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The Ballard Brothers of Darling Bay #2
Build it Strong
From international bestseller Rachael Herron, comes a stand-alone romance too delightful to put
The second installment in the Ballard Brothers series, Aidan Ballard has a deep secret--he wants a family. Not that he'd ever share that with the guys he plays pool with, but he dreams of filling the old Callahan house with light and love. He's been saving for years, and it's time to make his move on the house of his dreams. That was, until Tuesday Willis comes to town and wrecks everything. Running from tragedy, Tuesday is beyond grateful she's been chosen to be on the reality show, On the Market. While the Ballard Brothers fix up the beautiful old Callahan house for her, she'll date one of the brothers. Not Aidan, though. He's got a chip on his shoulder a mile wide, almost like he doesn't think she should be allowed to move in. But the more the two are thrown together on camera, the more intense the desire flares between them. Can the skeletons in Aidan's closet ever compete with Tuesday's secrets? And can Aidan transform the house of his dreams into hers? The Bachelor meets The Property
Love, property, and construction. What could possibly go wrong? Scroll up and download a sample or click BUY now!
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First published January 17, 2017
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About the author
Rachael Herron
50 books897 followersUnofficial bio: Rachael eats way too many Cadbury Creme eggs, no matter time of year it is. She lives with a menagerie, and battles dog hair on a full-time basis. She's a Knitter with a capital-K, and she reads WAY more than she'd ever even think about exercising.
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
Official bio: Rachael Herron (RH Herron) is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thriller, mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board. She’s a New Zealand citizen as well as an American.
Find her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachael.Herr...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachaelherron
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelherron
Blog: http://rachaelherron.com/blog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 22, 2017
I received a free copy of this book for review. I haven't read the first book of this series, but this book is relatively stand-alone.
Another book set in Rachael Herron's Darling Bay, which always reminds me of my time in Arcata and my visits to Mendocino. The story involves a reality show that combines home improvement and dating. Tuesday has signed on to the show, buying a house in Darling Bay and selecting the youngest Ballard brother to date. But the house she bought is the dream house of the middle brother, Aidan, and his ire over the situation sets the two of them against each other, and of course the sparks of anger end up turning into sparks of passion.
I have to admit that I didn't enjoy this one as much as I liked The Songbird's Call (a Darling Bay book in a different series). The two main characters each have a secret that provides the motivations in their interactions, but unfortunately, Herron decided to keep the bulk of those secrets from the reader as well, which made it a bit difficult to connect with the characters. The attraction between the two also seems to just be based purely on love at first sight rather than a gradual building that happens as they go head-to-head with each other, which Herron has written so well in many of her other books.
Another book set in Rachael Herron's Darling Bay, which always reminds me of my time in Arcata and my visits to Mendocino. The story involves a reality show that combines home improvement and dating. Tuesday has signed on to the show, buying a house in Darling Bay and selecting the youngest Ballard brother to date. But the house she bought is the dream house of the middle brother, Aidan, and his ire over the situation sets the two of them against each other, and of course the sparks of anger end up turning into sparks of passion.
I have to admit that I didn't enjoy this one as much as I liked The Songbird's Call (a Darling Bay book in a different series). The two main characters each have a secret that provides the motivations in their interactions, but unfortunately, Herron decided to keep the bulk of those secrets from the reader as well, which made it a bit difficult to connect with the characters. The attraction between the two also seems to just be based purely on love at first sight rather than a gradual building that happens as they go head-to-head with each other, which Herron has written so well in many of her other books.
January 21, 2017
I was lucky to receive a copy of this delightful book to read.
I have not read the first book in this series but this one did stand alone.
the Ballard Brothers are remodeling another house for the reality TV show.
This book is about Aiden, the middle brother. He is the one who has the most talent with carpentry. Tuesday is the girl who comes from out of town to buy his dream house. He has his ideas for the house and she has hers.
I did not realize this book was set in Darling Bay. It was nice to see the characters from other books showcased. A nice surprise.
