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North Brothers #1
True North
It might be a fake date, but what if he’s not faking it?
Loner Cole North has always been the odd guy out. His IQ is sky-high, but he’s not so bright when it comes to people or relationships. Years ago, he spurned expectations, shunned his family’s business, and embraced a career in construction instead. Now he values his job above everything, in part because of his secret feelings for his boss, Sierra. While he could never be right for her personally, he endeavors to be exactly what she needs professionally.
Remodeler Sierra Lowell might be creative, hardworking, and a color-outside-the-lines thinker in her job, but there’s one line she’s never crossed. It’s tough enough to be a woman in a man’s job without adding sex or emotions to the mix. Smart, sexy Cole is without question her right-hand man, but the lines get blurred when Sierra's life is complicated with a wedding date crisis and the television opportunity of a lifetime.
Cole impulsively steps up to be her go-to guy for both. When their fake date is interrupted by a family emergency, having Sierra at his side makes him realize there’s a fine line between alone and lonely and that maybe he’s ready for less of both. Can he find a way to go from being a right-hand man to the right man for her?
True North is a stand-alone story with a HEA in the North Brothers series, a spin-off of the Hale Street series.
Immerse yourself in the North Brothers' world instantly!
Loner Cole North has always been the odd guy out. His IQ is sky-high, but he’s not so bright when it comes to people or relationships. Years ago, he spurned expectations, shunned his family’s business, and embraced a career in construction instead. Now he values his job above everything, in part because of his secret feelings for his boss, Sierra. While he could never be right for her personally, he endeavors to be exactly what she needs professionally.
Remodeler Sierra Lowell might be creative, hardworking, and a color-outside-the-lines thinker in her job, but there’s one line she’s never crossed. It’s tough enough to be a woman in a man’s job without adding sex or emotions to the mix. Smart, sexy Cole is without question her right-hand man, but the lines get blurred when Sierra's life is complicated with a wedding date crisis and the television opportunity of a lifetime.
Cole impulsively steps up to be her go-to guy for both. When their fake date is interrupted by a family emergency, having Sierra at his side makes him realize there’s a fine line between alone and lonely and that maybe he’s ready for less of both. Can he find a way to go from being a right-hand man to the right man for her?
True North is a stand-alone story with a HEA in the North Brothers series, a spin-off of the Hale Street series.
Immerse yourself in the North Brothers' world instantly!
Audible Audio
First published October 22, 2019
1277 people are currently reading
1539 people want to read
About the author
Amy Knupp
120 books597 followersAmy Knupp is a USA Today Best-Selling author of contemporary romance and a freelance copy editor. She loves words and grammar and meaty, engrossing stories with complex characters.
Amy lives in Wisconsin with her husband, and has two sons, four cats, and a box turtle. She graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in French and journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, breaking up cat fights, watching college hoops, and annoying her family by correcting their grammar.
Amy lives in Wisconsin with her husband, and has two sons, four cats, and a box turtle. She graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in French and journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, breaking up cat fights, watching college hoops, and annoying her family by correcting their grammar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
September 20, 2022
Renovating His Heart
This is my first-time reading Amy's books, and I enjoyed this story. The fake date with a colleague turning into internal conflicts and steamy nights was fun. I'll be back for more.
I like the connection Sierra and Cole have, even if he's incredibly reserved. I also really like the good, bad, and reparations to family relationships on both sides. I like how each played out, whether it was increased closeness, or burying hatchets and coming to terms with the past.
I received an author's copy of the audio book to listen to as I read along with my copy of the book. The sole narrator is Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. The addition of a male narrator would've been preferable, but Stephanie did a good job.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.4x
This is my first-time reading Amy's books, and I enjoyed this story. The fake date with a colleague turning into internal conflicts and steamy nights was fun. I'll be back for more.
I like the connection Sierra and Cole have, even if he's incredibly reserved. I also really like the good, bad, and reparations to family relationships on both sides. I like how each played out, whether it was increased closeness, or burying hatchets and coming to terms with the past.
Then she felt Cole’s hand at her side, grasping her at the empire waist of her dress, just under her breasts, and his touch… Once again, it did something to her, heated her blood, jolted her heart into high speed, made her lady organs deep inside contract.
