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Ford Brothers #1

Proceed with Caution

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He's a heartbroken heartthrob. She's a fugitive fiance. Sparks fly when Julia flees...right into Colton.

Colton all but wears a sign that says ‘No Women Allowed’ after his failed marriage to Pam. Pam promised him the world but never delivered. It’s no wonder when he meets the beautiful and intelligent Julia, he doesn’t let his heart pave the way. Colton’s love of his horse ranch, his students, his brothers and his money keep him happy. He doesn’t need or want anything else. When Julia walks into his life, Colton decides it’s best to proceed with caution, and the feeling is mutual.

John is sexy, successful and perfect fiancé material…when he’s not controlling, delusional and downright creepy. But how do you dump a guy your loyal and loving father fixes you up with, without breaking two hearts?

When Julia goes MIA to her estranged sister’s place out of state, John goes ballistic. Especially when her sister works with dreamy-eyed Colton, and Julia finds herself spending a lot of time with them. But it’s difficult to keep someone safe when you don’t know they’re in danger.

Gun-shy, self-protective, and hiding from the truth, Julia is in no position to open her heart to anyone. Particularly when she has to look over her shoulder for her stalker fiancé every step of the way. Fearful and scarred, Julia doesn’t know what to do when her hormones wake up just at the sight of Colton.

It seems no matter what door she opens, both the wolf and the sheep are there. When Julia’s past finally catches up to her, John demands her to do the one thing she can’t do…or die.

Fasten your seat belts, the Ford brothers are here! Pick up your copy today!

255 pages, ebook

Published June 21, 2019

711 people are currently reading
505 people want to read

About the author

Sandra Alex

26 books164 followers
Meet your next book boyfriend.

Love stories that could actually happen.

New to Sandra Alex? Download your FREE BOOK and see what you've been missing https://dl.bookfunnel.com/9ak1h8gll1

About the Author

Sandra has been writing poems and short stories since middle school, and writing full length, self-published novels since 2010, using several pen names.

Writing full-length steamy romance series has quickly become a love for this author. Her stories have elements of humor, family issues, suspense and personal growth. Her books take the reader right into the bedroom with the characters to feel the same intensity as the lovers do in the story. Sandra's goal is to have the reader rooting for the main couple...and she doesn't disappoint.

You'll find this author working out weekday mornings at ungodly hours. She's gluten and dairy free, and is probably the only person on earth who doesn't do coffee or chocolate.

Her favorite movie is Bohemian Rhapsody, her favorite tv shows are Friends and The Connors. She's also a die-hard Rocky fan and has read the Fifty Shades trilogy and watched the movies more times than she cares to admit.

Sandra is married with two daughters and is a lover of all things four-legged, including her own two furbabies.

The Ford Brothers series focuses on five swoon-worthy brothers who each served in the military, and lost their billionaire father suddenly, which left them to run his airline after his death. Each book features one brother, but they make appearances in all five novels. In case you haven't guessed, the titles in the Ford Brothers series have been inspired by hazard warning signs, an idea the author came up with after completing a health and safety course prior to starting the series.

The Miles for Love series is about unexpected love, and it features the Lynch family; four brothers and one sister, who are each passionate, imperfect, and are just like you and I...but way sexier and with much more interesting lives. They are very individual and each have a unique story to tell.

The Rock Star Romance series is inspired by the death of Eddie Van Halen on October 6, 2020. It is a standalone series unlike any other this author has written. Look for this series! It's available now!

Ford Brothers Series order:

Proceed with Caution (Colton and Julia) second chance romance

Enter at Your Own Risk (Wade and Kendra) rock star/hate to love romance

Handle with Care (Garrett and Nora) second time around/betrayal romance

Slippery When Wet (Dalton and Amelia) widower romance/younger man & older woman

May Explode if Heated (Jack and Kristina) bad boy romance

Trespassers will be Prosecuted (Bryn and Liz) billionaire romance

Miles for Love Series order:

Crossing Boundaries (Daniel and Kayla) best friends to lovers romance

Crossing Oceans (Aleks and Mallorie) long-distance romance

Crossing Roads (Christopher and Ashley) hate-to-love romance

Crossing Hearts (Tyler and Ripley's story) second chance romance

Crossing Borders (Grant and Frankie's story) second chance romance

Rock Star Romance Series order:

Dress Rehearsal (Billy and Michelle's story)

Opening Night (Jimmy and Cindy's story)

Platinum (Tommy and Debbie's story)

World Tour (Danny and Diana's story)

Big Bands, Big Hearts Series order:

Dreams
Jump
Secrets
Unchained
Runaround

To learn more about Sandra, you can check her out here:

Website: https://www.sandraalexbooks.com
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/sandra-alex
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SandraAlexBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandraAlexBooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandra_alex...

