Defying Our Forever

The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #3

by Claudia Y. Burgoa

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa delivers a funny, heartfelt, sometimes angsty romantic comedy where love begins anew.

Fresh out of Vet school, I married Pierce Aldridge. Gorgeous, sexy, and smart. He’s a philanthropist with a heart of gold, or so I thought.

After a while he became distant, self-centered, and callous. The man I married disappeared before my eyes. I should leave him, but I can’t do it just yet.

There’s one thing I need but I can’t have it if I divorce him. Just a few more months...

But my plans fall through when his father dies.
The man was just as ruthless as his son.

Now I can either spend eighteen months with Pierce in his hometown playing the happy couple or I could avoid the ordeal entirely if I sign the divorce papers. But I would lose the one thing I’ve been wanting my whole life.

The more time that passes, the more I realize that maybe I’ve been wrong.
Maybe the man I married is still there. The man I still love.

But is it too late?

The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers series is a romantic comedy saga packed with the perfect mix of angst, tears, and laughs. If you like strong heroines & alpha males, steamy romances and witty love stories, this series is for you!

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Family

339 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2020

About the author

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author.
She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breath away.
She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband and her youngest two children. She has a sweet Bichon, Macey, who thinks she's the ruler of the house. She's only partially right.
When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family.
At night, she likes to binge watch shows with her equally geeky husband.

Instagram: http://bit.ly/ClaudiasIG
TikTok: https://bit.ly/CBstiktok
Bloggers/Influencers: https://geni.us/CBBloggers
Newsletter: https://geni.us/CBNewsletter

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defying Our Forever is book three in The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers series by Claudia Burgoa. With each book, as I get to know the Aldridge brothers, I get more invested in this family. I knew that Pierce and Leyla had secrets and have been so looking forward to this book to find out their story. I ended up loving these two so much and can’t wait to tell you about them.



Pierce Aldridge was brought up by his mother and her family in an environment free of any kind of love, where work and money were all that mattered. He was trained to always make sure his mother was happy, not to displease her. He doesn’t believe in relationships or love. His life consists of one night stands to fulfill any needs. But then he met her, the red haired veterinarian who with one kiss, changed his life.

“Everything about her feels extraordinary.”



Leyla Gibbs was right on the verge of graduating with her veterinarian’s degree. She’s at the very end of her internship when the most beautiful man walked into the practice carrying an injured dog he had found on the side of the road. Leyla has no time for anything but completing her degree and caring for the animals she loves. But with one kiss, Pierce changed everything.

Leyla and Pierce both have so many secrets, things they prefer to keep hidden in the darkest depths of their pasts. Neither wants to fall in love, but when they touch, when they come together, they both experience something they’ve never before found, peace. It’s not something they can walk away from. What starts out as a sort of friends with benefits agreement, grows to more, so much more, even though neither of them is willing to admit it.



What they both do know is that they are happier than they ever have been, that what they have is an addiction, that they are in love. But once they get married, Pierce changes. He’s distant, works all the time, has no time for her or their menagerie of animals. The Pierce she thought she married is gone. When it’s time to walk away from the marriage, Leyla just can’t make herself sign on the dotted line. Not yet. When Pierce’s father dies, and she discovers yet another one of his secrets, that he has five brothers, all from different mothers, they discover that in order to claim his portion of the inheritance, they will have to move to Baker’s Creek, Oregon for the next eighteen months and live with the rest of the siblings.



While in Baker’s Creek, away from his toxic family, Pierce and Leyla have the chance to get to know each other again. Slowly, as truths are revealed, Leyla is able to look past all the pain he caused and see the man she first met, the man she first fell in love with. But can she ever really forgive him? Is it better to just let go and move on?



I really did love these two. They were so happy in the beginning. But Pierce’s behavior was awful, the secrets he kept unforgivable. But I have to say that throughout this book, no matter what was going on around them, I still felt their undying love for each other. I couldn’t give up hope that they would be able to work through it all. I thought that there was also plenty of humor in this one with the antics of the other brothers. I especially enjoyed getting to know Beacon better in this. I’m also VERY intrigued with Vaughn and can’t wait for his story. The next book in the series will be Beacon and Grace’s story in Call You Mine. Although you could perhaps get away with reading this as a stand alone, it would be much better understood and enjoyed if read in order. You don’t want to miss any of the brother’s stories!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Claudia Burgoa]

Defying Our Forever is a brand new standalone part of the Baker's Creek Billionaire Brothers series by USA Today Bestselling author Claudia Burgoa. A heartbreaking, heartwarming, and at times funny second chance romance.

Apple Books ➺ https://apple.co/2L5tdr7  

Amazon ➺ https://geni.us/DefyingOurForever  

Nook ➺  https://bit.ly/DefyingNook  

Kobo ➺ https://bit.ly/DefyingKobo  

Google Play ➺ https://bit.ly/DOFGooP  



 

[Martha is Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++ stars!

