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Meet the Blackthorne men, each one as hot, fast, and smooth as the whisky that built the family fortune, and the yachts and race cars that bear their name. From proud Scottish stock, Blackthornes never lose. But, one by one, the seven sexy men in this family are about to risk everything when they fall for strong and beautiful women who test their mettle in life…and love.
Devlin – Book One
As the second Blackthorne son, Devlin usually likes to stay out of the family drama, but with his family suddenly falling apart, he has one way to bring them back together. He wants to win the Southern Maine Sailing Invitational, like his father and uncle before him. He has built the fastest boat, he has planned for every contingency, except one…a beautiful blonde determined to beat him and avenge a family betrayal.
Hannah Reid is tired of watching the Blackthornes win races on boats built by her dad, especially after the family patriarch fired her father. She has only one way to get revenge, win the race. Unfortunately, Devlin Blackthorne is standing in her way. She wants to hate him, but Devlin's love of the sea and brave, adventurous spirit mirrors her own, and she begins to realize that this sexy, charming man is hurting, too.
As they race to the finish, battling strong winds and family loyalty, Hannah and Devlin wonder if winning each other wouldn't be the greatest win of all…
Don't miss these sexy, heartwarming, emotion-filled books by seven bestselling authors: Barbara Freethy, Julia London, Lynn Raye Harris, Cristin Harber, Roxanne St. Claire, Samantha Chase, and Christie Ridgway.
Devlin #1 – Barbara Freethy
Jason #2 – Julia London
Ross #3 – Lynn Raye Harris
Phillip #4 – Cristin Harber
Brock #5 – Roxanne St. Claire
Logan #6 – Samantha Chase
Trey #7 – Christie Ridgway
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2019
930 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Freethy
153 books2,691 followersBarbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
July 14, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first installment of the 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes series. Even though the series is written by various authors, I'm a big fan of Barbara Freethy and this story definitely has her flavor which did not disappoint.
The story unfolds quickly from the first chapter and you know there is going to be a lot of tension between the main characters. Hannah is furious and wants to give Devlin a piece of her mind after her father was let go from his company after 30 years of employment. Devlin tries to diffuse Hannah by explaining to her that it was his father, not him, who made the decision but he would try to make it right.
Devlin is running one of the many companies owned by the Blackthornes and he is doing what he loves. His frustration stems from his father's involvement with his company, specifically with the termination of Hannah's father. Hannah takes some time off to console her father as she knows this news is devastating for him. She is in town for a couple of weeks and continues to run into Devlin who assures her that he will do right by her father. The more time they are together, the more she no longer feels he is the enemy, but she is conflicted as she will be going home and does not want to start something that will break her heart.
Both are realizing that they have chemestry and try to navigate their feelings with caution, but can no longer deny that they're falling for one another. The story has an added storyline that involves Devlin's parents, and i'm guessing this will be a thread for the next installments to come. This was an easy, breezy read that was completed in a few hours. A fun escape with an engaging storyline and segueway into the next book.
This is the first installment of the 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes series. Even though the series is written by various authors, I'm a big fan of Barbara Freethy and this story definitely has her flavor which did not disappoint.
The story unfolds quickly from the first chapter and you know there is going to be a lot of tension between the main characters. Hannah is furious and wants to give Devlin a piece of her mind after her father was let go from his company after 30 years of employment. Devlin tries to diffuse Hannah by explaining to her that it was his father, not him, who made the decision but he would try to make it right.
Devlin is running one of the many companies owned by the Blackthornes and he is doing what he loves. His frustration stems from his father's involvement with his company, specifically with the termination of Hannah's father. Hannah takes some time off to console her father as she knows this news is devastating for him. She is in town for a couple of weeks and continues to run into Devlin who assures her that he will do right by her father. The more time they are together, the more she no longer feels he is the enemy, but she is conflicted as she will be going home and does not want to start something that will break her heart.
Both are realizing that they have chemestry and try to navigate their feelings with caution, but can no longer deny that they're falling for one another. The story has an added storyline that involves Devlin's parents, and i'm guessing this will be a thread for the next installments to come. This was an easy, breezy read that was completed in a few hours. A fun escape with an engaging storyline and segueway into the next book.
August 1, 2019
4.5 - "One good fling deserves another…" Stars!
I stumbled across this author collective when I picked up all of their previous series; 7 Brides for 7 Soldiers when it was on special offer on Amazon last month. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and town from those books, so it was with no hesitation that I signed up for the 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes series.
