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Brook Brothers #1

The Blame Game

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Revenge is bittersweet. Especially when you fall for the one you set out to destroy.

Indie Monroe was supposed to ruin Jax. Not fall for him. But his family has to pay for their sins, regardless of her heart.

Jax Brook lost everything—his parents, his place at Juilliard, and his identity. For twelve years, he set aside his own happiness for the sake of his family. Finally, his time has arrived, except the gorgeous, seductive Indie Monroe isn't what she seems.

Beneath the professional façade, Indie is hiding a secret that will forever change the course of Jax’s life. Possibly even end it.

But as she and Jax grow closer, Indie begins to have second thoughts about the path she is destined to walk.

Which course will she choose?

And will Jax’s love be strong enough to forgive her?

The Blame Game is a complete standalone and part of a series. Buy your copy today, and step into the world of the Brook Brothers.

The Brook Brothers Series
The Blame Game – Jax and Indie
Against All Odds – Calum and Laurella
His To Protect – Cole and Millie
Web of Lies – Nate and Dex

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2019

132 people are currently reading
265 people want to read

About the author

Tracie Delaney

69 books683 followers
Tracie Delaney writes billionaire romance where the men fall hard and the women make them work for it. Even though she has more than 35 novels published across many different series, Tracie still considers herself a reader first and foremost and loves fangirling over her favorite authors.

At night she likes to curl up on the sofa with her two furbabies, Murphy & Cooper, and binge-watch shows on Netflix. There may be wine involved.

Stalk Tracie at:

Reader group: https://bit.ly/39f4sZz
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/3yhM5N9
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Nj1kJW
TikTok: https://bit.ly/3tZZEye
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Oz11f4
Website: www.authortraciedelaney.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews494 followers
June 26, 2018
What a great start to a new series by author Tracie Delaney! A story very interesting, as boy meets girl, but unlike your usual romance, there are plenty of schemes and happenings behind the scene that keep the story slightly on edge!
We are introduced to some amazing brothers, any one of which you would not kick out of bed! Jax is the oldest and 'head of the family' after their parents are killed when he was 18. He took care of the family, turning down a unique offer he had to go to school for acting to do so. Now he is trying to start a grande hotel, a place all the boys will have forever. When Jax learns he needs more money to be able to start the project, he meets Indie, as he is seeking a loan. Their chemistry is immediate, but Indie has her own family problems to deal with.
The adventure you go on sees love, family and friendship- but when can family love and unity be too much...
A story that will have you holding your breathe one minute and enjoying a romantic moment the next! Another wonderful book from a down to earth author, who is able to use her words to create an amazing world in which we can visit!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews113 followers
Want to read
August 11, 2021
💝FREE on Amazon today (9/11/18)!💝

Blurb:
Their paths were destined to cross.
First she’ll make him hers.
Then she’ll ruin him.

To save his dream, Jax Brook needs a loan—fast.
And the gorgeous, seductive Indie Monroe holds the key to his success.

At first she’s supportive, enticingly so, but as Jax falls deeper under Indie’s spell, he can’t help but wonder at the secrets she won’t share.

Indie hasn’t a mean bone in her body, but family must come first.
For the sins of his father, Jax will pay.

Except Jax isn’t the sinner, she is. And she’s fallen for him.

As their lives collide, Indie begins to have second thoughts about the path she’s destined to walk. However, she isn’t alone in her desire for vengeance. Someone is pulling her strings. And no matter how hard she tugs, they won’t let go.

If he can’t forgive her, will he at least try and save her?
Love is supposed to be strong. Isn’t it?
Profile Image for Louise.
434 reviews16 followers
July 17, 2018
This is the first book in The Brook Brothers series by Tracie Delaney and it is so far removed from Winning Ace and its sequels or even My Gift To You. It’s more like romantic suspense. It has a little bit of everything in it, from revenge to laughter to love and heartache.