OMG Pierce is GRRRR up until he’s swoon-worthy. And my guess about this two after reading A Moment Like You , kind of fit, it so heartbreaking. But I believe, further down the road or further down the next books, Leyla’s dream of a baby boy & baby girl will come into fruitition. Her character is amazing and very fictional! AKA perfectly unrealistic, coz nobody’s that forgiving and perfect FYI. But im still rooting for them. These two characters are so broken yet for some reason they find each other as complement. Pierce is just so self absorb but he’s just misunderstood and taken for granted by his paternal & maternal side of the family, and being an a$$ is all he knew. Deep down this guy is a loving, responsible guy. He grows on me! Every Aldridge brother will make you fall amidst the beginning, you want to punch them in the face. Lol. I really can’t wait for the rest of the Aldrigde Brother! I hope it’s worth the wait because this book is really worth the wait ever!!!

#highlyRecommended

[Sunday Book Blues · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Defying Our Forever! I read it between breaks at work because I just couldn't stop reading. Yes, that's how good it is.

Let me start by saying that the story line of this series is amazing overall. But Defying Our Forever is something else entirely.

It starts from the beginning of Pierce and Leyla's relationship. From there, it takes us through everything that happened to leave them where they are now. And we come to understand the past of these two characters who, to be honest, immediately intrigued me in the previous books.

And neither Pierce nor Leyla are what I thought at all.
I got really mad at Pierce but he's perfect and I loved him right away. And Leyla is just amazing. What I like best about her is that she is not a damsel in distress. Even after everything she's been through, she's strong, resilient and fighting for her happiness.
Character development is on point.

Their story is definitely bumpy along the way, but they have an undeniable strong chemistry and connection that was palpable throughout story.

Claudia’s writing is flawless.
She gives us a lot to think and feel about love, new beginnings, and family with this story. And although sometimes her characters' journeys are not easy, she can tell each of their stories in a beautiful way.
And it goes without saying that she knows how to deliver the angst.

Defying our forever made me feel everything: I laughed with every charming character (and pet), I cried with each heartbreak, I swoon at every cute moment and I was left with a huge and heartfelt smile.

We are completing the Aldridge puzzle bit by bit and I can't wait to see what the future holds for each of them.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.*

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars



Leyla Faye Gibbs is the daughter of Justin Gibbs, owner of Gibbs department stores, and the only surviving heiress of the Gibbs fortune. She survived a family tragedy that left her scarred and disappointed then later became an orphan at a young age. She focused on caring for animals instead of people since she does not get along with people.

Pierce Griffin Alderidge is a lawyer who one day rescued an injured dog on the side of the road and brought it to an animal clinic where Leyla was on duty. After that chance meeting, Pierce’s world changed forever. He does start changing, even if he does not know it until it is too late.

Coming in as a first-time reader for Claudia’s work, I did not know what to expect. The writing and language were engrossing from the start. I could not put the book until the very end since I was on edge with everything that happened.

This book is NOT your typical love story. The book is not the usual alpha-dominant male character who got hit by “love” and started to change for the girl. Nope. It is deep and complex.

Yes, the chemistry between Pierce and Leyla is scorching! They have found lust then later love immediately, which may make me wonder if it is because of their similar past – unresolved issues that they find themselves understanding each other versus the rest of the world.

The story is told from Pierce’s and Leyla’s POVs, and the relationship developed through months. The book chapters move fast to let readers know this. One would think that time and dating each other and having a “relationship” would help grow into a better understanding of each other. Nope. This story turns from there. It is not the typical insta-love that fizzles out immediately, and yet, it had the same outcome as such a relationship even with time.

Torture isn’t stretching you on the rack until you confess. It’s putting you next to the one person you love the most, but you can’t have him anymore.
— Leyla, Defying Our Forever

The reactions are real, honest, and make us think of how far a couple is willing to take to “hold on” to a relationship based on secrets and omissions from the start.

It is important to note that Pierce and Leyla are two flawed yet strong characters who fiercely love each other. At some point, they “fell out of love” because of past decisions. They quickly learn that even going through so much, they cannot live without each other. Both of them bring many “issues” as a married couple wroth with tragedy and bitter pasts. They see themselves as a couple but also as strangers at some point until they start sharing small pieces of themselves after they tied the knot. What happens to a relationship as it grows and matures but with no “foundation”? What was missing in all this? Honesty and trust.

Pierce and Leyla never talked about each other’s expectations in their relationship before or even after their wedding. It is crazy! Readers will see them avoid anything that would make things deeper, especially Leyla. Nothing gets discussed or resolved. They lived in a “bubble” or their fairytale world until the world came and popped it all. Pierce and Leyla were initially growing together (enjoying the ‘honeymoon stage’ for months), then their relationship started digressing in different directions due to different priorities.

I wish I could tell her that I still love her. I’ve loved her from the moment she looked at me wearing those ugly Snoopy scrubs. That I love her even more because she loved me regardless of my fucking flaws.
— Pierce, Defying Our Forever

It does not help that (1) Pierce’s family is against Leyla for their reasons, and (2) Pierce has a strained relationship with his stepbrothers. Pierce needs to learn how to step up and be an adult than hide away in his work. This relationship he entered with Leyla is beyond what his status quo is.