"I’m feeling things I don’t want to feel…"
Book one gives us Devlin Blackthorne’s story. The only Blackthorne in the family that has stayed in and made King Harbor his permanent home, it gives the series a good base with the author setting the scene and the locale well and we also get to meet each of the Blackthorne men through the course of the story.
"I may be a Blackthorne… but I’m also me. I’m my own man. I’d prefer to be judged by what I do and not by what my family does."
We are looking at a frnemies to friends to lovers trope here with Devlin and Hannah’s story. Put in an untenable position by his father when he fires Hannah’s dad from the family boat work’s Hannah blows into town and takes out her anger at the injustice of it on him with full force. It doesn’t take long for them both to realize that there is more going on between their fathers’ than they initially assumed, and that Devlin’s Mom is also part of the issue too. They may be on opposite sides of the fence, but they have some pretty crazy chemistry between them too...
"It’s love that matters… In the end, that’s all it’s about…"
I pretty much read this one, in one sitting. A great start to the series, and I look forward to getting my hands on Jason next!
ARC generously provided by L. Woods PR in exchange for the above honest review.
I stumbled across this author collective when I picked up all of their previous series; 7 Brides for 7 Soldiers when it was on special offer on Amazon last month. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and town from those books, so it was with no hesitation that I signed up for the 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes series.
"I’m feeling things I don’t want to feel…"
Book one gives us Devlin Blackthorne’s story. The only Blackthorne in the family that has stayed in and made King Harbor his permanent home, it gives the series a good base with the author setting the scene and the locale well and we also get to meet each of the Blackthorne men through the course of the story.
"I may be a Blackthorne… but I’m also me. I’m my own man. I’d prefer to be judged by what I do and not by what my family does."
We are looking at a frnemies to friends to lovers trope here with Devlin and Hannah’s story. Put in an untenable position by his father when he fires Hannah’s dad from the family boat work’s Hannah blows into town and takes out her anger at the injustice of it on him with full force. It doesn’t take long for them both to realize that there is more going on between their fathers’ than they initially assumed, and that Devlin’s Mom is also part of the issue too. They may be on opposite sides of the fence, but they have some pretty crazy chemistry between them too...
"It’s love that matters… In the end, that’s all it’s about…"
I pretty much read this one, in one sitting. A great start to the series, and I look forward to getting my hands on Jason next!
ARC generously provided by L. Woods PR in exchange for the above honest review.
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July 9, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/9/2020)! 🎁
August 25, 2019
I like the idea of this series.
Love the concept and even the storyline of the book.
However, I didn't like the dialogues. The felt too generic and very cliche.
Which took away from, basically everything. I didn't feel the chemistry at times because of it, some characters came across as really flimsy, later I realised it was the dialogues that made the feel like that. It all felt a bit predictable and kinda slow, again because of the dialogues.
Saying this, I think I need to stress, that this is very subjective, and simply not really my cup of tea.
But I think the idea is cute and there is huge potential for a good cute and fluffy.
So an it's okay rating (2Stars) from me.
I'm off to reading Jason's book next.
Love the concept and even the storyline of the book.
However, I didn't like the dialogues. The felt too generic and very cliche.
Which took away from, basically everything. I didn't feel the chemistry at times because of it, some characters came across as really flimsy, later I realised it was the dialogues that made the feel like that. It all felt a bit predictable and kinda slow, again because of the dialogues.
Saying this, I think I need to stress, that this is very subjective, and simply not really my cup of tea.
But I think the idea is cute and there is huge potential for a good cute and fluffy.
So an it's okay rating (2Stars) from me.
I'm off to reading Jason's book next.
July 24, 2019
4 Star Review of Devlin (7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes # 1) by Barbara Freethy
Barbara Freethy is a relatively new author to me. This is book one in an exciting new series from multiple authors and is Devlin and Hannah Reid’s book. I was intrigued when I read about the Blackthorne men and the dynamic surrounding this family.
This is a well written, romantic and passionate read that held my attention from the start and I enjoyed Barbara Freethy’s writing style.
The characters were intriguing and the complexity as Devlin and Hannah’s story evolved was interesting. I loved how they appeared to be on opposite sides of the fence but neither could ignore the pull of attraction between them. Both are loyal to their families, although Devlin is angry and frustrated by his father’s interference in their business.
Will Devlin and Hannah be able to overcome the hurts of the past? Can Devlin convince Hannah to stay and give their blossoming relationship a chance?
A great start to what I feel will be an exciting new series.
Barbara Freethy is a relatively new author to me. This is book one in an exciting new series from multiple authors and is Devlin and Hannah Reid’s book. I was intrigued when I read about the Blackthorne men and the dynamic surrounding this family.
