When Kevin Hunt learns of the inheritance of a part of a ranch in Wyoming, he brings his younger siblings to claim it. After all there is little left for him in Missouri, even if the ranch is also going to a half-brother he has never met. It seems that his supposedly dead father has more secrets than anyone knew. Danger follows the siblings, up to a ranch where Kevin can’t help but suspect his half-brother, Wyatt. As tempers flare and suspicions only grow, Kevin finds a reluctant friend in Winona Hawkins. Win, school teacher of the town and long-time friend of Wyatt, finds herself drawn to earnest and kind Kevin, who is just as hurt and confused as the rest of them. As a dangerous plot looms, will the unlikely family be able to put aside their differences in time to keep themselves safe?
I have read quite a few of Ms. Connealy’s books and I must say, it is always lovely to read! I love the theme of family that is found in so many of her books! And this one does not disappoint! First of all Kevin and his siblings, they are so cute! He is the oldest and in some ways is more of a parental figure to them. He is steady and grounded. They are a very close-knit group and take care of one another. Upon coming to Wyoming, they discover more family and secrets than they realized. There seems to be suspicion all around. An attempt on their lives leaves Kevin with few choices, he is determined to take care of his siblings and do right by his new-found family. Win is intriguing to him, both for her level-headedness and her calm competence. She was doing her best to look out for as many people as possible, even though she herself was in difficult circumstances. I liked Win, she felt very genuine. I really empathized with her as she tried to help those around her. I thought that they really complimented one another, they were both caring and thoughtful. It was so sweet how aligned they seemed to be.
I also enjoy how Ms. Connealy’s series connects, the overarching storyline that usually follows a family. Braced for Love is the first in the Brothers in Arms series and as you read it, you can see the foundations of the next books, which I love! It is so cool to already get to know the characters and I am so excited for the next books. Although, some mysteries have been solved and some of the plots are foiled, there are still secrets that are yet to be uncovered. It is exciting to see the uncovering of things throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy clean Western romances! It is a great start to the series!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

A fantastic introduction to a brand new cast of characters in this starter to the newest series by one of my favorite authors, Mary Connealy!

A complex family history bring Kevin and his younger half siblings to Wyoming, where he hopes to claim his part of the inheritance of a ranch that his father left to him and his half brothers. But trouble seems to find him wherever he goes, which leaves him questioning the intentions of his newfound brother.

A fast paced read with a full cast of excellent characters, that leaves room for more development in future books as well as laying down solid relationships through dialogue and interaction. Action packed, with a lot going on, drama, romance, and humor. There was so much to love about this book, and I'm so excited to read about Falcon and Wyatt in the upcoming books in the series.

Overall, a wonderful read, and it's shaping up to be a new favorite series! I liked the growing relationships between the brothers, as well as the budding romances, and friendships. I can't wait to revisit the Hunt brothers in the future. You won't want to miss this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A new cowboy series from Mary Connealy and you will fall in love with Kevin and his newfound family. True to Connealy’s style, I laughed out loud and cheered on the good guys while enjoying the sassiness and sauciness of sweet romances. I had to pay more attention than I am used to with her books because as the story started unfolding, there were a lot of people and connections to keep track of. However, once the story got going, they all fell into place, I and I had no trouble keeping up. I’m already looking forward to next story as she already set it up beautifully. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

I enjoyed this this book. I am a Mary Connealy fan and have read (I think) all of her books. Very interesting story line with three different families by one man. Lots of mystery, intrigue and hostility. Good book. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Braced for Love is another great book by Mary Connealy. This is the Book One of the Brothers in Arms series. It takes place mostly in Wyoming on a rather large ranch that, through the will of Clovis Hunt, three men inherit only to discover that they are brothers. Clovis Hunt only had the ranch because it had been the property of his deceased wife whose father had developed the land many years before.
Wyatt Hunt lives on His Rolling Hills, a very large ranch with his half-sister, Cheyenne . Her best friend Winona Hawkins, the local schoolmarm, is also a frequent visitor, staying there in the summers. Kevin Hunt grew up in Kansas and comes by horseback to Wyoming with three pack horses and his half-brother Andy and half-sister Molly, only glad to be gone from Kansas. Falcon Hunt comes to Wyoming via train from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee.
There seemed to be a lot of characters in this story, but they were needed to help sort out the plot to rid the brothers of their lives. It was a fast-paced novel with many twists and turns that made it a hard novel to put down. If you like cowboys, a little romance, and a well-developed plot, then I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #BracedForLove #BrothersInArms #MaryConnealy

“No one expected a father, even a worthless father, to be such a low-down sidewinder” (location 266). Kevin receives word that his father has died….again…and this time has left him part ownership in a ranch along with two half brothers he didn’t know he had. Things get complicated and the family reunion isn’t very sweet. However, when the brothers find their lives in danger, they realize their bond does mean something to them.

