Brace yourselves for this new series from Mary Connealy. Braced for Love offers a hunky hero, relatable heroine, and engaging plot. Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

First sentence: Kevin Hunt came awake with a snap.

Premise/plot: The Hunt brothers are disgruntled. With ample reason, I'd say. Wyatt, Kevin, and Falcon are three half-brothers who have never met. Wyatt Hunt has grown up in Wyoming on a ranch and never thought he'd be having to split the ranch three ways. (Kevin grew up in Kansas. Falcon grew up in Tennessee.)

The plot of this one is perhaps purposefully written to drive synopsis writers CRAZY. It is over-the-top in many, many ways. Essentially, Kevin Hunt, our hero, is on the way to Wyoming with HIS half sister (Molly) and half brother (Andy) to meet his other half brother (Wyatt). When the novel opens he doesn't know about Falcon (another half brother). Turns out Wyatt has a half-sister (or possibly step sister???) named Cheyenne. Everyone thought the ranch would be divided between Wyatt and Cheyenne. Wyatt is angry. Cheyenne is infuriated. Like if she was a cartoon character, not only would steam be blowing out of her ears, her head would pop off to let steam out. She is 100% rage.

There's enough tension between all the family members--but that not being enough, there are villains (of course there are!). Will everyone LIVE long to have a family dinner together???

My thoughts: It was a little melodramatic in retrospect. But at the time I was swept up into the story--like several of the characters were in the white water rapids--that I wasn't thinking, hey, this book is so melodramatic. I enjoyed the characters and the depth of most of the characters. The villains were weak, weak, super-weak in terms of actually being developed as characters. The situations were a little over the top, but at the same time those situations led to some great dialogue.

It is always exciting to get my hands on a new book by Mary Connealy. Her newest release, Braced for Love, begins the Brothers in Arms series, and it does not disappoint. I loved it! Five plus stars.

It feels like every #bookstagram I post is one of our school reads and not just a Mama read. Well, I have one for ya! I have a backlog of @maryconnealy books that I need to tell you about and Braced for Love is only one of them. Honestly, my 12 year old daughter is stealing and has read more of them than I have and is reading them one after the other! (I haven't told her about my digital arc copies or I might lose my tablet with @netgalley on it!!

While I know I'm jumping a bit to dive into a new series, my daughter kept giving me spoilers that I had to dive in. I spent some days reading and some days listening *while cross stitching of course* to Braced for Love by Mary Connealy and enjoyed every minute. (Side note: good narrator)

I have ideas of what else might happen with Wyatt and Falcon, but I enjoyed learning Kevin's story. Plenty of action, plenty of romance, a Mary Connealy worth of humor and comedy, characters that I adore and abhor. All around decent reading, always leaving me wanting more.

I absolutely love this book! It’s filled with even more action and mystery than the first book Braced for Love. In A Man with A Past we learned what really happened with Falcon Hunt. Falcon has hit his head and has a huge lump on it, which is why he has no clues as to who he really is. Now the family is at a loss of how to get his life back. Enters Cheyenne Brewster who is still madder than a hornet for losing her portion of the ranch due to her step-father, Clovis Hunt. Apparently Falcon is the spitting image of his dad,Clovis, which makes Cheyenne detest Falcon. Cheyenne anger had her leaving her home to travel around the area, three days into her hike she stumbles on a set of foot prints and since she a great tracker she set out to find the mysterious person.
After finding Falcon his and Cheyenne adventure really being. They are shot at, the set out too find whose trying to kill them and the family. Along the way they discovered that they have a lot in common, Cheyenne finds the patient to help Falcon regain his memory can they overcome their differences, and survive the people trying to kill them? You have to read this book and see!

Mary Connealy’s books are always a delight to read, and this is a wonderful beginning to a new series. It’s a fun, exciting story of seeing brothers come together and become a family. The characters are wonderful, and the storyline has both romance and drama. If you are a fan of this author’s books, you will love this one! And if you haven’t read Mary Connealy’s books before, this is a wonderful book with which to begin. I’m already looking to the next book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely love western historical fiction, especially set around the Civil War era, and this book did not disappoint! This story truly had it all, including humor from start to finish, three completely different brothers meeting for the first time, mystery, especially as to who was trying to kill the Hunts, as well as romance and adventure in spades. I loved how Kevin was so kind and capable, and I especially loved the devotion he had to his family. Winona was a perfect heroine, being a devoted friend, smart, industrious, and so likable. The romance between the two was fun to read, very appealing and the perfect amount. The secrets they each had kept you guessing how they would affect the relationship and added intrigue and mystery. The details were spot on and made the story come alive, especially the beautiful mountain setting. I truly can’t wait to read about the other brothers in this series, and I know I’m going to have a hard time deciding which one is my favorite! Mary Connealy’s books never disappoint!

