Candice Wright’s Cautious is a sassy and sexy, contemporary romance written in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes World project.
Blake Price is nobody’s hero.
With dead parents, dead teammates, and a whole lot of survivor’s guilt, Blake just wants to be left alone and to take care of his grandmother.
Until a beautiful woman full of secrets becomes his grandmother’s neighbor and brings down his walls.
Callie Ward needs a hero more than ever.
In a bid to escape her past, Callie moves into a new town, looking for a fresh start.
Her plan was simple; Step Find a safe haven to call home Step Keep her head down and don’t draw attention to herself. Step Stay away from men because they cause nothing but trouble.
All her plans get thrown out of the window when she collides with a wildly handsome man with a dark past of his own.
Their attraction to each other is undeniable
But both of them have a reason to be cautious
And when the past catches up to them, They will need to make a decision, Fight for each other, or walk away.
Because it’s not just their hearts on the line, But their lives.
I usually don’t include personal bits in my reviews, but I think this calls for an exception…..
“When I was a kid, we moved around a lot. Most of our time was spent in either shelters or motels. That meant I ended up developing some quirks. One of those is that I like my cupboards and fridge to always be full. There is something visually comforting about opening the door, knowing I can eat what I want whenever I want it.”
My grandmother grew up during The Great Depression, often having a meal of a slice of bread or some vegetable stewed down. Sometimes, she had nothing. She told me about hunger… real hunger where your belly is empty more often than not… and walking ten miles to and from a one-room school house on that empty stomach. She taught me a great appreciation for all the treats she kept on hand for me and never feeling true hunger.
Later, working in nursing homes with dementia and memory care residents, many staff were mad, perplexed, or annoyed by the residents hiding sugar packets and foodstuffs in their rooms. But, I knew why they did it. They were deathly afraid of being without - unable to find food… a memory remained engrained of having done without, and they never wanted to feel that hunger again. So many of us have grown up, even in poor households, where food was never an issue. We take it for granted. We judge others preparing and worrying as hoarding, foolishness, or greediness. We grumble about hangry and shit when we’ve never felt the pangs of true hunger.
Anyway, I love that this author included the above mindset in a character. *tips hat and gets off soapbox*
~~~
“What the hell is happening? Did I go to sleep last night and wake up in a romance novel? What’s next, swooning?“
FMC is a lil, bitty, teeny, weeny bit OTT. But, she made me laugh with the witty, outlandish, and clever shit shooting out of her mouth. That said, she’s also a chick with her head on straight, too. She’s not some TSTL, Pollyanna, giggler. She’s strong, smart, and very easy to connect with as a reader.
MMC is the cutie pie, confident, gentlemen, alpha male. Aggressive in all the right spots. Funny when it matters. Serious when he needs to be. He immediately claims her as “mine” … no wishy, washy shit or hiding. He’s all primal man.
I’m not gentle like perhaps I should be, but she should know right from the start what kind of man I am. If I see something I want, I take it, and what I want right now is this woman.
This author has a very skillful handle on phrasing and wording her sentences so that the read is never dull and smooth as silk. Each word gets digested, and that’s an art form when it comes to speed readers like myself getting bored very easily.
The plot is full of action. It’s troupe, but it’s all believable and has enough personalization to make the story interesting. Again, the writing follows good logic - asking questions and making moves that doesn’t cause eye rolls. Well played.
Love all the side characters. Not sure if they came from other books since this is part of some KB world, which I haven’t read, or if these are this author’s characters for further books?
The epilogue is fantastic. Zero plot holes. Zero annoyances.
Yes, the book follows a formula I’ve seen in others, but this author rocks that formula and adds personality to the characters and their actions.
I'm so in love with this book!!! This was my first read by this author, and it certainly won't be my last!! What started out as a truly hilarious, witty romance filled with a true alpha, quickly turned into a suspenseful story that I could not put down. Plus all the amazing size characters?! I NEED all of their own books as well!!
Everything about this book was just on point; the chemistry between Blake and Callie radiates off the page, there's so much heart, humor, the suspense, the heat, it's all just so perfect. I can't recommend this book enough!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!!**
Simply: F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C! I enjoyed reading each and every single page! Blake and Callie was a wonderful couple and I got a glimpse from some of my favorite characters from previous books! I can't wait for the next book by Candice M. Wright!