The descriptions written by the author of the hang gliding and garden scenes were just lovely. So worth reading
I plan to go back and get the first book in the series.
I have not read the first book in this series but this one did stand alone.
the Ballard Brothers are remodeling another house for the reality TV show.
This book is about Aiden, the middle brother. He is the one who has the most talent with carpentry. Tuesday is the girl who comes from out of town to buy his dream house. He has his ideas for the house and she has hers.
I did not realize this book was set in Darling Bay. It was nice to see the characters from other books showcased. A nice surprise.
The descriptions written by the author of the hang gliding and garden scenes were just lovely. So worth reading
I plan to go back and get the first book in the series.
May 23, 2024
This is the second book in The Ballard Brothers of Darling Bay series. It’s another solid 3-star story. Aidan’s and Tuesday’s story is as interesting as Liam’s and Felicia’s. There is a bit of drama but it’s mostly of Tuesday’s own making. I coasted through most of the book. As I got to the end I had a hard time putting it down; I had to know what would happen next. Technically this is a stand-alone book, but you’ll have more fun reading it if you’ve read On the Market first.
May 31, 2022
I liked the second book about as much as the first. It was an entertaining read with very different but vibrant characters. I enjoyed reading and at some point could barely put it down because I wanted to know what happened next in the romance. I did think that the drama was a bit unnecessary, since it could've been avoided by a simple change, but I still enjoyed it.
November 6, 2025
Rounded up. This didn't grab me as much as the first. Aiden's story and a woman has had the nerve to buy "his" house. The one he has been planning to buy almost his whole life. Then he finds himself falling for her more than his house, but Tuesday has been running for a while. Can he convince her that he is worth facing her fears.
December 31, 2019
Laugh and Cry
Another great laugh-aloud read that will also make your eyes leak. The number of unexpected twists and turns astounded me; the only predictable thing was that love finally triumphed.
Another great laugh-aloud read that will also make your eyes leak. The number of unexpected twists and turns astounded me; the only predictable thing was that love finally triumphed.
April 30, 2020
I've been reading light romances during the shelter in place order. I like Rachael Herron's books because I can easily relate to the characters and they are fun. I did not like this book as much as the others because I don't like it when characters are super embarrassed in public.
April 30, 2022
I felt like there was some gaps between the first book and the second. I mean, why is Felicia working for the network again? I'm always shocked by how quickly these folks jump into bed with each other and then decide that something's just not right.
August 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t read the first one in the series but I don’t think you need to. I enjoyed the relationship between Aiden and Tuesday. Their development was believable, even with the reality tv aspect of the book.
October 23, 2017
Short but fun book.
June 27, 2018
Another great read by Rachael Herron. I love her writing and how she builds the tension in these novels. This is my favorite book of hers so far. I cannot wait for Jake's book.
August 1, 2019
Goddamn it woman! You made me cry again
April 12, 2020
Build it Strong
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Sooo much, I was awake all night, had to finish. Laughed, cried & my heart melted.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Sooo much, I was awake all night, had to finish. Laughed, cried & my heart melted.
July 19, 2020
This one is a keeper. My first read by this author but won't be the last. Loved it!
March 31, 2022
Good book
books-boxed-sets
July 24, 2024In boxed set - "Ballard Brothers Boxed Set (The Ballard Brothers of Darling Bay)"
January 17, 2017
I love to visit Darling Bay and all of the people who live there. Although definitely set in modern times, the atmosphere and personal interactions evoke those of another time, maybe 40 years ago, when life was a little less hectic and small towns were a very desirable place to live and thrive. In Build it Strong, the middle Ballard brother, Aiden, is the builder and desperately wants to live the warm, family life that he never had, in a favorite old Victorian on the coast, but he just doesn't know quite how to do it. He's great at building a house, but has to learn a little about building a relationship. And then when things are going well, they all come crashing down. How to rebuild? They all learn. Wonderful book. Very enjoyable.
