sandizzlereads's review against another edition
5.0
I’m crying
Gah! This book will hit you in ALL the feels ! I loved the complexity of the characters, their strengths and their weaknesses just made them more real !
This was the first book in this series and is a must read!
Gah! This book will hit you in ALL the feels ! I loved the complexity of the characters, their strengths and their weaknesses just made them more real !
This was the first book in this series and is a must read!
skaarke's review against another edition
4.0
Really, really good book. Story progression is not rushed and feels authentic — it’s like I was there! The characters were well developed and seemed “real”. Another win by K. Bromberg. I’ll easily be reading the next 2 in the series!
jennifertclaeys's review against another edition
5.0
This book was close to perfect. Its been a while since I've read a cop romance.
loverofromance's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️.5
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Cuffed is the 1st book in the "Everyday Heroes" series and in this one here we have the oldest brother, who has taken after his father in the career department. This series focuses on a family of three sons who dedicate themselves to civic service and each son has a field that they go into: Law Enforcement, Fire Department and Air Rescue. In Cuffed, our hero is the son working on a career in Law Enforcement and this is also a second chance romance between him and a childhood friend and they were torn apart by circumstances and now our lovely heroine, has come back to the town that she grew up in for a fresh start and to settle down roots and for something more that she won't even admit to but knows what is drawing her back, and that is the one boy she never forgot.
First Line
My tummy feels icky, and if I look at Emmy, she'll know I've been crying.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Grant Malone
Oldest of the Malone boys, working on building his career and getting a promotion to Detective. He is driven, hard working, loves his sex, and has a compassionate heart and protective to a fault.
The Heroine: Emmy Reeves
Emmy, is a free spirit, she has never had a home to call her own. She has trauma and past abuses she is still working through, but building her own business in jumping out of planes and has no shame in never being in relationship and settling for one night stands.
Summary
Grant Malone and Emmy Reeves were childhood best friends. They were also next door neighbors. They had a deep connection even as children. But when they were seven, Grant learned a secret about Emmy. A secret he wasn't able to keep to himself because even then he was a protector and his girl was being hurt and in trouble. But Emmy saw it as a betrayal and she and her mom left town after it was all over. Now its years later, Grant and Emmy are mature adults but there are past issues between them to be resolved. When Grant sees Emmy and she runs away from him, he is determined to reconnect with Emmy and see why she is back and why she would run from him of all people. But Emmy has walls around her heart, she shields herself from anything that could risk her having to trust Grant again, she is still hurt by his betrayal and it has shaped her all of these years. But Grant is determined to win his girl no matter what it takes. But will Grant and Emmy be able to resolve the past mistakes and find a future together as both have always dreamed of?
What I Loved
This book was delicious in every way, I absolutely adored every single moment between these two! K. Bromberg definitely knows how to write such a solid story and she entertains so much. Reading this trilogy is making me realize how much I adore her books and her writing style and why she always works for me. Cuffed is a story where we really get to see the oldest in his prime and see how he and his girl are brought together. We get some flashbacks but honestly I didn't mind them at all. And I normally hate flashbacks, they were just really short and seemed to blend so well with the story that I barely even noticed them. And this is the type of second chance romance setups I actually really love to see and definitely makes sense in how its written as these two were seperated through outside forces and it happened when they were children.
I really found their dynamic so fascinating though. Their bantering was delicious, hilarious and lively. They are opposites in many respects, but they know how to fight so well and really have this healthy competition with each other that was amusing at its core. They both give and take and never back down from what they believe in. They have powerful chemistry that lights a fire on the page but have such poignant moments between them that just tie them on deep entrenching levels, which as a reader, you will become addicted to. They have serious issues to work through in this story though. There is pain and regrets that stand in the way of their HEA and I really enjoyed seeing how it all plays out in the end.
We also see a bit of a side story with Grant and a case that he is working on that really makes sense over the guilt he has over what happened with Emmy when they were children. I really enjoyed the multi dimensional layers that we see within his character and seeing him face up to his own pain that cost him his best friend because he wanted to do the right thing so she could be safe even if it cost him her friendship and love. Emmy has her own reservations to deal with, she has many trust issues that she needs to resolve and unanswered questions that being with Grant will lead to getting for her and so that she receives the closure that she needs to heal fully.
Both the characters have such solid strengths that have made them into people of drive and fortitude in their lives and seeing them let go of the barriers and show each other their vulnerabilities and be real with each other on deeper levels is what elevated this book to such a high rating for me. Their connection is so vibrant especially when they let go of past barriers and that ending....EPICALLY BEAUTIFUL!
What I Struggled With
There wasn't much that I actually struggled with. I didn't seem to understand the heroine though in some of her actions though, especially in the beginning. Her character might turn off some readers.
