Life is about checks and balances. People hurt people, and often, they die. Even as a paramedic, I can’t save everyone, but that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna try.
My baby sister was a sick child. Her illnesses were the reason I chose the career I did, but her innocence and fragility also made me a man who refuses to let her live her life without my guiding hand.
My overbearing protectiveness wasn’t an issue until Nadia Reynolds pointed out my toxic ways.
Nadia is honest to a fault, independent to the point of giving me heart palpitations, and so blindingly beautiful, she tempts me to let my sister live her life so I can pursue my own happily ever after.
But to do that, I need to let go of the grievances of my past. Unfortunately, they don’t center solely around my sister’s cancer. With secrets, lies, fortunes, middle-of-the-night intruders, and meddling families abound, I’m left with only two choices: let go of the past and trust, or push on, knowing I could lose those I love the most.
Trigger Warning: The hero of this book is a medical professional, and there are mentions of traumatic injury and death due to his profession. Reader discretion is advised. *****
The Gilded Knights Series takes place - chronologically - after Checkmate, but before Stacked Deck. But this book and series can be read as a complete standalone.
Emilia Finn is an Amazon Top 20 bestselling, Australia-based author with more than 55 books written and published to date.
She's a mom, a coffee addict, a collector of quirky coffee mugs, and before she had kids, she was a real-life full-contact fighter.
Her experience on the fight circuits helped her pen her first ever book—Finding Home—featuring a world champion MMA fighter Bobby Kincaid, and his leading lady and equal in every way, Kit Reilly. What was only supposed to be a once off experience instead turned into a career for Emilia, a thriving empire, and a daily grind she never wants to be rescued from.
Join Emilia's mailing list for exclusive material and new release alerts.
Nadia is my kind of woman! The way she called Mitch out on his gaslighting was brilliant! The entire time I was reading this book and the one that’s actually about Abby all I kept thinking was “her brothers are insane”. I mean they , especially Mitch, are just way over the top with the protection thing! You would think she had been kidnapped with the way they behave. Like if cancer is going to come back it’s going to come back. No amount of control is going to stop that. I enjoy this author but sometime the way the men behave ( even the teenagers) feels very abusive. Like just because they love these women and aren’t smacking them around doesn’t make their toxic behavior attractive. Also she never tells us who the squatter is! And how the heck people were just unlocking her door and putting flowers on her pillows without her being non the wiser seems unlikely. I will keep reading about the Rosa family just to get to Troy.
I made it to 84% before I gave up. It took me a while to decide if I should continue or not.
Too much annoying misogyny from Mitchell. Nadia would call it out too and then just be okay with the fact that he said weird shit? Too many extra characters. Also like I get his sister was sick as a child but he was straight up obsessed with her like chill out my man LOL
I never want these series to end. The way they connect and keep me tethered to those I have already fallen for is fantastic. There is so much passion, pain, and love that encompasses this story. Thank you for another amazing book Emilia Finn.
The Checkmate series is one of my favorites. Finding out that there was going to be a spinoff made me super excited. I loved having some cameos of old favorite characters while giving me a new cast of characters.
I loved loved LOVED Nadia. Her quit wit and sharp tongue had me laughing at times. Mitch was delicious and the two of them together were fire.
My only complaint, and the reason this wasn't a five star was because of how fast the ending was. I actually thought it was going to turn out to be a duet because there was still so much to conclude. However, it still was one of my favorite books by this author. I'm thrilled that there are going to be more books of the brothers.
This book reminded me why this author is a favorite. She is exceptionally good at her craft. So much so, I might have to do a reread of the Check mate series as I wait for more books in this series.
I really enjoyed this one. I thought Nadia was a riot and loved all her sass she threw at Mitch. I loved seeing Bishops again and Abby and Spencer. It was just a lot of fun. But was a bit disappointing that the vast majority of this book was worrying about how Abby would react to their relationship only for the book to skip that. Super bummed we didn’t get to see her reaction.