February 8, 2017
When I recommend Rachael Herron’s books to friends, I always feel the need to point out that yes, they are (mostly) romances that follow the standard romance formula, and yes, they have sex in them. But it’s what she does while working with this standard format that makes her one of my favorite modern authors.
In Build It Strong, she takes a swipe at reality TV by making the backdrop a show in which the contestant purchases a house, and then has to pick a date from the contractors who have been hired to remodel it. The construction firm, Ballard Brothers, consists of two brothers Jake and Aidan. Aidan resents the fact that the house that he had planned to someday make his own - the Callahan house - has been sold off to an outsider.
Tuesday Willis falls in love with the view from the Callahan house the moment she sees it. She had always hoped to move to California, but it was her mother who entered Tuesday’s name in a contest to be featured on the show, hoping that it would help Tuesday to recover emotionally from a devastating accident.
As might be expected, Aidan and Tuesday’s first meeting does not go well. Aidan behaves like a cad, and finds Tuesday to be boring and pretty much unremarkable. With this we’ve got the setup for a pretty classic romance novel.
Ms Herron, however, works to ensure that the reader falls in love with her characters, which is what what makes her books so enjoyable. With chapters alternating between Aidan’s and Tuesday’s point of view, we get to know each of them. Of course, these aren’t boring, perfect people but souls with fears, insecurities and secrets, which means that by the end of the book, you’re hoping that Aidan and Tuesday find a way to work things out nearly as much as they are.
The end of this book left me close to tears – and I don’t cry easily. So, if you’re looking for a book that will bring you out of your world and into someone else’s, pick up a copy of Build It Strong. I’m sure you’ll be happy you did.
(Please note that I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. All the opinions, however, are my own.)
In Build It Strong, she takes a swipe at reality TV by making the backdrop a show in which the contestant purchases a house, and then has to pick a date from the contractors who have been hired to remodel it. The construction firm, Ballard Brothers, consists of two brothers Jake and Aidan. Aidan resents the fact that the house that he had planned to someday make his own - the Callahan house - has been sold off to an outsider.
Tuesday Willis falls in love with the view from the Callahan house the moment she sees it. She had always hoped to move to California, but it was her mother who entered Tuesday’s name in a contest to be featured on the show, hoping that it would help Tuesday to recover emotionally from a devastating accident.
As might be expected, Aidan and Tuesday’s first meeting does not go well. Aidan behaves like a cad, and finds Tuesday to be boring and pretty much unremarkable. With this we’ve got the setup for a pretty classic romance novel.
Ms Herron, however, works to ensure that the reader falls in love with her characters, which is what what makes her books so enjoyable. With chapters alternating between Aidan’s and Tuesday’s point of view, we get to know each of them. Of course, these aren’t boring, perfect people but souls with fears, insecurities and secrets, which means that by the end of the book, you’re hoping that Aidan and Tuesday find a way to work things out nearly as much as they are.
The end of this book left me close to tears – and I don’t cry easily. So, if you’re looking for a book that will bring you out of your world and into someone else’s, pick up a copy of Build It Strong. I’m sure you’ll be happy you did.
(Please note that I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. All the opinions, however, are my own.)
January 13, 2017
4.5 STARS!
I so love these stories set in Darling Bay and all their inhabitants. Build it Strong is the second book in the Ballard Bros. of Darling Bay series. This series is just one of three intertwining series by Rachael Herron set in Darling Bay. Regardless of the setting and intertwining characters, each story stands alone.
Build it Strong is Aiden and Tuesday's story. Aiden is the middle Ballard brother who has been pining for the Old Callahan house since his childhood. When the remodel of that house with it's new owner, Tuesday Willis, is the focus of their reality show, The Property Brothers, Aiden sets out to make its new owner regret their purchase and send her running.
