BUSTED (Barnes Brothers #3) by Shiloh Walker-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2015

Like his brothers Zach and Zane, Trey Barnes thought he had found the love of his life. But fate had other plans. A widower who’s had to raise his five-year-old son on his own, Trey has not allowed himself to be with another woman. Until he meets Ressa Bliss at—of all places—a children’s library program. The beautiful librarian is wonderful with his son, Clay, but every time Trey even considers asking her out, he is tortured by guilt.

Fate is indeed fickle. When the two meet again at a conference, this time the attraction is too powerful to resist. But is their connection and passion strong enough to survive Trey’s deep inner torment?

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REVIEW: BUSTED is the third installment in Shiloh Walker’s adult, contemporary Barnes Brothers romance series focusing the …who else….the Barnes Brothers. This is author and widower Trey Barnes, and librarian Ressa Bliss’s storyline. Although BUSTED is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives, BUSTED follows the building relationship between Ressa and Trey. It has been several years since Trey’s wife died, and in the ensuing time Trey is all about the guilt whenever he thinks about moving on with his life. As a single dad to Clayton, Trey embarks on reading time at the library with his son, where he will meet librarian Ressa Bliss. For months, Ressa and Trey will dance around one another, with neither one making any movement in a positive direction. When Ressa announces she is moving on, Trey believes he has lost all hope of asking the beautiful librarian out. A chance meeting at an author’s convention finds Ressa and Trey involved in a one-night stand wherein Ressa will walk away leaving a confused Trey in the dark.

The relationship between Ressa and Trey is one of mutual attraction but there are ghosts and demons that haunt our couple: Trey’s guilt over moving forward, and Ressa’s hidden past that could destroy any chance of a permanent relationship with Trey. Ressa’s earlier life was never easy, and to survive Ressa did some things of which she is not proud; if the truth were to become public knowledge, Trey’s life would never be the same. As our couple begin telling their stories, it will become apparent that there is a connection to the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Trey’s twin brother Travis who keeps hidden the true nature of his job and work. There is a building storyline with Travis when Trey reveals he knows there is more to Travis’s life than what they have been led to believe. The youngest Barnes brother-actor Sebastian –also drops by for a cameo role. We are introduced to Ressa’s Aunt Ang-the woman who raised Ressa; Ressa’s best friend Farrah; as well as Ressa’s troubled cousin Kiara, and five year old Neeci who will become Clayton’s best friend.

BUSTED is an imaginative and inspiring storyline. Although no one can ever put a timeline on grief or guilt, there comes a time when everyone must step out of their comfort zone and give life a second try and in this, Trey is willing to give love a another chance. The characters are animated and engaging; the premise interesting with a bit of a twist. There are moments of heartbreak and sorrow; love and loss; letting go and moving on. Shiloh Walker’s BARNES BROTHERS series is a welcome addition to any romance lover’s collection.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

WRECKED
The Barnes Brothers #2
by Shiloh Walker
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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Click HERE for Sandy’s review of WRECKED

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release April 2, 2013

In the nineties, Abigale Applegate and Zach Barnes were the most beloved sitcom child stars in the world. Then they grew up and left Hollywood behind…

Whatever happened to Abigale Applegate?

She’s been wondering the same thing.

With her Hollywood dreams long gone, Abigale now has a nice, neat, uncomplicated life—until the day her perfect fiancé needs to talk. Dumped, a little more than shattered, and totally confused, Abigale turns to Zach, her best friend since forever, to help her pick up the pieces. He does it with a gift—a copy of Wreck This Journal. She can vent her frustrations, and sketch out a new plan. Zach just hopes he’s part of it. Because he’s been in love with Abigale his entire life.

When the journal falls into Zach’s hands, he discovers Abigale wants a new man. And fast. Nothing more than a hot distraction. Zach has a strategy, too. He’s going to be that man. It’s his last chance. Abigale might be out to shake up her life, but Zach’s out to reinvent it. Now, all he has to do is convince Abigale that life can go as planned

Razed
Barnes Brothers #2
by Shiloh Walker
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: December 2, 2014

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Click HERE for Sandy’s review of RAZED

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2, 2014

Tattoo artist Keelie Jessup can handle that someone else has claimed the man of her dreams. She’s just not pleased with her remaining options…

Keelie doesn’t believe in the “perfect man.” But the men who are worth the trouble are usually taken—like her business partner Zach Barnes. After a string of bad luck and the lost chance with Zach, Keelie decides that maybe flying solo—and living with suppressed desires—is the key to happiness.

As a photographer, Zane Barnes has an eye for the human form, and his eyes can’t get enough of Keelie’s curves. Unfortunately, Keelie is like most women—always fawning over his little brother, Zach. Zane is about ready to give up, but then a few stolen moments at his brother’s wedding have him thinking maybe there’s a chance there after all. Now he just has to prove that the perfect man does exist…for her.