I totally and completely fell for Mitchell and Nadia. Their snarky banter and irritating encounters were smoking with chemistry and feels that were bound to explode. This start into the world of the Rosa’s has me swooning and anxious for the next one. With new faces along with those I’ve loved before, it’s like continuing an epic journey! Loved it!
I’ve been reading these books in chronological order since the start of Rollin On series. This is a new goal I am trying to accomplish to go start to finish with one author. Usually I give up because I get frustrated during series because there is repetition. I have needed to take breaks and restart but I am still committed. I do like Nadia as a FMC. She is strong and doesn’t just accept a guys love if there are issues to address. However, this book did challenge that commitment. The story is over Nadia and Mitch but the time frame starts prior to Abby and Spencer’s story. I liked Abby and Spencer’s story but I didn’t love Abby and her “goody goody” attitude that couldn’t handle a cuss word around her. It didn’t bother me too much in their story because Spencer balanced it out but a lot of that repeated in this story so now it was just annoying. And my most annoying thing when a story does a time jump backwards is to re-read the exact same stuff again word for word. That is usually why I can’t complete long series or interconnected series that repeat the same exact word for word events instead of moving forward in the story line. And by time this storyline catches up it’s over. The reader doesn’t get to fully witness them as a public couple or Abby’s actual reaction or support. And the squatter storyline is not completed or re-addressed. The reader doesn’t even get to witness Mitch’s reaction to it. So this story was not one of my favorites. I hope each story in this series isn’t a time jump backwards with repeats because then I will not accomplish my goal.
4.5 stars Finn does an amazing job of writing and developing her characters. They come together as individuals and couples in all the right ways. In this book she gave more insight into a previously written couple and gave new life to the main characters in this book. There were laugh out loud parts and others where you wanted to have a tissue close by. It did feel a little rushed at the end like she was ready to tie it all up and send it out. I feel like so much of the story was filling in the blanks and making sure that it matched up with previous books that she seemed hesitant to write Mitch and Nadia’s story for them. I can understand wanting to make sure the little details are right and that everything does match up because there will be those who will find any slip. I do think that there will need to be some parts that will need answers in coming books so we’ll have to wait and see.
While I really liked the interactions between Mitch and Nadia, I thought the book had too much noise:
- the first couple chapters were all descriptions of a house - rather than being a love story between 2 people it felt like a book about Mitch, Nadia, and Abby, and while like Abby’s character I felt it went overboard how much of a part she played in this book - a lot of the writing was a repeat of what we’ve read in her other books - there were a lot of storylines that didn’t feel necessary, even if they’re supposed to be foreshadowing for other books in the series (the safe, the uncle and cousins, the squatter, etc.)
I think my favorite couple from Rollertown is definitely Spencer and Abigail. By all accounts, they are too different to ever make a relationship work, but the more they learn about each other, they more they realize that they may have found the person who completes them. When it was announced that Abigail's brothers would be getting a spin-off series, I fangirled like everyone else. Deep down though, I was really afraid. I have issues with some of the Stacked Deck books, which brought out the anxiety that the Rosa siblings would trend the same way.
Mitch's book didn't put those fears completely to rest, but I can breathe a lot easier. In the beginning, I was a little upset that the timeline started before the beginning of Winner Takes All. I wanted to see Mitch's big brother side from his perspective while trying to hide his relationship with Nadia. We all know how this story is going to end, but the more the tale unfolds, you can really see where things have gone wrong for both characters. It's not hard to determine that they bring out the best of each other, but only if they can get past their previous traumas. Most of Mitch's decisions come from unresolved trauma of having a sick little sister, and it's Nadia who starts to show him that he can't control everything and everyone around him. Throw in classic sibling teasing, a family dinner where the new chick is fair game, and tales from the flower shop, and you'll be highly amused.
