What do you think?
Rate this book
The MacKade Brothers #1-2
The MacKade Brothers: Rafe and Jared
Ten years later and the bad boy of the bunch had returned home. Appealing as ever, no even lovely Regan Joners, the town's reserved antiques dealer, was immune to Rafe MacKade. Regan claimed her plans didn't include relationships with rebels, but her reaction to
The Return of Rafe MacKade
- and his sizzling kisses - said something quite different.
Attorney Jared MacKade had his pick of women. His dealings with Savannah Morningstar were strictly business, but thoughts of the outragious, direct and sinfully sexy woman kept him coming back for more. With Savannah's incendiary attitude, plus The Pride of Jared MacKade something - good or bad - was bound to erupt.
Attorney Jared MacKade had his pick of women. His dealings with Savannah Morningstar were strictly business, but thoughts of the outragious, direct and sinfully sexy woman kept him coming back for more. With Savannah's incendiary attitude, plus The Pride of Jared MacKade something - good or bad - was bound to erupt.
425 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
83 people are currently reading
3917 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.6k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
June 12, 2012
Ahhhhh, Nora Roberts. You can always count on her to deliver a great book. The MacKade Brothers: Rafe and Jared is no exception.
This book, as you probably guessed from the title, is sort of like 2 books in one. Sure, they would have been 2 short books, but books nonetheless. The MacKade Brothers are a family in Antietam (Maryland?). They are a rough and tumble group and have been troublemakers their whole lives! But they love each other more than anything and that bond is showcased throughout these 2 novels/4 stories.
Rafe is the angry one. The REALLY angry one. He buys the "Old Barlowe Place" which has called to him for years. Its haunted and he loves it. He's come back to Antietam, after blowing town years ago, to make his mark on the town he calls home. He's done well for himself in the meantime with his own contracting/construction business, simply called MacKade. He plans to turn the Barlowe place into a Bed and Breakfast and meets Regan, a local business owner who specializes in antiques. She's just what Rafe needs, in more ways than one!!
Jared is the oldest and has become a lawyer. A great one. His cold, loveless marriage has ended and he's coming back to Antietam to figure out what he wants to do. He has one more quick errand before going home: He has to do a favor for a colleague out west. He has to stop by this house and drop off paperwork regarding a small estate. He didn't expect to find sassy redhead, Savannah Morningstar. He certainly didn't expect to fall for her or for her kid, but that's just what happens!
I really enjoyed this book. I think I read it a long time ago and then again, just now. It must have been one of my first Nora Roberts books. What can I say about it? I mean, its Nora Roberts! Its just great. The lady knows how to write hot sex scenes and sexy sexy guys! My only complaint about this book is this: Now that I've the read the Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy (well, the first 2 anyways), the MacKade books seem like the original and the Inn BoonsBoro books seem like a re-tread. Men finding love on a construction site, spousal abuse, escaping spousal abuse, haunted houses that are being turned into Bed and Breakfasts. It all seems familiar. And in my opinion, the MacKade brothers do it better!
This book, as you probably guessed from the title, is sort of like 2 books in one. Sure, they would have been 2 short books, but books nonetheless. The MacKade Brothers are a family in Antietam (Maryland?). They are a rough and tumble group and have been troublemakers their whole lives! But they love each other more than anything and that bond is showcased throughout these 2 novels/4 stories.
Rafe is the angry one. The REALLY angry one. He buys the "Old Barlowe Place" which has called to him for years. Its haunted and he loves it. He's come back to Antietam, after blowing town years ago, to make his mark on the town he calls home. He's done well for himself in the meantime with his own contracting/construction business, simply called MacKade. He plans to turn the Barlowe place into a Bed and Breakfast and meets Regan, a local business owner who specializes in antiques. She's just what Rafe needs, in more ways than one!!
Jared is the oldest and has become a lawyer. A great one. His cold, loveless marriage has ended and he's coming back to Antietam to figure out what he wants to do. He has one more quick errand before going home: He has to do a favor for a colleague out west. He has to stop by this house and drop off paperwork regarding a small estate. He didn't expect to find sassy redhead, Savannah Morningstar. He certainly didn't expect to fall for her or for her kid, but that's just what happens!