The Blame Game sees Indie Monroe and Jax Brook come together in what at first appears to be a love match, although Indies reluctance to commit seems at first not to worry Jax, however later becomes a hindrance, all the while not knowing that Indie holds a secret. One that will shatter Jax’s illusion.

Okay, firstly, the influx of testosterone, not only from Jax himself but from his brothers too, I mean HOLY HOTNESS!! I’ve a very good feeling that I’m going to fall in love with these brothers. But back to Jax.
Jax is a broody and moody kind of guy at the beginning, he’s desperate to make something of himself in the hotelier world and needs an injection of cash to get that up and running so when we first meet him, he’s a little frayed. He has this need to succeed. It’s endearing and also frustrating to read. Frustrating in a good way though because as you’re reading you’re feeling the frustration alongside him. He’s also hot. He has this big brother, I’m going to take care of everyone vibe. He makes you fall in love with him, especially his interaction with his brothers.

His connection with Indie is instant, for both him and her. Indie is very reserved and sweet. Even throughout and the situation she is in, you can’t help but be drawn to her sweetness and kindness. You can forgive her her sins because you know that under normal circumstances, the situation she is placed in is the furthest thing she’d be doing if she had a choice. But her need to be loyal to her family is weighing heavily at the same time feeling an attraction and an intense amount of guilt towards Jax.

Their chemistry together is a slow burner. It’s instant attraction but it’s intense.

It’s a very compelling read and one the author has utilised well. Nothing is what it seems and I really enjoyed watching the drama unfold.

Highly recommend and I cannot wait for the next instalment. I’ve a feeling that it will only get better from here on out.
Profile Image for M.A. Comley.
Author 175 books808 followers
June 27, 2018
Tracie Delaney has done it again... I absolutely loved the Winning Ace series and still miss the characters so much, but I have a feeling the Brook Brothers are going to be just as memorable.

Jax is the oldest brother, he was forced into a predicament no teenage male would envy when his parents died in a car crash. Raising his brothers, Jax had to put his own life on hold. Now he's renovating a hotel that needs extra finance and this is when the beautiful Indie walks into his life and takes his breath away.

I really don't want to say anymore because it will spoil this stunning novel. This is not just a romance it's full of intrigue as well.

Can't wait to read the next exciting instalment.
Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,232 reviews509 followers
March 19, 2019
2.5*


Jax's parents died when he was 18, he put his dreams aside to raise his 3 younger brothers. When an opportunity arises for him to purchase a property to build the hotel he wants he dives on it without his lawyer's approval. Unfortunately things don't work out and he finds out he needs a lot more !money to get his hotel off the ground. His lawyer suggests an investment firm and there Jax meets Indie. Sparks fly immediately but when Jax's money is confirmed they start spending time together and pretty soon they're involved.

Indie however is keeping secrets,she'd already planned to meet Jax before fate intervened and he appeared in her office because she and her brother intended to punish Jax for the wrongs his father inflicted upon hers. The plan is for Indie to get Jax to love her and then break his heart whileher brother ruins him financially. But Indie's fake relationship turns all too real and she has to. choose between betraying her brother or the man she's come to love.

In normal circumstances I'd consider Indie a pathetic doormat,she lets her brother get away with physically and verbally abusing her more than once. In this case however Indie needed help, she'd been abused by her father for years and her brother often took the blows for her as such she feels indebted to him and refuses to make him pay for his horrific actions. Her loyalty cost her some bruises along the way until it all comes to a head.

Her brother dies and Jax is wounded and the entire situation is revealed. Jax is angry and they separate for a while. Eventually he's able to forgive her and they get their hfn.

Jax's brothers appear here as secondary characters with Calum being a huge manwhore. We're told that Jax never had a problem getting girls and that Indie had four previous but thankfully no exes popped out of the woodwork nor did they think to be with anyone else

The situation with the fathers isn't concluded and i will continue the series at some point but I'm pausing here for Now. Something just seemed to be missing for me but I took a chance on anew to me author and didn't regret it so I'll count that as a win.
Profile Image for Incy Black.
Author 3 books73 followers
July 18, 2018
Love a revenge plot, love even more watching said vengeance getting knocked off course by unanticipated romance—especially when the writing is as fluid and skillful as it is in The Blame Game.