His inheritance is about to get him in trouble...

Every time I pick up a Mary Connealy book, whether it's old or brand new, I am reminded why I enjoy them so much. Her distinctive blend of historical romance, western, and romantic comedy is so much fun to read! Braced For Love is the first book in her new Brothers In Arms series and it's a real humdinger!

I got a real kick out of Braced For Love. It had all the familiarity of a Mary Connealy novel with a few surprises tossed in for good measure. Seriously, though, I did not see our hero's line of work coming...but it was a perfect choice for him.

There were a lot of twists and turns in Braced For Love, some I saw coming and some I didn't. I think my greatest enjoyment of the story came from trying to guess what Mary Connealy would do next with her crazy crew of characters. And, trust me, crazy is the best word for the antics of this mixed up, off-beat, confused trio of brothers and the rest of their family, half family, and other assorted who-knows-what-they-are.

You really can't go wrong with any Mary Connealy book but whether you are new or an old hand with her novels I'd definitely recommend Braced For Love. I enjoyed it and can't wait to read the next Brothers In Arms novel...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I loved this little bundle of characters! So fun and funny. My goodness, I laughed often while reading this book. I love that the women characters are sassy and capable, though in different ways. And I love the brothers slowly growing more used to each other.

I had NO CLUE who was responsible for all of the chaos and I was completely surprised when it was revealed. I loved that I didn't see it coming.

Though I loved Kevin and Win, I really wished they had more time together on the page. I'm a romance girl through and through; that's what I'm here for. And though I did get a romance, I felt robbed of some great potential because of everything else going on. But I loved that Connealy laid the groundwork for the stories to come and I hope to see more of Kevin and Win in the next books.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel and I'm looking forward to the next in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley. All expressed opinions belong to me.

I’m glad to have the opportunity to tell you about Mary Connealy’s latest release, Braced for Love. for years I read Mary’s books because her works always promised me a safe, fun historical read.

In her usual fashion, Mary spins a fun western tale; and while the series is centered around a family of brothers, like many of her other series, this one is different because these brothers appear to be enemies. My favorite thing about this book was the setting. The terrain is described beautifully as frontier life on a cattle ranch. From the ranch to the cattle, the hills, rivers, and a waterfall. I also enjoyed seeing the other minor characters interact and wonder who would end up with whom. Mary always gives hints as to who might star in the next book as the romantic couple.

For our more conservative listeners, you will be happy to know that kisses are sweet not steamy, and the violence is neither gory nor unnecessary.

If you enjoy reading clean, western romance with a little danger, family values, and a marriage of convenience, you won’t want to miss Braced for Love, book 1 in Mary Connealy’s Brothers in Arms Series.

This review was originally shared in episode 6 of the Historical Bookworm Show.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

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.

I love how Mary Conneally brings suspense, personal journey and a little romance into her stories. This one is no different. I liked the development of the characters and look forward to the next book in the series. It’s the start of a fun series and subject of secret polygamy hasn’t been very explored in this context. I wanted to read the book a lot faster but I started reading it with my husband on a road trip and he enjoyed it enough that I had to wait for him in order to read. I love when a book appeals to the both of us. And thanks, Mary, for using Wyoming as your setting this time.

“No one expected a father, even a worthless father, to be such a low-down sidewinder” is exactly how the family felt when they all received an equal portion of their father's ranch, especially when some thought he'd been dead for years! Someone wants the ranch for themselves and is willing to kill for it! Action, mystery, family drama and a little romance. Always enjoy this author's books and this one kept me guessing for a long time before finding out just who this low down person was. I requested a copy through the publisher and NetGalley, No review was required. My review is voluntary..

I was excited to see the start of a new series by Mary Connealy! Her stories are very enjoyable – full of adventure and excitement. Braced for Love was no exception.

As I’ve come to expect, this story started with a bang and the situation escalated from there! As did the convoluted circumstances Kevin found himself in when he showed up in Wyoming to find out about his strange inheritance.

I loved Kevin’s character. He had such a strong sense of justice and desired always to be on the side of right and good. And he was very chivalrous as well, not only protecting his sister Molly and brother Andy, he extended that need to protect the others around him as well.