I really enjoyed this book. Aiden initially comes off as surly and unreasonable, but time and an attraction to Tuesday drastically changes his demeanor. His back story is bittersweet and endeared me to him and his desire for the Callahan house. At the same time, Tuesday's back story is heartbreaking. Although Build it Strong is a fun romantic comedy, it's those back stories that realistically shape the characters. Rachael Herron writes authentic and down-to-earth characters that you wish you knew in real life. Also, the humor doesn't come at the expense of the characters, but rather their circumstances and witty banter. It's nothing over the top or eye-roll inducing; just a product of the quick-witted author. I was rarely without an inner smile while reading this book and its why I will follow these Darling Bay characters anywhere Rachael Herron chooses to lead them. Also, I can't fail to mention that the epilogue was AMAZING! I highly recommend all of the Darling Bay stories to those who love romantic comedy and well-written romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of Build it Strong. This was my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 17, 2017
Disclosure: I received an early release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: I would give this a 4.5 if I could, but the stars only allow me to give 4.
Build it Strong is the latest release in Rachael Herron’s ongoing series about Darling Bay, a charming seaside town in northern California. This series focuses on the Ballard Brothers, three very different and charming brothers who own a construction company in Darling Bay. There are several other Darling Bay series, each one unique and fun to read.
Aiden Ballard is the talented designer/builder brother of the three. He is not one to mince words, nor play nice for the reality show that centers around the brothers’ construction firm. The show brings to mind the Property Brothers, though in this reality show, the brothers date the client as part of the process.
Aiden is passionate about the latest project, simply because it is the house that is supposed to be for him! He can’t believe that he will be working on this project for someone else. Someone who he decides right from the start that he will never like nor treat fairly, since she has his house.
Tuesday is the adorable, librarian-type client who bought Aiden’s dream house. She has her own reasons for wanting this house and to get away from her previous life. She isn’t planning to back down to Aiden simply because he’s contrary.
As always, Rachael Herron has given us a birds-eye view of the lovely Darling Bay, and all of its residents. She has woven a tale that has a little bit of romance, a little bit of mystery and a lot of. charm. I never have trouble finishing these books - the hard part is putting them down! Whether you’ve read any of the previous books or not, you’ll enjoy this standalone story. However, I recommend reading them all. Dare you to not want to move to Darling Bay!
Rating: I would give this a 4.5 if I could, but the stars only allow me to give 4.
Build it Strong is the latest release in Rachael Herron’s ongoing series about Darling Bay, a charming seaside town in northern California. This series focuses on the Ballard Brothers, three very different and charming brothers who own a construction company in Darling Bay. There are several other Darling Bay series, each one unique and fun to read.
Aiden Ballard is the talented designer/builder brother of the three. He is not one to mince words, nor play nice for the reality show that centers around the brothers’ construction firm. The show brings to mind the Property Brothers, though in this reality show, the brothers date the client as part of the process.
Aiden is passionate about the latest project, simply because it is the house that is supposed to be for him! He can’t believe that he will be working on this project for someone else. Someone who he decides right from the start that he will never like nor treat fairly, since she has his house.
Tuesday is the adorable, librarian-type client who bought Aiden’s dream house. She has her own reasons for wanting this house and to get away from her previous life. She isn’t planning to back down to Aiden simply because he’s contrary.
As always, Rachael Herron has given us a birds-eye view of the lovely Darling Bay, and all of its residents. She has woven a tale that has a little bit of romance, a little bit of mystery and a lot of. charm. I never have trouble finishing these books - the hard part is putting them down! Whether you’ve read any of the previous books or not, you’ll enjoy this standalone story. However, I recommend reading them all. Dare you to not want to move to Darling Bay!
January 31, 2017
Another delightful page-turner!
This novel is the second book of the Ballard Brothers series, but can be read as stand-alone.
