Reviews

Braced for Love by Mary Connealy

farmfreshlisa's review against another edition

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4.0

I was thrilled to start a new series by Mary Connealy! I love her cowboy series and this one looks to be pretty awesome. A man who has three families? Three sons who don't know about each other until the will is read? yes please! Even though I know that Kevin was the main character for this book, I'm most intrigued to read about the mysterious tracker brother. He totally is going to hook up with Wyatt's sister. So I can't wait until their story happens. This was a great kickoff book. I think in some parts it was a wee bit predictable, but that's okay. I think this series is going to get better and better with each book. Also, Kevin's sister is pretty awesome. I also totally related with Kevin's challenges as a farmer in cattle country. LOL.

riellareads's review against another edition

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4.0

When Kevin Hunt learns of the inheritance of a part of a ranch in Wyoming, he brings his younger siblings to claim it. After all there is little left for him in Missouri, even if the ranch is also going to a half-brother he has never met. It seems that his supposedly dead father has more secrets than anyone knew. Danger follows the siblings, up to a ranch where Kevin can’t help but suspect his half-brother, Wyatt. As tempers flare and suspicions only grow, Kevin finds a reluctant friend in Winona Hawkins. Win, school teacher of the town and long-time friend of Wyatt, finds herself drawn to earnest and kind Kevin, who is just as hurt and confused as the rest of them. As a dangerous plot looms, will the unlikely family be able to put aside their differences in time to keep themselves safe?
I have read quite a few of Ms. Connealy’s books and I must say, it is always lovely to read! I love the theme of family that is found in so many of her books! And this one does not disappoint! First of all Kevin and his siblings, they are so cute! He is the oldest and in some ways is more of a parental figure to them. He is steady and grounded. They are a very close-knit group and take care of one another. Upon coming to Wyoming, they discover more family and secrets than they realized. There seems to be suspicion all around. An attempt on their lives leaves Kevin with few choices, he is determined to take care of his siblings and do right by his new-found family. Win is intriguing to him, both for her level-headedness and her calm competence. She was doing her best to look out for as many people as possible, even though she herself was in difficult circumstances. I liked Win, she felt very genuine. I really empathized with her as she tried to help those around her. I thought that they really complimented one another, they were both caring and thoughtful. It was so sweet how aligned they seemed to be.
I also enjoy how Ms. Connealy’s series connects, the overarching storyline that usually follows a family. Braced for Love is the first in the Brothers in Arms series and as you read it, you can see the foundations of the next books, which I love! It is so cool to already get to know the characters and I am so excited for the next books. Although, some mysteries have been solved and some of the plots are foiled, there are still secrets that are yet to be uncovered. It is exciting to see the uncovering of things throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy clean Western romances! It is a great start to the series!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

jbro12's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

emlickliter's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

5.0

Braced for Love (Brothers in Arms, #1) by Mary Connealy – Three brothers realize that their lowdown varmint of a father left the three of them equal shares in a ranch that by rights wasn’t really his. Kevin needs a place to start over with his brother and sister after living through the Civil War in Kansas, but first he has to figure out who keeps shooting at him. This may be a bitter, grumpy, secretive family, but they are better off sticking together! Happy Reading!
 

kbaney's review against another edition

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5.0

Loves the plot twists and turns. Gripping and engaging read with a touch of romance.

rachel_loves_2_read's review against another edition

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4.0

I very much enjoyed this book. I do however have so many questions! I’m fairly sure most if not all will be handled in the other three books. Although this is a Christian romance there are no sermons. Something I’m very grateful for in books like these.

betherin02's review against another edition

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5.0

Kevin is a wonderful family man-type hero. He's loyal and hardworking and like most big brothers, thinks he knows best.

The Brothers in Arms series takes the secret siblings concept to a Wyoming ranch bequeathed to three half-brothers under questionable circumstances. Additional siblings and family friends round out the eclectic makeshift family as adventure and mystery drive Kevin, Falcon, and Wyatt's stories.

Although the three books share portions of an overlapping timeline, each has a satisfying conclusion. Readers experience the benefit of multiple characters' reactions to pivotal events, refreshing their memory of previous stories without simply retelling.

Connealy's signature romantic comedy and forthright banter soften the edges of past and present trauma as the Hunt brothers gradually uncover and process the full scope of their father's nefarious behavior. I thoroughly enjoyed these stories and their themes of trust, faith, legacy, and family.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

abigailkayharris's review against another edition

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4.0

What could go wrong with brothers who had no idea they had brothers?

Okay, the way that Connealy writes a western romance with a touch of comedy is always wonderful, but that she can do it over and over again just makes me love her books more and more!

Braced for Love pulled me in right away, the bigger cast of characters made the story better and didn't drag it down or cause confusion, and the way that the main characters are forging a family is just so sweet. I highly recommend Braced for Love to romantic western lovers.

18+ due to content that is brought to light due to sins that a father tried to hide.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

melmo2610's review against another edition

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5.0

This my new favorite Mary Connealy book. What a fantastic start to her new series! It starts off with a bang(literally!) and it keeps an intriguing story line through out. It has a great cast of characters, lots of Mary's trademark humor and an exciting ending. Do not miss this one! I can not wait for the rest of this series!! It can't come soon enough for me.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

michellef's review against another edition

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4.0

Braced For Love is a historical romance novel by author Mary Connealy. Braced For Love is book one in the Brothers In Arms series.

Braced For Love is the beginning story of three brothers who have inherited land from their sidewinder father. However, neither brother knows the other exists until they receive the will.

After reading the second book, A Man With A Past, I found a lot of book one to be familiar territory. I do believe the story could have been written in two books instead of three. So far, my favorite novel is book two.

The sidewinder father is only mentioned in passing, he is not the main character. I would suggest if the reader begins with book one be prepared very little is new in book two. I do plan to complete reading the series.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255