-- Sierra Lowell
I received an author's copy of the audio book to listen to as I read along with my copy of the book. The sole narrator is Stephanie Nemeth-Parker. The addition of a male narrator would've been preferable, but Stephanie did a good job.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.4x
March 26, 2020
I stopped reading in the epilogue.
I know.
So, I loved the first third of this book: her profession, her personality, his desire NOT thought in explicit actions but in actual feelings, even if some were self-abusive. I mostly loved the rest. Side characters were okay, etc. I skim most sex scenes and this was no exception, but there aren't a lot, since they had no sex trouble.
I was skimming through the last several chapters, because I could tell the author put less thought into them. The prose went predictable, the action ditto. Judging by the reviews, I guess a lot of people don't care, but I do.
And then.
Oh, fellow readers.
I may actually have snarled.
In an offhand line, the author committed ugliness. Probably because the last fourth of the book got a lot less editing attention. It is a terribly derogatory comment about the new foreman, and I'm still mad. It was not in Sierra's character to think such a nasty thing, and I am very done with this author over it. Yep. One sentence. In the EPILOGUE.
Am I picky? Yes! This is my brain these stories go into. "...too old and too ugly for...jealous(y)..." is stupid on many levels. Ageist, sexist, dismissive, insulting, rude, and out of character. And it's that last one that killed the story for me. You invented Sierra, author. How could you ruin her?
I know.
So, I loved the first third of this book: her profession, her personality, his desire NOT thought in explicit actions but in actual feelings, even if some were self-abusive. I mostly loved the rest. Side characters were okay, etc. I skim most sex scenes and this was no exception, but there aren't a lot, since they had no sex trouble.
I was skimming through the last several chapters, because I could tell the author put less thought into them. The prose went predictable, the action ditto. Judging by the reviews, I guess a lot of people don't care, but I do.
And then.
Oh, fellow readers.
I may actually have snarled.
In an offhand line, the author committed ugliness. Probably because the last fourth of the book got a lot less editing attention. It is a terribly derogatory comment about the new foreman, and I'm still mad. It was not in Sierra's character to think such a nasty thing, and I am very done with this author over it. Yep. One sentence. In the EPILOGUE.
Am I picky? Yes! This is my brain these stories go into. "...too old and too ugly for...jealous(y)..." is stupid on many levels. Ageist, sexist, dismissive, insulting, rude, and out of character. And it's that last one that killed the story for me. You invented Sierra, author. How could you ruin her?
October 21, 2019
This is the first book in a new series by this author and she started it out with a steamy bang. Cole and Sierra were great characters. They were so good for each other. Sierra typically doesn’t mix business with pleasure but when she needs a plus one for her sister’s wedding, she knows that she may need to rethink that. Can what started as a fake date to a wedding turn into something real? I can’t wait to read more of this series and if this book was indication, it is going to be a great series.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2020
Very Mill's and Boon like.
The female lead owns her own renovation company with strict rules about never mixing business and pleasure, no fraternising with her employees but helping her out at her sisters wedding , Cole, her foreman, soon changes her mind.
I liked the female leads character, she was strong and went for what she wanted. The male lead, Cole, I could've slapped! Big chip on his shoulder, moody, and unable to do relationships! Don't you just hate that? They'll bed the women, ( repeatedly!), But they don't do relationships!!! Not good enough! Blah blah blah! Anyway, yeah, he has past issues!!!
Don't expect much action, well none really, just a mills and boon type read, with lots of brothers included for future books. Found this book free. 2 1/2🌟🌟
The female lead owns her own renovation company with strict rules about never mixing business and pleasure, no fraternising with her employees but helping her out at her sisters wedding , Cole, her foreman, soon changes her mind.
I liked the female leads character, she was strong and went for what she wanted. The male lead, Cole, I could've slapped! Big chip on his shoulder, moody, and unable to do relationships! Don't you just hate that? They'll bed the women, ( repeatedly!), But they don't do relationships!!! Not good enough! Blah blah blah! Anyway, yeah, he has past issues!!!