I really enjoyed this book. I think I read it a long time ago and then again, just now. It must have been one of my first Nora Roberts books. What can I say about it? I mean, its Nora Roberts! Its just great. The lady knows how to write hot sex scenes and sexy sexy guys! My only complaint about this book is this: Now that I've the read the Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy (well, the first 2 anyways), the MacKade books seem like the original and the Inn BoonsBoro books seem like a re-tread. Men finding love on a construction site, spousal abuse, escaping spousal abuse, haunted houses that are being turned into Bed and Breakfasts. It all seems familiar. And in my opinion, the MacKade brothers do it better!
February 27, 2019
As this is a book with two stories, I'll write my thoughts of each of them separately.
The Return of Rafe MacKade (5 stars)
LOVED IT!!
We get introduced to the bad and swoon-worthy MacKade brothers with the focus on Rafe. Of course it's Nora Roberts' speciality to make us fall in love with her heroes and to give them their perfect match. She didn't fail.
Rafe is the most alpha of her heroes I've read yet but I looooved him! And I looooved Regan. She was pig-headed and strong and courageous and sweet, and her and Rafe's chemistry throughout the pages was sizzling. And what's more romantic than people accepting each other for who they are?
The Pride of Jared MacKade (3 stars)
It took me more time to get into this story. Jared was awesome but Savannah was harder for me to like. I felt her moods swings irritating although I admired what she did for her son.
The love story between Jared and Savannah took me longer to fall for and I felt their 'I love you' too soon considering that both of them, especially Savannah, had trust issues.
I thought of giving it less stars but the appearance of the other MacKades and getting to know what was going on in Rafe and Regan's relationship were a win for me.
***
I'm really liking this series so far. I've missed reading romance books and Nora Roberts' MacKades were the perfect way of going back to the genre. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. (And dreading the time when I'll have to tell them goodbye)
The Return of Rafe MacKade (5 stars)
LOVED IT!!
We get introduced to the bad and swoon-worthy MacKade brothers with the focus on Rafe. Of course it's Nora Roberts' speciality to make us fall in love with her heroes and to give them their perfect match. She didn't fail.
Rafe is the most alpha of her heroes I've read yet but I looooved him! And I looooved Regan. She was pig-headed and strong and courageous and sweet, and her and Rafe's chemistry throughout the pages was sizzling. And what's more romantic than people accepting each other for who they are?
The Pride of Jared MacKade (3 stars)
It took me more time to get into this story. Jared was awesome but Savannah was harder for me to like. I felt her moods swings irritating although I admired what she did for her son.
The love story between Jared and Savannah took me longer to fall for and I felt their 'I love you' too soon considering that both of them, especially Savannah, had trust issues.
I thought of giving it less stars but the appearance of the other MacKades and getting to know what was going on in Rafe and Regan's relationship were a win for me.
***
I'm really liking this series so far. I've missed reading romance books and Nora Roberts' MacKades were the perfect way of going back to the genre. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. (And dreading the time when I'll have to tell them goodbye)
September 21, 2016
SERIE FRATELLI MACKADE n. 1 e 2: Rage e Jared
VIAGGIO IN USA 2016: Antietam, Maryland
Consiglio del mese di settembre 2016 di Vevvu
Molto anni 90, ma molto molto molto carino. Il libro racconta la storia dei fratelli superfighi di una cittadina nel Maryland, i MacKade: Rage, Jared, Devin e Shane. Molto masculi molto diversi tra loro. In questo primo volume leggiamo la storia di due fratelli Rage il più piccolo e Jared i più grande. Anche se il libro è diviso in due storie, incentrate su ogni singolo fratello, in realtà si intrecciano e ci lasciano intravedere futuri risvolti e soprattutto hanno continuità il che mi piace. Mi piace anche l'idea che la fattoria e le loro case siano su un terreno dove c'è stata la battaglia tra nordisiti e sudisti e ci sono spiriti passati...Si sente però che sono stati scritti 20 anni fa e che erano sono usciti separatamente in versione Harmony sottiletta. Sono più o meno veloci. Ci sono molti più discorsi sentimentali, e poco di audace. Molto delicato, ormai purtoppo siamo abituati ad altro. Peccato le poche pagine per ogni fratello (140 circa) perchè avrei approfondito di più alcune cose. Ma li ho trovati lo stesso molto romanticosi. Non vedo l'ora di leggere degli altri fratelli.
Avevo proprio bisogno di normalità e tanto ammmmore dopo che la Clare mi ha frantumato il cuore.
Quasi quattro stelle.
VIAGGIO IN USA 2016: Antietam, Maryland
Consiglio del mese di settembre 2016 di Vevvu
Molto anni 90, ma molto molto molto carino. Il libro racconta la storia dei fratelli superfighi di una cittadina nel Maryland, i MacKade: Rage, Jared, Devin e Shane. Molto masculi molto diversi tra loro. In questo primo volume leggiamo la storia di due fratelli Rage il più piccolo e Jared i più grande. Anche se il libro è diviso in due storie, incentrate su ogni singolo fratello, in realtà si intrecciano e ci lasciano intravedere futuri risvolti e soprattutto hanno continuità il che mi piace. Mi piace anche l'idea che la fattoria e le loro case siano su un terreno dove c'è stata la battaglia tra nordisiti e sudisti e ci sono spiriti passati...Si sente però che sono stati scritti 20 anni fa e che erano sono usciti separatamente in versione Harmony sottiletta. Sono più o meno veloci. Ci sono molti più discorsi sentimentali, e poco di audace. Molto delicato, ormai purtoppo siamo abituati ad altro. Peccato le poche pagine per ogni fratello (140 circa) perchè avrei approfondito di più alcune cose. Ma li ho trovati lo stesso molto romanticosi. Non vedo l'ora di leggere degli altri fratelli.
Avevo proprio bisogno di normalità e tanto ammmmore dopo che la Clare mi ha frantumato il cuore.
Quasi quattro stelle.
March 20, 2019
https://labibliotecadellibraio.blogsp...
La Roberts non finisce mai di stupirmi. I fratelli MacKade wow, e via con l'immaginazione che vola oltre ogni limite anche con i romance contemporanei, anche se non è proprio dei giorni nostri, infatti la prima edizione risale al 1995.
Quattro fratelli, quattro storie, Rafe e Jared sono i protagonisti di questo primo libro, mentre Devin e Shane del secondo, Stagione d'amore.
La prima vede come protagonista Rafe MacKade, un uomo che ha lasciato la città per fuggire dai ricordi che lo stringevano inesorabilmente, ma un obiettivo e una promessa fatta tanto tempo prima lo fanno rientrare. Ripristinare la vecchia tenuta dei Barlow, un'antica villa, infestata di fantasmi, di ricordi che incute timore a molti. Ma chissà perché quando finalmente l'amore giunge essa tace come assecondare i piaceri del momento.
Il secondo racconto vede protagonista il maggiore dei quattro fratelli MacKade, Jared, avvenente avvocato, bravo procuratore vive una fase particolare della vita. Divorziato, senza grandi rimpianti, l'unico è non aver capito prima che il suo matrimonio poteva essere evitato perché freddo e poco incline a slanci passionali. Essendo lui un uomo molto possessivo e orgoglioso non vede di buon occhio le nuove sensazioni che comincia a provare nei confronti di Savannah, bella, con un corpo favoloso ma un passato che cerca di nascondere mostrandosi fredda e distaccata. Questo modo di fare, naturalmente, colpisce la curiosità investigativa dell'avvocato che cerca di conoscerla e apprendere la sua storia, ma come tutte le storie, ci sono muri nascosti invalicabili e per poterli abbattere ci vuole tempo e fiducia e per Savannah aprire il proprio cuore indurito dal tempo non è semplice. Riuscirà l'avvenente avvocato ad abbattere quei muri?
La Roberts non finisce mai di stupirmi. I fratelli MacKade wow, e via con l'immaginazione che vola oltre ogni limite anche con i romance contemporanei, anche se non è proprio dei giorni nostri, infatti la prima edizione risale al 1995.
Quattro fratelli, quattro storie, Rafe e Jared sono i protagonisti di questo primo libro, mentre Devin e Shane del secondo, Stagione d'amore.
La prima vede come protagonista Rafe MacKade, un uomo che ha lasciato la città per fuggire dai ricordi che lo stringevano inesorabilmente, ma un obiettivo e una promessa fatta tanto tempo prima lo fanno rientrare. Ripristinare la vecchia tenuta dei Barlow, un'antica villa, infestata di fantasmi, di ricordi che incute timore a molti. Ma chissà perché quando finalmente l'amore giunge essa tace come assecondare i piaceri del momento.