Pierce’s maternal side of the family is not the easiest to deal with in the first place. His mother is a good example. She was cold and hostile toward Leyla from the start and thought Leyla would “temporary”. They only see her as a “gold-digger”. The sad part is that they did not try to know her as a person and instead passed judgment too quickly. They could not see how caring and incredible of a woman Leyla is. I do not like his scheming and low-life lawyer/mother. She is vindictive and awful!

Generally, I do not blame any book character for keeping some things from a loved one, especially if it is to save someone, but I am on Leyla’s with everything. What Pierce withheld against Leyla was wrong in all accounts. If he were to take her to court, she would win based solely on his deception – it can even be considered fraud.

I am impressed with how Leyla took on everything with grace and dignity. She may be “damaged” at the beginning of the book, but she worked through her issues and took Pierce and her relationship’s problems head-on. Leyla was “logical” and never left him to face things alone, no matter how much Pierce pushed her away. She was strong-minded and matured emotionally, most especially when things were falling apart around her marriage. She was kind to Pierce, even when he hurt her and still kept at it. Too bad, Pierce still had “his head buried under the sand” at the point.

“Our problems go soul deep. My resentment grows.”
— Leyla, Defying Our Forever

Midway through the story, Pierce and Leyla had to make a “big move” to fulfill a stipulation in his diseased (and estranged) father’s will. They both did not need the money, but he and his stepbrothers realized that their actions would impact others’ lives, so they all had to go through it. Pierce also sees the move as something he wants to spare Leyla, even if he knows that he still loves her somehow. Leyla is willing to let Pierce slowly move on without her even if it is also killing her inside. They have “high walls” against each other that it was gut-wrenching to listen to their internal confessions. It is hard to believe that they used to support each other and get along so well until Pierce’s ‘secrets’ came out, then everything seemed so irreparable. I wanted to shake both of them with their childish attitude.

Again, I am amazed at how selfless Leyla, coming from a “survivor’s” point of view. She is willing to sacrifice her happiness to help Pierce and maybe find his redemption. They will later realize that they both need each other to get through everything.

Once things get settled with Pierce and his stepbrothers at their new location, the humor and bantering fun started as each brother tries to outtalk, outshine and outsmart each other. It was pure gold on how different each brother is, how much they can get away, but at the same time, how feverishly protective they are of each other and their friends with them. Each of them started to see small changes within themselves that are turning into something special. These changes also started translating to “healing”, most especially on how Pierce sees how he can redeem himself with Leyla. It is a beautiful epiphany!

If I can just find the right words to convince Leyla that we can start again. Show her that we want the same things.
That I love her.
That our love is real — and infinite.
— Pierce, Defying Our Forever

I love this book! It brought out all the rollercoaster of emotions that I did not realize could be jam-packed in an 800-page book and made me emotionally invested. This story is pure, raw, and humbling. I cried, sobbed, and got frustrated (in a good way) so many parts in the book.

In the end, readers will see the re-emergence of a new family unit, healing and redemption, love, and second chances.

The perfect love can never be replicated.
— Leyla, Defying Our Forever

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claudia has once again wowed me with her words and captured me in the world of the Aldridge men. This is Pierce and Leyla and their love story was beautiful, heart wrenching, romantic and had so many challenges. I truly love when characters and their world seem so real. This couple is smart. sexy, vulnerable and real. I loved watching as they navigated their love, life, struggles, and then being thrown into the family drama. It is amazing to watch this family unfold on the pages. Loved their story even though my heart ached for them so many times!
~~Michele McMullen~

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Breaking Marriage getting its 2nd Chance In a Small Town with Touring Pasts, Passionate Feelings, Finding the Calm, Never Stopped Loving, Deep Talks & Truth, Fractured but Mending, Bright & HEA!
Secrets Tore them apart but Care & Truth brought'em together again. I loved Pierce & Leyla! DEVOURED this story in 7hrs.

NOTE: So I Binge read this series for the release of 'Call You Mine'. It was on my TBR & I finally got to read it! Its so much Fun, Totally Recommend it. It's VERY Enjoyable to read them in Sequence. All 4 books were So different from eachother & I loved each couple for their Uniqueness. I'm so excited for the Next 2 books of this series!

I noticed that each book (from the Heroine's PoV) gives us some info about the bros, so here is from Leyla:
"These men are maddening, infuriating…and devilishly handsome too.
Henry (the hot business guy) Ragey. Hayes (the hot doctor) Finicky. Pierce (the hot lawyer and my almost ex-husband) Assholey. Mills (the hockey player and single dad) Sporty. Vance (the hot former special forces) Broody. Beacon (the heartthrob rock star) Pranky."

Pierce; Sophisticated, Stubborn, Charming; is a Lawyer, 3rd Aldridge Brother. Leyla; Kind, Intense, Introvert with a Fiery Side; is a Vet. Both are Rich & love animals. His mom's family is toxic WHILE her Family died years ago in a horrific incident.

This Story is different from Previous two as it spans YEARS. We see live (Not flashbacks) of how they met, Fell in love, Married, Broke & now because of Baker's Creek, will come together. They've so many Secrets, I couldn't've wait to read it BUT was cautious as I knew I'll cry a lot, & I did. But no regrets.

