Lani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
My least favorite of the series so far. There were a few things that bothered me as a reader,but that is just me. What a twist towards the end at the reveal of the bad guy,didn't see that coming. On the positive side,I see a new series with the Russian family, and that awesome granny!
Clap Back by Lani Lynn Vale is book 4 in the Carter Brothers series and focuses on the characters Auden and Maven. The chemistry between the two is instant but the road to being together is long, especially if Maven’s Chief of Police father has anything to do with it. Auden and Maven have been bumping into each other since Maven opened her bakery, but Auden has always believed his brother was into her (boy was he wrong). From there we have a fast-paced romance with both characters trying to figure out their relationship whilst dealing with sabotage, secrets and danger around the corner.
The element of family is really big in this book, and we see how the Carter family come together to protect Maven and any of her friends that need it. They are definitely a strong unit even with a sense of sadness that touches them all.
I loved that Auden was so protective of Maven and what he was willing to give up for her. Scenes between the two characters were enjoyable and although the story was a little fast paced with a big HEA, it was still an enjoyable read!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊
I had a blast reading this story and I can't believe I'm only diving into this series now.
Maven and Auden have the hots for each other and they were both too hesitant to act on it. That is until Maven grabs the bull by the horn and makes her desire known. It doesn't take Auden long to take her up on her offer, but tons of family drama (hers, not his) keeps getting in their way.
First of all, I love this Carter family. I really need to read the first three books. Second, I love how devoted these men and women are to each other. It may have happened quickly, but Maven and Auden were all in pretty much from the start. Third, the freaking twist the author threw at me had me stumped. I definitely didn't expect that and I'm wondering if a new series will be in the works. *hint hint*
Oh boy...this one really didn't go where I thought it would. It was interesting to see why the police chief was against his daughter and her bakery shop, so glad that Maven had Auden and the rest of the Carters at her back, she needed them. Things really got crazy towards the end, but it all ended well for Maven, she is happy surrounded by family and has Auden at her side.
… what was that. Inaccurate blurb, questionable sentence structure and wording, barely any romantic interaction between the main characters, a million plot lines at once, weird interactions between everyone. I’m sorry but these ppl only hung out once before he’s talking about loosing his job for her… also not seeing the quiet grump personality traits in MMC at all… ALSO the entire family quitting just like that? For her? A person they don’t know at all? We’ll just all move it’s whatever? Really??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Clap Back is book four and the newest in the Carter Brothers’ series from Lani Lynn Vale. This is Auden’s story and I devoured every word.
This story was everything and so much more and it definitely took a turn I wasn’t expecting! I absolutely adore this family and everything they stand for. They love fiercely and big. And once you’ve been claimed, you’re included under that protection umbrella. Even if it means going up against the Chief of Police and facing losing his job.
Auden and Maven are made for each other. Their banter was perfect and chemistry off the charts. And I loved how they were willing to do whatever it takes to protect each other. We are introduced to some new characters in this one and I hope we get more of them in the future. Another fantastic story in this series that has quickly become one of my favorites from LLV.
We're back with the Carter's and boy is it becoming my favourite place to be!
To say Auden and Maven's story took a turn I was not anticipating would be an understatement.
Maven is sweet all round. She hasn't had an easy life living under the roof of an OTT father who's made it his mission to make her life as miserable as possible. Combine that with an evil stepbrother and an uncaring stepmother... you have yourself the trifecta of a shitshow. Her only saving grace was her step sister at first and then eventually the friends she made. Even still, Maven was not grudgeful or cruel. She was kind, if not a little fiesty. Life hadn't beaten her down despite being around all that shitty.
Auden Carter, like all the Carter's, is a man who's protective, sweet, and a little arrogant in the best ways. He also has a testy temper with a side of impatience.. maybe a little more so than some of his brothers. However, Auden, like most men, makes silly choices in the name of protecting what's his. I understood why. But these men. They make you want to throttle them on times!. I still loved him, though. The way he took care of Maven.. EVERYTHING.
This whole crew is a fun time. The family is nuts. All up in eachothers business causing choas. The love they have for one another, though? Unmatched. You can feel like througjt the pages. Their actions speak for themselves. Plus, they just crack me up. Now we have a new fam in town causing choas? With some pretty fierce personalities? Yes, please sign me up for all the crazy including the 105 Yr old granny.
Their journey definitely took a few turns I wasn't expecting, but that in turn expanding this world in a way I didn't see coming. It's exciting. I loved their journey even though it wasn't easy. Their chemistry is great. The connection blossomed quickly, but it was easy to understand why. It worked. I loved the pace of them and everything that came with it.
