Branded by Laura Wright – a Review

Branded
The Cavanaugh Brothers series – Book #1
by Laura Wright
Release Date: June 3 2014

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Description:
In 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.

Review

Branded by Laura Wright is the first book in her new The Cavanaugh Brothers series. Of late, I have been enjoying a few romance series that focus mostly on brothers, some with a sister or two. These books have become my go to when I want a relaxing and enjoyable read. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Laura Wright’s new book and ohhhh am I glad I did. This was such an awesome story, with a couple that was hotter than hell. Good thing my kindle doesn’t steam.  

The story takes place mostly on a ranch in River Black, Texas. We learn early on that the Cavanaugh family suffered a tragic death 10 years earlier, causing the family to disintegrate slowly. With the death of Everett, the patriarch, the brothers return home for the funeral, after years away.

Mac Byrd is our heroine, and she is a fantastic one at that. Mac is the foreman of the ranch, and though she is female, she is much respected among her workers and the townsfolk. While the boys were away, their father taught Mac everything, and she loved Everett and the ranch. Mac not only was tough, savvy and smart; she was also a very feminine and a beautiful young lady.

Deacon, the oldest brother, who has made himself into a shrewd and wealthy businessman, returns home determined to destroy the ranch. With money to burn, he has no qualms about what he will do, even if it hurts others; since he believes it is the only way to rid himself of his demons from the past. But Deacon must come up against Mac in this fight to see who will win, and Mac will not go down easy. Or will she?

As a young teenager, Mac always had a crush on Deac, as she was best friends with Cass, the Cavanaugh Brothers sister. Not having seen him in years, Mac at first was incensed when he announced at his father’s funeral his plans. But once these two come face to face, the sparks go flying off the walls; this time Deac finds himself totally entranced by the grown up and beautiful Mac. There were a number of times I wanted to smack Deac, as he was the epitome of a ruthless businessman who would stop at nothing to get his way. But I loved that Mac was able to break through that barrier so fast, and Deac never knew what hit him. What follows is a wonderful sexy romance that was filled with lust, and very steamy sex scenes. Neither one of them could keep their hands off of each other. They were so great together, that despite their opposite issues, you rooted for them all the way.

Though they both were falling in love, would they be able to get past the obstacles in front of them? Mac loved the ranch, and when she discovers why Deac is vengeful against his dead father, will she still stand by quietly and allow him to destroy it? Deac had his demons to erase; would his growing love for Mac change him?

Laura Wright has written a fantastic story of a family destroyed by a terrible tragedy; which will continue to play a part in the remaining books in this series. This is also such a wonderful romance, with a fabulous couple, who are not only hotter than hot, but so perfect together. Laura has also created some wonderful secondary characters. If you love romance, a great story, wonderful characters, mystery, steamy sex, and a super couple, then Branded is for you.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher