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Brass Ring Sorority #1
Winning Casey
FROM POPULAR ROMANCE AUTHOR JANUARY BAIN
Book one in the Brass Ring Sorority series
Think archeology is just dead bones? Think again
Headstrong archeologist Casey spends her life exploring the world for hidden treasure and ancient artifacts. A free spirit, her dedication to her calling means she’s often in conflict with the more narrow-minded higher-ups at the university where she’s employed as an associate professor. Timetables, rules, protocols—they all go out of the window when Casey’s on the hunt.
The inscrutable Professor Truman Harrison falls for Casey at first sight, literally, tumbling into a pit at her feet on first meeting. Now, if he, as Casey’s new, detested department head can just talk her into helping him search for the legendary treasure buried in the Money Pit of Oak Island, Nova Scotia, maybe he can also get her to fall into his bed. But first he needs to prove to her he’s not just another tunnel-visioned, box-ticking management ‘suit’.
But the romance of this scorching-hot couple proves to have all the twists, turns, false starts and trick corners of a multicursal labyrinth. Luckily, both Casey and Truman have no small skill and a little bit of practice in navigating those…
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2017
1 person is currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
January Bain
65 books1,107 followersLessons my Grandma taught me.
I have such fond memories of my grandmothers. They were both special in their own way and taught me so much about how to live my life that I will be forever grateful! Here’s the list of six top things they shared with me:
(1) Don’t say anything if you can’t say something nice about someone. I think this is my favorite one as it has kept me in good stead all my life.
(2) Never be late. Doing so makes you think you’re more important than someone else. You’re not!
(3) Life is too serious to be taken seriously. Keep a sense of humor, it will help get you through the hard times. They were both right about that one.
(4) Share what you can with those in need. Know what is your burden to bear, and what is not. This one has kept me sane over the years.
(5) Don’t be a critic. Critic’s don’t create, they only tear down. This helps me when reviewers say unkind things about my work. I try to remember that they probably just need a hug today.
(6) Do the best you can do at everything you do. At least then you will know you gave it your all.
Thank you, my beautiful grandmothers, for being strong and sharing your gems of wisdom with me. You did more good than you can possibly know.
Hugs, January Bain
I have such fond memories of my grandmothers. They were both special in their own way and taught me so much about how to live my life that I will be forever grateful! Here’s the list of six top things they shared with me:
(1) Don’t say anything if you can’t say something nice about someone. I think this is my favorite one as it has kept me in good stead all my life.
(2) Never be late. Doing so makes you think you’re more important than someone else. You’re not!
(3) Life is too serious to be taken seriously. Keep a sense of humor, it will help get you through the hard times. They were both right about that one.
(4) Share what you can with those in need. Know what is your burden to bear, and what is not. This one has kept me sane over the years.
(5) Don’t be a critic. Critic’s don’t create, they only tear down. This helps me when reviewers say unkind things about my work. I try to remember that they probably just need a hug today.
(6) Do the best you can do at everything you do. At least then you will know you gave it your all.
Thank you, my beautiful grandmothers, for being strong and sharing your gems of wisdom with me. You did more good than you can possibly know.
Hugs, January Bain
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 20, 2017
I love books with TRULY strong females. In the romance genre, what passes for this many times is someone merely waiting for her true love to complete her while she marks time, or someone forced into a situation she has no control over that "leads" to love. But in an original mash up of romance, humor, and a sort of National Treasure-like thrill ride that includes amazingly precise archeological details, January Bain has given me exactly what I crave. The "heroine" or as I prefer to call her, female protagonist, of this book is a woman who knows her own way, her own heart, her own goals and refuses to let some moony-eyed albeit super hot professor get in her way.
As an added bonus, Casey has a group of friends (her sorority sisters from college, hence the series name) who are just as strong as she is and whose personalities move the plot along almost as much as the adventure. The romance is handled with the sort of subtlety I appreciate, and is woven into a tale that is fast-moving, funny, well-written and compelling.
