Broken

The Cavanaugh Brothers- Book 2

By Laura Wright

Synopsis

The Cavanaugh brothers left behind River Black, Texas, long ago. But after their father dies, bequeathing them the Triple C, a cattle ranch that sustains their small town, they return—and confront the painful memories of their childhood home and the truth about their sister’s murder…

For years, James Cavanaugh has traveled the world as a horse whisperer, but even the millions he’s earned hasn’t healed the pain he hides behind his stoic exterior. Forced to tackle old demons at the ranch, James throws himself into work to avoid his true feelings. Until he meets a woman who shakes the foundations of his well-built walls…

Sheridan O’Neil’s quiet confidence has served her well, except when it comes to romance. Tired of rejection, she’s ready to swear off men. But after being rescued from a horse stampede by the most beautiful cowboy she’s ever met, her resolve wavers. Only, as Sheridan uncovers James’s belief that no woman is safe with him, she wonders if such a wounded man could ever give in to love, or if some hearts are too broken to be healed…

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Tina’s Review

James Cavanaugh, second oldest Cavanaugh brother and world famous “Horse Whisperer”, is still in River Black, Texas tending to the large herd of wild mustangs that Mac agreed to take onto Triple C. After Cass’s disappearance and death, the mental abuse doled out by his broken and hollow mother left eternal scars. Believing himself “never good enough”, he swears off anything that could become a serious relationship but there’s something about the city girl that is Deac’s assistant that has James struggling to keep focused when she’s around.
Sheridan O’Neil is Deac’s assistant from Cavanaugh Group. Normally, she’s stationed in Dallas, but when he opened his local office, he asked her into town to get things set up. She is nothing if not loyal and determined and is perfectly willing to make the adjustments from big city to tiny country town to please her boss, even when there’s a distractingly sexy cowboy nearby. Her beliefs on relationships as well as the Personal vs Profession life seperation put’s her in a lonely position, but it’s one she’s been willing to endure in order to advance in her career… until now. Now, she wonders what it might be like.

My Thoughts:
Immediately, you are drawn back in to the tortured beings that are the Cavanaugh brothers. James is such a sweet, carming, gentle soul with a calming presence. The brothers are still trying to deal with the bombshell that was dropped on them at the very end of BRANDED [no spoilers here, sorry!]. There are also decisions to be made about Triple C, a long-lost again-lost brother to locate, Redemption Ranch to complete and a wedding to finalize. There are more minor elements at play as well that I suspect are teases to things to come in The plot is certainly not lacking for content, but in no way does it feel to busy. For the most part, the characters are the same cast, but now that you know them a little better, they are more endearing. Sheridan is very well-written. A tiny little thing with a lot of fight, a lot of spirit. The chemistry between character is solidifying even more. James and Sheridan are magic. What I love most about this series so far is that although the hero and heroine are dancing around one another with a tangible, fiery desire, Ms. Wright allows the tension build up. She successfully teases us until FINALLY the character come together in a maelstrom of desire, passion and raw NEED, effectually taking us right with them! Dialogue and interaction are very believable, enough to make you feel a part of the unfolding tale. Ms. Wright’s writing style is so dang smooth, it easily makes her books a “one-sitting” read. You can glide through the pages like floating down a lazy river. The conflict and resolve for the main characters, again, is minor in comparison to the unfolding mystery that looms over them all throughout the series thus far. I do have a suspicion on the diary as well as Sweet, but I guess I’ll have to wait to see if they pan out. And although James and Sheridan look to get their HEA, the story itself is left open-ended, presumably for BRASH to pickup in March. Yes, that will make many readers (myself included) want to scream in frustration, but if BRASH is nearly as good as BRANDED and BROKEN have been…. it’s going to be an EPIC ending to a Fantastic Trilogy!

Watch for Cole’s story in BRASH, the third book in the Cavanaugh series, to release in March 2015!

Branded

The Cavanaugh Brothers Series- Book 1

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n the small town of River Black, Texas, sits the Triple C—a working cattle ranch that sustains the town. But it also holds painful memories and shocking secrets for the Cavanaugh brothers….

When the Cavanaugh brothers return home for their father’s funeral, they discover unexpected evidence of the old man’s surprising double life—a son named Blue, who wants the Triple C Ranch as much as they do. The eldest son, Deacon, a wealthy businessman who couldn’t wait to leave the ranch and move on with his life, is looking to use his powerful connections to stop Blue at any cost. He never expected the ranch’s forewoman, Mackenzie Byrd, to get in his way.

Mac knows Deacon means to destroy the ranch and therefore destroy her livelihood. But as the two battle for control, their attraction builds. Now Deacon is faced with the choice of a lifetime: Take down the Triple C to feed his need for revenge, or embrace the love of the one person who has broken down every barrier to his heart.

Tina’s Review

Deacon is the oldest Cavanaugh and a powerful businessman what with heading Cavanaugh Group. He returns home to River Black, Texas for his father’s funeral with the goal of destroying TRIPLE C, the cattle ranch he grew up on. Only he finds some major complications in the form of a younger brother he never knew about and a forewoman he used to admire but avoid like the plague.
Mackenzie Byrd has all but grown up on TRIPLE C with her childhood friend, Cassie Cavanaugh. Everett had become a dad to her after she’d lost hers and TRIPLE C had become more than “in her blood”, it was her home, her livelihood. When Deacon returns, intent on destroying the ranch, she’s prepared to do anything and everything it takes to change his mind.
A decade ago, tragedy struck. Unsolved to this day, grief manifested in all manners of blame, betrayal, secrets and lies. Vengeance, hatred and bitterness grew to overwhelming proportions.

First thought: Wow, Deacon’s a dick.
The cumulative tragedies from many years ago still play a strong part in the minds of the characters as they converge once again onto Triple C land for Everett Cavanaugh’s funeral. The mysterious, unsolved status of the crime that set everything else in motion intrigues and pulls the reader in from the get-go. A lot of tension and build up, keeps you hooked. Even once the plot begins to unfold and reveal it’s secrets, you are still wanting – needing – more. The characters are dynamic and multifaceted, very well-written. Deacon’s pain and sense of betrayal in damn-near palpable. Chemistry burns and seethes below the surface only to ignite, becoming all-consuming. Dialogue and interaction is outstanding. The plot keeps you guessing, keeps you intrigued, keeps you wanting more! The conflict and resolve were minor when compared to the bigger picture. The writing is smooth and endearing, you can hear the Texas drawl oozing off the pages. ❤
Final thought: Well, hell… to be continued. While the main characters get a solid ending, the mystery of the bigger picture continues with a giant bombshell in the final paragraph! Whooo boy!

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Laura Wright is passionate about romantic fiction. Though she has spent most of her life immersed in acting, singing and competitive ballroom dancing, when she found the world of writing and books and endless cups of coffee she knew she was home. Laura is the author of the bestselling Mark of the Vampire series and the USA Today bestselling series, Bayou Heat, which she co-authors with Alexandra Ivy.
Laura lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two young children and three loveable dogs.

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