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Bailey Brothers #3
Unraveling Him
She’s the sunshine to his storm cloud
Stoic, growly Evan Bailey has enough on his plate. A growing business, a pack of brothers who drive him crazy, a gossip-loving small town, and a rivalry that runs deeper than any family feud. Love? That’s a hard pass. He already learned the hard way that he’s better off alone.
Fiona Gallagher has a problem. Or more like ten, but who’s counting? The trouble with her car is just the cherry on top of the crap sundae, but she won’t let that get her down.
Besides, she has a plan. Evan Bailey—that brooding custom car builder who happens to hate her father—is going to help her. He just doesn’t know it yet.
The last thing Evan needs is the overly cheery Fiona crashing into his solitary life. But her offer is too compelling to ignore.
Fiona isn’t there to pick through the wreckage of Evan’s heart. If he has one, he won’t let her anywhere near it. But the tension between them is hot enough to combust. And when she starts to see the cracks in his stony façade, she realizes she’s getting more than she bargained for—a lot more—in that big surly man.
Author’s Note: A grouchy, broody loner meets an adorable badass (who talks to her houseplants). It’s the grumpy one is soft for the sunshine one with some engine-revving twists. Have a fan ready—you’re in for a Kindle-melting ride.
The Bailey Brothers series is meant to be read in order. Start with book one, Protecting You!
Stoic, growly Evan Bailey has enough on his plate. A growing business, a pack of brothers who drive him crazy, a gossip-loving small town, and a rivalry that runs deeper than any family feud. Love? That’s a hard pass. He already learned the hard way that he’s better off alone.
Fiona Gallagher has a problem. Or more like ten, but who’s counting? The trouble with her car is just the cherry on top of the crap sundae, but she won’t let that get her down.
Besides, she has a plan. Evan Bailey—that brooding custom car builder who happens to hate her father—is going to help her. He just doesn’t know it yet.
The last thing Evan needs is the overly cheery Fiona crashing into his solitary life. But her offer is too compelling to ignore.
Fiona isn’t there to pick through the wreckage of Evan’s heart. If he has one, he won’t let her anywhere near it. But the tension between them is hot enough to combust. And when she starts to see the cracks in his stony façade, she realizes she’s getting more than she bargained for—a lot more—in that big surly man.
Author’s Note: A grouchy, broody loner meets an adorable badass (who talks to her houseplants). It’s the grumpy one is soft for the sunshine one with some engine-revving twists. Have a fan ready—you’re in for a Kindle-melting ride.
The Bailey Brothers series is meant to be read in order. Start with book one, Protecting You!
462 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2020
7832 people are currently reading
13615 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kingsley
80 books12.3k followersClaire Kingsley is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of sexy, heartfelt contemporary romance, romantic comedies, and small-town romantic suspense. She writes sassy, quirky heroines, swoony heroes who love their women hard, romantic happily ever afters, and all the big feels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,410 reviews
September 23, 2020
***4.5 STARS***
I really enjoyed this third book in the Bailey saga. This is Evan Bailey’s story and it was hot!
Evan is the second of the five boys and he is the loner. He lives on the outskirts of their small town where he restores vintage cars and has his German Shepherd as his only companion and he is content. He is all alpha, growly and gruff. Fiona is fed up with her life. She feels betrayed by her best friend and father and she decides to pack up and travel cross country to her mother. On the way she has car trouble and stops at Evan’s shop to fix her car. He initially resents the intrusion but he warms up to her.
I loved Evan’s character. There is something so sexy about a man of few words but full of emotion. He has a reason for his reticence due to his past but Fiona slowly breaks through his barriers. It was great seeing their relationship develop and boy was their chemistry hot hot hot. This book was a lot steamier than the previous ones and I loved it. It fit their characters. I can’t wait to read the other stories of the brothers.
I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this third book in the Bailey saga. This is Evan Bailey’s story and it was hot!
Evan is the second of the five boys and he is the loner. He lives on the outskirts of their small town where he restores vintage cars and has his German Shepherd as his only companion and he is content. He is all alpha, growly and gruff. Fiona is fed up with her life. She feels betrayed by her best friend and father and she decides to pack up and travel cross country to her mother. On the way she has car trouble and stops at Evan’s shop to fix her car. He initially resents the intrusion but he warms up to her.
I loved Evan’s character. There is something so sexy about a man of few words but full of emotion. He has a reason for his reticence due to his past but Fiona slowly breaks through his barriers. It was great seeing their relationship develop and boy was their chemistry hot hot hot. This book was a lot steamier than the previous ones and I loved it. It fit their characters. I can’t wait to read the other stories of the brothers.
I highly recommend this book.
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August 19, 2020
RATING 4.5 STARS
Unraveling Him is book three in the Bailey Brothers series by Claire Kingsley. This is Evan’s book.
Of the five Bailey Brothers, Evan is the loner. His other four brothers all live next door to each other in town. But Evan chooses to live outside of town. He restores vintage cars, and has a shop and several acres out in the woods. He lives with his only roommate, his German Shepherd, Sasquatch. Evan isn’t interested in relationships, or even one night stands anymore. He just wants to be left alone and work on his cars, trying to make a name for himself in the business. He certainly wasn’t looking for an overly cheerful woman to come along and turn his world upside down.
“Did she have any idea what she did to me, just by existing? I hoped not.”
Fiona Gallagher was twenty six years old and her life was a mess. She’d spent her entire adult life trying to help her dad. A dad who never appreciated her, barely paid her, and so many other things. She’s done. Except her car is barely working and her funds are low. The last person she should be going to for help is Evan Bailey. But Evan has something she needs, and she can get something Evan badly needs. Then she can be on her way. Only neither Evan nor Fiona were quite prepared for the other.
“Resisting his appeal was like trying to hold back the tide. Impossible.”
Evan didn’t like people, especially talkative, cheerful ones. But he soon realized that somehow, he started to enjoy her being around, talking to her, listening to her sing off key, talk to her plants. Other parts of him seemed to wake up when she was around too. Fiona thought Evan was all grumpy and broody. But she started to see through the tough exterior. And the more she saw, the harder it was to think about leaving.
“If this was what it meant to be Evan Bailey’s girl, sign me up.”
This is a pretty long book. And I have to admit I struggled a bit with the first half. Fiona seemed a little immature, too overly cheerful. But at about the fifty percent mark, everything changed. I started to feel the chemistry between these two and wow did they steam up the pages. I loved watching Evan’s heart finally wake up. But there was a lot more going on here. Fiona’s life wasn’t so easily left behind. I loved the suspense the author brought in. Things ramped up and I couldn’t stop reading.
“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear, it’s feeling fear and doing it anyway.”
Of course, we get plenty of Bailey Brother antics. And we get more of Asher and Grace which if you’ve read the first two books, you’ll enjoy. So as I said, things started out slow, but when they took off, it was a wild ride that I completely enjoyed.
“So this was what happy felt like.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and join me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Unraveling Him is book three in the Bailey Brothers series by Claire Kingsley. This is Evan’s book.
Of the five Bailey Brothers, Evan is the loner. His other four brothers all live next door to each other in town. But Evan chooses to live outside of town. He restores vintage cars, and has a shop and several acres out in the woods. He lives with his only roommate, his German Shepherd, Sasquatch. Evan isn’t interested in relationships, or even one night stands anymore. He just wants to be left alone and work on his cars, trying to make a name for himself in the business. He certainly wasn’t looking for an overly cheerful woman to come along and turn his world upside down.
“Did she have any idea what she did to me, just by existing? I hoped not.”
Fiona Gallagher was twenty six years old and her life was a mess. She’d spent her entire adult life trying to help her dad. A dad who never appreciated her, barely paid her, and so many other things. She’s done. Except her car is barely working and her funds are low. The last person she should be going to for help is Evan Bailey. But Evan has something she needs, and she can get something Evan badly needs. Then she can be on her way. Only neither Evan nor Fiona were quite prepared for the other.
“Resisting his appeal was like trying to hold back the tide. Impossible.”
Evan didn’t like people, especially talkative, cheerful ones. But he soon realized that somehow, he started to enjoy her being around, talking to her, listening to her sing off key, talk to her plants. Other parts of him seemed to wake up when she was around too. Fiona thought Evan was all grumpy and broody. But she started to see through the tough exterior. And the more she saw, the harder it was to think about leaving.
“If this was what it meant to be Evan Bailey’s girl, sign me up.”