Join her Facebook reading group Sizzling Reads by Sandra Alex:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/32052...

For a FREE Prequel for 'Proceed with Caution', 'Crossing Boundaries', and an

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5 stars
259 (38%)
4 stars
189 (28%)
3 stars
154 (22%)
2 stars
45 (6%)
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24 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
Profile Image for Veronic.
555 reviews18 followers
September 21, 2019
Sigh....
The story was not horrible.
The fact that the author kept saying the male characters were giggling grated on my nerves, but I pushed past that.
Editing could have been better. At least 3 different occasions the wrong characters name was used.
Apparently this story took place over 6 weeks, but with the way it was written I thought it was over a few days until i got to the end and the main male character actually says "we've known each other 6 weeks"...
Cute enough story... but I will not be checking out the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Sharee.
238 reviews
June 24, 2019
So disappointed. This was definitely not what I thought it would be.
Profile Image for Sara McClaflin.
125 reviews6 followers
June 14, 2020
DISCLAIMER: I was lucky enough to receive this book from BookSirens on behalf of the author. This is in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I hope the prospective reader will read this review fully before making any prejudgments on the book. I will give the book my thoughts, good and bad. Also, this review contains opinions that are my own and not the author’s. My thoughts will be different from your thoughts and just know that before reading the book. Lower in the review, I will talk about disclaimers in the book as well that you should read before opening the book.

Our story begins with Julia, a young woman who is searching for where she belongs. She knows that her sister will be with her when times get tough, but she is risking everything to achieve freedom. This is the freedom she never knew she wanted, but truly desires. The dream turns out to be a man named Colton. He gives her a chance at living. Is this a risk she is willing to take? Can she trust a man again and learn to love? Or is all of this a façade? Also, there is a major danger lurking around her. Will she trust Colton to be her savior or run away before he has the chance to protect her?

While the summary does give a great description of Julia, it is important to talk about how important the background of each character having is. The reader needs to know about the past of everyone in the novel because it adds so much to the story. Reading a story where background can make or break the novel is difficult. If there is one section where too much is given away, the ending is disappointing and if you wait until the end and the unknown builds up and then it can be anticlimactic. If they background does not pull you in, you can get sucked out of the story that was just starting to enjoy. I feel as if this book was written wonderfully when it comes to the background. Everyone is different and you feel that, but everyone is so genuine. Each character comes out and is a standout. I feel like that is difficult, but the author managed to do it wonderfully. I felt a connection with each character, and I love that feeling.

After talking about the background, I feel as if I have to talk about the characters themselves. Having a wonderful group of characters is extremely important to a wonderful novel. I am always much harder on this section of my review than I am on the background. I think that you can have a story that is a little bland, but you cannot have characters that are bland. In this case, I really love the protagonist and I was very interested in the antagonist. I really liked that I was left guessing for a while and it wasn’t an immediate start of a relationship. It was quick from beginning to end, but by the end of the story, I felt like I knew these people. I went on a journey with them from the sidelines and it was lovely to see. Although, some of the language was not something I loved. For example, at first, I did not enjoy the fact that Colton would “giggle” in the story. I did get used to it more as time went on and it didn’t bother as much later on.

I always like to give a disclaimer for those who are not as comfortable with violence, intimacy scenes, or language. In this case, all three are used. There is language that is not suitable for younger readers, but I did not find it excessive or distracting. It was used in the right areas. There are scenes of a sexual nature. I think that in this book, they work. I didn’t feel uncomfortable while reading and it didn’t feel out of place or fake to me. I would like to add that if you don’t love those scenes, you can skip them and continue on the story. I did go back and do that to see if it works and I feel as if it does from my personal experience. There is some violence, but I would not call it anything that is graphic. I would say it is tame violence. I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I will just say this, it is not something to concern a prospective reader who is a little squeamish.

