goaskalix's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars.
Not a bad read, and definitely a quick one.
Despite a male protagonist that I did not like at all (frankly, kind of an irredeemable asshole) and some fantastically awkward, cringe-worthy smut talk, I like some of the secondary characters (cough, cough Blue and James) enough to keep reading.
Not a bad read, and definitely a quick one.
Despite a male protagonist that I did not like at all (frankly, kind of an irredeemable asshole) and some fantastically awkward, cringe-worthy smut talk, I like some of the secondary characters (cough, cough Blue and James) enough to keep reading.
bookaddict1975's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ★★★★ I liked the story. I really liked Mac and I really liked Deacon in the beginning but he lost his appeal when he was with Mac, he just seemed a little "pansyish". I like my guys to be alpha and he totally was unless he was with her, like the first time they were 'together', the things he said to her would NEVER come out of any guys mouth that I know. But other than that I enjoyed the book and will be reading the next in the series.
geo_ix's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars.
For he most part this was an enjoyable read. I didn’t hate nor love it.
The sex scenes were definitely not my favourite. In fact they made me cringe at times but that was a totally personal thing for me - I found his ‘dirty talk’ very off putting.
I liked the diary thing but disliked that it wasn’t concluded in this book. I get it’s to get you to read on but really I’m just annoyed lol.
Didn’t like that he was still demonised at the end for wanting to destroy a place of trauma for him. And her turning her back to let him to what he wanted was a little shit. It’s not like she’s moving to the next farm over or something she’s leaving completely and had it planned out for straight away. I get why she was mad, but I don’t accept how she dealt with all this.
I also didn’t like how we saw other brothers POV’s. Understandable to get the info in the end, but until the end I was always like ugh go away I don’t care about this assistant or a brother doing mundane things.
I will say it was easy to read. A quick one day read for me and it kept me reading which has been an issue for me lately. Unsure if I’ll continue, but I’ll be spoiling it for myself in a second anyway because I’m nosey and I need answers for the sister lol
For he most part this was an enjoyable read. I didn’t hate nor love it.
The sex scenes were definitely not my favourite. In fact they made me cringe at times but that was a totally personal thing for me - I found his ‘dirty talk’ very off putting.
I liked the diary thing but disliked that it wasn’t concluded in this book. I get it’s to get you to read on but really I’m just annoyed lol.
Didn’t like that he was still demonised at the end for wanting to destroy a place of trauma for him. And her turning her back to let him to what he wanted was a little shit. It’s not like she’s moving to the next farm over or something she’s leaving completely and had it planned out for straight away. I get why she was mad, but I don’t accept how she dealt with all this.
I also didn’t like how we saw other brothers POV’s. Understandable to get the info in the end, but until the end I was always like ugh go away I don’t care about this assistant or a brother doing mundane things.
I will say it was easy to read. A quick one day read for me and it kept me reading which has been an issue for me lately. Unsure if I’ll continue, but I’ll be spoiling it for myself in a second anyway because I’m nosey and I need answers for the sister lol
enchantressofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Let me start by saying I LOVE Laura Wright! I'm a huge fan and she's an auto-buy author for me as well! When I first found out she was righting a Western Contemporary Romance, I KNEW it was going to be HOT! And boy was I right!!!
Laura always does a great job with world building and this includes her contemporary romances. In "Branded" we're taken to the west and into the world of the "Triple C", a ranch with many dark memories. The tragic death of Cass over ten years ago was the catalysis of ripping a family apart. Secrets kept them apart. Now another death brings the Cavanaugh brothers back to the one place none of them wished to be. The thing is, that no one knows what the Cavanaugh brothers have gone through and we as readers get a glimpse of from Deacon's POV and information trickles in throughout the story. We find out the history and background of events as Mac finds out and what we find out is a surprise.
Mac is feisty, smart and independent. She suffered the loss of her best friend Cass, and now her mentor and the man she looked as a father figure is also gone. The one place she's ever called home and has worked so hard for is in danger of being destroyed thanks to Deacon. Determined to not lose her home and the towns main source of employment, she will fight. She also fights her attraction and feelings for Deacon.