I love this author. I think she writes exceptional contemporary romance, which is a cut above the usual fare. I wasn’t sure about this book because when authors write about a shared world it sometimes doesn’t work, but in this case it was fantastic. Though this is a shared world it seems to have little connection to any other books in the project that I can see, so it seems to be a thematic collection rather than a content collection.
Callie is trying to start over. Her life has been exceptionally hard, with violence and mental abuse throughout. She moves to a new small town in California and rents a house, ready to settle in to her small scale life that feels safe and warm. However, she meets a really hot neighbour as she’s moving her stuff in. Throw in his foul mouthed, sex positive grandmother who lives next door and her life is obviously going to be shaken up a bit.
Blake joined the army at 18 ready to leave his small home town the moment he could. However after a few tours of duty and losing his closest friends he came back to set up a security firm. His team have become his friends and he enjoys his job, and loves his grandmother dearly despite her tendency to embarrass him. He is focused on work and the odd occasional hook up until he meets the gorgeous new neighbour, especially when she drops a box full of sex toys and starts reciting facts about their capabilities.
Both of the main characters are instantly drawn to each other, but hold quite a lot back from their past. The story starts out like a romantic comedy and there are some laugh out loud sections as Callie is hilarious. The banter between her and all the guys from Blake’s firm is adorably sweet and funny. However the book then turns into a romantic suspense book as people and danger from Callie’s past track her down in her new home.
I love how Candice Wright does this. She has such a deft hand at weaving peril and humour in such a way that the danger never overwhelms and the sweet isn’t sickly. There are some pretty terrifying things in this book for Callie, but the author doesn’t let it get too much so it stops short of being too dark for most people to enjoy.
I really hope Ms Wright writes more about these people because they are really are a wonderful set of characters. I have hopes because there are lots of mysteries about them that are alluded to in this book, which means the author may well be already thinking about future stories.
Ooooh I loved this one. I got hooked right from the first chapter with what has to be one of the most amazing meeting between two people.
I love all of Candice's books but it was nice to read her in a more traditional setting. And those cameos from other of her characters was such a nice surprise. As always she wrote beautifully and hilariously.
The characters were great and made me want to read "the origins" written by K. Bromberg. I can't wait to read the other guys' stories as they definitely deserve it.
I had a great time with this book and read it from start to finish without even taking a break. I just couldn't. It was that good. Well done Ms Wright.
I loved how this book pulled me in from the first page. This was a sweet, action-packed and couldn't put it down kind of book. What I love most was how this author really managed to make me laugh out loud on several occasions and made me emotional on others. This was an effortless read for me, with a great ending and some amazing plot twists!
This is my first book in the Heroes world because this one was written by one of my favorite authors. This book was great as I have come to expect from any book by Candice Wright. I loved the characters, I loved seeing other characters from the Underestimated series and the story as well.
HOLY HELL! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE Candice M. Wright?! Obviously she's a new to me author & WOW was I missing out! Cautious is one of the best stories that I've read of late, and I never wanted it to end to be honest. First of all, all the laughing I did was completely worth my sides hurting because there were so many hilarious moments. Then we have the characters that I fell in love with by the names of Blake & Callie who were straight up amazing! Oh, and if that's not enough, the secondaries were every bit as amazing so I'm hoping that they will get their own stories. A story of such humor, super sexy times, witty interactions, and even action with a suspense kicker. Cautious totally checked off every box for a perfect read, and I will be reading it over & over again. Seriously, y'all HAVE to hit those one click buttons IMMEDIATELY because I promise, you don't want to miss out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
This is my fourth book from the Everyday Heroes World and I couldn't be happier. This my first read by Candice Wright. Honestly I have to say I was ready to write my review by the end of the first chapter. Our leading lady Callie had me laugh right from the start and when she our hero walking away speechless to get himself under control well I knew I was going to love this book. But I got so much more Blake's Grandma June the raciest granny around and most hilarious. A pack of great friends and as other reviewers have stated there is room for so many more books. And Emerson and Grant are here to say hello, Emerson and Callie could be sisters with their sassy attitudes and filter less speak. Along with all this goodness comes some great plot twists and some things you don't expect. Your really going to enjoy this book!
