KEITH (The Hartwell Brothers Book 1)

This is the first book in The Hartwell Brothers series. This book is Keith’s story and his chance at finding a HEA. Family comes first and saving the family charity is what needs to be done. The solution for Keith’s older brother Matt is to marry a rich, socialite Nicolette. Keith decides to play cupid and tries to set Matt up with Veronica. But what happens when he shoots the arrow and the arrow that is meant for his brother shoots him in the ass instead? This is an entertaining read on how what once was the best plan, how it goes wrong but does it right itself in the end. A good start to a new series, I am interested in reading the next book to see where these brothers go and what else they can get themselves into. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A Refreshingly Different Kind Of Love Story That Takes The Reader On An Unexpected And Emotional Journey!

This is the first book in The Hartwell Brothers series. The love story of Matthias Sr. and Alice Hartwell, grandparents to the four Hartwell brothers, is briefly incorporated into Keith and Veronica’s story, adding history and deepening the reader’s connection to the Hartwell family.

Well-known even beyond their home state of Massachusettes, the Hartwell family represents old money, power, and influence, but the privilege that accompanies it is taught to be valued as a gift, not a right. The Hartwell Foundation that Matthias Sr. once ran with his father before handing over the reigns to another generation is considered the family’s heritage; giving back to the community is something the entire family is committed to.

Keith Hartwell, fashion photographer, is in high demand. Although he could easily have a career in front of the camera, he loves what he does and it shows in his work. Two years ago he got a big contract in Milan and his career has since skyrocketed. With a big heart, he is one of the most laid back photographers in the industry and the models adore him. He casually floats from one woman to another, never breaking hearts nor exposing his own.

Veronica Chesire, twenty-five, teaches pre-algebra at a magnet school. A tall woman, her beauty and full curves give her a retro Hollywood look. She is funny, smart, and definitely not a pushover. Her last date was over a year ago; he had made the mistake of getting too handsy. The oldest of seven abandoned and adopted children, her complicated family situation impacts her deeply. Gratitude, guilt, duty, and responsibility keep her living at home with her parents and prevent her from allowing herself to experience happiness.

Veronica takes a catering job during the summer to help pay for her siblings’ expenses. While working at an event for the Hartwell Foundation, she feels her heart flutter uncharacteristically at the sight of a certain man that she soon recognizes as a Hartwell brother.

While beautiful women offer themselves to Keith routinely, Veronica’s eyes call to him from across the room like no other. But when it comes to love, he doesn’t recognize it because he hasn’t experienced it before. He bottles up his feelings and behaves horribly in spite of his otherwise big heart. In his confusion, he acts out by rejecting the notion rather than admitting to himself how he feels. It becomes difficult to like Keith. But for the love he has for his family and the guilt that temporarily consumes him, it would be impossible to forgive him.

Keith and Veronica’s is a refreshingly different kind of love story. Neither acts upon their feelings, which causes unnecessary confusion and complications. The story shows how guilt can trigger unexpected and uncharacteristic reactions, and as awful as someone behaves, foregiveness is possible if there is love. It is nice to see that although they come from different backgrounds, both value their family and both feel comfortable enough to confide in and seek advice from their grandparents. The end comes with a HFN, but it can be deduced that more will be discovered about the couple’s ever after in the remaining books of the series.

This story is an unexpected and emotional journey. It is nicely written, with a handful of proofing errors. The POV alternates between Keith and Veronica, with the addition of a chapter each from Matthias Sr. and Alice. The plot is nicely developed. The addition of the peek into Matthias Sr. and Alice’s love story adds depth. The characters are very well-developed, but Keith’s character is slightly lacking. His relationship history is vague. One of his longest didn’t seem to be exclusive, and the length is never given. In addition, there aren’t many clues as to his age. He inherited money a few years ago and his career took off two years ago. I place him anywhere from twenty-five to thirty-five, but roughly thirty is my best guess. Hopefully a future installment will clarify his age. I rate this book four stars.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is book one and the start of the Hartwell Brothers Series. This is Keith’s story. I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down once I started reading. This book was a great start to a new series and can’t wait for the next story series, Matt. It was definitely having the whole roller coaster of emotions going on. I enjoyed every page even when I was mad or sad. I have a real love/hate relationship with Keith. There are times I really want to smack the living daylights out of him and for a while there I was fully prepared to hate him. This book has a somewhat unfinished feel to it but I’m hoping we seem more of them in the next books in the series. The unfinished feel probably has more to do with the lack of an epilogue which is something I’m use to seeing even in a series book.