This is a well written, romantic and passionate read that held my attention from the start and I enjoyed Barbara Freethy’s writing style.
The characters were intriguing and the complexity as Devlin and Hannah’s story evolved was interesting. I loved how they appeared to be on opposite sides of the fence but neither could ignore the pull of attraction between them. Both are loyal to their families, although Devlin is angry and frustrated by his father’s interference in their business.
Will Devlin and Hannah be able to overcome the hurts of the past? Can Devlin convince Hannah to stay and give their blossoming relationship a chance?
A great start to what I feel will be an exciting new series.
January 4, 2021
I love these fun, light romances that allow you to follow a family of men be brought to their knees by love.
August 20, 2019
I really enjoyed Devlin, Book One of the 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes by Barbara Freethy. It was a really outstanding and heart warming story. Devlin is the story of Devlin Blackthorne and Hannah Reid. Hannah arrives in King Harbor to defend her father who has been fired from his job at the Boatworks, the boat making division of Blackthorne Enterprises. Devlin starts with the 60th birthday party of Devlin's mom Claire. Once again, her husband, Graham has decided to mix business with pleasure. Claire walks out of her own birthday party and leaves King Harbor. Hannah confronts Devlin, and Devlin promises to talk to Graham about why he fired Frank Reid when he returns to King Harbor. The attraction between Devlin and Hannah is undeniable, but they both have ghosts in their past that they must deal with. Devlin is only interested in casual flings, because he has never gotten over the death of his first love ten years ago. He wants to protect his heart. Hannah really does not want to do casual, but not sure if she is interested in getting involved with someone still in love with his first love, since she is recovering from a broken three day engagement where her fiance got back together with his ex-girlfriend. Hannah decides to enter the annual Memorial Day sail boat race with her Dad, both of them hoping to beat the Blackthornes. Hannah plans on returning to her life in Austin as a realtor with her Mom after the race. As race day approaches Hannah and Devlin get closer. Who will win the race and what will Hannah decide to do with her life. Devlin was such a wonderful story, with amazing characters and setting. I felt like I was right there on the water. The book is filled with bittersweet moments and poignant memories. I could not put it down. I am looking forward to reading Jason's story.
August 2, 2019
What a lovely introduction to this series! All of the Blackthorne boys are briefly introduced, but this first book focuses on Devlin. He’s his parents’ second son and runs Blackthorne Boatworks, although his father tends to interfere. When this interference leads to their designer and loyal employee of Hannah. Having moved to Austin with her mother after her parents’ divorce, she rushes back to Maine to help her father.
When Devlin cannot immediately rectify the situation, thanks in part to some family drama of his own, Hannah decides to enter her father and herself in the annual sailing race, to prove her father is the reason the Blackthornes have won so far. I can definitely appreciate her thirst for revenge and proving her worth.
The dialogue sometimes feels a little unnatural, as though the characters are explaining their inner musings. It doesn’t detract from the story, but is just something I noticed. It may not even stand out to others.
While they’re preparing for the race and trying to get their fathers to reconcile, Devlin and Hannah keep running into each other. As a result, they get to know each other better and realize their mutual attraction. They are both reluctant to act upon it, though, because Hannah will only be in town a short while. They also both have some painful past experiences, which mainly serve to hold Hannah back. I did like to see them slowly lose control, starting to give into temptation.
If you’re interested in a fun summer read, I can recommend picking up this book to get you started on this new series. There are six more to come!
When Devlin cannot immediately rectify the situation, thanks in part to some family drama of his own, Hannah decides to enter her father and herself in the annual sailing race, to prove her father is the reason the Blackthornes have won so far. I can definitely appreciate her thirst for revenge and proving her worth.
The dialogue sometimes feels a little unnatural, as though the characters are explaining their inner musings. It doesn’t detract from the story, but is just something I noticed. It may not even stand out to others.
While they’re preparing for the race and trying to get their fathers to reconcile, Devlin and Hannah keep running into each other. As a result, they get to know each other better and realize their mutual attraction. They are both reluctant to act upon it, though, because Hannah will only be in town a short while. They also both have some painful past experiences, which mainly serve to hold Hannah back. I did like to see them slowly lose control, starting to give into temptation.
If you’re interested in a fun summer read, I can recommend picking up this book to get you started on this new series. There are six more to come!