Now I'm sitting here sad that I have to wait weeks for the next one. I'm greedy, yes, but they are so freaking good, and their are so many possibilities for the future I need to know!!!.
These Carter boys just keep getting better and better! I am in love with this series, getting the perfect amount of alpha male, drama, danger, violence, and naughty bits that just burn up the pages, this was a great read and kept me hooked. I wonder if anyone else realized that we were introduced to new characters for a new series (or maybe that's just me being hopeful). This was a great addition to the series and give it 5 stars.
These Carter's just keep getting better! Everytime I think I have a favourite I read the next one and then the new favourite goes on top! Maven and Auden was amazing. Maven had a hard life and it was all due to her dad and step brother. Auden and the rest of the Carter clan loved her bakery and still went even though her dad the chief didn't like it. I loved the new characters introduced and I hope we get their books!
This certainly took one or two turns I sure as heck didn't see coming. The chemistry between Maven and Auden was immediate, red hot and dragged you right in to their story. I'm not going to give the twists away but needless to say they were such that I had a great deal of difficulty putting this down and now I'm gonna be slumpy until the next release. 4.5 stars
Well, this was a ride! Maven, I love her, but her family...well, read the story and figure out what's going on..jaw dropping! Auden is, like all Carter men, all in and the way he is with Maven made me swoon. The end was so good and also made me laugh a lot!
More Carter family!? YES I THINK I WILL!! It’s delicious, I’ll take 1,000 of em! Auden and Maven are adorable, and a bit like ships in the night.. a slower burn for these 2, but the good news is {insert name here} landed on fire ant island!!
We are introduced to a family in this book that I **really** want to know more about!! I hope they tell their stories to Lani soon!!
OMG, I could not put this book down. Auden has been a bit standoffish with Maven when he visits her bakery as he knows Atlas, his twin brother, saw her first. They made a pact when they were younger not to step on each others toes when they discovered they liked the same woman. Years later, Auden is still abiding by this pact - only to discover his brother is visiting the bakery to visit Pepper not Maven🤦♀️
Now he needs to convince her, he’s not the man she thinks he is and it starts with a simple outing to go fishing😉 A great story and I had a sneaky suspicion about a part of the book and I was right🙌 A great story and I’m looking forward to whichever Carter brother is next😍 I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❣️
Clap Back had a touch of suspense, drama, secrets and intrigue to go hand in hand with a beautiful love story. Auden and Maven had a chemistry that was electric and had these two unable to stop the rushing into everything at a fast pace. I loved that not only Auden but the whole Carter family stood in support of Maven no matter the costs to themselves. There was plenty of witty banter, passion and moments that would steal your heart. A story that at times had you on the edge of your seat and trying to second guess the outcome. The epilogue was the icing on the cupcake.
I say this every time but it’s true!! My favorite so far in this series. The odds are stacked against them but this family is all about overcoming the odds and coming out on top. Some new and very interesting characters that I really hope we see more of because oh boy!! There was so much going on. That ending was totally shocking and not at all what I expected.
I began reading Freebirds, The Heroes of the Dixie Wardens MC, Code 11-KPD SWAT and beyond series. I lost interest reading about women placing their mobiles in their bras thinking the writer was irresponsible (she wasn’t the only one) not warning about the potential cancer dangers.
As time went by, the characters lacked depth and were always represented the same, different names but always a familial injustice and mistreatment.
This particular story involves child abduction. Her ‘alleged’ father lost his daughter to drowning. Each year on the anniversary of her death, he’d revisit. Maven bore a striking resemblance to her so he snatched her. His nanny at the time, Vickie, helped him cover it up. She wanted a son. She’d keep his secret if he’d keep hers for her taking Scott. She took him from the hospital. She was in medical school. Was on the maternity unit when a baby was dropped off using the Safe Haven laws. Instead of reporting it, she took him home. A couple of days later, when the mum returned looking for her baby having come to her senses, no one could locate the baby. He was a senator’s daughter’s, baby. They both could lose everything, so we they married and made their lives together. “And Dorsey?” Maven pushed. Brock shrugged. “Safe Haven law again. Though this time nobody cared to look for Dorsey. Seemed fitting that we take her in.”