The Story starts when The Two met & Sparks fly. He's the busy lawyer who rescued a Dog & She was the Intern Vet who Helped them. Their Chemistry couldn't be ignored, soon their one-night Turns to many! Months pass, they open up, fall in love, Fast Marry, are so happy!
"I don’t believe in sweet fairy tales, only the dark ones. But I want to believe in us." ~Leyla
But he never told her all his Secrets, His Job became the Priority & made things strained 2 years into their Marriage. She was so lonely, then his one big lie by omission broke them apart.

1 year into their separation, they still can't forgive or forget eachother & love to banter, nor is she divorcing him (She wants to adopt 1st!). Then Pierce gets the call about his dad. Soon this story runs concurrently with 'Loved you Once' & 'A Moment Like you', Just Different POVs & Focus Now. From this moment onwards, Pierce Slowly opens up finally about his Past & Everything. She gets Glimpses of the Man she fell in Love with, but is it too late?
When he finds that she wants to adopt but hasn't been able to, he suspects that It's his mom's Firm's doing, She'd always hated Leyla. Cue an investigation with Beacon's help (I hate P's Mom!).
"Leyla and I might be broken. She’s leaving me, but I’m hers for life. To stop loving her would be as if the Earth stopped orbiting around the sun. It’s impossible. It’d be the end of the world." ~Pierce

I'm glad that he left his family firm & will open a new one Here. Being away from that Toxic Atmosphere does wonders. Due to his Dad- William's Will & Leyla'd to stay with Pierce & the Aldridge family for 18 months. Anyone can see That Pierce & Leyla Care for eachother. He'd wronged her & wants to be a better man for her now. The two form a Calm Relationship Here, They have sex here & there as they can't Say no to eachother. Cue (Post AMLY) Unique Fun Scenes ahead! I Adored their Animals❤.

Their Love Deserves a 2nd Chance, He'll do Everything to be the Man she Deserves.
~Deep talks, Hormonal, His Reverse Vasectomy *Aww, He knows he was stupid years ago!*, Honesty, Starting Over, Clean Slate, Divorce Finalizes (Leyla gets a William letter!), Forgiveness, Things are Good, Baby Trips, Lovey-dovey, Marriage Proposal *Swoon*, Surprise help, Baby Carter, Happiness!
These last scenes were Great Surprises❤. I'm happy for Leyla+Pierce & I hope they get everything they Desire!
The Epilogue's Gorgeous with the Sweet wedding Leyla+Pierce deserve & they get more letters too! I love that they'll live their HEA in Baker's Creek!

So we get more insight on how Everything was immediately after the Aldridge bros moved here. These letters William left behind are Like Riddles, They opened Leyla's 1st Letter & We get some Truths! I wanna see what's written in all the letters😅.
I loved the growing Brotherhood & Girls' Friendships, how they were so supportive & Fun here!
Up Next is Beacon's book❤. We get a little suspicious of what he does here & are gonna get surprised in his book!

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I just cannot get enough from this author. It is just so easy to get lost in the world that she creates, and her stories make me happy and give me hope! THIS story was everything. If you’re a romance junkie, this is the story you’re looking for. If you like your fiction relatable and realistic, this is the story you’re looking for. I’ve been reading a ton of books this year because the world is on fire and I have nothing better to do and sometimes I get in these slumps and nothing I try to read pleases me. This is the book you go to if you’re in one of those!! (I was not, btw, that’s just a fact lol)

I really enjoyed that even through the toughest of moments, I was still 100% rooting for these two to get it right. That is how well this author develops a story and the characters. You are not going to be able to help yourself! This entire series has been made up of real and complex storylines and I super stoked to get to Call You Mine!!

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's okay.
I'm not keen on constant pushing away and this is what the Hero does.
At 20% they are married, the bit before was them getting together.
He previously was a ONS type of guy.
The Hero has a tortured family past so can't love, so nothing really original, seen it done so many times before.
His treatment of the heroine is pretty harsh.
He changes and sort of works for it but she can't resist having sex with him in the meantime.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
No other woman or man drama.
No cheating.
HEA.
Epilogue.

[Raffaella · Rating 2 out of 5]

