Wrapped In You (The Monroes, #1) by Jules Bennett

Feb 18, 2016 Claire rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: shit-hot-series, kensington

4 - "I'm trying to stay away from you and you're not helping." Stars!

Wrapped in You offered the perfect beginning to Jules Bennett’s new The Monroes series. Three adopted brothers, with three very different personalities trying to work together to realize their recently lost sisters dream.

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than discovering an author I haven’t read before, and even better when it is the beginning of a series. Zach Monroe is your quintessential grouch. Having spent years trying to ...more

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Feb 16, 2016 Irene rated it really liked it

Shelves: beautiful-cover, galley-arc, romance

4 stars

Wrapped In You was a great start to the The Monroes series.
I enjoyed the storyline & characters.

Zach was such an intense character, at first I wasn't too sure if I was going to like him but the more I read and the more I was in his head I saw this sensitive man hurting and not knowing how to forgive himself and accept that he was lovable and he too could have a happy life ahead.

Sophie was such a wonderful character, I loved her passion, her honesty, her big heart. She loved Zach with all ...more

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Feb 19, 2016 Stacee rated it it was ok

Shelves: contains-the-evil-sentence, netgalley, theyre-tattoos-not-ink-or-tats, read-in-2016

2.5 stars

I'm always on the lookout for a new fluffy series to read as a palate cleanser and this one seemed to have a lot of promise.

I loved the idea of 3 gruff brothers remodeling a house in memory of their sister. Sophie and the brothers are interesting enough characters. I enjoyed the history between them and how all three men had a special relationship with her. I really liked Sophie's outlook on life. After everything that happened to her, she was still upbeat and fought for what she wante ...more

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Feb 20, 2016 Laura rated it really liked it

***ARC sent by the publisher via NetGalley***

4.5 Stars

Wrapped in You by Jules Bennett is a friends to lovers romance that also feels like a second chance romance. Zach and Sophie were not, technically, a couple 10 years ago…but only because fate intervened. At the beginning of the story, Zach and Sophie are what amounts to former friends, with Sophie valiantly moving forward from events in their past and Zach fighting just as hard to keep her at a distance, to continue to blame himself for those ***ARC sent by the publisher via NetGalley***

4.5 Stars

Wrapped in You by Jules Bennett is a friends to lovers romance that also feels like a second chance romance. Zach and Sophie were not, technically, a couple 10 years ago…but only because fate intervened. At the beginning of the story, Zach and Sophie are what amounts to former friends, with Sophie valiantly moving forward from events in their past and Zach fighting just as hard to keep her at a distance, to continue to blame himself for those events.

Zach blames himself, validly in a way, as those events were technically his fault. He was young, he made a mistake, and he paid for the mistake. Zach has made his life into something since the events and he is the only one who still blames him…although the way he keeps people at arm’s length convinces him that others do still hold blame.

And then there was a house. And puppies. And men building a women’s only spa. And a runaway.

The story is on the sweeter side, while not being completely lacking in sex, it is lacking the explicit sex that is in some books. But what it lacked in heat, it more than made up for in heart. Authors occasionally use a lot of sex to hide that there is no story; or they use the story as a way to make the point that there is no hot sex. But in Wrapped in You, neither is true. The story unfolds in a way that feels genuine and true to the characters Jules Bennett created.

Zach will break your heart, and he will put it back together. The story is well written, the dialog is believable and the characters are true to character throughout.

The interaction of the brothers and the way it is being set to have all characters in all 3 novels (or 4, if enough time passes, we could get Brock’s story too) reminds me of Nora Roberts and the way that, by the end of the 3rd book in the trilogy, you feel like you are leaving behind family. I am looking forward to Liam and Braxton’s stories in the rest of the series. I definitely want to see what happens next.