Il secondo racconto vede protagonista il maggiore dei quattro fratelli MacKade, Jared, avvenente avvocato, bravo procuratore vive una fase particolare della vita. Divorziato, senza grandi rimpianti, l'unico è non aver capito prima che il suo matrimonio poteva essere evitato perché freddo e poco incline a slanci passionali. Essendo lui un uomo molto possessivo e orgoglioso non vede di buon occhio le nuove sensazioni che comincia a provare nei confronti di Savannah, bella, con un corpo favoloso ma un passato che cerca di nascondere mostrandosi fredda e distaccata. Questo modo di fare, naturalmente, colpisce la curiosità investigativa dell'avvocato che cerca di conoscerla e apprendere la sua storia, ma come tutte le storie, ci sono muri nascosti invalicabili e per poterli abbattere ci vuole tempo e fiducia e per Savannah aprire il proprio cuore indurito dal tempo non è semplice. Riuscirà l'avvenente avvocato ad abbattere quei muri?
May 11, 2020
I've been reading this quartet for years. They were my first NR books, and I'd read them one after another on my Nook, often through the night, in high school. Sometimes I even finished the fourth and turned around and immediately reread them. Last year I decided I needed to own hardcopies.
If you know anything about me, it's that brothers are one of my ultimate weaknesses. Oftentimes, the brother characters in books are my favorite characters. This series is four books of pure character-driven brother goodness. To discuss these first two themselves, Rafe makes a wonderful introduction to the quartet. He's perfect for the setting he comes back to, and is the perfect definition of what a "bad boy" should be. Of the four women, Regan was one I liked more immediately, and the appreciation has only grown with each read.
Jared, I have to admit, on the other hand is probably #4 on my ranking scale. For some reason I never connected to him as well as the other three, and the same goes for Savannah - I just didn't connect with her as much as the others. However what I do like is getting continued glimpses of the others throughout each book.
The other thing I like about this series is that the plot elements are continually present throughout the series. What surfaces in Book 1 will die down a bit in Book 2, but becomes the central issue in Book 3. The continuity in this series is fantastic.
Overall, I'll say again, this is one of my favorite book series. I don't think I've ever seen it around as much as NR's other books, and that makes me kind of secretly glad ;)
If you know anything about me, it's that brothers are one of my ultimate weaknesses. Oftentimes, the brother characters in books are my favorite characters. This series is four books of pure character-driven brother goodness. To discuss these first two themselves, Rafe makes a wonderful introduction to the quartet. He's perfect for the setting he comes back to, and is the perfect definition of what a "bad boy" should be. Of the four women, Regan was one I liked more immediately, and the appreciation has only grown with each read.
Jared, I have to admit, on the other hand is probably #4 on my ranking scale. For some reason I never connected to him as well as the other three, and the same goes for Savannah - I just didn't connect with her as much as the others. However what I do like is getting continued glimpses of the others throughout each book.
The other thing I like about this series is that the plot elements are continually present throughout the series. What surfaces in Book 1 will die down a bit in Book 2, but becomes the central issue in Book 3. The continuity in this series is fantastic.
Overall, I'll say again, this is one of my favorite book series. I don't think I've ever seen it around as much as NR's other books, and that makes me kind of secretly glad ;)
March 4, 2025
It was very Nora Roberts. People meet and are instantly in love. Anyways, it was good enough to finish both books in one. A reality escape without depth of thought.
July 25, 2025
I loved this book . similar to the boonsboro inn series . such a feel good read . I almost cried at the end !! I'm mad at myself for reading this before I got the complete series !
Read
November 5, 2012The Return of Rafe MacKade
Nice introduction to the town with it's small town atmosphere, every one knowing everyone else and more importantly everyone else's business. Introduction to the MacKades - and some definition of the characteristics - Rafe is the bad boy, seems they all were, however because he left he's still got the aura; Jared is the oldest and has become the respected lawyer, Devin seems to be the quiet one who became sheriff, while Shane comes across as the happy go lucky baby brother
I liked everything about this story, both Rafe and Regan were strong, likable characters who weren't afraid to speak to the other and met each other halfway when there were difficulties. It was interesting to see their professions bringing them together (he renovates and restores old homes and she decorates them) and showing all they had in common.
There was a serious note with the introduction of Cassie who had suffered domestic violence and who finally took her life into her hands.
This one merits 4 stars
The Pride of Jared MacKade
The oldest brother who is now a successful lawyer and after a divorce returns to live at the farm. He is paired with Savannah Morningstar who has bought the land bordering both the Mackade land and the Barlow property and lives in a cabin with her 9 yr old son Bryan. Jared contacts her as a favor for a fellow lawyer because Savannah's father has passed away and left her some money. Savannah doesn't react well to this news because she was estranged from her father. She fell pregnant at 16 and her father kicked her out, she made a life for herself and her son alone and never forgave her father. The attraction between Jared and Savannah is immediate and they get together realtively early in the story. Savannah is best described as prickly, which I thought given her history was understandable, and I thought her personality suited the strong, hardworking and independent person that she was.