Being a twin is great. What isn’t great is having the hots for the same woman your twin does. Been there, done that, have the t-shirt. Since Auden Carter made that mistake in his teens, he’d promised himself never to do that to his brother again. Hence why he’s tried so hard to stay away from Maven, the sexy bakery owner that seems to have been put on this planet to tempt him. After months of watching his brother never make a move, Auden’s had enough. He tells his twin to either shit or get off the pot. Only, come to find out, his twin was never on the pot. He’d never had the hots for Maven at all, but her cute little assistant. Unfortunately, at this point, he’d done his level best to appear undesirable to Maven, and had gone out of his way to make it very clear that he wasn’t interested. He has a lot of work to do to convince her that he’s not the guy he’d been acting like for the last few months. Luck is on his side, though, and soon Maven needs his help, giving him the perfect opportunity to worm his way into her life…and her heart. But that help she needs turns into a desperate plea for protection, and all he has to do is quit his beloved job to give it. It’s not every day that you are in love with your boss’s daughter, who just so happens to be the chief of police of Dallas, Texas—your beloved police department that you’ve worked at for your entire career. It’s also not every day when that boss pulls out every stop, and ruins your life to the point where you’re not sure you can find your way out of the downward spiral he’s forced upon you. There is one thing Auden knows for certain, though. Maven is worth it. He’ll fight the chief of police, or the entire world, putting his life on the line to do it, as long as it keeps her safe.
The last man Maven had dated, her father had threatened with deportation—and he was an American citizen! I had a feeling he could make it happen, too. The man had left without a fight, and she’d realized her social life was doomed.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the fourth book in the Carter Brothers Series. It is the story of Auden and Maven. When these two meet the sparks are flying all over the place. However, Maven is the daughter of the police chief and he is not thrilled about this. These two will never be anything to each other if he has anything to do with it. Maven is the owner of the local bakery in town. Living under her fathers roof has always been kind of hard on Maven. He is so over the top protective that this is even funny. He was determined to make her life as miserable as he possibly could. She also has a stepbrother who is horrible right along with her son. At least her stepsister at first is halfway decent to her. But Maven is a really sweet caring girl who has made some amazing friends. I loved that she didn't let what she had to deal with in her home life affect her in a way that people didn't want to be around her or like her. You will fall in love with her. She is so someone you could see yourself being friends with in real life. I really adored her. Auden is one of the Carter brother's. He keeps running in the Maven in her bakery. His entire family loves the bakery and they go despite her jerk of a police chief father. He is not keeping him away from Maven. These two have some amazing chemistry and I was so for him not letting anything stop them. He is also a guy who is protective and has a little bit of a temper at times. He is going to make some mistakes but he always has the best intentions when it comes to Maven. I can't say that you might not want to shake him a time or two. I really loved this book. I love the Carter family dynamic and how they all are up in each others business but love fiercely. You will love reading this book.
J'avais hyper hâte de connaitre le mystère autour de Maven et de pourquoi son père (et son frère) est aussi horrible avec elle et j'ai beaucoup aimé la voir tomber amoureuse de Auden mais aussi découvrir la vérité sur son passé (même si j'avoue je m'attendais un peu à la révélation !)
Encore une fois, j'aurais voulu une intrigue plus développée mais ça reste une lecture agréable parfaite pour les vacances !
Bref, une romance sexy que j'ai lu avec plaisir !
PS : j'ai hâte de lire le prochain tome avec Atlas même si j'avoue je suis un peu perplexe parce que d'après la fin de ce livre Atlas est censé finir avec Eliette (l'horrible policière du tome précédent) alors que je pensais le voir finir avec Pepper, l'assistante de Maven !
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Finally the romance between Auden and Maven !
I was really looking forward to know the mystery surrounding Maven and why her father (and her brother) is so horrible with her and I really liked seeing her fall in love with Auden but also discover the truth about her past (even if I have to admit I was not surprised with the revelation !)
Once again, I would have liked a more developed plot but it's still a pleasant read perfect for the holidays !
In short, a sexy romance that I read with pleasure !
PS: I can't wait to read the next book with Atlas even if I have to admit I'm a little perplexed because according to the end of this book Atlas is supposed to end up with Eliette (the horrible policewoman from the previous book) while I thought he would end up with Pepper, Maven's assistant !
This is the 4th book in the Carter Brothers Series. Lani is an amazing storyteller, and this shows that off. This amazing story takes you on a ride with Auden and Maven. Two people who don't realize that they need to be in each other's lives. Auden and his twin brother agreed a long time ago to never go after the same woman. Auden didn't realize that his brother was never even interested until after he pushed Maven away. So now he finally gets his chance. But these two end up fighting tooth and nail for a happy ever after. The odds are stacked against them with the road full of secrets, sabotage and danger around every corner. But the Carter family always sticks together and becomes a force against anything that might keep them apart. But will the shocking secret that comes out about Maven be too much? Will the danger surrounding them end up taking one of them? I absolutely loved the instant chemistry between these two and how protective Auden is of Maven. That man will do everything and anything for her. It is so sweet. The family aspect of this book is amazing. To have a family take you under their wing and support you no matter what is stacked against you. This was an amazing storyline from beginning to end. It was full of suspense, loving moments, scary moments and downright steamy moments. An amazing book from the beginning to the very end. Highly recommend. I received an advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving a review of my opinion and my opinion only voluntarily.
