The epic finale of the Becker Brothers series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone.It’s a man’s world.When I declared sports medicine as my major and every man narrowed their eyes, that saying proved true. It was true when my ex-husband decided I’d give up my career when our daughter was born. And again when I divorced the Chief of Police in our small town, and he made it painfully clear that … made it painfully clear that I could leave him, but I would never be free.
Landing the job as the new athletic trainer for Stratford’s high school team is my chance to start over. And walking into a male-dominated sport and staff, I’m ready for the challenge.
I’m not ready for Jordan Becker.
The head coach of our championship winning team is a Herculean force of nature–as severe as he is determined. His icy blue eyes and permanent scowl drive the women in this town mad, and his quiet power and undeniable command conjure respect from every man.
When I join his team, I expect the doubt and anticipate the fight from him. And I get them both.
I don’t expect to form a friendship.
And I never expect to fall for him.
My breath catches when those cool eyes fall to my lips. My body comes alive when his is near. And as those lines begin to blur, every warning bell sounds.
My job, my reputation are on the line.
And my ex is around every corner, waiting to remind me of his power.
It’s a man’s world, and if I want to survive, I can never fall in love with Jordan Becker.
Even if he falls in love with me first.
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This book had me in my feels the whole time. I am not one to cry happy tears over characters, but Kandi brought it out in me. This book was deep, heartfelt, inspiring, empowering, raw, emotional…. This book will cause a major hangover, but I promise that you’ll look forward to it. I loved everything about this book. Definitely recommend this book and the whole series.
Finally, the mystery is revealed! And boy, does it throw a spanner in the works.
“Maybe our bodies and souls were having entire conversations without a single whisper”
Sydney and Jordan made me smile, laugh, gasp, swoon and silently fist pump. And Paige is one of the coolest kids that I’ve read about in a book for a while.
What happened to Jordan’s father?
Did Jordan and Sydney find a happily ever after?
I’m not going to spoil it for you, you will just HAVE to read this awesome book for yourself to find out!
Overall Grade: 1/2
If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write. Martin Luther
Readers who have never read romance or people who seek to disparage it, to marginalize the readers of this genre, miss out on the depths of it. In many ways, it is one of the most inclusive communities, and it honors female empowerment in ways that other genres might not capitalize on fully. As the years have progressed, beyond empowering women in their $exuality, romance writers have the noted impact that literature in any form offers opportunities to tackle social justice issues. Entertwined in their stories of love, empowered writers of romance drop apt reminders of a world where everyone has a place, a voice, a power. Kandi Steiner is one of those writers.
Confession: I finished Old Fashioned, the last book in Steiner’s Becker Brothers series over a week ago. If I had been a responsible blogger, I would have posted a review the same day. But I couldn’t. I had so many ideas running through my mind, and quite frankly, I had a BIG book hangover from this series. I hated that Old Fashioned brought the series end. Steiner crafted a small town fraught with unequal power constructs and a burgeoning scandal at every page. Yet, in that town, she offers up characters that felt like family. Each one of the Becker brothers and their heroines represented a type, a character that looked and thought and felt like any one of us. In doing so, she found a space for her readers to find themselves in these stories. She created a profound space of inclusion whether it was socio-economic, racial, cultural, or $exual. This world also included personalities that you couldn’t help but fall in love with. From the Becker Brothers’ mother to Betty Collins in the nursing home, it felt like you always had someone in your corner. For me, this inclusion is the reason I hated leaving this series. She found a space for you and me through connection with seemingly “real” people in the midst of her fictional romance. This is its profundity.