Don't expect much action, well none really, just a mills and boon type read, with lots of brothers included for future books. Found this book free. 2 1/2🌟🌟
October 21, 2019
Sierra Lowell is the kind of woman we all aspire to be. A successful professional woman in a male-dominated world, she knows her way around historical building restorations while saving her softer, sweeter side for her family and friends. She learned the ropes from her grandfather, eventually taking over his construction company, and has always followed his rule about not mixing business with pleasure. She's held fast to that rule until her boyfriend ends things, leaving her without a plus one for her sister's wedding, but her foreman, Cole North, offers to be her fake date.
Cole North. What can I tell you about this hero? Strong, stoic construction foreman with a genius brain and a heart under it all somewhere, but boy is he a mess. He turned his back on the family business and his father's legacy, choosing to distance himself from his brothers, and living in a small apartment in a seedy part of town because the guilt he carries prevents him from being happy. Yet somehow, in spite of wanting to shake him a time of ten, there's something endearing about him. I guess I have a soft spot for brokenness and vulnerability in a big, tough hero.
Books from this talented writer are always a pleasure to read. She won me over long ago with her flawed but loveable characters, her captivating and engaging storylines, and her beautifully edited finished product. This book has whet my appetite for the upcoming books in this new series. Each of these North brothers is quite the character in his own way, and I can’t wait for them to meet that special lady who turns their life upside down! These books all stand alone, but you'll want to read Cole and Sierra's story so you’re ready for the next one, because once you meet one North brother, you'll want to meet them all!
Cole North. What can I tell you about this hero? Strong, stoic construction foreman with a genius brain and a heart under it all somewhere, but boy is he a mess. He turned his back on the family business and his father's legacy, choosing to distance himself from his brothers, and living in a small apartment in a seedy part of town because the guilt he carries prevents him from being happy. Yet somehow, in spite of wanting to shake him a time of ten, there's something endearing about him. I guess I have a soft spot for brokenness and vulnerability in a big, tough hero.
Books from this talented writer are always a pleasure to read. She won me over long ago with her flawed but loveable characters, her captivating and engaging storylines, and her beautifully edited finished product. This book has whet my appetite for the upcoming books in this new series. Each of these North brothers is quite the character in his own way, and I can’t wait for them to meet that special lady who turns their life upside down! These books all stand alone, but you'll want to read Cole and Sierra's story so you’re ready for the next one, because once you meet one North brother, you'll want to meet them all!
February 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I loved watching the interaction with Cole's brothers and family. It was a treat watching the dynamic evolve, long time hurts heal and relationships form.
The love story between Sierra and Cole was the catalyst that started the self reflection and healing. This story was the perfect balance between family and relationship. I enjoyed it!
The love story between Sierra and Cole was the catalyst that started the self reflection and healing. This story was the perfect balance between family and relationship. I enjoyed it!
February 12, 2024
I loved this book. This gave the vibes of the Love light series by B.K. Borison, but Spicer. It was such a quick read with such a captivating plot. And how Cole's journey went really showed how much Sierra impacted him by just being in his life.
November 4, 2020
This was a wonderful start to another series. I also loved seeing old "friends" from Hale Street here. Sierra is the sister to Kennedy. Kennedy is getting married in just a few days. She and her current boyfriend agree that they aren't for each other but he would be there for her as her plus-one for Kennnedy's wedding. But on Thursday, he breaks it off and Sierra is now date-less for the Saturday wedding! Cole North is Sierra's foreman and he has had a thing for Sierra since he started working for her construction company. Sierra has a no fraternization between her, the boss, and any of her workers. While Cole decides to be her plus one, it is just as a "fake" date to get through the reception and dancing. This is the start of the blurring of lines for these two. Cole doesn't do relationships and he doesn't feel that he is good enough for her. Things between these two really heat up but Cole's past gets in the way.
The drama for Cole to deal with an event that shaped his outlook, was one that was deeply touching. I really appreciated having this story being written in the dual POV format. This really helped me to identify with him. I truly felt for him and what he went through.
The "sexy" scenes were few and highly glossed over with no great detail. That being said though, I would highly recommend this one to anyone OVER the age of 18.
The drama for Cole to deal with an event that shaped his outlook, was one that was deeply touching. I really appreciated having this story being written in the dual POV format. This really helped me to identify with him. I truly felt for him and what he went through.