This is a pretty long book. And I have to admit I struggled a bit with the first half. Fiona seemed a little immature, too overly cheerful. But at about the fifty percent mark, everything changed. I started to feel the chemistry between these two and wow did they steam up the pages. I loved watching Evan’s heart finally wake up. But there was a lot more going on here. Fiona’s life wasn’t so easily left behind. I loved the suspense the author brought in. Things ramped up and I couldn’t stop reading.
“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear, it’s feeling fear and doing it anyway.”
Of course, we get plenty of Bailey Brother antics. And we get more of Asher and Grace which if you’ve read the first two books, you’ll enjoy. So as I said, things started out slow, but when they took off, it was a wild ride that I completely enjoyed.
“So this was what happy felt like.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and join me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
August 16, 2020
Unraveling Him is Book 3 in the Bailey’s brothers series; you do want to read them in order.
As always, we are gifted with a captivating story line, amazing, well developed characters, epic banter, pranks, humor, love, bit of suspense, swoon and the steam! In true Bailey vs. Haven fashion we also experience some hilarious shenanigans. All these ingredients add up to one fantastic book!
“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear,” I said, surprising myself with my reply. “It’s feeling fear and doing it anyway.”
I absolutely adored Fiona, she is the perfect heroine for Evan. They’ve both experienced loss and adversity in their lives and chose their own path of dealing with the painful history.
Fiona is the sunshine to Evan’s broody gloominess and together they are PERFECTION!
As Fiona tries to find herself and her place in the world, she has to make some difficult decisions; she also makes some unexpected alliances and she comes across bits of historical information that may be relevant to the Eliza Bailey mystery and possibly shed some light on the origins of the Bailey/Haven feud.
Throughout this story we get to catch up with our beloved characters from previously published novels and I could not recommend this awesome book enough. It’s a definite MUST read for me!
As always, we are gifted with a captivating story line, amazing, well developed characters, epic banter, pranks, humor, love, bit of suspense, swoon and the steam! In true Bailey vs. Haven fashion we also experience some hilarious shenanigans. All these ingredients add up to one fantastic book!
“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear,” I said, surprising myself with my reply. “It’s feeling fear and doing it anyway.”
I absolutely adored Fiona, she is the perfect heroine for Evan. They’ve both experienced loss and adversity in their lives and chose their own path of dealing with the painful history.
Fiona is the sunshine to Evan’s broody gloominess and together they are PERFECTION!
As Fiona tries to find herself and her place in the world, she has to make some difficult decisions; she also makes some unexpected alliances and she comes across bits of historical information that may be relevant to the Eliza Bailey mystery and possibly shed some light on the origins of the Bailey/Haven feud.
Throughout this story we get to catch up with our beloved characters from previously published novels and I could not recommend this awesome book enough. It’s a definite MUST read for me!
August 20, 2020
I know I sound like a broken record in my reviews for Claire's books but she is just an amazing storyteller. What comes out of her mind and onto the pages are characters that are so real and stories that grab your heart. Fiona and Evan's story is everything her readers expect and crave when they open a Claire Kingsley book. Fiona is fantastic. She is such a bundle of contradictions. And who doesn't love a woman who names her plants? Evan, well, he is worth the wait. Like many of the male characters in Claire's book, he comes with baggage but is worth getting past it. It was such a pleasure watching Fiona coax Evan out of his grumpiness and back into the family fold. Plus, Evan and Fiona steam up the pages. And I love this town with all their gossip and feud related pranks. We even make a bit of progress on the Bailey-Haven feud. The Bailey boys are going to each steal a bit of your heart but trust me, it will be worth it.
August 22, 2020
Holy hot and sexy!! It was like a rain cloud meeting the sun and creating a magical rainbow! Unraveling Him was the 3rd book in Claire’s Bailey Brothers Series. This one doesn’t have to be read in order but I would recommend doing so! You don’t want to miss out on any Bailey action!! It was perfect; a little mystery, some suspense, lots of humor, and so much steam!
Fiona had to get away and really didn’t have anywhere to go. She made a decision and was hoping for the best.
Evan didn’t have time to deal with Fiona. He thought he would be able to quickly get rid of her but little did he know she would work her way into his heart. But when he realized it, would he allow it or would he shut her out?
I loved that the mystery of the feud continued on and the pranks!!! Let’s just say I don’t think I will look at goats and squirrels the same!! This was a fantastic edition to the already amazing series. Evan and Fiona were a perfect match in every way possible! (And there is nothing wrong with talking to plants!)
Fiona had to get away and really didn’t have anywhere to go. She made a decision and was hoping for the best.
Evan didn’t have time to deal with Fiona. He thought he would be able to quickly get rid of her but little did he know she would work her way into his heart. But when he realized it, would he allow it or would he shut her out?
I loved that the mystery of the feud continued on and the pranks!!! Let’s just say I don’t think I will look at goats and squirrels the same!! This was a fantastic edition to the already amazing series. Evan and Fiona were a perfect match in every way possible! (And there is nothing wrong with talking to plants!)
August 19, 2020
There is literally nothing better than a grumpy hero who gets pulled out of his cave by a sunshine girl who names her plants and doesn't give two shits about his moods. I adore all books by Claire Kingsley, and Unraveling Him is no exception. Watching Evan finally fall, and fall hard, was simply book boyfriend perfection.
I'm also a huge an of badass heroines, and Fiona is perfect in this as she also has a sensitive side and has made mistakes over the years. Totally relatable. And then there was the way the Bailey family wrapped her up and claimed her as one of them that may have even made me tear up. My favorite line? It's from Gram about why she calls Fiona Cricket. I won't spoil it for you. Just go read the dang book and see why I'm obsessed!
I'm also a huge an of badass heroines, and Fiona is perfect in this as she also has a sensitive side and has made mistakes over the years. Totally relatable. And then there was the way the Bailey family wrapped her up and claimed her as one of them that may have even made me tear up. My favorite line? It's from Gram about why she calls Fiona Cricket. I won't spoil it for you. Just go read the dang book and see why I'm obsessed!
August 16, 2020
Unraveling Him, book 3 of the Bailey Brothers series by Claire Kingsley, is romance perfection. Not because the characters are perfect, because they’re not, but because of the author’s brilliant storytelling of two lonely hearts coming together and letting the light shine where it was once dark.
Evan Bailey is grumpy, brooding, and reserved. He became rather comfortable living alone and tending to his booming career as a mechanic and custom car refinisher specializing in the classics. He has four brothers who provide quite the entertainment with their pranks and camaraderie, his future sister-in-law Grace and her best friend Cara who is a hoot, and a wise, spunky grandmom whom we’ve met in the previous two books.
Fiona Gallagher, our heroine, comes into his life unexpectantly and is everything he never knew he wanted. I LOVED HER! Even though she was not dealt the best of hands for parents, she was a ray of sunshine. She was kind, hardworking, compassionate, resilient, and wise beyond her years. She was a go-getter, getting her college degree on her own and learning the non-traditional trade of auto mechanics in addition to being able to manage a business.
Fiona was a rock star in my book, mostly because of her beautiful soul and positive outlook on life. She and Evan had so much in common, and not just their shared love of cars. I loved how they got to know each other in this slow burn, and how meaningful it was for both of them when they became intimate. Their desire to rip off each other’s clothes and devour each other was no secret and the author does a wonderful job describing their super hot chemistry and physical need to be together. Loved their honesty and humor in these moments, and how down to earth and unmaterialistic they were.
She was so appreciative of every little thing and accepted no handouts. She had awesome bartering and natural people skills, could hold her own in the garage, and Evan could not help but be in awe of this sexy, spunky, firecracker.
I laughed so hard during so many scenes, especially their road trip and how she named her plants. Loved how she had morals and values, how she stood up for herself with her father, and how honest she was with Evan. She wasn’t afraid to be her true self, and Evan couldn’t help but notice all of the character traits that made her so special.
Evan did have a giant sensitive heart underneath his often-furrowed brow, and she knew that from the start. Day by day, she did unravel him and it's the perfect book title. They lifted each other up and supported each other and it was very emotional to read at times. I loved Evan’s protective nature and how he became her very own real-life hero in addition to her happily ever after.
This book is filled with humor, heart and soul as well as suspense, and the ending was just as I had hoped. So excited to read the rest of this series as each of our Bailey brothers finds love as the epilogue in Unraveling Him introduces us to whom I am assuming is going to be our heroine in book 4! YES!
And since I am also a Miles fan, thanks for the Leo cameo Claire! My heart skipped a beat reading that unexpected surprise!