This is a nice set up for a new series by an author new to me and someone I will seek out when I need my strong heroine in a romance fix!
As an added bonus, Casey has a group of friends (her sorority sisters from college, hence the series name) who are just as strong as she is and whose personalities move the plot along almost as much as the adventure. The romance is handled with the sort of subtlety I appreciate, and is woven into a tale that is fast-moving, funny, well-written and compelling.
This is a nice set up for a new series by an author new to me and someone I will seek out when I need my strong heroine in a romance fix!
July 29, 2017
January Bain is a new author to me. It's evident from the start that this author is not only an avid researcher but also a proud Canadian. Being a fellow Canuck it's refreshing to find a book with not only phrases that I am familiar with but also geographical references, pop culture and of course, the myth of Oak Island.
Archaeologist and treasure hunter, Casey Madison meets Professor Truman Harrison, the new head of the Archeology department, at the University of Manitoba. I won't spoil that first meeting, but let's just say the good professor falls for Casey, straight away. And what ensues is a riveting tale of treasure sought, betrayal, buried secrets and a host of characters you'll love and hate, and oh, there's a romance brewing, too.
And delightfully, intertwined in the treasure hunting and plot twists, are Casey's sorority sisters. They call themselves the Brass Ringers. A bunch of strong and well-educated ladies, who stick by each other through thick and thin. All adventurers in their own right, they use the profits from the treasures to fund their own pursuits and dreams, reaching for the brass ring. I also enjoyed the little teasers along the way of what's to come for Casey's sisters.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series and finding out the rest of the Ringers stories.
Archaeologist and treasure hunter, Casey Madison meets Professor Truman Harrison, the new head of the Archeology department, at the University of Manitoba. I won't spoil that first meeting, but let's just say the good professor falls for Casey, straight away. And what ensues is a riveting tale of treasure sought, betrayal, buried secrets and a host of characters you'll love and hate, and oh, there's a romance brewing, too.
And delightfully, intertwined in the treasure hunting and plot twists, are Casey's sorority sisters. They call themselves the Brass Ringers. A bunch of strong and well-educated ladies, who stick by each other through thick and thin. All adventurers in their own right, they use the profits from the treasures to fund their own pursuits and dreams, reaching for the brass ring. I also enjoyed the little teasers along the way of what's to come for Casey's sisters.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series and finding out the rest of the Ringers stories.
December 18, 2020
Honestly, was willing to give this book a chance but they spelled Cape Breton wrong and that’s an inexcusable offence.
Update: the above comment was a joke but it doesn’t change my review. The book was poorly written, anticlimactic, casually racist, and all around just not a great read.
Update: the above comment was a joke but it doesn’t change my review. The book was poorly written, anticlimactic, casually racist, and all around just not a great read.
July 30, 2017
I loved Winning Casey, it is not only very well written, but the author has obviously done a good research. Waiting for the next in the series!!!
July 20, 2021
Archaeologist Casey is dedicated to the search for hidden treasure and ancient artefacts, so much so that her responsibilities as an academic and any sense of law and safety quickly go out of the window when she is on the hunt. When she finds herself teamed up with the new head of her department, she is sure he will close-down her investigation and block her tenure – but soon romantic sparks begin to fly, and danger lurks around every corner.
This book was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the Lara Croft type of central character. The romance is sweet. Casey is, erm, rather high maintenance, and there is a great deal of reliance on whatever Americans mean when they talk about a gentleman’s “Southern Charm.” But she is very much the driving force behind the plot, the action, and the direction of the romance.
There were, however, things I did not enjoy about this book. The descriptions of both academic life (I have a PhD and worked in academia) and archaeology (I have friends working in the field) were deeply unrealistic, making this feel more like an Uncharted video game without the mass violence. Of course, that doesn’t have to be a problem – this book would be boring as hell if it was six-months of filling out grant forms followed by a year of slowing dusting a six-foot square site. But still, it felt weird.
The second was the emotional whiplash – huge relationship problems would emerge only to be resolved and forgotten about in a couple of pages. I guess for some this might keep the pace up, but, honestly, it made Casey seem rather ditzy. Again, this may be a British/American thing.
Finally, the “Brass Ring” felt like a gang of dolls, set up for the sequels and all practical perfect in every way – look, here’s lawyer barbie, and now, novelist barbie. I get the need to build the series, and its cool having lots of powerful female characters, but it felt – I dunno – artificial?
These complaints are rather personal. Blockbuster movies are filled with shortcuts around realism to maintain excitement, shortcuts through emotional depth to keep the relationship moving, and impossibly perfect characters because, hey, what else do you want your fantasy for? So, if you’re looking for a good time popcorn romance with an unusual theme and female driven action, and an old-fashioned southern gentleman (not in the sense that he comes from Kent and likes hunting foxes), then I recommend this book. I mean, I watched Guardians of the Galaxy for the fourth time last night, so I can’t complain about a book whose primary purpose is fun. Pick up a copy and enjoy!
This book was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the Lara Croft type of central character. The romance is sweet. Casey is, erm, rather high maintenance, and there is a great deal of reliance on whatever Americans mean when they talk about a gentleman’s “Southern Charm.” But she is very much the driving force behind the plot, the action, and the direction of the romance.
There were, however, things I did not enjoy about this book. The descriptions of both academic life (I have a PhD and worked in academia) and archaeology (I have friends working in the field) were deeply unrealistic, making this feel more like an Uncharted video game without the mass violence. Of course, that doesn’t have to be a problem – this book would be boring as hell if it was six-months of filling out grant forms followed by a year of slowing dusting a six-foot square site. But still, it felt weird.
The second was the emotional whiplash – huge relationship problems would emerge only to be resolved and forgotten about in a couple of pages. I guess for some this might keep the pace up, but, honestly, it made Casey seem rather ditzy. Again, this may be a British/American thing.
Finally, the “Brass Ring” felt like a gang of dolls, set up for the sequels and all practical perfect in every way – look, here’s lawyer barbie, and now, novelist barbie. I get the need to build the series, and its cool having lots of powerful female characters, but it felt – I dunno – artificial?
These complaints are rather personal. Blockbuster movies are filled with shortcuts around realism to maintain excitement, shortcuts through emotional depth to keep the relationship moving, and impossibly perfect characters because, hey, what else do you want your fantasy for? So, if you’re looking for a good time popcorn romance with an unusual theme and female driven action, and an old-fashioned southern gentleman (not in the sense that he comes from Kent and likes hunting foxes), then I recommend this book. I mean, I watched Guardians of the Galaxy for the fourth time last night, so I can’t complain about a book whose primary purpose is fun. Pick up a copy and enjoy!
April 10, 2018
Brilliant novel - you've got to read this!
Fantastic story and good, solid characters! I loved this storyline. Casey meets Truman and sparks immediately fly. The story centres around their work in archaeology, with lots of description about their digs for treasure.Ms Bain clearly knows her stuff on the subject, and writes with confidence about the process and legal requirements involved. Her enthusiasm for the topic is apparent through her writing, and her main characters, Casey and Truman, are clearly inspired by the whole subject as a result.
Amid amazing action and mystery scenes, Casey and Truman enjoy a sizzling relationship, sometimes simmering and other times boiling over.
The story involves a group of friends, known as the Brass Ringers, and the series will follow each through their own adventure with the supporting cast aiding and abetting all the way. I can't wait to read the rest of this series, which has been set up with interesting, strong and believable characters, all of whom have individual quirks and amazing goals to achieve.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for an intelligent read, laced with fun, emotion and lots of action.
Fantastic story and good, solid characters! I loved this storyline. Casey meets Truman and sparks immediately fly. The story centres around their work in archaeology, with lots of description about their digs for treasure.Ms Bain clearly knows her stuff on the subject, and writes with confidence about the process and legal requirements involved. Her enthusiasm for the topic is apparent through her writing, and her main characters, Casey and Truman, are clearly inspired by the whole subject as a result.
