BROCK
by Roxanne St. Claire
7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes - Book 5
Publisher: South Street Publishing
Release Date: August 29, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
Brock - Book Five
With proud Blackthorne blood in his veins, Brock Blackthorne loves his job as the keeper of the "brand." His job is to protect the family name, to keep the company's reputation as clean as possible, and ensure that skeletons stay well-hidden at the family compound in King Harbor, Maine. So when an ambitious and inquisitive biographer is tasked to pen a revealing "tell all" book about the Blackthornes, Brock decides to personally guide the beautiful writer far away from any family landmines. But the more time he spends sharing the history and heart of his unusual clan, the more he wants this captivating woman in his arms...and in his life.
The daughter of renowned investigative journalists, Jenna Gillespie's job, reputation, and advance money is on the line if she doesn't unearth something scintillating and surprising about this dynasty built on whisky. Unfortunately, the maddeningly sexy Brock Blackthorne is doing everything he can to make sure that doesn't happen. But when she uncovers a lead about the family's multi-million dollar whisky recipe having been stolen, Brock decides to help her, certain they will finally remove a cloud that hangs over the family name.
As Jenna and Brock get closer to the truth, they also get closer to each other. And when the real story is finally revealed, one of them will have to sacrifice all they think they hold dear if they have any chance for a lifetime of love.
My thoughts:
Roxanne St. Claire never fails to create interesting characters then surround them with intriguing stories that engage both my heart and my mind.
While Brock and Jenna both have lives very different from my own, I was able to relate to each of them and the challenges they faced. I adored Brock, especially when he threw off his corporate persona, donned his glasses (I do love a man in glasses), and let his hair down. I liked that St. Claire made him strong, but vulnerable. I loved his chemistry with Jenna. I also loved his gut-deep belief in the Blackthorne family's good reputation but it was his sense of fairness in uncovering the truth, even if that was at his family's expense, that really won me over. Yes, there was that moment of male stupidity but he redeemed himself nicely. If Jenna could forgive him, so could I. ;-)
In less talented hands, Jenna could have come off as a villainous character but St. Claire gave her texture, depth, and a moral core that, rather than making her repellent, endeared her to me even more. I fully understood the dilemma she faced, given her background, especially as she came to know both Brock and his family better, and I was fully confident that she would do the right thing for both them and for her.
And speaking of Brock's family, I fell head over heels in love with Nana. I mean, who wouldn't love a sprightly senior citizen who creates serene gardens, protects her family with the ferocity of a tiger, and can drink most of them under the table. Forget loving her. I want to be her!
While this is the fifth book in the multi-author, 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes series, it's the first I've read and stands well on its own. Several characters from earlier books have page time, enough to make me want to read their stories without stealing the focus from Brock and Jenna. And, while there appears to be a mystery regarding Brock's aunt that carries across the series, the mystery of the Blackthorne whisky recipe is solved in this book, bringing Brock and Jenna's romantic journey to a well-deserved, happy ending. From beginning to end, it's a journey I enthusiastically recommend.
If you're interested in reading all seven books, they are:
#1 - DEVLIN by Barbara Freethy
#2 - JASON by Julia London
#3 - ROSS by Lynn Raye Harris
#4 - PHILLIP by Cristin Harber
#5 - BROCK by Roxanne St. Claire
#6 - LOGAN by Samantha Chase
#7 - TREY by Christie Ridgway
Do you enjoy a multi-author series?
What's the last one you read?
Are you reading 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes?
September is my birthday month and I'll be doing occasional birthday giveaways throughout the month. So, for PJ's 1st Birthday Giveway: One person who comments before 11:00 PM, September 7 will receive a Kindle copy of BROCK. Happy reading!