Evan Bailey is grumpy, brooding, and reserved. He became rather comfortable living alone and tending to his booming career as a mechanic and custom car refinisher specializing in the classics. He has four brothers who provide quite the entertainment with their pranks and camaraderie, his future sister-in-law Grace and her best friend Cara who is a hoot, and a wise, spunky grandmom whom we’ve met in the previous two books.
Fiona Gallagher, our heroine, comes into his life unexpectantly and is everything he never knew he wanted. I LOVED HER! Even though she was not dealt the best of hands for parents, she was a ray of sunshine. She was kind, hardworking, compassionate, resilient, and wise beyond her years. She was a go-getter, getting her college degree on her own and learning the non-traditional trade of auto mechanics in addition to being able to manage a business.
Fiona was a rock star in my book, mostly because of her beautiful soul and positive outlook on life. She and Evan had so much in common, and not just their shared love of cars. I loved how they got to know each other in this slow burn, and how meaningful it was for both of them when they became intimate. Their desire to rip off each other’s clothes and devour each other was no secret and the author does a wonderful job describing their super hot chemistry and physical need to be together. Loved their honesty and humor in these moments, and how down to earth and unmaterialistic they were.
She was so appreciative of every little thing and accepted no handouts. She had awesome bartering and natural people skills, could hold her own in the garage, and Evan could not help but be in awe of this sexy, spunky, firecracker.
I laughed so hard during so many scenes, especially their road trip and how she named her plants. Loved how she had morals and values, how she stood up for herself with her father, and how honest she was with Evan. She wasn’t afraid to be her true self, and Evan couldn’t help but notice all of the character traits that made her so special.
Evan did have a giant sensitive heart underneath his often-furrowed brow, and she knew that from the start. Day by day, she did unravel him and it's the perfect book title. They lifted each other up and supported each other and it was very emotional to read at times. I loved Evan’s protective nature and how he became her very own real-life hero in addition to her happily ever after.
This book is filled with humor, heart and soul as well as suspense, and the ending was just as I had hoped. So excited to read the rest of this series as each of our Bailey brothers finds love as the epilogue in Unraveling Him introduces us to whom I am assuming is going to be our heroine in book 4! YES!
And since I am also a Miles fan, thanks for the Leo cameo Claire! My heart skipped a beat reading that unexpected surprise!
March 7, 2023
This is grump/sunshine perfection and so much forced proximity!!! Gah I loved this book so much. Evan is good being a loner and only puts up with his family because he loves them. When Fiona shows up asking for help, he absolutely does not want to help her. But she has the answer to his problem, and that means letting her use his garage and eventually stay in his extra room. I really loved how Fiona is such a sunshine character and doesn't let Evan scare her away with his grumpiness. There's also a bit of a mystery at the end, which I always love in my small town romances!
August 16, 2020
Completely engrossing!
I could not put this book down! Evan Bailey and Fiona Gallagher mesmerized me. Sparks aplenty fly when they first meet, and those sparks never die down, despite Evan’s grumpypants denial of their chemistry. I mean, come on, even his fierce dog loves her!
Fiona is smart, sweet, and completely adorable in a badass kind of way. Evan is broody, surly, and when he finally lets Fiona into his heart, and his shop, it’s swoon city time.
I especially loved the chemistry between the Bailey brothers, I found it fascinating! Be prepared to read this in one sitting, it’s unputdownable!
I could not put this book down! Evan Bailey and Fiona Gallagher mesmerized me. Sparks aplenty fly when they first meet, and those sparks never die down, despite Evan’s grumpypants denial of their chemistry. I mean, come on, even his fierce dog loves her!
Fiona is smart, sweet, and completely adorable in a badass kind of way. Evan is broody, surly, and when he finally lets Fiona into his heart, and his shop, it’s swoon city time.
I especially loved the chemistry between the Bailey brothers, I found it fascinating! Be prepared to read this in one sitting, it’s unputdownable!
November 15, 2021
Unraveling Him is not much to be unravel. The story is standard. A brooding hero met with a sassy quirky heroine. I was hoping for Miss Kingsley to add up a notch on the drama. But that does not happened.
What makes me disconnect is Evan. Is there any drama behind his reclusive? Aside from a sad pathetic love story gone wrong in his past, there is not enough reason to build his reclusive behavior. And you know that in romance, it is important to make the hero swoon worthy. If not, the heroine can not hold the story on her own.
I was really expecting a better execution on the story. Regardless, I am still enjoying the fun part of Fiona.
Overall this is an OK read.
3 stars
What makes me disconnect is Evan. Is there any drama behind his reclusive? Aside from a sad pathetic love story gone wrong in his past, there is not enough reason to build his reclusive behavior. And you know that in romance, it is important to make the hero swoon worthy. If not, the heroine can not hold the story on her own.
I was really expecting a better execution on the story. Regardless, I am still enjoying the fun part of Fiona.
Overall this is an OK read.
3 stars
August 16, 2020
Unraveling Him is book 3 in the brand new Bailey's series from Claire and I personally think these books need to be read in order!
Word of warning though do not have anything else planned for the day when you start reading this as you will not want to put it down!
Evan and Fiona are 1000% perfect for each other! I mean she won over his dog straight away! Evan's grumpy/growly self just took a bit longer and holly hotness do the sparks fly when these two are together!
I loved seeing Gavin and Logan in particular wind Evan up so easily when it came to Fiona. Those two always make me laugh with what prank or in Gavin's case what daredevil trick he fancies trying next.
You will love Evan and Fiona! I can't wait for the next book and I am seriously hoping its Gavin!
August 21, 2020
Evan is the 2nd Bailey Brother to fall and get his HEA! This entire novel is 100% my favorite set up; a sunshine girl and a total grump. Fiona’s sweet with a side of bada$$. She knows her way around cars, appreciates classics and can wheel and deal. She also sings, and doesn’t know the word to the songs, she names her beloved plants and talks to them, and she has a way with animals. Fiona is adorable. She’s been hurt though, and when the final straw breaks the camels back she’s resourceful enough to land at Evan Bailey doorstep with a trade in mind. Evan allows it, but at first, and they embark on a road trip, you can tell he thinks she’s absolutely ridiculous, but Fiona is Fiona and is unapologetically herself. Evan makes a few missteps, but that’s OK because he more than makes up for these transgressions, the man is 100% grade A Book Boyfriend material. He’s amazing even if he’s grumpy. Evan is very complex, he’s got some past issues, but when he cracks, he’s oh so gooey inside.
I love seeing the Bailey Brothers again, the pranks, and we even get to see a bit of Luke Haven (arch enemy of Evan) and I kind of want that family’s stories now too!
All in all, this was an excellent way to spend a rainy day: 5 zillion stars and highly recommended read.
I love seeing the Bailey Brothers again, the pranks, and we even get to see a bit of Luke Haven (arch enemy of Evan) and I kind of want that family’s stories now too!
All in all, this was an excellent way to spend a rainy day: 5 zillion stars and highly recommended read.
August 20, 2020
Get ready for the next installment of the Bailey Brothers. From the chatter in reader circles, they were ready for Evan to get a HEA following Grace and Asher's story.
Claire Kingsley once again delivers a family saga with a bit of continuing mystery in rural Washington. We are treated to great banter when the siblings show up and especially from darling matriarch who steals the scenes - Gram.
What worked for me: The story didn't solely focus on the romance between the main characters, but rather this comfortable relationship of finding your 'one' once your brain catches up with your heart. They have a secondary story involving family relationships creates trouble for them both but not to tear them apart - to bring them closer together. That secondary storyline connected me as a reader to the characters to get to the sweet spot moment. As always, Claire Kingsley brings family and family relationships to the forefront in having the reader get to know this band of brothers with each book installment.
What to consider: This is a slow burn to get to them to admit they have an interest in the other. Although there is an inner dialogue of attraction from H/h, the chemistry starts mid-book.
If a slow burn, low angst, friends-to-lovers is high on your reader radar, this is one to put on your TBR. But, this is an interconnected series so it's a 'must' to start with book 1.
Recommendation: Read it!
Claire Kingsley once again delivers a family saga with a bit of continuing mystery in rural Washington. We are treated to great banter when the siblings show up and especially from darling matriarch who steals the scenes - Gram.
What worked for me: The story didn't solely focus on the romance between the main characters, but rather this comfortable relationship of finding your 'one' once your brain catches up with your heart. They have a secondary story involving family relationships creates trouble for them both but not to tear them apart - to bring them closer together. That secondary storyline connected me as a reader to the characters to get to the sweet spot moment. As always, Claire Kingsley brings family and family relationships to the forefront in having the reader get to know this band of brothers with each book installment.