My rating: I have to say, I enjoyed this book immensely. This was a one sitting story. I couldn’t put it down and I never wanted it to end. I was pleasantly surprised. Even though there were moments I didn’t love, mainly the “giggle” that Colton had, it didn’t sway my rating. This book and these characters are written so well. I am picky on the books I love. If I give a book 5 stars, it means I will read the book again. This is a read again book. Reading a story that was charming and wonderful was fun and exciting. Sandra Alex is an author that I will read again very soon.

I hope this review helps you in making your next book choice. Happy reading!

Sandra Alex
Proceed with Caution (Ford Brothers #1) by Sandra Alex
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews73 followers
March 19, 2020
ONE MAGNIFICENT WHIRLWIND!!!
Fantastic! Sandra doesn't disappoint and nor fail to bring everything she has to share, showcasing this spectacular piece of perfection, laying it out with immense talent, ingenuity, style, fervor, vivid imagination and unique insight for detail. Cognizant of the instant realization and charged atmosphere, along with a bevy of astonishing twists and shocking turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a roaring tempest, blasting it into a frenzy with a life-altering denouement. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, misgivings, accusations, turmoil, secrets, peril, mounting suspense and precarious situations along with a boatload of chaos while dodging calamity, you have one prize winning masterpiece. A surging vortex of fervent events and distressing circumstances, blow this bad boy wide open. The attraction and chemistry sizzles, alluring and mesmerizing, binding them to one another beautifully. The dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow smoothly transforming into genuinely relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job Sandra, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
Profile Image for Cassandra Doon.
Author 46 books79 followers
August 10, 2023
Book: Proceed with Caution
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Sandra Alex
Narrator: Sandra Alex
Genre: Romance
Main Characters: Julia
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 16-30+ Years
My feelings:


I struggled thought his book.
It needed more editing, and I felt like the character development needed a lot of work. I ended up DNF at 80%.

“Should I break my own rule and reach out to her?  Should I take a chance and take the plunge?  …who is she?  And what is she doing to me?”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
431 reviews11 followers
April 16, 2020
Enjoyable book. The first few chapters took me a bit to get into, but the story picked up and I ultimately enjoyed the story and characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ford brothers and their relationships and dialogue.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Katherine.
25 reviews
June 21, 2020
Great read - I liked how the characters progressed through the chapters and the different point of views from each character. The only thing I didn’t really like is Colton constantly calling Julia “sweetie”, just felt like he was talking to a child... but great story and look forward to reading more from this author
Profile Image for Michelle  Brown.
729 reviews6 followers
March 21, 2020
Very Enjoyable...

Colton Ford is a dream come true and lucky Julia has his attention.

A very enjoyable story. Easy flow that gets you sucked straight away. Not normally a fan of the Insta love stories but this one worked.

All the Ford Brothers sound adorable and look forward to reading their stories.
108 reviews
June 16, 2020
Totally enjoyed the book. No spoilers but there was a shocking moment in there that made me laugh and want to know one of the characters better. Maybe there will be a book about him to come. Thanks Voracious Readers Only and Sandra Alex for my free copy. Looking forward to reading about the rest of the Ford brothers.
Profile Image for Lynn Lamer.
17 reviews
March 11, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Colton can barely take care of himself. Julie has a crazy ex who is making her life one battle at a time. Colton and Julie come together but how can they survive when the world is going down around them.
108 reviews
June 11, 2020
This book is the love story of Julia and Colton. The plot had a lot of different twists that were definitely entertaining. I couldn't put it down and finished the book in one day. I definitely recommend this book.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
23 reviews
February 29, 2020
The book starts with Julia's night out with her (girl) friends - which she's nervous about due to her rather controlling fiance. At the time she keeps doubting her decision to go along with her friend's plans but events help her get away from an abusive relationship.

Colton has been badly burnt from his past relationship and much as he'd like a family he doesn't really think he'll let anyone get that close to him again until Julia comes crashing into his life.