Overall View
Cuffed is a sensational romance that digs deep into serious issues, balanced out with charm and fun banter, and will deliver a satisfying gem of a romance!
Favorite Quote(s)
We forget the memories and just chase the moments.
Grant Malone seems to be the only one I’ll allow to upend my world. First to save me. And now to show me what it’s like to feel.
He brings calm to the chaos spinning out of control around me and within me. For the first time in a very, very long time, I allow myself to accept that. To accept him. To welcome it rather than push it away.
I stay like that for a few moments, caught between the push and pull of needing her to stay and never wanting her to feel pain again. Crushed by the realization that somehow I’m the one causing the discord in her life.
My need to show her she isn’t alone, that she’s beautiful inside and out takes hold.
I’m riding a high like I’ve never known before. Cheating death. Proving to her I trust her. Facing a fear. Everything. And all I can think about is claiming the goddamn prize of Emerson Reeves because adrenaline definitely has my blood pumping and is intensifying my need to have her.
“I’ve survived this far by closing myself off and not allowing myself to feel . . . and then you enter my life with your lights and sirens blazing, and it’s as if you’ve handcuffed me so that I can’t escape from you.
You’re not alone anymore, Emerson. You never were.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Dare Devil, Alpha Mellow, Protector
Themes: All the Feels, Childhood Ties, Family Bonds, All the Heart, PTSD, Tear Jerker, Witty Banter
Tropes: Second Chance
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict is more focused on that outer plot workings
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read these as standalones if needed.
Song This Book Inspires
There You'll Be by Faith Hill
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️.5
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Cuffed is the 1st book in the "Everyday Heroes" series and in this one here we have the oldest brother, who has taken after his father in the career department. This series focuses on a family of three sons who dedicate themselves to civic service and each son has a field that they go into: Law Enforcement, Fire Department and Air Rescue. In Cuffed, our hero is the son working on a career in Law Enforcement and this is also a second chance romance between him and a childhood friend and they were torn apart by circumstances and now our lovely heroine, has come back to the town that she grew up in for a fresh start and to settle down roots and for something more that she won't even admit to but knows what is drawing her back, and that is the one boy she never forgot.
First Line
My tummy feels icky, and if I look at Emmy, she'll know I've been crying.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Grant Malone
Oldest of the Malone boys, working on building his career and getting a promotion to Detective. He is driven, hard working, loves his sex, and has a compassionate heart and protective to a fault.
The Heroine: Emmy Reeves
Emmy, is a free spirit, she has never had a home to call her own. She has trauma and past abuses she is still working through, but building her own business in jumping out of planes and has no shame in never being in relationship and settling for one night stands.
Summary
Grant Malone and Emmy Reeves were childhood best friends. They were also next door neighbors. They had a deep connection even as children. But when they were seven, Grant learned a secret about Emmy. A secret he wasn't able to keep to himself because even then he was a protector and his girl was being hurt and in trouble. But Emmy saw it as a betrayal and she and her mom left town after it was all over. Now its years later, Grant and Emmy are mature adults but there are past issues between them to be resolved. When Grant sees Emmy and she runs away from him, he is determined to reconnect with Emmy and see why she is back and why she would run from him of all people. But Emmy has walls around her heart, she shields herself from anything that could risk her having to trust Grant again, she is still hurt by his betrayal and it has shaped her all of these years. But Grant is determined to win his girl no matter what it takes. But will Grant and Emmy be able to resolve the past mistakes and find a future together as both have always dreamed of?
What I Loved
This book was delicious in every way, I absolutely adored every single moment between these two! K. Bromberg definitely knows how to write such a solid story and she entertains so much. Reading this trilogy is making me realize how much I adore her books and her writing style and why she always works for me. Cuffed is a story where we really get to see the oldest in his prime and see how he and his girl are brought together. We get some flashbacks but honestly I didn't mind them at all. And I normally hate flashbacks, they were just really short and seemed to blend so well with the story that I barely even noticed them. And this is the type of second chance romance setups I actually really love to see and definitely makes sense in how its written as these two were seperated through outside forces and it happened when they were children.
I really found their dynamic so fascinating though. Their bantering was delicious, hilarious and lively. They are opposites in many respects, but they know how to fight so well and really have this healthy competition with each other that was amusing at its core. They both give and take and never back down from what they believe in. They have powerful chemistry that lights a fire on the page but have such poignant moments between them that just tie them on deep entrenching levels, which as a reader, you will become addicted to. They have serious issues to work through in this story though. There is pain and regrets that stand in the way of their HEA and I really enjoyed seeing how it all plays out in the end.