The "sexy" scenes were few and highly glossed over with no great detail. That being said though, I would highly recommend this one to anyone OVER the age of 18.
October 22, 2019
I love a romance where the main character has relatable flaws and insecurities. I love seeing them grow, open themselves up to possibilities, and find the one that just “gets” them. Amy Knupp does a brilliant job with ‘True North’ and brings us wonderful, well-written characters that you will fall in love with and they will stay in your heart for a long time. This is an outstanding start to what looks to be another amazing series!
April 18, 2020
Disappointing. I liked the characters and the writing was basically good. But it lacked any feeling and seemed to drag on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
January 27, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (10/15/2020)! 🎁
May 28, 2025
The plot was good, but it was missing something.
The chemistry between both MCs felt more surface level, it didn’t feel like they had a deeper connection. It was just lacking something for me. It definitely has the potential to be a really good book.
The fake dating aspect wasn’t giving. How are you fake dating when you tell everyone you are fake dating.
The chemistry between both MCs felt more surface level, it didn’t feel like they had a deeper connection. It was just lacking something for me. It definitely has the potential to be a really good book.
The fake dating aspect wasn’t giving. How are you fake dating when you tell everyone you are fake dating.
August 30, 2023
I received a free audiobook copy through Bookfunnel and I’m leaving an honest review by my own free will.
I enjoy this story. It’s short and sweet and easy to follow. The book is professionally narrated. It’s a bit sweeter and a lot more vanilla than my usual read but I enjoyed the experience.
I enjoy this story. It’s short and sweet and easy to follow. The book is professionally narrated. It’s a bit sweeter and a lot more vanilla than my usual read but I enjoyed the experience.
July 30, 2022
i’m not going to lie, i don’t remember much about this book despite only reading it a week ago.
March 4, 2025
I’m dying to know what a hanging rack looks like for a stemless wine glass.
August 8, 2022
Decent
No theatrics, no weirdness just solid storytelling. The pacing was rushed and the drop in characters from other books was a wee bit obvious. It's solid and not a bad way to spend a Saturday or Sunday.
No theatrics, no weirdness just solid storytelling. The pacing was rushed and the drop in characters from other books was a wee bit obvious. It's solid and not a bad way to spend a Saturday or Sunday.
February 23, 2021
More like 3.5
Very fun story. I felt some kinship with Cole as I didn't always feel like I fit with my family, either , I caused all kinds of issues and I couldn't wait to get out of high school(although not as bad as Cole). Sierra was a great female lead- hardworking, sassy and smart. I liked she had her own business in a traditional male type of business. I think women can do lots of things men can do and she proves me right in the house renovation field.
Very fun story. I felt some kinship with Cole as I didn't always feel like I fit with my family, either , I caused all kinds of issues and I couldn't wait to get out of high school(although not as bad as Cole). Sierra was a great female lead- hardworking, sassy and smart. I liked she had her own business in a traditional male type of business. I think women can do lots of things men can do and she proves me right in the house renovation field.
October 29, 2020
I loved this story set in Nashville full of authentic characters, my favorite being Cole, of course! Super hot bad boy anyone? New author for me, and I have already downloaded my second book of hers. Looking forward to the next in the series!
November 18, 2020
Loved it!
I loved that this followed on from the Hale street stories! I was hoping there would be more to come. This was just so sweet, cole was the strong, silent, sexy type and I can’t wait to read the rest of the North Brothers stories 🥰💜
I loved that this followed on from the Hale street stories! I was hoping there would be more to come. This was just so sweet, cole was the strong, silent, sexy type and I can’t wait to read the rest of the North Brothers stories 🥰💜
October 12, 2021
Easy romance read. This story had a lot of potential and a lot of great ideas. I gave it only 3 stars though as I thought it could have used some more passion in the writing style, it was a bit clinical. The story lacks a nice flow, occasionally jumping from one idea to the next.
January 24, 2021
Very slow
February 24, 2022
DNF. I didn't feel any connection to the characters or the story, so I stopped reading halfway through.
June 27, 2023
Didn't like the characters! DNFING with only 100 pages left. I didn't buy the romance. No sparks, no banter, no anything! I really didn't like this book!