September 8, 2019
Devlin opens his heart❣️
Hannah returns to King Harbor upon learning that her father has been fired from the Boatworks which the Blackthornes run. She is livid, especially after her father has dedicated his life to the company and has been extremely loyal, to the detriment of his personal life and even his marriage. Poor Devlin takes the brunt of her emotions when she marches into his office and lays it out for him😁
Devlin hasn’t wanted to be in a relationship for as long as he can remember, now his mother has up and left her own birthday party, he’s dealing with losing one of their master builders while trying to negotiate with his father, prepare for an annual race and find a crew mate, and he’s fighting his feelings for Hannah😍
I started reading this series at book three as I usually only buy the books from authors I know, but I’ve ventured out of my comfort zone and I’ve lost my virgin status with Barbara and a few other new to me authors recently❣️Will make an effort to finish Jason before the final story releases this next week...Trey💕
Hannah returns to King Harbor upon learning that her father has been fired from the Boatworks which the Blackthornes run. She is livid, especially after her father has dedicated his life to the company and has been extremely loyal, to the detriment of his personal life and even his marriage. Poor Devlin takes the brunt of her emotions when she marches into his office and lays it out for him😁
Devlin hasn’t wanted to be in a relationship for as long as he can remember, now his mother has up and left her own birthday party, he’s dealing with losing one of their master builders while trying to negotiate with his father, prepare for an annual race and find a crew mate, and he’s fighting his feelings for Hannah😍
I started reading this series at book three as I usually only buy the books from authors I know, but I’ve ventured out of my comfort zone and I’ve lost my virgin status with Barbara and a few other new to me authors recently❣️Will make an effort to finish Jason before the final story releases this next week...Trey💕
August 2, 2019
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Devlin by Barbara Freethy is book 1 in the new series, 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes by 7 fabulous authors and a great start to this series!
Devlin and Hannah comes together after his father, Graham fires her father Frank, a long time employee and chief designer with only a few weeks before the reveal of their newest, fastest boat at the Southern Maine Sailing Invitational which Frank and Devlin has won for the past few years...for a personal matter between Devlin’s parents. This is only the tip of the iceberg...
What happens next will keep you glued to your seat and reading faster to find out...if some things get resolved, if romance and love blooms, if relationships are repaired, breaking free of their parents shadows, irate employees and customers and learning more about the rest of my family and it dynamics just name a few...can’t wait for the next book in this series!!
Devlin by Barbara Freethy is book 1 in the new series, 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes by 7 fabulous authors and a great start to this series!
Devlin and Hannah comes together after his father, Graham fires her father Frank, a long time employee and chief designer with only a few weeks before the reveal of their newest, fastest boat at the Southern Maine Sailing Invitational which Frank and Devlin has won for the past few years...for a personal matter between Devlin’s parents. This is only the tip of the iceberg...
What happens next will keep you glued to your seat and reading faster to find out...if some things get resolved, if romance and love blooms, if relationships are repaired, breaking free of their parents shadows, irate employees and customers and learning more about the rest of my family and it dynamics just name a few...can’t wait for the next book in this series!!
July 30, 2019
What a wonderful start to the series. The author has written a great storyline and I fell in love with the characters. We got a brief description of the 7 Blackthorne’s and the immediate members of the Blackthorne family while getting a very in-depth view into the life of Devlin.
Devlin runs the Blackthorne boatyard located in King Harbor. He lives for the open sea and loves his carefree lifestyle. But when Devlin’s father fires his right hand man, Frank, it not only devastated him, it cripples the business and brings Frank’s daughter Hannah home to check on her dad. Devlin and Hannah haven’t seen each other in years and to say their reunion is strained, due to her father being fired, is putting it lightly. Throw in two stubborn fathers, one fiercely competitive boat race and life in King Harbor becomes anything but dull.
This is a fun, heartfelt storyline that had me smiling throughout. 2 Thumbs Up and 5 Star for a very romantic read.
Devlin runs the Blackthorne boatyard located in King Harbor. He lives for the open sea and loves his carefree lifestyle. But when Devlin’s father fires his right hand man, Frank, it not only devastated him, it cripples the business and brings Frank’s daughter Hannah home to check on her dad. Devlin and Hannah haven’t seen each other in years and to say their reunion is strained, due to her father being fired, is putting it lightly. Throw in two stubborn fathers, one fiercely competitive boat race and life in King Harbor becomes anything but dull.
This is a fun, heartfelt storyline that had me smiling throughout. 2 Thumbs Up and 5 Star for a very romantic read.