And she increased this inclusivity in this final book. It would be easy to say that it is Old Fashioned’s story and the way in which she tied up all of the “loose ends” of the Becker Brothers’ father’s mysterious death (which she does so well) that makes this book the best one. Instead, Steiner’s choice to incorporate POC as her hero and heroine makes it the most compelling. In her final story, she challenges us to consider power and position. She flays the truths of unequal positions of power, $ex, and color throughout Old-Fashioned. From the mixed-race backgrounds of Jordan and Sydney where both of them struggled in the past to be accepted into a racial group to stereotyped constructs of gender and power through Sydney’s acceptance of a job “usually” filled by a male and the challenges of her acceptance of that position to the tenable hold of powerful individuals in their small community and the abuse of that hold, Steiner points a finger at inequality and asks us to open our eyes and fix it. In her story, she does that. She empowers the marginalized and provides them with the means to be heard. In doing so, everything is righted: Jordan and Sydney find their ultimate acceptance and place in each other, Sydney stands in the truth of her giftedness as a trainer and stands firm against stereotypes, and the “bad guys” lose in the end, upending the power dynamic of the community. In acknowledging these inequities, Steiner uses her power as a writer to right the wrongs of social injustice and show us that way for ourselves. Old Fashioned offers us a keen lesson in inclusivity, compassion, and change.
Ultimately, Steiner does this well through the construction of Jordan and Sydney. These are powerful characters wrapped into gentle souls. Prior to Old Fashioned, Logan Becker had been my favorite Becker brother because his soul was compassionate. He has a tenderness that Noah and Michael lacked. After Old Fashioned, Jordan Becker claims my top spot because, like Logan, he has a tender heart, but he has a likeability that is sometimes lost in Logan. Logan tends to be a bit staid and tied-up, a bit too organized. Mallory has to “mess him up” a bit as a way to soften that side of him, but it still exists. Jordan is a quiet, gentle giant of a man. He has his moment early on when he illustrates his reductive thinking about Sydney; however, after being reminded of his narrow thinking, he acknowledges it and offers her an apology wherein he accepts his fault and asks for forgiveness. He is incredibly masculine, but also compassionate, sometimes to the exclusion of his own feelings. He is careful, thoughtful, and principled. He acts a true foil or opposition to Sydney’s ex.
As a heroine, Sydney is strength personified. This is a woman who has taken on the burden of a past that could have destroyed her and transformed it into a purposeful present and hopeful future. She is the only person in this story who can stand toe-to-toe with Jordan and make an impactful change on him (well, except for his mother). Yet, as secrets are divulged in this story (and there are many of them as Steiner did not hold back on crafting a compelling, fast-moving story), it is Sydney who helps him find his resolve and his peace. She becomes his foundation because her strength, tenacity, and intelligence offer him a port as a calm in his storm.
The story. The characters. The prose (there is such an ease to Steiner’s writing). All of these qualities of Old Fashioned conspire to offer you a top read for 2020. Honestly. It’s easy to throw that moniker around. But it’s true. Kandi Steiner took her purpose as a writer to voice the foibles of our world and laid it bare in the midst of her romance. Old Fashioned acts as a marker for change whether you are a POC, a woman, a person of a lower socioeconomic class, etc. It’s a challenge for readers to stand for the underrepresented, offering more of your voice so they can find an equal footing for theirs.
Thank you, Kandi, for this series. I loved every page of every book, and I hate to leave the Becker family because they brought so many hours of smiles and tears and happily-ever-after sighs.
Whew! Sydney and Jordan! I loved these two so much. Jordan may have put his foot in his mouth at their first meeting, but it doesn’t take long for the two of them to come to an understanding. All it takes is one speech on the first day of practice for Sydney to see how special Jordan is and it doesn’t take long for Jordan to see that Sydney is very good at her job as well. The two form a friendship and Jordan starts working with Sydney’s (adorable) daughter Paige, who wants to be a football player. And the rest, as they say, is history.
I really loved Sydney and Jordan’s relationship. She might have some heavy baggage, thanks to her douchebag ex-husband, but Jordan has no problem taking it all on. He knows that Sydney and he daughter are special and he won’t let anyone tell him anything different. Even his family welcome them with open arms, which is exactly what I expect from the Becker family.
I am sad to see this series end, but we finally got all the answers we have been looking for!! I will say that it wasn’t so much the mystery being solved that shocked me, but the fallout. Holy cow! I was not prepared for the bomb that was dropped. I am usually pretty good at picking on things like that, but I was totally blindsided! Well done Kandi!