I have read a handful of novels by Rachael Herron and she is easily one of my favorite writers in this genre. This is the story of Aidan and Tuesday. Both characters have their baggage and issues and need to overcome themselves to fall for each other. Rachael Herron continues to write about characters that are relatable, have depth, and you find yourself really feeling and pulling for them. Rachael’s protagonists always seem to have some flaw (emotional, physical, historical) that speaks to the reader. Tuesday is no exception. Tuesday has some physical flaws and a past she is running from, but she doesn’t come across weak. I can see myself in her at times.
Time and again, Rachael Herron finds a way to make me laugh. Never laughing at the character in mocking, but in the situations they find themselves in or in the monologues/conversations they have. Tuesday had me chuckling with her internal monologue.
This story is light and doesn’t have many subplots, like some of Rachael’s other novels, but it is still a page-turner. I had to know if they end up together and how it could possibly happen; I couldn’t put it down. I found this novel to be a tad short and the story moved a long very quickly. I wished it slowed down a bit, but that’s just because I am sad when Rachael’s novels end. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel cuddled on the couch, dog in my lap, and a glass of wine in my hand. I recommend this light read, but not as highly as some other works by Rachael.
This novel is the second book of the Ballard Brothers series, but can be read as stand-alone.
I have read a handful of novels by Rachael Herron and she is easily one of my favorite writers in this genre. This is the story of Aidan and Tuesday. Both characters have their baggage and issues and need to overcome themselves to fall for each other. Rachael Herron continues to write about characters that are relatable, have depth, and you find yourself really feeling and pulling for them. Rachael’s protagonists always seem to have some flaw (emotional, physical, historical) that speaks to the reader. Tuesday is no exception. Tuesday has some physical flaws and a past she is running from, but she doesn’t come across weak. I can see myself in her at times.
Time and again, Rachael Herron finds a way to make me laugh. Never laughing at the character in mocking, but in the situations they find themselves in or in the monologues/conversations they have. Tuesday had me chuckling with her internal monologue.
This story is light and doesn’t have many subplots, like some of Rachael’s other novels, but it is still a page-turner. I had to know if they end up together and how it could possibly happen; I couldn’t put it down. I found this novel to be a tad short and the story moved a long very quickly. I wished it slowed down a bit, but that’s just because I am sad when Rachael’s novels end. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel cuddled on the couch, dog in my lap, and a glass of wine in my hand. I recommend this light read, but not as highly as some other works by Rachael.
January 17, 2017
I received an advance copy of Build it Strong in exchange for a honest review. This is the second book in the Ballard Brothers series, but I found the book to easily work as a stand alone. I hadn't read the first book in the series (On the Market) but after reading Build it Strong, I will be! I enjoy watching the house hunters and house renovators on HGTV, so I thoroughly enjoyed the background of this book. An old house in the need of a family, a man who had dreamed of owning the house himself, and a woman with an injured soul searching for a home, all added up to a lovely story of renovation, recovery, and love. I found Aidan and Tuesday to be engaging individually and together and watching their journey together was both believable and entertaining. Add in a lonely little girl next door, the chaos of renovations, and the craziness of filming a reality show, and you end up with a great story to lose yourself in for a few hours.
Somehow I totally missed that this series is set in Darling Bay, so it was a surprise when locations and individuals started popping up, which added another dimension to the overall story. I loved getting glimpses into what was going on in the lives of the people I've met in other books!
Ms. Herron writes in a manner that is easy to read, engaging, and gets you fully invested in her characters. And just when you think you have them figured out...they do something totally unexpected! This is another of her books that I would highly recommend.
Somehow I totally missed that this series is set in Darling Bay, so it was a surprise when locations and individuals started popping up, which added another dimension to the overall story. I loved getting glimpses into what was going on in the lives of the people I've met in other books!
Ms. Herron writes in a manner that is easy to read, engaging, and gets you fully invested in her characters. And just when you think you have them figured out...they do something totally unexpected! This is another of her books that I would highly recommend.