What to consider: This is a slow burn to get to them to admit they have an interest in the other. Although there is an inner dialogue of attraction from H/h, the chemistry starts mid-book.
If a slow burn, low angst, friends-to-lovers is high on your reader radar, this is one to put on your TBR. But, this is an interconnected series so it's a 'must' to start with book 1.
Recommendation: Read it!
January 8, 2021
I totally procrastinated today because I needed to read Evan and Fiona. It was worth it. I licked Evan. He is mine.
This series is meant to be read in order since there is a continuing storyline. So we got to know grumpy recluse Evan in the first two books. And when this lone wolf meets the cricket who soothes his soul, he turns into a big old softy.
Fiona was bubbly and cheerful, everything that Evan is not. But she crashed into his life and there was no turning back. He reluctantly agrees to help her fix her car, and she ends up fixing his broken heart. There is a dangerous situation that arises thanks to Fiona’s criminal dad, but Grace calls in Leo and the Miles family recluse saves the day!
I love the Bailey family. These brothers are hysterical, and I love the bond they have. Gram is a saint. And the Haven/Bailey feud and pranks continue with pranks involving goats and squirrels.
UPDATE FOR AUDIO: As for the performances, Jason Clarke and Ava Erickson were absolutely brilliant! Jason perfectly captured all of Evan's growly-ness, as well as the softness underneath that gruff exterior once he starts falling for Fiona. I loved hearing Jason Clarke's dirty talk! Meanwhile, Ava gave great depth to all of Fiona's quirks and nuances. From how she spoke to her plants to how she dealt with grumpy Evan and cocky Luke Haven, Ava did it all wonderfully. And they both nailed the collective assortment of side characters in this book; I loved hearing Jason's voices for the others, especially!
Unraveling Him is everything I wanted for Evan and Fiona! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
This series is meant to be read in order since there is a continuing storyline. So we got to know grumpy recluse Evan in the first two books. And when this lone wolf meets the cricket who soothes his soul, he turns into a big old softy.
Fiona was bubbly and cheerful, everything that Evan is not. But she crashed into his life and there was no turning back. He reluctantly agrees to help her fix her car, and she ends up fixing his broken heart. There is a dangerous situation that arises thanks to Fiona’s criminal dad, but Grace calls in Leo and the Miles family recluse saves the day!
I love the Bailey family. These brothers are hysterical, and I love the bond they have. Gram is a saint. And the Haven/Bailey feud and pranks continue with pranks involving goats and squirrels.
UPDATE FOR AUDIO: As for the performances, Jason Clarke and Ava Erickson were absolutely brilliant! Jason perfectly captured all of Evan's growly-ness, as well as the softness underneath that gruff exterior once he starts falling for Fiona. I loved hearing Jason Clarke's dirty talk! Meanwhile, Ava gave great depth to all of Fiona's quirks and nuances. From how she spoke to her plants to how she dealt with grumpy Evan and cocky Luke Haven, Ava did it all wonderfully. And they both nailed the collective assortment of side characters in this book; I loved hearing Jason's voices for the others, especially!
Unraveling Him is everything I wanted for Evan and Fiona! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
October 28, 2021
LOVED this. Grumpy/ sunshine perfection and steaaaaamyyyy
February 1, 2022
Cute story but very bland. The characters were sweet and it was easy to like them, I found the plot to be typical/predictable especially for this genre and I personally didn’t like the over dramatic events that took place close to the conclusion, it felt forced.
I’m always on the fence about this type of books, I don’t know if I’m way to use at reading indie books or what but most of the traditionally published ones are so generic and boring. I could tell almost from the beginning of the book how things would go and mind you I haven’t even read this author before, it’s just that in order to appeal to the mass, all of this books are bland and generic. They’ll look the same and this explain my deep issues with contemporary books that are TP. The writing was okay and I had a few laugh here and there but this book wasn’t all that impressive. ( I don’t even know if it’s TP to be honest but if it isn’t it really felt like one).
3 stars ⭐️
✔️ Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Recluse/Loner Hero
✔️ Found Family
✔️One Bed Trope
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Workplace Romance
I’m always on the fence about this type of books, I don’t know if I’m way to use at reading indie books or what but most of the traditionally published ones are so generic and boring. I could tell almost from the beginning of the book how things would go and mind you I haven’t even read this author before, it’s just that in order to appeal to the mass, all of this books are bland and generic. They’ll look the same and this explain my deep issues with contemporary books that are TP. The writing was okay and I had a few laugh here and there but this book wasn’t all that impressive. ( I don’t even know if it’s TP to be honest but if it isn’t it really felt like one).
3 stars ⭐️
✔️ Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Recluse/Loner Hero
✔️ Found Family
✔️One Bed Trope
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Workplace Romance
August 17, 2020
Fantastic!
The latest addition to the Bailey Brothers series is simply fantasy. Lots of steam, tons of laugh out loud moments with a bit of suspense thrown in!
Evan Bailey- grumpy, sexy, aloof, he just wants to be left alone with his dog and his cars. He definitely isn't interested in a relationship. Fiona Gallagher- happy, awkward, utterly adorable, she just wants help getting away from her last job. A hilarious road trip, Bailey shenanigans, and two houseplants later and these two can't keep their hands off each other. One woman taught him not to trust, can Fiona be the woman he falls in love with?
I loved this book. I laughed so much (Gavin!), swooned a bit and shed a few tears. Evan is exactly the hero I wanted- gruff, grumpy but ultimately all heart for the woman he loves. Fiona is his perfect match. Add in Gram and all of the rest of the Baileys and you have a definite must read. Claire Kingsley has done it again!
The latest addition to the Bailey Brothers series is simply fantasy. Lots of steam, tons of laugh out loud moments with a bit of suspense thrown in!
Evan Bailey- grumpy, sexy, aloof, he just wants to be left alone with his dog and his cars. He definitely isn't interested in a relationship. Fiona Gallagher- happy, awkward, utterly adorable, she just wants help getting away from her last job. A hilarious road trip, Bailey shenanigans, and two houseplants later and these two can't keep their hands off each other. One woman taught him not to trust, can Fiona be the woman he falls in love with?
I loved this book. I laughed so much (Gavin!), swooned a bit and shed a few tears. Evan is exactly the hero I wanted- gruff, grumpy but ultimately all heart for the woman he loves. Fiona is his perfect match. Add in Gram and all of the rest of the Baileys and you have a definite must read. Claire Kingsley has done it again!
September 9, 2024
4.50/5⭐️
3.75/5🌶
Me gustó mucho.
Es un típico romance contemporáno de pueblo pequeño, grumpy/sunshine, con toques de humor y escenas spicy.
Mecánico huraño y forastera alegre con exceso de energía. Adorable.
Evan es el segundo hermano, el más reservado, el que se aisló después de lo que pasó con Asher. También esconde un desengaño sobre el que nadie sabe nada.
Fiona fue criada por un padre que oscila entre la legalidad y la delincuencia, que la quiere, pero también la manipula. Cuando se cansa y decide cortar lazos se va a encontrar con Evan. Ellos chocan y se atraen a la vez. Ella con toda su energíalo va a sacarde su zona de confort.
Las situaciones y los diálogos entre ellos, son lo mejor.
Me gustó muchísimo el romance. Más allá de la atracción que sienten, la autora va construyendo la relación poco a poco.
Hay una subtrama de acción, las típicas bromas a los Heaven, (la familia rival de los Bailey), intervenciones de los hermanos y la abuela, mascotas, plantas y un spicy algo más subidito de tono.
Me encantaron ellos. Hasta ahora mi pareja favorita de la saga.
Un detallito: que cutres las declaraciones de amor de esta serie 🤦♀️, dan un poco de cringe. Parece alguien leyendo más que una declaración que sale de adentro. Nada, una pavada.
Lo recomiendo mucho. ♥️♥️♥️
3.75/5🌶
Me gustó mucho.
Es un típico romance contemporáno de pueblo pequeño, grumpy/sunshine, con toques de humor y escenas spicy.
Mecánico huraño y forastera alegre con exceso de energía. Adorable.
Evan es el segundo hermano, el más reservado, el que se aisló después de lo que pasó con Asher. También esconde un desengaño sobre el que nadie sabe nada.
Fiona fue criada por un padre que oscila entre la legalidad y la delincuencia, que la quiere, pero también la manipula. Cuando se cansa y decide cortar lazos se va a encontrar con Evan. Ellos chocan y se atraen a la vez. Ella con toda su energíalo va a sacarde su zona de confort.