Jordan has suffered a terrible loss but somehow he still gets up to do what he loves every day, coach. This year there are some changes because Sydney is being added to team. Sydney is restarting her life and got the job she’s always dreamed of getting before life had other plans. Jordan and Sydney don’t start out great but the attraction can’t be ignored. Will either act on it? Jordon has been investigating but will he ever get answers he needs?
Brand new small town, sports romance from Kandi Steiner! Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited. Can be read as a standalone, or you can binge all four brothers right now!
I’ve been on a small town reading binge lately, and Kandi Steiner nails it by bringing a sports theme in! What’s not to love! Clickity click!
5 OLD FASHIONED STARS!! Wow…I am sad the Becker Brothers are over, but what a way to go out. Jordan and Sydney’s story will give you all the feels….I loved every minute of this book. This beautiful story was the perfect ending to a great series. Kandi Steiner I definitely a 1-Click author for and should be for you as well.
I have followed Kandi Steiner for some time now, and have always enjoyed her stories. With the release of Old Fashion(Becker Brothers #4), she completes the tales of the Becker boys and does so with shock and amazement. Watching this very close family grow even more was icing on the cake.
Jordan is the oldest Becker brother. Strong, silent and smart, with the loss of their father, he has been the leader of the family. He has always made sure family came first. Where his brothers followed one path to success, his was entirely different.
Sydney shows strength and control in all she does. The love of her life is her super active daughter and no matter what she will make sure they are safe and secure. Momma bears have that protective mode instilled in them from the start it seems. But with all these things going for her, Sydney’s past issues are never far away.
Throughout this series there has always been an underlying battle. Unanswered questions when family loss is involved does not sit well with these guys. All the brothers have taken a part in attempting to resolve all the questions existing. This story finally gives us the relief and answers we need, and in doing so we are left breathless. Kandi brings closure, but in the same sense she had me sitting totally surprised with all the details that finally come out. And just so you know, there are so many more than what you may think. Great job Kandi Steiner and well worth all the stars.
This book is the perfect send-off to these characters! Jordan and Sydney’s story is the perfect way to end this series. You can’t help but feel so happy for Jordan getting his own happy ending and someone he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
Jordan is the type of person who is usually reserved and quiet so when he talks, people would usually listen. He’s a talented football coach – he commands respect and he also cares deeply for his team, always encouraging them and pushing them to be the best.
Sydney is the new athletic trainer in the football team. I can’t help but admire Sydney. She’s been through shit but she remains strong. Her journey after her divorce is as if she’s reclaiming her life. Being in a male-dominated world/sport put pressure on her too because it’s as if she had something to prove to other people and to herself, but she’s thriving and doing a damn good job at it.
Jordan and Sydney’s chemistry was just SO GOOD. Their relationship was so pure. Knowing that Sydney experienced domestic violence from her ex-husband made me feel more emotional seeing how Jordan treats her so well just as she deserves. He’s patient, understanding, and caring. He always listens to what she has to say and supports her.
The mystery regarding the death of their father that was introduced from the very first book is finally resolved here and let me tell you, it’s worth it. Those scenes were so satisfying to read. Aside from that, there are also other big revelations in this book which took me by surprise (in a good way!).
The scenes with all the Beckers got me emotional. Their moments together were so sweet. They welcomed Sydney and Paige into the family with open arms. We also get some cute moments between Noah and Ruby Grace, Logan and Mallory, as well as Mikey and Kylie. I also really love the female friendships that were formed in this group of people. The epilogue was so heart-warming!
It’s sad to see one of my favorite series end, but I’m so grateful this book exceeded my expectations.
ARC provided by Social Butterfly in exchange for an honest review.
I can’t believe it’s over! What a tantalizing ride Kandi Steiner took us on with the Becker Brothers series!
Old Fashioned had everything!!!! Small town romance. Drama. Lust. Suspense. A corrupt ex. Secrets. A single mom. Family. Football.