After mercilessly trashing one of her book, I really felt a bit guilty and so I try another book of this author.
And now I don’t know if it’s me or the author, sadly I couldn’t enjoy the book.
It started great, the hero basically falling for the heroine at first sight and after 10 months of relationship without a real commitment they get married.
From that moment on, the hero turns into mr hide. No more cuddle and talking and no more time spent together, he only approaches her to have sex, twice a day, as if she were an antibiotic.
After three years she decides to talk to him, and he tells her he doesn’t want children at all, while in the beginning he tolse her he wanted many kids. He tells her he meant pets ( are you kidding me???) and he had a vasectomy years ago.
The heroine is appalled and tries to talk about other options as adoption. But the hero, who’s gone all grumpy and mean, tells her that she has to choose between him and children. Thank god, the heroine chooses a divorce, since her marriage is non existent.
Then they’ll have to spend 18 months with his brothers (5 in think) in a mansion if they want to keep his legacy.
- I don’t know why and how but this author is able to create heroes who are awful and hateful and appalling without being cheaters or sadistic mob boss.
Really.
This one was basically Prince Charming when he met and wooed the heroine, then for no reason he turned into a cold bastard. Why? Because he has mommy and daddy issues and he thinks no one will love him so he self sabotage his marriage pushing the heroine away. Not very believable.
Not believable because we know his pov and when he wants to divorce the heroine he thinks the only thing he wants is to be free of her. So no love on his part. Then suddenly he loves her and she’s the air he’s breathing, but anyway he will divorce her even if she asks him to wait until she’s ready.
- the heroine has a traumatic past and I don’t know how she could react as she did when the hero treated her repeatedly as dirt and pushed her away- repeatedly. A survivor, a foster child for years, rejected by her own grandparents, she is basically immune to the rejection of the man she loves. But, really does she???
- I’m surprised that she could keep herself so cool and aloof with her background and with the hero’s betrayal.
- it should be angsty but it isn’t. They are so cool and polite that you wonder if all their passion and love in the beginning was fake. Still they have angry sex sometimes and they manage to be friends. How do they do???
- the divorce thing. They get divorced even if the hero is so much in love with her, because he want them to be sure.
What??? Really??? He keeps thinking that she’s his life, his love, his reason of being, he’s loved her from the start, they’ve been together 4 years and yet he wants to be sure??? There’s something wrong here.
- I should appreciate him wanting to be a better man for her and changing his lifestyle and his priorities for her, but for some reason I can’t.
- marriages may be not perfect but it means they are a family and if they’re in love they should do their growing path together staying married. This thing of divorcing and then remarrying because their ceremony wasn’t good enough makes the marriage a farce. They should’ve worked through their issues and maybe have a renewal of their vows with their relatives and friends.
- and all so polite and cool. Passionless.
- I liked some of the other characters more.
- as usual there are loose ends. She wants to try ivf, but the day she has to go something happens and she has to postpone it, then it’s not mentioned any more. He had his vasectomy reversed but in the end he still doesn’t know if it worked. Meh. I suppose there are other books with more details. At this point I don’t know if I care.
- sorry, not bad but not good for me.

[Willow Winters]

𝐓���𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆, 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁, 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗱𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘄.

𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 ✔
𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭, 𝒔𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒚 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 ✔
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 ✔
𝐀 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐚 ✔
𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔 ✔
𝐀 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 ✔
6 𝑨𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 ✔
.
Grab your copy now. It’s on SALE at a low price of $3.99
.
https://geni.us/UQrvxP

[Favourite Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* Second Time Around Stars

I am absolutely loving the Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers Series and I was so excited to eventually read Pierce and Leyla’s story as we have got glimpses of them in the previous two books. I knew they had a story to tell and boy did they ever!

In the previous two books we get to meet them, where they are living together (but separated) with the other Aldridge Brothers and their respective partners in Bakers Creek. This story takes us back to how they met, and their whirlwind romance that followed.

It was great to get both their POV’s throughout the story as this helped to understand the journey both of them were on. Their relationship was not easy, it was bumpy as hell as both of them had baggage from their upbringing. What they did have between them constantly was their undeniable chemistry and connection. At one point I disliked Pierce so much and my heart bleed for Leyla, she was so patient and caring as well as crafty at times.

This was such a heartfelt story, beautifully written and addictive. We get to catch up with the rest of the Aldridge Brothers and get a bit more of their backgrounds, setting us up for the next book in the series. I look forward to finding out more about Leyla and Pierce too in the next book, hopefully, as we have a few questions that need to be answered.

Just when you think this series cannot get any better, Claudia steps up and delivers an epic read.

An ARC was received, and all opinions are my own.

[anita.thebookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Series: Yes Book 3 of (The Baker's Creek Billionaire Brother's)
Recommend ✅ Highly ✅

OMG!!! This book left me shattered....this book will completely drain you. It was such an intense angsty emotional story from beginning to the end! This has to be my favorite book of Claudia Burgoa she completely out did herself with this one! WOW😍

I am in love with this family ....I want to go to Baker's Creek and visit them. They are one big disfuctional complicated family, but I can't get enough of them!

Leyla and Pierce Alderidge are just a broken couple that love each other, but can't make it work. They are getting divorce. The agnsty feelings of these two at some points had me in ugly crying tears it was a sad 😭 rollercoaster ride!

Pierce:
**She sneaked into my heart. Leyla taught me that home sometimes has a heartbeat and not a zip code. Now I can’t push her away, and I can’t keep her either. No one understands our relationship. It’s complicated. I screwed it up before I even met her**

Layla:
**Here’s the ambiguity of the situation. I don’t want to be alone tonight , but it feels like if I stay with him, I won’t want to leave him— ever. I’ll most likely be so hung up on him that he’ll serve me with a restraining order.**

They both had a broken childhood, and they needed to deal with all those feelings! Will they be able to make it work? I'm telling you it's a heartbreaking story that will tear you apart into tiny pieces, but then Claudia in the end she makes it so beautiful she puts all of us back together! I loved revisiting all the brother's, and wives, animals. We got a little more insight into the father.
Pierce:
**To understand a person, we need to understand their past. My father was a purebred asshole. My mother’s family isn’t much different. Mix the two and, well, here I am trying to pretend I understand society when, in actuality, I don’t do well with people. If given a choice, I’d rather spend my life with animals. I was raised on a ranch and spent most of my free time among horses, dogs, cows, and chickens.**
I can't wait for the next book in the series! I really recommend this book if you want a good angty, second chance romance, steamy, billionaire romance!
ARC given by Author thank you so much 😍🙌 my review is given voluntarily!

