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I wanted to grab him by his beefy shoulders and shake him at certain points but I liked how this story unfolded. Finding romance so quick after a tragedy stories are usually tough with pacing but this one was great.
4.5 stars
There is just something about this author that speaks to me. Her characters, the storylines, and the circumstances that bring the situation to life are all authentic and real. If I close my eyes I can feel what they are experiencing. Whether it is a smell, a sound, a touch, or even a feeling I will experience it the way that the characters do.
This story, I am okay with admitting, hurt to the point that my heart got lodged in my throat. The loss here was profound. I almost got mad that I couldn't have met Cal and Mel first But then I quickly caboshed that thought because I would have been even MORE devastated if they had a story and then they didn't exist. That is the power of this author and her ability to MOVE her audience. I loved watching Brady and Kat navigate this awful situation and try and stay afloat for the sake of a little girl that needs them. I also appreciated that they had to work hard. There was no sugarcoating the fact that this was financially a strain on top of trying to not sink into depression over what was lost and why they were here in the first place. It made the story that much more authentic and relatable.
I loved the Dearest series and knew that there was something to Brady when I first read about him. I am glad that he got to have a chance at love. Goodness knows he deserved it. I also am glad that the author told this story in a dual POV. It really adds something to the story being able to see both sides. Highly recommend.
There is just something about this author that speaks to me. Her characters, the storylines, and the circumstances that bring the situation to life are all authentic and real. If I close my eyes I can feel what they are experiencing. Whether it is a smell, a sound, a touch, or even a feeling I will experience it the way that the characters do.
This story, I am okay with admitting, hurt to the point that my heart got lodged in my throat. The loss here was profound. I almost got mad that I couldn't have met Cal and Mel first But then I quickly caboshed that thought because I would have been even MORE devastated if they had a story and then they didn't exist. That is the power of this author and her ability to MOVE her audience. I loved watching Brady and Kat navigate this awful situation and try and stay afloat for the sake of a little girl that needs them. I also appreciated that they had to work hard. There was no sugarcoating the fact that this was financially a strain on top of trying to not sink into depression over what was lost and why they were here in the first place. It made the story that much more authentic and relatable.
I loved the Dearest series and knew that there was something to Brady when I first read about him. I am glad that he got to have a chance at love. Goodness knows he deserved it. I also am glad that the author told this story in a dual POV. It really adds something to the story being able to see both sides. Highly recommend.

⭐️ 4 "Lavender" Stars ⭐️
After a long while sitting on my TBR list, I finally decided to listened to the audiobook of Shameless and what a great decision it was! I savored Katherine and Brady’s romance!
This is the kind of story that is just too sweet and sexy not to thoroughly enjoy. It had me smiling and laughing, but also blushing from the steamy encounters shared between this couple. I’m a fan of these small town romances with all the happy feelings they provide and this one was so good.
Brady is this sexy tattooed man with a heart of gold. He's sent to Texas to take care of things after his brother's tragic death and discovers he’s left the guardian of his baby niece, Isabella. Katherine, his late sister-in-law’s friend, lives on the lavender farm where he’s staying. Tha woman is such a beautiful soul; sweet and shy. I enjoyed how Brady made her so flustered at times with all his sexiness and she just spoke everything on her mind. She’s sweetly awkward! I really like this type of genuine character.
They’re both left broken hearted from the lost of their loved ones, but together they slowly mend their shattered pieces. They share some really touching moments together, where I was teary-eyed. They’re such a lovely couple and the way they effortlessly form a new family for little Isabella was utterly beautiful!
The narrators were so perfect for both characters. They embodied them flawlessly. The voices fit the personality of the hero and heroine to a T, with the right inflection and emotion delivered throughout the story. Lex Martin is without a doubt an author I need to read more of her back list stories, as this book was another winner for me!
I am a huge fan of Lex Martin's Dearest Series and was thrilled when she announced a spin-off. Brady plays a minor role in that series and you definitely don't have to read them in order to enjoy this one. However, it is one of my favorite NA series, and I highly recommend them if you are looking an awesome NA experience. Brady may come off as a "bad boy" but he really is a good man and has a heart of gold. That is evident from the early chapters when his world is turned completely upside down.
"I'm sorry brother. You had a beautiful dream."
Katherine does not appear in any of the Dearest books, but I adored her character right away. She has a sweet and nurturing personality. She and Brady are dealing with heavy and life changing issues, but the book never feels sad or depressing. Right away these two seem to share a connection. Isabella, Brady's niece, is adorable and completely steals the spotlight. Some of my favorite moments are with her and Brady. How can a big, tattoo artist, be such a softie for a little girl? I also enjoyed all the tension between Brady and Katherine. This is definitely a slow burn in the beginning. I felt like singing "Kiss the Girl," throughout several chapters. The two have sexual chemistry, and once things take off, they really get quite hot. It was always obvious at some point, one or both of them would have their heart involved.
