Evan Griffith has had a hell of a day… And that was before he met the stunning, sexy woman having a meltdown.Evan Griffith has had many careers in his life. But who knew working for his family’s moving company would hold just as much action as his stint in the Marine Corps? On an unforgettable job, Evan finds himself taken by a teenage conman and confronted by a woman wielding a knife—and … woman wielding a knife—and promptly falls head over heels for her.
Kenzie Sykes is doing her best to raise her little brother and keep him out of jail—all while dealing with her own broken heart that just hasn’t healed. She doesn’t have time for romance. He’s not asking… Until he is, and she finds herself saying yes.
Veteran Movers series:
The Whole Package (Book 1)
Smooth Moves (Book 2)
Handle with Care (Book 3)
Praise for Marie Harte:
“With a protective alpha hero that stole my heart instantly, The Whole Package was sexy, sweet, and thoroughly satisfying.”—LAUREN LAYNE, New York Times bestselling author, for The Whole Package
“Marie Harte at her best! The Whole Package delivered everything I love—hot alpha, a strong woman, and amazing writing!”—DONNA GRANT, New York Times bestselling author, for The Whole Package
“Terrific. I absolutely loved this story.”—Night Owl Reviews, TOP PICK for The Only Thing
“Another exceptionally red-hot romance by Marie Harte with a strong yet sweet hero!”—Fresh Fiction for Just the Thing
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Evan Griffith finds himself taken by a teenage conman and confronted by a woman wielding a knife – and promptly falls head over heels for her. Kenzie Sykes doesn’t have time for romance, but Evan’s not asking… until he is, and she finds herself saying yes.
This contemporary romance is an emotionally ‘real’ romance with strong, likeable characters that draws readers in and refuses to let go. Evan and Kenzie have lots of chemistry but both characters have a few reservations about romance, Kenzie more than Evan since she is doing her best to raise her teenage brother, keep him out of jail and juggling her career. The relationship is full of emotions and real life events that really speak to the readers while the story also provides quite a few chuckles as Evan tries his best to fit in with Kenzie’s family and friends.
The plot is steady paced and all of the characters just seem to say ‘come on in’ and join us in our life which ensures that readers really want to get to know them all and of course they want to know everything about Kenzie and Evan’s romance. The story is a delightfully charming and heartwarming read that can really get caught up in.
The 3rd book in the Veteran Movers series which this has Evan the cousin as the main character. He meets Kenzie and her friends and ends up falling for her. Their story is built around this and dealing with the fallout from his injury. So this isnt him saving her but more of just finding himself, finding her, family, friends and the chemistry between Evan and Kenzie. It’s a sweet story. Low angst story that focuses on family and friends. I can’t put my finger on what’s missing but there is something missing from the story to give it that added kick. It’s a sweet story but it could be better. Ms. Harte’s stories are great, this story just needed a boost. The characters and the story is sweet and has lovely feels to them.
My Rating: 4.3 stars *******
Marie Harte is a master at conversation. This book had me riveted with the back and forth between the characters! I so enjoy reading about the people she has in her stories. I come to care for them and have to see what they are up to now. This one is the CPA cousin of the moving company. I’m hoping for more stories about these oh so capable retired military movers.
Evan Griffith has finally left the CPA firm that has been overworking him and he is now filling in at the moving company for his cousin Cash who has broken his arm. Evan is enjoying doing physical labor, meeting clients and getting to know the crew. He meets Kenzie Sykes when she is in a wild tantrum as the next door neighbor of Rachel Kim, the lady he’s moving across town. For some nutty reason he’s attracted to her and she is too. When she comes over to apologize for her brother Daniel’s prank they interact more. Kenzie’s life is stressed with too much to handle and a tech savant smart 13 year old brother whose starting to get in trouble.
Later in the book they make a deal, he’ll help her with her company’s tax problem and repairs at her house if she’ll design a logo for the moving company. She’s partners in a graphic design company with her next door neighbors Rachel Kim and Lila. Both she and Evan are keeping their hearts shielded against love. He lost his fiance to cancer. Her fiance abandoned her and brother Daniel abruptly. Both keep busy to avoid romantic entanglements in their lives. Rachel is protective of Daniel as she raised him since she was 18 and he 2. They come at a set in her mind. Evan is an only child and his mother is showing same of the same cancer signs as his fiance showed before she was diagnosed in an advanced stage. Their lives come together in a mutually helping each other out and fall in love.
Marie’s stories have a strong community of close knit characters, even set in Seattle it has a small town vibe to it. She has a great feel for relationships and dialogue and I always fall into her world and want to learn all the secrets.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Evan is ex military working for his family’s moving company. He meets Kenzie and her brother Daniel while on a job. Kenzie is trying to keep her brother from ending up in jail and recovering from a broken heart courtesy of her ex boyfriend. This is a good read when you want something light with a little angst. I like this story but want to read about the cousin Smith.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
3.5 Stars
It had been a long while since having read this author with remembering right away why I liked reading her when I started this one. This one has Evan and Kenzie with quirky way they meet. After that you are eager to see what happens next. This also has others that will entertain you in the story but am sadden I missed the first two where some have their story. This family business seems to give us readers lots of entertainment. The look into this world was a good escape for a minute and am glad I read this author again.
This was the first book for me by Marie Harte. Her writing style & characters, foul language, are new to me but fit right in to the story. There were numerous characters mentioned in the beginning that I had to keep track of not realizing that this was the third book in the series which I hadn’t read the other two even though you can read as a stand-alone.
This was Evan’s & Kenzie’s story-Evan’s fiancé had died of cancer about 18 months ago & Kenzie’s fiancé had taken off & left Kenzie & her younger brother (13 years old)Daniel, both their parents had died when Daniel was 2. Having a whole family & caring friends were important to Evan & Kenzie & key to their happiness. This is about their struggles to find it.
Yes this story has a Happy & Surprise Ending & kept me laughing throughout the book. I plan to read the other 2 in the series to find out how the other characters met.
It’s not a secret that I’m a huge fan of Marie Harte and I always look forward to her new books, especially in a series that I really enjoy!
Handle with Care is the third book in the Veteran Movers series and this is Evan’s story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read but have to admit it’s not my favourite of the three to date.
Evan Griffith is a truly great guy. Loyal, caring and thoughtful he’s always there for friends and family. He’s suffered heartbreak in the past so isn’t looking for a relationship (much to his mothers vexation!), that’s until he meets Kenzie Sykes during on of the Vets on the Go! moving jobs.
Kenzie was a good character but god’s, she drove me round the twist….. I actually wanted to shout at Evan to move on and find someone worthy of him as she was so hot and cold with him. I got that she’d been hurt in the past and that she worried about the impact on her brother Daniel if she was in a relationship, but lordy, it was like she couldn’t see what a good guy Evan was and seemed unwilling to take a chance in him and get on with her life for too long.
This pair were perfect for each other and it was good to see Kenzie finally moving past her fears. I loved reading about Evan and Daniel’s growing friendship. The boy was clever, too clever for his own good at times, and Evan was a really good influence on the teen.
As always, it’s great to catch up with favourite characters from previous books and find out more about characters who I’m hoping are gonna tell their own tale – Smith especially!!!
I really did enjoy the read, it had humour, heat, fun and feels but I hate to admit that at times I found it a little slow and Kenzie really did play on my nerves more than a little.
I’m giving Handle with Care 4*.
This is a relatively laid back romance with plenty of heart and lots of friends and family. It’s the type of story to read when you want something fun, something real, and something with just a tiny bit of angst.
Kenzie’s heart was broken by the perfect man. He was everything she wanted and loved. But when he just packed up and left, he not only broke her, he broke her brother as well. Now she’s afraid to trust all the goodness that is Evan. How can she trust that he won’t one day do the same thing?
Evan was an interesting hero. He cried, he laughed, he stumbled when trying to say the right thing, he often made the wrong decision but when he fell in love with Kenzie, he fell all the way. Although he wasn’t an alpha hero, he was so very real.
This is a lengthier book, and a bit slow in parts due to a lack of drama driving the story, but the secondary characters filled the holes and brought a smile to my face repeatedly. The angst is due to the push and pull from first both Kenzie and Evan and then eventually all Kenzie as she struggles with allowing another man into her life and her heart.
While the chemistry was definitely present during their first meeting, there were times that it didn’t feel intense enough for me. However, the smexy scenes themselves were hot. The power exchange between this couple fluctuated from one to the other and allowed me to see different sides to each of these characters.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, written with characters that are realistic and fun.
I was already loving the cast of characters that we’ve gotten to know in books 1 and 2, and then the author gave us another fun group through the heroine. I love the camaraderie and the way they all band together as family, even if they aren’t all by blood.
Evan could have been a boring character if this book was just focused on him and Kenzie. It was the side characters that really brought out the other side of him. His best characteristics was how much he took care of everyone around him. He was loyal, honorable and really sweet. I especially enjoyed how he bonded with Kenzie’s little brother.
Kenzie was a bit neurotic. She had a lot of fear after what the last guy did to her and her brother, and that got in the way. Despite that, I liked her. Her friends were awesome! I love crazy, quirky characters like her friends, Lila and Rachel. Even Rachel’s boyfriend was a great addition to cast.
The more I read about Smith, the more I love that guy. I can’t wait for his book. At least, I’m assuming he will get one. I hope we also get more of Hector and Lila. Actually, I would be pretty darn happy if we got a book on all the side characters.
This is book 3 in the Veteran Movers series and while it can be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading the other books as well so you understand some of the things that are talked about. This one is about Evan Griffith and Kenzie Sykes. Evan is helping his cousin’s out with the moving side of the business after one of them was hurt, and gets sent out to Kenzie’s neighbor’s to help her move into her boyfriends house. And there he meet’s Kenzie and is instantly drawn to her. Even with both of their issues and hang ups, they both decide to try to have something together.
I really liked this book! Kenzie made me laugh from the start. From her interactions with her brother to how she is with her best friends. I loved her attitude and just how she approaches life in general. Evan is this sweet man who went through something horrific but is slowly moving back into real life. And I love how he is with not only Kenzie but her brother. And then you throw in how he is with his family and the things he will do for the people he cares about? He is this perfect man! The only reason I gave this one 4 stars instead of 5 was because it does start off slow, but once you get over that “hump”? I loved it! I am looking forward to the next one in this series! And I definitely need to know more Smith!
Firstly I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca for the given opportunity to review this book.
Secondly I can say I ltruly loved this witty, interesting story. Altough I must admit in the beginning I was quite irritated with all the names and relation statuses. I honestly got into the story at about 25 percent but then I was smitten. I couldn´t stop to read and I was honestly glad I stuck to reading. Both main characters carried the loads of their pasts but fortunately could jump over their own shadows and started to see things in a different light again. And in the end even a great surprise awaits the reader, which totally spiced the story.
Anyway I can only recommend this amazing read 🙂
3 1/2 stars. I really like this series but with this book, unfortunately I had a hard time with Kenzie, the heroine. I do like this storyline though and I love our hero Evan, but found Kenzie to be a little too unwilling and stuck in her past relationship issues to see what she had right in front of her. I feel it just took her way too long to get there. But I do like them as a couple when she is on board and when they do finally get all the way there. That being said there are some awesome scenes in this book and some great witty conversation going on with this crazy friend group that had me laughing out loud. Kenzie’s brother Daniel is great and I love the way despite what is happening between him and Kenzie, Evan takes special care of Daniel. I really like Smith and look forward to more about him in a future book!
This is the third book in the series and yes you do need to read the others to know what is going on because even the book is about Evan and Kenzie we have the second story that continues with Smith, nope if you are not reading I am not telling.. Book was funny and I was happy that Evan got his story he deserved it, I wasn’t crazy about Kenzie, I didn’t like her I can’t even explain it. Yes I was happy that they worked everything out and he got his HEA, and I loved reading the secondary character, but you know one of the things that I enjoyed the most, its that at first I didn’t care for Smith, I mean I got his resentment but still he kind of bugged me, but after reading this book I liked him more and I liked that he was accepted more and was able to have some relationship with his fam, but I want more from him..Here me Marie, more Smith please..
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
My favourite!
HANDLE WITH CARE by Marie Harte is a delightful read for the contemporary romance reader and fans of buff, tenderhearted, ex-military heroes, fun, quirky characters, and a well-told love story.
From the very first chapter you can’t help but root for the heroine, Kenzie Sykes. She’s got her hands full between running her business, raising her 13-year-old brother, Daniel, and mending a broken heart. In walks Evan Griffith, ex-Marine and mover for Vets on the Go! Not only is he drop dead gorgeous, but he’s kind and thoughtful. Kenzie and Evan are immediately drawn to each other, and it’s clear they are a perfect fit if Kenzie can trust he won’t break her heart.
Evan’s had his own heartache, losing his fiancé to cancer, but Kenzie is the woman to heal his broken heart.
A fun read from between Daniel’s antics and a whole host of quirky characters from Vets on the Go! to Kenzie’s opinionated, caring friends.
Marie Harte has a real talent for developing memorable characters, engaging dialogue, sensual romance, and a story that stays with the reader long after they read the end.
3.75 stars–HANDLE WITH CARE is the third instalment in Marie Harte’s contemporary, adult VETERAN MOVERS erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for Vets on the Go!-a moving company established to help former servicemen. This is thirty-one years olds former Marine and CPA Evan Griffith, and graphic designer Kenzie Sykes’ storyline. HANDLE WITH CARE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an on-going plot line throughout.
Told from several third person perspectives including Evan, Kenzie and Daniel HANDLE WITH CARE follows the building relationship and romance between thirty-one years olds former Marine and CPA Evan Griffith, and graphic designer Kenzie Sykes. Vets on the Go’s latest job found Evan Griffith walking into a ‘fight’ between friends that caught Evan unaware. Meeting thirty-one year old Kenzie Syke’s stirred something deep within our story line hero, something Evan long thought buried and gone. When Kenzie’s younger brother pulled a fast one on Evan Griffith, Evan would take his revenge by asking out our story line heroine. What ensues is the slow building romance between Kenzie and Evan, and the potential fall-out as Kenzie is unable to let go of the past.
Kenzie Sykes has known love and lost when her fiancé walked away without a backward glance. Having raised her younger brother Kenzie’s first priority is Daniel, and a relationship with Evan is about to push all of her boundaries. Evan Griffith also knew love and the grief of losing someone close, and was willing to give love another chance but convincing Kenzie that he was not her ex-fiance meant the whole package including caring for her younger brother as well. A sensitive hero Evan struggles with Kenzie’s up and down, back and forth emotional turmoil.
The relationship between Kenzie and Evan is one of immediate attraction but Evan’s first impression of Kenzie came with mixed emotions believing the woman was all kinds of crazy. Hoping to convince Kenzie to give him a chance Evan begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine, while fast becoming a big brother to Daniel as well. A former soccer star, Evan will take Daniel under his wing in an effort to help Daniel with his love of the game. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary characters including Cash Griffith and Jordan Fleming (Smooth Moves #2), Reid Griffith and Naomi (The Whole Package #1); Evan’s mother Jane Griffith; Vets on the Go employees-Smith Ramsey, Hector, Lafayette, and Finley; Kenzie’s brother Daniel, and her two besties Lila, Rachel and Will. There is something developing between Lila and Hector-here’s hoping the author brings their relationship to the forefront. The back and forth banter between characters is energetic and fast paced-there is definite camaraderie between family and friends.
HANDLE WITH CARE is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and love; a story of revelations and acceptance. The premise is fast paced, engaging and lively; the romance is seductive; the characters are spirited and fun. HANDLE WITH CARE is an entertaining and inviting addition to Harte’s Veteran Movers.
A really sweet funny romance full of family drama. I loved reading this funny book. Loved all the characters and everything that was happening in their lives. Together they make a beautiful love story and show us that the family is not necessary is blood-related but is the persons who touch your hart. It was enjoyable funny, hot read.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley
A wonderful and enjoyable solid read but I think you need to read the previous books to appreciate this story.