Deacon is a powerful business man who swears his heart is cold. Yet, it burns and yearns for Mac. Granted, this isn't a good thing as his sole purpose is to destroy the one thing she loves most in the world. Their attraction is instant and for Mac, one she's had for him since she was a pre-teen. Deacon struggles to keep the promise he made to himself all those years ago and the possibility of being with Mac.
We get to know Cole and James Cavanaugh a little and each will have their book (woohoo). Cole is Cass's twin brother and the youngest of the brothers. He's a champion UFC fighter, with sleeve tattoos and one bad ass attitude! James is a famous horse whisper that makes all the ladies swoons. He is quiet and mysterious and feels more comfortable with his horses than with people.
I LOVED seeing the bond between the Cavanaugh brothers! Their bantering and the humorous moments really showcase the love for each other.
From the blurb, we all know they have another brother by the name of Blue. Mac and Blue are best friends and co-works at the Triple C. She relies on him for that brotherly love and comfort. This sparks some jealously from Deacon, which is fun to see!
Laura did a fantastic job of creating characters be unique and have you wanting to get to know them better. The story is one that tugs at your heart and the steamy scenes make your nether regions quiver.
Overall, a great read and a great start to the series.
Laura always does a great job with world building and this includes her contemporary romances. In "Branded" we're taken to the west and into the world of the "Triple C", a ranch with many dark memories. The tragic death of Cass over ten years ago was the catalysis of ripping a family apart. Secrets kept them apart. Now another death brings the Cavanaugh brothers back to the one place none of them wished to be. The thing is, that no one knows what the Cavanaugh brothers have gone through and we as readers get a glimpse of from Deacon's POV and information trickles in throughout the story. We find out the history and background of events as Mac finds out and what we find out is a surprise.
Mac is feisty, smart and independent. She suffered the loss of her best friend Cass, and now her mentor and the man she looked as a father figure is also gone. The one place she's ever called home and has worked so hard for is in danger of being destroyed thanks to Deacon. Determined to not lose her home and the towns main source of employment, she will fight. She also fights her attraction and feelings for Deacon.
Deacon is a powerful business man who swears his heart is cold. Yet, it burns and yearns for Mac. Granted, this isn't a good thing as his sole purpose is to destroy the one thing she loves most in the world. Their attraction is instant and for Mac, one she's had for him since she was a pre-teen. Deacon struggles to keep the promise he made to himself all those years ago and the possibility of being with Mac.
We get to know Cole and James Cavanaugh a little and each will have their book (woohoo). Cole is Cass's twin brother and the youngest of the brothers. He's a champion UFC fighter, with sleeve tattoos and one bad ass attitude! James is a famous horse whisper that makes all the ladies swoons. He is quiet and mysterious and feels more comfortable with his horses than with people.
I LOVED seeing the bond between the Cavanaugh brothers! Their bantering and the humorous moments really showcase the love for each other.
From the blurb, we all know they have another brother by the name of Blue. Mac and Blue are best friends and co-works at the Triple C. She relies on him for that brotherly love and comfort. This sparks some jealously from Deacon, which is fun to see!
Laura did a fantastic job of creating characters be unique and have you wanting to get to know them better. The story is one that tugs at your heart and the steamy scenes make your nether regions quiver.
Overall, a great read and a great start to the series.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Branded
4 Stars
After the death of their father, Deacon Cavanaugh and his brothers return home to the Triple C ranch with one goal - to destroy the ranch and their father's legacy. But Deacon's determination is tested when the ranch foreman, Mackenzie Byrd, challenges him at every turn, and soon he will have to choose between his obsession for revenge and a future with the woman he cannot live without.
While Deacon and Mac have strong chemistry, their backstory is underdeveloped, and their romance has little going for it other than insta-lust. Aside from mentioning Mac's girlish crush and Deacon's annoyance at her friendship with his sister, Cass, there are few details of their past acquaintance. Moreover, the transition of their relationship from opponents to soulmates is sudden and unrealistic, as is Deacon's decision with regard to the ranch at the end.
That said, the rest of the plot elements are much more intriguing. In addition to the kernels of a murder mystery, there are also snippets focusing on the lives of Deacon's brothers, all of whom have problems and secrets of their own. It will be interesting to see where the author takes these characters.