This is a well put together story and it was interesting to see things written from the point of view of Julia's father and even more so from the ex-fiance's viewpoint.
50 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2020
This is a sweet story of love with the right person. When Julia runs from Florida to escape her crazy controlling fiancé, she moves to be with her sister Liz, a single mum. She meets Colton, a bouncer in the bar where Liz works and there is instant attraction. Colton has a small ranch with riding horses and Julia falls in love with both Colton and his ranch. When her crazy ex-fiancé follows and stalks her, Colton will do anything to keep her safe. This a second chance at love for both of them.
31 reviews
June 8, 2020
This book was a good mix of humor and romance. Love at first sight. The characters are all easy to like except the creepy ex. Once started I wanted to keep reading. Can’t wait to read the other four brothers’ stories.
Profile Image for Meara Fisher.
36 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2020
 I want to be really honest in my review in hopes it helps both the readers and the author of this book. While I could make it to the end of this book, I found a lot of problems with the story, characters, style, and just overall book in general. The thing that kept me reading was that I needed to know what happened with the stalker ex-fiance. That interested me, and that part of the book was better developed than others.
     Julia Abbot is a schoolteacher who agrees to marry a man because her father tells her to. At the beginning of the book, it is hinted that she did this because she feared she would be disowned if she did not. This man turns out to be super controlling, and she does not understand it is wrong apparently, because it is her first relationship. When he leaves for a business trip, she goes to a club and is dancing with another guy when her fiance shows up. You later find out she punched him in the face and then ran away to her sister's place in North Carolina.
      One of my main problems with this book is character portrayal. The dad is at first portrayed as the controlling dad who rules with an iron fist and then in the next chapter, he is shown to be Julies’ best friend. The author even goes so far as to say they can almost read each other’s minds. How can they be this close and Julie still think her dad will flip out if she doesn't want to be with her fiance? Also, this dad disowned her sister for choosing to marry a man when she was very young. Yet when they meet again, they both are super close again after thirteen years, in a matter of minutes? This is just the beginning of incongruities.
     The style of this book isn't fantastic. It's a little choppy and dialog is sometimes childish. Characters say things that just don't line up with their characters. Sentences have tense errors, spelling errors, and even gender errors. The author likes to use the word “giggle” when referring to one older veteran and the lead male who is also a veteran. I know technically this is a term that can describe laughter, but it bothered me the way she used it.
     The relationship between the two main characters is not developed enough for me. At the end of the book, it is mentioned the book takes place over six weeks; It feels like it took four or five days. Their relationship moves extremely fast. I can't say much without spoilers, but it seems they only spend a few days together before they confess their feelings. Then it just keeps going further. 
     I am not saying any of this to be mean or say this author has no future. I want to help with getting her to her goal, which I assume is to be a best seller. To get there, these are some things I would recommend you look up and practice. If you want a copy of all of my notes for this book, please message me. I really do just want to help. I had a lot of other comments, but it would contain spoilers or make this review too long. 
68 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2020
Received from the author through Voracious Readers Only in return for a honest review
A well written romance with enough substance and plot twists that it is not a typical, predictable romance. I enjoyed watching the main characters grow as the plot developed and look forward to reading more from this author
436 reviews6 followers
February 18, 2020
Oh my gosh! I couldn’t help but fall in love with the Ford brothers. Although this is Colton’s story, I couldn’t help but admire all of them. The storyline is pretty ordinary since a lot of authors have tackled this line of topic, I loved the characters though. Their dialogues and interactions made the story standout for me. The first person POV technique of conducting the chapters instead of the third person POV proved really effective in drawing out more emotions and drama. Special mention to Charles. He’s just a huge sweetheart and truly a hero.
Profile Image for Pennie Beecroft.
4 reviews
February 22, 2020
Proceed with Caution was a compelling page turner that I was unable to put down, with a wonderful storyline from beginning to end. I can’t wait to read the next novel.
Profile Image for Brandy France.
763 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters and storyline is very arresting. You cant put it down
Profile Image for Keathe (RomanceBooksFan) Steigert.
510 reviews28 followers
February 13, 2020
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was my first time reading a title by this author, but I can’t wait to read more! The depiction of sibling relationships in this book were both touching and amusing, and I loved that you got to hear from each main character told in their own voice. I’m excited to read more about the other Ford siblings!
Profile Image for Diana Wilmoth.
1 review1 follower
May 9, 2020
Definitely a guilty pleasure read. This book has all the makings of a good romance. The characters are dynamic and have dealt with their fair share of difficult things in life. Colton - an emotionally and physically strong man who has resorted to independence - is caught off-guard when he meets Julia. Julia - sweet, caring, and easily loveable - is instantly attracted to Colton. But not everything is roses and sunshine...other people and the past interferes.