We also see a bit of a side story with Grant and a case that he is working on that really makes sense over the guilt he has over what happened with Emmy when they were children. I really enjoyed the multi dimensional layers that we see within his character and seeing him face up to his own pain that cost him his best friend because he wanted to do the right thing so she could be safe even if it cost him her friendship and love. Emmy has her own reservations to deal with, she has many trust issues that she needs to resolve and unanswered questions that being with Grant will lead to getting for her and so that she receives the closure that she needs to heal fully.
Both the characters have such solid strengths that have made them into people of drive and fortitude in their lives and seeing them let go of the barriers and show each other their vulnerabilities and be real with each other on deeper levels is what elevated this book to such a high rating for me. Their connection is so vibrant especially when they let go of past barriers and that ending....EPICALLY BEAUTIFUL!
What I Struggled With
There wasn't much that I actually struggled with. I didn't seem to understand the heroine though in some of her actions though, especially in the beginning. Her character might turn off some readers.
Overall View
Cuffed is a sensational romance that digs deep into serious issues, balanced out with charm and fun banter, and will deliver a satisfying gem of a romance!
Favorite Quote(s)
We forget the memories and just chase the moments.
Grant Malone seems to be the only one I’ll allow to upend my world. First to save me. And now to show me what it’s like to feel.
He brings calm to the chaos spinning out of control around me and within me. For the first time in a very, very long time, I allow myself to accept that. To accept him. To welcome it rather than push it away.
I stay like that for a few moments, caught between the push and pull of needing her to stay and never wanting her to feel pain again. Crushed by the realization that somehow I’m the one causing the discord in her life.
My need to show her she isn’t alone, that she’s beautiful inside and out takes hold.
I’m riding a high like I’ve never known before. Cheating death. Proving to her I trust her. Facing a fear. Everything. And all I can think about is claiming the goddamn prize of Emerson Reeves because adrenaline definitely has my blood pumping and is intensifying my need to have her.
“I’ve survived this far by closing myself off and not allowing myself to feel . . . and then you enter my life with your lights and sirens blazing, and it’s as if you’ve handcuffed me so that I can’t escape from you.
You’re not alone anymore, Emerson. You never were.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Dare Devil, Alpha Mellow, Protector
Themes: All the Feels, Childhood Ties, Family Bonds, All the Heart, PTSD, Tear Jerker, Witty Banter
Tropes: Second Chance
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict is more focused on that outer plot workings
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read these as standalones if needed.
Song This Book Inspires
There You'll Be by Faith Hill
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
bookworm0094's review against another edition
4.0
Cuffed was a sweet, steamy story that will take you on an emotional journey. I loved how in this book it wasn’t the hero who had the commitment issues. Emmy & Grant were childhood best friends who reconnect when their adults and sparks fly. I loved the Malone family and the banter between the Malone brothers.
jaycebeth's review against another edition
4.0
This one was a bit of a trigger read for me. It was about abuse. While I didn’t experience abuse as a child it was still a trauma trigger for me. There were parts I couldn’t bring myself to read. I let tears sting my eyes and soak the pages while thinking of all of the children possibly facing this type of horror while I read and even this very second. This one was hard for me to read, but very much worth it. We all need to be aware of the signs. We all need to be more active in helping show others there’s a way out. They aren’t alone and don’t have to go through it alone. ❤️
wanderingbear's review
5.0
Before I review this book, I do want to warn any survivors of childhood sexual abuse that this story may potentially be a trigger for you.
Now to my review.
Grant Malone has missed his childhood best friend ever since the day he broke his promise to her at eight years of age, and she disappeared. He's never forgotten how she told him she hated him, and that she never wanted to see him again as she was escorted by their teacher from the classroom. It was the last time he saw her.
Fast forward twenty years, he's now a police officer, and while on duty at a large event in town, he comes face to face with the same girl he loved as a little boy. She's even more beautiful than he remembered, but when he speaks to her, she pretends she doesn't know who he is and walks away as fast as she can.
Emerson Reeves is broken. Her best friend betrayed her when she told him a secret. He promised he wouldn't tell anyone ever. They even pinky promised on this one. He told anyway, and then she and her mum became gypsies, moving from place to place to stay safe.
Now she wants to lay down some roots, and an opportunity has come along back in the town she used to call home. Deep down she knew she would run into the boy she blamed for her life going to hell. Only he's no longer that little boy; now he's a sexier than all out police officer with a hero complex, and he wants her.
Can they overcome their past and build a future with one another? Or will their past destroy any hope of them ever becoming friends again?
I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down, except for a few moments where I needed to compose myself.
And I cried.
A lot.
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a 'trusted' family member, this book triggered me in ways I hadn't been before. Things I had thought were firmly locked away in the basement of my mind, have come to the forefront over the last couple of days.