In sum, despite the shortcomings of the romance, Branded is a well-written and entertaining read and the mystery has definite possibilities.
4 Stars
After the death of their father, Deacon Cavanaugh and his brothers return home to the Triple C ranch with one goal - to destroy the ranch and their father's legacy. But Deacon's determination is tested when the ranch foreman, Mackenzie Byrd, challenges him at every turn, and soon he will have to choose between his obsession for revenge and a future with the woman he cannot live without.
While Deacon and Mac have strong chemistry, their backstory is underdeveloped, and their romance has little going for it other than insta-lust. Aside from mentioning Mac's girlish crush and Deacon's annoyance at her friendship with his sister, Cass, there are few details of their past acquaintance. Moreover, the transition of their relationship from opponents to soulmates is sudden and unrealistic, as is Deacon's decision with regard to the ranch at the end.
That said, the rest of the plot elements are much more intriguing. In addition to the kernels of a murder mystery, there are also snippets focusing on the lives of Deacon's brothers, all of whom have problems and secrets of their own. It will be interesting to see where the author takes these characters.
In sum, despite the shortcomings of the romance, Branded is a well-written and entertaining read and the mystery has definite possibilities.
tfail24's review against another edition
4.0
This book started a little slow for me, but then it Deacon and Mac drew me in and I couldn't wait to see what happened with the ranch and their relationship.
I can't wait to read Broken; James and Sheridan's story ☆
I can't wait to read Broken; James and Sheridan's story ☆
cocktailsandbooks1's review against another edition
4.0
Shannon's Thoughts
3.5 Cocktails
I'm not usually a cowboy romance person, but I was intrigued as to what kind of spin Laura Wright would put on a western type romance. I love her paranormal books and really enjoyed her spin at the bad boy tattoo artists, so I figured I'd give this one a try.
This first book in the Cavanaugh Brothers series focuses on older brother, Deacon. He's come back home to get his hands on the family ranch now that his father's passed away. The ranch holds bad memories of the death of his little sister and the torment suffered after she was gone. I found myself both loving and hating Deacon. He was a stubborn ass, hell bent on doing what he wanted regardless of what his brother wanted to do when it came to the ranch. But we saw cracks in his a-hole facade when it came to ranch foreman and his sister's best friend, Mac Byrd.
Makenzie (or Mac) wanted nothing more than to save the ranch she had grown to love. Not only was it a place she called home after her father died, but it kept her close to the memories of her childhood best friend. Mac could be just as stubborn as Deacon, but she was trying to save something that meant a lot to not only her, but to the small town that depended on what the ranch brought in. She may have hated what Deacon was trying to do, but she couldn't deny the feelings she had for him...which instead of being a young girl's crush was now full of a woman's lust.
I liked Mac and Deacon together. She was a little rough around the edges, but she was able to soften Deacon. Show him what was really important in his life. She understood where he was coming from and why he was hell bent on destroying his family's ranch, but she was also determined to help him understand what is was going to take for him to no longer be chased by those demons. Sparks fly between these two..whether it's their verbal jabs at each other or the dirty talk they use when they're in bed....these two are HAWT. And the dirty talk is D-I-R-T-Y!
The death of the Cavanaugh brothers' sister will most likely play out throughout the series. We get snippets of her diary throughout Mac and Deacon's story. It's this diary that is key to what happened to Cass and I have a feeling it will be key in each brother's story as we get closer to finding out what really happened to her.
I liked the start to the series. I'm hoping James' story is next and that we discover behind that very quiet facade is another dirty Cavanaugh brother. If you enjoy Laura Wright's books, this is definitely one to pick up.
Sheri's Thoughts
River Black, Texas and the Triple C Ranch are both places that I would love to visit after seeing it through Mackenzie ‘Mac’ Byrd’s eyes. She’s a great heroine and I loved how rough and tumble she was but still capable of being a very feminine woman. I loved that she had such a big crush on Deacon Cavanaugh growing up, and that the crush grew up right with her. Mac and Deacon together despite his grumpiness, which he has every right to, are a great couple.
