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The Bravos of Valentine Bay #2
Almost a Bravo
She isn’t a true Bravo—
And now she’s inheriting a temporary husband!
It’s shocking enough discovering she was switched at birth. Now, to fulfill the terms of his adoptive father’s will, Aislinn Bravo must marry Jaxon Winter or he loses his beloved ranch. Living together as husband and wife for three months only deepens Aislinn’s desire for her longtime crush. But how can she dream of a future with Jax when her whole life is a lie?
And now she’s inheriting a temporary husband!
It’s shocking enough discovering she was switched at birth. Now, to fulfill the terms of his adoptive father’s will, Aislinn Bravo must marry Jaxon Winter or he loses his beloved ranch. Living together as husband and wife for three months only deepens Aislinn’s desire for her longtime crush. But how can she dream of a future with Jax when her whole life is a lie?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2018
About the author
Christine Rimmer
730 books429 followersNew York Times bestselling author Christine Rimmer has written more than one hundred contemporary romances for Harlequin Books. She has won Romantic Times BOOKreview’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Silhouette Special Edition. She has been nominated seven times for the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award and five times for Romantic Times Series Storyteller of the Year.
A California native who first longed to be an actress, Christine earned her theater degree from California State, Sacramento and then went to New York to study acting. Later, she moved to Southern California, where she began her writing career with short stories, plays, and poems. Her poems and short stories were published in a number of small literary journals. Her plays were produced at The Back Alley and Group Theaters in Southern California and have been published by Dramatists Play Service and West Coast Plays.
She now lives in Oregon with her family and two very contented cats named Tom and Ed.
A California native who first longed to be an actress, Christine earned her theater degree from California State, Sacramento and then went to New York to study acting. Later, she moved to Southern California, where she began her writing career with short stories, plays, and poems. Her poems and short stories were published in a number of small literary journals. Her plays were produced at The Back Alley and Group Theaters in Southern California and have been published by Dramatists Play Service and West Coast Plays.
She now lives in Oregon with her family and two very contented cats named Tom and Ed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 21, 2018
Almost a Bravo by Christine Rimmer is a 2018 Harlequin Special Edition publication.
Five years ago, Aislinn Bravo worked at Martin Durand’s ranch, and developed a huge crush on his adoptive son, Jaxon.
After Martin dies, Aislinn, mysteriously enough, is called to sit in on the reading of his will. Curious as to why she was summoned, Aislinn agrees to attend. Unfortunately, the information she receives is devastating. She learns she was switched at birth, which is shocking enough, but one more added decree upends Aislinn’s life for better or worse.
Jaxon has been married and divorced, and now Wild River Ranch is his life. But, his adoptive father has thrown his inheritance into doubt by forcing him to marry Aislinn Bravo and stay married for at least three months. Although, Aislinn will get a cash payout, the inability to rob Jaxon of the ranch he loves, convinces her she must agree to the stipulations of the will. But, her guilt over her teenage machinations five years earlier, her sadness and disquiet over learning she is not a Bravo, and Jaxon’s announcement that he wants her in his bed, has her feeling confused and vulnerable.
Will Jaxon convince her to stay married, or will Aislinn pick up the pieces of her life and move on?
This is an emotional story, tender and poignant, but also very romantic. The Bravo’s rise to the occasion, which was one of the most awesome parts of this story and Jaxon turned out to be breathtakingly sexy, sweet and thoughtful.
The story also has some lighter moments, and I even enjoyed watching Burt, the curmudgeonly ranch hand, meet his match in Aislinn.
While Jaxon has been thrown a huge curve ball it is nothing compared to losing one's entire identity. So, in my eyes, Aislinn had a lot more to deal with emotionally, which was evident in the panic attacks she suffered at night. However, Jaxon was an Oak! Solid, patient and supportive when many men would have given up.
I will confess to getting choked up a couple of times while reading this one.
Jaxon made a big heartfelt speech to Aislinn, the added information about Martin, and of course the unconditional love of the Bravo family is heartwarming and sincere, proving that family is still family, even if they aren’t blood related. So, maybe you’ll want to keep some tissues close by, just in case.
Christine Rimmer touches all the right buttons with this one. It’s a deep, reflective story, with an amazing romance, topped off with a sweet and touching HEA!!
