Branded by Laura Wright

June 2nd, 2014 Kimberly Review 70 Comments

2nd Jun
Branded by Laura Wright
Branded
by Laura Wright
Series: The Cavanaugh Brothers #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Western
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

In the small town of River Black, Texas, sits the Triple C—a working cattle ranch that sustains the town. But it also holds painful memories and shocking secrets for the Cavanaugh brothers... When the Cavanaugh brothers return home for their father’s funeral, they discover unexpected evidence of the old man’s surprising double life—a son named Blue, who wants the Triple C Ranch as much as they do. The eldest son, Deacon, a wealthy businessman who couldn’t wait to leave the ranch and move on with his life, is looking to use his powerful connections to stop Blue at any cost. He never expected the ranch’s forewoman, Mackenzie Byrd, to get in his way. Mac knows Deacon means to destroy the ranch and therefore destroy her livelihood. But as the two battle for control, their attraction builds. Now Deacon is faced with the choice of a lifetime: Take down the Triple C to feed his need for revenge, or embrace the love of the one person who has broken down every barrier to his heart

Sometimes a book delivers all the elements that I adore and such was the case with Branded by Laura Wright. I accepted the book for review after reading the synopsis and discovering it was a series involving brothers. Branded is the first in the Cavanaugh Brothers series a contemporary romance series set in the small town of River Black, Texas at the Triple C cattle ranch. Wright delivered a hot tale, fleshed out characters, a decade old mystery and family secrets..Yeehaa!

Five reasons to grab a cup of coffee and curl up with Branded

1. You love tales that involve brothers. Yummy brothers, who left the cattle ranch, became successful and harbor angry, hurtful memories regarding their homestead. You love uncovering family secrets and are curious about cold cases. Wright delivered more than a romance, and she had me engaged from the first few pages. Even when I was not reading it, I was thinking about it.

2. Sexy, smart, wounded heroes who are successful but need a woman to show them what is important. Dean Cavanaugh is the oldest brother, and he is determined to destroy all that his father has built. If confident, strong, feisty, heroines who are not afraid to stand their ground are important to you, then you are going to adore Mackenzie Bird.

3. Friendship to Lovers is one of your favorite tropes. The chemistry between Dean and Mackenzie is hot, and I enjoyed their banter. Both are strong willed, but they also listen to each other and their family. The romance started out heated, and while this is mainstream, the heat curled the pages and felt genuine. I like that Wright allowed things to build beyond the passion.

4. You enjoy series where each book deals with one couple, but have common thread. It looks like each book will deal with a brother and we met each of Cavanaugh brothers. They may be brothers, but boy howdy are they all different and smexy.

5. Series that offer an overall ARC that runs through each book. We get another perspective, regarding a cold case that has effected all of the key characters. These little side chapters added suspense and weaved perfectly into the overall story. Based on the cliffy (regarding this case), it is my thinking that the author will continue to give us clues and build this thread throughout the series, and I love the anticipation.

Branded was one heck of a ride with fantastic characters, perfectly paced and intense plot that kept engaged. I love when the elements blend perfectly creating a tale that stands above the rest and Wright delivered that book high I chase. Fans of small-town, family romances, mysteries, westerns and romantic suspense will enjoy Branded and the Cavanaugh brothers. Broken, the next book in the series will share, James Cavanaugh story he haa traveled the world as a horse whisperer and I for one cannot wait. It is set to release October 7, 2014.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

70 Responses to “Branded by Laura Wright”

  1. Dani

    I finished this book this week and I loved it! Can’t wait for #2 to come out!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Agreed Dani. I have my eye out for the ARC on the next book!

  2. Jennifer

    That cover is drool worthy! I received the audio of it last week and will be listening to it soon.

  3. Teddyree

    Those abs are calling me … *cough* I mean all your reasons appeal to me. It’s going on my wishlist 🙂

  4. Jessica

    I love ALL of those things! Brothers and friends-to-romance especially. *gingerly adds to wobbly TBR tower*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It all came together and was yummy and suspenseful

  5. Melliane

    yummy brothers is all for me! it’s nice to follow each couple but with a common lead, it’s not often the case. I didn’t know this one but it’s nice to see you had a great time with it! thanks for the review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Melliane. I enjoyed this and look forward to the next book.

