Caught Up In You

The Monroes series

by Jules Bennett

The Monroe brothers have their differences, but one project unites them: turning an antebellum mansion in their Haven, Georgia, hometown into a peaceful spa. It was the dream of their late sister—and it’s about to set off a major renovation in the life of middle brother Braxton…

Braxton Monroe’s taking a break from teaching to do some strenuous work on a Civil War–era house, and feeling the strain in every rock-hard muscle. Good thing he has to interview massage therapists for the spa—even if it’s embarrassing to meet a job candidate in his boxers. Cora Buchanan has hands so talented—and a voice so sultry—he wants to hire her before he even lifts his head from the table. But he’s shocked to meet her outside the massage room—with her seeing-eye dog, Heidi the yellow lab.

Cora has left her family—and fiancé—in Atlanta to make her way in this small town. All her parents’ money can’t restore her sight, but it’s up to her to restore her independence. Though she bristles at Braxton’s protectiveness, she too feels lingering effects from their intimate touch. Now that he’s her boss, it’s strictly hands-off….Until a secret she’s keeping destroys his fragile trust, and they must find the courage to knock down the walls between them.

It’s admirable that Cora is making a life that she loves – being independent, doing a job that she enjoys, with people who treat her as an equal & not someone who needs to be managed.  You have to root for her as you get to know everything she’s gone through since becoming blind.  She may have had it good before, but she wasn’t happy.  And she’s not letting anything stand in her way now.

Braxton may have gone just a little overboard with the man-whoring after getting his heart broken  🙂  I mean, it’s not like he’s the first to have to deal with being dumped.  Once he meets Cora though he’s done with all other women.  And he definitely treats her with all the respect that she deserves.  He’s got great insight into what she needs and doesn’t try to coddle her, instead letting her stand on her own too feet while being there to support her.  He may have gone wild for a little bit but he never forgot that he’s a gentleman and that people deserve to be treated well.

While I’m really enjoying this series (so very much) I was a little surprised at Braxton when Cora’s big reveal came out.  He knew she was hiding something and had his suspicions about her background so I’m not sure why his reaction was as big as it was.  But, being the awesome guy that he is, he got over it pretty quickly and then performed the best “sweep her off her feet” gesture I’ve seen in a long time.  Cora had no hope of resisting him after that  🙂

Once again, Bennett delivers an addictive read with fabulously detailed characters and a story that will keep readers glued to the pages.  But I do have to admit that as much as I have loved the brothers up to this point I’m the most excited to get to Liam’s story and find out all of his secrets.  And see him get the girl, of course!  Bennett can’t keep turning out books fast enough to suit me.