Always You
Bachelor Brotherhood, Book #3
By Denise Grover Swank
ISBN13: 9781455539819
Author’s Website: http://www.denisegroverswank.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary
Matt Osborn had no idea coaching his five-year-old nephew’s soccer team would get him so much attention from the mothers-attention he doesn’t want now that he’s given up on love and having a family of his own. Yep, Matt’s the last of his bachelor buddies, and plans on staying that way. That is, until he finds himself face-to-face with the woman who broke his heart.
Single mom Anna paused her life in England to help her father recover from an illness. She can’t afford complications, and too-hot-for-his-own-good Matt Osborn-her almost former fiancé-is definitely a complication. He’s a reminder of what might have been-or should have been. That irresistible pull between them isn’t over. Not even close. But if she’s not careful, she’ll break both their hearts . . . again.
Review
I have followed the Bachelor Brotherhood series from the beginning. This newest installment, Always You and Denise Grover Swank, did not disappoint. I was as engaged and captivated by the latest novel in the series as I was with the first. Maybe even more actually as I have come to know the brotherhood. Now the formula for the story is fairly predictable in that boy meets girl (in this case, they knew, and dated, each other before), instant chemistry and attraction, denial of feelings, get together, challenge ensues, love triumphs. What is not predictable is the journey in that I found it very relatable and realistic. Additionally, how both Matt and Anna handled the situation was mature, thoughtful and with purpose. I found this reassuring since they are both a parent to a young child or a pseudo parent to a young child.
The “leaving” scene when they were young adults was heart wrenching. I was thoroughly impressed as to how it was written and it was certainly an emotional passage to read. I was heartbroken for Matt by the time I finished it.
Matt is a coach to his nephew’s soccer team. Matt is also temporary custodian of said nephew…long story which you will discover as you read. I found Matt’s love and devotion to his nephew inspiring. He stepped up to the plate and showed his truly colours as a “pseudo parent” to his nephew. His innate ability to handle the kids on the soccer team was also very impressive.
There is also no lack of funny moment in this book. For example, when Matt was holding practice with the soccer team, things got a wee bit out of hand when the kids were talking about kicking the ball:
‘… Matt lifted his hands. “Okay! We don’t kick the ball to hurt anyone. We only kick the ball to make a goal.”
”But that’s not what Uncle Kevin said last week at your house,” Ethan said, tilting his head back to look at him.
“He said he was going to kick Uncle Tyler in his balls, and he wasn’t even playing soccer.”
He was going to kill his best friend. “Then Uncle Kevin needs a time-out, and I’ll ask Aunt Holly to give him one.”
“Your uncle has balls?” Becca asked. “You’re so lucky. My uncle only has cell phones.”
Now that had me laughing SO hard. Out of the mouth of babes….
Anna (Annaliese Robins nee Fischer) has returned to her hometown to assist with the short term care of her widowed father who is recovering from a broken leg. Anna is now a divorced mom of one boy named Toby. Turns out in the short time they have been in town, Toby has become best friends with Ethan, Matt’s nephew. The last time Matt saw Anna, she had rejected his marriage proposal and told him that she did not want to marry anyone or have kids (something that Matt wanted with a passion).
I also quite enjoyed the scene’s where Anna interacted with the soccer mom’s… especially Ponytail Mom (she is a bit of a witch so the interactions were funny) and Phyllis. Phyllis is the kind of mom everyone should meet – kind, helpful, non-judgmental – all while having four kids! Supermom as far as I am concerned.
Another plus for this read are the intimate and romantic scenes between Anna and Matt. Talk about HOT! I am not sure the other two books intimate scenes were this hot. I loved how they (to some extent anyways) were careful about giving the wrong impression to their boys until they were certain (though were they ever certain of the sustainability of their relationship)?
There were many sub stories as well, which added complexity and a touch more realism. Anna and her Dad and how a bit of miscommunication can leave unintended bitter feelings. We also got a feel for Anna’s ex and their relationship when Phillip came to town. I will leave it to you to form your own opinion of Phillip and his actions.
Always You is a wonderful final book to the Bachelor Brotherhood series. Easy to read and an overall feel good read with a touch (okay maybe more than a touch) of humor and some serious “hotness” thrown in. Never hurts that the descriptions of the men in the book are portrayed as hunky and good looking J. I have come to appreciate the writing of Denise Grover Swank and look forward to further books penned by Ms. Swank.