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when your marriage looses the spark that it once had and all you seem to do is fight? What happens when you still love the person you're married to but it hurts to be near them? This story is one that I was most anticipating since the series began because of the dynamics between Layla and Pierce, you could tell they still cared about one another but they were talking about getting a divorce and it just didn't make sense....but now all the questions I had have been answered and I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

You can read my full review here: https://bit.ly/NBReviewDOF



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books** I also preordered a copy for myself
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wolves mate forever. That was what Leyla wanted but pierce was definitely broken. He definitely loved her but he lied to her too many times. He was rude and callous and with a Mother like his, he's lucky to even be halfway normal. I am glad he saw the error of his ways. There is no other woman, it was work and lying about something very important to her. I got a little annoyed about the way they just kept fighting each other but the ending was perfect. I wish we knew what was in those letters they got at the end. Very good story.and a very nice HEA.

[B. C. Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've been reading along in The Baker's Creek Billionaire Brothers series, then you've seen sexy, workaholic lawyer Pierce Alderidge in action as he becomes the legal mind behind he and his brothers efforts to foil the crazy plan that is quickly driving them all crazy.  Even from beyond the grave, their estranged father has them jumping through hoops and comply with his outrageous demands in order to recieve their inheritances.  These guys are talented in their chosen, diverse careers, gorgeous and full of so many surprises as they learn to work together to outsmart their fathers last will and testament!

But the story of how Pierce and Leyla met and came to be together in Bakers Creek in the 1st place was a mystery I wanted all the answers to!  Let's just say, a feisty, opinionated Veterinarian mets a hard edged lawyer with soft spot for an injured dog and wants to do the right thing.  This one decision changes both of their lives in ways neither could possibly imagine as Pierce butts heads with the sassiest woman he's had the pleasure to spar with in forever.  He is fascinated and wants to know everything about what makes Leyla tick.

Leyla and Pierce have an instant chemistry that is hot, hot, hot!  This is their story and it's full of complications, sexy times and the battle of wills with a lifetime of happiness and love hanging in the balance. Don't miss this one, it brings out all those feelings a great romance will and that ending...well, beside the need for tissues, I wasn't sure it was going to turn out the way I hoped it would.

Leave it to Claudia Burgoa to wrap up her story with a big bow and still leave me wanting the next brothers book as soon as possible.  More Aldridge Brothers please, these guys are pretty irresistible!

I was given an early version of this book and this was my honest review of it.

[Yolanda McGee~Veronica's Reading Vault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defying Our Forever is everything and I do mean EVERYTHING that a romance should be. Claudia Burgoa has truly outdone herself with The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers series and so far, Defying Our Forever is without a doubt, the BEST one. She delivers an emotionally intense romance that utterly consumed me.

From beginning to end, Pierce and Leyla’s second chance romance absolutely blew me away. They’re realistic characters with faults and cracks in their souls who will have you clinging to their story. Both of them have very difficult pasts that contribute a lot to how they behave in their relationship. And trust me, there were times when I wanted to punch Pierce in the face as he made me so angry! And Leyla is definitely no wallflower with her sassy attitude and I like that she stood up to him.

Defying Our Forever definitely has its share of angst, at times it made my heart sore and my soul ache. However, the entire book isn’t completely angsty as there are some great laugh out loud, entertaining, heartfelt and endearing moments. And although they go through good and bad times, the one thing that never dies is their need and desire for each other. Their chemistry is electrifying and they’re 100% on point in the bedroom!

Pierce and Leyla are broken characters who find healing in each other and the journey to the rekindling of their love and relationship is absolutely beautiful. This book is a perfect balance of emotion, romance, heartbreak and hope. Defying Our Forever’s storyline is thoughtful, consistent, engaging and very well written. It will definitely make you believe in second chance romances and the power love.

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first thought about this book was when I saw the cover. If you’ve ever seen the show Once Upon a Time, the clock tower looks a lot like the one in Storybrooke. And if you’ve ever watched OUAT you know that not all fairy tales are how we imagine them. Leyla and Pierce remind me a bit of that. They are tested and they are given obstacles but it’s the ending that counts. It’s where these characters get to and what they overcome. And it’s their own unique fairytale. But a fairytale none the less! That is for sure!

[Wendy'sThoughts]

It's A Tale As Old As Time...
No, Not Beauty and The Beast...
But More A Story Of What Can Happen...
When Your Marriage Goes Arye ...

I Was Wide Eyed...
Fresh From Vet School...
Ready to Take On The World...

He Was Pierce Aldridge...
A Philanthropist With That...
Required Heart of Gold...

At Least That Was What I Thought...

Once The Blush of Being Newly Married...
With All The Reasons
Why We Said I Do Start to Go Away...

The Man I Fell For Disappeared...
Right Before My Very Eyes...

