Tia Louise

Updated for audio: If Cage was a delightful read, it is a delicious listen. Fabulous narrators Liam DiCosimo and Willa Jaymes bring Owen and Gigi to life. Jaymes has that little sometimes-wobbly voice that initially fools you into thinking Gigi might be weak and uncertain but she is one strong woman. Jaymes makes you believe everything Gigi says, does, feels. DiCosimo gives off “good guy” vibe from the first syllable he uttered and it’s just perfect for Gigi and this story. Give a show more listen – you’ll be glad you did.

Cage by author Tia Louise was a delightful read. Actually, anything about the Bradford family is delightful. Cage is the second book in Louise’s The New Bradfords series, spotlighting the next generation; the Bradford cousins are all grown up – mostly – and now living their best lives – again, mostly. Considering their parents, it’s no wonder that the women are brilliant and most of the men star athletes. All are warm, generous, fun-loving and family-oriented. And as likely to get in hilarious situations as their parents were at that age.

In Pinch, the first book in this series, Haddy found true love, started her own family (the next, next generation) and moved out. Leaving room in the house she and Mav and Gigi shared for new player single-dad widower Owen and his 7-year old daughter and his sister to move in temporarily while he house hunts. Not a big deal. Except the attraction between Owen and Gigi could become a very big deal. And a very big problem. Owen’s focus has to be on taking care of his daughter and succeeding at his career to do that. Plus, even though his wife has been gone for seven years he feels guilt at the very idea of moving on, of daring to fall in love again. As for Gigi, she’s been hurt and ghosted one too many times. She’ll stick with something reliable: dogs, dog training, dog shows. Two scared people with an irresistible pull between them. Hmm, how can that work out?

Cage was such a fun story. When I said hilarious, I wasn’t kidding. Their unplanned night in the Psycho Motel will have you rolling on the floor laughing. Like I said, hilarious. And hot, very, very, very hot. When their dogs fall in love you’ll laugh at their antics, and pat your heart at the sweetness of it all. When Owen’s sister does tarot card readings you’ll be hoping those predictions come true. And when Owen’s little girl doesn’t call Gigi “Auntie” like she does the other women because she has hopes for a different role for Gigi in the future you’ll know you’re done for. Author Louise, as always, keeps you laughing and crying and swooning and just having a wonderful time.

I received an advance copy of Cage. I love this fresh, new series and the opportunity to revisit the “old” Bradfords and to meet new characters to love just as much. I can’t wait for the next book! I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own. show less

Updated for audio:
Pinch is the perfect beginning to the New Bradfords series, and Tia Louise has given us the perfect narrators to kick off the audiobook version. Ryan Lee Dunlap is a long-time favorite of mine and he never, ever disappoints. As Gavin, his almost-twang and use of inflection make every emotion pop, especially his frustration trying to rein in that attraction for Haddy and the fact that she still seems to hate him. He’s tender and possessive and protective – and irritated show more and funny a lot, too. Dunlap captures it all, as always; his performance as Gavin is so, so enjoyable. Willa Jaymes is another favorite. She can do a wonderful slightly breathless performance, but that’s not what she does this time. Haddy is complicated: often uncertain, bitter and fearful from a bad past experience, but Haddy is strong – and Jaymes uses her voice to portray all that hidden strength exactly right. A terrific story made even better by an outstanding duet performance by these two terrific voice actors. I received an advance listening copy of Pinch. I voluntarily leave this audio review; all opinions are my own.

I wasn’t really sure I was ready for New Bradfords because I love the Original Bradfords – Jack, Zane, Garrett, Hendrix and Dylan – so much and could read their happily-ever-afters over and over. But author Tia Louise convinced me after just a few paragraphs of her signature witty dialogue, hilarious scenes, sexy, steamy encounters and lovable characters you just have to know better.

Pinch, the first book in the New Bradfords series, has everything: all the Bradford brothers and their sister Dylan, all the wives and Dylan’s husband Logan, and all the kids that were such cute babies and toddlers and teenagers: Austin, Kimmie Joy, Knox, Edward, Sage, Gina “Gigi,” Hayden “Haddy” and Maverick Murphy. Plus Miss Gina, the sweet old blind lady Gina’s named after and who is basically their honorary grandmother, and all the familiar locations like Cooters & Shooters and family events. It’s basically a big reunion, quality time with all the now-settled parents and a closer look at the “kids” to see what they’re up to.

