her new collegue, who is all to eager to try and convince Kat that despite her trust issues sometimes its worth it to let down your walls and let someone in again.

If you are into funny banter, an emotionally scarred heroine and a charming hero who is determined to break down her walls. This book is for you! The best thing I liked about Kat and Rowan's story was their chemistry and banter. However, the rest of the plot just didn't capture my attention as much and I had a hard time focussing on the story outside of Kat and Rowan's interactions.

Although it was an ok read for me I believe that if you are already a fan of the series or if the plot sounds interesting to you should you definitley still read it and give it a chance. This is just my opinion and I am a bit of a mood reader so perhaps I just read this at the wrong time.

Thank you for Netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.










Thank you Netgalley for providing this Arc in exchange for an honest review.

[RateTheRomance · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read the other books in this series and I have to say this one fell a bit short. I would struggle to call it a "stand alone" because the previous book is mentioned often without a lot of clarification or a summary. I read the previous book and even still I was having a hard time following the references. This storyline would only be seamless if you read this series back to back.
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While there is a lot of good in this book there are also some gaps in the story. There is a police case that comes to light in this book and there are a few wholes and parts of the mystery left completely unexplained by the end. There is a separate plot line that is referenced repeatedly in the story that resolves with no explanation.
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It's possible that some of those missing storylines are being saved for a future book, but as it stands it just makes this book feel rushed at the end and incomplete.
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I received and ARC of this title from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Christine Galletly · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I thought that this was a really good story, having read the previous three books in the series I was really keen to get started on this one!

It was fast paced and it was an easy read that had a great natural flow to it. I thought that the characters were well developed and I liked getting to know them as the book developed, the only downside was I felt that there was a little too much detail at times for me but it was still a great read.

There was a good mix of tension and romance in the book. It is 4 stars from me for this one, highly recommended!

[Barbara Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat is assigned to be a shooting range instructor for six weeks for the police department after punching her cheating husband and receiving divorce papers. Roman, one of the policemen, is infatuated with her and determine to spend time together. He enlists her help with an after-school program mentoring troubled teens. Roman devises physical challenges for Kat, knowing her competitive nature. The challenges make the story interesting and the troubled teens add excitement. As Kat spends time with Valerie, she reexamines her own life to see if there is a place for Roman. Good book, honest insights into the importance of being yourself.

[Rona Nimmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Step by C.J. Burright

Kat is the new fire arms instructor and Roman is her first student police officer there for a refresher course and he beats her. The love hate relationship begins. Having just had a nasty divorce from a nasty lying cheating husband who takes everything & happens to be a colleague.
Roman challenges her to a contest of skills & wit. Which she can’t resist.

Having not read any of books in the series this didn’t matter. Well written that just slowly drags you in until your hooked & cant put down.

Enjoyed the twists and unexpected outcome.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I was not completely sure about this book. I had read the rest of the series which each have their own story. Kat comes to live with her sister and get something straight in her head. That is how she means Roman. He loves to just push her buttons. That is when he challenges her to a contest. They both have their issues and have to overcome them to get to where they want to end up. 

[Barrie Gardner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another slow burn romance. I liked Roman; he wore his heart on his sleeve and didn’t shy away from his feelings for Kat. Kat, however, was so frustrating. She had issues with everyone—her mom, her sister, her ex, her former co-workers. I wanted to throttle her many times in this book. As with the previous book in this series, the sex scene was fade to black and the MCs had a couple hot kisses. I loved Roman’s fangs. Another author could have done much more with that little detail. Sigh...

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real and Vivid. I liked the way that C.J. Burright wove her tale.

Characterization was huge in this novel. The characters were all very well developed and had their own motivations and faults. It made them seem more real to me as the reader.

I also really liked the flow of this novel. It felt very smooth.

A great addition to the series, I've read the others and am loving each of them in their own way!

[Tracie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the third book (fourth installment) to Music, Love and Other Miseries and C.J. Burright has quickly become a writer I get excited to read. Intriguing characters and a well-paced, engaging story made this a thoroughly enjoyable read and I will definitely recommend and read more by this author.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
I loved Roman. He was such a fun and upbeat guy. And then there is Kat, his polar opposite. She is jaded and kind of miserable. Kate is in Graywood after her divorce and to be closer to her sister (who was a far more lovable character!!).
I enjoyed this series so far. Every book is different !

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book – perfect for a day of leisure at home.
The author paints a beautiful picture of the characters and their love for the reader.
A great, fast paced summer read. Intriguing storyline, unique mix of characters, and plenty of descriptive and insightful real world references. You will fall in love with this story.

[Meaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually romances that feature someone who very recently broke up or divorced someone start off on the wrong foot for me mentally, as I think there needs to be breathing room between relationships. This was no exception on that front. Other than that, Katerina and Roman were well-matched, and fun to read.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that Kat was tough but I struggled with how she was always pushing Roman away and he was completely fine with it and kept coming back for more.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a good distraction for me when I needed a fast, easy read.

A great read that was both sweet and believable.

I liked the emotion in this novel that the author was able to bring out. I loved learning about these characters and their lives, plus it has a wonderful romance.

[Coco.V]

💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