January 22, 2017
Tuesday Willis comes to Darling Bay, California agreeing to be on a reality TV show, where the Ballard Brothers will renovate her old Victorian era house, but she also has to agree to date one of the brothers during the renovation, to be filmed, too. The oldest brother Liam is already partnered with the manager of the reality show, his younger brother Aidan is the foreman, and their youngest brother Jake is a carpenter on the crew.
Both Aidan and Tuesday have huge secrets, Aidan had really wanted to buy the old house as he has a sentimental attachment to it, so he is filled with resentment toward Tuesday, a teacher with a sad secret of her own that she is fleeing from. Sparks fly from the beginning as Tuesday and Aidan spar with each other, meanwhile Tuesday chooses to go out with Jake, the safer choice to her, though she feels drawn toward Aidan.
Tuesday finds it very stressful having her every move filmed on camera, not only that, Aidan tries his best to convince her that Darling Bay and the house aren’t for her. When a secret about the house is revealed, Tuesday discovers that Jake isn’t really for her either, Aidan and Tuesday start to slowly revise their original feelings about each other. A young neighbor appears to further endear Tuesday to her new area.
Rachael Herron writes dynamic, fast moving plot governed fiction that is a pleasure to read, laced as it is with spicy dialogue and engaging characters, you won’t regret buying this second story in the Ballard Brothers series.
Both Aidan and Tuesday have huge secrets, Aidan had really wanted to buy the old house as he has a sentimental attachment to it, so he is filled with resentment toward Tuesday, a teacher with a sad secret of her own that she is fleeing from. Sparks fly from the beginning as Tuesday and Aidan spar with each other, meanwhile Tuesday chooses to go out with Jake, the safer choice to her, though she feels drawn toward Aidan.
Tuesday finds it very stressful having her every move filmed on camera, not only that, Aidan tries his best to convince her that Darling Bay and the house aren’t for her. When a secret about the house is revealed, Tuesday discovers that Jake isn’t really for her either, Aidan and Tuesday start to slowly revise their original feelings about each other. A young neighbor appears to further endear Tuesday to her new area.
Rachael Herron writes dynamic, fast moving plot governed fiction that is a pleasure to read, laced as it is with spicy dialogue and engaging characters, you won’t regret buying this second story in the Ballard Brothers series.
January 22, 2017
Delightfully lovable book, great addition to the series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book to review for free. I also love all of Rachael's work.
Rachael Herron does it again in this delightful and cozy addition to the Ballard brothers series. Aiden, the second brother, had always dreamed of buying the house of his second grade teacher. From carving his name into the bottom of his teacher's table to the details of the bathrooms, he had his mind made up. Until his brothers accidentally bought the house for their show. Now, Aiden has to decide which he wants more, the house or the girl?
I'm a long time fan of Herron's work, and this book does not disappoint. There are the intimate bits, the gorgeous prose, and of course, a twist at the end, before the hero and heroine end up happily together. Great American Novel, this is not. For that, refer to some of Herron's mainstream literature, such as Splinters of Light or The Ones Who Matter Most. This book is a romance novel, and does not proport to be anything else. However, it is wonderfully written, and a fun read for the holidays. I snuggled down with the book and a cup of cocoa, and it helped me get through the post-Christmas blues. I'd recommend this to any one who likes a fun girly read with some mention of serious topics. Trigger warning: car crash.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book to review for free. I also love all of Rachael's work.
Rachael Herron does it again in this delightful and cozy addition to the Ballard brothers series. Aiden, the second brother, had always dreamed of buying the house of his second grade teacher. From carving his name into the bottom of his teacher's table to the details of the bathrooms, he had his mind made up. Until his brothers accidentally bought the house for their show. Now, Aiden has to decide which he wants more, the house or the girl?