Las situaciones y los diálogos entre ellos, son lo mejor.
Me gustó muchísimo el romance. Más allá de la atracción que sienten, la autora va construyendo la relación poco a poco.
Hay una subtrama de acción, las típicas bromas a los Heaven, (la familia rival de los Bailey), intervenciones de los hermanos y la abuela, mascotas, plantas y un spicy algo más subidito de tono.
Me encantaron ellos. Hasta ahora mi pareja favorita de la saga.
Un detallito: que cutres las declaraciones de amor de esta serie 🤦♀️, dan un poco de cringe. Parece alguien leyendo más que una declaración que sale de adentro. Nada, una pavada.
Lo recomiendo mucho. ♥️♥️♥️
January 10, 2025
exactly as advertised! grumpy reclused hero and quirky heroine <3
i wish the tension were stronger tho! i feel like it all ended too quickly. would've loved a little more push and pull. and maybe idk i would've loved to see the town be surprised af at seeing the mmc with a girlfriend after he got together with the fmc since he was known to keep to himself and be alone all the time.
but this was successful in pulling me into the universe, probably gonna binge the rest of the series and then go over to the miles brothers series.
also note: i didn't read the first two books of the series because i didn't feel like doing it and i had no problem following! incase there are people wondering <3
i actually fell in love immediately the moment the character leo appeared, and he was in this probably like a chapter. i was SO delighted when i found out he has his own book lmaoooooo
i wish the tension were stronger tho! i feel like it all ended too quickly. would've loved a little more push and pull. and maybe idk i would've loved to see the town be surprised af at seeing the mmc with a girlfriend after he got together with the fmc since he was known to keep to himself and be alone all the time.
but this was successful in pulling me into the universe, probably gonna binge the rest of the series and then go over to the miles brothers series.
also note: i didn't read the first two books of the series because i didn't feel like doing it and i had no problem following! incase there are people wondering <3
i actually fell in love immediately the moment the character leo appeared, and he was in this probably like a chapter. i was SO delighted when i found out he has his own book lmaoooooo
April 27, 2025
4 stars
I love family series and it was great to be back with the Bailey brothers. Evan Bailey is the recluse, the grumpy one. And he’s met his match with Fiona. I loved the way they met and connected and their romance was so sweet. Fiona was Evan’s perfect match. This had a great love story, as well as a family element I loved with just a touch of suspense. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the Bailey brother books!
I love family series and it was great to be back with the Bailey brothers. Evan Bailey is the recluse, the grumpy one. And he’s met his match with Fiona. I loved the way they met and connected and their romance was so sweet. Fiona was Evan’s perfect match. This had a great love story, as well as a family element I loved with just a touch of suspense. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the Bailey brother books!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Jason Clarke & Ava Erickson
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 10h 32m
June 24, 2023
Grumpy/Sunshine
Smalltown
ME GUSTÓ MUCHO!!!
Amé mucho a Evan y Fiona, ellos no pueden ser más opuestos, ella es toda sonrisas y alegría, el es huraño y malhumorado pero se complementan tan bien y tienen una química grandiosa.
Es una pareja muy bonita.
Fiona se ve en una situación en donde la única persona que la puede ayudar es Evan ya que necesita arreglar su auto y el tiene el taller pero terminan siendo roomies.
En la convivencia se dio una linda amistad entre ellos, él le dio la protección y confianza que ella necesitaba en cambio ella le dio la luz y compañía a su solitaria vida.
Les recomiendo mucho este libro y si buscan algo con fueguito, éste también tiene.
Smalltown
ME GUSTÓ MUCHO!!!
Amé mucho a Evan y Fiona, ellos no pueden ser más opuestos, ella es toda sonrisas y alegría, el es huraño y malhumorado pero se complementan tan bien y tienen una química grandiosa.
Es una pareja muy bonita.
Fiona se ve en una situación en donde la única persona que la puede ayudar es Evan ya que necesita arreglar su auto y el tiene el taller pero terminan siendo roomies.
En la convivencia se dio una linda amistad entre ellos, él le dio la protección y confianza que ella necesitaba en cambio ella le dio la luz y compañía a su solitaria vida.
Les recomiendo mucho este libro y si buscan algo con fueguito, éste también tiene.
May 20, 2025
3.25⭐️
Safety:
Spoilers
— H (29~30) / h (26)
— Strangers to roommates with benefits to lovers
— Small town
— Grumpy x Sunshine
— Boss x Employee
— Introverted, heartbroken H (see notes)
— No virgins:
• Experienced H (emotionally & physically)
• The H has been celibate for 5~6 months (see notes).
• The h has been celibate for over a year.
— OWD/OMD (see notes)
— No cheating/separation
— Push from the H for the first half of the book
— HFN (engaged)
.
.
.
Notes:
🔘 Heartbroken H :
• Seven years ago, the H was deeply in love with another woman (Carly) and he thought she was his soulmate.
“I fell hard for Carly. Really hard. I was infatuated with her. And everything was great. I thought I’d found my soulmate. ”
He dated this girl in college and was very serious about her, he even bought a ring and was ready to propose but then he caught her cheating on him with his best friend. They broke his heart and left him with some issues — now he’s a total jerk with everyone including the h! (for the first half of the book he was acting hot and cold with the h because he was afraid of his feelings for her).
• His ex didn't appear in the series but she was mentioned a few times.
• He doesn't have feelings for his ex anymore.
“I didn’t miss her, and I didn’t regret that we’d ended. But I’d also learned a hard lesson—a lesson Fiona was making me question.”
PS. Fiona is the h.
* * *
“But Carly hadn’t been my only chance. I’d known for a long time that marrying her would have been a huge mistake. In a way, she’d done me a favor by cheating on me with my best friend. She hadn’t left any room for doubt. But I’d always assumed that she’d been it. She’d fucked me up badly enough that I wasn’t going to try again. I wasn’t ever going to be the guy at the altar. And it pissed me off, because deep down, that was what I’d always wanted.
To find my other half. Like Gram and Grandad. Like my parents.”
🔘 I didn't feel the h was second best!
“She was mine. My other half. I’d found her. And sure, we weren’t ready to walk down the aisle yet. But we would be someday.”
🔘 OW1 :
• The book begins with the H having a ONS with a random woman he met at a bar (non descriptive scene / this was before the H met the h).
• Turns out that OW is married (the H didn’t know).
• The H has been celibate for 5~6 months after that (this scene was literally unnecessary and adds nothing to the story except making you feel the ick + the H had been celibate for a long time before he slept with this woman and it really bothered me).
I looked away, considering. Usually if I was going to grab a girl to take home with me—or more accurately, take to her place, because I never took girls to mine—I liked to be the one on the prowl.
But this girl was hot, no denying it. And she was right, I was fucking lonely. A little company didn’t sound half bad.
Plus, it had been a hell of a long time since I’d indulged in this kind of thing.
She didn’t turn on the lights when we went inside. Just led me straight back to her bedroom.
This aggressive thing wasn’t bad. No forced small talk. No bullshitting. No games. She’d brought me home to fuck, so why waste time pretending we were going to get to know each other first? She hadn’t even given me her name, and I didn’t want to know. Didn’t care. It was just sex. Just a release.
Just a way to feel a little less empty for a while.
Afterward, she lay sprawled out on the bed, like I’d fucked her unconscious. I had no interest in staying, so I got up to deal with the condom and clean up.
* * *
Like I’d told myself in the bar, it had been a long time. And after that shitshow, I wasn’t doing it again any time soon. It meant going without sex, which sucked. I loved sex as much as the next guy. But getting any on the regular either meant dating—not an option—or random hookups like tonight, which had their own set of risks. Fucking a married woman was only one of them.
The truth was, I didn’t particularly like banging some girl I didn’t know just for the sake of getting off.
🔘 OW2 :
In book 2, there was a scene when the H kissed OW2. She was interested in him but he wasn’t—he kissed her to piss off a guy (the H’s nemesis) who was hitting on her but OW2 got obsessed with the H after that and caused slight jealousy moments for the h in this book.
🔘 OM :
The H’s nemesis asked the h out and kissed her, she didn't kiss him back but she didn't stop him either. She ended up turning him down (this was before anything happened between the MCs).
🔘 Trigger:
• The h's dad has a secret relationship with her best friend/roommate for 5~6 months (he’s known her since she was little and he was friends with her dad). The h finds out about their relationship at the beginning of the book (at 10%) — she went to her dad’s house and heard them having loud sex. The h felt betrayed, angry and sick but her supposed bff was a wh0re and mean to her 😒… I just didn’t like her nor the h’s dad! They couldn’t care less about the h and were just taking advantage of her, it was so awful (they both got what they deserved in the end).