The conflict arose because Jared constantly wanted more information of her past and seemed to believe he was entitled to it. At one point after finding out how broke she was in the early years he actually has the gall, cheek and nerve to ask her if she ever turned to prostitution. I couldn't believe I'd actually read that and while I was mad on her behalf it was heartbreaking that she realized she actually loved him enough to get beyond that ugly question.
For all this Savannah is the opposite of the shrinking violet and the scene near the end where Jared believes she's come to the farm to apologise and she shows him just how that's not going to happen was pure gold.
Yet again the focus on family with the Mackades and their easy inclusion of Savanah, Bryan, Cassie, Connor and Emma in their "family" was lovely
Nice introduction to the town with it's small town atmosphere, every one knowing everyone else and more importantly everyone else's business. Introduction to the MacKades - and some definition of the characteristics - Rafe is the bad boy, seems they all were, however because he left he's still got the aura; Jared is the oldest and has become the respected lawyer, Devin seems to be the quiet one who became sheriff, while Shane comes across as the happy go lucky baby brother
I liked everything about this story, both Rafe and Regan were strong, likable characters who weren't afraid to speak to the other and met each other halfway when there were difficulties. It was interesting to see their professions bringing them together (he renovates and restores old homes and she decorates them) and showing all they had in common.
There was a serious note with the introduction of Cassie who had suffered domestic violence and who finally took her life into her hands.
This one merits 4 stars
The Pride of Jared MacKade
The oldest brother who is now a successful lawyer and after a divorce returns to live at the farm. He is paired with Savannah Morningstar who has bought the land bordering both the Mackade land and the Barlow property and lives in a cabin with her 9 yr old son Bryan. Jared contacts her as a favor for a fellow lawyer because Savannah's father has passed away and left her some money. Savannah doesn't react well to this news because she was estranged from her father. She fell pregnant at 16 and her father kicked her out, she made a life for herself and her son alone and never forgave her father. The attraction between Jared and Savannah is immediate and they get together realtively early in the story. Savannah is best described as prickly, which I thought given her history was understandable, and I thought her personality suited the strong, hardworking and independent person that she was.
The conflict arose because Jared constantly wanted more information of her past and seemed to believe he was entitled to it. At one point after finding out how broke she was in the early years he actually has the gall, cheek and nerve to ask her if she ever turned to prostitution. I couldn't believe I'd actually read that and while I was mad on her behalf it was heartbreaking that she realized she actually loved him enough to get beyond that ugly question.
For all this Savannah is the opposite of the shrinking violet and the scene near the end where Jared believes she's come to the farm to apologise and she shows him just how that's not going to happen was pure gold.
Yet again the focus on family with the Mackades and their easy inclusion of Savanah, Bryan, Cassie, Connor and Emma in their "family" was lovely
November 3, 2010
I think this mini series may be my favorite Nora Roberts so far. First of all, i absolutly loved how between the romance, she intertwined history in there, as i am a history buff. I loved the town of Antietam, Maryland, i live in a small town and i've always wanted to get out, but maybe i jst dont like this small town, because Antietam sounds so picturesque and relaxing, with a true community. Now I loved the MAcKade good looks, the whole bad bay persona with the dark hair and gree eyes. Rafe was amazing, he's so headstrong and stubborn, and Regan knows what she wants and is so stable and secure in herself, which i adored. I loved Regan's antique shop and how the fact that Rafe and her were renovating the Barlow house together, made their relationship that more solid. I loved how Regan was trying so hard to be smart and rational, but when Rafe asked her to stay, she ran to him. I love that their first time together was at the house, because it's such a huge part of their story. I loved the bet, and how that was the way that Rafe ended up proposing, even though you could totally see it coming. I love that he had the flowers and the poem memorized already, waiting, even though he was trying not to think about marrying her.