...Brady makes me want to take risks.
While reading, I often become so involved with the people, I overlook the background and minor details, but that is not the case here. The setting is a vital aspect and added depth and uniqueness to this book. It's obvious that Lex Martin is either familiar or has Texas in her soul. I appreciated all the small details and nuances she includes about the region and the farm. I could close my eyes and see the lavender fields. All the town people and little critters added a sweet and endearing charm. The book would not have felt the same without it.
I adored this book, but do have a few minor complaints. Even though it is a spin off, I was sad there are no appearances from the Dearest clan. Secondly, Lex Martin writes good steamy scenes, but there are times when I felt it distracted from the progression of the story. Lastly, I wanted more at the end, but then again, I usually do. Despite these few small issues, I really enjoyed Brady and Katherine and hope to see them again.
If you are looking for a sexy but sweet, friends to lovers romance, I recommend this one for you! Some of the story line is melancholy in the beginning, but it never felt more than a light hearted read. I cannot wait for whatever Lex Martin writes next.
"I'm sorry brother. You had a beautiful dream."
Katherine does not appear in any of the Dearest books, but I adored her character right away. She has a sweet and nurturing personality. She and Brady are dealing with heavy and life changing issues, but the book never feels sad or depressing. Right away these two seem to share a connection. Isabella, Brady's niece, is adorable and completely steals the spotlight. Some of my favorite moments are with her and Brady. How can a big, tattoo artist, be such a softie for a little girl? I also enjoyed all the tension between Brady and Katherine. This is definitely a slow burn in the beginning. I felt like singing "Kiss the Girl," throughout several chapters. The two have sexual chemistry, and once things take off, they really get quite hot. It was always obvious at some point, one or both of them would have their heart involved.
...Brady makes me want to take risks.
While reading, I often become so involved with the people, I overlook the background and minor details, but that is not the case here. The setting is a vital aspect and added depth and uniqueness to this book. It's obvious that Lex Martin is either familiar or has Texas in her soul. I appreciated all the small details and nuances she includes about the region and the farm. I could close my eyes and see the lavender fields. All the town people and little critters added a sweet and endearing charm. The book would not have felt the same without it.
I adored this book, but do have a few minor complaints. Even though it is a spin off, I was sad there are no appearances from the Dearest clan. Secondly, Lex Martin writes good steamy scenes, but there are times when I felt it distracted from the progression of the story. Lastly, I wanted more at the end, but then again, I usually do. Despite these few small issues, I really enjoyed Brady and Katherine and hope to see them again.
If you are looking for a sexy but sweet, friends to lovers romance, I recommend this one for you! Some of the story line is melancholy in the beginning, but it never felt more than a light hearted read. I cannot wait for whatever Lex Martin writes next.
dnf’ed at 50%
The book is dragging and I just don’t care what happens to these people.
The book is dragging and I just don’t care what happens to these people.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Sweet romance. Reminds me of 'Life as we know it' on a farm. It was a little predictable at times. I would probably read it again.
This is a common romance trope, I know what I was getting in to. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the story that much.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Okay, I think I found another auto buy author??
Shameless follows the romance between Brady and Katherine.
Brady is a tattoo artist from Boston, but relocates to Texas when a tragic leaving his brother and his brother's wife dead. Now Brady is left caring for their baby and their Lavender farm. It is here he meets Katherine. Katherine was best friends with his brother's wife and was kind of a live-in nanny for them. Not only that, but Katherine did a lot for the farm as well. She made essential oils, soaps, etc, that they would sell at farmers markets and whatnot.
Brady and Katherine work together to keep the farm thriving and coparent baby Izzy.
If you have seen Life As We Know it, this gave me those vibes. (but different, of course).
Shameless follows the romance between Brady and Katherine.
Brady is a tattoo artist from Boston, but relocates to Texas when a tragic leaving his brother and his brother's wife dead. Now Brady is left caring for their baby and their Lavender farm. It is here he meets Katherine. Katherine was best friends with his brother's wife and was kind of a live-in nanny for them. Not only that, but Katherine did a lot for the farm as well. She made essential oils, soaps, etc, that they would sell at farmers markets and whatnot.
Brady and Katherine work together to keep the farm thriving and coparent baby Izzy.
If you have seen Life As We Know it, this gave me those vibes. (but different, of course).
This is my second time reading Brady and Katherine's romance, and although it has been a while since the very first time I read their story, I still found it to be an amazing and beautiful story of an unexpected love. Five out if five, for sure!