4.5 stars
Five years ago, Aislinn Bravo worked at Martin Durand’s ranch, and developed a huge crush on his adoptive son, Jaxon.
After Martin dies, Aislinn, mysteriously enough, is called to sit in on the reading of his will. Curious as to why she was summoned, Aislinn agrees to attend. Unfortunately, the information she receives is devastating. She learns she was switched at birth, which is shocking enough, but one more added decree upends Aislinn’s life for better or worse.
Jaxon has been married and divorced, and now Wild River Ranch is his life. But, his adoptive father has thrown his inheritance into doubt by forcing him to marry Aislinn Bravo and stay married for at least three months. Although, Aislinn will get a cash payout, the inability to rob Jaxon of the ranch he loves, convinces her she must agree to the stipulations of the will. But, her guilt over her teenage machinations five years earlier, her sadness and disquiet over learning she is not a Bravo, and Jaxon’s announcement that he wants her in his bed, has her feeling confused and vulnerable.
Will Jaxon convince her to stay married, or will Aislinn pick up the pieces of her life and move on?
This is an emotional story, tender and poignant, but also very romantic. The Bravo’s rise to the occasion, which was one of the most awesome parts of this story and Jaxon turned out to be breathtakingly sexy, sweet and thoughtful.
The story also has some lighter moments, and I even enjoyed watching Burt, the curmudgeonly ranch hand, meet his match in Aislinn.
While Jaxon has been thrown a huge curve ball it is nothing compared to losing one's entire identity. So, in my eyes, Aislinn had a lot more to deal with emotionally, which was evident in the panic attacks she suffered at night. However, Jaxon was an Oak! Solid, patient and supportive when many men would have given up.
I will confess to getting choked up a couple of times while reading this one.
Jaxon made a big heartfelt speech to Aislinn, the added information about Martin, and of course the unconditional love of the Bravo family is heartwarming and sincere, proving that family is still family, even if they aren’t blood related. So, maybe you’ll want to keep some tissues close by, just in case.
Christine Rimmer touches all the right buttons with this one. It’s a deep, reflective story, with an amazing romance, topped off with a sweet and touching HEA!!
4.5 stars
August 31, 2018
Captivating and emotional story. What do you do when you discover that everything you believed about yourself is a lie? Five years earlier, Aislinn had briefly worked as a ranch hand for Martin Durand, where she developed a huge crush on the man's adoptive son, Jaxon. Now she's been called to attend the reading of Durand's will. She is shocked and horrified to be told that she was switched at birth with his daughter, meaning that she doesn't have a drop of Bravo blood in her. To top it all off, Durand made it a condition of his will that Aislinn and Jax must marry or Jax will lose his inheritance.
The opening scene in the lawyer's office sucked me into the story and grabbed me by the heart. Aislinn's disbelief and pain at hearing the story of her birth was heart-wrenching. Her meltdown was understandable and believable. Getting the news that she also had to marry Jax was one more blow. Though she claimed that her crush was long over, it was obvious that something was still there. And as much as she hated the circumstances, she still likes and respects Jax and doesn't want to be the cause of him losing the ranch. She struggled over what to do, but the outcome was really never in question. Jax is just as stunned over the will's conditions. To lose the home that has been in his family for generations is unthinkable, and he'll do whatever he must to keep it. After all, it's only for three months.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jax and Aislinn. The sparks between them were undeniable right from the start. Jax was a bit wary at the beginning, slightly suspicious that Aislinn had found a way to get to Martin and manipulate him. Those feelings didn't last long, as he got to know and like her. I loved the way that he did everything he could to make her feel welcome on the ranch. He's also a pretty straightforward man, and as his attraction to Aislinn grew he made it clear that he wanted her. Aislinn has a harder time of it. Spending time with Jax deepens her feelings for him. Giving in to the desire isn't hard, but believing in a future together is another matter. I ached for Aislinn and the panic attacks she would have each night, and for Jax, who tried to understand but was hurt by the way she pulled away. It was pretty clear that she was fighting against the feeling that she had no control over her life, but she didn't know how to fix it. When the three months are up, both Jax and Aislinn know that they are in love, but Aislinn is still fighting for identity. I loved Jax's patience with her fears and that he never gave up hope. I admit to being somewhat frustrated with her at the end, but I also could feel her pain. Her conversation with Percy and Daffy at the end finally helped her put her fears to rest. I loved seeing Aislinn and Jax come together at the end. There was a sweet little twist involving Martin, also.