Full of intense action and some suspense, Braced for Love also has sweet romance. While the characters were not as quirky as in some of the Mary Connealy books I’ve read, at least one came close. But we’ll have to wait to learn more about him in a later story in the series – his role in this one, while significant, was minor.

There were some points at which I thought the secrets Win and Kevin both kept were related to something darker than what they ended up being. Which I mention because when the secrets were revealed, some things from earlier in the story almost didn’t make sense – almost as if originally the secrets were worse than they ended up being. Whether this was the case and it was just missed in the editing, or was just me reading too much into things, is not clear.

If you enjoy Westerns, you will want to be sure to read Braced for Love and the rest of the books in the Brothers in Arms series when they come out.

Braced for Love
by Mary Connealy
Published March 2, 2021

I have found that it's hard to go wrong when you pick a Mary Connealy book! I have read many of hers and this is book one in a new series. I have many library patrons who devour her books. This one took me 24 hours to complete and I can't wait for Book #2.
Great Characters you will grow to love! Great storyline with plenty of action!

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

5 star

Braced for Love by Mary Connealy the first book her new Brothers in Arms series, is an entertaining story with plenty of adventure and fun characters.

As I started Braced for Love, I immediately fell in love with it and the characters and, thankfully, I started reading it on a weekend because I finished it in day.

When Kevin Hunt learns his father died and left him part of a property out West, it turns his and his step-siblings lives upside down because they though he’d been dead for twenty years. Friends turn against them when they learn Kevin’s step-siblings are more than likely illegitimate and then they survive an attempt on their lives as danger follows them from Kansas to Wyoming.

Winona Hawkins considers Wyatt and his step-sister Cheyenne to be the closest thing she has to siblings. So, when Wyatt learns he has a brother – or two – thanks to the scandalous behavior of Wyatt’s father, she agrees to go with him to meet these people. What she doesn’t expect is to like one of them.

Braced for Love has so many unexpected twits and turns, with quirky characters, and lots of danger, it kept me turning the pages. If you like historical romance with plenty of suspense and a bit of humor, you might enjoy Braced for Love just as much as I did!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

I don't always reach for cowboy novels... but when I do, books like Braced For Love are exactly what I am hoping for. Great characters meets romance meets humor meets adventure--- all to create one engaging story that fans of cowboy romances are sure to enjoy. (And even those who don't typically enjoy this type of story might just find their minds changed with this one too...)

I have heard good things about Mary Connealy's novels, but I must admit I don't believe I'd had the chance to read any in the past. Now that I see what the hype is about, I certainly look forward to reading more. This was a great place to start, as it is the first book in her new Brothers in Arms series. And what a way to start the series. The characters are well written and you cannot help but be drawn into the adventure of the story. It'll keep you interested right through to the end. My favorite stories tend to have both some mystery and some romance, and this certainly has both too.

If you enjoy a good cowboy romance, this will definitely be a book/series worth checking out. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

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 is the first book in the author’s latest series Brothers in Arms. There are three brothers all have the same father but different mothers. All three are in different states. This book is about Kansas farmer Kevin Hunt who has left his struggling farm to take over his share of a ranch in Wyoming that was left to him by his late father. He starts out for Wyoming with his younger siblings , Molly and Andy. Turns out he has a brother he never knew existed and he also learns a few choice facts about his late father that he has believed dead for years. It is also evident that someone is determined to keep him and his family from reaching the ranch. There is much intrigue and action as they try to stay alive and also find out who it is that wants them dead. We meet the other two brothers and also some extended family who are just as surprised and bewildered as Kevin is. There is lots of action, suspense, mystery and even new found love in this most interesting book…. My thanks to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. This review is entirely my own.

First thought...I loved this book! I've read so many of Mary's books and "Braced for Love" made me reminisce about some of my favorites of hers from the past. This book had many of those familiar elements, but still had a fresh storyline and characters. Sassy, strong females that spoke their minds. Tough, but still had softness and femininity. And the men. They're tough and courageous, willing to fight whatever stands in their way to do what's right. Mysterious baddies that make life really hard for the heroes and heroines. The characterization is great in this book! Now for another element that I love in Mary Connealy's books....I don't have to wait for some great action, yet it doesn't stop the rise in tension. To clarify, her books typically start with a bang. Some high action, high energy event that immediately gets the blood pumping and pages turning. Some books that start out like this often slow down in the pace, then have to work to build the tension back up (and regain the reader's attention), This book continues to build without slowing down. I'm kind of impatient for the slow burn romance and appreciate well-written instant connections. It doesn't work for every storyline, but it works here. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinion, which I did.**