Great fun and family themed with the whole Vets bunch interacting with and around each other. Lovely to spend some time with this group again.
We also get Kenzie, her young brother Daniel and Kenzie’s two best friends and business partners Rachel and Lila, introduced in a very fun way. Rachel has a boyfriend Will and Lila hooks up with Hector.
Not a huge amount of drama and no other man or woman annoyance, just some nice family sorting out drama.
Though Kenzie does need to kick some negative emotions from an ex into the past.
Evan is perfect in so many ways and such a sweetheart. He is such a good all round dependable person.
He is a sensitive and caring man with the ability to smooth out other people’s problems without overstepping.
Liked Kenzie even though she hurt Evan. She at least grovelled nicely. Kenzie is a bit mixed up and too absorbed in her own problems to appreciate how good Evan is to her.
Kenzie and her two friends were so funny together but I enjoyed the male bonding that was going on too. Not just Daniel and Evan either.
Oh my goodness. Smith having tea with little girl scene had me smiling widely. So sweet. We find out more about Smith’s background and I cannot wait to see what lucky lady ends up with Smith.
Hope Lila and Hector stay together and make a go of it.
This is my honest review of this book.
Fantastic! Evan and Kenzie’s story is emotional on several fronts, entertaining with wit, sarcasm and charm, and romantic. They are two people who have had their hearts broken and are trying to find a way to open themselves up to love again. Evan is such an amazing guy and sometimes he seems too good to be true for Kenzie who is holding herself back from him in fear of getting hurt again. Of course, Evan and Kenzie are surrounded by family and friends who know how to keep it real so, there’s laughter, pranks, some tears and unwavering support. These characters are some of the best from, Kenzie’s teenaged brother Daniel who is a genius with a computer. To Lila and Rachel, Kenzie’s friends and business partners who have her back at all times. Aunt Jane, Evan’s mom is so sweet and caring that everyone loves her. To Smith, with his tough guy exterior but gentle soul who is looking to fit in with his family. And, all the other Vets crew who keep it lively. They are a special group of people full of heart that draw you in to their lives and make you feel at home.
I’ve been anxious to read Evan Griffith’s story since the moment he was introduced in the series. He’s a cousin to Reid and Cash Griffith who have already had their books. If you read Cash’s book, then you would find out that there was finally a secret that came out about a particular character. In Evan’s book, it goes further with that specific character. Readers will also get to find out more about the sexy accountant, Evan and who wins over his heart.
Evan is a sweetheart because of many reasons, but let’s say that he won me over for taking care of his mother and also being there for his fiancee that passed away due to cancer. He has a kind heart for everyone, so he deserved a HEA. He ends up meeting Kenzie, who has her heartbreak in this book. She recently was left by her fiance who couldn’t take taking care of her and her little brother. Kenzie comes with her little brother Daniel who she has been taking care of for a while, but she would do anything for him. She’s hesitant to let anyone into her life because of what happened to her in the previous relationship. Evan wants to prove how much he cares about her and her brother, but it will take some time.
I loved these characters together, but Kenzie did drive me crazy about how she handled certain things in the book. I loved Evan, though, in this story, you already know my reasons. He also wins me over how he dealt with another character. That character will most likely be getting his book, which I’ve been waiting for, and I’m also anxious to find out about other secondary characters.
I’m enjoying this series now by Marie Harte. I may not have enjoyed the first book, but the last two have won me over, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I love how Marie Harte incorporates Military Veterans getting their HEA. I also love how she writes each character and who they fall for in their books. If you are looking for a contemporary romance story that involves military veterans getting their own love stories, then this series is for you.
Story Rating: 4 stars
Steaminess Rating: 3 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of Veteran Movers Series, but each book can be read as a standalone.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Strangers-to-Lovers; Slow Burn
Hero: Accountant; Business Partner with is Cousins (Moving Company); U.S. Marine Veteran; Lost his Fiancée to cancer
Heroine: Graphic Designer; Guardian to her Brother; Hurt from previous relationship
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.