Cousins Gigi and Haddy and Mav share a house in LA. Mav is a star hockey player for the LA Champions, Gigi is a dog whisperer and Haddy is a scientist, graduate student and beauty queen. Pinch is Haddy’s story. She’s as independent and strong willed and determined as her parents; she wants to earn what she gets rather than let her parents pay for it, hence the beauty pageants and scholarships. She has always enjoyed the pageants anyway and it’s helping to pay for school. Her goal as a scientist is to save babies. She’s clever, capable and just wants to contribute. Life is fast-paced and challenging but good and the cousins have a comfortable routine and support each other. Why mess with a good thing? Except Mav’s good friend and former teammate Lane “Gavin” Knight is the hockey team’s hottest new defenseman – and he’s just lost the house he was planning to buy. “We’ve got plenty of room” Mav tells him and invites him to come and stay at the house.

What Mav doesn’t know is that Haddy and Gavin have history. They went to college together and Gavin cheated on Haddy’s friend Karen – broke her heart, etc. etc. etc. So she doesn’t want him there – at all. Except why does she always lose her train of thought just looking at him? Move on, move on, this is just some little physical attraction. Keep telling yourself that, Haddy.

And what Haddy doesn’t know is that although he never acted on it Gavin was attracted to Haddy the minute he met her, and there’s more to that Karen story if Haddy would just let him tell it to her. And what he is realizing now is that the attraction is back, or never went away, and it’s stronger than ever. But nope, she knows what she saw and she needs to be loyal to her friend. A past breakup of her own was devastating and she feels she owes it to Karen to support her, even after all these years and even though she’s really not even friends with Karen anymore.

Well, attractions can be tricky things. Especially when Gavis is always there just when she needs him, always catching her as she falls, always being her knight. They have more in common with both their histories of big, close families than she thought, and Haddy struggles with reconciling what Karen said with the Gavin in front of her now. She’s afraid of a relationship with him because she believes he already has a bad track record and she’s not sure she could survive another experience like the one she had.

One thing leads to another, and another, and . . . and pretty soon they’re closer than ever, even if they aren’t saying those 3 little words or putting a name to just what this is. He’s sweet and considerate and thoughtful – and hot, hot, hot – and makes her feel special. Except for the Karen thing. He’s afraid of rejection, too, and doesn’t know what he can do.

There are fun times with the hockey team, parties at the house, holidays with the big families, dinners and movies nights with Gigi and Mav, a little jealousy from Haddy’s coworker, adorable pets, sexy, steamy times and a big, big surprise. And some misunderstandings and words spoken that are immediately regretted. All par for the course from author Tia Louise. And all wildly entertaining and satisfying.

I received an advance copy of Pinch. It was the perfect introduction to the next generation of Bradfords, smoothly plotted, great balance of fun and ridiculousness with romance and angst, warm family times and a look to the future. I loved it, recommend it without hesitation, and can’t wait for the next book in this great new series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own. show less

This is a single-dad, roommates-to-lovers, forced-proximity, and dogs story. Owen is the perfect mix of broody hockey hero and devoted dad, while Gina's dog-loving, guarded heart made her instantly relatable. Their chemistry builds so naturally, with great banter, emotion, and plenty of heat. The found-family vibe completely stole my heart. The audiobook elevated the experience even more; the dual narrators did an amazing job capturing Owen's depth, Gina's humor, and the emotional beats, show more while also bringing the spice to life without overdoing it. Their performances made the characters feel real and deeply lovable. Sweet, steamy, and heartfelt. show less

Updated for audio: Excellent narration. I always love Ryan Lee Dunlap’s performance, and in the prologue he makes you hear 15-year-old Maverick as enamored, enraptured, overcome by emotion. He’s droll, dry, obviously attracted to Dove but uncomfortable about showing it and so sincere, including the adolescent cracking voice, it will make you smile. The good man Maverick will be shines through. Even though it’s young love Dunlap makes it feel real. And his transition to the adult Mav, show more the sexy, irresistible, bad boy hockey star is spot-on with the good guy is still there and around Dove still enamored, enraptured, overcome by emotion and head-over-heels in love. Stefanie Kay’s portrayal of Dove matches Dunlap’s; it perfect. As the 15-year-old Dove she’s girlish and sweet but the strength and dedication to her family and the orchard is already there, as are the feelings for Maverick that peek through. And Kay’s portrayal of the adult Dove is a woman full of life and passion, fear for the family’s legacy and determination to find a solution – and that long-ago yearning for Maverick that never faded but isn’t young love anymore but adult forever love. Both narrators bring this already wonderful story to life with their pace, tone, emotion and humor. A must-read story that is now also a must-listen.