Unlike Emerson, I didn't confide in anyone. Too afraid of the consequences of telling, and it getting back to my abuser. It took me over twenty years to acknowledge to myself that it happened to me at all, and another ten or so to confront my thoughts, fears and ghosts. My abuser was never faced with any punishments or accusations as they died before I was brave enough to say anything, effectively ending my many years of abuse.
I have to give Kristy Bromberg a big thumbs up and a thank you. The way in which the abuse was portrayed in this story was done so with care, dignity and without explicit, unnecessary details. For this I am grateful. Reading that she was a real life Grant, without some of the added fiction added to the story, helped me understand how she so tactfully portrayed everything in this book for the reader.
I felt a huge connection to both Emerson and Grant in this story. I found ways that seemed extreme to those around me who know of my background, to deal with my fear and anxiety over what happened to me as well. I also know the guilt and self-hatred. I didn't want to remember either, but after finding someone who loved me for who I am, I was able to deal with it all better. I have someone strong enough to face it all with me. Just as Emerson did with Grant.
'From here on out, we forget the memories and just chase the moments.' - Grant Malone.
This line resonated with me, and I've been repeating it in my head ever since. I'm still fighting my demons. I'm still fighting with my past, but I do want to live in the moment. And I intend on chasing the moments from now on.
One of the best books I have read in quite a long time. I can't even begin to tell you all exactly how I am feeling three days after reading it. I haven't been able to pick up another book since.
If I could give this book more than five stars I would.
I want to give more than five stars.
Thank you, Kristy @kbromberg . I too hope your Olive and her brother have found some happiness in their lives. Thank you for sharing part of your story.
Now to my review.
Grant Malone has missed his childhood best friend ever since the day he broke his promise to her at eight years of age, and she disappeared. He's never forgotten how she told him she hated him, and that she never wanted to see him again as she was escorted by their teacher from the classroom. It was the last time he saw her.
Fast forward twenty years, he's now a police officer, and while on duty at a large event in town, he comes face to face with the same girl he loved as a little boy. She's even more beautiful than he remembered, but when he speaks to her, she pretends she doesn't know who he is and walks away as fast as she can.
Emerson Reeves is broken. Her best friend betrayed her when she told him a secret. He promised he wouldn't tell anyone ever. They even pinky promised on this one. He told anyway, and then she and her mum became gypsies, moving from place to place to stay safe.
Now she wants to lay down some roots, and an opportunity has come along back in the town she used to call home. Deep down she knew she would run into the boy she blamed for her life going to hell. Only he's no longer that little boy; now he's a sexier than all out police officer with a hero complex, and he wants her.
Can they overcome their past and build a future with one another? Or will their past destroy any hope of them ever becoming friends again?
I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down, except for a few moments where I needed to compose myself.
And I cried.
A lot.
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a 'trusted' family member, this book triggered me in ways I hadn't been before. Things I had thought were firmly locked away in the basement of my mind, have come to the forefront over the last couple of days.
Unlike Emerson, I didn't confide in anyone. Too afraid of the consequences of telling, and it getting back to my abuser. It took me over twenty years to acknowledge to myself that it happened to me at all, and another ten or so to confront my thoughts, fears and ghosts. My abuser was never faced with any punishments or accusations as they died before I was brave enough to say anything, effectively ending my many years of abuse.
I have to give Kristy Bromberg a big thumbs up and a thank you. The way in which the abuse was portrayed in this story was done so with care, dignity and without explicit, unnecessary details. For this I am grateful. Reading that she was a real life Grant, without some of the added fiction added to the story, helped me understand how she so tactfully portrayed everything in this book for the reader.
I felt a huge connection to both Emerson and Grant in this story. I found ways that seemed extreme to those around me who know of my background, to deal with my fear and anxiety over what happened to me as well. I also know the guilt and self-hatred. I didn't want to remember either, but after finding someone who loved me for who I am, I was able to deal with it all better. I have someone strong enough to face it all with me. Just as Emerson did with Grant.
'From here on out, we forget the memories and just chase the moments.' - Grant Malone.
This line resonated with me, and I've been repeating it in my head ever since. I'm still fighting my demons. I'm still fighting with my past, but I do want to live in the moment. And I intend on chasing the moments from now on.
One of the best books I have read in quite a long time. I can't even begin to tell you all exactly how I am feeling three days after reading it. I haven't been able to pick up another book since.
If I could give this book more than five stars I would.
I want to give more than five stars.
Thank you, Kristy @kbromberg . I too hope your Olive and her brother have found some happiness in their lives. Thank you for sharing part of your story.
juliaaa02's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0