REVIEW: BRANDED WITH A KISS by PAULA ALTENBURG

Branded with a Kiss

The Sweetheart Brand #2

By Paula Altenburg

Releasing September 21st, 2017

Tule Publishing

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In Branded with a Kiss (The Sweetheart Brand #2) by Paula Altenburg, Alayna Brand had a crush on Patterson Campbell years ago, but knowing he's the 'love 'em and leave 'em' type doesn't mean she isn't going to see what all the hype is about. However, their one night together doesn't go as planned. But when Alayna applies for a job, which puts her working alongside Patterson, will she be able to handle being near him or will their happy ever after be impossible if she can't forgive him for the past?

It was hard to judge this book because there were moments that I loved and moments where I just wanted to give up on the book, but I'm glad I did end up finishing it. The way this story started had me thinking Patterson and his friend Ben were judgmental jerks when it came to Alayna's friends and whether he was going to pursue the heroine. However, Patterson did win me over throughout this story, as he makes things right with Alayna once they begin to work together.

Both the main characters had their moments where I wanted to put this book down, especially when Patterson was doing everything he could to find a way to get Alayna to forgive him and she's not sure whether she'll ever be able to. Then there's Alayna's jealousy when it came to Patterson and him interacting with other women. If she didn't want to forgive him, then why couldn't he be able to talk to other women. Maybe even flirt with them. She didn't have a right to be jealous. However, in saying that, I liked that when she did begin to forgive him for what happened between them on the night they were together, I found myself really enjoying this story. Besides, there's nothing better than a devious parent determined to help their son get the woman he wants. Surely, rules are meant to be broken.

Overall, I did like this book, but couldn't find it in me to be able to give it more than three stars. Certainly, there was plenty of chemistry between this couple that I enjoyed; Alayna was very talented when it came to her skills with a whip; and the secondary characters definitely made things interesting, especially Alayna's sister-in-law with her need to offer advice and trying to intimidate Patterson because she knew what happened between them, but it wasn't enough to give this story any more stars than I gave it. I would recommend Branded with a Kiss by Paula Altenburg, if you enjoy the brother's friend trope or books by authors Jeannie Watt, Eve Gaddy, Barbara Ankrum and Kate Hardy.

Patterson Campbell has a "love 'em and leave 'em" philosophy when it comes to women. He's never given anyone a reason to believe he's after more than a good time. That is, until he sees Alayna Brand across the room.

A bold, outgoing cowboy is exactly what shy, introverted Alayna needs to bring her out of her shell. But after an unforgettable night ends up being memorable for all the wrong reasons, Patterson has to prove that he's much more than just a good time if he wants to capture her heart.

When Alayna and Patterson find themselves working together, Alayna realizes that moving on from that night might not be as easy as she thought. And Patterson? He discovers reputations are sometimes hard to live down.

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