PS. Her dad’s single, and her mom’s been out of the picture for ages.
• Kidnapping (the h).
Safety:
Spoilers
— H (29~30) / h (26)
— Strangers to roommates with benefits to lovers
— Small town
— Grumpy x Sunshine
— Boss x Employee
— Introverted, heartbroken H (see notes)
— No virgins:
• Experienced H (emotionally & physically)
• The H has been celibate for 5~6 months (see notes).
• The h has been celibate for over a year.
— OWD/OMD (see notes)
— No cheating/separation
— Push from the H for the first half of the book
— HFN (engaged)
.
.
.
Notes:
🔘 Heartbroken H :
• Seven years ago, the H was deeply in love with another woman (Carly) and he thought she was his soulmate.
“I fell hard for Carly. Really hard. I was infatuated with her. And everything was great. I thought I’d found my soulmate. ”
He dated this girl in college and was very serious about her, he even bought a ring and was ready to propose but then he caught her cheating on him with his best friend. They broke his heart and left him with some issues — now he’s a total jerk with everyone including the h! (for the first half of the book he was acting hot and cold with the h because he was afraid of his feelings for her).
• His ex didn't appear in the series but she was mentioned a few times.
• He doesn't have feelings for his ex anymore.
“I didn’t miss her, and I didn’t regret that we’d ended. But I’d also learned a hard lesson—a lesson Fiona was making me question.”
PS. Fiona is the h.
* * *
“But Carly hadn’t been my only chance. I’d known for a long time that marrying her would have been a huge mistake. In a way, she’d done me a favor by cheating on me with my best friend. She hadn’t left any room for doubt. But I’d always assumed that she’d been it. She’d fucked me up badly enough that I wasn’t going to try again. I wasn’t ever going to be the guy at the altar. And it pissed me off, because deep down, that was what I’d always wanted.
To find my other half. Like Gram and Grandad. Like my parents.”
🔘 I didn't feel the h was second best!
“She was mine. My other half. I’d found her. And sure, we weren’t ready to walk down the aisle yet. But we would be someday.”
🔘 OW1 :
• The book begins with the H having a ONS with a random woman he met at a bar (non descriptive scene / this was before the H met the h).
• Turns out that OW is married (the H didn’t know).
• The H has been celibate for 5~6 months after that (this scene was literally unnecessary and adds nothing to the story except making you feel the ick + the H had been celibate for a long time before he slept with this woman and it really bothered me).
I looked away, considering. Usually if I was going to grab a girl to take home with me—or more accurately, take to her place, because I never took girls to mine—I liked to be the one on the prowl.
But this girl was hot, no denying it. And she was right, I was fucking lonely. A little company didn’t sound half bad.
Plus, it had been a hell of a long time since I’d indulged in this kind of thing.
She didn’t turn on the lights when we went inside. Just led me straight back to her bedroom.
This aggressive thing wasn’t bad. No forced small talk. No bullshitting. No games. She’d brought me home to fuck, so why waste time pretending we were going to get to know each other first? She hadn’t even given me her name, and I didn’t want to know. Didn’t care. It was just sex. Just a release.
Just a way to feel a little less empty for a while.
Afterward, she lay sprawled out on the bed, like I’d fucked her unconscious. I had no interest in staying, so I got up to deal with the condom and clean up.
* * *
Like I’d told myself in the bar, it had been a long time. And after that shitshow, I wasn’t doing it again any time soon. It meant going without sex, which sucked. I loved sex as much as the next guy. But getting any on the regular either meant dating—not an option—or random hookups like tonight, which had their own set of risks. Fucking a married woman was only one of them.
The truth was, I didn’t particularly like banging some girl I didn’t know just for the sake of getting off.
🔘 OW2 :
In book 2, there was a scene when the H kissed OW2. She was interested in him but he wasn’t—he kissed her to piss off a guy (the H’s nemesis) who was hitting on her but OW2 got obsessed with the H after that and caused slight jealousy moments for the h in this book.
🔘 OM :
The H’s nemesis asked the h out and kissed her, she didn't kiss him back but she didn't stop him either. She ended up turning him down (this was before anything happened between the MCs).
🔘 Trigger:
• The h's dad has a secret relationship with her best friend/roommate for 5~6 months (he’s known her since she was little and he was friends with her dad). The h finds out about their relationship at the beginning of the book (at 10%) — she went to her dad’s house and heard them having loud sex. The h felt betrayed, angry and sick but her supposed bff was a wh0re and mean to her 😒… I just didn’t like her nor the h’s dad! They couldn’t care less about the h and were just taking advantage of her, it was so awful (they both got what they deserved in the end).
PS. Her dad’s single, and her mom’s been out of the picture for ages.
• Kidnapping (the h).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2020
Where to begin!! Evan is a loner and he prefers the solitude rather than a connection with the human warmth. When Fiona enters abruptly in his perfect planned existence nothing will ever be the same. Her presence and innocent way of looking at life will unravel this hot man one step at a time. Gram's nickname "the Lone Wolf" fits him perfectly. Evan is the type of man who has been double-crossed by people whom he thought were loyal to him; yes because he is a very loyal man but when he gets stabbed he really doesn't want nothing to do with anybody. He even excludes his family. Only Fiona, who herself has some pretty serious issues, will give him that right boost to rely on his dear ones and start living again. I really don't want to be repetitive but Claire has done it once again. Everytime I pick one of her books, I'm certain that there is always a surprise stored there for me. In every book she teaches a lesson about life and this time she is letting everyone know that it is important to rely on friends and family. Trust issues are everyone's struggles but if you open your heart to the right person then everything will come together. An emotional story to read about a loner meeting his match.
November 17, 2023
Fiona Gallagher was on her own, betrayed by her father and best friend. She needed a place to recoup, fix her clutch, and go on to Iowa to her Mom. Evan Bailey seemed like the perfect stop, no one would look for her there, since her father and Evan were sworn enemies.
Evan was the lone wolf of the family, lived and ran his garage out of town with only his dog for company. When Fiona erupts into his solitude, he doesn't know how to handle it. He doesn't like it but he craves it. She soothes his broken soul and he gives her something she has never had - A sense of belonging. A sense of home. These two click in all the ways and their chemistry is off the charts! But the evil Fiona's father is deeply embroiled in overflows into their lives and danger is afoot! Their love has to be strong! I loved the Epilogue and I can't get enough of these Bailey Boys! So excited for book 4 and Gavin's story!
Evan was the lone wolf of the family, lived and ran his garage out of town with only his dog for company. When Fiona erupts into his solitude, he doesn't know how to handle it. He doesn't like it but he craves it. She soothes his broken soul and he gives her something she has never had - A sense of belonging. A sense of home. These two click in all the ways and their chemistry is off the charts! But the evil Fiona's father is deeply embroiled in overflows into their lives and danger is afoot! Their love has to be strong! I loved the Epilogue and I can't get enough of these Bailey Boys! So excited for book 4 and Gavin's story!
March 13, 2022
Gahhhh!! Fiona and Evans story was absolute perfection! Evan is the angry Bailey; he keeps himself to himself and lives out in the middle of nowhere with his beloved dog, Sasquatch. Enter the quirky, plant-lover Fiona and she pretty much turns his world upside down. They share a love for cars and I loved seeing Fiona be so confident and knowledgeable in this male dominated world - I definitely have a bit of a crush on her.
This series gets better and better with each book and I fall more and more in love with all the characters. Next up is Gavins book - he is the youngest Bailey brother and I’m so intrigued about him!
This series gets better and better with each book and I fall more and more in love with all the characters. Next up is Gavins book - he is the youngest Bailey brother and I’m so intrigued about him!
September 17, 2022
“I see you. I see how amazing you are.”
<><> Story Overview <><>
^^ ~ Fiona’s father sold Evan a stolen rare car. To say their first meeting was unpleasant would be an understatement.
Events unfold in Fiona‘s life, causing her to create a plan to start a new life in Iowa where her mom lives. However she knows her car won’t get her that far without some repairs so she hatches a plan. Evan has something Fiona needs and Fiona can get Evan something he needs. A win-win for both of them.
~~ “My plan was simple. Evan Bailey had recently lost a valuable project car. It stood to reason he needed another one. I needed a place to fix my car that wasn’t my dad’s garage. Evan Bailey had a garage. I knew of another car—Mr. Browning’s Pontiac GTO.”
Fiona convinces Evan to take a road trip to see the “Judge” (a rare 1970 Pontiac GTO convertible) and once the deal is done he stays true to his side of the agreement and let’s Fiona use his garage for her car repairs.
The repairs are more costly than Fiona anticipates and she runs a bit short on cash. Evan offers her a job at his shop as well as a place to stay in his home.
The attraction is there instantly, but it’s a bit of a slow burn for these two. But once they give in to all that sizzling chemistry, there’s no stopping this duo.
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Evan Bailey (Wolf)
~ Age: 27
~ Occupation: owner of Bailey Customs - a custom car garage
~ Evan is the second oldest of the Bailey Brothers. Evan definitely likes his space and is most comfortable not being with other people, which is why he spends time with his loyal dog Sasquatch. He feels he was betrayed and never wants to get involved in a serious relationship again.
Evan’s hoping his car restoration project will finally get him on the map. But he’s always had stiff competition in the form of Luke Haven, so the Bailey/Haven feud is extra meaningful to Evan.
~~ “Luke Haven had been my nemesis for as long as I could remember. Our families had been feuding for generations, but there was more than that between me and Luke. We’d been fighting since we were kids, and the fact that we’d gone into the same business, in the same town, had ignited an all-out war between us.”
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Evan: keeps to himself, dissatisfied, bored, not a people person, feeling empty, thinks he’s better off alone, tired and restless, gruff and short with people, powerful and intimidating, no fun, scowly, grumpy bastard, hard to read, moody, existed in a bubble of solitude, closed off, Lone Wolf, reclusive, effortlessly sexy, broody, stormy, introverted, an all-or-nothing guy, affectionate and devoted
~ “Although it was only my second day here, I’d already figured out Evan’s favorite pastimes: working, growling at things that annoyed him, and talking to his dog.”
Heroine: Fiona Gallagher (aka Cricket)
~ Age: 26
~ Occupation: even though she doesn’t have a title, she practically runs all aspects of her father’s car business
~ Fiona‘s father owns a business that deals in classic cars and rare car parts. A long time ago he was involved with a man who was shady and Fiona thought her dad broke all ties with that man. Turns out her father might not have been as legit as she thought.
Not only that, it turns out her childhood friend and roommate has been sleeping with her dad for the last six months. Once Fiona learns that news, she’s determined to leave her old life behind and start living for herself.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Fiona: doesn’t have a lot of friends, living under her father’s thumb, dissatisfied, weird, talkative, happy all the time, looking for a fresh start, brave, grew up in her dad’s garage, broke, a ray of sunshine, optimistic
~ “She was carefree - I thought it funny that if she didn't know the words to the song she just made up her own words and kept singing. She was a bit quirky.”
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ Evan and Fiona were too lonely peas in a pod. Evan played poker with his dog, and Fiona named all her house plants and talked to them as if they could answer her.
^^ ~ from the moment they started the road trip, I loved Evan and Fiona together. They had such opposing personalities that it was comical to see the way they interacted with each other.
^^ ~ Cara (Grace’s BFF from the previous book) is a little crazy and I’m still enjoying her as a supporting character. Her immediate support of Fiona and her suggestion of adopting Cara made me smile.
~~“She really is adorable, isn’t she,” Cara said to Grace. “Can we adopt her?”
~~“Hmm, how does one adopt an adult?” Grace asked,
“We’ll just write up an adoption agreement. Do you have a pen?”
“Fiona Gallagher, Grace and I hereby adopt you to be our non-lesbian platonic life partner child.”
^^ ~ the Bailey / Haven “feuding” pranks continue to entertain. :)
^^ ~ the Eliza Bailey mystery from the previous book continues to be examined in this book
^^ ~ Haha - Love the way Fiona supported Evan and felt betrayed on his behalf
~~ “I don’t even know them and I’m so mad. You know what, fuck them. I hope they got chlamydia, herpes, and some kind of rectal dysfunction that gives them chronic diarrhea for the rest of their lives.”
^^ ~ Fiona’s mom….wow. 😡🤬
^^ ~ I’m still loving all the supporting characters. The Bailey’s are such a close family and the pranks they pull on each other are funny.
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: kidnapping
- Setting: Tilikum, Washington
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: Yes. I think this is a series you need to read in order. All the supporting characters were introduced in the previous books
- POV: Dual POV
- Hero likable? yes. His reason for not getting involved in a serious relationship was a little lame (I mean - who hasn’t been burned??), but I still liked Mr. Grumpy Scowlypants.
- heroine likable? yes. Fiona is quirky and I really liked her. She struggled to break free of her dad’s control, but I’m glad she stayed strong and didn’t go back to him.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 48%
- First time they sleep together: 57%
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used.
- First time they say I Love You: 89%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? I thought they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? a few times
- Did I swoon🥰? Evan did a couple swoony things
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? they are engaged
- Epilogue? the epilogue is from Skyler’s POV (this is the first time she has been introduced as a character). It sets up her story, which is the next book.
- Recommend? Yes. Books 1 and 2 of this series were also 4 stars for me.
My reviews of the prior books:
Book 1: Protecting You
Book 2: Fighting For Us
<><> Quotes <><>
“You’re very lucky you have me, Prince Not-Charming.”
“He was a storm cloud, dark and ominous, casting a broad shadow wherever he went.”
“You know, next time we should just go with it. Play good cop, bad cop. Obviously I’m the good cop and you’re the growly loose cannon.”
Cara: “Oh come on, we all know the Havens are a bunch of fuck-hot mountain men. I bet they smell like pine trees, flannel, and bad decisions. Don’t look at me like that, I put them all on my no-touchy list a long time ago. But that’s entirely out of loyalty to you, and under protest.”
“Cricket is who she is. She’s the evening song that soothes the spirit of the restless wolf.”
Gavin: “Gram, you’ll be very proud of me: I had lots of ideas to make it bigger, but I was totally a grown-up and very responsible with my use of fire.”
<><> Story Overview <><>
^^ ~ Fiona’s father sold Evan a stolen rare car. To say their first meeting was unpleasant would be an understatement.
Events unfold in Fiona‘s life, causing her to create a plan to start a new life in Iowa where her mom lives. However she knows her car won’t get her that far without some repairs so she hatches a plan. Evan has something Fiona needs and Fiona can get Evan something he needs. A win-win for both of them.
~~ “My plan was simple. Evan Bailey had recently lost a valuable project car. It stood to reason he needed another one. I needed a place to fix my car that wasn’t my dad’s garage. Evan Bailey had a garage. I knew of another car—Mr. Browning’s Pontiac GTO.”
Fiona convinces Evan to take a road trip to see the “Judge” (a rare 1970 Pontiac GTO convertible) and once the deal is done he stays true to his side of the agreement and let’s Fiona use his garage for her car repairs.
The repairs are more costly than Fiona anticipates and she runs a bit short on cash. Evan offers her a job at his shop as well as a place to stay in his home.
The attraction is there instantly, but it’s a bit of a slow burn for these two. But once they give in to all that sizzling chemistry, there’s no stopping this duo.
<><> Characters <><>
Hero: Evan Bailey (Wolf)
~ Age: 27
~ Occupation: owner of Bailey Customs - a custom car garage
~ Evan is the second oldest of the Bailey Brothers. Evan definitely likes his space and is most comfortable not being with other people, which is why he spends time with his loyal dog Sasquatch. He feels he was betrayed and never wants to get involved in a serious relationship again.
Evan’s hoping his car restoration project will finally get him on the map. But he’s always had stiff competition in the form of Luke Haven, so the Bailey/Haven feud is extra meaningful to Evan.
~~ “Luke Haven had been my nemesis for as long as I could remember. Our families had been feuding for generations, but there was more than that between me and Luke. We’d been fighting since we were kids, and the fact that we’d gone into the same business, in the same town, had ignited an all-out war between us.”
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Evan: keeps to himself, dissatisfied, bored, not a people person, feeling empty, thinks he’s better off alone, tired and restless, gruff and short with people, powerful and intimidating, no fun, scowly, grumpy bastard, hard to read, moody, existed in a bubble of solitude, closed off, Lone Wolf, reclusive, effortlessly sexy, broody, stormy, introverted, an all-or-nothing guy, affectionate and devoted
~ “Although it was only my second day here, I’d already figured out Evan’s favorite pastimes: working, growling at things that annoyed him, and talking to his dog.”
Heroine: Fiona Gallagher (aka Cricket)
~ Age: 26
~ Occupation: even though she doesn’t have a title, she practically runs all aspects of her father’s car business
~ Fiona‘s father owns a business that deals in classic cars and rare car parts. A long time ago he was involved with a man who was shady and Fiona thought her dad broke all ties with that man. Turns out her father might not have been as legit as she thought.
Not only that, it turns out her childhood friend and roommate has been sleeping with her dad for the last six months. Once Fiona learns that news, she’s determined to leave her old life behind and start living for herself.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Fiona: doesn’t have a lot of friends, living under her father’s thumb, dissatisfied, weird, talkative, happy all the time, looking for a fresh start, brave, grew up in her dad’s garage, broke, a ray of sunshine, optimistic
~ “She was carefree - I thought it funny that if she didn't know the words to the song she just made up her own words and kept singing. She was a bit quirky.”
<><> A Few Thoughts <><>
^^ ~ Evan and Fiona were too lonely peas in a pod. Evan played poker with his dog, and Fiona named all her house plants and talked to them as if they could answer her.
^^ ~ from the moment they started the road trip, I loved Evan and Fiona together. They had such opposing personalities that it was comical to see the way they interacted with each other.
^^ ~ Cara (Grace’s BFF from the previous book) is a little crazy and I’m still enjoying her as a supporting character. Her immediate support of Fiona and her suggestion of adopting Cara made me smile.
~~“She really is adorable, isn’t she,” Cara said to Grace. “Can we adopt her?”
~~“Hmm, how does one adopt an adult?” Grace asked,
“We’ll just write up an adoption agreement. Do you have a pen?”
“Fiona Gallagher, Grace and I hereby adopt you to be our non-lesbian platonic life partner child.”
^^ ~ the Bailey / Haven “feuding” pranks continue to entertain. :)
^^ ~ the Eliza Bailey mystery from the previous book continues to be examined in this book
^^ ~ Haha - Love the way Fiona supported Evan and felt betrayed on his behalf
~~ “I don’t even know them and I’m so mad. You know what, fuck them. I hope they got chlamydia, herpes, and some kind of rectal dysfunction that gives them chronic diarrhea for the rest of their lives.”
^^ ~ Fiona’s mom….wow. 😡🤬
^^ ~ I’m still loving all the supporting characters. The Bailey’s are such a close family and the pranks they pull on each other are funny.
<><> The Basics <><>
- Content Warning: kidnapping
- Setting: Tilikum, Washington
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: Yes. I think this is a series you need to read in order. All the supporting characters were introduced in the previous books
- POV: Dual POV
- Hero likable? yes. His reason for not getting involved in a serious relationship was a little lame (I mean - who hasn’t been burned??), but I still liked Mr. Grumpy Scowlypants.
- heroine likable? yes. Fiona is quirky and I really liked her. She struggled to break free of her dad’s control, but I’m glad she stayed strong and didn’t go back to him.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 48%
- First time they sleep together: 57%
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used.
- First time they say I Love You: 89%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? I thought they had good chemistry
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? a few times
- Did I swoon🥰? Evan did a couple swoony things
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? they are engaged
- Epilogue? the epilogue is from Skyler’s POV (this is the first time she has been introduced as a character). It sets up her story, which is the next book.
- Recommend? Yes. Books 1 and 2 of this series were also 4 stars for me.
My reviews of the prior books:
Book 1: Protecting You
Book 2: Fighting For Us
<><> Quotes <><>
“You’re very lucky you have me, Prince Not-Charming.”
“He was a storm cloud, dark and ominous, casting a broad shadow wherever he went.”
“You know, next time we should just go with it. Play good cop, bad cop. Obviously I’m the good cop and you’re the growly loose cannon.”
Cara: “Oh come on, we all know the Havens are a bunch of fuck-hot mountain men. I bet they smell like pine trees, flannel, and bad decisions. Don’t look at me like that, I put them all on my no-touchy list a long time ago. But that’s entirely out of loyalty to you, and under protest.”
“Cricket is who she is. She’s the evening song that soothes the spirit of the restless wolf.”
Gavin: “Gram, you’ll be very proud of me: I had lots of ideas to make it bigger, but I was totally a grown-up and very responsible with my use of fire.”
August 15, 2020
5*
Evan is the loan wolf of the bailey family. He deals in car restoration and is looking for a project to launch his name.
Fiona meets Evan after her father takes her with him on their business meeting.
Learning things about her father shes not proud of forces her to make some decisions and try to right his wrongs.
I've been eagerly awaiting more from the Bailey family after reading Asher and Grace's story in "Protecting you and Fighting for us" and these bailey men definitely don't disappoint.
I loved how fiercely Fiona wanted to right the wrongs she felt had been done and come on who doesn't love a man who growls that would be Evan swoon 💕
Definitely a series I recommend reading
Evan is the loan wolf of the bailey family. He deals in car restoration and is looking for a project to launch his name.
Fiona meets Evan after her father takes her with him on their business meeting.
Learning things about her father shes not proud of forces her to make some decisions and try to right his wrongs.
I've been eagerly awaiting more from the Bailey family after reading Asher and Grace's story in "Protecting you and Fighting for us" and these bailey men definitely don't disappoint.
I loved how fiercely Fiona wanted to right the wrongs she felt had been done and come on who doesn't love a man who growls that would be Evan swoon 💕
Definitely a series I recommend reading
March 8, 2022
Evan and Fiona's story was amazing! I loved seeing the Bailey Brothers again and Evan's story had all the best parts of a book you could ask for. The story had a hilarious, strong leading woman, a grumpy lonely man, and a lot of crazy family members to balance the books darker themes. I loved the Miles brother sighting! I cannot wait for the next book and to see who Skylar is going to end up with because that seems like its gonna be full of drama. Claire Kingsley writes series long plots so well into her stories where you dont need to read the previous books to follow along but its a bonus part for someone who has read the series in order. Overall, I highly recommend this book!
May 3, 2021
I don’t know what it is but there’s something a little off about this authors writing for me...
August 20, 2022
3.75 ⭐️
I’m a sucker for a good grumpy/sunshine story and this was definitely that trope of crack. Evan was a grouchy loner who never wanted to talk to anyone and lived alone in a cabin in the woods... definitely my type of man. And Fiona? She was basically Snow White. Happy go lucky optimist who’s an animal whisperer and talks to her plants like they’re her pets.
I liked the majority of the story. I loved watching Evan slowly venture out of his bubble because of Fiona. There were also a lot of fun moments - like a road trip, a one bed trope and some really cool cars because of the whole mechanic thing… gave off very American Pickers vibes (the tv show).
The thing was, I didn’t absolutely love Fiona for some reason and I think that’s why I didn’t connect to the story as much as I did for book one. It also did have a bit of instant attraction in the beginning and a slight love triangle vibe going on (just to spruce up the drama and jealousy) - and while I usually hate that stuff… it didn’t bother me that much in this book specifically - but it was definitely there and probably played a bit into the reason why I wasn’t extremely invested in the couple.
Can’t really pinpoint what made me start losing interest in the last 150-200 pages… but I was ready for the book to be over. It was also just under 450 pages long which might have had something to do with it too… idk.
Either way, would still recommend it especially if you were interested in reading the whole series because I’m enjoying the small plotline that’s been building up in each book so far… and it was a solid story - but definitely liked the first couple in this series a lot more.
I’m a sucker for a good grumpy/sunshine story and this was definitely that trope of crack. Evan was a grouchy loner who never wanted to talk to anyone and lived alone in a cabin in the woods... definitely my type of man. And Fiona? She was basically Snow White. Happy go lucky optimist who’s an animal whisperer and talks to her plants like they’re her pets.
I liked the majority of the story. I loved watching Evan slowly venture out of his bubble because of Fiona. There were also a lot of fun moments - like a road trip, a one bed trope and some really cool cars because of the whole mechanic thing… gave off very American Pickers vibes (the tv show).
The thing was, I didn’t absolutely love Fiona for some reason and I think that’s why I didn’t connect to the story as much as I did for book one. It also did have a bit of instant attraction in the beginning and a slight love triangle vibe going on (just to spruce up the drama and jealousy) - and while I usually hate that stuff… it didn’t bother me that much in this book specifically - but it was definitely there and probably played a bit into the reason why I wasn’t extremely invested in the couple.
Can’t really pinpoint what made me start losing interest in the last 150-200 pages… but I was ready for the book to be over. It was also just under 450 pages long which might have had something to do with it too… idk.
Either way, would still recommend it especially if you were interested in reading the whole series because I’m enjoying the small plotline that’s been building up in each book so far… and it was a solid story - but definitely liked the first couple in this series a lot more.
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