I absolutely adored the chemistry between Jordan Becker and Sydney Clark! Their love of sports and appreciation for their small town was a great invisible link connecting their souls. The witty back and forth banter and jabs were so fun to read. I could envision this couple in the locker room, on the side lines, at Sunday dinner. Steiner did an incredible job of making the reader feel like they were right there, getting in on the action as a fly on the wall. The writing was incredibly emotional and purposeful. The aches and pains were necessary, to feel the level of emotion these characters were silently experiencing.
The relationship that transpired over the course of the read between Jordan and Sydney’s young daughter was so heartwarming! I loved the connection they shared around football and how it brought them closer together on a deeper level than just the shared passion of a sport. The way the entire Becker family welcomes both women with open arms just pulled on my heart strings!
A significant amount of time in this novel was spent seeking truth and justice for Mr. Becker and uncovering the corruption at the distillery surrounding his death. I liked how that story line linked all of the Becker Brothers books together and we finally got most of our important questions answered. There were some serious bombs dropped in this book but I felt like they stitched the entire series together so well. I was left completely floored by some of the revelations! The twists and turns in this story were absolutely thrilling!
Sydney is the new athletic trainer for the school team. She is a divorced, single mom to a daughter just trying to get a fresh start from her police chief ex-husband. Jordan is the head coach of the team and a hunk. Sydney expects a fight because she’s a woman in a man’s world. The two have off the charts chemistry and actually become friends. Sydney’s ex likes to cause problems so she’s determined to not get romantically involved with Jordan no matter how she might like it. Jordan won’t let her get away that easily. A good read and ending to the series.
O-M-G guys! This ending to the Becker Boys Series could not have been more perfect! If you told me I had to pick a favorite Becker boy, I’m not sure I could do that either, they are all so different and precious and just so loveable in their own ways. This beautiful angsty love story was one I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. Jordan Becker’s story was last but certainly not least.
Jordan Becker is EVERYTHING! He’s the most amazing football coach, brother, son and person. He is loving and caring and just has this special way about him. He meets his match in Sydney Clark, in every way. She challenged him in ways he didn’t know he needed challenging and was everything he didn’t know was missing from his life and more. For so much of his life Jordan didn’t know exactly where he fit, but he fit with Sydney and her daughter, Paige. Their relationship was precious and it warmed my heart as much as it made me smile. Paige was adorable and funny and I couldn’t get enough of her with Jordan.
Sydney had been through the ringer, her history while heartbreaking made her the strongest most amazing woman and mother. I was pushing dm for her and Jordan because they just needed each other, they deserved each other. Even when they didn’t know it. I could say so many things about this woman but I don’t want to spoil anything. So I will just say, She.is.phenomenal!
It was fantastic to have all my Becker’s back together to wrap up this series. So many unanswered questions and prayers finally come to fruition for this precious family. I will just say, Y’ALL, this girl cried. I cried for the end of something that had become so precious to me. For the closure I needed in the most perfect of ways. Kandi gave me everything I longed for. The Epilogue, GAAHH! I couldn’t be a happier girl! This series is LIFE! Grab it today.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book!
My Cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up :
-Must Read Series! Becker’s are one of my all time favorite Book families!! This book had it all, banter for days and off the charts swoony and sexy time, angst galore. All the Becker’s were back in town!
– Jordan and Sydney were fire y’all. They were like the delicious burn of a good whiskey, they were straight up yummy!
Cliffhanger Warning-HEA. No cliffy! This ending was perfection!
Jordan, the oldest of the Becker brothers, the high school PE teacher and varsity football coach. He is the quiet and brooding brother that is always there for his family however they need him. He is starting the new school year hoping to take his football team to their third national championship and he gets to do that with a new athletic trainer, Sydney Clark. Sydney is recently divorced from the town’s police chief and a single mom to a 9 year old girl, Paige. She is finally able to start her dream job since her husband was a controlling and abusive jerkhole and wouldn’t allow her to work. And nothing is going to get in the way of that – not even the attraction and pull she feels towards Jordan Becker.