I'm a long time fan of Herron's work, and this book does not disappoint. There are the intimate bits, the gorgeous prose, and of course, a twist at the end, before the hero and heroine end up happily together. Great American Novel, this is not. For that, refer to some of Herron's mainstream literature, such as Splinters of Light or The Ones Who Matter Most. This book is a romance novel, and does not proport to be anything else. However, it is wonderfully written, and a fun read for the holidays. I snuggled down with the book and a cup of cocoa, and it helped me get through the post-Christmas blues. I'd recommend this to any one who likes a fun girly read with some mention of serious topics. Trigger warning: car crash.
January 19, 2017
***Advanced Copy Review***
The Ballard Brothers are renovating yet another house for the reality tv show they star in and this time middle brother Aiden is not happy that contestant Tuesday had brought the house of his childhood dreams the old Callahan House.
Being forced to renovate the house to someone else’s specifications for someone else to live in is almost too much to bear for Aiden and it doesn’t get much easier when he finds himself becoming attracted to Tuesday, the girl from out of town that has swept in and destroyed his dream.
Worst still she chooses his brother to date for the romance segment of the show.
The love story of Aidan and Tuesday overlaps and intertwines with characters and locations from the other books in the series which add a “realness” to the fictional town Darling Bay set in Northern California,(which by the way sounds like a heavenly place to live and I want to move there tomorrow )
An enjoyable easy romantic read & highly recommended.
I devoured this book in 4 days!
The Ballard Brothers are renovating yet another house for the reality tv show they star in and this time middle brother Aiden is not happy that contestant Tuesday had brought the house of his childhood dreams the old Callahan House.
Being forced to renovate the house to someone else’s specifications for someone else to live in is almost too much to bear for Aiden and it doesn’t get much easier when he finds himself becoming attracted to Tuesday, the girl from out of town that has swept in and destroyed his dream.
Worst still she chooses his brother to date for the romance segment of the show.
The love story of Aidan and Tuesday overlaps and intertwines with characters and locations from the other books in the series which add a “realness” to the fictional town Darling Bay set in Northern California,(which by the way sounds like a heavenly place to live and I want to move there tomorrow )
An enjoyable easy romantic read & highly recommended.
I devoured this book in 4 days!
January 30, 2017
I love these books. I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my fair review, but I bought the first one (entitled On The Market), because I really enjoy Rachael Herron's writing. She manages to provide entertainment, humor, and feel-good stories, while touching on some serious subjects that don't often get mentioned in light-hearted romances. As much as I enjoy my HGTV, I was skeptical at first about a series featuring a reality show about 3 brothers who sell and fix up houses to women, while dating them along the way. But Rachael handles it in a way where I was rooting for them, and appreciating the relationship between the brothers, and between them and their love interests.
In Build It Strong, the sometimes grouchy Aiden finds his soft side, and the heroine, Tuesday, works to overcome the scars left from a bad accident. They help each other, and eventually themselves, figure out what's next.
I enjoy this series,as well as the Darling Songbirds series, which also takes place in the town of Darling Bay - I am really looking forward to the next installment of both.
In Build It Strong, the sometimes grouchy Aiden finds his soft side, and the heroine, Tuesday, works to overcome the scars left from a bad accident. They help each other, and eventually themselves, figure out what's next.
I enjoy this series,as well as the Darling Songbirds series, which also takes place in the town of Darling Bay - I am really looking forward to the next installment of both.
February 6, 2017
*The author provided me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Once again, Rachael Herron hits a home run. Her romances are predictably wonderful, just as charming as the town of Darling Bay.
In the second installment of the story of the Ballard Brothers, middle brother Aiden Ballard is tasked with the job of renovating his dream home for someone else. The plot line is predictable - he falls in love with the woman who bought the house as they renovate it for an HGTV style show. But that's not why I love these books.
Herron creates believable characters that I love. The male and female characters are people you want to fall in love with, and that you are happy for when they fall in love with each other. The tension makes sense. The moments of mis-communication are realistic. Herron is simply a fabulous romance writer.
If you are a romance lover I dare you to try to pick up one of her books and put it down before the story is done!
Once again, Rachael Herron hits a home run. Her romances are predictably wonderful, just as charming as the town of Darling Bay.
In the second installment of the story of the Ballard Brothers, middle brother Aiden Ballard is tasked with the job of renovating his dream home for someone else. The plot line is predictable - he falls in love with the woman who bought the house as they renovate it for an HGTV style show. But that's not why I love these books.
Herron creates believable characters that I love. The male and female characters are people you want to fall in love with, and that you are happy for when they fall in love with each other. The tension makes sense. The moments of mis-communication are realistic. Herron is simply a fabulous romance writer.
If you are a romance lover I dare you to try to pick up one of her books and put it down before the story is done!
January 20, 2017
Jealousy. Tragedy. Joy. A smidgen of smoking hot sex. Throw them all together in a wonderfully adorable Northern California town, and you get this fantastic second installment in The Ballard Brothers series. I did not read the first book, and did not feel the lack in any way.
Ms. Herron does a wonderful job of bringing the Northern California coastal town reality to life - I grew up here (Not in Darling Bay, it is an amalgamation, of course) and reading these books is like coming home - the hang gliders, the frigid and windy beaches, the hidden hot springs, these little touches were like pulling a warm, foggy blanket into my lap while also getting a dose of wonderful prose for my modern romance needs.She also deals fantastically well with the central themes of hope and loss. it is this delicate balance where her true artistry shows through.
I look forward to reading the next installment!
Ms. Herron does a wonderful job of bringing the Northern California coastal town reality to life - I grew up here (Not in Darling Bay, it is an amalgamation, of course) and reading these books is like coming home - the hang gliders, the frigid and windy beaches, the hidden hot springs, these little touches were like pulling a warm, foggy blanket into my lap while also getting a dose of wonderful prose for my modern romance needs.She also deals fantastically well with the central themes of hope and loss. it is this delicate balance where her true artistry shows through.
I look forward to reading the next installment!
February 1, 2017
Build it Strong is the second in a series about a home makeover reality dating show. In it we follow Tuesday and Aidan as they meet, renovate Tuesday's new house, and fall for each other. Each character has some heavy baggage to bring to the story- Tuesday is fleeing from tragedy in the Midwest and Aidan put in a competing offer on her house and was extremely disappointed when he didn't get the place for himself.
This was a charming book. The characters were so believable and real in a way that didn't make them annoying (I know that sometimes my own 'real-ness' can be annoying even to me!). While this book does stand alone, I would recommend reading the first in the series. I hadn't, and definitely felt like I was missing a bit of the premise in the beginning. Once you've got that down though, it's so easy to fall in love with the characters yourself and really root for them.
This was a charming book. The characters were so believable and real in a way that didn't make them annoying (I know that sometimes my own 'real-ness' can be annoying even to me!). While this book does stand alone, I would recommend reading the first in the series. I hadn't, and definitely felt like I was missing a bit of the premise in the beginning. Once you've got that down though, it's so easy to fall in love with the characters yourself and really root for them.
January 12, 2017
This book is just lovely. Rachael Herron writes reliable, lovely and well written romances, and this one is no exception. I always love a visit to Darling Bay, and it was a pleasure to return to this lovely setting.
The only reason I gave it four, rather than five stars was the premise around the reality television show seems somewhat weak to me– but the writing and believability of the characters overcomes this easily. I recommend this book – but I would definitely read the first book in the series On the Market first, both because it provides context and because this book has spoilers for the first, and it would be a shame to miss out on the pleasure of reading both.
Oh, I was given a ARC in exchange for an honest review, but I would have bought this anyway.
The only reason I gave it four, rather than five stars was the premise around the reality television show seems somewhat weak to me– but the writing and believability of the characters overcomes this easily. I recommend this book – but I would definitely read the first book in the series On the Market first, both because it provides context and because this book has spoilers for the first, and it would be a shame to miss out on the pleasure of reading both.
Oh, I was given a ARC in exchange for an honest review, but I would have bought this anyway.
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