Emilia Finn is an amazing storyteller. I wasn't that invested in these new characters, but of course I wanted a follow up on Spence and Abigail since they were one of my favorites. My other favorite, Marc, actually made a brief appearance to my surprise. I didn't like Nadia in previous appearances, but of course she ended up being funny, smart, and ballsy. I shouldn't doubt Ms. Finn again 😂 Anyway, Emilia Finn took these characters that I really didn't care about, and shaped a great story. It wasn't nearly long enough, nor will the next book be out soon enough 🥺🤦 I discovered her books late in 2020 and read through all the series with some rereads. I reread Winner Takes All the day before starting this and I don't recommend doing the same. The book timeline runs concurrently with WTA, so there's a lot of dialogue and events that we see again from a new POV. It wraps up nearly at the same time point as WTA as well, which was my only disappointment. I am DYING to see Spence as a dad or if they'll maybe adopt. I'm also intrigued by the mystery man and if we're going to see more mention of witches. I know Nixon is the next book, and I'm hoping for Troy after that, but have a feeling he'll be last. Finally, how pissed are the Rosa parents going to be when they finally get back in the country?!? They definitely need to have some time in the next few books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I just came upon this author's name when another author asked us what we were reading. I heard really good things about her writing so decided to give her a try. I am so glad I did and will be reading her books on a regular basis.
Nadia Reynolds moved to a small town where she had inherited a house. It needed plenty of work and she was up to the task. She is the executor of her aunt's will. Her aunt had recently died and had an ex husband who wanted money he wasn't entitled to. She was also in charge of the money for her two nieces. The girls were entitled brats and needed to do some charitable work in order to get their money. The girls didn't want to comply. Therefore Nadia moved far away so she could ignore them. She got a job in a flower shop working for Abby who is the nicest woman around.
Abby's brother Mitchell is extremely protective of Abby. He is certain that Nadia is there to rob Abby.He donated bone marrow to Abby when she was sick with cancer and he feels extremely over the top smothering. The banter between these characters was hysterical. Eventually Mitchell and Nadia become a secret item but must hide it from Abby. Sex is hot too!!! What wonderful characters with a great storyline!! Very enjoyable.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 1st in the Gilded Knights series and ends in an HEA. THis series introduces a family of 6, 4 brothers and 1 sister, Abby. Abby suffered from childhood cancer and is over-protected and smothered by her well-meaning brothers. Mitchell is the cranky brother and a paramedic. He suffers trauma after a child dies on his watch. He also suffers an over-protectiveness towards Abby and all women due to witnessing Abby’s fight for life and feeling helpless.
>Nadia is new in town. She has a harsh personality that I didn’t particularly like, but Mitchell sure did. Her sharp tongue actually attracts Mitchell. I thought Nadia and Mitchell hiding their relationship from Abby was a bit silly. Abby meets a scary biker dude, but the reader only gets a glimpse of her story. Apparently, Abby and Spencer’s story is told in the Checkmate series. The plot in this book is really Mitchell getting over his issues and Nadia dealing with her relatives. The real fun in the book comes from the banter between the brothers and Abby.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. There is a plot line that is never explained. The unknown intruder that protects Nadia is never explained.
That ending packed a punch! This story runs concurrently with Abby's story, 'Winner Takes All' Checkmate series number 7 and 'Checkmate' number 8, the last book. There are solid spoilers for the outcome of those books, so read them first if you care not to spoil. A couple of scenes from those books are duplicated, but from Nadia and Mitchell's POV. I would say to appreciate this book and all the many side characters, you need to read the Checkmate series first so you are immersed in the characters of this small town and understand the relationships and dynamics. Some readers recommend starting the author's books from the very beginning with the 'Rollin' On' series, but I haven't read those yet. That being said, you could read this as a stand alone if you wanted. It's well written, with drama, fun scenes, a slow burn romance and very steamy sex scenes. Full of protective men, confrontations, sadness, hope and love. 4.5 stars.
I purchased this book and am leaving my review voluntarily. It is book 1 in the Gilded Knights series.
Triggers: death of a child
Spoilers: Nadia, after her aunt passes, she travels to a new place courtesy of her aunt to start a new life. She is most firmly of the belief in love doesn't last.
Mitchell, paramedic, one of 5 brothers and very protective of his baby sister Abigail (Winner Takes All, Checkmate Series b7) Meets Nadia after his sister hires her for her flower shop and he becomes instantly suspicious. But he is also very drawn to her.
There was instant chemistry between these two. I loved grumpy Mitch. It took longer for me to warm up to Nadia. A bit of mystery. Plenty of sexy time. And of course, it wouldn't be an Emilia Finn story if you didn't shed a few tears.
Emilia does it again! Another take on OTT! If you have Alpha psycho brothers, you get it. My brothers neither have the time nor financial means to be this crazy....but the heart is there. Love the Rosa's and being able to revisit the characters and laughter from the previous series! Kane Bishop!! I thought I was in love with Bobby, but Good Lord.....the threat in the hospital room? Even though I read it in the last Checkmate book, it still got me. I loved that Nadia was not annoying! She was tough but vulnerable and likeable!
Mitchell was hot, sweet, crazy, flawed, depressed yet joyful! Like how does she come up with these character? I love that Mitchell was a mess and he knew it. The link to the childhood trauma after Abby's illness was amazing. You don't really consider the trauma for the siblings. Great perspective.
Honestly this book had so many plot holes, a lot of unfinished story lines , and I was left with a lot of damn questions. I could understand if there's a whole different series that this author wrote, regarding the other characters, but holy fuck , who the actual fuck was the squatter in Nadia's house???? It was such a rushed fucking ending man , like ya ya happily ever after and all that crap, but like who was the fucking squatter??? Why would you bring Abby's cancer back??? Whose fucking wedding was it in the short ass very bland epilogue?? I'm giving it a 2.9 it genuinely had such potential to be a well executed book, but now I'm left with more fucking questions than answers here? Like do I have to go back and read a whole other series for this one fucking book to make sense??? What the actual fuck was that??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’m a huge fan of Emilia Finn. I love her books and her writing style. I love that her series contain multiple character cameos from her other series. I love that her characters feel like family. I love that her series all primarily take place in the same town, even if no reader knows which town it actually is. I love that I go on an emotional rollercoaster ride every time I pick up one of her books.
Redeeming the Rose is the first book in the new Gilded Knights series, following the 5 Rosa brothers. This is the story of Mitchell, an EMT who is an amazing but overprotective older brother and Nadia, a girl looking for a new start who happens to land a new job at Mitchell’s sister Abby’s flower shop. It is funny, sweet, realistic, and just a delight from start to finish. If this is your first peek into the worlds of Emilia Finn, please prepare to go back and read everything that came before because they are just that good!
I can't wait to read all of the Rosa's even more after this. I love these brothers and their stronger than they want her to be sister. Abigail is in this story a lot but it she does not steal the show, nor is it a rehash of her story in anything but how it affects Mitch and Nadia. The story kept me up late because it kept getting better. I love the snark, the insecurities - to a point, the family dynamics. I was 60% into the book and thought I'd only read 30%-ish , maybe, it was that easy to get engrossed. I highly recommend reading at least the Checkmate series and probably Survivors because the drama and side characters make the story richer knowing their history.
Nadia is for the most part alone in the world. Her aunt who was more like a mother to her has just died. Leaving her to be in charge of her estate and her mass wealth. Also giving her an old house in a very small town half way across the country. She moves and starts cleaning up and fixing the house. She finds a job with a local florist. And that is where she meets him. Mitchell Rosa. One of the store owner Abby's many brothers. Mitch is a paramedic and very good at what he does. But he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Very cranky and very protective. I am so ready for the next book. Super excited about this series. I have loved every book written by this author.
This first book in a new series and is focused on a different family. There's still a lot of our previous characters that make appearances. This book contains most of Abby and Spencer's story from Checkmate. The book starts long before Abby's story line. The first correlation I found was a few chapters in, when Kane and Jess first visit the flower shop, Jess is 20 weeks pregnant at that point. So, since we started Abby's story when Jess was somewhere 38-39 weeks, Michell's storyline covers from very early all the way to after where Abby and Spencer's ended. (No spoilers from me!)
The writing style, maybe better to say the tone, is different than the first three series'. It was still amazing and I loved it!