Review Also Appeared on I'm A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore:
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Feb 23, 2016 Luli rated it it was ok

Shelves: romance, netgalley, reviewed, not-for-me

2.5 stars.
No ha sido una mala historia, pero tampoco ha sido nada especial. Esta es una de esas veces en las que se aplica la máxima “soy yo, no tú”.
Me ha resultado demasiado New Adultish. Mucho drama, mucha angustia, mucho diálogo interior, mucho ahora sí, ahora no, mucho quiero pero no puedo, en fin, que a pesar de que los protagonistas están en los treinta y pocos, me ha parecido más una historia de universitarios que de personas maduras.
No he podido disfrutar del romance porque los protagoni
2.5 stars.
No ha sido una mala historia, pero tampoco ha sido nada especial. Esta es una de esas veces en las que se aplica la máxima “soy yo, no tú”.
Me ha resultado demasiado New Adultish. Mucho drama, mucha angustia, mucho diálogo interior, mucho ahora sí, ahora no, mucho quiero pero no puedo, en fin, que a pesar de que los protagonistas están en los treinta y pocos, me ha parecido más una historia de universitarios que de personas maduras.
No he podido disfrutar del romance porque los protagonistas lo han enterrado entre tantas dudas, inseguridades y repeticiones. No he conseguido ver “normal” la relación entre los hermanos, con tanto puño de por medio, tampoco me ha parecido realista la historia secundaria sobre el huérfano (bien podría haber tenido él los treinta y pocos y los demás 16 añitos) y tampoco me ha gustado como han tratado al pobre ex novio y a la vecina…han sido tan superficiales que me han dado pena.
Lo dicho, no es un mal libro pero a mí (y sólo a mí) no me ha gustado. Será que con la edad busco algo más en los romances que empalagoseo y final feliz…

ARC provided by Kensington Books via Netgalley

2.5 stars.
It was not a bad story, but neither has been anything special. This is one of those times in which applies the saying "It´s me, not you".
I have found it too New Adultish. There have been so much drama, so much angst, so much inner dialogue, so much “I want to but I can´t”, in short, while the protagonists are in their earlier thirties , I thought it was more a story about College students than mature people.
I have not been able to enjoy the romance because the MC´s have buried it between so many doubts, insecurities and repetitions. I have failed to see the relationship between the brothers like something “normal” with so many fits everywhere, nor I think it was realistic the story about the orphan (he well could have been the thirtysomething and the MC´s the 16-year-old) and neither I liked how they have treated the poor ex boyfriend nor the neighbor... they have been pictured so superficial that I have felt sorry for them. They (too) deserved better...
This is not a bad story but I (personally) did not like it. It will be that, getting older, I am looking for something more in the romances than cheese-corny-esh and a happy ending...
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Jan 30, 2016 Kathleen rated it it was amazing

I was privileged to get an ARC of Jules Bennett’s first full length novel. And I was not surprised that it would be a terrific read.
The three Monroe men have taken over the house their late sister purchased and are converting into her dream. It is not without its emotional and unhappy memories while accomplishing this task. The three grieving brother’s, Zach, Liam and Braxton have had their share of heartache and tragedy and it’s defined the men they are today. Zach who is our first hero we re ...more

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Feb 22, 2016 Danielle rated it really liked it

This is the first book in a brand new series by Bennett that I just adored. It was sexy, heartfelt, and just captured me from the beginning. I seriously didn't want to put it down!

We meet Zach who hasn't always had the best life and has made some major mistakes that effected the people he loves, but he still lives with the grief of what happened. I have to say he might've been my favorite character of the brothers so far. He comes off as cold and unfeeling but deep down he is a softy and shows ...more

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Feb 10, 2016 Amy A rated it really liked it

As soon as I saw Jessica Lemmon talk about this book on her Facebook page, I knew it would be one that I'd enjoy and I wasn't mistaken.

Wrapped in You introduces the Monroe brothers who, after the sudden and tragic death of their sister, are coming together trying to make her final dream come true in the form of renovating the house she bought to turn it into a spa. With the help of their sister's best friend Sophie, the brothers have to put aside their frustrations with one another and work tog As soon as I saw Jessica Lemmon talk about this book on her Facebook page, I knew it would be one that I'd enjoy and I wasn't mistaken.