Now Jared and Savannah's story i again adored because they fully embodied the whole opposites attract idea. I love that Jared was married before, with a cold hearted woman, and it just shows you that sometimes what you think you should be wanting, isn't true at all. I love how Savannah was the complete opposite of Jared's university-successful persona, she didn't even finish high school, pregnant at 16, and worked her ass off to raise her son properly. I loved her strong sense of self, her take no bull attitude. I love Jared realizes that he's so angry at the whole situation because he wants to protect that lost teenage mother who had no one. He wants her and Bryan so bad, he sometimes fights it. I loved that their first time was in the woods because just like the house was Rafe and Regan's, the woods and the emotions and peace in the woods is Jared and Savannah's. I love how Savannah and Regan redecorating Jared's office symbolized what Savannah brought to Jared, happiness and life. I love how Jared included Bryan in proposing to Savannah. Nora Roberts is fantastic at capturing a reader and teaching them, and taking them through a journey.
Now Jared and Savannah's story i again adored because they fully embodied the whole opposites attract idea. I love that Jared was married before, with a cold hearted woman, and it just shows you that sometimes what you think you should be wanting, isn't true at all. I love how Savannah was the complete opposite of Jared's university-successful persona, she didn't even finish high school, pregnant at 16, and worked her ass off to raise her son properly. I loved her strong sense of self, her take no bull attitude. I love Jared realizes that he's so angry at the whole situation because he wants to protect that lost teenage mother who had no one. He wants her and Bryan so bad, he sometimes fights it. I loved that their first time was in the woods because just like the house was Rafe and Regan's, the woods and the emotions and peace in the woods is Jared and Savannah's. I love how Savannah and Regan redecorating Jared's office symbolized what Savannah brought to Jared, happiness and life. I love how Jared included Bryan in proposing to Savannah. Nora Roberts is fantastic at capturing a reader and teaching them, and taking them through a journey.
October 1, 2023
As always back on my shelf until ready to reread Nora Roberts is a blessing
August 5, 2022
Rafe has returned home, one of the bad boys MacKades he has travelled around and lived a free and easy life.
Now he has met Regan Jones, a local antiques dealer and after buying a house to fix up he is sure he needs the services of an antiques expert...
Jared MacKade is a lawyer and when asked by a colleague to pass on some papers to Savannah Morningstar after her father's death he falls head over heels.
But for once it seems he has met his match, Savannah is a wild, tempestuous woman with a child and also a past.
But the past seems to be getting in the way of the present so can they even work towards a future?
Two lovely romances centred around the MacKade family.
Definitely have to read Devin and Shane's story too.
Now he has met Regan Jones, a local antiques dealer and after buying a house to fix up he is sure he needs the services of an antiques expert...
Jared MacKade is a lawyer and when asked by a colleague to pass on some papers to Savannah Morningstar after her father's death he falls head over heels.
But for once it seems he has met his match, Savannah is a wild, tempestuous woman with a child and also a past.
But the past seems to be getting in the way of the present so can they even work towards a future?
Two lovely romances centred around the MacKade family.
Definitely have to read Devin and Shane's story too.
September 25, 2023
Rafe and Regan are a pair of my favorite book couples. I love the struggle that they go through to find common ground on what they want. Their fun bet. The tension and banter is classic nora.
Jared and Savanah are so cute once they finally admit their feelings. Add in that she's a spooky lady with an adorable son, you've got the cutest little family. Watching Jared not only fall for Savannah but also Bryan hits just the right note.
Jared and Savanah are so cute once they finally admit their feelings. Add in that she's a spooky lady with an adorable son, you've got the cutest little family. Watching Jared not only fall for Savannah but also Bryan hits just the right note.
January 29, 2008
This is Book #1 of the Mackade brothers. Book #2 is with Devin and Shane. There are two short stories in this slightly oversized book by Nora Roberts. I didn't care for the characters in Rafe's story, but Jared and Morningstar's story was neat. She reminded me of Cher.
September 7, 2022
Great characters building a story of intrigue & romance, the loyalty of family & working through unexpected attractions. Hard to put down, left me wanting for more...luckily there's another book, "Devin & Shane".
April 25, 2024
Didn't like racist undertones in these books, slaves referred to as fields hands singing happily whilst they worked - also Jared would have been willing to fight to preserve the way of life in the old south
Read
May 8, 2010Four brothers, Rafe, Jared, Devin and Shane have the reputation of being bad boys, but they sincerely care for each other and family is # 1 to them. Interesting characters
September 9, 2013
I just love it is too good ...
Read
January 18, 2017I love getting lost in Nora Roberts novels. Swoon. :)
March 10, 2022
Love it
March 4, 2025
The fact that they pair together these books will never not be strange to me. Rafe and Jared’s stories are so different. The care that I have for them different. So let’s start with the first one.