My only issue with this story was the way the author hopped from character perspectives, I loved being able to connect with what other characters and Cavanaugh brothers were thinking, but the hopping happened choppily. I’m hoping that’s something that will be fixed in the final copy, because as it stands that detracts from the story and makes it a bit muddled.
I look forward to each of the Cavanaugh brothers’ stories, because I know that they each have their own journey and demons to put to rest, and I really look forward to meeting the women who will tame them.
Ms. Wright does a fabulous job creating a rich world for these cowboys and men to live, and gives them a rich, if painful past, and I definitely enjoyed it and recommend the story to fans of cowboy and western romances.
3.5 Cocktails
I'm not usually a cowboy romance person, but I was intrigued as to what kind of spin Laura Wright would put on a western type romance. I love her paranormal books and really enjoyed her spin at the bad boy tattoo artists, so I figured I'd give this one a try.
This first book in the Cavanaugh Brothers series focuses on older brother, Deacon. He's come back home to get his hands on the family ranch now that his father's passed away. The ranch holds bad memories of the death of his little sister and the torment suffered after she was gone. I found myself both loving and hating Deacon. He was a stubborn ass, hell bent on doing what he wanted regardless of what his brother wanted to do when it came to the ranch. But we saw cracks in his a-hole facade when it came to ranch foreman and his sister's best friend, Mac Byrd.
Makenzie (or Mac) wanted nothing more than to save the ranch she had grown to love. Not only was it a place she called home after her father died, but it kept her close to the memories of her childhood best friend. Mac could be just as stubborn as Deacon, but she was trying to save something that meant a lot to not only her, but to the small town that depended on what the ranch brought in. She may have hated what Deacon was trying to do, but she couldn't deny the feelings she had for him...which instead of being a young girl's crush was now full of a woman's lust.
I liked Mac and Deacon together. She was a little rough around the edges, but she was able to soften Deacon. Show him what was really important in his life. She understood where he was coming from and why he was hell bent on destroying his family's ranch, but she was also determined to help him understand what is was going to take for him to no longer be chased by those demons. Sparks fly between these two..whether it's their verbal jabs at each other or the dirty talk they use when they're in bed....these two are HAWT. And the dirty talk is D-I-R-T-Y!
The death of the Cavanaugh brothers' sister will most likely play out throughout the series. We get snippets of her diary throughout Mac and Deacon's story. It's this diary that is key to what happened to Cass and I have a feeling it will be key in each brother's story as we get closer to finding out what really happened to her.
I liked the start to the series. I'm hoping James' story is next and that we discover behind that very quiet facade is another dirty Cavanaugh brother. If you enjoy Laura Wright's books, this is definitely one to pick up.
Sheri's Thoughts
River Black, Texas and the Triple C Ranch are both places that I would love to visit after seeing it through Mackenzie ‘Mac’ Byrd’s eyes. She’s a great heroine and I loved how rough and tumble she was but still capable of being a very feminine woman. I loved that she had such a big crush on Deacon Cavanaugh growing up, and that the crush grew up right with her. Mac and Deacon together despite his grumpiness, which he has every right to, are a great couple.
My only issue with this story was the way the author hopped from character perspectives, I loved being able to connect with what other characters and Cavanaugh brothers were thinking, but the hopping happened choppily. I’m hoping that’s something that will be fixed in the final copy, because as it stands that detracts from the story and makes it a bit muddled.
I look forward to each of the Cavanaugh brothers’ stories, because I know that they each have their own journey and demons to put to rest, and I really look forward to meeting the women who will tame them.
Ms. Wright does a fabulous job creating a rich world for these cowboys and men to live, and gives them a rich, if painful past, and I definitely enjoyed it and recommend the story to fans of cowboy and western romances.
labraden's review against another edition
4.0
Mackenzie Byrd has been foreman at the Triple C ranch for years, but now that Everett Cavanaugh has died, her position and her life seem less certain. Deacon Cavanaugh harbors a hatred for his father which has fueled his desire to destroy the ranch that is the root of the pain that has infected himself and his brothers since their sister, Cass, was abducted and killed. Now that his father is dead, Deacon has the chance to bulldoze the ranch and his torment along with it. Mac mourned the loss of her best friend, Cass, but has managed to move on with her life. Mac's crush on Deacon eased when he left, and she remained on the land and with the people that she cared about. Now Mac and Deacon are at odds and battling over the fate of the ranch, while at the same time, they battle the attraction that they have for one another.
Branded is a well-written western romance with a depth of emotion charged by revelations from both the past and present. However, a story line involving a business takeover, reminiscent of Pretty Woman, seems to have a fairly weak resolution. Also, the romance between Mac and Deacon intensifies almost too quickly but can be explained by their history and feelings they shared from their past. The mystery of Cass's death seems to be a thread that will run through the entire series as a few clues including entries from her diary are revealed throughout this book. Overall, this is a good story with likable characters, lots of conflict, and profound emotion, making it an enjoyable read and hard to put down.
Branded is a well-written western romance with a depth of emotion charged by revelations from both the past and present. However, a story line involving a business takeover, reminiscent of Pretty Woman, seems to have a fairly weak resolution. Also, the romance between Mac and Deacon intensifies almost too quickly but can be explained by their history and feelings they shared from their past. The mystery of Cass's death seems to be a thread that will run through the entire series as a few clues including entries from her diary are revealed throughout this book. Overall, this is a good story with likable characters, lots of conflict, and profound emotion, making it an enjoyable read and hard to put down.
sarcasticromancereader's review against another edition
3.0
3 saddle up stars!
This is a charming, slightly predictable, story of Deacon & Mackenzie. This is a brother to best-friend, unrequited love type of story that ends up being a battle of wills and emotions.
I loved Mac!! She was a kick ass cowgirl who didn’t take crap from anyone and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty to get the job done. It was lovely to see her feminine side come out on occasion too; reminding us that she’s also a woman. Deacon is a wealthy business man who still has a whole lot of cowboy in him. I love that he’s a little bit cocky, a bit of a dirty talker and can look good in a suit or a Stetson.
I liked the additional side character POV’s, they gave us an insight into what I’m assuming are the next books in the series.
I had a couple of small issues with this book. The chemistry between Mac & Deacon seemed to only be based on looks and not that they possibly had any deep relationship based on the years and years that they’ve known each other. My other issue was the sex scenes, they were a bit awkward and the continued use of the words “cream” and “honey” were cringe worthy.
This is my first book from Laura Wright and the first book in the Cavanaugh Brother’s series. I might give book 2 a try because I’m very curious to read James “The Horse Whisperer” Cavanaugh’s story and to learn more about the mystery of Cass’s murder.
This is a charming, slightly predictable, story of Deacon & Mackenzie.
Spoiler
Deacon is a rancher’s son who has come back home after his father passes away. One big surprise is that his father has left the ranch to him, his three brothers and another brother they knew nothing about. Deacon wants nothing more than to destroy his childhood homes and the memories attached to it, specifically those surrounding the abduction and murder of his younger sister, Cass. Mac is the ranch’s forewoman, Cass’s childhood best friend, calls the Triple C her home and Deacon’s father was like a father-figure to her, guiding her and taking her under his wing when she needed it most.I loved Mac!! She was a kick ass cowgirl who didn’t take crap from anyone and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty to get the job done. It was lovely to see her feminine side come out on occasion too; reminding us that she’s also a woman. Deacon is a wealthy business man who still has a whole lot of cowboy in him. I love that he’s a little bit cocky, a bit of a dirty talker and can look good in a suit or a Stetson.
I liked the additional side character POV’s, they gave us an insight into what I’m assuming are the next books in the series.
I had a couple of small issues with this book. The chemistry between Mac & Deacon seemed to only be based on looks and not that they possibly had any deep relationship based on the years and years that they’ve known each other. My other issue was the sex scenes, they were a bit awkward and the continued use of the words “cream” and “honey” were cringe worthy.
This is my first book from Laura Wright and the first book in the Cavanaugh Brother’s series. I might give book 2 a try because I’m very curious to read James “The Horse Whisperer” Cavanaugh’s story and to learn more about the mystery of Cass’s murder.