Wrapped in You introduces the Monroe brothers who, after the sudden and tragic death of their sister, are coming together trying to make her final dream come true in the form of renovating the house she bought to turn it into a spa. With the help of their sister's best friend Sophie, the brothers have to put aside their frustrations with one another and work together. This is easier said than done for Zach Monroe who has harbored guilt and remorse after he caused a terrible accident more than ten years ago in which both Sophie and his brother Liam were injured. He's managed to avoid Sophie, for the most part, for this ten years, much to her chagrin.

Sophie would love to be able to get past the walls Zach has built around himself. She doesn't hold any grudge or anger for the accident so she doesn't understand why Zach continues to berate himself. But she's spent years waiting for this Monroe to come to his senses, it may just be time to move on if he's going to continue pushing her away.

I really loved the way the relationships were written in Wrapped in You. All the Monroe siblings were adopted, and it's very apparent that the homes the children came from were far from ideal. But I loved the sense of the familial despite blood relation. Even with their differences and bickering it's clear that there is love and devotion there. The bittersweet aspect of the brothers coming together after the death of their sister was not lost on me.

I liked the male / female relationships as well. It was nice to see being able to have a believable friendship without romantic attraction coming into play. We see this a lot in Sophie's interactions with Liam and Braxton Monroe. Sophie is treated like a member of the family. She's close with Liam because ten years ago they both went through the accident together, but there's never a mention of "feelings" towards one another. It was kind of refreshing to read in a genre where it's not uncommon for all males to have feelings for the heroine at some point in time (and vice versa).

It made the attraction between Zach and Sophie all the stronger because it's been unwavering for so long. Unfortunately, Zach's self-loathing nearly got in the way. He ruminates practically throughout the entire book about how he's "not good enough" for Sophie and staying away is "for her own good". To me, that's a sorry excuse. But things were saved by how Jules Bennett wrote Sophie's handling of the situation. She never backs down and she doesn't let Zach get away with it. If Sophie hadn't been written the way she was, I'd probably be giving a completely different opinion about this book.

Overall, I really enjoyed Wrapped in You. I loved being introduced to a new-to-me author and I can't wait to read the rest of the Monroe bothers' stories.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Dec 29, 2015 Donna Repsher rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review and here it is: 4.5 stars.

This is the first novel I've read by this author and the first novel in a new series, and it kept me awake and absorbed until I finished reading it at 6:00 a.m. this morning.

Wrapped in You is both a novel about second chances and the emotional scars of abused children and how they are affected by their childhood trauma. All of the characters in this novel bear such scars. The Monroe clan is a foster famil I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review and here it is: 4.5 stars.

This is the first novel I've read by this author and the first novel in a new series, and it kept me awake and absorbed until I finished reading it at 6:00 a.m. this morning.

Wrapped in You is both a novel about second chances and the emotional scars of abused children and how they are affected by their childhood trauma. All of the characters in this novel bear such scars. The Monroe clan is a foster family, an amalgam of 3 boys, Zach, Liam and Braxton, and one girl, Chelsea, who we learn died in a skiing accident months before the novel opens. Her best friend was Sarah, now a successful realtor, whom they all considered a member of the family since she spent so much of her early years at their home. Sarah too is scarred after the car accident that left her with a limp and other physical damage--the same accident that landed Zach in prison for a year, since he was driving drunk and caused the accident. His shame, angst and humiliation have left him even more closed up and emotionally remote than his abusive childhood.