August 1, 2019
Wow. This was....wow. I expected a great read, but this blew me away from the start. Hannah’s passion reached out from the page and captured me from the very first moment she let Devlin have it! It was wonderful to see her connect again-to her old community and friends, her father, and her love of the ocean. Devlin was a really interesting character as well....although Hannah was my favorite! I’m so frustrated that we don’t yet know what happened between Devlin’s mom and dad. I need the next books in the series to come out quickly!! Please!!
July 14, 2019
This is the first book in a new series, in which each book will be written by a different, yet all amazing , authors . I can’t think of anyone better to start this series than Barbara Freethy !
This is what She does best , friends to lovers, enemies to friends, towns you want to live in and characters you want to be friends with !
I loved Devlin and Hannah and the town of King Harbor ! I can’t wait to meet the rest of the family .
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2019
I absolutely loved this! A well written romance that hooked me from the very start! I loved the chemistry between Devlin and Hannah, loved the competition between them when it came to the racing, enjoyed their interactions and that of their families, cried in places, laughed in others and was left astounded as well. ( is the secret going to come out in another book maybe???) . Another great story by this author and a fantastic start to this series!
July 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book so much that it only took me one sitting to read it! I could not put it down.
Devlin and Hannah's story is complicated and complex, yet truly captivating. Each of them is fighting for their families and for themselves, yet they find a way to come together and discover that being their own person doesn't preclude them from being together. I highly recommend this book!
Devlin and Hannah's story is complicated and complex, yet truly captivating. Each of them is fighting for their families and for themselves, yet they find a way to come together and discover that being their own person doesn't preclude them from being together. I highly recommend this book!
July 15, 2019
What can I say. Another group of seven great authors writing romance books about seven Blackthorne brothers. Devlin and Hannah’s story was a super start. I love Barbara’s books so this sure didn’t disappoint. Looking forward to the other six books.
July 16, 2020
DEVLIN by Barbara Freethy is the first in the multi-author continuity 7 Brides for 7 Blackthornes, about the seven men raised as brothers in southern Maine.
Blackthorne is a huge family-run business that started out with whisky but now encompasses many branches.
Devlin's the second son, and typically prefers to stay out of the limelight and any drama. His passion is sailing, and he's thrilled when the family allows him to take leadership of the boat building division. But when a family conflict spills over into the workplace and means going head to head with his father over his top designer and best sailor, he needs to find a way to restore harmony to his family and his business, all while keeping the shine on the family name.
Hannah Reid's in town to support her father. She knows how much the Blackthornes have benefited from his talent and skill, and she just wants him to get his due. Even if it means going toe to toe with Devlin Blackthorne, her dad's (former) boss.
Ms Freethy writes a fast-paced story whose characters juggle family ties and following their hearts. It's a great start to the series!
Blackthorne is a huge family-run business that started out with whisky but now encompasses many branches.
Devlin's the second son, and typically prefers to stay out of the limelight and any drama. His passion is sailing, and he's thrilled when the family allows him to take leadership of the boat building division. But when a family conflict spills over into the workplace and means going head to head with his father over his top designer and best sailor, he needs to find a way to restore harmony to his family and his business, all while keeping the shine on the family name.
Hannah Reid's in town to support her father. She knows how much the Blackthornes have benefited from his talent and skill, and she just wants him to get his due. Even if it means going toe to toe with Devlin Blackthorne, her dad's (former) boss.
Ms Freethy writes a fast-paced story whose characters juggle family ties and following their hearts. It's a great start to the series!
May 30, 2020
Devlin is the second Blackthorne son who tries to keep himself away from the family drama. But at his mother's 60th birthday party he finds himself in the middle of the drama between his mother and father. Along with that drama he is at odds with his father for making a decision that will have an effect on business.
Hannah Reid is upset with the way the Blackthornes have treated her father. She convinces her dad that the best revenge will be to beat the Blackthornes in the boat race that her father has always won for them. Hannah wants to hate Devlin but they find each other irresistible.
There may be friction between the two dads but there is definitely heat between Devlin and Hannah. The race is on!
Hannah Reid is upset with the way the Blackthornes have treated her father. She convinces her dad that the best revenge will be to beat the Blackthornes in the boat race that her father has always won for them. Hannah wants to hate Devlin but they find each other irresistible.
There may be friction between the two dads but there is definitely heat between Devlin and Hannah. The race is on!
April 5, 2021
Great start of a series.
The Blackthorne brothers have grown up with money and love. First in a series about them. Each book is a stand alone book. Devlin works at the Blackthorne boat works where Hannah's father had worked until Devlin's father fired him. This sets off conflict between Hannah and Devlin. And Devlin and his father. Hannah has been living in Texas but was back in Maine after her father was fired. Now she is in the middle of all of the conflict but also noticing that she is developing feelings for Devlin. Add in a sailboat race to add to the tension.