Rafe MacKade was always my favorite, will always be my favorite. I’m re-listening to these books for the upteenth time and decide I wanted to talk about them.
His story, of needing the escape while wanting to prove himself, I don’t think I could have understood it any better. But his story with her? It’s lovely.
Maybe it’s the repairs to the old house, which pull at my heart strings. The love for antiques which remind me of my champagne dreams. Or even the stupid love they find which I want so badly, their story is the one I connect with.
Jared MacKade is a slightly different one for me. I adore him, his story, his love for Savannah and Brian, but.. I have a very hard time liking Savannah, because I see a lot of my old self in her. Who I was when I was a child, who I’ve tried to grow out of.
It’s hard for me to enjoy their book end to end because she does all the things I would have and used to do when it comes to emotions. It’s not entirely healthy.
This series holds such a special place in my heart, it’s hard to explain but there it is, always.
Rafe MacKade was always my favorite, will always be my favorite. I’m re-listening to these books for the upteenth time and decide I wanted to talk about them.
His story, of needing the escape while wanting to prove himself, I don’t think I could have understood it any better. But his story with her? It’s lovely.
Maybe it’s the repairs to the old house, which pull at my heart strings. The love for antiques which remind me of my champagne dreams. Or even the stupid love they find which I want so badly, their story is the one I connect with.
Jared MacKade is a slightly different one for me. I adore him, his story, his love for Savannah and Brian, but.. I have a very hard time liking Savannah, because I see a lot of my old self in her. Who I was when I was a child, who I’ve tried to grow out of.
It’s hard for me to enjoy their book end to end because she does all the things I would have and used to do when it comes to emotions. It’s not entirely healthy.
This series holds such a special place in my heart, it’s hard to explain but there it is, always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2020
This one was hard to put down. I’ve been stuck on Nora Roberts’ series since I read the Bride Quartet and this one did not disappoint. I was looking for a small town romance after I read the Inn Boonsboro Trilogy and this was the perfect fit!
Rafe and Regan’s story was just the best way to kick off this series, they had passion and a major connection as well as layered characters that suited each other perfectly. Theirs might be my favourite story but don’t hold me to it as I’m prone to changing my mind often. Regan’s strong character was the perfect match to Rafe’s fiery one. The inn that they’re building together allows them to build a strong and loving connection that jumps off the pages and stomps right on my single heart - in a good way.
Jared and Savannah’s story was one I really enjoyed because of how different they are to each other but also because of how similar they are to each other. They just fit perfectly together as a family - the way he connects with Bryan is adorable. Savannah’s ballsy and secretive and stubborn, while Jared is calm but is also stubborn and has the Mackades’ quick temper. You’d think they’d be toxic but they both find calm and love and connection in the woods that speak to both of them.
Rafe and Regan’s story was just the best way to kick off this series, they had passion and a major connection as well as layered characters that suited each other perfectly. Theirs might be my favourite story but don’t hold me to it as I’m prone to changing my mind often. Regan’s strong character was the perfect match to Rafe’s fiery one. The inn that they’re building together allows them to build a strong and loving connection that jumps off the pages and stomps right on my single heart - in a good way.
Jared and Savannah’s story was one I really enjoyed because of how different they are to each other but also because of how similar they are to each other. They just fit perfectly together as a family - the way he connects with Bryan is adorable. Savannah’s ballsy and secretive and stubborn, while Jared is calm but is also stubborn and has the Mackades’ quick temper. You’d think they’d be toxic but they both find calm and love and connection in the woods that speak to both of them.
May 13, 2024
Nora Roberts is always amazingly readable but why are her men in this such alpha assholes. "Oh my, you were assaulted and almost raped and I'm offended you didn't instantly ring me. No, I don't care you were in shock, upset, only my hurt male sensitivities matter." Or " you were a teenage pregnant woman who got by how you could and now have a home, a career and a loving well adjusted kid but I am going to focus on the fact you have a tattoo and I need to know all your past even though I am not sharing my own past or sexual partners because I am a man and it's ok for me but not for you".
Plus, no mention of the slaves in those histories or antiques that they all so excited about. Even has the line "whistling fieldhands" to describe the slaves
Plus, no mention of the slaves in those histories or antiques that they all so excited about. Even has the line "whistling fieldhands" to describe the slaves
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2024
Published in 1995, read in 2024.