I loved the importance of family. The love and care that Jax had received from Claudia and Martin made a great foundation for the love he had for Aislinn. For all the love he had for Martin, Jax was also well aware of Martin's faults, and tried hard to help Aislinn see the good side of the man. The closeness of the Bravo family is a huge part of Aislinn's identity, and the news about her birth threw her into a tailspin. She wasn't sure what the news would do to her relationship with her siblings, and that added to her stress. I loved the unquestioning support she received from all of them, especially as she tried to come to terms with her marriage. I really enjoyed seeing her sisters Haley and Harper playing devil's advocate, to get Aislinn to see the truth. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens when the family finally gets in contact with Madison.
The opening scene in the lawyer's office sucked me into the story and grabbed me by the heart. Aislinn's disbelief and pain at hearing the story of her birth was heart-wrenching. Her meltdown was understandable and believable. Getting the news that she also had to marry Jax was one more blow. Though she claimed that her crush was long over, it was obvious that something was still there. And as much as she hated the circumstances, she still likes and respects Jax and doesn't want to be the cause of him losing the ranch. She struggled over what to do, but the outcome was really never in question. Jax is just as stunned over the will's conditions. To lose the home that has been in his family for generations is unthinkable, and he'll do whatever he must to keep it. After all, it's only for three months.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jax and Aislinn. The sparks between them were undeniable right from the start. Jax was a bit wary at the beginning, slightly suspicious that Aislinn had found a way to get to Martin and manipulate him. Those feelings didn't last long, as he got to know and like her. I loved the way that he did everything he could to make her feel welcome on the ranch. He's also a pretty straightforward man, and as his attraction to Aislinn grew he made it clear that he wanted her. Aislinn has a harder time of it. Spending time with Jax deepens her feelings for him. Giving in to the desire isn't hard, but believing in a future together is another matter. I ached for Aislinn and the panic attacks she would have each night, and for Jax, who tried to understand but was hurt by the way she pulled away. It was pretty clear that she was fighting against the feeling that she had no control over her life, but she didn't know how to fix it. When the three months are up, both Jax and Aislinn know that they are in love, but Aislinn is still fighting for identity. I loved Jax's patience with her fears and that he never gave up hope. I admit to being somewhat frustrated with her at the end, but I also could feel her pain. Her conversation with Percy and Daffy at the end finally helped her put her fears to rest. I loved seeing Aislinn and Jax come together at the end. There was a sweet little twist involving Martin, also.
I loved the importance of family. The love and care that Jax had received from Claudia and Martin made a great foundation for the love he had for Aislinn. For all the love he had for Martin, Jax was also well aware of Martin's faults, and tried hard to help Aislinn see the good side of the man. The closeness of the Bravo family is a huge part of Aislinn's identity, and the news about her birth threw her into a tailspin. She wasn't sure what the news would do to her relationship with her siblings, and that added to her stress. I loved the unquestioning support she received from all of them, especially as she tried to come to terms with her marriage. I really enjoyed seeing her sisters Haley and Harper playing devil's advocate, to get Aislinn to see the truth. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens when the family finally gets in contact with Madison.
September 19, 2018
Christine Rimmer continues the Bravo family with an added twist in this newest edition. Aislinn Bravo might not be a Bravo after all but the family doesn't feel that way!! Aislinn and Jaxon get thrust into a situation not of their own choosing but make it work in a way that makes you want them to succeed. Christine's telling of Aislinn's birth makes you want to fight for her to understand that she can't change the past. I loved the way Aislinn relies on family to get her through the tough decisions and think Aunt Daffy and Uncle Percy have it right - you can't control actions from the past, just learn to live with them and make the most of what you've been given. Thanks Christine for adding another classic story to the Bravo family tree!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2018
Her life has been turned upside down by a deceased relative. He's going to loose his ranch if they don't marry. Can she over come the hurt and pain and will be able to keep his ranch? Will they fall in love along the way? Christine Rimmer takes her back to Bravos of Valentine Bay for the story of Aislinn Bravo and her former college crush Jaxon Winter.
