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Choosing Love #1

Bronwyn's Stand

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Bronwyn Barrister has her life in order. She has loyal friends, a successful business, and a family who loves her beyond measure. She has everything she has ever had the courage to dream for. One man, however, has begun to threaten it all. She sent him to prison for eleven years, but now he's free to exact his revenge upon her. With menacing phone calls and vile threats, he stalks her. He is a monster from her past, the past she tries to hide. When Vincent Lane and his team are hired by Bronwyn's uncle to keep her safe, he finds himself drawn in by her beauty, strength, and wicked intelligence. And when he allows himself to look beyond the surface, he discovers the woman behind the defenses; a woman who strips him bare and makes him want more than he has ever wanted in his life. As the stalking and danger escalates to arson, Vincent is torn between ecstasy and terror. He must find a way to stop this madman before it's too late.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2010

9 people are currently reading
255 people want to read

About the author

E. Kelly

12 books109 followers

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5 stars
233 (40%)
4 stars
208 (35%)
3 stars
95 (16%)
2 stars
30 (5%)
1 star
14 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Wendie Joy.
539 reviews
August 19, 2012
It was very contrived- and not even sexy. But I did like the SEAL team. Even though they were all hot and strong, yet cool enough to feel like "brothers." And why does the hero have to be super smart, handsome, AND rich? and the heroine is of course, smart, beautiful, AND damaged? Wow- I just read a novel abut the same level as the stuff my 12th graders write. Good thing it was free on iTunes.
Profile Image for Andrea Guy.
1,483 reviews67 followers
April 12, 2011
This book had so much potential and yet it fell a bit flat at times. Bronwyn was an abused child and her father was her abuser. She's 26 and her father is still out there. She's a strong and intelligent character but she feels almost too perfect and Vincent falls for her on site and starts trying to make it with her when he should be protecting her.

Its Vincent that I had the hardest time with in this story. At times his feelings for Bronwyn took precedent over his professional duties. In fact in many instances he wasn't very professional at all, and it made him a bit unlikable.

The team he assembled to protect Bronwyn was another story. Each guy had their own quirky nickname, Poet, Hollywood, Preacher...Vincent was Einstein. I really loved them and when Vince was out of the picture, they stole the show.

I wish that the situation with her father would have taken more precedence over the relationship. I really wanted to know what prompted the abuse and why he still wanted to torment his daughter. The suspenseful part of the story really took a backburner to the romance that was quite a whirlwind. In a matter of days, Bronwyn and Vincent were in love...and thus engaged. It was almost fairytale like, but with something more sinister than a wicked stepmother hanging over their head.

The ending was a bit of a surprise. I certainly wasn't expecting the twist E. Kelly delivered. This was a good quick read. Perfect for a day at the beach or the park
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Calli0pe.
12 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2012
I just could not get into this. The writing style seems clichéd and immature; the author lacks control over the point of view; the plot and the characters' behaviour strained my credulity on numerous occasions. Bottom line - could not engage with the characters at all.
Profile Image for Whitney Dillon.
8 reviews
September 9, 2018
Bronwyn's stand is the first book of E Kelly's I ever read and I was not disappointed! I could not wait to find out all the details of Bronwyn's horrific past and I could not wait to see how Vince was going to help heal the scars left on her heart. (Sappy I know)! The story revolves around the fact Bronwyn is being stalked and taunted by her father - who also abused her greatly in the past. Vince, and his seal brothers are part of the security company hired to protect Bronwyn until the matter is resolved. The story has many twists and turns and I would definitely recommend it.
720 reviews
December 22, 2020
1,5. Lots of skimming. As others say Vincent (and his team) are very unprofessional and seem incompetent . And too much loooove too little suspense. Not going to continue the series even though it's very low priced.
451 reviews
March 31, 2019
Free on iBooks. Started rather good, but I lost interest halfway. The never ending use of the word darling was not helping unfortunately.
Profile Image for Lindsay Paige.
Author 65 books598 followers
Read
April 13, 2011
Title Thoughts: I think it fits the book fairly well.

Cover Thoughts: I really like it because it shows vulnerability. And that has a lot to do with Bronwyn.

WARNINGS: There are a few cuss words here and there. There are also some sex scenes. They have a few details without feeling like there is a lot of/too much details.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters. Vincent is basically the ideal man. He's a lover, a protector, and a strong man. Of course, he has some flaws. He has a little jealous side and has quite the temper. At first, I didn't like that he could just let his temper get the best of him, especially considering Bronwyn's past. But I was happy to see as the book progress, he learned to hold his temper inside.

Bronwyn is without a doubt a strong woman. She has been to hell and back. All she wants to do is keep her family safe, keep her secrets her own, and make sure everyone knows that she can take care of herself. Vincent's team were all honorable men and knew how to make me smile. The team, Vincent, and Bronwyn put with her family, just made a bigger family. You can't deny that when they were together that they were family.

I liked the story. Some things weren't expected and some things were. There were a few things that I didn't like about the story. The synopsis makes it seem like it's about keeping Bronwyn safe from this crazy madman. Yes, that was there. But I never felt like Bronwyn was at a real threat. It could be because of all the Navy Seals surrounding her and doing their job well, or it could be that when something did happen it didn't seem too much of a real threat to Bronwyn. Towards the end, it turned more into a romance. Not that I minded that much, but it just makes the synopsis a little misleading to me.

Addict's Last Words: Are there a few things I wish were different about this book? Sure. But do I like it the way it is right now? Absolutely. I would definitely like to read more by Kelly.

To Buy or To Borrow: I liked it enough that I would buy it.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours and a copy was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Book Lovin' Bitches Ebook Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review nor was there an obligation to write a positive one. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Profile Image for Janice Leighton craft.
11 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2013
I just finished this wonderful book. The characters were well developed and made me want to read more about them. The main male character is one that every woman would want by her side...strong, intelligent, and not afraid to show his lady his romantic side....all without being "mushy". The female main has had to overcome the worst childhood and has erected some very tough brick walls around her. The cast of characters only supports the story and does not clutter up the story line.

Absolutel loved this book!
Profile Image for Beth.
378 reviews
August 12, 2012
Great story! I loved the suspense mixed with the romance. The SEALS were a great addition to the story! The "hidden trauma" that Bronwyn worked through in the story felt real and made you ache for the life she had endured.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Tara.
246 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2013
I'd give this a solid 3.5. While I didn't care for a lot of the dialogue, I did like the storyline and description the author gave. Some of the story was a bit rushed, but then this is a work of fiction! I like it enough that I'm starting on the sequel!
Profile Image for Brandi Kennedy.
Author 13 books41 followers
February 18, 2013
I liked the story idea. I liked the characters; mostly. Having the main man be a former Navy SEAL who can't speak without cheesy endearments was more than a little unrealistic. Still, I enjoyed the book anyway.
9 reviews
April 10, 2013
I don't wanna ruin the book for anyone but the ending to this book is SO GOOD! Read it! There wasn't the classic "and they live happily ever after" ending seen in romantic books, it had lots of action!
Profile Image for Kirsten Meece kempf.
16 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2012


It was an ok book. I thought there was a lot of jumping around and parts that seemed like they were skipped.
Profile Image for Christina OW.
Author 22 books82 followers
July 9, 2012
I loved it! I was hoping for a more fairytale although cliche ending but still i just love Bronwyn's strength. It kind of reminds me of my book Star Bright.

this was just wonderful
Profile Image for Courtney.
146 reviews
July 23, 2012
I fell in love with Bronwyn and Vincent! What an awesome couple with great chemistry - the steaminess of their relationship doesn't leave you hanging. This is a fun and heart warming book to read.
Profile Image for Catalina.
28 reviews11 followers
August 28, 2012
It wasn't a bad read and I was really excited to read the second book in the series. The only thing I didn't really like was that the hero is a little too intense and possessive.
281 reviews15 followers
August 29, 2012
Really great - I read these two books back to front - but they are able to stand alone. Strong heroines and even stronger hero
Profile Image for Samantha.
173 reviews28 followers
December 16, 2012
I really enjoyed this Book, I read the 2nd book before this one so loved the The Main Characters already ;)
Profile Image for Matlene Kind.
35 reviews14 followers
May 6, 2013
An easy read! Sometimes a bit unrealistc & predictable.. Too many 'I Love Yous' for my taste..
Profile Image for Vikki L Harris-Dooley.
44 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2014
Nice story

I would have liked more of a mystery story. Instead I got a love story for the ages. Like the characters.
Profile Image for Amanda.
26 reviews
January 14, 2016
Love it!! Not the first time to read it but I keep going back when I want a good book!! Love the author E. Kelly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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