After his release from prison 10 years earlier, Zach, who inherited his foster father's construction company, keeps to himself and has been avoiding contact with Sarah, who has secretly been in love with him since her teen years. When Sarah stops by Chelsea's apartment to look for a few items to remember her friend by, she discovers that Chelsea had a secret. Shortly before her untimely death, Chelsea had purchased an historic antebellum mansion which was once part of the underground railroad. She dreamed of turning it into an exclusive resort and spa for women, and when Zach also learns of her plans, he and Sarah decide to go ahead with the plans to honor her memory. How to accomplish it forms the basis for the drama to follow. The "brothers" have an offer on the table for the property. The man that Sarah has been dating wants to buy the property and turn it into a museum, and since back taxes are owed on the property, not all of the brothers are on board with Chelsea's plan. Liam bows out.

As the renovations begin, Sarah and Zach spend a great deal more time together than they have in the past decade, and their feelings for each other can no longer be hidden, but it's a very bumpy and emotionally trying road to the HEA ending. These are well-developed characters, in a well-written, deeply moving and absorbing novel, each dealing with their own scars, and this reader is eagerly awaiting the next novels in this series.

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Mar 14, 2016 Lisa rated it really liked it

Shelves: earc, kindle

This is book one in a brand new series by author Jules Bennett. Zach Monroe is the ultimate bad boy. He and his siblings were all adopted by the same couple. They each had horrible childhoods to overcome. Zach found it hard to trust but Sophie was a ray of sunlight in his otherwise darker life. Then one night he made a horrible mistake that changed everything. Not only did he hurt his oldest brother Liam but his beloved Sophie. Ten years later and still struggling with what happened and after th ...more

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Feb 18, 2016 Jessica rated it it was amazing

I was lucky enough to get a ARC from Net Galley. I have never read anything from this author, but I definitely will again. This is the story of Zach Monroe and Sophie Allen. Zach. Three boys were adopted by a loving couple and are now grown up, and they are trying to honor the memory of their late sister Chelsea. Zach has made a lot of mistakes in his the biggest one left his brother barely speaking to him, and the girl he loved injured. He won't let himself forget that night even when realtor ...more

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Feb 17, 2016 Didi rated it it was ok

Shelves: contemporary, series, new-to-me-author, arc-netgalley-edelweiss, romance

For a first timer to Jules Bennett's works I probably picked a wrong book. But since this is the first in a new series and after reading the blurb, I thought I gave this one a try.

I usually like damaged characters who rose from the lowest point in their life. Alas, I couldn't find both hero and heroine appealing here; they frustrated me! I didn't buy those she's too good for me, she deserves better or man of mystery is sexy credos they thought throughout the story. I got bored with long telling ...more

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Feb 20, 2016 Cindy Hamilton rated it it was amazing

Wrapped in You by Jules Bennett introduces us to Zach, Braxton, Liam and Chelsea all foster children who all had rough upbringings till they were adopted. This story is Zach's story who feels like he doesn't deserve happiness, because of past mistakes. Sophie was Zach's deceased sister's (Chelsea) best friend who has been in love with Zach forever. Zach wants Sophie to stay away from him and he feels she is better off without him. After Chelsea's death Zach and Sophie find notebooks of Chelsea's ...more

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Mar 07, 2016 Terri rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley

Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is March 29th, 2016.

This is one of those stories that read a lot shorter than it actually was. The time between picking this up and finishing it felt really short.

You can tell that this is the start of a series. With three brothers with troubled pasts, you know that Zach is only the first one. The ...more

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Mar 30, 2016 Renee Entress rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2016, twists-turns, read-2017, sports, arc, series, suspense

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, suspense, a second chance at love, and heartbreak.

This is Sophie and Zach’s story. After a tragic accident years ago Zach pushed everyone away. He still lives in the same town but avoids the people he believes he hurt the most. When tragedy strikes he finds himself unable to avoid those people anymore. He needs to deal with the past in order to move on. Sophie loved Zach but him pushing her away hurt too much. Now she loves him fro ...more

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Mar 16, 2016 Bette Hansen rated it it was amazing

I loved this one! This is my first book from Jules Bennett but she definitely gained herself a fan with this offering. I really enjoyed all the elements of the story in this one. The past the characters share, the broken bits of each character, the fact that they are coming together to honor their sister and friend regardless of the past and the undeniable chemistry between Zach and Sophie regardless of how much the struggle to fight it. It all came together as a very intriguing story that kept ...more

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Mar 26, 2016 The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) rated it really liked it

3.5 stars
Overall good; the pace felt sluggish at times and I wanted to slap Zack frequently! Full review on The Book Disciple ...more

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Feb 21, 2016 Frederic rated it liked it

Shelves: romance

I always love a series that is following family members in multiple books. It feels like I can stay with the characters a little longer and get to know each sibling intimately.

