Viviana Enchantress of Books: Book Review: Branded (The Cavanaugh Brothers #1) by Laura Wright

Branded
(The Cavanaugh Brothers #1)
By Laura Wright

Blurb:
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.

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Viviana's Review:

Let me start by saying I LOVE Laura Wright! I'm a huge fan and she's an auto-buy author for me as well! When I first found out she was righting a Western Contemporary Romance, I KNEW it was going to be HOT! And boy was I right!!!

Laura always does a great job with world building and this includes her contemporary romances. In "Branded" we're taken to the west and into the world of the "Triple C", a ranch with many dark memories. The tragic death of Cass over ten years ago was the catalysis of ripping a family apart. Secrets kept them apart. Now another death brings the Cavanaugh brothers back to the one place none of them wished to be. The thing is, that no one knows what the Cavanaugh brothers have gone through and we as readers get a glimpse of from Deacon's POV and information trickles in throughout the story. We find out the history and background of events as Mac finds out and what we find out is a surprise.

Mac is feisty, smart and independent. She suffered the loss of her best friend Cass, and now her mentor and the man she looked as a father figure is also gone. The one place she's ever called home and has worked so hard for is in danger of being destroyed thanks to Deacon. Determined to not lose her home and the towns main source of employment, she will fight. She also fights her attraction and feelings for Deacon.

Deacon is a powerful business man who swears his heart is cold. Yet, it burns and yearns for Mac. Granted, this isn't a good thing as his sole purpose is to destroy the one thing she loves most in the world. Their attraction is instant and for Mac, one she's had for him since she was a pre-teen. Deacon struggles to keep the promise he made to himself all those years ago and the possibility of being with Mac.

We get to know Cole and James Cavanaugh a little and each will have their book (woohoo). Cole is Cass's twin brother and the youngest of the brothers. He's a champion UFC fighter, with sleeve tattoos and one bad ass attitude! James is a famous horse whisper that makes all the ladies swoons. He is quiet and mysterious and feels more comfortable with his horses than with people.

I LOVED seeing the bond between the Cavanaugh brothers! Their bantering and the humorous moments really showcase the love for each other.

From the blurb, we all know they have another brother by the name of Blue. Mac and Blue are best friends and co-works at the Triple C. She relies on him for that brotherly love and comfort. This sparks some jealously from Deacon, which is fun to see!

Laura did a fantastic job of creating characters be unique and have you wanting to get to know them better. The story is one that tugs at your heart and the steamy scenes make your nether regions quiver.

Overall, a great read and a great start to the series.