A stunning, heartfelt new stand-alone by New York Times best-selling author Mia Sheridan.Brant Talbot runs a glitzy network of high-end bars in New York City, enjoying all the benefits of the lavish lifestyle he’s worked so hard to achieve. When he learns that his estranged father is dying, he must return to his family’s Kentucky horse farm – and to a past he thought he left behind. While facing …
While facing long-buried truths, he collides with his father’s secretary, Isabelle Farris. Despite his undeniable attraction to the beautiful, independent young woman, he sees secrets in her eyes and believes she has designs on Graystone Hill.
Now the one woman he can’t afford to trust is about to become the one he can’t let go.
THIS IS A STAND-ALONE SIGN OF LOVE NOVEL, INSPIRED BY CAPRICORN. Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
more
As always, another amazing story.
Omg what an amazing audiobook. I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook from start to finish. I really enjoyed Listening To both Brant’s and Isabelle story. I need a Brant in my life!!
I had to admire the way Isabelle came back from the trauma she endured and created a new life. I liked her strength and independence. I felt badly for her when she doubted herself.
I liked Brant and the way he acknowledged his mistakes and apologized for them. He and Belle were good together and brought out the best in each other.
There was an underlying sense of mystery and level of suspense that existed throughout this book. Some character behaviors and situations were pretty obvious, where as some provided a different twist.
I listened to the audiobook. The story was told from both Belle’s and Brant’s POV. The narration was good, even through the times where it seemed the book was dragging.
There were a couple of sad moments, but nothing that brought me to tears. Brant and Belle ultimately reached their HEA, and there was also an epilogue. I would give this audio Book 3.5 stars.
It’s been a while since I read a book that made my stomach flutter the way this one did. Belle and Brant both had so much to work through to find their happiness, I loved them both. I also loved the mystery element to this book. I love trying to figure out who is the bad guy. While I had this one pegged pretty early, there were a few surprises that I didn’t see coming. I was in love with Harrison as well, what an amazing father. He did what he thought was best, but I did wish he would have talked to his son sooner!
I love getting lost in Mia Sheridan’s books. Brant and Isabelle are great characters. Nothing is as it seems and both have some significant emotional trauma. But it seems as though their relationship is very healing. May, and Hank and Harrison are a wonderful group of friends/family. Paige and Aaron add to the story in their own intriguing way.
I think what struck me most is the healing aspect of the story. Everyone heals differently. Different methods and times. Different coping. But the support they had in Harrison and Hank and May was heartwarming.
Another feel good story.
Beautiful!!! This was a romantic gorgeous story with some beautiful sadness… I know sadness is sad but it touched my heart so I think it’s beautiful.
This had a special touch, the way the story was told felt a bit different (In a GOOD way) I loved it!
Fabulous characters. Gaaah!!! So cute.
I’m just very happy right now after finishing this book AND this is why I read
The prologue is just so emotional and really grips you. I loved that even though Belle went through unimaginable trauma, she managed to not only find some peace, but brought it to others. She used her past as a way try to help heal Brant. He thought he could suppress the past and when he realized it was going to cost him his future, he finally faced the truth. There is a bit of a mystery in here and the end of chapter 25 just about gave me a heart attack. In the end, a very satisfying romance!
This has been a lovely story to devour. It has loss, betrayal, lies as there was love, hope, redemption, forgiveness and more importantly faith.
I love the simplicity of the plot. This author made me remember why I love reading a romance book. She gave me back the old school feeling of what love truly encompasses.
A passionate, crazy, beautiful and heartwarming love story.
Isabelle and Brant have a lot in common, their world changed some years ago because of HORRIBLE events. They both found their own coping mechanisms.
Isabelle fought her demons, searching in herself the strengh to HEAL and LIVE again. She’s so brave and admirable. She’s a real fighter.
“Isabelle. Brave, strong Isabelle. My Isabelle.”
Brant RAN AWAY from the pain and the truth, trying hard not to think about it and surviving by shuting his heart and avoiding emotions.
“He carried deep sadness inside him _ i recognized it as a kindred spirit recognized another.”