In the conclusion of the Becker Brothers series we finally get the answers surrounding their father’s death and it was a doozy. I am not going to lie, I thought I had it figured out but I was sooo wrong. It was much more dramatic than I thought but that is why I am not a writer. haha Jordan and Sydney’s story was a little more heavy than the other brothers as it broached subjects of racism and domestic abuse. The balance to that heavy was Paige, Sydney’s daughter. She was the light and the levity the book needed and she delivered. Probably even stole the show. I loved her and the relationship she had with Jordan.
For many reasons both Jordan and Sydney were hesitant to act on their feelings so this was a slow burn with off the charts chemistry that was simmering from the very beginning. For the very same reasons they didn’t act on their feelings, once they did act on them Sydney convinced Jordan to keep their relationship a secret. After denying himself for so long he agreed to it because he just wanted Sydney to be his. Watching both of them navigate something they never wanted was beautiful. I absolutely adored their fall. I am a big believer that the ending of a book will make or break it and to me this entire book felt like a perfect ending. It was a beautifully written story about family and loss and rebuilding and perseverance and support and above all love. I can’t recommend the Becker Brothers enough.
*I received an ARC for my honest review*
As I sit here crying I just have to say I TOLD YOU SO! I told you that Jordan Becker’s book would be my favorite. I was so right. This was a perfect way to end such a sweet series. Plus, it gave me MAJOR Friday Night Lights vibes, which was my favorite thing ever. Kandi wrote-not one- but four incredibly epic small town romances. And I loved every second.
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Oh Jordan. I love him. I love Noah and Logan and Mikey too, but I knew it in my SOUL from book one that this broody, quiet, hardworking man was going to steal my heart away. He is everything. It was amazing to be able to dive deep into his character and see what makes him, him. His fears. His passions. His values. His memories. I loved it all. He cares so much about everyone and respects every person. His stern demeanor is the complete opposite of who he actually is. He’s like Coach Taylor 2.0 and I LOVE HIM FOR IT!
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Sydney is such an intriguing character. We don’t get to know a lot about her from the other books, and what we do know is rumor. But I love her. My heart broke to read about what she went through. But she persevered and came back better than before. She is so strong, brave and fierce. I admire her dedication to being herself and sticking to what she loves. Not only that, I love the way she protects her daughter and cares for her, no matter what. Paige is such a special character & just like her mom, she’s incredibly fierce.
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I loved seeing them fall in love. I think it was so drastically different to see Jordan caring for someone other than his family in that way. But I mean that it in the best possible way. It was beautiful to see them fall for one another, scared or not. I think they’re PERFECT together. They push each other to understand but also love one another for everything they are.
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Most of all, I loved how it all came together, full circle. I cried so much, but the end was better than I could have imagined. IT WAS SO WORTH IT! The beautiful family moments were my favorite. Seeing everyone together with all their love was amazing. I love those Becker Brothers with my whole heart. I will NEVER forget them
I cannot believe how seamlessly everything knitted together. How each Becker and their ladies had their moment to remind us of why we love them so.
How not a single stone was left unturned and every question was answered. How the entire series clicked into place. And the love. Oh how I loved this book. I related to Sydney in a painfully glorious way and the hope and love and strength that poured out of her was an amazing reminder of possibilities.
Brand new small town, sports romance from Kandi Steiner! Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited. Can be read as a standalone, or you can binge all four brothers right now!
Brand new small town, sports romance from Kandi Steiner! Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited. Can be read as a standalone, or you can binge all four brothers right now!
Let me tell you if you only read one Kandi Steiner book, this is the one! I mean I love me some A Love Letter To Whiskey angst but OMG Jordan & Sydney and the Becker family, and Paige! Jordan and Sydney both want to guard not only their hearts but their souls but the chemistry between them burns the pages up! This book is the final wrap up of the Becker Brothers series but can be read as a complete standalone. The brothers solve the mystery of their father’s death and the story unfolds in a most unexpected way. I just loved it so much! You get an amazing love story, mystery, angst, and the feels!
Brand new small town, sports romance from Kandi Steiner! Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited. Can be read as a standalone, or you can binge all four brothers right now!