More often than not, Clint Mason has his foot firmly wedged in his mouth, which tends to get him in plenty of hot water with the ladies. Although his laid back good ole’ Southern charm does not fly far with the female population of Cedar Tree, the big burly contractor hides his dark side well.
The only one Beth Franklin allows herself to rely on is Beth, and so far that has served her well. Just … well. Just when her son disappears after dropping his little guy off on her doorstep, her life seems to spiral out of control. For the first time ever, fearing for his safety, the fiercely independent waitress is forced to be on the receiving end of a helping hand.
That’s not easy for her, especially since the shovel-sized hand belongs to a man whose approach has run hot and cold the last year, leaving her feeling off balance. With a steady and commanding force, he exposes her softer side, while doing everything he can to keep her and those close to her safe.
Due to some content of a sexually explicit nature, this book is recommended for a mature audience only.
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Upper Hand is Clint and Beth’s story. Poor Clint. He’s got such a good heart but that mouth of his just gets him in trouble. I loved learning how he was taught to treat ladies. It explains a lot! He’s an old fashioned kind of guy trying to get by in a time where woman want to be respected for their independence, especially the woman he’s become interested in. As you can imagine, this caused a few fireworks. Another fantastic read!
Audiobook: Narrator – Tanya Eby and Noel Harrison
I’m so in love with these narrators. They do such an amazing job of pulling me into each of the books in this series. No question, I’m a fan!
I’ve been waiting for Clint and Beth’s story. I was already in love with Clint and the total havoc he wreaks when he opens his mouth. I grew up with several Clints so I completely understood what he was trying to say even when he was making a huge mess of it all. Beth was a little harder to connect with. She was hard and a bit shut off and she tended to jump on Clint too much too often. However, I quickly began to fall in love with her as she opened herself up to Clint.
Like the other books in this series, this has a deep twisted plot that kept me listening long past the point I would usually turn it off. I was invested in not only this couple but in that of the other characters involved. This also has some ovary exploding moments between Clint and Max, Beth’s two year old grandson. Sooo good!
Truly loving everything about this series!
Upper Hand by Freya Barker is the fifth book in her Cedar Tree series. I have to admit that it feels like I’ve waited for Clint Mason and Beth Franklin’s story forever! My only one complaint is that the slow build between these two was slow but very much worth it in the end.
Clint Mason may not know what to say all of the time especially around Beth so when he’s in a coma after a brutal attack it will be her that stays by his side. When Beth’s son leaves his son at her doorstep Clint doesn’t hesitate to help her out. Things are not what they seem however and it will take all of their friends plus Clint’s estranged brother to help get her son out of the mess he’s in.
Beth Franklin doesn’t want to give a man control ever again so when Clint tries hard to convince her that he’s very interested in her. But can two hard headed adults figure out how to give each other the love that they both want and crave? First though Beth, Clint and their friends will race to rescue her son and stop a drug cartel from bringing their product into Cedar Tree.
A great continuation of the Cedar Tree series. Clint and Beth are an awesome couple, even though he has trouble keeping his foot out of his mouth. I loved the banter between the characters and the reoccurring characters in the series. The suspense plot line is well thought out and paced. Love this series and am anxious to read more from this author.
Upon listening to the audio version of the book, I was reminded what a great character Clint was. While the suspense story is engrossing the man made me laugh and smile throughout the book. He and Beth are both strong characters and the banter between them is funny, fast and sexy. They may well be my favorite Cedar Tree couple.
I was so excited for some more Cedar Tree adventure and Freya did not disappoint with this book. Full of non stop action with a little realization that it is okay to lean on your friends and love ones. I am struggling to write this review as I am very worried about giving to much away, I hate spoiler reviews. These characters grow in strength and understanding all while facing some pretty extreme challenges.
Clint and Beth are nothing but explosive when they cross paths. As we have gotten to see their interactions in the previous books, it has been easy to see that there is some potential interest hiding deep. When Beth learns of Clint’s injury she has an instant need to be by his side which also gives her some time to spend with her son and grandson.
After a long time stuck in a hospital bed Clint gets the sent home to rest. When you have had a near death experience you look at some things differently. Surprised when Beth offer to stay with him during his recovery. The more time they spend the walls seem to be falling down. He has to deal with some big surprises when he gets home and digs deep within to find some forgiveness.
Beth’s son find himself in trouble and he leaves his son with her. Things get a little scary and Beth struggles to hold everything together for Max and Dylan. This strong courageous woman never backs down and forces her GFI friends to include her in all things. Afraid for her son but also for the feeling she is having for Clint.
Will Beth grab onto life and give Clint a true chance. Will Clint be able to help Beth get through Dylan’s problems while showing her it is okay to lean on those who care for you. Leaning is not a sign of weakness.
Now, the big question is which Cedar Tree couple will we get next?
Ok, as much as I love this series and how much older the main characters are, there’s just something about the interaction between Clint and Beth’s grandson, Max, that had my ovaries exploding. Seriously, this man had verbal diarrhea when it came to his first few conversations with Beth and we all watched him put his foot in his mouth so many times, but one minute with Max and all was forgiven.
As tough as Beth was, and damn that woman had balls of steel, I loved how dedicated she was to Clint from the early onset: basically putting her life on hold while he was recovering. I knew there was a big old mushy soft spot in her.
I love what Freya has created in this series. From the moment I begin a new installment, not only do I learn more about the central characters that the story will revolve around, but I get to revisit and updates on the previous couples.