Jax has his own demons to conquer before earning his HEA, but emotionally—and there’s a shed load of emotion—it’s Indie who has to walk barefoot over hot coals. Two delectable characters heading for a collision, I only hope we get to see more of this pair (even if only fleetingly) in Ms. Delaney’s further titles in the Brook Brothers series—speaking of which, those brothers are hot!

Highly recommended for those who enjoy a convincing, spicy romance with a healthy dollop of tension and, best of all, generous sprinkling of smart humour.
1,376 reviews
June 23, 2018
4 and a bit stars

Lovely read. Tracie Delaney continues with her fresh style, making it an easy and rewarding read. I particularly like how the author keeps her writing on track, she never clutters her writing with unnecessary hyperbole.

I have to admit this kind of contemporary romance isn’t really my bag, but the story goes at a good pace with loads of twisting and turning. Chuck Berry would be a happy man.

I really liked the characters and it seems that the author has created a real family affair here. There will no doubt be books by Jax’s brothers and a greater understanding of the story of the Brooks family.

I’m looking forward to meeting some of these brothers, esp Nate he seems very hot

Profile Image for Fiona (Titch) Hunt.
522 reviews89 followers
July 31, 2018
I would like to thank Tracie Delaney for writing a brilliant book. A new series for me to get my teeth into is just what I needed at the moment lol.

Jax Brook is a man who lost his dreams and hopes when he was 18 years old. Now he's an adult and wants to make the best for his 3 younger brothers. He wants to open up a hotel, but he can't without financial help. In comes Indie Monroe, a woman with on a deadly mission to ruin Jax Brook, but can offer that help, but at what price?

This is a story of love, betrayal and above all forgiveness (but at what cost is forgiveness going to take). You will have to read The Blame Game and find out what secret Indie has to hide from Jax and whether forgiveness is really what it takes.
Profile Image for Excessive~Reader.
201 reviews20 followers
July 10, 2018
I Love this story and the charisma these characters all have, it just shows the author has a gift for writing and story telling. I can’t wait for the next brothers book, because i can’t get enough of this family of hotties.
Jax has a hard job. His job is to raise his brothers, and just like any parent he wants to keep them together and have a home for any of them to come to if needed. So what better way then to make a real job out of his home, like a hotel. Easy right? Except he never saw her coming, but she saw him.
Profile Image for Angela.
424 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2018
This book has Jake in and a few brothers , he needs to see Indie Munro because he wants to succeed in payment to her for his mortgage
We see Jake and Indie fall for each other .
This book was from Tracie Delaney
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,241 reviews131 followers
July 21, 2018
The blame game by Tracie Delaney.
 Their paths were destined to cross.
First she’ll make him hers.
Then she’ll ruin him.

To save his dream, Jax Brook needs a loan—fast.
And the gorgeous, seductive Indie Monroe holds the key to his success.

At first she’s supportive, enticingly so, but as Jax falls deeper under Indie’s spell, he can’t help but wonder at the secrets she won’t share.

Indie hasn’t a mean bone in her body, but family must come first.
For the sins of his father, Jax will pay.

Except Jax isn’t the sinner, she is. And she’s fallen for him.

As their lives collide, Indie begins to have second thoughts about the path she’s destined to walk. However, she isn’t alone in her desire for vengeance. Someone is pulling her strings. And no matter how hard she tugs, they won’t let go.

If he can’t forgive her, will he at least try and save her?
Love is supposed to be strong. Isn’t it?
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters.  I loved jax.  5*.
Profile Image for Liv.
471 reviews43 followers
July 4, 2018
A great story that showed so perfectly how poisonous the feeling of revenge can be and what it can do to a person, how it can eat at you and destroy you if you let it.