Aislinn Bravo grew up with the her oldest brother as her legal guardian along with her 3 brothers and 3 sisters. They lost their parents when their oldest brother was 18. Aislinn has always been grateful for him taking care of them. She has drifted from job to job but her true love is making jewelry and her 2 rabbits. Out of the blue 5 years after working at the Winter ranch one summer during college she get a call from the owner with news that his son who she had a obsessive crush on back then is single again. A short while later a letter arrives informing her of the owner's death and she must come to the reading of his will. Where she meets Jaxon and his hired help for the first time in 5 years. When the will is read and its secret revealed Aislinn is so thrown for a loop that she runs out of the office. Thinking that its all a mistake she talks with her 3 brothers and her great uncle and aunt. She finds out that most likely the information in the letter is probably true. Meanwhile Jaxon has been trying to get in touch with her because of the part of the will that has them marrying to save his ranch. Aislinn finally decides that the marriage will go forward and her family is invited to the ceremony. She moves out to the ranch and settles in butting heads with the cantankerous old cowboy who's the ranch foreman. Aislinn and Jaxon settle in and think that this will only be for 3 months. The stumble through getting to know each other. Jaxon is falling in love with her and she keeps putting distance between them because of all that has come to light. With the help of her great uncle Aislinn gets information. When her best friend who married her oldest brother return from their honeymoon the real reason for the marriage is revealed to them and then to the family. As time goes by and they try to no avail to get in touch with a long lost Bravo relative her family gets frustrated. When the 3 months come to an end Aislinn moves back to her former house but can't seem to let go of what happened. Jaxon is being patient but doesn't understand her feelings and tries to help by saying she needs to let it go. She goes to the great aunt and uncle for advice and is told the same thing. Contents of a safety deposit box are revealed and a test done. A decision is made and a family gathers for Thanksgiving.
Christine Rimmer's Bravo series has always been a favorite of mine and I always look forward to reading any of them or any other book she writes. You can feel the emotion and pain that they are going through. I look forward to getting the next book in the series and reading more about this group of Bravos.
Aislinn Bravo grew up with the her oldest brother as her legal guardian along with her 3 brothers and 3 sisters. They lost their parents when their oldest brother was 18. Aislinn has always been grateful for him taking care of them. She has drifted from job to job but her true love is making jewelry and her 2 rabbits. Out of the blue 5 years after working at the Winter ranch one summer during college she get a call from the owner with news that his son who she had a obsessive crush on back then is single again. A short while later a letter arrives informing her of the owner's death and she must come to the reading of his will. Where she meets Jaxon and his hired help for the first time in 5 years. When the will is read and its secret revealed Aislinn is so thrown for a loop that she runs out of the office. Thinking that its all a mistake she talks with her 3 brothers and her great uncle and aunt. She finds out that most likely the information in the letter is probably true. Meanwhile Jaxon has been trying to get in touch with her because of the part of the will that has them marrying to save his ranch. Aislinn finally decides that the marriage will go forward and her family is invited to the ceremony. She moves out to the ranch and settles in butting heads with the cantankerous old cowboy who's the ranch foreman. Aislinn and Jaxon settle in and think that this will only be for 3 months. The stumble through getting to know each other. Jaxon is falling in love with her and she keeps putting distance between them because of all that has come to light. With the help of her great uncle Aislinn gets information. When her best friend who married her oldest brother return from their honeymoon the real reason for the marriage is revealed to them and then to the family. As time goes by and they try to no avail to get in touch with a long lost Bravo relative her family gets frustrated. When the 3 months come to an end Aislinn moves back to her former house but can't seem to let go of what happened. Jaxon is being patient but doesn't understand her feelings and tries to help by saying she needs to let it go. She goes to the great aunt and uncle for advice and is told the same thing. Contents of a safety deposit box are revealed and a test done. A decision is made and a family gathers for Thanksgiving.
Christine Rimmer's Bravo series has always been a favorite of mine and I always look forward to reading any of them or any other book she writes. You can feel the emotion and pain that they are going through. I look forward to getting the next book in the series and reading more about this group of Bravos.