When they meet there are sparks, which become a FIREWORK really fast. Their feelings grow at a crazy speed, their hearts beating in unison, their bodies addicted to the other’s, their soul entwining…
“I’d been infatuated, my feelings so immediate and so strong that the damn earth had moved”
I thought at first that it was too fast, irrational… but OMG i shouldn’t have doubted Mia Sheridan! Everything, every details, has a reason to be.
They both deserve a second chance at happiness. Isabelle wants just one thing from Brant, the only thing he seems incapable of giving. He’s CRAZY about her, ready to protect her and give her the world but his fears blindside him. He didn’t allow himself to heal from his past so how can he become her future…
As always with the author the second characters are amazing, lovely, funny, or sometimes selfish, mean, psycho… But they are all useful to the story and they all have a strong personality and DEPTH, even the lost ones. Brant’s father is a selfless, generous, loving and clever man. I really like him.
Graystone Hill is the place where Belle found confort and hope. And a family. The place where Brant can be himself. The landscapes, the horses, their secret favorite places… Everything has a POETIC vibe. As always with Mia there are a lot of beautiful metaphors… The legend of the purple orchid… i melt!
Belle’s childhood is uncommon and interesting.
This book has also a MYSTERIOUS/ SUSPENSE part. Prepare yourself to be surprised. Brant discovers things that give him a new light about his life, about his past, about himself. Isabelle finally has answers to some questions following her since the day her world has changed.
The epilogue is just perfect.
How many accolades can you give one author? How many ways can you praise the voices in their head? If the number is infinity I gladly give all those laurels to Mia Sheridan. Once again, Mia Sheridan stops me in my tracks while I graciously accept the gift of her words. I don’t know of any author whose prose affects me to the degree that Mia’s does. There is something within her that resonates with something within me.
As with all books Mia pens, Brant’s Return touched me for so many reasons. There is something about the way Mia humanizes every person in her head. They are not a fantasy. They are not an idea. They are family. They are friends. They are enemies. They are real.
Brant has dealt with inner turmoil due to his past. He has moved on beyond the life he had. Became his own man. Yet. there are sometimes circumstances that can cause one to revisit their past. In Brant’s case, he discovers his estranged father is dying. A father he has been alienated from for years.
Isabelle is determined to live a life of her own accord after dealing with a horrendous tragedy. The pain she has suffered and the loses she has endured have not broken her, but made her more determined to live all while seeking peace and solitude from the internal pain she deals with daily.
As the two of them deal with their own personal demons, they seem to transpose their pain, their mistrust upon each other. But as time passes, truths come to light, things not being what they seem . . . they learn and grow. They slowly allow love to supersede the painful agony that encircles their heart.
You can feel the love with each word Mia writes because simply put Mia is love and you write what you know. As I have said before Mia is not only an author but a storyteller. She is not only a writer but a poet. Her words are poetry, her stories are art. She is a composer because as her words flow, I hear the music of the heart.
She is the one that grabs you during an insomniac night. She makes me late heading to the office. She causes me to tell friends I have something better to do because after all, she released a parable of love.
Mia, once again you have given me life with your words. You have touched every emotion known to man, and you have undeniably earned all the accolades one can give.
As always, Mia Sheridan doesn’t disappoint. Brant’s Return was not light per se – it dealt with some pretty weighty issues in the characters’ pasts – but there was a tender quality about the entire story that made it feel lighter than it was. I felt like Brant’s Return was the reward for all the pain and suffering the characters had gone through. We had to touch on those horrific experiences to understand how the characters had come to that point in their lives, but we got to revel in the afterglow of hope and healing.
The prologue of Brant’s Return gutted me; I was so sure this book was going to destroy me I was almost afraid to continue. My trust in Ms. Sheridan and her powerful, beautiful words made me persevere. Thankfully, I was right to put my faith in her. Brant’s Return was a wonderful story of surviving, healing, growing into your full potential – and realizing those things don’t always look the way you assume.
Mia Sheridan writing was superb in this book. I often found myself stopping and rereading passages because the prose was so moving. I’m continually impressed by the way she takes all the words I know and love and gently coaxes them into art so poignant I feel it move through me and make me reconsider their power. Some authors are uniquely capable of weaving an intricate and exquisite tapestry with their words, and Ms. Sheridan is at the leading edge of that elite group.
The only wish I have for Brant’s Return would be to get the answer to Brant’s question of why Isabelle looked so familiar to him. He mentions it several times in the opening chapters of the book; then it’s never touched on again. It seemed so vital when he was asking, so I was on tenterhooks with anticipation for that reveal, then it never happened.
Brant’s Return is part of Mia Sheridan’s Signs of Love series. These books are all complete standalones and can be read in any order, without reading any of the other novels. Brant’s Return is written in dual first-person perspective, narrated by Isabelle and Brant.
Mia Sheridan’s storytelling is beyond breathtakingly beautiful and she shines this talent in this heart-wrenching story Brant’s Return. This holds true when reading the prologue which about broke my heart.
Isabelle and Brant’s story was very emotional but beautiful just the same. Two very damaged souls that were so very different leading different lives that somehow have been drawn together, but theirs was not an easy road to travel. This romance had elements of healing and forgiveness with twists and turns and a bit of mystery/suspense. I absolutely love all the characters in this story. Like always the author delivers an incredible epilogue!!
When I finished the prologue of this book I knew I was in for a ride!
Brant’s Return is a wonderful story. I became really invested in it with just the first few pages, which filled my heart with angst and my mind running wild trying to find the answers to all of my questions.
Isabelle’s character is outstanding and I couldn’t help but love how fierce and strong she was. She’s gone to hell and back, and even when she still has so much pain over her past, she doesn’t dwell on it but chooses to learn to live with it. On the other hand, there’s Brant who I wanted to punch in the face a couple of times, but I can’t deny how deeply I fell in love with him. He is strong, smart, funny and caring. And although different, he too, carries deep pain over his past and has yet to find a healthy way to deal with it. At first these two collide, but, as they get to know each other, they tear each other’s walls little by little and fall in love without knowing. But I knew! And I enjoyed every moment these two shared, sexy or not, because you can feel each of their emotions as if they were your own.
I loved the chemistry between Brant and Belle, is so raw and pure, and is there since their very first interaction. These two have some demons to fight, secrets to uncover, and truths to reveal. They bring the best out of each other.
Intriguing, touching and beautiful.
Every time a new Mia Sheridan book comes out my heart feels so happy! This author just has such a way with words, you can’t help but fall head over heals in love with her characters…
Brant’s Return was another phenomenal story, so full of feels! Hope, heartbreak, love, longing, romance, desire….
I loved Isabelle…I loved Brant…
It wasn’t an easy road for either of them but the attraction was undeniable.
I highly recommend this book and author and the epilogue, oh how I loved its perfection 🙂
It was an enjoyable read. I recommend the book, and this author.
Another amazing story by this marvellous author. Brant’s Return was everything I expected and more. It was a beautifully told story that was an insta love between 2 people who couldn’t be any different even if they tried.
A great storyline that sucked me in and didn’t let up until the very last page was read. I basically devoured this story by a cozy winter campfire. A perfect setting to fall in love with Brant and Belle. Perfectly created characters.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story. All of Mia’s another books are all worth the readers precious time and money.
4.5 Stars!
Isabelle Farris is a woman from Ohio who’s life has been touched by tragedy. Three years ago she moved to work and live at Graystone Hill, a horse farm in the Kentucky Bluegrass. She loved the land, and the wide open skies, and the serenity it brought her. The place had become her sanctuary, but her real passion was for the horses, and she spent as much time at the stables as she could. Being there gave her peace, pride, and purpose. When she wasn’t working with horses she was the secretary to Mr. Talbot where she was in charge of the daily operations at Graystone Hill.
Brant Talbot left his past behind in Kentucky years ago to build his life in New York City. He now lives a lavish lifestyle where he’s a successful, nightlife entrepreneur who owns and runs high end bars. When he hears his estranged father is dying he returns to his childhood home still angry and bitter, and immediately clashes with his dad’s secretary Isabelle. He questions her motives while trying to figure out her story. She’s a mystery to him, and he’s intrigued by this beautiful, opinionated woman.
Isabelle is having a hard time dealing with he boss’s arrogant, uptight, demanding son. Mr. Fancypants Businessman is extremely annoying, and unfortunately drop dead gorgeous. The man infuriates her every time he opens his mouth, but she’s determined to do right by his ill father who has been nothing but good to her. He rescued her soul and gave her a home, and a deep sense of belonging. She cared about him and hoped he could somehow mend his relationship with his son. She realized right away after meeting Brant that he too had suffered. He seemed to carry a sadness inside him that she recognized in herself. As she gets to know him better she realizes there’s more to him, as she see’s glimpses of a funny, open, uninhibited, caring, protective man.
Brant spends time with Isabelle, and begins to have feelings for her. Soon he’s crazy about her, and has never felt this way about a woman before. She makes him want things he never knew he’d want, but can he give her what she deserves? Can he trust someone enough to open up his heart to them?
Brant’s Return is an emotional standalone romance about second chances. This couple uncovers secrets and mysteries from the past as they explore the magic between them. It’s about desire, chemistry, surviving, and being vulnerable. Two people from two different worlds that collide and find a once in a lifetime love.
This story set in Bluegrass country is inspirational and moving. Starting with a mysterious prologue, Brant’s Return features two strong main characters. The attraction is instant yet the back and forth pace makes sense when you begin to understand each one’s background.
I love how spirited Isabelle is. She knows when to back down and when to push. Having loved and lost, her will to go on defines her new life.
Love and sacrifice take on many forms, as Brant discovers. He believes his strength comes from control and a structured life, so he finds his attraction to Isabelle unwanted and unsettling. I like how he owns up to his mistakes and makes amends in his own way.
Enjoyed this a lot.
” An Amish girl and the bourbon king of New York City.”
An exotic combination, isn’t it? Add to this pair the impeccable writing of Mia Sheridan and you will be with another unforgettable 5 stars book. The story already begins with a chilling prologue and follows with a strong and engrossing plot, filled with sensual scenes and romantic moments beyond all the drama load typical of this series. Ah! And a slight touch of humor ….
Brant is a powerful businessman who has created a network of bars and nightclubs in New York of unquestioned success with hard work and focus. Finding out through his father’s secretary with whom he has not spoken for thirteen years that he is dying he thinks that would not be able to see how the horse farm and his father’s distillery would be.
When he arrives there, he finds himself in the past that he has always wanted to forget and never has, and when he meets the sweet and naive Belle, he begins to feel things he never imagined possible. At first, their relationship is not the best, they do not get along thanks to each other’s presumptions. But gradually, Brant becomes increasingly fascinated by the sweetness of the girl who can penetrate the walls wrapped around his heart.
It was so delightful to accompany the couple’s journey of love, healing, and forgiveness of themselves and their families, to dive deep into the Caspian Skye legend and to get crazy with a totally tense and unexpected ending.
5/5 stars
Isabelle Farris is a woman who has rebuilt her life after suffering a terrible tragedy. She found solace and therapy in horses and now works as secretary to crotchety horse farm owner, Harry Talbot. She adores the old man and is deeply affected by his terminally ill health. She sees through his grumpy facade and hopes to repay the kindness he has shown her by contacting his estranged son in the anticipation that they may reconcile.
Brant Talbot left Kentucky thirteen years ago and has not once looked back. He’s made a success of himself in the New York bar scene and enjoys the trappings that come along with it. The call from Isabelle is unexpected to say the least; he wants nothing to do with his father but even so, he has his own reasons for going back.
He regards Isabelle with suspicion and the two do not have the best of starts. She thinks him pompous but her aim is to get him to establish a relationship with his father and nothing more. They call an uneasy truce of sorts and it’s only then that Brant realises his hasty unjustified assessment of her.
Brant’s Return is among my favourites of Mia. I’m left with such a wonderful feeling that shows no threat of dissipating. It’s a story to be treasured and encompassed such a wide range of emotions, I absolutely loved reading it. The epilogue gave me goosebumps and I can only hope my reading year ahead is filled with gems such as this one.