I enjoyed this start to the Brothers In Arms series. I’m curious to find out more about Falcon. There is a minor mystery and a touch of romance. It’s a light-hearted, easy read. I’ll look forward to the next books in the series.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

An exciting and tumultuous start to a new series! Three brothers who didn't know the others existed, with their father the only thing in common. This had more than the usual amount of family drama, brought about by the strong feelings each character has about the unexpected and unthinkable situation they find themselves in. The women in their lives are dragged into the mess, and Winona plays the part of peacemaker between the brothers as they realize that they have bigger things to worry about than each other. The quick-to-develop romance between Kevin and Winona seems a bit formulaic since some characters in the author's other books also fall in together rapidly- but this may also be indicative of the era, when marriage was often a form of survival. This was an easy book to get lost in with the swift pace and plenty of action. The foundation has been set for the other two brothers and their stories, and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

This my new favorite Mary Connealy book. What a fantastic start to her new series! It starts off with a bang(literally!) and it keeps an intriguing story line through out. It has a great cast of characters, lots of Mary's trademark humor and an exciting ending. Do not miss this one! I can not wait for the rest of this series!! It can't come soon enough for me.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Mary Connealy’s new book, Braced for Love, was just what I needed after reading a tense, heart-pounding suspense novel. I can always count on her for a rollicking, laugh-out-loud, entertaining story. I’m not saying there weren’t any suspenseful, riveting moments, because there were quite a few of those, too.

The premise of the tale is creative and original with Kevin Hunt inheriting his father’s ranch—his father, who supposedly had died long ago. There’s a catch, however. He has to share it with a half-brother he never knew existed. When Kevin and his siblings arrive at the ranch in Wyoming, more surprises await him, including an attack on their lives.
Connealy’s characters are always colorful, well-drawn, and engaging. The main characters, Winona Hawkins and Kevin are wonderful, and I enjoyed their camaraderie as their relationship progressed. A stellar secondary cast of characters perfectly complemented the storyline and added spice to it. I’m looking forward to seeing some of them as major characters in coming books in the series. I was fascinated with trying to work out the family history/genealogy angle with all the half-siblings involved.

With plenty of humor, intrigue, suspense, and a dash of romance, this story is pure Mary Connealy magic and sure to please those who enjoy historical fiction with plenty of wit.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is book one in the Brothers in Arms series, what a great place to start. I love the writing style of Mary Connealy. She has a fun, spunky, action packed way of writing. I usually have a hard time putting her books down, and can not wait for the nest one.
I loved getting to know the Hunt brothers and their unique family. I look forward to reading more about this group. This book is full of lots of fun characters, this books main focus is on Kevin Hunt and Winona Hawkins. Kevin and Win find they are drawn to each other in a way they never expected or really wanted.
This book is full of family, mystery, misunderstanding and so much more. I would recommend this book, if you like historical romantic books.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

I have been a long-time fan of Mary Connealy’s books and her unique sense of humor. Although I have always loved her books I have noticed that each new series has lost a bit more of the slapstick humor and moved toward even greater character and plot development. I honestly appreciate the direction she has taken. There is still plenty of humor yet greater depth to her stories.

Braced For Love is the first book in the author’s latest series Brothers in Arms. Kansas farmer Kevin Hunt has left his struggling farm to take over his share of an inherited ranch in Wyoming. 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 from reaching the ranch.

There is more than enough drama, conflict, action, and danger to go around in Braced For Love, A hearty dose of romance is thrown in for good measure along with several surprises. It took me a few chapters to get all the characters straight in my mind but each of them has unique traits that quickly set them apart. Knowing that the novel is the first of a trilogy, I soon found myself pairing each of the Hunt brothers with one of the young women. Only time will tell if I am correct. I eagerly wait for book two.