I recently finished Clap Back, and I have to say, it was quite an enjoyable read! This book is part of the Carter Brothers series, and it focuses on the tumultuous relationship between Auden Carter and Maven.
One of the highlights for me was the depth of the characters. Maven is a strong, relatable protagonist who grapples with her overbearing father and a complicated family history. I found myself rooting for her as she navigated her challenges. Auden, her counterpart, complements her journey perfectly, and their chemistry is electric. Their dynamic kept me turning the pages, eager to see how their relationship would unfold.
Lani Lynn Vale's writing style is accessible and filled with humor, which made the reading experience even more enjoyable. The witty dialogue had me chuckling at times, and I appreciated the balance between lighthearted moments and more serious themes. The pacing was just right, allowing for tension and reflection without feeling rushed.
That said, I did find some of the plot twists to be a bit predictable. While the story follows familiar tropes within the genre, it didn't detract too much from my overall enjoyment. I was still invested in the characters and their journeys, which is what truly matters in a romance novel.
Overall, Clap Back is a satisfying blend of romance and drama that kept me entertained from start to finish. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance. I’m giving it a solid four-star rating for its relatable characters, engaging storyline, and Vale's signature humor!
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a really fun and awesome story. I loved it from the beginning to the very end. It also had lots of surprises along the way which I am going to try really hard not to spoil.
I will say that I don't think the description of the book really does a good job describing this story. This is a book about good vs evil and friendship, love and family and sometimes that means the family we make not always the family we are born into.
Maven is a daughter of the chief of the police and runs a bakery. She has a cop brother that she fears and hates and a very bad step mother. Her father does not want her to run the bakery so he keeps shutting her down.
Auden is very attracted to her and he thinks his twin has the hots for her until she shows her interest and who his brother has a thing for. I think this was one my top scenes in this book and was hysterical. I love Maven so much. She is a tough cookie but has a heart of gold.
In a way this was a forbidden relationship because Auden is a cop and he works for her father. He does not want Maven dating Auden or anyone but his sidekick. So he tries to make Auden stay away from her. I really love Auden so much and especially his mom. She really shines in this book.
Having been a diehard romance reader and blogger for so many years now, I cannot believe that it took me such a long time to enter into the fantastical world that is the creative amazingness that is Lani Lynn Vale. I mean, seriously, how one person has so many zany, action-packed, original stories in their head just blows me away, and I do mean every single time. Case in point, CLAP BACK, the 4th book in Lani's Carter Brothers series.
CLAP BACK is Auden Carter's and Maven Brumfield's book, and I absolutely loved it. These Carter boys fall fast and hard, and Auden is no different. He knows that he wants Maven, and that's what's happening, whether her father, who is also his boss, is on board or not. Because when one Carter is involved, all of them are, and they are a force to be reckoned with.
Maven's life has been all kinds of crazy, and things haven't settled down yet. She's worked for a long time to get out from under the controlling thumb of her father and brother, and there's no better help for it than having a whole family of Carters on her side.
The twists and turns and 'wait, what?!' moments abound, making CLAP BACK another winner for me. Next up is Atlas and Elliette in RENT FREE, and I can't wait. If you haven't met the Carter Brothers (and fam!), what are you waiting for? Grab these gems and get ready to have a blast. Happy reading! ❤️
Maven owns a bakery. She also has an incredibly controlling father who happens to be the Dallas Police Department’s chief. Her jerk of a brother, Scott, is in charge of the DPD Swat Team. Both of them are doing everything they can to torment her, as they have done since childhood, and keep her on a short leash while also trying to control her and close down her bakery. They also happen to be Auden Carter’s bosses.
Auden has had a crush on Maven since she opened her bakery, but stayed away because he thought his twin was interested. When he realizes he isn’t, Auden falls hard and fast. But when the chief threatened not only his job but Maven as well, he knew he couldn't walk away from her even though he tried. He is willing to give up everything for her . . . and the entire Carter clan has his back.
This book has so much drama!!!!! I won't share the details, but oh so much drama! And, it’s awesome! And there are hints at the future with the introduction of new characters and the possibility of so many story threads that could be coming our way not only in this series but beyond!
Maven is seriously one tough cookie and she fits in with the Carter's oh so well. And, Auden is downright awesome, willing to give it all up for the woman he loves!
I honestly loved this book. I powered through in one sitting because I needed to know what was next. And, it was totally worth the lack of sleep! 5 stars!
Auden and Maven’s book!!!! This was so so so good! I really enjoyed the characters of Auden and Maven and their relationship together.
Maven started up a bakery in Dallas which her father hates and tries to get shut down in any way he can. Her father and whole family have basically been really mean to her and she didn’t have a good childhood. The whole Carter family is obsessed with her bakery and Auden had a crush on her. He didn’t do anything at first because he thought his twin brother had a crush on her too, but it was actually on Pepper the employee. Once Auden finds out he shoots his shot and they get together.
I really liked how they had a normal relationship in the book, and you could just watch it progress naturally. Sometimes I feel like I just read a book and they meet each other and instantly fall in love but I liked how this one had them dating and falling in love slower.
I loved how protective Auden was over Maven, especially with her brother and father. And the part when she was in a car wreck made me sit in the edge of my seat. He was so gone for her.
And the plot twist was crazy. I never ever expected her to be a stolen child but I am excited to see more into her birth family.
I wish there would’ve been more suspense at the end but this book was so so so good that it doesn’t matter.
What a twisted story that had me on the edge of my seat! Maven and Auden have always been attracted to each other but neither made a move…until Maven decides to take matters into her own hands, as Auden thought his brother was into her and he wasn’t going to let a girl get in-between them. Maven has always felt hated by her family except for her sister, and they really bonded through all the traumas. As an adult, she has decided to open her own business, but she is constantly being shut down or having something happen thanks to her father, the chief of police, and her stepbrother, the head of the SWAT team. When her and Auden finally get together, he supports her as she decides to finally give up on her original bakery location and move to where her father can’t reach…which just happens to be the town where Auden just built his house. The biggest wild card from this book is the reason behind why Maven’s father and stepbrother dislike her and do what they do to her, and boy is it a doozy! My mind was truly blown as I was reading, but this is really why I love LLV’s books so much – these twists! I can’t wait for the next Carter brother. I love reading about this family! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Auden thought that his brother Atlas had a thing for their resident baker Maven. But looking more closely it didn't seem like it. So he was going to go for it. But before he could she asked him out...
But them it seems like everything was trying to keep them apart. And it looks like before they can start, they ended.
Maven is a baker, but her business has been in trouble since she opened, due to her father doing everything he can to make her life a nightmare. But maybe it won't be so bad if she has Auden by her side. So why is he ghosting her after making a date with her...
I am in love with this family. And I don't know which is my favorite so far. Each story becomes better than the last. Auden didn't hesitate to protect Maven when she was in trouble. Maven wouldn't let her dad stand in her way of happiness. I seriously wanted to punch her 'brother' so hard. I loved the suspense, the drama and the family dynamics. There was some unexpected secrets revealed that will have you WTH😱
Everything about this story had me hooked and I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for the next one in this series 💖
Even though Maven has managed to move out of her the hostile home environment with her father the problems between them haven’t gotten any better. All she wants to do is run her bakery without interference however that doesn’t seem to be possible, and it only escalates once Auden comes into her life.
Like the rest of his family Auden is in law enforcement however not only is her stepbrother her boss but her father as well. He has had feelings for Maven for kept his distance because of his twin however when that isn’t the case, he pursues her however getting her family onside is proving to be difficult as well as dangerous.
Maven knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it while Auden is willing to do whatever is necessary for them to be together. The one thing they do have going for them is his supportive family who never wavered from embracing her as one of their own.
A little suspense, a surprising twist combine into an enchanting romance as Maven and Auden aren’t about to let anyone or anything come between them.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, pain, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first. The Fool (Welcome to the Circus, #7) – This is the sister’s book (Keene Day & Ande Carter) No Cap (Carter Brothers, #1) I Can't Even (Carter Brothers, #2) Thirst Trap (Carter Brothers, #3)
This is Maven and Auden’s story. Maven owns the bakery in town and Auden feels the pull to her every time he sees her. The more times he is around the more he sees that she is dealing with something with her father. He is crazy and does not want her food anywhere near him. He treats her bad and he can’t understand why. When he gets a chance to help her and spend the day with her at the same time he does. But that causes issues with his job. Can she keep his job and her or will he have to give her up? With danger around her is he willing to give her up? Or will danger take her away from him forever?