Although Jax only needed financial help, he got a lot more than what he planned when Indie came into the picture. With instant attraction on both sides, what's more to wish for? Well, there's a tiny thing called revenge that made everything a lot more complicated. Until real feelings got involved, because that's where it became a whole lot messier.
'Jax had to pay for what his father had done.'

There was only a little background info on Jax and his brothers but with more books to come in this series I'm sure we will learn more about them. I feel like I know only a handful of facts about Jax whereas Indie gave some more insight into her past, though I'm not sure how accurate those were because it felt a bit like her view had been manipulated by the things planted in her head by a certain someone.

There's honestly nothing negative to say about this book. It was a great story that was well written. I loved the author's previous books and I truly enjoyed this read as well. The only thing preventing me from a full star rating was my lack of connection and liking of the characters, mainly the heroine. It just kept me from being sucked into the story and fully loving it. I also didn't buy into the instant attraction. Everything happened so fast and I just didn't feel the spark.

Finally at Chapter 16, at around 60%, did I start to like the characters more. I can’t explain why but from then on I had a better feeling of it altogether. Maybe it was because Indie had played this game all along and didn't fully show her true self until this point which made it hard for me to like her, and that's a tough thing for a story if I don't much like the heroine.
'She was making him want something he hadn't thought possible – a life for himself.'

The third person involved in this story was like a black shadow looming over Indie and Jax. I felt sorry for what Indie had been through in her youth and I felt really bad for Jax not knowing what came to him. But mainly I was mad at Indie for playing this game, no matter how ridden by guilt she was.

At the end of the story was a little peek into what's coming next in this series and I'm really excited for the other brother's book.

-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by the author. --
142 reviews6 followers
July 9, 2018
I absolutely loved the Winning Ace series, but I have to say that I think The Brook Brothers are going to give that series a run for its money!

The focus of The Blame Game is on Jax, the eldest of The Brook Brothers, but it also introduces you to the other three brothers who will each get their own book in the series. We see enough of their individual personalities in this book to want to see more of each of their stories in more detail.

This contemporary romance novel is, at first glance, a love story but it soon becomes clear that it is a story of revenge that is going to lead to utter heartbreak. I don’t want to say too much more for fear of spoiling the story, but the author weaves the various characters’ stories together seamlessly.

Tracie Delaney’s writing style is easy to read and pulls you in from the start, and then the pace and the way she engages you with the characters just keeps you wanting to read more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the second in the series.
Profile Image for Carley Lord .
119 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2018
Wow what a fantastic start to a new series. Very sexy yet suspenseful so unlike her other books yet very addictive. Jax and Indie were always destined to meet and fall in love but were they destined for a happy ever after. This book has everything sexy steamy love scenes and so many other twists intertwined throughout the story getting a glimpse of all the Brooks brothers I cannot wait for more from these brothers. A big five stars from me.
300 reviews8 followers
July 16, 2018
Wow OUTSTANDING.....I couldn't put it down,I fell in love with the characters and I can't wait to read more on this little family..... well recommended......
Profile Image for Julia Butterfield - Stevens.
900 reviews9 followers
July 18, 2018
Forced to grow up fast when his parents died, Jax Brook had given up his dreams aged 18 to look after his younger brothers. Although he didn’t always make the best decisions, it was all about family, so long as they were ok he could deal with it. He desperately needs a loan to get his hotel dream back on track.... enter Indie Monroe to help him find an investor. Although their meeting is a coincidence and their attraction and connection is instant, there is more to Indie than meets than eye and her secret agenda is about to begin ahead of schedule.

It took me a while to warm up to Indie. She obviously had a horrible past, but at heart she is quiet and sweet natured. Although she was being so manipulated through guilt and while I understand her loyalty, even if misplaced, it took her a long time to listen and act on her gut feelings. The two get on so well, Jax starts to believe that perhaps he is destined for happiness, but will Indie's secrets make or break them?

There are so many good things about this book, it's very different from the authors previous stories, but it hooked me in all the way through too. There was a good mix of tension, suspense, love, angst and passion and great banter as well as support and the inevitable disagreements between the brothers. Jax was simply a beautiful man, sexy, hot and just the right mix of domineering and sweet, I'm quite sure I'd fall for him if I met him. The Brook men are all very different but so alluring, I can’t wait for all their stories too. All in all a fantastic start to a new series by Tracie Delaney.
Profile Image for Lesley Robson.
825 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2018
This is book 1 of a brand new series and what a good start to the series it’s is. We have four brothers who are no stranger to heartache, a love interest and her deranged sibling... what could go wrong.. Packed full of drama, intrigue, love, family and heartache with a second chance. There is a twist or two that keeps you on your toes which I didn’t see til it hit me in the face. I loved this story and enjoyed the journey between Jax and Indie. I can’t wait to see what journeys lie in store for the other brothers.
Profile Image for Dawn Higgins.
901 reviews16 followers
June 26, 2018
What a fabulous start to a new series by Tracie Delaney,this was just her style but so different from her other books, more of a romantic book with a twist with plenty to keep you guessing how this was going to pan out.

This is not normally my genre to read as i like a dark thriller with danger story,but this did grab me and i must admit i did love this book,but then when you have four HOT brothers in the mix and up for grabs as they are all single, this is going to grab your attention right from the start.

This book was about Jax the eldest brother and how at eighteen he had to bring up his brothers after a family tragedy single handed, he tries his best to do the right thing for them all so that they can stay together as he is very family orientated.When he first met Indie the attraction is instant and he hopes that it is recipricated.

Indie's character is very likable even though she has a agenda involving her brother,the more she sees of Jax though the harder she is falling for him,but the circumstances are complicated as she is torn between helping her brother and falling for Jax.

I loved all the banter between the Brook brothers and to top if off they are all HOT,did i mention that earlier well there it is again in case you forgot, and well whats not to like about four hot men.

If comtempary romance is your thing to read this has got to be at the top of your list to read,i am now intrigued to find out about the rest of the Brook brothers.Four and half big stars for this first book.

Profile Image for Lin Robertson.
162 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2019
Jax is the older brother of four.
Following the death of his parents, he is now left with the responsibility of raising them.
He wants to buy a building to build a hotel. However, when he finds just the right building, he can’t afford the price.
His lawyer introduces Jax to a venture-capitalist. If they can get him the extra funding to buy the property, they get a cut of future profits.
An appointment is set up, for him to meet with a financial whiz kid.
He arrives at the office, and the secretary takes him through to the office. He is pleasantly surprised to meet the attractive India Monroe. She notices Jax, as she sees his green eyes.
They discuss what he needs to buy the property, and she says she’ll be in touch
Eventually, she meets up with him again, with news that she managed to get the funding.
He is really pleased and starts building on the property.
The brothers are willing to do their bit as a family.
India pops in and out of the hotel.
Yes there is romance in this lovely story. There are family and friends enjoying happy times.
However, India has a not so nice, brother.

Wonderful story and yes, I’ll be following this series.
540 reviews10 followers
July 7, 2018
Another great new saga written by Tracie Delaney.
Jaxon had foregone all of his dreams when he took on the role of the main carer for his younger brothers after the sudden death of their parents.
He ploughed all of their inheritance money into a building to create a luxury hotel. But he didn't read the small print and he needed help.
Help came in the form of Indie; a beautiful, intelligent lady, who had connections.
Could their friendship lead to more? Can Indie continue to keep past family secrets from Jax.
An easy read story, that has some mild adult content. I can't wait to read the next instalment.
222 reviews7 followers
June 30, 2018
What a sizzler !! I didn't think anything would match up to the previous series of Winning Ace, but this author has gone and done it again !!
She's ramped up the action & here we have a brand new series involving Jax Brook and his brothers. This book is every bit as good, if not better than her last. It's packed with drama, tears,heartache and forgiveness.
I cannot wait to see what the next one has in store for us, and having had a taster of chapter 1, my emotions are already on a rollercoaster.
Profile Image for Sue Kitt.
456 reviews15 followers
July 2, 2018
I really love a new series, and The Blame Game was such a great read and I really look forward to reading more about the Brook brothers.