2 contemporary romances that explore issues such toxic masculinity, domestic violence, divorce, single mothers, and societal expectations of women vs. men. The only things that date these stories are the lack of regular explicit consent and a negative view of sex workers (as compared to exotic dancing).
I enjoyed the depiction of women living meaningful lives, whether they were university educated and running their own business or a teenage mother who did what she could to support herself and her child. No judgement on what makes a meaningful and worthy life.
The McKade brothers are a wild bunch, but they all take pride in family, cooking, and cleaning, and they learn how to deal better with their big feelings.
This is why Nora Roberts is so popular.
2 contemporary romances that explore issues such toxic masculinity, domestic violence, divorce, single mothers, and societal expectations of women vs. men. The only things that date these stories are the lack of regular explicit consent and a negative view of sex workers (as compared to exotic dancing).
I enjoyed the depiction of women living meaningful lives, whether they were university educated and running their own business or a teenage mother who did what she could to support herself and her child. No judgement on what makes a meaningful and worthy life.
The McKade brothers are a wild bunch, but they all take pride in family, cooking, and cleaning, and they learn how to deal better with their big feelings.
This is why Nora Roberts is so popular.
June 8, 2023
I purchased this book years ago & read it at that time. I enjoyed it so I put it aside. I came across it again recently & read it again. And again I enjoyed it.
One of the wonderful things about Ms. Roberts' series is that you get to meet new characters as you go thru the series without having to lose the stories of the earlier characters. I enjoyed getting to know again the MacKade brothers, their town, & their female challenges! It's nice to be able to sink into a good story and understand the possibilities.
Ms. Roberts - any chance of stories which include the next generation?
One of the wonderful things about Ms. Roberts' series is that you get to meet new characters as you go thru the series without having to lose the stories of the earlier characters. I enjoyed getting to know again the MacKade brothers, their town, & their female challenges! It's nice to be able to sink into a good story and understand the possibilities.
Ms. Roberts - any chance of stories which include the next generation?
September 19, 2017
I enjoy almost all work by Nora Roberts and this one was great! I love Rafe and Reagan, she put him in his place without fear! And Rafe just melted my heart in the end! The ending was satisfying, they both realised that love also included compromise and adjustment and acceptance too. Special mention to the fantastically funny one-liners and conversations between Rafe and his three brothers, more than once I laughed aloud!
October 30, 2019
Read the one of Rafe earlier.
I just finished Jared.
It was good.
Jared, a lawyer that some papers for Savannah and she finds out her father left her money but she does not want it.
Jared leave the papers and she then talk to her son.
Jared like her and she likes him but gets scared by what she feels.
They eventually find that they do love each other and Jared loves her and her son.
They do end up finally the love meant.
I just finished Jared.
It was good.
Jared, a lawyer that some papers for Savannah and she finds out her father left her money but she does not want it.
Jared leave the papers and she then talk to her son.
Jared like her and she likes him but gets scared by what she feels.
They eventually find that they do love each other and Jared loves her and her son.
They do end up finally the love meant.
May 5, 2024
A fun romp with great characters that I vaguely remember reading at some point in the past few years, though this cover was new to me. I may have read them in the original format during my Harlequin and Silhouette devouring days.
Nora Roberta knows how to create characters that have depth and likability. I may have to go hunting because if these stories deal with 2 of the four MacKade brothers, there must be another book that contains the tales of the remaining brothers.
Nora Roberta knows how to create characters that have depth and likability. I may have to go hunting because if these stories deal with 2 of the four MacKade brothers, there must be another book that contains the tales of the remaining brothers.
September 26, 2024
It's my first book by Nora Roberts. I didn't have high expectations as I imagined it would be a love story. However, what I did not like, is that there were two stories in the book (Rafe and Jared's) and they had some similarities. It would be fine but sometimes these similarities raised a question: why do I need to read this twice (about Rafe and Jared)? But the characters were interesting and well developed.
March 2, 2017
The MacKade brothers are you basic country brothers (the boys you mama warned you about). They are fun loving and and would do anything for each other! It is a pure joy to read the stories of how Rafe and Jared lose their hearts to the women that are completely opposite of what they ever dreamed of,
May 19, 2020
Early Nora Roberts tells the story of 4 brothers in Antietam, Maryland. The fun of her books is always her characters and how they interact in their environment. I loved the small town, I loved the history of the boys and I loved how they fit into their community. Of course, there was romance and heart and confusion. Very nice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews