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The Case Brothers #3

Playboy Billionaire

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This book was formerly titled MR. RED.

They say redemption comes from unexpected places… But when you’ve been an asshole your entire life, there’s only punishment for the things you've done. So when Alison comes sweeping into my life half-dressed, wielding a frying pan, and threatening to brain me, begging for mercy is the last thing on my mind. I never knew how much a dirty, filthy mouth pushed my buttons until her sweet lips touched my body. Until her sexy curves drove me wild with every roll of her hips. But Karma is a b*@ch, and when my reckoning comes, I could lose everything- including the woman I can’t live without.

**TS Layne is the Alter Ego of USA Today Bestselling Author Tessa Layne. TS Writes Bad Boys & Billionaires. Tessa Writes Alpha Cowboys & Hot Heroes.**

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2019

398 people are currently reading
359 people want to read

About the author

Tessa Layne

43 books394 followers
Tessa Layne is a five-time USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance across many genres. Known for her high heat "emotionally searing and uplifting" story lines, Tessa’s books take you on an adventure of the heart from the rugged and remote Kansas Flint Hills to the big-city boardroom. Additional pen names include TS Layne (billionaires) and coming in 2024, Tessa Snow (dark fantasy romance). Tessa lives in the heart of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, daughters, and two unruly cats. When she’s not writing, you can find her outside chatting up the bees in her garden, hunting for berries in the woods, or playing in the snow.

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5 stars
180 (43%)
4 stars
123 (29%)
3 stars
81 (19%)
2 stars
23 (5%)
1 star
11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
1,293 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2019
I've read the other books in this series as well as the books based in Flint Hills and I've really enjoyed the characters presented by Tessa Layne. You've got your alpha males who have all done their fair share of questionable things. Then there are the strong women who challenge them to be better men. Of course there are plenty of personal issues to be dealt with on both sides to make this stories more heartfelt. In Mr. Red you've got Nico Case who has definitely done a lot of things in his life that he isn't proud of. Motivated by revenge he set himself up for a world of hurt by seeking revenge against his half-brother with a woman with her own set of selfish motivations. Karma can be a real b.... When Nico has lost everything he shows up at Dec's winery and encounters Alison - someone from his past, but he doesn't realize. She is a feisty, talented woman with demons from her past, but a willingness to forgive and move on. There's plenty of drama to this story, but the chemistry between Nico and Ali is off the charts. Once I started reading I didn't want to put the book down. Looking forward to seeing what comes next for the honorary Case brother.
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,864 reviews135 followers
April 28, 2019
If you have read Mr. White you will probably know what is going on in this book already if you don't, buckle up. I was right when I said that the timelines of these two books overlap, but still, it was nice to read this story. I did not like it as much as I liked Mr. White to be honest. I was prepared for something more romantic and more in-depth to be honest, but I didn't get that. Maybe I had too high expectations for a novella.

I wanted to see a couple of things, that I didn't. A little more exploration of Nico's divorce and what was going on with his ex who messed things up for him in more ways than one would have been nice. She needed to be hit by karma or something. I did not like the reminder of what the heroes of these novels went through because they were bad and made me sad, but also wonder who redeemable the other brother is.

I will remain neutral on the recommendation.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,312 reviews47 followers
July 16, 2020
This is the third book in the Case Brother's Series. This is Allison and Nico's story and it'll take you on an emotional roller coaster. They were enemies when they were younger and she considered him as one of her tormentors. Fate brings them together at his brother's winery but he has no idea who she is. Their chemistry is explosive and this book will definitely steam up your Kindle. The characters are well-developed and entertaining. This is a book about self-awareness and forgiveness. Enemies to lovers with a heartwarming appeal. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop so I read it in one sitting. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to write a review.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,571 reviews29 followers
May 7, 2019
ARC for honest review with no compensation received from BookSpout

Mr. Red is book 3 in the Case Brothers series by Tessa Layne and as always she brings in you in on the first page and doesn't let you go until the last word is read...

Nico and Ali has a past that only she remembers...will Nico figure this out or will karma be the "bi***" like always??

This book has all the feels...instant connection, forgiveness, acceptance, and a second chance at life, love and HEA! !
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
February 3, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBook today (2/3/2021)!🎁
108 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2021
I found I couldn’t really relate to either of these characters and the further through the book I got the less I cared and just wanted it to be over so I could move on. It was just a bit blah. Every situation just seemed to be dialed up to extreme proportions - each characters’ torment as a child, their dysfunctional marriages which you only get very brief details of, her insecurities, his financial situation. It just became too fanciful that I detached. This was the first book in the series I read (because it was free) but I won’t be reading any of the others. I also didn’t get why it was called Mr. Red but maybe that is explained in the earlier books. I’d give another book by the author a go though as I didn’t mind the writing style.
Profile Image for Heidi Dover.
1,525 reviews6 followers
April 20, 2021
Liked well enough. Female MC had potential to be a good, strong, self-sufficient woman, but the backstory was a little far-fetched - change names, change looks, male MC doesn't recognize her or remember he bullied her horribly. Female MC sleeps with him anyway, despite the truly horrible past treatment because he's just soooo hot and she always had a crush on him? Hmmm...
1,240 reviews10 followers
April 25, 2019
Mr. Red is the third book in the Case Brothers series, which lives within the Cowboys of Flint Hills universe. While this book could be read as a stand alone, I think you’ll get the most out of the book by reading this series in order. Nico has been financially ruined and publicly humiliated by family, his ex wife, and friends. Licking his wounds, he went to his brother’s quiet vineyard and is shocked to find Alison, the winemaker. Their passion is scorching, their connection is fresh, but Alison has a big secret. As real emotions enter their relationship, what happens when Alison’s secret is revealed and Nico has some life changing news?

Wow, this book was full of second chances at life and love, forgiveness, acceptance, and a connection between two hurting people. Nico and Alison has amazing chemistry, but they held some darker secrets. I loved that neither one of them really wanted to be with the other, but they had more flowing between them than just a physical connection - they both got a chance to truly see the other person, to see who they wanted to be and where they came from. Nico was a jerk growing up, but I loved that he owned up to it and wanted to become a better person. Working with Alison gave him an idea of the type of CEO he should be. Alison’s backstory was heartbreaking, but I loved how she was able to triumph, I loved how she was such a hard worker and I loved that she slowly was able to accept Nico’s praises and compliments. This was definitely a steamy book, but I loved the connection felt between the characters, the drama, seeing the rest of the Case brothers, and feeling the overarching themes within this series. I am so excited for the fourth book, but I loved reading Mr. Red!
349 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2022
*spoilers ahead* 3.5 stars

This is a mixed bag. Note that I’ve only read this book in the series and basing my opinion on this book alone. I liked the first half but the second half was far fetched and unrealistic. I liked Alison and Nico’s banter, and I liked that Alison was a winemaker and her work ethic. I also liked how supportive Alison’s family was especially Kimmie.

Now the things I didn’t like. Although the sex scenes were written well, there was too much of it I feel like those scenes could’ve been used to build up their relationship instead. The switch from no strings sex to ‘I love you’ and meeting the family was a bit too fast for me. Alison’s secret was kept from the reader for too long and finally finding out what happened made me root for them less and her reasons for getting with him after what he did didn’t make much sense to me. Alison’s insecurities were mentioned a lot but I feel like it still wasn’t fully explored. I know people change but Nico’s change was too fast in the context of the book. He also got the company and his money back, which was convenient. I would’ve liked to know what happened with the ex.

Overall the topics in the book were too heavy to be wrapped up so quickly and conveniently, but it was a decent read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
April 23, 2019
Nicholas aka Nico Case has been played. Not only did his ex-wife take him for a bundle, she also emptied their joint accounts. To top it off his 'friend' and accountant let it happen.

With his trust fund locked by his father, Nico is broke and decides to take his brother Declan up on his offer to stay at his new vineyard. What he finds is a bottle of Grappa on the table and dives into it before crashing on the couch.

Alison is Declan's winemaker, she was highly recommended by Danny who has connections just about everywhere. She has some secrets, but she never expected Nicholas Case to show up on her couch in the middle of the night.

I really got a kick out of these two. Alison puts Nico to work and even while he grumbles he has to respect what she is doing with the vineyard.

The hot and heavy relationship develops quickly, but of course the rest of Nico's family crap has to rear it's ugly head.

A page turning read with a surprise or three. I can't wait to read Danny's story in Mr. Whiskey.
Profile Image for Stacy J..
1,345 reviews12 followers
April 21, 2019
Nico has been grooming to take over for his father for years. However a stipulations from his father and finding out exactly who is wife really is, sends Nico to his brothers new venture. He was just hoping for some quite time and didn't count on a woman like Alison.

Alison is a winemaker who is trying to find her big break. She is proud of her work and doesn't like the Nico is hanging around. They have history and she not a fan. However, close proximity and working side by side shows her a softer side of Nico.

This book was really hot. I really felt like I could connect with Alison on this one. Having been someone who was tormented for being overweight and made series changes myself I could understand her daily affirmations that she needed to say to herself.

I'm glad Alison took a chance on Nico if nothing else to enjoy adult company but also to see that underneath everything Nico is a good man.
1,177 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2019
I have read this series from the beginning. I have also read the story of Jason who is the half brother to the Case triplets. This book focuses on Nico. When reading Jason’s story I thought that Niko would be the worst of the worst.
Reading the triplets stories ( Austin and Declan) I couldn’t wait to read Nicos story.
He is at his lowest being broke , facing divorce from his stealing and cheating ex and cut off from his trust fund.
He goes to crash at his brothers winery and meets Alison. He is drawn to her but they have a not so great past connection that she remembers all to well and he does not.
The chemistry between the two is combustible but with non truths and past hurts will they stand a chance?
I have really enjoyed this series and each character. Their history and how they change with the right woman makes for an emotion and satisfying read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,085 reviews18 followers
April 23, 2019
Love this Family and This Series!!

Nico is destitute. His ex-wife wiped him out about the same time she was getting pregnant by another man. Dropping in at his brother Declan’s vineyard, he runs into the new winemaker Alison. There is a battle of wills (and duct tape) that results in Nico working the vineyard in return for room and board.

“I haven’t been curious to actually know a woman in… maybe ever. But Alison has clearly wormed her way under my skin, and I desperately want to discover what makes her tick.”

This story runs parallel to the prior story in this series – which adds to the fun, and my admiration of the author who can make that work “just right”. Complicated family interactions and past connections all interweave to create a fascinating and touching read.

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Profile Image for Stephanie Erickson.
247 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2019
A wonderful second chance romance.

Karma has kicked Nico in the butt over and over again. He's now penniless after his ex wife cleaned out the bank accounts before divorcing him, his accountant has scammed him, and now he needs a place to go.

He rides out this his brother Declans new acquisition thinking he will hole up there until he can figure out what to do.

Alison is surprised to be woken up by someone in her trailer. She was offered the job to be the winemaker at Declans vineyard. But he doesn't care about any of it.

But she has a history of being tormented by the man who barged into her trailer. And she's been told that a leopard never changes its spots.

So why does working with Nico and getting to know him seem to be changing her mind about this man from her past.

Can the past be let go?
Profile Image for Marichus Real.
3,558 reviews27 followers
May 4, 2019
Nico has been an asshole all his life without caring about anyone and anything, focus on having revenge against his brother Jason.
Alison has lots of insecurities that come from the time she was at school. However, she is on the road to overcome them. Winemaking gives her the security she has never felt before.
Another beautiful story where we can see all the brothers together, trying to find the forgiveness they all need and because of their wives, they want to be better men.
The story is well-written and well-developed. We can feel along with Alison all her fears and insecurities and at the same time, how she tries to be strong and a new person.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy Littleford.
300 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2019
Tessa Layne is a Queen!

I read Mr. Red in one day. It really was that good. This book had a brilliant message throughout about body positivity. It was great to read an erotic book about a curvy women for a change. I think that it makes the book more relatable as everyone reading has some sort of insecurity. Nick and Ali are so perfect and I really enjoyed reading the next Case brother's story. This book also had a theme of forgiveness running through it which really hit home for me. I struggle with the whole forgiveness thing but found it enlightening that the triplets are on the road to forgiving Jason. Of course the erotic parts of the book were fabulous! Tessa Layne is one of my favourite erotica writers and this is only the third book I've read by her. I already have Mr. Whiskey on my kindle and can't wait to read this.

Amy x
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,188 reviews
April 24, 2019
Nico and Alison experienced instalust. Both Nico and Alison had experienced difficult times and had come out on the other side different, but damaged.

This story is sexy and romantic, but it emphasizes how people can grow, develop, and gradually change. Alison had a truly forgiving heart. Nico learned there is more to life than shallow, superficial people and things.

I also like that with each book the healing between brothers continues to grow.

One thing that surprised me was (1) how quickly Nico reacted and (2) the way he reacted when Veronica turned up unexpectedly. Luckily the situation was resolved, and A HEA was definitely in their future. I would have loved an epilogue.
4.5 stars.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy via Booksprout.
Profile Image for Renee.
5,235 reviews73 followers
May 2, 2019
I recieved a copy of this book from Booksprout to review.

This is the third book in the Case Brothers Series. I will say I wish i had read the firdt two books. I feel like they interconnect and I was not crystal clar on some things. This is the story of Nicholas. He is not the nicest or best man to ever live. He has done things that would make most peoples skin crawl. Now he is broke and publicy humiliated by his exwife . The time has come to get away and his brothers vineyard is the perfect place to go. However when he gets there he is noy expecting Alison the winemaker ans the passion she is going to stir in him. I bet this book would have been a five star read for me had i known to read the other two first. I hate I didnt know I should have read them first
Profile Image for Barbara Cuyler.
Author 3 books2 followers
September 3, 2021
The premise of a hot guy who had been a real jerk when younger falling for an overweight woman who had once been his victim of verbal abuse was a good one. Nico doesn't realize that Alison is the once-extremely obese girl from high school that everyone had made fun of because back then Alison had gone by a different name. The chemistry between Nico and Alison was good, and I enjoyed seeing how Nico becomes a nicer, more forgiving person as a result of his relationship with Alison. I thought that his reaction to when he finds out Alison's true identity was out of character for him, and she forgave him awfully quickly, making the HEA a bit too easy. Also, his going from being totally broke to rich again was too easy in my opinion. But it was an enjoyable read.
2,019 reviews10 followers
April 22, 2019
What an emotionally charged romance! Nico Case has not had an easy life but that doesn't justify his cruel and insensitive actions. It takes a very kind and gentle heart to look beyond his past and see Nico's efforts towards being a good man. Alison is that person and if she can find it in her heart to love Nico than her secret past shouldn't have any relevance either.

This story is such a tug on your heart that tissues are required. Once again, Tessa Layne writes with such understanding and grace that it is impossible for you not to be affected. Her characters show strength and determination despite their faults as well as heart and forgiveness. A beautiful and touching romance with a bit naughty that you can't put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for KylieAtkinson.
773 reviews5 followers
April 27, 2019
I love the Case brothers. They all have their challenges, their dark pasts, their weaknesses, their sexy bodies...but they also have the ability recreate their lives, to forgive, to grow, to learn to love. And how to bed women. Sweet Lord, I’d love to be on the receiving end of any of these brothers in the bedroom!
I love the lessons they learn from the love of their women and from the forgiveness of their brotherhood. This book also has a curvy woman with a story to tell and it brings a bit of a tear. Learning to love yourself can take many years (and with the help of one of these guys it would make it all the more sweeter!). Great series, wonderfully written.

Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,327 reviews14 followers
May 1, 2019
This is Book 3 of the Case Brothers Series by this author. The books in the series are interconnected but can be read as standalones. It is a second chance romance between Nico an his brother's winemaker, Alison. When they reconnect, it is a journey of self-discovery as Nico and Alison work through their issues and overcome the challenges that face their relationship. It is an emotional love story with drama, guilt, and hope, plus engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. Overall, it has heart, heat and a happy ending. A nice addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
618 reviews
June 15, 2020
Totally loved this book!

This is number three in the story of the Case brothers. All have been above and beyond excellent, At first I wasn’t sure but could warm up and like Nico at all. But as the story unfolded and Nico faced his demons, he grew on me. Allison had her own demons. Having been extremely overweight as a teenager, with Nico as one of her tormentors, how could she forgive him and reconcile that person with the man before her now? The man who supports and loves her? I love how characters from previous books pop in like old friends. Its best to read these books in order to get the full experience. I can’t wait to dive into book four. Mr. Whiskey!
Profile Image for Nicole.
178 reviews
April 22, 2019
I really loved this newest edition to Tessa Layne's catalog.

The entire Case Brothers Series has had me itching for the next and struggling to say goodbye when I've finished.

I have always had a hard time connecting with female characters in books. Not this time... Alison was so easy to connect with. The truth of her story is sadly so common and the story many of us have lived. And haven't we all dreamed of finding our Mr. Red!?!

Can a leopard change it's spots? I would like to believe that the answer is a resounding YES... if change is desired it can happen!
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews163 followers
April 24, 2019
This was a fun and steamy read. Nico and Alison's attraction was undeniable and their chemistry sizzled. The story line was an interesting blend of emotional turmoil, drama, humor, insecurities, karma, sparks, spice and romance. Alison was a truly wonderful character. She was such a genuinely good person and very realistic. Nico, was not always a good guy. He could be a real jerk but I felt bad for him anyway. I loved seeing him evolve over time and witnessing his relationship with Alison grow. A wonderful romance. This is my independent, impartial review.
Profile Image for Cheryl Sanders.
2,249 reviews31 followers
April 25, 2019
This is book 3 in The Case Brothers series and it features Nico and Alison. I immediately fell in love with these two with their witty banter and sexy times. I love that despite what she’s been through, she’s not totally afraid to go after what she wants. Hearing Kimmie tell Alison’s story had me crying such sad, sad tears. It’s an all too real story these days. Allison has an amazing family!

This is such a fantastic story line and the characters are all amazing. They’ve each come such a LONG WAY and I’m excited for the honorary Case brothers book coming up next.
Profile Image for Christina Luberts.
2,780 reviews7 followers
April 29, 2019
For us curvy girls, this book is awesome. Alison (Katie) has had a hard life for being over weight. Nico is a Case who had teased her all through high school and a total ass, now he shows up on the vineyard that I'm working at. Nico does not recognize her, but sure loving her curves and sassy mouth. What will Alison do? What will Nico do when he finds out who she really is? Can Alison trust that Nico is not the same person?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Meg.
87 reviews
May 2, 2019
Another winner from Tessa. I loved it. I wasn't sure I cared for Nico, but that was just plain silly. I loved him and, without a doubt, I loved Ali. All of Tessa's characters are relatable, memorable and complex. Her story line always surprises me, and makes the characters' journey to their HEA so rewarding. This was definitely the case here.
I volunteered to review an arc of this book, and as usual, I was so glad that I did, I had to purchase it. This one can be read alone, but be warned that if you do, you will probably go back to read Mr. Pink and Mr. White.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,736 reviews
April 21, 2019
4.5 stars

Book three in the series and it's answered a lot of questions for me...and made me change my mind about Nico. It was a sad and emotional read for me, and yet it was also a story full of hope, happiness, love, accepting who you are and forgiveness. One more story to go and it's Danny the honorary Case brother.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lady M..
1,389 reviews11 followers
April 24, 2019
I love how this book overlaps slightly with the last book (Mr white) but from another brother's perspective. It's great because it helps trigger the readers memory of the last book and the rest of the ongoing story. These all can be read as stand alone, but are better if read in order. I loved that Alison and Nico each had their own struggles, it was interesting to see both sides (with this book being told in dual points of view). I enjoyed it a lot
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