Keith is a photographer and from one of Boston’s old money families. Veronica is a teacher at one of the charter schools. Keith has this bright idea to find someone for his brother to get him to give up the idea of marrying this horrid woman because her father promised to help bailout the trouble their charitable foundation is going through. Keith meets Veronica and they have an instant attraction, but Keith pushes it aside and pushes her toward his brother. Keith ends up hiring Veronica because she gets fired from her side job catering. Keith does something horrible to Veronica. Can she forgive him and give their relationship a chance or is she done with him for good?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Excellent
Very good moving romance, very well written and whose characters are exciting. I loved hating hateful characters 🙂
To prevent his brother from marrying a despicable heiress who allegedly supported their foundation, Keith decides to present him Veronica whom he met a few days before. Keith works with her, but she understands what he wants to do and she agrees to try to date his brother Matthias. However, Veronica feels that she is closer to Keith and he is in the most complete denial, to the point of hurting each other.
The story is full of twists.

This is the first book of the Hartwell world, a family from old money and lots of history! Keith and Matt are the first of the brothers we meet. Keith “sets up” his brother Matt with a lovely woman Keith met first…please note there is a ton of back story here that I won’t go into! You can imagine what takes place! I can’t wait for the rest of the books! I had a deep, dark feeling that there was going to be a huge plot twist but that never came… I know there are more books to come, so maybe what I was feeling hasn’t been written yet! Just read this, you’ll love it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

4.5 Stars! There is Veronica who is a strong, independent woman who can take care of herself and is very protective of her family. Then there is Keith, the ultra wealthy, alpha male photographer who also has a protective streak. Keith has an instant attraction to Veronica that he doesn’t understand. She is under his skin but he decides to set his brother up with him. What happens next is rather surprising. Will he get Ronni in the end or will it all blow up in his face? Good character development and well written. Looking forward to seeing how the other books in the series go.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout.

This is the first book in the series and is Keith and Veronica’s story I really liked these two together the attraction between them was off the charts I was sucked right in and found myself reading into the early hours of the morning I can’t wait for the next book.

You love it, you hate it, you fall in love all over again.

Keith is book one in M.S. Parker’s Hartwell Brothers series. In this book we hear about the brothers but really only get to know two of them. Matt and Keith. I’ll admit, at times this is like reading two stories.

We have Veronica who is a school teacher. In her Summer’s off she works for a catering company. This year there’s an issue with her and Nicolette who is Matt’s date. Nicolette feels jealous because people are noticing Veronica so she lashes out and eventually costs her the job. Keith rushes after Veronica and offers her a job. Even though he’s very attracted to her he devises a plan to set her up with his brother Matt to get him away from Nicolette. Too bad it makes him miserable when they hit it off.

Veronica starts seeing Matt but even though it’s nice there’s no fireworks. She gives it a good try though knowing it makes sense even if she can’t stop thinking about Keith. Needless to say, things do not go smoothly! The results are rather explosive and even though it ends happy the story isn’t anywhere near done. I’m sure we’ll see more of them in Matt’s story.

If you are a regular reader of M.S. Parker’s work this one is a slow burn. Aside from a couple dreams there is nothing racy until you’re more than 60% done. There’s was none of the riskier stuff I’m used to seeing in other books like her Club Prive series. I’m not sure if any of the other stories of the Hartwell’s will feature the sub/dom genre but this book stayed clear of it all. Sometimes it’s nice to see authors step outside their usual box.

I received an advanced copy of this story through BookSprout and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

So good. The build up was perfect and the storyline was fantastic. I love the family bonds. The closeness of siblings and the feel of older times. The way Keith feels for his brother. The way Veronica shows affection for her parents.

MS Parker never disappoints. Her writing is so descriptive she will leave you yearning for more. Matt’s story is next and I’m already getting excited. But don’t fret, you can totally read this as a standalone.

Great start to a series I know I’m going to love. I connected with this family immediately and I’m so excited to see where this story goes.