This was an emotional roller-coaster of a story that will hook you from beginning to end. It was great to finally learn the details between these two! Their affair was initially introduced in a previous book/series, but without the important information. Lol! It's a must read book and series! If you haven't already, I would highly recommend that you read all of the series that are connected with this one. It all began with the Rollin On series, and there's a reading order in every book, including the boxsets. They're all absolutely fantastic stories, and you won't be disappointed. I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Another amazing story! I have read every book by Emilia and have loved all of them. We went from the Kincaids to second chances and new hearts to the checkmate crew to next generation and now we have the Rosa brothers that we have had little snippets from here and there which has left us more than intrigued for their own stories. Couldn't wait for Mitch, the grumpy paramedic, couldn't be more excited for Nixon the firefighter and am seriously squealing knowing we will be getting Romeo ( Troy ) story. Not forgetting Corey and beckett who I'm sure will also be giving us some serious book boyfriend vibes.
New series, new people, new drama, & new love. But all of it is still the same awesome writing from Emilia. There were so many moving parts in this book, I was just waiting on the edge of my seat for it all to resolve. Mitch & Nadia’s love was fire from the very beginning. Mitch is the introvert grump & Nadia is the extrovert sass master. But together....perfection. Both beautifully broken, but both needed the other to push towards healing. And in true Emilia fashion...the mysterious side of things. Can’t wait for the next installment of Roller Town, there is sooooooo much potential for what’s to come!!
Spoiler Alert….I would have enjoyed this book, but soon has I got to Monday-drinking I decided to move on. I don’t know what it is about these new females writers, but it’s getting ridiculous. A man who has been rude to you from the moment he met you you chase down to beg to be friends with, I just can’t with this kind of drama. He’s such a jerk, but he so handsome I can get pass that🙄🙄🙄 The second time when she met him in a supermarket with his brother she was disappointed that the jerk didn’t follow her instead of the brother. Really I’m done with these needy women writers
I have been, not so, patiently waiting for the Rosa's books. One of the things I love about Emilia's books and this entire world, is that she writes strong women. Her heroines are tough and independent, but have love that knows no bounds. I absolutely adore Nadia, and how she stands her ground, and fights about her beliefs. Mitchell, despite being over bearing and controlling and not wanting to protect the people he loves, makes me just swoon. He was so amazingly sweet and caring. Another amazing read and I cant wait to see whats coming up next!!
Emilia Finn did it again!!!!! After I dried my tears and laughed myself out of my chair I smile as I write this review! Mitchy is all grown up and the sarcastic pain in his butt assistant finally found love! Reading more about Abby and Spence was a happy coincidence as well as the rest of our skater gang and Checkmate crew! A must read for a Finn girl like me! Was absolutely not disappointed with the beginning of this brand new series! Great job Emilia cannot wait for the rest of the Rosas to come in swinging!
I’m at 50% and I’m really enjoying Mitchell and Nadia. I think Nadia is one of my favorite characters. Abby on the other hand is just plain annoying. The 5 brothers dote on her and she can’t do anything wrong. The idea of these 5 grown men bowing to her every wish makes me gag. God forbid anyone swears in front of her - she corrects them every single time. When did she become the morality police. Over protective is one thing but this is ridiculous. I’d give this 5 but for Abby.
I'm thrilled that we get more of our favorite characters from checkmate, the rolling crew and the band mates in this new series that involves the 5 Rosa brothers. Nadia is a new character who moves to town and works with Abby, Mitchell Rosa's baby sister at her flower shop. Mitchell is an over protective grump, a dedicated paramedic and he has eyes for Nadia. But Abby can't find out. It's a secret love story. I liked it. It's got the familiar humor, sarcastic banter, heavy emotional moments and very sexy moments.
… I didn’t like how obsessed Mitch was with Abby … I didn’t really like Abby, and how she was about swearing ( i didn’t finish the checkmate series so I missed her book) maybe if I go back and read it that will change … I felt like Mitchell and Nadia relationship was to rushed, especially how mean he was to her in the beginning … and how come we never find out/there is no elaboration on her squatter (which was weird af) or the guy with the yankee hat at the end and who sent those roses???