A great story.
The Blackthorne brothers have grown up with money and love. First in a series about them. Each book is a stand alone book. Devlin works at the Blackthorne boat works where Hannah's father had worked until Devlin's father fired him. This sets off conflict between Hannah and Devlin. And Devlin and his father. Hannah has been living in Texas but was back in Maine after her father was fired. Now she is in the middle of all of the conflict but also noticing that she is developing feelings for Devlin. Add in a sailboat race to add to the tension.
A great story.
July 11, 2020
Hannah Reid is one honest woman. If you don't want to hear the truth, you should not ask for it. Mess with her family, she will come at you with everything she's got. Devlin Blackthorn runs one of the family businesses. He is happy because he gets to build boats and sail the ocean blue. From the time they meet, she is spitfire angry and he feels like he's won the lottery. As these two get to know each other, feelings shift. Can she change her mind and stay. If not, can Devlin leave everything he knows. They both know they don't want to be their parents.
April 24, 2020
Unfortunately there was something missing for me in this book, I'm not sure what.
Barbara Freethy grabbed my attention with Hannah's temper, but in my opinion things just didn't flow for me. I found Devlin to be whiny and wimpy. In my opinion I wanted Devlin to have a little more backbone. I appreciated Devlin's loyalty and finely standing up to his father, I wanted a little bit sooner in the book than it was. In my opinion Hannah's loyalty is a lot like Devlin's. I was entertained. I read on Kindle Unlimited.
Barbara Freethy grabbed my attention with Hannah's temper, but in my opinion things just didn't flow for me. I found Devlin to be whiny and wimpy. In my opinion I wanted Devlin to have a little more backbone. I appreciated Devlin's loyalty and finely standing up to his father, I wanted a little bit sooner in the book than it was. In my opinion Hannah's loyalty is a lot like Devlin's. I was entertained. I read on Kindle Unlimited.
July 28, 2020
Um...ok...this book was superficial and lame. 2 sexual encounters that were supposedly amazing (the author doesn’t write sexual scenes) the man was supposed to be a player, but didn’t date in town? She’s so wishy washy about her career it makes me wonder how old she is. There was just no way I can see a relationship between these 2 succeed
Now all of this a family drama about a big secret...I wanna know the freaking secret...thankfully the series was free so on to book 2
Now all of this a family drama about a big secret...I wanna know the freaking secret...thankfully the series was free so on to book 2
January 7, 2021
A good romance
A good start to a new series if you like hot strong males and feisty females then this is a romantic tale for you. Devlin is the first of the Blackthorne men to find his match in the form of the beautiful and feisty figure of Hannah a woman not afraid to take him to task and fight fiercely for her loved ones. We also get some background on the dynamics of the Blackthorne family a good romantic story.
A good start to a new series if you like hot strong males and feisty females then this is a romantic tale for you. Devlin is the first of the Blackthorne men to find his match in the form of the beautiful and feisty figure of Hannah a woman not afraid to take him to task and fight fiercely for her loved ones. We also get some background on the dynamics of the Blackthorne family a good romantic story.
May 18, 2020
Lots of Exciting Reading Ahead
In typical Freethy fashion, she has developed characters and a storyline that are compelling and endearing. I was hooked in chapter one of Devlin's story. Now I have to read the series because I want to know all about the Blackthorne men and their women.
In typical Freethy fashion, she has developed characters and a storyline that are compelling and endearing. I was hooked in chapter one of Devlin's story. Now I have to read the series because I want to know all about the Blackthorne men and their women.
July 12, 2020
Great Beginning
To a set of stories about a family of men fall in love and realize work isn't everything. Delvin runs the boat building division of his families company, but his best designer was fire by his dad. Hannah comes to be with her dad and fight for job back, but she didn't expect to fall in love.
To a set of stories about a family of men fall in love and realize work isn't everything. Delvin runs the boat building division of his families company, but his best designer was fire by his dad. Hannah comes to be with her dad and fight for job back, but she didn't expect to fall in love.
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July 22, 2020Great start to what looks to be a fabulous series!