So I Started to Bide My Time...
The Distance, The Callousness...
I Should Make My Move...
But I Seem To Be Waiting...
For Just The Right Moment...

But Then, Things Get Tipped Upside Down...
If I Divorce, I lose Everything...
But If I Stay for the Next 18 Months...
My Waiting Won't Be In Vain...

This 18 Month Period...
Goes Slowly Yet
Reveals So Much...

What Is That I See...
The Man I Loved...
Peaking Out Every Now And Then...
Could That Be...

Defying Our Forever (The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #3)- October 2020

Loved You Once (The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Moment Like You (The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Defying Our Forever (The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
As We Are (The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #4)
Call You Mine (The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #5)
Your To Keep (The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers #6)

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Athena D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆☆ 5 STARS

I’ve recently listened to the audiobook and loved the narration. I loved listening to this book from beginning to end. This couple did not have the greatest of childhoods, yet it shaped them into the people they've become. The way Leyla and Pierce's relationship progresses from their first encounter right up to their present state is incredibly entertaining. I could not get enough of the Aldridge brothers. I am dying to read Beacon and Grace's story. Defying Our Forever by Claudia Burgoa is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon / Universal / Apple / Nook / Kobo

Pierce and Leyla's marriage was so ideal. AT FIRST. Then he changed into someone she didn't recognize - cold, distant, and even cruel. So why won't she sign the divorce papers he draws up? And why does she agree to the stupid stipulations to his estranged father's will, which requires all of his children (and Leyla, as she's Pierce's wife), to live in the same house in his small town, before any of them receives their inheritance? Will this forced proximity be the second chance they need? Or just reinforce why they're divorcing in the first place?

<

Dang...but this one was a bit hard to read. Not that it wasn't well-written, it was just kinda painful to read as Pierce turned into a gigantic asshole with no explanation. I liked being inside his head once they moved in together, gave me a bit of understanding of his true self. But I have to admit I still didn't really like him. If I had been Leyla, I'd have divorced him in a heartbeat. But she loved him so of course she forgave him. I just wish he had really been more her equal, not so broken, not such a jerk. But aside from Pierce, I like this second chance story and am excited for the next brother's story.

ARC via Elle Woods PR for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[The Bosnian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my heart on this one, fell in love from the beginning. Review on my BLOG -> CLICK HERE

[Janeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

Pierce has been one of my least favorite Aldridge brothers since the series began. He certainly redeemed himself in this book.

I loved seeing how his & Leyla’s story began. They go through a lot of struggles to find their way back to each other.

Everything happens for a reason.

[Caro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to read Defying Our Forever, book three in the brilliant Baker's Creek Billionaire Brothers series by Claudia Burgoa. With each book, the series gets better and better. This family and these brothers have grown on me.

Pierce Aldrige has had a hard time, not being loved the way he should've been by his mother, which left its marks. And then Leyla Gibbs came around, the beautiful red-haired veterinarian. Both of them hold so many secrets, prefer to keep things hidden. Neither wants to fall in love, but they might just be the best thing for each other. Everything's coming up roses until after their wedding when Pierce distances himself. He changes and no longer seems to be the man Leyla married. But she can't leave him, not yet. Things come different when his father dies and, to fulfil his will, makes the Aldrige brothers live together in Baker's Creek for 18 months. This might be the opportunity they needed to fix things. But maybe the line between victory and defeat is too thin?

Pierce and Leyla ended up being my two favourite characters so far. I really did love these two. They definitely had their fair share of ups and downs, but not once did I lose hope that they would get back together. Their love for each other was just too undeniable. And it will also never get boring with this horde of people. The Aldrige brothers are just something else. This makes me really excited for the next book, Beacon and Grace’s story in Call You Mine. I recommend reading the releases in order, as it provides a much better understanding of the series. (And you wouldn't want to miss any bits and pieces of the Aldridge family.)

Claudia Burgoa has done another fantastic job with this book and these characters. The series is one of my current favourites. Each book just stirs the anticipation for the next books even more. Defying Our Forever is a wonderful 5-star-read.

[kgagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have fallen so hard for these sexy Aldridge brothers and The Baker's Creek Billionaire Brothers series! The more I learn about these broken billionaires, the deeper I care for them and cheer for their HEA! This is about Pierce Aldridge, and Leyla Gibbs and their magical fairytale second chance romance. But as we know, fairytales are not easy journeys at times. Pierce is a broken, moody lawyer until he meets the beautiful, kind, caring veterinarian. He loves that she tries to save all the animals and he gets swept up in her light, and love. They have a whirlwind, passionate romance and soon get married. But his mother and cousin's are darkness, and try to pull him back and away from the light. They almost succeed, until Pierce is forced to move away to live with his brothers for eighteen months. He forgot that the Aldridge men are cursed, and can never have love and a family. He has almost destroyed his relationship with Leyla, and tries to protect her by convincing her to not go with him. But Leyla has demons of her own, making it hard for her to let someone in. Even though Pierce has broken her heart, he is a part of her and she wants to make sure he is protected. What she finds in Baker's Creek is something neither of them ever dreamed was possible. I was so captivated by Pierce and Leyla's second chance romance! How they went from friends, to lovers, to enemies and started all over again, only doing it right the second time around. Leyla was so sassy, a bit devious, but so kind and loving. She was so perfect for Pierce helping him see that he deserved to be loved. Pierce was moody, and callous at times but underneath that hard exterior is a kind and thoughtful man who just wants to be loved unconditionally. I loved their journey from their difficult pasts, to learning to forgive, trust, and build a forever love together. Burgoa is weaving a beautiful tale about these brothers and their fascinating stories that bring them together to connect, heal and find friendship and family. It made me laugh out loud at times, cry, and swoon. I love all the brothers who are unique in their own way. It is so much fun getting to know them better, watching how they forge brotherly bonds, and their sibling banter is hilarious! There are more secrets that are coming their way and I can't wait to find out more about these sexy Aldridge men and the incredible women who challenge and love them!

[Krissreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️ 2.5/5🌶️ 5/5🎧

——• 💰

This one was about Pierce and Leyla who were married but it fell apart and when moving to Bakers Creek, they had a second chance. Their story was cute and the ending was soooo sweet, defiantly a favourite of mine and I highly recommend the audiobook!

——• 💰

The storyline of this series has interested me and am actually enjoying it a shit load more then I thought I would.. the fact that there is 7 hot ass brothers who each get a book😜

Basically, a shitty ass father dies leaving billions of dollars and a whole town in the hands of his 6 sons but keep in mind, they all have different mothers and have absolutely no relationship with each other due to a past tragedy.

Now they are left scrambling to up and move their lives within 30 days to a town they all hate and into the same house for the next 18 months… I mean how could I not 😏😏

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defying Our Forever by Claudia Burgoa finally tells us the story of Pierce and Leyla. We learn about their history before landing in their current situation. They share witty banter and I loved their back and forth. But with neither being totally open and honest with each other, can they make it together? They definitely share steamy chemistry, but also a whole bunch of obstacles stand in their way. Can they find a way to stay together and see what they truly have before it’s too late?

I loved not only getting their history but watching them interact and find each other again. Defying Our Forever by Claudia Burgoa was sweet and charming read full of the best feels.

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce and Leyla’s love is one that will remain with me for years to come! Their passion and loyalty to one another was mesmerizing and I was rooting for them the whole time!

Claudia created two characters that you can’t help but fall head over heals in love with! Though Pierce can be brash, he also has a heart of gold. He’s just a person who is trying to keep his heart protected! He’s so easy to love but you also can’t help but want to slap him a few times only to realize that his heart was in the right place he just didn’t think it through enough! Leyla though she is my super star! Her heart omg she just loves with all she has! What Pierce lacks Leyla has in spades! They balance each other out! A sense of calm and protection, something neither has ever had is only felt together.

This whole Aldridge clan has easily grown into my favorite book family! I love every trip back with each brothers book and I can’t wait for more!

[Caroline F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierce is my favourite Aldridge, so far. Loved this story!!

"Leyla taught me that home sometimes has a heartbeat and not a zip code."

Pierce and Leyla were not looking for love when they met but it crept up on them. Pierce was damaged by this childhood and Leyla was broken but together they found 'home'. Unfortunately, they couldn't stay forever in their passionate and happy bubble, and Pierce's conditioning broke their marriage. When he has to uproot his life, Leyla could either sign the divorce papers or resign herself to living in a small town with a bunch of strangers. Although, there is one thing she desperately wants and if moving herself to a different state means she'll get it, then she's wiling to do it.

"To stop loving her would be as if the Earth stopped orbiting around the sun. It's impossible. It'd be the end of the world."

Gosh, these two! They made my heart clench with happiness and then hurt and then clench again! They couldn't live with each other yet they couldn't live without the other. They had so much to come to terms with before they could truly move on. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that they loved the hell out of each other but there was so much going on that they had to deal with. They had chemistry and heat for days yet they needed more openness and honesty between them before they could move forward with their future. Pierce came a long way in this book. At times, he seemed cold but below the surface resided a really warm, soft heart. He made me melt!

As usual, this book was packed with the author's trademark large family dynamics of humour, squabbling, and support. I adore this series - it just gets better and better. There's so much to unpack about the Aldridges (AKA Assdridges! LOL) and I'm all agog for the rest of the books.

Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1A52RI...

[K. Ramjohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving The Baker’s Creek Billionaire Brothers series and Defying Our Forever is no exception. This story was emotional and intense and I was hooked from beginning to end.
This is Pierce and Leyla's story, a story about them rekindling their love for each other. These were two flawed yet strong characters, and their story was realistic, swoon worthy, and angsty and will have you very much invested in the outcome.
Pierce and Leyla had intense chemistry and I loved their witty banter. It was obvious they couldn't live without each other however they needed more honesty and trust in their relationship for them to move forward and I loved going on this journey with them from their difficult past to them finding their forever together.
This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride so expect to feel it all. It was a fun, flirty and heartwarming second chance romance and you will fall in love with Pierce and Leyla. In addition we have the family dynamics with the rest of the Aldridge clan in the story. This well written page turner was a fantastic read and I loved it. I would recommend it to lovers of second chance romance.