January 20, 2026
This series grabbed me from an ad I saw on facebook. Being familiar with Amy's Dragonfly Lake Series I decided to give it a try. While 3rd person POV books are not my favorite, usually I end up DNfing them, I didn't mind it here. Amy did a really good job with the 3rd person POV and not making you feel removed from the story, which is my general issue with that perspective. This author never misses. Her lovable, messy characters and gripping storylines had me obsessed from the start.
The characters were relatable and likable. Their chemistry was palapable and the shared experiences in the first few chapters really drove home the underlying feelings they both shared for eachother prior to. The story in general seemed to revolve more around Cole's character arc rather than Sierra's.
Sierra Lowell is a powerhouse in a male‑dominated field—restoring historic buildings by day, saving her soft side for the people she loves. She took over her grandfather’s construction company and swore she’d never mix business with pleasure… until her breakup leaves her dateless for her sister’s wedding and her foreman, Cole North, steps in as the perfect fake date.
And Cole? He’s the strong, stoic type with a brilliant mind and a mess of guilt he can’t shake. He walked away from his family’s legacy and lives like he doesn’t deserve more, yet there’s something undeniably tender beneath all that armor. I’m a sucker for a tough hero with a cracked heart, and Cole hits every note.
I loved the tender moments with Cole's mom and eldest brother Mason, as well as with Sierra's older sister Kennedy.
There are some difficult topics at hand here around the death of a parent (off-page) and a hospitalized parent due to heart attack, as well as on page grieving and regrets that keep the MC stuck.
Over all I am excited to keep reading this series and see the other North Brothers find their HEA's
The series is on sale right now just FYI (01/20/26) and its on Kindle Unlimited.
Themes at Play:
Fake Dating
Workplace Romance
Secret Relationship
The characters were relatable and likable. Their chemistry was palapable and the shared experiences in the first few chapters really drove home the underlying feelings they both shared for eachother prior to. The story in general seemed to revolve more around Cole's character arc rather than Sierra's.
Sierra Lowell is a powerhouse in a male‑dominated field—restoring historic buildings by day, saving her soft side for the people she loves. She took over her grandfather’s construction company and swore she’d never mix business with pleasure… until her breakup leaves her dateless for her sister’s wedding and her foreman, Cole North, steps in as the perfect fake date.
And Cole? He’s the strong, stoic type with a brilliant mind and a mess of guilt he can’t shake. He walked away from his family’s legacy and lives like he doesn’t deserve more, yet there’s something undeniably tender beneath all that armor. I’m a sucker for a tough hero with a cracked heart, and Cole hits every note.
I loved the tender moments with Cole's mom and eldest brother Mason, as well as with Sierra's older sister Kennedy.
There are some difficult topics at hand here around the death of a parent (off-page) and a hospitalized parent due to heart attack, as well as on page grieving and regrets that keep the MC stuck.
Over all I am excited to keep reading this series and see the other North Brothers find their HEA's
The series is on sale right now just FYI (01/20/26) and its on Kindle Unlimited.
Themes at Play:
Fake Dating
Workplace Romance
Secret Relationship
August 2, 2025
True North is the first book in the North Brothers series by Amy Knupp. Cole North has always felt like the odd man out. With a high IQ, he falters when it comes to personal relationships. Years ago, he left his rightful position in the family business and began a successful career in construction instead. Cole is the foreman for Sierra Lowell, owner of Dunn and Lowell, a remodeling company. She is creative, hardworking and likes to think outside the box. She has one rule: do not mix business with pleasure. When a last minute break up leaves her without a date for her sister’s wedding. Cole surprises her and himself when he offers to be her fake date for the night. When their evening turns into a family emergency, Sierra sees a side of Cole she never knew and the line between boss and foreman becomes blurry. Can Cole go from her right hand man to the right man for her?
True North is friends to lovers romance with lots of sweet moments, plenty of angst and filled with emotions. I enjoyed Sierra and Cole from the beginning and wondered what in Cole’s past left him determined to be a loner for the rest of his life. There is a moment when Cole comes to terms with a past he can’t change and words he cannot take back, I cried. I wasn’t expecting tears in this romance. It was a beautiful scene with great descriptions. I loved Sierra’s confidence, her ability to stand up for herself and call Cole out on his self-defeating behavior. I also loved the banter between Cole and his brothers. I enjoyed the sisterly bond between Sierra and her sister. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy a friends to lovers romance with lots of emotions, I highly recommend True North.
