New Release, Review & Recommendation: The McCauley Brothers series from Marie Harte
INTRODUCING…THE McCAULEY BROTHERS
Welcome to the rough-and-tumble McCauley family, a tight-knit band of four bachelor brothers who work hard, drink beer, and relentlessly tease each other. When three independent women move in next door, all hell breaks loose.
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SHE’S SWORN OFF MEN
It’s been the day from hell for Maddie. Instead of offering a promotion, her boss made a pass. She quit, then got dumped by her lukewarm boyfriend. As the fiery redhead has a foul-mouthed meltdown, her green-eyed neighbor Flynn McCauley stands in her kitchen…completely captivated.UNTIL HE THROWS A WRENCH INTO HER PLANS
He was just there to fix the sink as a favor. He’s not into relationships. She’s done with idiots. But where there are friends…sometimes there are benefits. And sometimes the boy next door might be just what you need at the end of every day.TTND – BUY LINKS:
HE CAN’T GET HER OUT OF HIS HEAD
It’s lust at first sight when Brody Singer first lays eyes on Abby Dunn. The dark-haired beauty looks a lot like a woman he once knew, who died years ago. At first Brody fears his attraction is a holdover from that secret crush, but Abby’s definitely different. She’s a lot shyer, a lot sexier and, despite her attempts to dissuade his interest, absolutely mesmerizing.SHE CAN’T GET HIM OUT OF HER BOOKS
Abby isn’t having it. She’s still trying to put her last disastrous relationship behind her and overcome the flaws her ex wouldn’t let her forget. But somehow Brody isn’t getting the hint. It doesn’t help that when writing her steamy novels, she keeps casting Brody as the hero.Brody is more than happy to serve as her muse and eager to help make sure her “research” is authentic. But when their research turns into something real…will she choose her own happily ever after?
HTHAH – BUY LINKS:
IT’S NOT EASY BEING RIGHT
Vanessa Campbell is a CPA by day and a perfectionist by night. She’s fit, successful…and decidedly lonely. She can’t stop thinking about the youngest McCauley brother, Cameron. He’s just like her: smart, attractive, and usually right-except when dealing with her.…BUT SOMEONE’S GOT TO DO IT
Cameron McCauley likes Vanessa a little too well. She’s a blond goddess with a razor-sharp tongue. She hates to be wrong, just like him. But she can hold a grudge and is stubborn to a fault-also like him.A past misunderstanding has them rubbing each other the wrong way. Cam is dying to shake Vanessa up-get her to let loose. But if he succeeds, can his heart handle it?
RMP – BUY LINKS:
……. and due for release on 4 November ’14
WHAT IS WITH MIKE McCAULEY?
Every time Delilah Webster runs into Mike McCauley, he practically bites her head off. The rough-and-tumble contractor clearly has baggage. Del has her own emotional scars and knows she’s better off keeping her distance, but Mike’s temptation in jeans and a T-shirt and she’s always been good with her hands…
There’s something about the strong-willed mechanic that sets Mike’s motor running–and scares the hell out of him. Mike has loved and lost and will never hurt like that again, even if that means walking away from a woman who makes him feel alive for the first time in years.
When a simple kiss turns hot and heavy, Mike discovers he can’t stay away, no matter how certain he is they’re destined to crash and burn…
PRE-ORDER LINKS
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Author Bio ~ MARIE HARTE
I’ve been writing as far back as I can remember. Interest in the written word, no doubt spawned by my English teacher father, continues to this day. I’m a voracious reader, gobbling everything from romance to horror to fantasy and more. I’m in love with the art of putting pen to paper…so to speak.
I majored in English from Penn State University, earning a B.A. in Liberal Arts, as well as a commission in the United States Marine Corps. Five years later, after serving as a communications officer, I left the service to focus more on family. After going through an assortment of jobs–the Marine Corps Reserve, an IT representative, a middle manager for a Fortune 500 transportation company–I stopped working to raise two new additions to the family–my youngest sons. During this period, I decided to stop dreaming and start seriously writing.
In December of 2004 my first story was published, and I haven’t looked back since. I currently have over a hundred titles (yeah, shocked me too!) with Carina, Ellora’s Cave, Fated Desires, Loose Id, Samhain, Sourcebooks, and Totally Bound.
I’ve received several awards to include: the 2005 Passionate Plume for Scifi/fantasy romance, the 2006 Amber Quill Heat Wave contest winner, 1st Place in Steamy Erotic romance for the 2006 Lories, finalist in the 2007 Linda Howard Award of Excellence, finalist in the 2008 Reveal Your Inner Vixen MRWA contest, and finalist in the 2012 Reveal Your Inner Vixen MRWA contest. (Photo courtesy of Aliona O’Brien Photography)
Some facts about me
- I’m a mood reader. If I read a book with a bad ending, it throws me into a funk for days.
- If it’s paranormal, I’m digging it.
- I majored in English but never read Charles Dickens until a few years ago. I have yet to read Jane Austen. Seriously.
- I’m naturally lazy but perform best under deadlines.
- I’ve fired a 9mm pistol, a Squad Automatic Weapon, an M16A2 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, and have thrown live grenades. And I loved it!
- Grammar is my rock. I respect those who know when to use their, there and they’re correctly.
- I’m definitely a night owl.
- I love books. I’ll read until they bury me, and then I’ll haunt libraries.
- I can’t write to music or television. I need perfect quiet.
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BLP Reviews:
REBECCA:
Usually when an author does a sibling series you have a favourite, one that you connect with for whatever the reason more than the others. Well not this time with these gorgeous boys. Each one I thoroughly enjoyed although if I’m honest all bets are off for Mike and Del’s book as I do have a soft spot for them. Let’s face it tall, built, and good with his hands, she’s tattooed, pierced and has attitude in spades so they could be made for me!
However I digress so let’s start with The Troublemaker Next Door (McCauley Brothers #1)
Flynn and Maddie’s Story
When Flynn McCauley meets Maddie Gardner, sparks fly. She hates men. He’s not into relationships. She lost her job. He fixed her sink – but that’s not all he wants to fix. When a ride home turns into a lot more, Maddie and Flynn decide to keep things strictly casual. Strictly sexual. They won’t date. And they end up not dating…a lot. But soon Flynn wants more from the wary redhead. If he can just keep her distracted long enough to burrow under her skin, Flynn might convince Maddie they have a shot at real happiness. That’s if Maddie can overcome her past to take a chance on the future.
PRODUCT WARNINGS
When a woman wronged tangles with a sexy plumber, his three hot brothers, and his conniving nephew, shenanigans ensue. Not to mention the man clearly has no concept of what the word “casual” means.
Flynn is fabulous (yes, I know I overuse the word but he is!), flirty, funny with a dash of the most delicious naughtiness. Maddie is my kind of kind of high maintenance girl with a penchant for drama.
They are attracted instantly but go for the tried and tested (though rarely actually works) ‘Friends With Benefits’ route rather than an actual relationship.
ALLEDGEDLY!!
In reality they are never casual.……..
I love that Maddie is sassy and strong but that Flynn is not put off by any of it, the attitude or the drama, he rolls with it and knows this is his girl if he can convince her. Their chemistry together is ridiculously hot, this is not a chick lit and he kissed her book. It’s a hot sexy steamy read without any bikers, rockers, billionaires or darkness, it’s REAL, yes, caps lock REAL. The men, women, family, jobs, relationships and the incredible banter, humour and sex that ties it all together into is real, and there’s not enough just plain feel good real romances out there. A cracking start to the series.
How to Handle a Heartbreaker (McCauley Brothers #2)
Brody and Abby’s Story
Brody Singer took one look at Abby Dunn and fell in instant lust. Abby looks a lot like a woman he once knew, one who died years ago. But is his attraction merely a holdover from a secret crush from long ago? But Abby’s definitely someone different. She’s a lot shier, a lot sexier, and despite her attempts to dissuade his interest, mesmerizing.
Abby isn’t having it. She’s still trying to put her last disastrous relationship behind her and overcome the flaws her ex so kindly pointed out. She’s too short, too plump, too boring, too blah. But somehow Brody isn’t getting the picture that someone as handsome and built as he is should be with a woman far prettier. It doesn’t help that when writing her steamy books, she keeps casting Brody as the hero.
Only Abby can write her own ending. She just has to decide which version to keep: the one where she shows Brody she’s a woman worth keeping and he’s a man worth loving? Or the one where she settles for a rough draft of a life, alone and safe from ever getting hurt again?
PRODUCT WARNINGS
This book involves a charmingly sexy plumber, a slightly neurotic writer, one God-ugly dog, a crafty six-year-old, meddling family, a tragic past, card cheats, and some wily action between the sheets–compliments of two people fighting against falling in love.
Brody and his hound are both loveable rogues of the best kind, both need discipline and love. Abby is a nerd with a secret, she writes steamy books with all the steam happening in her head not her bed.
When we met Brody in Troublemaker I had no idea how many layers there were going to be to this man and how much that rogue persona was him yes but hiding so much. Not a McCauley by blood but in every other way Flynn and Brody are like twins. Incredibly close, they are hilarious and their escapades make you laugh, blush and sob!
Abby has confidence issues after an ex did a number on her. Brody offers to show her some of his moves with a touch of kink thrown in and give her a man’s perspective purely as research for her books!
The back and forth between these two was a far more emotional read than #1 but just as enjoyable. They both have demons, both believe themselves not worthy of the other and their journey is very different to Flynn and Maddie.
I like a heroine who is curvy and petite not thin and willowy all the time, again with the real factor and I love that Brody adores her for her. They bring the best out in each other and the way they fiercely defend the other made me smile. Both Colin and Mutt gave me many laughter moments, I may adopt both.
Ruining Mr Perfect (McCauley Brothers#3)
Cameron and Vanessa’s Story
IT’S NOT EASY BEING RIGHT
Vanessa Campbell is a CPA by day and a perfectionist by night. She’s fit, successful…and decidedly lonely. She can’t stop thinking about the youngest McCauley brother, Cameron. He’s just like her: smart, attractive, and usually right-except when dealing with her.
…BUT SOMEONE’S GOT TO DO IT
Cameron McCauley likes Vanessa a little too well. She’s a blond goddess with a razor-sharp tongue. She hates to be wrong, just like him. But she can hold a grudge and is stubborn to a fault-also like him.
A past misunderstanding has them rubbing each other the wrong way. Cam is dying to shake Vanessa up-get her to let loose. But if he succeeds, can his heart handle it?
Cameron is the oddball McCauley. Intelligent, driven and makes his living with his brain rather his hands. He knows his family loves him but also don’t always understand him.
Vanessa is intelligent, driven and understands numbers, they don’t lie or have emotions which, to her, equates to safe. Her family is cold and focused on her academic and business achievements so a busy interfering loud but loving family is foreign to her.
Vanessa is attracted to Cameron but wary of involvement as she knows relationships are not her thing. Her friends are so happy with Cameron’s brothers she doesn’t want to upset the balance.
I didn’t expect to like Cameron and Vanessa but oh I was so wrong, again they are completely different from the previous couples but still so enjoyable. I also loved the side story with Beth and James, to see that time does change things but fight hard enough for what you want and you can save and better it.
SO……………………………..
What do I want to say about this series as a whole?
The overwhelming factor for me that makes these such an enjoyable read is the amazing banter between all the characters, primary and secondary. The affection, humour and love shines through, the teasing, flirting, arguing, dirty sexy talk and insults flung around through these books make them a pleasure to experience. Like every family they will frustrate and exasperate you – you will be rooting for them while screaming at them!
In a world full of angsty contemporary romance where you sometimes want a palate cleanse these are a joy, they remind me of the reasons I love Jennifer Crusie, Rachel Gibson, Susan Anderson just to name a few. Authors I read in paperback but with the advance of the E-Reader and therefore the popularity of indie writers have not touched in a while. Marie Harte writes a steamy sexy damn fine romance but throw in this gift for the humour and banter and they are a winner for an easy read that will leave you with a smile, a warm heart and tingles in places!
I commented previously that another factor was they are “real “no billionaires, no rock gods, no MC bikers, just normal real men with strong family values who want a good woman and a good life. Simple things that in reality we all want and while I read contemporary romantic fiction and don’t mind the plausibility being stretched a tad it’s a pleasant change of pace to read real, that could be any family anywhere with its ups & downs, tragedies and celebrations. Just trying to get by day to day, working hard and playing hard.
It’s an engaging series, well written with a fabulous quota of panty melting scenes all wrapped up in humour.
I’m looking forward to What to Do With a Bad Boy.
TRACY:
The Troublemake Next Door
I’ve been a huge fan of the Warren brothers since Marie’s first book in the Wicked Warren series but after reading The Troublemaker Next Door, I can honestly say Gage and his brothers have serious BBF competition in the shape of those fabulous McCauley brothers…
TTND was a fun, flirty, hot read and I loved every minute of it.
I liked both the main characters, though I could have slapped Maddie silly a time or two. Flynn was a surprise, alpha without being OTT and his reactions to Maddie & her behaviour had me falling for him more!!!
The story kept me interested and the characters, including the family and friends we were introduced to, kept me amused!!
Laughs, love & lots of heat…. A really great read and I cannot wait for more in the series!!! ❤
How to Handle a Heartbreaker
I have been looking forward to Abby & Brody’s book ever since reading The Troublemaker Next Door .
Brody is a fun, easy going character who is secretly hiding things about his life that his adopted family know little or nothing about.
Abby is a steamy romance writer who hasn’t had the best of times when it comes to relationships and has low confidence and esteem when it comes to men!
Both have issues that they need to talk about and address but, when they get together some things are left unsaid, which of course leads to upset, hurt and misunderstandings (jeez, at times I had such a desire to slap both of them and give them a shake to make them see sense!!!)
I LOVE the McCauley Brothers series. All of the brothers and the rest of the family appear in the books – they are a fun, loving and very likable cast. I love Mutt – he’s such a crazy pooch!!
I would warn you that a supply of tissues is a necessity when reading How To Handle A Heartbreaker… It really tugs at your heart and you can’t help but feel for Brody and how he thinks because of the things that he’s hiding!
Ruining Mr. Perfect
I wasn’t sure that I was gonna like Vanessa as much as I liked her room-mates, but in reading Ruining Mr. Perfect, I found her to be more likeable that I expected. She’s more than the sarcastic, blunt talking OCD accountant that we’ve met so far!
I really liked Cameron ~ he’s sweet and kinda sensitive. When he sets his mind to something he’s very focused and doesn’t stop until he gets what he wants. He’s got a tougher side than I’d thought he would have and he and V are definitely a well suited pair.
As ever, it was fun to catch up with the rest of the brothers and their girlfriends. Colin & Mike make me laugh and I’m intrigued as to how things will work out in What to do With a Bad Boy (Book #4 which focuses on Mike & Del)
I must admit that while I enjoyed RMP it’s not as big a fave as How to Handle a Heartbreaker (book #2) is for me.
The side story about the brothers’ parents was good but I’d have happily read more about Cam & Vanessa rather than read as much about Bitsy and Pop… saying that, the storyline about their parents didn’t in any way detract from V & C’s story.
I would recommend Ruining Mr. Perfect to those who have already read the other books in the McCauley Brothers series and to all fans of Marie’s books!!
**I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
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Posted on 09/10/2014, in Authors & Books, New Releases, Recommendations, Reviews. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.
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