I missed you, and I needed to see you again.And that’s the last thing Lilah Ledbetter wants. She’s been down that road with Finian Brody, and she’ll be damned if she’ll let him hurt her again—no matter how hot he still makes her burn.You deserve better, and I want the chance to give you better.Epic truck sex should never be followed by a broken heart, but that’s exactly what Fin gave Lilah, all … but that’s exactly what Fin gave Lilah, all those months ago. Nudging her into a job at Green Rock Ranch is hardly the way to make amends, though her body doesn’t seem to get the message.
Tell me you want me, Lilah. Say it.
Heaven help her, she does. Avoiding Fin when they’re working together is next to impossible. He’s still arrogant as hell, but there’s something different this time around.
He’s changed.
But so has she.
Feel all of me with all of you, sunshine, and know this is where you belong.
Fin might be sure they belong together, but Lilah will have to bury the past before giving Fin—and love—a second chance.
This book is approximately 76,000 words
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Lilah and Finian had a hot relationship until he broke her heart. Now he’s trying to get her back and convince her he has changed for the better. Lilah ends up working on the ranch and there is no avoiding Fin. Will the couple be able to work things out? This was a great read.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
Braced is the second novel in the Brody Brothers series, and since I wasn’t overjoyed about the first booked in this series, I decided to give this second chance, friends to lovers, novel a second chance, and it hooked me from the very start by making me laugh, and kept me involved and entertained and it gets a 5-star rating from me.
The funny opening has the heroine, Lilah Ledbetter, who is 3 months away from getting her doctorate in veterinary medicine and is currently interning with the local veterinarian, running around and trying to lasso the Harry Houdini of goats in 95-degree heat, after being called on an emergency that wasn’t. She’s not taking it well, and we soon learn that she’s got the guts to give as good as she gets from the nasty woman who sent her out on this wild goat chase, as well as a sassy and snarky side, and that she’s no shrinking violet–it was impossible not to like her.
When Lilah returns to the office, we soon learn that there is someone she is somewhat cowed by and therefore avoiding, Finian (Fin) Brody, the hero in this novel, one of the four billionaire brothers who own Green Rock Ranch. His brother was featured in Branded, the first book in this series, but this novel works perfectly as a standalone, and I do plan to follow this series, simply because I enjoyed this one so much. Fin and Lilah met when Lilah was 3 years old and her widowed mother came to work at the Brody ranch to support herself and her two children–Lilah’s brother, Lawrence, also works at the Brody ranch. Lilah and her brother practically grew up with the Brody Brothers and when Lilah was three years old, she fell madly in love with Fin, when he saw someone bullying Lilah and rescued her–they even had a pretend marriage when both were still in single digits, and her love for him hadn’t diminished in the intervening years, although her mother raised her to believe that she wasn’t good enough, smart enough, attractive enough, classy enough or wealthy enough to be worthy of one of the exalted Brody brothers.
When Lilah’s first sexual experience with Fin (half naked in the front seat of his truck) ends when she professes her love for him and his cold response and churlish remarks to her leave her crushed and brokenhearted, and reinforce everything her mother has been preaching to her about the Brody family since childhood, he was a hard character to like–at first. When he eventually sees the error of his ways, and begins to pursue Lilah, she wants nothing to do with him, and who could blame her? But when she’s assigned to the Brody ranch to help them during their first large calving season, she tries everything to get out of it, but eventually has to cave and do what her mentor demands, putting her in close proximity to the now suddenly possessive and flirtatious Fin, but Lilah has no intention of being a doormat again.
After Fin’s rude rejection of her, she can’t figure out why he seems to be looking for ways to be near her and get her into his arms and into his bed. She’s certainly bought into what her mother has been preaching to her for years, about her being an ordinary townie, and way below what a Brody would want, certainly adding to her low self-esteem and broken heart. As Fin tries to make Lilah understand that he really does want to be with her, it’s one heck of a bumpy road, but when Fin finally realizes where Lilah’s low self-esteem began and was constantly being reinforced, his treatment of Lilah’s mother practically had me cheering out loud.
What follows is a sexy, passionate, angst-filled, second chance romance that was impossible to put down, and which had one of the best HEA endings I’ve read in years. This was an excellent, well-written, and moving read, and I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed at my own.
Lilah has been in love with Fin (Finian) Brody forever. When she finally gives him the only thing she can give him, he takes that gift and breaks her heart right after. Now, months later, he is suddenly realizing what he lost, and he’s determined to get her back, no matter how much she fights him on it. Sigh…
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love me a determined alpha as much as the next person, but Fin wasn’t just determined, he was an asshole, plain and simple. I understand (explained too late in the story, though) why he had such an aversion to love, but it didn’t excuse his behavior the night he broke poor Lilah’s heart. If I were her, I would have taken his cruel words to heart, and would never have let him back into my life, no matter how persistent he was. Because the way he treated her was absolutely unacceptable regardless of his reason for having no time in his life for love. So, as much as I liked some of the characters (Lilah, Casey, Fin’s brother Killian) in this story, I absolutely could not stand Fin and could not understand why Lilah took him back.
Another great book from the series in this book Finnian gets his HEA with his best friend Lilah. After their epic sex in the truck, Fin freaks out and say to Lilah some ugly words that shatter her life. So Lilah is trying to live her life without the love of her life, the man that she loved since she was three years old. But suddenly Fin wants her back in her life, but the thing is Lilah is very stubborn and doesn’t believe him. So Finn tries to show her with everything that he can do that he wants her back in his life but not just as a friend. They are both great characters is just sad that Lilah mind was pointed with such insecurities and from the person who should protect her the most and encourage her toward happiness. Loved the Finn and his possessiveness. I loved the animals and Epilogue is just heart melting with their special HEA.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
Hubba hubba nothing like seeing those Brody Brothers in action *sigh* Arrogant, Alpha, hot as hell, determined oh and let’s not forget stubborn. Book 2 in this series gives us Fin’s epic ups and downs when trying to make Lilah his for all time. There are moments of sheer, smack him upside of the head times to heart wrenching ones but with each page read you can’t not love them. Stacy as usual awesome job and bring on the next Brody Brother *wink*
I absolutely loved everything about this book, well except for when Fin was being major a$$. But the why of that is explained so you just have to be patient. Lilah and Fin basically grew up together and have known each other all of their lives. When older Fin makes a grave mistake and Lilah can’t forgive or even be around him. Months go by and finally Fin has an epiphany and he wants Lilah back in his life and a perfect opportunity presents itself. Will Lilah fall into the trap that is Fin for a second time? Will she listen to the naysayers, one in particular, that she isn’t good enough for the Brody brothers? I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next installment!!!
The 2nd book in the Brody Brothers series is “Braced” and this is Finn and Lilah’s story.
Fin and Lilah have known each other since they were children. They even had a make-believe wedding when they were nothing more but children. When they were older, Fin screws up BIG TIME and Lilah finally is done with him. Fin realizes he has to prove his feelings for her are real because she’ll never give him another chance and he needs his Lilah.
Fin finally realizes he made the HUGEST mistake in his life when he took Lilah’s virginity and discarded their friendship and Lilah after she finally declarated her love for him. Months went by where she didn’t acknowledge Finn and things were pretty tense. The emotions in this book are tense,painful, heartbreaking, emotional , unexpected, and yes, steamy, intense and healing.
I didn’t think I would like Finn but the Unexpected twists/turns had me rethinking things. Finn and Lilah make for a great couple in this book. Their 2nd chance romance is phenomenal and I cant wait for more books in this series.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
4.5 Stars for Braced by Stacy Gail.
Braced is book 2 in The Brody Brothers Series but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone I know this because Stacy Gail is a new author to me and I have to say time permitting I will definitely be checking out book 1 in this series of cowboy brothers.
Fin was not an easy person to like he had treated Lilah badly but as the story progresses you get to see a man who has seen the errors of his ways and a man who is determined to prove to the girl he is worth taking a second chance on. Lilah grew up with the Brody brothers infact as children she convinced Fin’s older brother to marry her and Fin but after a romp in the backseat of a truck Fin runs in the opposite direction but now he is back trying his best to win the girl who holds a piece of his heart back ……. Will Lilah risk her heart getting broken for a second time…..
A second chance romance that’s beautifully written, it’s passionate and has a family of brothers I want to know more about because let’s be happy nest who can resist a alpha protective male in a cowboy hat….
4 Star review Branded (The Brody Brothers #2) by Stacy Gail
This is Finian Brody and Lilah Ledbetter’ story. This was a good read and I have to say that straight off the bat Stacy Gail had me laughing as Lilah tried to capture the elusive goat that had gotten free.
As with his brother Ry, Fin was an arrogant jerk, but he grew on me slowly. Lilah deserved so much more than how he treated her and I was frustrated by her at times.
Lilah has always had a bit of a crush on Fin and even slept with him.
However it all went downhill after he broke her heart and I struggled to see any good in him until further into the book. Lilah in the other hand I loved, she was a determined, feisty woman who has plans for her life.
The old adage, you don’t know what you’ve lost until it’s gone reminds me of Fin. Once he realises the error of his ways, he sets out to claim Lilah. There was certainly chemistry between these two and I am glad that Lilah did not make it easy for Fin.
A second chance at love story that will tug at your heart, I really liked the way that Fin stood up to Lilah’s overbearing mother. Once he came into his own, it was good to see how much he supported Lilah.
This is the second book in this series, and in my opinion, Branded needs to be read first, in order to get a better understanding of why these brothers have turned out they way they have. Lilah has loved Fin forever, and when he broke her heart, she has had enough. Fin has his work cut out for him in order to prove to Lilah that he is the one for her. This is a well written story, which is filled with action, angst, heartbreak, passion, and love, and is a great second chance love story. I was intrigued and hooked throughout, and look forward to reading more from this talented author, who I highly recommend for all readers.
5 Stars!
Review by Sue
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/Books
Braced by Stacy Gail is a second-chance romance with all the feels. From angst to love, passion and family, this book has it all. This is the first book I read by this author and it will not be my last.
Lilah Ledbetter is nursing a broken heart, one given to her by the only man she ever loved, Fin Brody. She is also dealing with low self esteem from the constant reminder, from her perfectionist mother, that she can never be good enough for Fin.
Fin Brody now knows he made the biggest mistake in his life when he took Lilah’s virginity and then discarded her and their friendship after her declaration of love.
He now has an uphill battle to try and win back his best friend and the trust she gave. Lilah has built up walls however and refuses to believe in him or anything he says or does.
With Lilah bracing herself against heartbreak, is it too late for Fin to win back everything he’s ever wanted?
This was such an amazing read. From the beginning, the connection between Fin and Lilah was palpable. I could feel Lilah’s heartbreak and her pain. Fin also made it abundantly clear that he would do anything and everything to regain Lilah’s trust.
The writing flowed well and had me tearing up, laughing and cheering Fin on.
This is an absolutely touching and heartfelt read. Brace yourself, this is on hell of a book!
An excellent book by Stacy Gail…it was touching, romantic and witty. The story of Fin Brody and Lilah Ledbetter was just OMG! Best Friends their entire life until one fateful night when that line was crossed. Fin tries over and over again to convince Lilah he isn’t the same man he was that night but when she has her mother’s negative words in her head making her doubt she is worthy of Fin’s Love things go upside down.
This is a terrific book with some twists you just don’t see coming. Kudos to Stacy Gail!
The Brody Brothers are back and at it again. Yep, those domineering boys who seem to be misunderstood by the townsfolk, are back in true Alpha form.
This is Fin’s story. Fin doesn’t believe in love, and after the mess of a marriage his parent had, who could really blame him. But seeing his oldest brother find love while he lost his best friend snapped something in him. Fin just knew something was missing from his life and that was his sunshine.
Lilah has loved Fin Brody since she was about 5 years old. Right up until he broke her heart by taking her virginity and then telling her it was a mistake and she was misguided by thinking lust/sex was an act of love. Proving what her mother always said, she just wasn’t good enough and never would be; especially for a Brody. Feeling humiliated Lilah avoided Fin and the ranch for months and concentrated on graduating and becoming a vet, as she’d always dreamed, and forgetting Fin Brody.
But Fin has other plans. And Brody men, especially Fin, just might have other plans. This is a very heartwarming, funny, exciting love story that you don’t want to miss. 2 Thumbs Up for a great read. Highly recommend.
Oh Fin and Lilah were perfect together! She was stubborn, sweet, and vulnerable. He was stubborn, sweet, and determined. Best friends since they were children, an incident separated them. The phrase “you don’t know what you have until it is gone” fits Fin perfectly, but Lilah has a lot going on in her life, and a pushy, controlling mother on top of that
Lots of back and forth between these two, and lots of convincing to happen. What it all cumulates in is some great chemistry, lots of fireworks, and a whole lot of head-butting. In the end, the love they share is all the sweeter because of it all
The second book in the Brody Brothers series, Braced, is Finn and Lilah’s story. Great characters, engaging interaction and a wonderful storyline made this a fabulous addition to this series. I will be reading more and recommend if you haven’t read this series, yet you pick up book 1 today.
Oh my gosh, can we just say OTT ALPHA?!??! LOVED Braced, this book totally sucked me in. The emotional upheaval was so relatable and I loved reading this story and seeing the transformation throughout. The dynamics are complicated and watching the story unfold will give you quite the book hangover. Drama, humor, a OTT Alpha H and a hilarious and sensitive h will make you want to read it again.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) I didn’t realize until I was reading that this was a second book to the Brody brothers series, I guess I missed Ry and Celia’s story, in this book it mentioned how they had gotten married. This was Fin’s book along with his love interest Lilah. Lilah had been in love with Fin all of her life, she even admits to being his shadow. However on a night of passion where he takes her virginity she makes the mistake of telling him that she loves him and he broke her heart, badly. She vows to never be in that position again and never step foot in that ranch where they grew up. Lilah’s mother is horrible all she does is put her down and tell her that she is not good enough of for Brody who she treats as royalty. With those doubts plus her horrid experience when Fin comes around trying to explain that he knew he screwed up but that he wanted a chance with her, she doesn’t believe him and does not want to give him the chance of hurting her again, but this time Fin is determined.