“If I could find someone who loved all this as much as I do…well, I guess I’d just settle right down and marry him on the spot!” Keep that in mind while you’re reading.

Next generation stories are hard to do. Sometimes they are as good as those that have come before them, sometimes – not so much. Not all authors have the knack for now taking us into the grown-up lives of the children we thought were so cute – or so precocious or annoying. Without making caricatures of their parents, who were a short while ago steamy, silly young folks themselves. Well, let me tell you, author Tia Louise has the knack. Flow is the third book in The New Bradfords series after Pinch and Cage, and the next generation is every bit as compelling and enjoyable to watch as their parents were. And their parents are still people we love to check in with.

Flow is Maverick Murphy’s story. He’s the star player on the LA Champions hockey team alongside Gavin and Owen from Pinch and Cage. He’s a hot, sexy hunk, a player on and off the ice, but he’s also sweet and a good guy who loves family. Generous, thoughtful, considerate, well-raised by his parents Dylan Bradford and Logan Murphy. He’s still close to his family in Newhope and Los Angeles. But since Haddy and Gigi have found their HEAs with Gavin and Owen and moved out, he’s once again all alone in his house. They’re all still close by but it won’t be the same and he’ll miss having them there. But wait, he’s not going to be all alone, at least for a while. Dove Rhodes is going to stay at the house while she’s studying and looking for a cure to save her family’s precious peach orchard from dying back home in Louisiana. As thrilled as he is at the idea of seeing her again, finally being around her again, it could be a problem, because . . . “I have flow on the ice and on my head, but I still have trouble forming sentences when she’s around.” Yeah, there’s that.

The families knew each other from Haddy’s beauty pageants, and when he was 15 Maverick realized he had some pretty strong feelings for this girl. Life happened, though. Just after she uttered that unforgettable ‘I’d marry him on the spot’ line she was dragged away by an older neighbor Corey Hayes (an evil villain we’ll see more of), he became a hockey star, she stayed to work in the family business. Sure, he’s got a reputation as a ladies’ man but there’s never been anything serious and he’s never forgotten Dove, that first love, that what-if. Occasionally he wonders if she’s forgotten him or if she ever thinks of him.

When she shows up at the house it’s apparent she has not forgotten him and yes, she most definitely has thought about him. How he still feels is obvious to his cousins Haddy and Gigi and they don’t hesitate to tease him and think about plotting a little matchmaking. It’s not that simple, though. She’s not there to fall in love; she’s there to save the peaches. His career is at its peak and the Cup is in the team’s sights.

The heart wants what it wants, however. Being together in the house makes that teenage attraction blaze into full-blown adult longing. And it all feels so familiar, so comfortable, so right. She still can’t stay. He still can’t leave. He suffers a fairly serious injury and between that and his feelings for Dove turns to his father Logan for advice: how did you know mom was the one, when did you know it was time to hang it up. Back home, Corey makes it clear he wanted Dove then and he wants her now. Her family is in financial straits with nowhere to turn. Corey’s brother has offered to relieve that strain by buying the orchard – and planting soybeans. Corey at first offers to “help” Dove, and when she resists he tries to blackmail her into marrying him to keep the orchard, even though he really has no influence with his brother, and then becomes threatening when she repeatedly tells him she’s not interested.

Flow is an exciting, romantic story. Old crushes to lovers, desperate attempts to save the orchard, confrontations with Corey, sneak peeks at the families, and best of all – Dove and Maverick at her best friend’s wedding. You will cycle through emotions: feeling hopeful, worrying it’s all lost, being angry and frustrated, dabbing your eyes at just what a sweetie Maverick is, using that same hanky to fan yourself when you see just how combustible these two are together. I received an advance copy of Flow and absolutely loved it. Author Tia Louise has perfectly continued the Bradford story. Beautiful surroundings, loveable characters, villains to be vanquished and a look forward to the next book in this satisfying series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own. show less