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
This is one of those books that ticks all the boxes and then some. If you are looking for a book that will pull you out of a funk, bad mood or if you just aren’t feeling happy then this is the book for you. The first half of Blake and Callie’s story had me literally laughing out loud as it was just that funny. A story that is full of witty banter, steamy moments, drama, action, grit, family and heart stealing love. Not only were Blake and Callie easy to love but all the side characters were just as entertaining and captivating. There is no need to be cautious when you one click this book because it will take you on a journey of pure happiness. Fingers crossed that we get more stories from this author featuring the men from Price Security.
Candice is my addiction and I don't want a cure (sings it in 80s rock ballad style). Seriously though this book is freaking awesome and everything I love about Candice writing style. There's laughs, and drama, heartache and danger. By the end of the book I was in the need of a stiff drink, a smoke and some chocolate and I don't smoke!! If you've never read anything by Candice this is a fantastic introduction to her books and if like me you've devoured all her published books you will love this one! So what are you waiting for?! Read it NOW!!
This is a new to me author and I can’t believe I have waited this long to read her. This is my first book by her and it definitely won’t be my last!! The story has the ability to grip you and not let you go until the last pages. Blake and Callie’s story is one filled with drama, suspense and twists and turns. I absolutely loved it and I’m ready for this author’s next book!!
This is my first but certainly not my last read by this author.
Blake and Callies story is everything I needed and more. I love how the author can have me laughing one minute to literally sitting on the edge of my seat holding my breath- yes Cautious is that good.
I’m so looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
This was funny, so funny I couldn't stop laughing at one point. There is suspense and drama as well but the characters are so well-written that the story keeps you glued to the screen. I couldn't put it down. I not only fell in love with Blake and Callie but the other characters as well.
Way too fast-burn for me: - 10% in and they've kissed 2 times (within 24 hours of meeting each other btw) - 20% in and they've already had over 12 dates and are basically in a relationship and have been dating for 2 months (just a lot of telling and not showing - i have no connection to them as a reader since the entire 'getting-to-know-each-other' proces was skipped) - 30% in and they have sex for the first time (not even a hot sex scene at that? a green glow-in-the-dark condom is involved? his dick looks "radioactive" as the mmc so eloquently describes it) - 40% and they've already had 2 fights and the first "i love you"
Also, the fmc giving the mmc the nickname "Bundy" really threw me for a loop. It was just wildly disrespectful, distasteful and wrong on many levels... Like this is a real life serial killer? How can you even think it's funny and/or sweet to give the mmc that nickname? It's not appropriate and neither is this joke from the mmc:
"How about you sit your pretty pussy on my face and call me Dahmer while I eat you?" - It's actually astounding to me that the author wrote this and didn't see a problem with it.
💚Security 💚Romantic Suspense 💚Small Town 💚Found Family
I don’t know how I’ve never read this before! Candice is my all time favorite author and I had thought I read everything by her. I am so in love with Callie and Blake’s story and I didn’t want it to end. This was a fairly quick read that kept me entertained all the way to the end. Callie is funny and has no filter what so ever. If she is thinking it, she is saying it out loud. Blake is protective and possessive and he knows he wants Callie from the moment he meets her. This book had me laughing, biting my nails, and even tearing up in some parts. It was fun to get little snippets of Reign and her guys from the Underestimated series and getting more about Tate. I really can’t wait for his book! If you like a protective mmc, sassy and strong fmc, humor that will have you laughing out loud, guy group that will do whatever it takes to protect one of their own, a grandma that will have your jaw dropping from the things that come out of her mouth, and spice that will have you fanning yourself, then you need to read this one!
DNF. Au bout d'une dizaine de pages, le livre m'est tombé des mains... et je n'ai eu aucune envie de le ramasser. Primo, j'ai détesté l'insta-lurv/coup de foudre qui a jeté les personnages principaux dans les bras l'un de l'autre quelques heures à peine après leur première rencontre (je ne dis pas que ce ressort ne fonctionne jamais, mais je le trouve périlleux, et là... C'est un flop pour moi) Première rencontre que j'ai d'ailleurs trouvée lourdingue et pas drôle en dépit des efforts de l'autrice, avec le coup du dildo qui s'échappe du carton (ben voyons), sans oublier les sorties de l'héroïne si adorablement quirky tendance goofy, alliant maladresse et expression sans filtre... du genre qui m'exaspère vite. Ajoutez à cela la grand-mère du héros, indigne du moins en paroles, et j'étais parvenue au bout de ma résistance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I liked this although I guess I was expecting it to be darker but it was still good. I just wish authors wouldn't forgive abusive parents so much. I find it time and time again that these characters who have commuted reprehensible actions are forgiven. But this is a rant I can have for hours so just going to move on.
This had the right amount of action in it that I was never bored. There isn't anything new here but honestly that doesn't have to be a bad thing. I didn't want to put it down while reading but made myself go to sleep rather than finishing it. So I finished it this morning and overall I would recommend this book. I'm trying to figure out if the other characters have books because I would like to continue the series if there is one.
Candice Wright delivers again! i mean the first page of this book had me in STITCHES! loved the humour throughout the book, and the story was just gripping at the same time. BUT i feel like everything happened so fast! i get so invested and they had this whirlwind i feel like i missed half of their story i would've loved to have read more about Callie and Blake.. but that's just me! i especially loved the MC references when the story got tough, it was so nice to hear characters from some of Candices other stories, i love a crossover! id totally recommend this book as a quick read and something to get lost in... i hope some of the other calendar boys get a book!
Such an amazing story, it really pulled at your heart strings. I was in tears in parts and then laughing my butt off. This book is really well written with such detail and emotion. The twists and suspense had me not being able to put it down until the very end - and what a perfect ending it was. This story has it all super hot AF ex-soldiers, a strong feisty FMC, lots of guns, blood, sexual tension and steamy scenes. Absolutely loved that there are cameos of characters from Candice’s other series - perfection. Overall I loved this book, love to see more of those hot ex-soldiers meet their future wife’s in future book - please!
This book was spectacular!! I loved everything about it. I absolutely loved Callie and Blake. They were amazing together. I adored all of his work buddies. They were utterly hilarious and they all need their own books!! I loved their relationship with both Blake and Callie. They loved her as much as Blake did.
This book had everything! A fantastic romance. Hilarious characters. Action and suspense and an amazing ending. This is my first book by this author but I can’t wait to read more!!!
This is was the first time reading a book by this author and it won't be the last either. The way Blake and Callie meet had me laughing and the humor stayed throughout the book. There was a moment in this book where I chose to stay and read verse sleeping because it left me wanting to know more.
I hope this author will come out with more books about the guys mentioned in this story. Also, I would love to read about Tate and what happens with his sister
Let me start by saying that everyone needs a grandma like Mrs. Juniper (June) Price. In fact, I want to be like June when I’m her age. She is priceless!! Callie moves in next door to June, whose grandson Blake is everything Callie didn’t know she needed. Watching their story unfold was amazing! Laughter, suspense and a lot of lust await you in Candice’s latest addition to her amazing list of books!! You will not regret reading this book!!!
This is my first Everyday Hero book and I loved it. I love everything Candice puts out. Read all her stuff, you won’t regret it! I loved Callie’s quirkiness, take no shit attitude, and most of all of resilience. I love how we got to see Tate and Reign. And Blake and all his men... swoon. I can’t wait to read more about all the guys.
I will happily devour anything Candice Wright writes. She's up there in my favorites list and she introduced me to a whole new series with this one. I absolutely loved Blake and Callie and all their extended family. It was kinda awesome to see Reign and her boys for a few minutes too. Can't wait to dive back into this shared world! 💜
Candice Wright writes a mean story....you get sucked in from the first page. This super stand-alone is no exception. Action packed, sweet, awesome characters, spicy, thrilling...I could go on. The group dynamics are great. Love this shared world.
I couldn’t stop laughing while reading the first chapters. Callie is blunt, but funny. Blake is playful, yet serious. The two together are so much fun. Neither were looking for anything permanent. While there is love and laughter, there is also intrigue. Hope to see more books with these characters.