Devlin and Hannah create sparks - all kinds of sparks! Watching them figure out which sparks are the important ones is a whole lot of fun. Loved the setting and am looking forward to seeing how a certain on-going problem is going to resolve itself throughout the series. A great read
Devlin and Hannah create sparks - all kinds of sparks! Watching them figure out which sparks are the important ones is a whole lot of fun. Loved the setting and am looking forward to seeing how a certain on-going problem is going to resolve itself throughout the series. A great read
July 24, 2020
Devlin and Hannah
This is the first in this series and sets the stage for future stories involving the Blackthorne family. Devlin runs the family's boat building business and races sailboats on the side. His family is currently in turmoil, which affects other aspects of his life, but Hannah helps them both reassess their priorities as they find their way to their HEA.
This is the first in this series and sets the stage for future stories involving the Blackthorne family. Devlin runs the family's boat building business and races sailboats on the side. His family is currently in turmoil, which affects other aspects of his life, but Hannah helps them both reassess their priorities as they find their way to their HEA.
November 10, 2020
I liked this book but the resolution between H and h, was a little too smooth and easy. I like Barbara Freethy as an author. Her books always have a good pace and storyline. I loved the location for this series and had no problem envisioning this beach community. I only gave it 3 stars because while it was a good story, it wasn't necessarily memorable.
December 8, 2024
it was okay
I really like Barbara Freethy so this was an easy pick for my next book. Maybe it’s because I’ve been reading books with more substance or I wasn’t in the mood for a romance book, but it just didn’t do it for me. I didn’t get into the characters or even the storyline It wasn’t unenjoyable but I’ll probably pass on the rest
I really like Barbara Freethy so this was an easy pick for my next book. Maybe it’s because I’ve been reading books with more substance or I wasn’t in the mood for a romance book, but it just didn’t do it for me. I didn’t get into the characters or even the storyline It wasn’t unenjoyable but I’ll probably pass on the rest
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September 4, 2019If I’m being honest this was an impulse buy on my part. It’s a seven book series by seven different authors based upon seven Blackthorne men, four brothers and their three male cousins who were raised by their Uncle Graham and Aunt Clair with the siblings after their parents died in a tragic plane crash. One of my favorite romance authors Roxanne St. Clair wrote one of the stories so on her recommendation I impulsively purchased the first 5 book set. If the first book is any indication, they’re sort of like PG rated Hallmark movies. I say PG because while its clear the couple ends up having sex with them ripping each other’s clothes off, all we’re told is how great it was but are not privy to any of the graphic details often found in contemporary romance books. This pretty much fits with the level of sex in St. Claire’s books so I expect it will be the norm throughout the series. But since each book has a different author, who really knows? The brothers and cousins on first blush come off as of course handsome but otherwise unremarkable secondary characters. Father, Graham comes across as a total asshat, his wife Claire as a loving wife and mother who turning sixty, is tired of being taken for granted by her husband and Grandma Blackthorne is the fun and wise grandmother we wish we all had.
Devlin, the story of the middle child written by Barbara Freethy, is the first book in the series. At thirty-one he runs the custom luxury boat building and restoration wing of the vast Blackthorne empire built on the income of the family’s famous Blackthorne Gold whiskey. The Boatworks is located in King Harbor Maine. As the story opens Devlin is getting his ass chewed out by Hannah Reid for firing her father Frank, a devoted thirty-year employee of the Boatworks who in reality is the Boatworks because he is the guy whose unique boat designs and craftmanship makes the business go. As much as I liked Devlin and this story the idea that Frank would be fired over what turns out to be a totally personal matter between him and Devlin’s father Graham the family patriarch who owns all the businesses and is the guy who actually fired Frank is ludicrous. Also, the fact that it takes Hannah to push Devlin to confront his taciturn father about firing his most important and essential employee hardly made me respect Devlin or make the story any more believable because the way I read this story if there is no Frank, there is no Boatworks. Devlin hasn’t had a serious romantic relationship since college when his last true girlfriend Amy tragically died of cancer. Since then he’s been unwilling to risk his heart to the pain so he settles for a string of meaningless sexual relationships.
Hannah Reid was raised in King Harbor Maine where the Boatworks is located until her parents divorced when she was thirteen and moved with her mother to Austin Texas where she now lives and works in her mother’s firm as a real estate agent. Hannah had a teenage crush on Devlin but he being five years older than her, it never went anywhere. She has rushed to King Harbor supposedly to support her father in this difficult time, but as the story goes on that’s not the entire story. Hannah has recently come out of a one year relationship that resulted in a three day engagement which her ex broke when he went back to his ex. This has caused Hannah to lose her self-confidence and trust her feelings. Since then she’s been questioning how she lives her life (always safely) and how much she really likes working for her mother. Hannah like her father (and Devlin) has always loved sailing on the ocean and there ain’t no ocean in Austin Texas. While she’s extremely pissed at Devlin for firing her father and harboring some class envy for their wealth and influence and the fact that they have profited and taken the credit from her father’s work, she still feels a crazy amount of chemistry and attraction to Devlin. The first time they touch we get the classic electric current up the arm attraction found in many contemporary romance stories. Hannah resists her attraction to Devlin because of her father’s situation with his business and because after losing her fiancée to his ex, she fears Devlin is still in love with his late girlfriend. Not to mention her life is in Texas and Devlin’s is in Maine. I really liked the Hannah Reid character not only for her spitfire attitude willing to stand up to anyone for her father but for her crazy candidness. Hannah rarely hesitates to say exactly what she’s thinking or feeling.
Devlin pursues Hannah looking for another fling because that’s been his M.O. since Amy’s death and he knows Hannah is only in King Harbor for a couple of weeks. Partly because King Harbor is a small town but mostly because Devlin finds he can’t stay away from the beguiling Hannah they spend a lot of time together getting to know one another and their feeling grow beyond the impossible sexual attraction. Eventually Hannah decides she’s willing to give in to her sexual attraction to him and risk a brief sexual fling with Devlin. Of course both end up getting more than they bargained for resulting in, depending upon how you look at it, one of the most romantic or saccharine sweet happily ever after professions of love in contemporary romance history.
Devlin, the story of the middle child written by Barbara Freethy, is the first book in the series. At thirty-one he runs the custom luxury boat building and restoration wing of the vast Blackthorne empire built on the income of the family’s famous Blackthorne Gold whiskey. The Boatworks is located in King Harbor Maine. As the story opens Devlin is getting his ass chewed out by Hannah Reid for firing her father Frank, a devoted thirty-year employee of the Boatworks who in reality is the Boatworks because he is the guy whose unique boat designs and craftmanship makes the business go. As much as I liked Devlin and this story the idea that Frank would be fired over what turns out to be a totally personal matter between him and Devlin’s father Graham the family patriarch who owns all the businesses and is the guy who actually fired Frank is ludicrous. Also, the fact that it takes Hannah to push Devlin to confront his taciturn father about firing his most important and essential employee hardly made me respect Devlin or make the story any more believable because the way I read this story if there is no Frank, there is no Boatworks. Devlin hasn’t had a serious romantic relationship since college when his last true girlfriend Amy tragically died of cancer. Since then he’s been unwilling to risk his heart to the pain so he settles for a string of meaningless sexual relationships.
Hannah Reid was raised in King Harbor Maine where the Boatworks is located until her parents divorced when she was thirteen and moved with her mother to Austin Texas where she now lives and works in her mother’s firm as a real estate agent. Hannah had a teenage crush on Devlin but he being five years older than her, it never went anywhere. She has rushed to King Harbor supposedly to support her father in this difficult time, but as the story goes on that’s not the entire story. Hannah has recently come out of a one year relationship that resulted in a three day engagement which her ex broke when he went back to his ex. This has caused Hannah to lose her self-confidence and trust her feelings. Since then she’s been questioning how she lives her life (always safely) and how much she really likes working for her mother. Hannah like her father (and Devlin) has always loved sailing on the ocean and there ain’t no ocean in Austin Texas. While she’s extremely pissed at Devlin for firing her father and harboring some class envy for their wealth and influence and the fact that they have profited and taken the credit from her father’s work, she still feels a crazy amount of chemistry and attraction to Devlin. The first time they touch we get the classic electric current up the arm attraction found in many contemporary romance stories. Hannah resists her attraction to Devlin because of her father’s situation with his business and because after losing her fiancée to his ex, she fears Devlin is still in love with his late girlfriend. Not to mention her life is in Texas and Devlin’s is in Maine. I really liked the Hannah Reid character not only for her spitfire attitude willing to stand up to anyone for her father but for her crazy candidness. Hannah rarely hesitates to say exactly what she’s thinking or feeling.
Devlin pursues Hannah looking for another fling because that’s been his M.O. since Amy’s death and he knows Hannah is only in King Harbor for a couple of weeks. Partly because King Harbor is a small town but mostly because Devlin finds he can’t stay away from the beguiling Hannah they spend a lot of time together getting to know one another and their feeling grow beyond the impossible sexual attraction. Eventually Hannah decides she’s willing to give in to her sexual attraction to him and risk a brief sexual fling with Devlin. Of course both end up getting more than they bargained for resulting in, depending upon how you look at it, one of the most romantic or saccharine sweet happily ever after professions of love in contemporary romance history.
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