The Monroes are quite an interesting family. All 4 siblings were adopted and had some troubling experiences in their early years. They are Zach, Liam, Braxton and Chelsea. Chelsea died from a ski accident and the other 3 siblings are trying to get over her death by their own means. When she was still living, Chelsea bought I always love a series that is following family members in multiple books. It feels like I can stay with the characters a little longer and get to know each sibling intimately.

The Monroes are quite an interesting family. All 4 siblings were adopted and had some troubling experiences in their early years. They are Zach, Liam, Braxton and Chelsea. Chelsea died from a ski accident and the other 3 siblings are trying to get over her death by their own means. When she was still living, Chelsea bought an historic house and the brothers have now inherited it. They are asking themselves whether they will sell the house or not. That is until Zach found some of Chelsea’s binders, and then decided to make her dream come true.

The first book of the series is focusing on Zach. He is an alpha man, there is no doubt about it. He used to be a bad boy and he is a man of few words. Not necessarily the type of hero that I love the most, but he grew on me. What I loved about him is that it was all about showing that he cared through actions. He was completely messed up and we were witnessing his most intimate thoughts. To see him fight so much with his emotions really touched me. He is the embodiment of actions speaks louder than words. Without giving away any spoilers, how he reacted with the dogs and Brock sold me to him. We have the chance to see him grow and I just love this part. Even though he is living with his demons, he is trying to do his best. His behaviors at time were completely inappropriate, but still I like him (the author did a good job to get us to like him instead of everything).

I honestly don’t know how I feel about the other character: Sophie. I had some difficulties to exactly have a clear idea of who she is. Is she a strong woman or is she willing to give up everything (including her integrity) to follow her heart? I am getting that she is bruised and that she is afraid of those feelings that are building inside of her. I just think that some of her actions were not necessarily coherent with the portrait that was painted of her, especially toward the end of the story. I am getting that there are emotions involved, but still, there was something missing from her part to really make her believable. It might sound strange, but I have gotten a sense of a lack of self respect on her part in this story. It was especially true when it was time to resolve conflict. She was transforming into a doormat and I did not like it at all.

Where I had an issue in this book is with the ending. That felt rush, and I was taken aback. It is not as bad as being left with a hook; but I felt it was not really believable. I know that there will be a second book, but from what I read, it will be with Braxton, so that leaves me with a feeling of unfinished business. Speaking of which, I have not felt a closure between Sophie and her parents. That situation is leaving me with some unanswered questions.

That is a good book, nothing extraordinary about it though. I hope that the second installment will be better. It’s just needs a little sparkle to get me excited about the series. I think that it will be a pleasure to connect more with Zach’s brother in the next books (Braxton and Liam) and I have to mention that I hope Zach’s nosy neighbor will be back to try to impress one of the brother, because i just like her!

I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated. ...more

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Feb 19, 2016 Gigi staub rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-netgalley, non-ebooks-on-my-bookshelf, klovers, rt-2016

The Monroe brothers found a home in Haven, Georgia, thanks to the big-hearted couple who adopted them all. Now, grieving their late sister, these three very different men will come together to honor her memory. And with the help of some unforgettable women, each will find the chance to build a whole new future…

Zach Monroe has made mistakes--big ones. The worst left the girl he loved injured, and his own brother barely speaking to him. It was a night Zach won't let himself forget, even when the g The Monroe brothers found a home in Haven, Georgia, thanks to the big-hearted couple who adopted them all. Now, grieving their late sister, these three very different men will come together to honor her memory. And with the help of some unforgettable women, each will find the chance to build a whole new future…