Overall, the perfect read for someone who has ever been in a controlling or bad relationship. It is a story about going through life's trials and being lucky enough for those to lead you to the right person. I am excited to read the other books in the series.

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I wish the climax of the book had been more suspenseful. Otherwise, a fast, good romance novel. I also liked that each chapter is written from a different characters point of view.
Profile Image for Sandra.
329 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2019
I think the author tried to make this a suspenseful read but it didn't quite come together for me. While I'm a fan of dual POV's with multiple ones, like in this story, it's hard to adapt to the different personas. It just didn't work. I feel those of her father & friend were a little unnecessary, perhaps that could've been woven into the story differently. As for John I'm not so sure. Maybe we could've been left thinking what he was up to. There were enough hints. At times the dialogue was a bit verbose & even immature. Julia was portrayed as a good girl & being a teacher it achieved that but it fell flat for me. Because of her chastity it would've been more of interest if her fiancé was a cheater as well as being obsessive.
Sorry this is a bit negative but I did persevere & finish it but unfortunately it was a hard task.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
112 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
Profile Image for Diana Wilmoth.
12 reviews
May 9, 2020
Definitely a guilty pleasure read. This book has all the makings of a good romance. The characters are dynamic and have dealt with their fair share of difficult events in life. Colton - an emotionally and physically strong man who has resorted to independence - is caught off-guard when he meets Julia. Julia - sweet, caring, and the “girl next door” - is instantly attracted to Colton. But not everything is roses and sunshine..... other people and the past get involved.

Overall, the perfect read for someone who has ever been in a controlling or bad relationship. It is a story about going through life’s trials and being lucky enough for those to lead you to the right person. I am excited to read the other books in the series.

The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because I wish the climax of the book was more suspenseful. Otherwise, a fast, good romance novel. I also liked that each chapter is written from a different character’s point of view.
Profile Image for Robyn Bailey.
44 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2020
Once again loved the book. I do enjoy a good romance.

Coltons family are brought to life as is Julia’s family in the thoroughly enjoyable romance.

Can’t wait to see how all the Ford boys go.
Profile Image for S.
569 reviews
January 13, 2020
This was my introduction to this author and I'm thrilled to read more. You experience laughter, fear, intimidation, hero worship, family, forgiveness and so much more.

You're introduced to Julia, her co workers/friends, her father Gregory, sister Liz, nephew Nate and fiance John. Their dynamics and issues are mind blowing with laughter, disconnect, lack of trust, jealous, disowning, etc.

Then we meet Colton, his baby brother Wade, three older brothers, neighbor Charles and few co workers.
This book is the beginning of a series of standalone books, which I love even more than anything. Of course, I plan to dive into the other books immediately upon release. Don't miss out!
Profile Image for Monika.
769 reviews52 followers
July 16, 2020
Have you watched a movie in which you know both the lead characters should be together, but because they can’t work out few things they dont get together?! “Proceed with Caution” is one such novel! Its the first book in Ford brother’s series, its good that it can be read as a standalone too! But am pretty sure I’ll definitely read the next books in this series and really look forward to next book from Sandra Alex. Its super steamy and leaves you wanting more! Total feel good novel. Glad that I volunteered through Voracious Readers to read this novel. Thank you Voracious Readers and Sandra Alex!
Profile Image for Lori Barnes.
58 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2022
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.

During Summer vacation, teacher, Julia Abbot, flees Florida and her Fiancé John, to hide out with her sister in North Carolina. As her web of safety unravels she finds comfort and protection in Colton Ford, veteran and horseback riding teacher.

During this book we see reconciliation between a father and his estranged daughter. A mother and son grow stronger together, as well as action in the form of bar fights, grudge bearing bar patrons, and a life saving hero from the most unlikely person.

Overall a good story. Timeline is a little quick for me but I enjoyed it all the same.
977 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2019
Really enjoyed this story. I liked the relationship between the brothers and the sisters.
The support of fundraising for mental health, and the conection both Julia and Colton had for teaching, children and family.
Even though raised with money none of them were afraid of hard work, they all did their jobs weather it was stable cleaning, waitress in or running a company as if it was an honor to have the job.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews

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