Jax, the oldest of four boys becomes guardian to his younger brothers, gives up his dream of becoming an actor to care for the three younger brothers. This responsibility follows Jax into adulthood..... until he meets India Munroe.

A wonderful storyline with great, interesting characters and I am really looking forward to the next in the series, I have a feeling it will be even steamier than The Blame Game.
Profile Image for Chasidy Martin.
43 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2018
Tracie Delaney is up at the top of my list!! She knows how to keep a romance novel interesting! Anything can happen!! Love her books!!!
Profile Image for Delphine.
316 reviews
July 19, 2018
This book serves as an excellent opening for what will probably be a series of 4 or 6 novels revolving around the four Brook brothers.

You find yourself drawn in from the outset of the opening chapter in this fast-paced romantic drama. As with everything written by Tracie Delaney, nothing is quite as it seems and the book deliberately leaves us asking questions, desperate for more.

Tracie’s characterisation is as robust as ever in The Blame Game, and all of the brothers are fully developed by the end of the book—you can easily identify the dependable boy, the good boy, the pretty boy and the not so nice boy and I, for one, can’t wait to get to know them all as well as we now know Jax.

Talking of Jax, best have a cold shower before you start, because the romantic scenes are smokin’ hot!

This book has everything that we have come to expect of Tracie Delaney—a hero you can’t help but adore and at times want to slap, a heroine that you feel for and a villain that you would cross the country to avoid.

I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book and where this exciting new series will go. I am pretty sure that it will focus on Calum. Hmmm. An entire book filled with Calumishness. I have no words for that.
Profile Image for Katrina.
185 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2018
Jaxon Brooks is forced to grow up and care for his younger brothers when a terrible accident leaves them orphans in one fell swoop. He steps up, and does the best he can. Now he's trying to truly care for them by starting a boutique restaurant. He rushes to sign the mortgage only to realize too late that it doesn't cover everything and he's forced to find more financing to ensure everything goes as he hopes.

Indie Monroe works for a company representing venture capitalists and she is suggested to Jax as a means to get the financing he needs to make his dreams come true. He is instantly attracted and starts to pursue her, and while she's interested, she's hiding a dark secret that could ruin the whole thing before it begins.

Can a relationship that starts on a lie truly survive? Will love conquer all? This story is definitely a romantic suspense with a heat level of HOT! The sparks are there, the connection strong. Such a good read. I can't wait to see more of the Brooks brothers, because hot dayumn they sound like fun!
Profile Image for Jean Bachen.
75 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2019
This was the first book I have read by Tracie Delaney, and I was super impressed. I am definitely going to read the rest of the Brook brothers series ASAP. The series starts off with sparks flying between Jax, a sweetheart of a book boyfriend, and Indie, a girl with a dark past and a few secrets. Their story had me on the edge of my seat, laughing, crying, and rooting for them. There is some intrigue in here, and everything isn't answered in the first book, so be prepared to read the others soon after! The world of the Brook brothers will hook you and leave you begging for more!!!
1 review
November 15, 2018
This could have been a good read, but was so filled with the F word that it was frustrating. The book would have been much shorter if all the F words were deleted. Also the raw sex took much away from the storyline. I am not anti sex...but this was over the top. I won't read this author again. Sad as it could have been outstanding if it was cleaned up.
Profile Image for Amanda.
29 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2018
Great first book in a new series, can't wait for the next installment.
Great pace and character development kept my attention from start to finish. I read this bookin two sittings ( parenting duties split the sittings )
Profile Image for Georgina Roberts.
267 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2018
Read this in one day on holiday, perfect holiday read with the right amount of romance but also suspense.
A fantastic start to a series of novels about the Brooks brothers, can’t wait to find out about the rest of them as Jax and Indie were the perfect way to start the series.
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