Zach Monroe has made mistakes--big ones. The worst left the girl he loved injured, and his own brother barely speaking to him. It was a night Zach won't let himself forget, even when the girl in question--perfect, polished Sophie Allen--walks back into his life. A realtor, Sophie's brought an offer for their sister's dilapidated Civil War era property. But Zach's determined to renovate the rambling old place himself--though he longs to rebuild Sophie's trust in him…

A business deal isn't how Sophie wanted to approach Zach after all this time, but he won't let anyone get personal. She can't deny that the accident changed her life in irreparable ways. But watching gruff, quiet Zach beat himself up year after year hurts too. The wounded boy she once adored needed love, and the man is no different. Now Sophie will need every bit of her resolve to convince Zach to let love heal them both…

Review:

Great first story in this new series!

I really like the idea behind this story, three brothers lose their sister and then decide to fulfill her dreams for turning her historic property into a spa. Just the idea of three men doing this made me intrigued and wonder at all the story possibilities. This series starts off with Zach who made some life altering mistakes years ago that not only affected him but his brothers and the girl he loved, Sophie. Since that day he really has shut himself off and his relationships have suffered. Sophie has suffered from Zach's unwillingness to let the past go, both emotionally and physically from the accident. They are thrust back together when they find Zach's sisters plan and he decides to make the plans become a reality.

The characters in this story are multi-layered and interesting. Zach is very interesting, he comes off as aloof and gruff, but he really is caring and sensitive. I loved that he becomes a mother-hen not just to the dog and her puppies, but to Brock who has a similar background to Zach's. I liked Sophie, she has spunk though at times I wished she would have been stronger/tougher with Zach. There is lots of great chemistry to this couple, but this is more of a sweet heat kind of book. This Author is new-to-me and I quite enjoyed her writing style and her concept for the series.

This story has lots of heart and cannot wait for more of the Monroe boys.

3.5Stars
*Received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.* ...more

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Feb 17, 2016 Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) rated it it was amazing

Between the grief of losing his sister and demons that constantly haunt him from a accident in his past Zach Monroe feels like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Hurting Sophie, and almost taking the life of her and his brother is something he's never been able to forgive himself for, and it has kept him from every really moving on from his past. He has let his past turn into a bitter man, one who never lets anyone in, and one who has never really been able to find true happiness. Between the grief of losing his sister and demons that constantly haunt him from a accident in his past Zach Monroe feels like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Hurting Sophie, and almost taking the life of her and his brother is something he's never been able to forgive himself for, and it has kept him from every really moving on from his past. He has let his past turn into a bitter man, one who never lets anyone in, and one who has never really been able to find true happiness. He has never been able to quite get over his feelings for Sophie, and has often thought what it would be like to see her again, but he also knows seeing her again would dredge up old memories. After his sister's passing he decides to renovate the rambling old Civil War era property she owned as a way to honor her memory, which also also puts him in the path of the women who captured his heart so long ago...

Sophie Allen is looking to make amends with her past and possibly rekindle a relationship with the man who stole her heart many years ago. She knows that he is a wounded man, and carrying a lot of grief from the past, and she would love nothing more than to be the woman to help him through his pain, and possibly help him to find some happiness in his life again. Now she just has to find a way to sneak past his defenses and a way back into his heart...

This was my first time reading something from this author, and I have to say that her writing totally took me by surprise, and instantly made me regret not reading something by her before now... she completely won me over with this beautifully written story, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the VERY near future! This story pulled me in from the first paragraph and had me flying right through pages to see if Sophie and Zach would find the happily ever after that they both deserved. It was a touching story full of hope, promise, and gut wrenching grief that had the tears welling a couple of times. To say that this story will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions is an understatement...it is destined to have you reaching for the Kleenex box one minute, and leave you smiling the next! Definitely one of the best first reads I have had in a while, highly recommend it!!

ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Kensington Books in exchange for a honest and unbiased review. ...more

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Mar 28, 2016 Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: guiltypleasures-slick

Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

3.5 stars

This is the first book in Jules Bennett's Monroe series and I enjoyed it; there is an interesting cast of characters, the ongoing story arc is unusual and interesting, and the dynamics between the characters will no doubt be entertaining. Wrapped In You is on the sweeter side of romance but both the main characters are scarred physically and mentally and because of their past history there was way too much angst, push and pull and to Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

3.5 stars

This is the first book in Jules Bennett's Monroe series and I enjoyed it; there is an interesting cast of characters, the ongoing story arc is unusual and interesting, and the dynamics between the characters will no doubt be entertaining. Wrapped In You is on the sweeter side of romance but both the main characters are scarred physically and mentally and because of their past history there was way too much angst, push and pull and to use my grandmother's expression beating a dead horse in this story. Sometimes less is more and that is the case in this book, I think most readers are pretty intelligent so we honestly don't need to see or hear basically the same issue over and over and over in a book. The repetitiveness of this story is what almost made me put it down and not finish it, but I cared about the characters enough to want to see it to the end.

The Monroe family consists of Zach, Braxton and Liam and Chelsea who recently passed away. All four siblings were adopted and got a second chance at life after landing in the Monroe household. Now several months after Chelsea's death the brothers are faced with some decisions. Sophie Allen, Chelsea's best friend, is there to help them. Zach and Sophie have a history, but they will do anything for Chelsea including working together. Getting the brothers on the same page however proves to be a bit of a problem.

The family dynamic was really interesting in this book as all three of the brothers come from less than stellar circumstance and they all have their demons to bear. To top it off there is some bad blood between Zach and Liam, something that also affected Sophie and something that keeps Braxton trying to play peace maker. While Sophie has managed to put the past firmly in the past despite daily reminders of it, Zach is stubborn and refuses to live in the here and now which causes some big time problems and the whole angst filled drama.

I did enjoy this book despite its problems and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Bennett has in store in the upcoming books in this series, my hope is that the angst in those books doesn't overshadow the romance.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
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Mar 25, 2016 Cathy Geha rated it really liked it

This was just the book I needed to read yesterday! I needed a feel good story with a happily ever after ending and that is just what I got.

This book was the beginning of a new series with great brothers to be the heroes of the stories and a small town setting that sounded lovely. As with many first in series stories the groundwork had to be put in place and not everything could be revealed immediately – so, even when I wanted more information about say an accident or adoptions or family life in This was just the book I needed to read yesterday! I needed a feel good story with a happily ever after ending and that is just what I got.

This book was the beginning of a new series with great brothers to be the heroes of the stories and a small town setting that sounded lovely. As with many first in series stories the groundwork had to be put in place and not everything could be revealed immediately – so, even when I wanted more information about say an accident or adoptions or family life in the Monroe home or what High School was like or…other things…I had a feeling more would appear later in future books and that was fine because I did not HAVE to know to make this book work.

Zach was the last child adopted into the Monroe family. He arrives silent, moody and dealing with a miserable past. Chelsea, his sister, is the one who is always there for him and a strong force in his life. His brothers are all different and their sibling interactions not dwelt upon but rougher than perhaps they would have been if they had all had easier childhoods. Zach at points in his life has injured himself and others, he has become more introverted and driven as a result of what has happened, he has self-esteem issues and is tied up in knots though confident at work and doing well in that aspect of his life.

Since this is a second chance at love sort of story there is a woman and her name is Sophie. Sophie is one of those injured by Zach in the past. She is a realtor, active in the community, able to cope with much and has a marvelous cat named Flynn. She and Zach have been aware of one another a LONG time.

I enjoyed Zach and Sophie together. I liked the fact that she was strong enough to challenge Zach and to stand up for what she felt she deserved. I liked Zach’s ability to temper his anger, help his friends and see a vision of what could be in the future. I enjoyed this story and look forward to finding out more about the brothers, reading about their interactions as they work on their group project and who they will ultimately end up with.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the copy to read and review.
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Mar 28, 2016 Liza rated it really liked it

Really enjoyed this story.

I have been a fan of Jules Bennett's books for years and was super excited to give her new series a try. I was pulled into Wrapped in You from the very first page.

Zach Monroe is a reformed bad boy. He had a really rough childhood until he was adopted by the Monroes, who adopted 3 other children as well. Zach honestly doesn't feel he deserves to be loved by anyone thanks to all the mistakes he has made in his life. The biggest being the wreck that injured his brother Li ...more

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Feb 17, 2016 Sherin rated it really liked it

The first book in the "The Monroes" series, Wrapped in You was a romantic read.

This is the story of Zach Monroe and Sophie. Zach is broody, quiet and has a dark past. Did I say "man of few words"? Right, I said quiet! But he is not the devil-may-care persona he portrays and is rather loving & caring once you get beyond his tough exterior! Sophie is a friend of his sister and they've known each other for years.

Sophie and Zach could be called friends and before their relationship could progress ...more

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Mar 27, 2016 Lynn Brooks rated it it was amazing

This story is riddled with emotions and touches your heart many times along the way as you read it. You feel sadness for the kids they were, sadness for their losses along the way, admiration for the lives they live, and hope for a happy future for each one. I really fell in love with the Monroe's and look forward to the next book!

Zach Monroe hasn't forgiven himself for being a dumb kid and causing an accident 10+ years ago that injured one of his brothers and his friend/possibly more Sophie All ...more

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Mar 21, 2016 Erika Mounts rated it it was amazing

Great Start for Jules Bennett on this new series.

You will fall in love with Zach and Sophie. There is heartache, grief, love, friendship, loss, forgiveness, and finally healing all wrapped up in this story.
Zach and Sophie have known each other for years. Sophie was Zach's little sisters best friend and he has been her friend and secretly in love with her for years. One night all that changes when he finally decides to change the course of their relationship only an accident occurs and it chang ...more

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Mar 08, 2016 Lisa DeVore rated it it was amazing

I've long awaited this debut Kensington book by Jules Bennett. Although, I love her Harlequin books, I just knew she'd spread her wings and soar. I was not disappointed!!! You learn quickly that the Monroe brothers, their deceased sister, and her best friend Sophie, have a tragic back story. But, you're not flooded with details...they trickle in, giving the reader a chance to understand the depth of the characters and their relationships. This is where I believe Jules really shined...as the read ...more

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Mar 25, 2016 Bobbie rated it really liked it

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started this book, but do know some of Jules Bennett's work so figured I would like to give this a chance. And, oh boy, I am so glad I did! This book is right in my wheelhouse. It is a small town contemporary romance with characters with lots of baggage, and a strong heroine who was likable. This sounds like it will be at least a 3 book series and maybe more. Three adopted brothers who come together, albeit, sometimes with fists, to build a women's only ...more

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Mar 29, 2016 Judy rated it really liked it

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book!

This was a great beginning of a new series! The Monroe brothers came to live in Georgia thanks to a very nice couple. There's three yummy brothers and a sister, who unfortunately, dies. Zach was in an accident one night that almost took the life of his girlfriend, Sophie and his brother. Zach beats himself up because of the accident.

One day Sophie, now a realtor, is back in his life wanting to present him an offer on his sister's hou ...more

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Jan 11, 2016 Tammy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own, romance, kindle

I have to admit that this is the first book that I have read by Jules Bennett - AND I LOVED IT!

Zach and Sophie have dealt with a lot in life, especially after the accident. Zach had a rough childhood and since the accident he doesn't feel like her deserves anybodys love, especially Sophie's. Sophie just wants to prove to Zach that he is a good man and she loves him - has for as long as she can remember.

This book will pull at all of your heartstrings, but it will also have you laughing at times. ...more

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