What could go wrong with brothers who had no idea they had brothers?

Okay, the way that Connealy writes a western romance with a touch of comedy is always wonderful, but that she can do it over and over again just makes me love her books more and more!

Braced for Love pulled me in right away, the bigger cast of characters made the story better and didn't drag it down or cause confusion, and the way that the main characters are forging a family is just so sweet. I highly recommend Braced for Love to romantic western lovers.

18 due to content that is brought to light due to sins that a father tried to hide.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

Braced for Love by Mary Connealy is a captivating start to her Brothers in Arms series. I read the books a bit out of order. Having read book 2, A Man With a Past, I was eager to read this first book of the series. Connealy has a nice style of writing and kept my interest throughout the entire book. I was hooked from the beginning as the action starts right up and continues through the story, always keeping the reader wondering how in the world will things work out now. The characters are realistic, vibrant, and relatable. Lots of action scenes and unexpected twists to the plot kept the pages turning quickly. Braced for Love is a captivating tale of family and faith, courage, and love. Now on to the third book in the series, Love on the Range! Lovers of Western romance will not want to miss this series.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own. ( )

Kevin Hunt is the main focus of this western that is sometimes funny, often mysterious, but always enjoyable! Author Mary Connealy includes fights, ambushes, and unknown villains, but there's also a sweet romance that grows between Kevin and Winona Hawkins, the schoolmarm who finds herself torn between her long-time friend Wyatt and this new guy that's shown up at Bear Claw Pass, Wyoming. Kevin is such a kind character and I found his devotion to his two younger siblings especially endearing. Their mother's death thrust him into the role of father when he was just fifteen, and he's done his very best to provide a home for Molly and Andy! Now, he has to accept that his father had more than one wife and apparently, more than one son!

Braced for Love is a delightful story filled with memorable characters, intriguing suspense, and many laugh-out-loud moments. There's also a strong faith message, and many mentions of prayer, as Kevin, Wyatt, and Falcon Hunt struggle to accept that they are family!

This is the first book in the new series, Brothers in Arms, so I'm 'bracing' myself for more fun and adventure, and the chance to learn more about Wyatt and Falcon. No one does romantic comedy better than Mary Connealy and I definitely recommend Braced for Love to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. ( )

Mary Connealy’s new book, Braced for Love, was just what I needed after reading a tense, heart-pounding suspense novel. I can always count on her for a rollicking, laugh-out-loud, entertaining story. I’m not saying there weren’t any suspenseful, riveting moments, because there were quite a few of those, too.

The premise of the tale is creative and original with Kevin Hunt inheriting his father’s ranch—his father, who supposedly had died long ago. There’s a catch, however. He has to share it with a half-brother he never knew existed. When Kevin and his siblings arrive at the ranch in Wyoming, more surprises await him, including an attack on their lives.
Connealy’s characters are always colorful, well-drawn, and engaging. The main characters, Winona Hawkins and Kevin are wonderful, and I enjoyed their camaraderie as their relationship progressed. A stellar secondary cast of characters perfectly complemented the storyline and added spice to it. I’m looking forward to seeing some of them as major characters in coming books in the series. I was fascinated with trying to work out the family history/genealogy angle with all the half-siblings involved.

With plenty of humor, intrigue, suspense, and a dash of romance, this story is pure Mary Connealy magic and sure to please those who enjoy historical fiction with plenty of wit.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ( )

“When he was in a tight spot and pouring out prayers of God’s protection, Kevin had learned to listen to the whisper of an idea.”
Welcome to a new western series by Mary Connealy. Braced For Love sets us up for an unusual story with lots of excitement and clashing temperaments between three brothers who did not know about each other until their no-account Pa died. Now Falcon, Kevin and Wyatt Hunt are joint inheritors of a huge ranch in Wyoming. These three stubborn men must abide by the will their father left.
It took me a minute to get the connections to the female characters but that just made it more interesting. Cheyenne is half sister to Wyatt by their mother. Her best friend, Winona, lives on the adjoining ranch. They are strong, capable women. A description of Cheyenne: “Not a stitch she wore was feminine, but she had a womanly shape, and no one with one working eyeball would have mistaken her for a man.”
Needless to say sparks fly when all parties are thrown together to sort out the terms of the will. And a different kind of sparks fly between Winona and Kevin. What fun to see them pitted against each other.
The descriptions of the majestic scenery was mesmerizing. The family dynamics change from antagonist to standing together against a common enemy, while counting on God to lead them. The most interesting character to me was Falcon. He is stealthy and mysterious and his background is waiting to be uncovered.
This was a solid start to a fun new series. It will be hard to wait for the rest stories and new match-ups.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* ( )