Amid amazing action and mystery scenes, Casey and Truman enjoy a sizzling relationship, sometimes simmering and other times boiling over.
The story involves a group of friends, known as the Brass Ringers, and the series will follow each through their own adventure with the supporting cast aiding and abetting all the way. I can't wait to read the rest of this series, which has been set up with interesting, strong and believable characters, all of whom have individual quirks and amazing goals to achieve.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for an intelligent read, laced with fun, emotion and lots of action.
May 31, 2023
Our heroine is a strong, capable field archaeologist with no time to waste on management. Until her sexy boss literally falls at her feet.
This book is a wonderful blend of romance and adventure, very much like the Romancing the Stone movie. This is the first book in the series. I read the books out of order, but it didn't make any difference as each book featured a different female member of the Brass Ring Sorority. Regardless, I enjoyed the other book so much, I had to go back and read the others as well.
The story is very well written, with lots of engaging action/adventure material to keep you glued to the page. There are twists and turns which keep you guessing, as well as a hot romance plot that adds a bit of spice to the mix. Couple that with interesting and well developed characters and you have a book that is very hard to put down.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC for review purposes.
This book is a wonderful blend of romance and adventure, very much like the Romancing the Stone movie. This is the first book in the series. I read the books out of order, but it didn't make any difference as each book featured a different female member of the Brass Ring Sorority. Regardless, I enjoyed the other book so much, I had to go back and read the others as well.
The story is very well written, with lots of engaging action/adventure material to keep you glued to the page. There are twists and turns which keep you guessing, as well as a hot romance plot that adds a bit of spice to the mix. Couple that with interesting and well developed characters and you have a book that is very hard to put down.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC for review purposes.
August 31, 2017
Winning Casey is a fabulous story that seemed to be written just for me. Archaeology and treasure hunting story line? Check. Investigation of the Oak Island myth? Check. Canadiana? Check. Strong heroine and sexy hero? Double check! Can’t wait for more in the series!
March 6, 2019
Casey is an archaeologist, a professor at the University of Manitoba. Casey likes to spend her time looking for treasure. The treasure she finds helps support the group that she belongs to is called the Brass Ring Sorority. The Ringers as they like to call themselves are a group of eight women including Casey. The women in the Brass Ring Sorority are all very strong and independent women who look after their selves and don’t need any man to help them out.
The Ringers look after each other; they stick up for each and always have each other’s back. They work together to see that each girl’s dreams come true in one way or another where that dream is looking for treasure or looking for ghost in haunted houses. The treasure they find goes toward sponsoring their dreams.
Casey is out on one of her treasure hunts when a man falls at her feet. Casey stops to help the man out the two of them strike up a conversation and when Casey tells the man who she is and where she works she is a little taken back when he tells her that he is the new head of the archeologist department and her new boss. Casey is not too thrilled to hear this as she doesn’t mingle well with “suits”.
The professor mentions that he likes to look for treasure as well and plan to go digging around on Oak Island. Casey tells him good luck with that one as it is hard to get the permits needed. Casey has wanted to go exploring and looking for treasure on Oak Island ever since she was a little girl. So when the good professor asks her to go with him to Oak Island to assist him with his research she agrees to go.
Casey and the Professor have their ups and downs but the sparks do fly in more ways than one. Casey and the Professor are attracted to one another but things keep getting in their way that keep them apart with their on again off again romance. Casey is a very strong woman who likes taking care of herself and has a hard time trusting or letting men in.
Winning Casey is filled with lots of twists and turns looking for treasure that will keep you glued to the pages wanting to know what they find. Winning Casey has lots of secrets between its pages and hangs on to them right up to the end. There is plenty of mystery and suspense to go around and keep you hanging on. Winning Casey keeps you hanging on and digging for all of its secrets.
Winning Casey is for all those folks who like a good mystery and suspense that will keep you looking for its treasure right up until the end.
The Ringers look after each other; they stick up for each and always have each other’s back. They work together to see that each girl’s dreams come true in one way or another where that dream is looking for treasure or looking for ghost in haunted houses. The treasure they find goes toward sponsoring their dreams.
Casey is out on one of her treasure hunts when a man falls at her feet. Casey stops to help the man out the two of them strike up a conversation and when Casey tells the man who she is and where she works she is a little taken back when he tells her that he is the new head of the archeologist department and her new boss. Casey is not too thrilled to hear this as she doesn’t mingle well with “suits”.
The professor mentions that he likes to look for treasure as well and plan to go digging around on Oak Island. Casey tells him good luck with that one as it is hard to get the permits needed. Casey has wanted to go exploring and looking for treasure on Oak Island ever since she was a little girl. So when the good professor asks her to go with him to Oak Island to assist him with his research she agrees to go.
Casey and the Professor have their ups and downs but the sparks do fly in more ways than one. Casey and the Professor are attracted to one another but things keep getting in their way that keep them apart with their on again off again romance. Casey is a very strong woman who likes taking care of herself and has a hard time trusting or letting men in.
Winning Casey is filled with lots of twists and turns looking for treasure that will keep you glued to the pages wanting to know what they find. Winning Casey has lots of secrets between its pages and hangs on to them right up to the end. There is plenty of mystery and suspense to go around and keep you hanging on. Winning Casey keeps you hanging on and digging for all of its secrets.
Winning Casey is for all those folks who like a good mystery and suspense that will keep you looking for its treasure right up until the end.
August 28, 2019
Okay, first and foremost, I need to tell you that one of my FAVORITE all time movies is "National Treasure" (and not just because of Nicholas Cage, but that man CERTAINLY does help basically everything) and Winning Casey immediately thrust me into that same action/adventure mindset.
Casey is a strong, sassy archaeologist, although I kinda prefer to think of her as a degreed treasure hunter. She makes her life's mission finding those things chalked up to legend. And she does a damn good job of it. But... she is independent. Kinda to a fault. While she has her Brass Ring Sorority tribe supporting her, she likes to be in control and do things her way.
Which might be a problem when Professor Truman Harrison fall at her feet (no, literally, the dude dropped into a hole right at her feet. Possibly because he was not on the approved trail... but I digress) and entices her to assist him with finding a very specific treasure that has become his obsession.
Did I mention that Casey has a strong independent streak? Um. Yeah. There may be a little bit of friction that ensues.
But friction is what causes the creation of a flame and the heat between the two is undeniable. As in hot. as. hades. Phew!
However, Ms. Bain doesn't like to make things simple for her people and she launches Casey and Truman into struggle after struggle as they seek out the Money Pit of Oak Isle, Nova Scotia.
This is a brilliant book that lovers of romantic suspense as well as those who dig thrilling action packed stories would truly love.
Casey is a strong, sassy archaeologist, although I kinda prefer to think of her as a degreed treasure hunter. She makes her life's mission finding those things chalked up to legend. And she does a damn good job of it. But... she is independent. Kinda to a fault. While she has her Brass Ring Sorority tribe supporting her, she likes to be in control and do things her way.
Which might be a problem when Professor Truman Harrison fall at her feet (no, literally, the dude dropped into a hole right at her feet. Possibly because he was not on the approved trail... but I digress) and entices her to assist him with finding a very specific treasure that has become his obsession.
Did I mention that Casey has a strong independent streak? Um. Yeah. There may be a little bit of friction that ensues.
But friction is what causes the creation of a flame and the heat between the two is undeniable. As in hot. as. hades. Phew!
However, Ms. Bain doesn't like to make things simple for her people and she launches Casey and Truman into struggle after struggle as they seek out the Money Pit of Oak Isle, Nova Scotia.
This is a brilliant book that lovers of romantic suspense as well as those who dig thrilling action packed stories would truly love.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews