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Lead the Way

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Fresh off the high of college graduation, Melody James is back in her Podunk town. She needs a job, but first, she’ll spend a lazy summer with no agenda at all.

But life’s got other plans for Melody, ones she’d sooner ignore. When the next-door neighbor passes away, his son returns home to take care of his affairs. Thane Cohen hasn’t been home in ten years. The last time he was, someone accused him of murdering Melody’s parents. Now, after major efforts to recover his self-worth and start a construction company, Thane wonders if enough time has passed for him to clear his once good name.

At the time of the murders, Melody was the only person who didn’t believe Thane was responsible. But how could she even suggest otherwise when just about everyone in town was convinced of Thane’s guilt? Her brothers would never allow it. With nothing to lose before, Thane packed up and left, leaving the town and Melody behind. Now that he’s back, rekindling an old flame in Melody and proving his innocence are critical.

When several car windshields get broken and fires start unexpectedly, the world inside their little town is tossed upside down. With Melody’s brother against her, and Thane fighting every attempt she makes at breaking down his walls, Melody’s push for answers leads her to a frightening conclusion. Thane may actually know more about her parents’ death than she was lead to believe. Can she trust him, or has everyone else been right about him all along? Only time will tell if she can let love lead the way.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2019

4 people are currently reading
141 people want to read

About the author

Brittany Carter

2 books27 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,093 reviews2,879 followers
June 7, 2019
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description I wanted to love this one, but I just didn't. I struggled the entire way through. It was SO slow going, and I lost interest several times. I wanted more about the murder of the heroine's parents. Instead, I just got a bunch of day-to-day things with everyone and their brother hating Thane. It slightly picked up in the second half, but it wasn't what I expected from reading the synopsis. Not to mention I just couldn't stomach Jackson or the heroine who is 22 years old, but lets her brothers bully her and treat her like a 10-year-old. I mean the whole "Sammy" situation was eye-rolling. A babysitter for a 22-year-old??!! Sigh...it just wasn't great for me.

However, I am just one opinion in a sea of many so keep that in mind when deciding on whether you want to give this one a chance or not.

SIDE NOTE: This is just random, but there was something that nagged at me through this entire book. This guy had plenty on money. He hated this town, and EVERYONE except some old lady and the heroine hated him...why didn't he just pay someone to fix up the damn house??!! And yes I know then there wouldn't have been a story...but it drove me batty!! (lol)

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Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,430 reviews238 followers
June 27, 2019
Melody has just graduated from college and returned home to the family farm for summer. She lives with her two older brothers after they tragically lost their parents when she was young. Her older brother Jackson took on the responsibility of raising her and her brother. Whilst they have all grieved the loss of their parents, Jackson has never been able to let go of the anger he has been harbouring for the man he believes killed them.

Thane Cohen is the target of all that hate. In fact the entire town hates him. After the recent death of his father, Thane has returned to settle his father’s estate and get his house ready for sale. It is obvious that no one wants him around and he just wants to get things in order and get out of that town as soon as he can. He now owns a successful building business and has moved on with his life, if only other people could do the same thing.

Jackson believes that Thane Cohen is the reason his parents are no longer alive. Even though there has never been any evidence proving it and no charges ever brought against him. It seems that Jackson believes in the guilty until proven innocent justice system. However, his biggest concern now is that this man is currently living opposite their family home, where his sister is currently living. Keeping Melody away from Thane becomes his priority.

Melody does not understand what all the fuss is about. She believes that Thane is innocent and she is completely pissed when her brother organises one of his mates to come stay with them. Someone to watch over Melody when he isn’t home. If I was 22 years old and had no say over who I could choose to spend time with I would be annoyed too. It doesn’t help that Thane is absolutely gorgeous and Melody’s hormones are on alert whenever she catches sight of him.

‘He’d spent most of his life exiled by his father and the town. Melody was a breath of fresh air; for her to know his reputation and still like him, still give him a chance to open his heart was mesmerising.’

Melody is determined to find out what Thane knows about her parents death. She needs to prove to her brothers that their hate is misguided and unwarranted. While all of this is going on Melody and Thane are slowly falling for each other, the pull between them is undeniable but also very forbidden. If her brother knew they were sneaking around he would be furious. Melody seems hell bent on proving that Thane is innocent. However, Thane knows that if Melody knew the truth it could destroy everything that is building between them.

So a story filled with a forbidden romance but also with an element of mystery. I enjoy extending my reading list of authors and this debut story from Brittany Carter was a great start to her writing career.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
106 reviews28 followers
May 2, 2019
This book had a lot going on, between the romance between Melody and Thane, and the suspense of the secret knowledge of Melody’s parents’ death that Thane knew. But it wasn’t too much. I was a little nervous going into this because of the romance and the suspenseful mystery aspect, but it ended up being pretty good and blended together nicely.

I won’t hint a single thing about the secret, but I will say, you won’t be disappointed when things come out. It’s big. A lot of novels do that thing where the romantic interest is hiding some kind of secret and when it all comes out, the secret is boring and didn’t even need to be some hidden thing to begin with. My lord this was not the case. The wait was worth the reveal.

Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was the southern authenticity of Brittany Carter’s writing. There were so many adorable southern expressions said by the characters and I like how that made the setting of the country/south feel that much more real.

Melody and Thane were both very raw and real characters with an intense romance. Melody had such a kind heart and Thane had somehow managed not to let the cruelty of the world around him turn him into an awful person. Even all of the side characters managed to bring out various emotions from me. If a couple of the guys from the book somehow stepped on some broken glass, I wouldn’t be mad about it.

One small thing, but it’s more a word of advice to a future reader than an actual complaint about the book itself. Go into reading this without reading the synopsis. I feel like some parts of it are a little misleading or some things that do happen, occur way later on in the novel so you’re just kind of waiting for things to happen. I still enjoyed the novel a lot and would very much recommend it. Just avoid the synopsis, if possible. This is one of those books where it would be nice to go into it without knowing anything.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. When I first started it, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it, but it ended up being a 4 star read, which is pretty great for me. I hope you guys get the chance to pick this one up and that you enjoy it as well.
Profile Image for KarenJo Custodio.
343 reviews16 followers
April 25, 2019
Dangerously sexy and addictive, Lead the Way was an absolute page turner romance that made my heart ache and race at the same time.

With plenty of drama, conflict, intrigue, steam and a hint of suspense, this book was such an utterly thrilling and wonderful love story. I loved Brittany Carter’s writing style. It was engaging, emotional, and captivating. My heart felt so heavy, but also filled with hope and happiness as I experienced everything the characters were feeling. I laughed and I swooned like crazy. I felt delicious anticipation. I held my breath and clutched my heart. And I was in tears… I felt so damn much going on this journey with Melody and Thane and I enjoyed every moment of it. The ending was perfectly realistic and bittersweet and wrapped up the story so beautifully.

The forbidden romance between Thane and Melody was absolutely electrifying and swoony! They had intense and sexy chemistry. Their attraction was palpable and I felt their desire for each other. I also really loved the playful way they teased each other and all those window scenes. I loved the build up and the titillating moments, their sweet kisses, and their heartwarming scenes. They were both passionate and protective about each and I loved that they were willing to fight against all odds to find a way to be together.

Melody was an amazing heroine and I admired her so much. She was strong and determined. She was also kind, smart, caring, and selfless. She fought to prove Thane’s innocence and never gave on him. Thane had my heart from the beginning. He was misjudged and mistreated and I just wanted to give him the biggest hug ever!

The supporting characters were well-developed and likable. I liked Sammy and how he helped Melody. I loved that both Melody’s brothers, Jackson and Hayden wanted what was best for her. I absolutely adored Mrs. Arlene. She was funny, spunky, and kind. Even Lucas who was annoyingly creepy was hard not to like cause he definitely added some conflict to the story that made it more entertaining.

The mystery about Melody’s parents’ murder was always in the back of my mind, but I was honestly more invested in the romance part and how the story would play out and lead the way to Thane and Melody’s HEA. That being said, I did really enjoy the suspense and never could have guessed who the kiler was. I was actually quite shocked and disturbed by the revelation. Totally did not see that coming.

Heartwrenching, poignant, and achingly beautiful, Lead the Way had me glued to the pages. I loved the gorgeous writing, the broken but wonderful characters, and the storyline that kept me on my toes. It was an enjoyable read to the very last page and I cannot wait to read more books from Brittany Carter!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opiniosn are my own.
2 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2019
GAH ... I'm swollen with swooning after this book! The anticipation had my heart racing. It's dangerously sexy and worth the read.

I pre-ordered this book back in February when it first came to my attention. I’m from the south and I love a good ole’ country boy romance, but this was … wowza.

The descriptive small town they live in is brought to life in a way that made me feel like I lived in Woodland County myself. Besides the beautiful scenery of the book, the main characters are ying and yang but OH do they fit together perfectly.

The cover drew me in at first, then came the blurb. The forbidden love was hot, and made the romance so much more deep. I love when characters have to fight for one another, because it shows how much they truly care about each other.

It’s magical.

This has a perfect blended broody hero that will make you swoon. I don’t want to give away anything in plot, but I’ll tell you that you won’t regret reading this.

The characters alone were deep, flawed and perfect for one another. Melody is a hard-headed country girl that knows Thane is innocent and won’t take no for an answer.

Thane is broody, sexy and good with his hands. The SEXUAL CHEMISTRY in this novel had me turning the pages. The pure romance that the author builds between the two characters before anything happens is talent. It’s full of funny, quirky characters, and then characters that you want to rip from the pages because you just want the two main characters to get what they deserve … each other.

I stayed up all night reading this because I couldn’t put it down.

Also, I have to add, the suspense in this novel is just enough not to overlap the romance but pull you in deeper.

Thane Cohen will run rampage in your dreams after this book. It will not disappoint.

https://gph.to/2W1B80R
5 reviews
June 7, 2019
So, I've been reading some of the other reviews for this book, and 99% are good reviews. The one bad review that I did come across did not hinder me from reading this, and I'm so glad I didn't take her review to heart because I would have hated myself for missing out on this!

This book is based off of a small southern town which I am also from. The black sheep concept is more realistic in small towns than bigger ones, and I believe that has a lot to do with the one reviewer not understanding. When you're raised in a small town and your reputation gets tampered with everyone in the town knows before get up and fix your coffee the next morning.

Small towns can be ugly and raw, but it can also be romantic and sultry. I believe this author did an amazing job with bringing a small town to life with realistic southern characters. This book is not all about sex, and I LOVE that. I'm so sick of seeing insta-love books and jump straight into bed with a character.

The setting was beautiful and sexy in a slow southern way that makes you want to go tailgating and mud-riding. The chemistry between the two main characters were off the charts HOT. The push and pull was so deep that it made me feel like the connection between them. It wasn't lust at first sight, nor love at first sight.

It was a small attraction that grew as they got to know one another. And I applaud this author for stepping out of the box and writing a true romance!

I hope you all read this, because it's truly beautiful and dangerously sexy! You won't regret reading this!
2,418 reviews59 followers
April 24, 2019
When the world is against them, will love lead the way for Melody and Thane?

This was a really enjoyable second-chance romance with a twist of suspense. Thane has tried so hard to put his past behind him, and Melody can’t seem to escape hers. Their lives are forever connected, but not necessarily in a good way.

He has built some pretty big walls around his heart, and rightfully so. There’s an nice push/pull between the characters as Melody tries to get past his boundaries and prove to Thane that he’s more than what the town thinks of him. (BTW, I love that name!)

The story flows nicely, and the characters are well-rounded. The subplots didn’t take away from the main story between Thane and Melody, nor did I find that the mystery behind her parenta’ murders overshadowed the budding romance.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,155 reviews9 followers
May 31, 2019
I’m not the best at writing reviews because I don’t want to accidentally leave spoilers.

This was so heart warming with a little heat break.

Melody has had a tough time, her pearents being killed her brothers looking after her. And her oldest brother still treating her like a 5 year old.

I love how bold she is. She’s so forward and damn anyone who gets in her way.

Thane comes across a sad lonely man who had a terrible childhood, and wanted what the family next door had. A loving family, happiness.

So many funny bits specially from an elderly woman

There’s a few twists in this and I pointed my finger at a few characters before it was revealed.

I loved the ending. Was just perfect and I couldn’t picture a better way for it to end.

Have 4 because a few bits didn’t add up. Near the beginning it states he was 10 years older but later on it says 7 years.. just small bits really.

I really did genuinely like reading this and I’m hoping to be able to read more about Jackson. Fingers crossed !!
Profile Image for book junkie.
575 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this book the chemistry between Melody and Thane is felt from the first moment they met.
I was unable to put the book down as I wanted to see what happens next and I hope the other characters get to tell their story in their own books.
Love this author !
4 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2019
Amazing!

The way she ties Arkansas to Louisiana and uses experiences from her own life growing up just constantly draws me in. I am always looking forward to her next book. Seriously a great read. Kept me intrigued the whole time!
1 review1 follower
May 1, 2019
Riveting!

Loved reading this book! I got so caught up in the lives of the characters and couldn’t put this book down!
Profile Image for Tammi Nowlin.
2 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2019
Sultry Southern Romance

Lead The Way by Brittany Carter was a great read. She brought to life the many feelings of an unprotected, abused child dealing with a pedophile father, building concrete walls around his own heart. One could envision the agony he endured growing into his manhood only to have a strong woman bring him out of the darkness. I wanted to keep reading. Very deserving of 4 stars as she conveyed the hush hush Southern ways of life and the love of family. I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for anie.
1,142 reviews46 followers
April 26, 2019
Received from Xpresso Book Tours


In the start, the book reads like a classic romance, but I was very surprised by the depth and the issues that the story dealt with. It was amazingly done. :)



Melody's parents were murdered and for some reason, her brothers always blamed the neighbors' kid, even after he was cleared by the police. She comes home from college, for she hoped will be carefree summer. Thane neighbors kid comes back after ten years, because of the death of his father and the entire town is hell-bent on driving him out. Melody shows him kindness. He sparks her interest and she in him, but literally everyone is against him and the idea of them.

It's a fun story about love finding a way (😁) through all the obstacles, full of swoony romance, but also deals with deeper issues. It's such a complex story, especially the very last part, I didn't expect it.

Highly recommend it, I was glued to the pages till the end. :)

Profile Image for Michelle.
189 reviews34 followers
April 30, 2019
“Can I keep you?”

Melody is back home for the summer. Her next door neighbor, Thane, is also home. His father just passed and he needs to sell their house. Thane will forever be the black sheep and “murderer” but Melody doesn’t believe it. Will she risk everything to clear Thane’s name to be with him? Or will the things she uncovers make her run?

This was everything I want in a romance book. I felt all the emotions in this book. I laughed, I cried, I felt angry and hurt and happy. It’s hard to be the only one who believes in something and the only one trying to set it right. Also, Sammy becomes one of my FAVORITE characters! “Serious as a heart attack!”

If you like romance books and the south, please read this. It’s an ebook and when I bought it, it was $2.99 and it’s definitely worth more than that. Hoping @authorbrittanycarter and @swoonromance plan on having a sequel?!? 😊
Profile Image for Julie Hoag.
Author 7 books12 followers
May 28, 2019
Loved this book! It's a sweet hot read perfect to enjoy this summer while by the pool or on the beach. The romance is delicious, a forbidden love that is wholly passionate, it will grip you in its sexy claws and leave you fully satisfied. I loved Thane as a character, he was sweet, brooding, hot, sexy, and devoted. Melody was a sweet character who never gave up...love that. This irresistible story will entertain you and make you swoon hard...you will love it! There was great tangible suspense to keep you on your seat the whole while you are falling in love with Thane and Medoldy falling in love. The relationships between Melody and her brothers are striking in their devotion and expressions of family love. It ends in a very satisfyingly luscious HEA-way...just the way I want my romance reads to go. Enjoy!!
Profile Image for Brittany Carter.
Author 2 books27 followers
April 26, 2019
A little something from the author ...

Thank you to everyone that read (or is reading) LEAD THE WAY. Whether you liked it or not, I appreciate the honest review! Reviews are one of the keys to getting sales, and that's all an author ever wants is for their book to be liked! <3
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