Mary Connealy is my go-to author when I want a fun, fast paced western.
It took me until about a quarter of the way into this book to get all the characters straight in my head. We are introduced to three half brothers that never new the others existed. In typical Connealy style the book starts out with a bit of suspense to hook you!
This book wasn't quite as laugh out loud funny as her earlier books have been, but it was definitely enjoyable.
I could have used a little more romance and spiritual development, however I hope to see more of the themes that were brought up addressed later.
I am looking forward to seeing what comes next for this group.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions are my own and honest.

Mary Connealy writes memorable and fun-to-read characters and storylines. Braced for Love starts off her new Brothers in Arms series with a bang!

As I read about hero Kevin Hunt, I felt a pull in my heart for his situation. When he meets Winona Hawkins, that's when the fireworks begin.

This story pulls you along through their journey and other noteworthy characters appear on the pages as well. As I closed the book, it left a grin on my face, and I can't wait for another novel in this series to come out. One enjoyable read, sit down with plans to stay in the chair all day long, you won't want to put it down!

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write nor post a review.

I enjoyed every single moment I spent reading Braced for Love. I easily fell in love with the characters, faults and all. They are all so completely unique, and I am honestly having the hardest time waiting until the next book in the Brother’s in Arms series comes out. Since this is a book written by Mary Connealy I should know that it’s going to be that addicting and consuming, and I just can’t help myself.

This is the first book in the series that follows a set of newfound brothers. The storyline is so original and I can’t imagine how Connealy came up with it, but I love it! Kevin is so sweet and honest and I can’t get enough of him. Winona is his perfect match with her passion and bravery. There is just the right amount of danger mixed in with romance. I loved watching the relationships between the siblings, whether they knew each other their whole lives, or just met between the pages of this story. I truly felt like I got to know the characters pretty well in this book, and can’t wait to spend more time with them. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. Connealy is one of my favorites, and she can do know wrong. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A new series from Mary Connealy means more mystery, strong females who are matches for the men in the books, and a few laughs. Braced for Love introduces the Hunts—three brothers who had no clue the other two existed until their no-account father dies and leaves a will that divides his ranch into three equal parts.

With a start like that, there is no shortage of distrust and flared tempers. But when Kevin’s admits to someone trying to kill him, this disjointed family pulls together.

This book starts with a lot to keep track of—three brothers, two of which have step and half siblings, a no-account father the boys have even less respect for after learning the truth of his character, and the others on the ranch—including Winona, a family friend who does the cleaning and baking for the Hunt siblings who grew up on the ranch.

Once I had who was who straight in my head, the story really took off for me. Connealy packs a lot into her books and Braced for Love was no exception. Danger, threats, strained family dynamics, secrets, and, of course, romance (a rushed one, but it works for this book). There is still some question as to the why of what is going on but I know it will be resolved by the end of the final book in the series (which, thankfully, we don’t have to wait two years for as the entire series will be in print by the end of 2021).

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I always look forward to Mary Connealy's next book and this one definitely did not disappoint! Book One in the Brothers in Arms series starts the story of brothers Kevin, Wyatt, and Falcon, brothers who did not know each other existed but brothers who fight tooth and nail to protect each other from some unknown person trying to kill Kevin and Falcon. When the dust settles, who will be left standing?

I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves historical western fiction, Christian fiction, and lots of action!

Braced for Love by Mary Connealy

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
__________________________________________________________________________________
Story Notes

Mary Connealy brings readers the start of a new series about three separate "families" coming together as one to protect all of them from danger that comes calling.

I'm going to admit right off that I had a hard time connecting with this story. It wasn't that the characters, the writing or the plot weren't very good; it was that there seemed to be so many pieces to the story that were being told that my mind was spinning to keep track of them. The story begins with Kevin Hunt, a young man on his way to the ranch that his father left to him and his half-brothers - half brothers he had no idea existed before the telegram came. With nothing of real value to hold him and his siblings in Kansas, Kevin packs everything and everyone up and heads for Wyoming and the truth. Along the way he meets with some trouble of the killing variety and figures these half brothers of his must not want him to live to inherit his portion of the ranch. Unwilling to give in or up, Kevin pushes on to the Rolling Hills Ranch to confront his brothers. Meanwhile, at the Ranch, Wyatt Hunt is furious about the reading of the will. How could his father have had two other families they didn't know about? And why did he only leave the ranch to the male members of the family? His half-sister Cheyenne who worked the ranch her entire life is now told she has no stake in it at all. And now they're just supposed to give up their home and inheritance to people they've never seen before. When all the brothers have arrived, there is no holds barred when it comes to telling the truth. Everyone shares their side of the story and no of it leaves Clovis Hunt in a positive light. But they have more to worry about than just dividing the land. Someone is out to take over the RHR and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure they get it. Winona Hawkins has been part of the Hunt family for years and she is present when lawyer Carl Preston brings Wyatt and Cheyenne the news. Determined to help them with their new family members, she encourages both Cheyenne and Wyatt to meet with the others and discuss what to do. Neither of them are happy about it but see the wisdom of at least meeting the other Hunts. Winona is in a odd place herself given that she has secrets that keep her from going home to her father. As she works with the Hunts to solve this dilemma, she will find herself drawn to Kevin and his steadiness. But there can be no future for anyone unless they find out who is gunning for them. Kevin offers her protection from her father but that only puts her in more danger by remaining near the Hunts. Everyone will have to keep their guard up if they are to come out of this alive. As you can see, there is quite a lot going on. I think it might have been easier to keep up with if all the stories weren't being told at the same time. It was hard to keep everyone straight and what their involvement was in the plot. It did really like all the characters that were introduced and can see how their stories will all be very good ones to read in the future. I wish more time had been given to the couple of focus in this story - Kevin and Winona - so I could have gotten to know them better. I'm still not really sure I understand either of them yet. But hopefully the rest of the series will give more insight into their backgrounds. The rest of the book was really well done and well crafted. I was pretty mentally and emotionally invested in the Hunts and their fight for justice by the end of the story and am very curious to see what will happen next with them. I will be recommending this story as a good start to a series but with a recommendation that the reader plan to take time to understand everything going on. If this one is anything like Ms. Connealy's previous series, I will enjoy it very much.
I received this temporary, complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Upon the death of his father, Kevin Hunt travels to Wyoming with his siblings to claim his inheritance. Upon arriving he discovers that he has two half brothers, one a rancher and the other from the Tennessee wilderness. It doesn't take long before someone is trying to kill him or all of them. Join Mary as she tells the story of the Hunt brothers and the women who fall in love with them. This story is full of humor, suspense, romance, and plenty of action.

Braced for Love
by Mary Connealy
Back of the Book: “Left with little back in Missouri, Kevin Hunt takes his younger siblings on a journey to Wyoming when he receives news that he's inheriting part of a ranch. The catch is that the ranch is also being given to a half-brother he never knew existed. Turns out, Kevin's supposedly dead father led a secret and scandalous life.
But danger seems to track Kevin along the way, and he wonders if his half-brother, Wyatt, is behind the attacks. Finally arriving at the ranch, everyone is at each other's throats and the only one willing to stand in between is Winona Hawkins, a nearby schoolmarm.
Despite being a long-time friend to Wyatt, Winona can't help but be drawn to the earnest, kind Kevin--and that puts her in the cross hairs of somebody's dangerous plot. Will they all be able to put aside their differences long enough to keep anyone from getting truly hurt?
Impressions: I was torn on this book. I enjoyed the excitement but felt the transitions between perspectives was messy at times. It was also a strange romance as it was more a last-minute marriage followed by the end of the book.
Rated: Murder attempts, mentions of abuse and murder
Liked: I enjoyed the excitement and suspense in this book.
Disliked: Towards the beginning, as everyone is being introduced Win starts her own dialog and it threw me off. There seemed to be a lot going on and I didn’t understand her significance yet to the story and who she was. As the story read along it easy to understand but there were other moments where the transition of the speaker was confusing.
Quotes: “I’m sorry for all you must’ve gone through to learn the skill, but it was a blessing to me today.” – I loved this quote because it reminds me that God uses our messy broken bits for His glory.
“I’ll try and remember to obey your every order – including reading your mind and obeying orders you haven’t given- from this moment on.” – I hope you read the sarcasm in this statement. It made me laugh because I’m sure that I’ve said as much to my husband and he to me.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

The three sons of Clovis Hunt found out about each other when their fathers will was read giving each of them a third of his late wife’s ranch. None of them was happy about the fact that their individual mothers had been duped by their father. But they all converged on the ranch to sort it all out. Someone tried to kill them on the way.

This is the start of another delightful trilogy by Mary Connealy who is the queen of fun and adventurous old west romance/suspense.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.