  6. Stephanie Faris

    Great review! It sounds like an intriguing series. I don’t get around to reading romance much these days, but I may have to squeeze this one into my TBR pile.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Stephanie. I read a little bit of everything and like that this has elements of mystery to it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo I did not realize you were sick too. Feel better and yes the cover is yummy:)

      • Michele-A Belle's Tales

        Thanks, sweets! Yeah, pneumonia — we discussed it on FB, but we were both high on meds… or maybe I hallucinated a convo with you. lol Glad you’re doing better 🙂

  7. Lily

    I have to admit i have not been able to get through one western book lol but i do like the idea of this series telling the story of each brother per book. Great review! Kimba 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      If you like mystery, this may be one to try. Thanks Lily 🙂

  8. Rashika

    Being the odd creature I am, I usually don’t enjoy stories involving brothers. I love having one couple at the center of a series which is why I never seem to be able to enjoy series’ that involve different couples in each book. I am so intrigued right now though. You got me at family secrets and friends to lovers trope.

    Great review, Kimba!! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *blinks* I am trying to think of some series like that and can’t. I will say the brothers are as different as night and day and all have paved their way outside of the ranch. One is a boxer, one is a horse whisper and one is a financial investor.

  9. Heidi

    Admit it, you read this book because you wanted to lick the cover when you saw it, right?

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *evil grins* Let’s just say the cover had me making room in my calendar!

  10. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Where are all these brothers? If you find a family of them, share, will ya? 😉 These kind of books always make me smile. They are just so fun to read. Plus, the cover is verra nice too! 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, will keep my eyes out for ya. This is the type of novel where you lose track of time or death stare anyone who interrupts you 🙂

  11. Candace

    I like that this has brothers and takes place on a ranch. I like the friends to lovers trope too. Glad you enjoyed!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I like the synopsis and plot with brothers too Candace 🙂 thanks!

  12. Mary

    I do love the friends-to-lovers trope. Of course, I like a lot of romance tropes but that’s definitely one that I love. And that cover is to die for.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hehe..I like several too Mary but this is one of my favorites. Yep, that cover is yummy:)

  13. Andrea

    SOLD. Ive been seeing great reviews for Branded, and your five reasons won me over. I really wish I’d taken this for review!
    Great review, Kimberly!

  14. Kim { Book Swoon }

    I love all your reasons, Kimba! I’m checking this one out for sure. A new series I can start with Cowboys that sounds pretty amazing. Thanks 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Kim, this had all the elements to make a great tale 🙂

  15. Michelle

    Yes to point number 2! *adds to TBR list* I always enjoyed reading your review–always straight to the point and neat! Great job!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awe thanks Michelle and yep two is a great reason to love this book!

  16. Franny

    Wow, I’m really glad to read you really enjoyed this! Seems to me that this novel has been impatiently awaited for, so it’s safe to say that I’ll certainly have my hands on it soon! Beautiful review!

  17. Carmel

    Well fancy that, your top 5 reasons for reading this book correspond with mine. Sign-me up! I’m currently listening to another audio about smexy brothers, but once I’m done with them I might just move on to the Cavanaugh’s.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Branded releases on audio tomorrow. I am glad you liked the reasons and hope you enjoyed it as much as I did 🙂

  18. Jenea

    Well, hello there! This does sound like it is freaking awesome!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      hehe..it was 🙂 Jeana. I am anxious for book two

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So true Ali, this was quite good and had all the elements I love 🙂

  19. Jeann

    I do love series that run through an overall ARC but I don’t really read westerners! I like the sound of the hot brothers though. Lovely review Kimba 🙂

  20. Silvia

    1. Yes, I LOVE tales that involve brothers (especially YUMMY ones, hehe).
    2. Dean and Mackenzie already sound like a good match to me.
    3. Friendship to Lovers IS one of my favourite tropes.
    4. I like the fact that every book will deal with a different brother.
    5. Clues are great and so is the anticipation!
    Oh, Kimberly…You see, I seriously can’t wait to grab a cup of coffe and curl up with Branded!
    Fantastic review!!

  21. Lupdilup

    You had me at # 2…lol seriously! I listened to a series a long time ago, and it was set on Texas. By the way I highly recommend it on audio, it’s by Lisa Kleypas and the name is The Travis, they are from Texas too, and I’ve been dying to listen to something similar and this fits the ticket. I hope they publish it on audio, but it’s going on my TBR for sure!
    Thank Kimba!!

      • Lupdilup

        This an awesome news! I saw your post really late at night and I didn’t go check, normally I’d run to go see..LOL. I’ts been a little crazy getting the Audio Awards together so I’m been a little bit off my normal routine, but by next I hope to finally go back to it. I’m buying it right away 🙂 Thank you!