True North is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
True North is friends to lovers romance with lots of sweet moments, plenty of angst and filled with emotions. I enjoyed Sierra and Cole from the beginning and wondered what in Cole’s past left him determined to be a loner for the rest of his life. There is a moment when Cole comes to terms with a past he can’t change and words he cannot take back, I cried. I wasn’t expecting tears in this romance. It was a beautiful scene with great descriptions. I loved Sierra’s confidence, her ability to stand up for herself and call Cole out on his self-defeating behavior. I also loved the banter between Cole and his brothers. I enjoyed the sisterly bond between Sierra and her sister. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy a friends to lovers romance with lots of emotions, I highly recommend True North.
True North is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
June 3, 2025
The pacing of this was really weird. There was too much detail in some places (chapters and chapters about one afternoon), but in others there were time skips which cut out important details (a new chapter two weeks later, entirely skipping over a whole stage of the competition the fmc’s company was in). I would’ve loved a chapter about the resolution of the competition result, but it was glossed over and only mentioned briefly in the epilogue. The whole thing ended up feeling kind of rushed because of the lack of detail in places.
I really liked the fmc and how she stood up for what she wanted with her life. That third act break up was so obviously coming though. The way the mmc responded to it really annoyed me and I stopped being bothered about the story after that which is a shame because up until that I’d been enjoying it. I’m glad that the mmc sorted himself out but I think it was a little too glossed over, especially considering the detail given to the first 24 hours or so of the story.
If the pacing and detail was consistent, I think this would’ve been a favourite.
Also what was with the explicit mention of a particular word game app? There was no mention of whether it was a paid endorsement or not (if it was not disclosing it is against the law where I live), but the way it was described doesn’t make sense for it to have just been included because the author likes it.
I really liked the fmc and how she stood up for what she wanted with her life. That third act break up was so obviously coming though. The way the mmc responded to it really annoyed me and I stopped being bothered about the story after that which is a shame because up until that I’d been enjoying it. I’m glad that the mmc sorted himself out but I think it was a little too glossed over, especially considering the detail given to the first 24 hours or so of the story.
If the pacing and detail was consistent, I think this would’ve been a favourite.
Also what was with the explicit mention of a particular word game app? There was no mention of whether it was a paid endorsement or not (if it was not disclosing it is against the law where I live), but the way it was described doesn’t make sense for it to have just been included because the author likes it.
January 6, 2024
This book made me cry near the end. I absolutely loved this book. There are so many books about fake dates which become real at the end, but this book just grabbed me from the start & I absolutely loved the whirlwind relationship between Sierra & Col. Col's family are lovely, & I am glad Sierra & her sister were close. I think what I love about romance is that even though the story isn't real, the character's personalities & their being are what makes It real. The principles of who they are & for what they stand for in their morals & views. Sometimes a book like this one, takes biblical principles & makes you take a good look at your life or certain actions in a good hard way. I think the author hits bullseye If you can get the reader to experience all different emotions. It makes you laugh at certain points, It makes you cry too, but you also wish you can take a character & shake the hell out of them, or just give them a hug. Sierra & Col were a perfect couple. I was so glad that Col also took his rightful place at the family company, but also, when you realise you perceive someone wrong or you calculate things because of shoosh in your past, that really distors things, but then It takes a person who really cares to see the worst of you, & to help you to see the best of you at the end despite history. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 25, 2025
4.5 STARS
#GrumpyHero #Workplace
Written in third person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
Sierra is a fierce character. She is a woman who owns and works in her construction, renovation company. She is driven, successful, and passionate about what she does. She has the respect of her crew, her family, and her industry. I loved her and her bada$$ boss self. She is not afraid to ask the tough questions or to call out Cole when necessary, even when it hurts.
Cole was an interesting character. I believe he is probably a character on the ASD spectrum, though that is not specifically stated. He has a sky-high IQ, a whole lot of internal thought that has shaped him, and a bit of a chip on his shoulder because he has always been different. He reminds me a lot of my adult son in many ways. His character has a lot of growth to accomplish during this story and Sierra and his feelings for her are the catalyst to making that happen. I loved it when he finally reached the point where he made the necessary changes to allow himself the happiness he never believed he deserved.
I fell in love with the whole North family. Cole’s relationship with his brothers only offered a glimpse into their characters and I was hooked. This
#GrumpyHero #Workplace
Written in third person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
Sierra is a fierce character. She is a woman who owns and works in her construction, renovation company. She is driven, successful, and passionate about what she does. She has the respect of her crew, her family, and her industry. I loved her and her bada$$ boss self. She is not afraid to ask the tough questions or to call out Cole when necessary, even when it hurts.
Cole was an interesting character. I believe he is probably a character on the ASD spectrum, though that is not specifically stated. He has a sky-high IQ, a whole lot of internal thought that has shaped him, and a bit of a chip on his shoulder because he has always been different. He reminds me a lot of my adult son in many ways. His character has a lot of growth to accomplish during this story and Sierra and his feelings for her are the catalyst to making that happen. I loved it when he finally reached the point where he made the necessary changes to allow himself the happiness he never believed he deserved.
I fell in love with the whole North family. Cole’s relationship with his brothers only offered a glimpse into their characters and I was hooked. This
April 15, 2022
3.5
As the owner of a home renovation company, Sierra knows it is difficult enough being a woman in a profession dominated by men so she’s always careful to maintain a professional distance from her crew. Even so, when she needs a plus-one to a family wedding, her foreman Cole offers to fill that role. When the evening ends with a family crisis, Cole realizes that having Sierra by his side was a step away from the lonely life he’d been living.
I found myself way more interested and invested in Cole’s story than Sierra’s. Sierra’s main issue was exploring a relationship with a trusted employee but beyond that I didn’t feel there was much backstory or character development. Cole, on the other hand, was a complicated character with a lot of baggage. With a sky-high IQ, he still struggled with people and relationships. When he chose to walk away from a college scholarship and follow his own path, he felt the weight of his family’s expectations and he pulled away and became quite the loner. It was his story that kept me interested and, while the romance was enjoyable, it fell a bit short for me. Overall, a worthwhile read.
As the owner of a home renovation company, Sierra knows it is difficult enough being a woman in a profession dominated by men so she’s always careful to maintain a professional distance from her crew. Even so, when she needs a plus-one to a family wedding, her foreman Cole offers to fill that role. When the evening ends with a family crisis, Cole realizes that having Sierra by his side was a step away from the lonely life he’d been living.
I found myself way more interested and invested in Cole’s story than Sierra’s. Sierra’s main issue was exploring a relationship with a trusted employee but beyond that I didn’t feel there was much backstory or character development. Cole, on the other hand, was a complicated character with a lot of baggage. With a sky-high IQ, he still struggled with people and relationships. When he chose to walk away from a college scholarship and follow his own path, he felt the weight of his family’s expectations and he pulled away and became quite the loner. It was his story that kept me interested and, while the romance was enjoyable, it fell a bit short for me. Overall, a worthwhile read.
October 10, 2022
Book 1 in Knupp's North Brothers series. This is the story of Cole and Sierra. Both have forged their own paths in life. Cole who has alienated himself from family and friends and works as a foreman for Sierra who owns her own company in a man's world. Cole has always been attracted to Sierra and finds himself helping her out on a personal matter when a family emergency puts his family issues front and center. The chemistry between these two sizzles and when work and personal collide decisions need to be made and Cole finds that he needs to address his past in order to move on in his future.
A sweet and bit steamy romance that is well written. I love the family dynamic both with Cole's family as well as Sierra. Love that Cole is the first of the North brothers and definitely looking forward to the other North brother's stories. Good narration although I think it would be better if dual narration to really bring these characters out although the pitch changes our narrator does is great.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
A sweet and bit steamy romance that is well written. I love the family dynamic both with Cole's family as well as Sierra. Love that Cole is the first of the North brothers and definitely looking forward to the other North brother's stories. Good narration although I think it would be better if dual narration to really bring these characters out although the pitch changes our narrator does is great.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
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