Advanced Reader Copy Review: Trouble Brewing by Walker Rose

ARC provided by Netgalley and this review is my honest opinion. My thanks to Netgalley, Bookoture and the author for the opportunity to review.

I really enjoyed reading the story of Meredith and Calder’s romance and relationship. It begins in a complicated fashion before the story timeline, when Calder and his two brothers become estranged from their father after he marries Meredith's older sister. A tragic loss brings Calder and his siblings back to Cross Ranch where he meets an adult Meredith and sparks fly.

There was a lot of tension when these two first meet again and it permeates through all their interactions like a pulsing heartbeat. Calder, much to his chagrin, is attracted to Meredith almost instantly and there is a lot chemistry and heat as mutual feelings of attraction develop into something more. I actually quite liked Calder, even though he didn’t make it easy to like him. He is stoic in nature, loyal and put everyone else first. He fell for Meredith at what he felt was a great cost to himself, but he never regretted it and completely adored her.

Reading his journey as he fought his emotions and with his brothers, and then watching his emotional growth arc was rewarding. It did take him a long time to make peace with his feelings, which was a little frustrating but added to the overall tension and the push/pull between the couple. I thought Meredith was an excellent female main character. She was so strong and brave and even though she knew she was vulnerable and in circumstances beyond her control, she never herself become bitter and probably extended Calder more grace than he deserved.

She dealt with her grief and loss with dignity and that brought a lot of emotion and depth to the story.  I also really liked the warm and supportive relationship she shared with Sawyer. The story had a hard fought and well-deserved HEA and it was really rewarding to get to see them make a home and a future together, although the mystery element does continue beyond the end of this book. This is my first Walker Rose book and it definitely will not be my last, and I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I would recommend this book 4.8/5 stars.

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