September 15, 2018
“Almost a Bravo” by Christine Rimmer is book two of the miniseries, The Bravos of Valentine Bay.
Aislinn Bravo learns she was switched at birth (no worries on spoiling the plot – this is mentioned on the back cover copy) and her world shifts. She also learns she has to marry the man she once had a crush on.
Jaxon Winter needs to get married to inherit the family ranch. He barely remembers Aislinn when she spent a summer working at Wild River, but he sure notices her now.
The attraction Aislinn had previously toward Jaxon comes roaring back and the two make the most of their temporary marriage.
“Almost a Bravo” has a unique premise and the opening pages draw you in. The book also leans heavily on Aislinn’s point of view and her journey in self-discovery.
Personally, I prefer a balance between the hero’s and heroine’s point of view in the romance books I read. I was disappointed there weren’t more scenes in Jaxon’s POV, even though we did get to know him through his scenes with Aislinn.
Ms. Rimmer’s stories deal with family and family relationships and lets us know that “family” encompasses more than what we think.
Aislinn Bravo learns she was switched at birth (no worries on spoiling the plot – this is mentioned on the back cover copy) and her world shifts. She also learns she has to marry the man she once had a crush on.
Jaxon Winter needs to get married to inherit the family ranch. He barely remembers Aislinn when she spent a summer working at Wild River, but he sure notices her now.
The attraction Aislinn had previously toward Jaxon comes roaring back and the two make the most of their temporary marriage.
“Almost a Bravo” has a unique premise and the opening pages draw you in. The book also leans heavily on Aislinn’s point of view and her journey in self-discovery.
Personally, I prefer a balance between the hero’s and heroine’s point of view in the romance books I read. I was disappointed there weren’t more scenes in Jaxon’s POV, even though we did get to know him through his scenes with Aislinn.
Ms. Rimmer’s stories deal with family and family relationships and lets us know that “family” encompasses more than what we think.
September 20, 2018
I just loved Almost a Bravo by Christine Rimmer!!! Aislinn Bravo's life is turned upside down when she learns that she may have been switched at birth; but, her new life might just come with a chance to reunite with a past love! Jaxon Winter's life is full of shocking surprises when he learns that his inheritance comes with an odd price tag in the form of marriage to one Aislinn Bravo!
I could not put down Almost a Bravo by Christine Rimmer!!! I was immediately captivated by the characters and the story line. Aislinn is a wonderful, warm woman that is struggling with getting everything she has ever wanted and losing her identity. Jaxon is immediately drawn to Aislinn but can't believe he has to wed a stranger to gain the inheritance he always believed was his.
Aislinn has a wonderful, big, warm family that she is terrified of losing. She also feels lost and struggles to find her footing in this new wonderful life that could either be everything she has ever wanted or a nightmare of loss.
Aislinn and Jaxon are compelling, rich characters that immediately capture your imagination. You will be cheering for them as they start their new lives and overcome their pasts to to find each other.
Rimmer is a masterful writer and skillfully captures the reader's attention and keeps it! I can't praise the Bravo series enough! I know every time I pick up a Christine Rimmer romance I will not be disappointed. I can't wait for the next Bravo romance!!!
I could not put down Almost a Bravo by Christine Rimmer!!! I was immediately captivated by the characters and the story line. Aislinn is a wonderful, warm woman that is struggling with getting everything she has ever wanted and losing her identity. Jaxon is immediately drawn to Aislinn but can't believe he has to wed a stranger to gain the inheritance he always believed was his.
Aislinn has a wonderful, big, warm family that she is terrified of losing. She also feels lost and struggles to find her footing in this new wonderful life that could either be everything she has ever wanted or a nightmare of loss.
Aislinn and Jaxon are compelling, rich characters that immediately capture your imagination. You will be cheering for them as they start their new lives and overcome their pasts to to find each other.
Rimmer is a masterful writer and skillfully captures the reader's attention and keeps it! I can't praise the Bravo series enough! I know every time I pick up a Christine Rimmer romance I will not be disappointed. I can't wait for the next Bravo romance!!!
September 6, 2018
Almost a Bravo is the second book in Christine Rimmer’s The Bravos of Valentine Bay series. I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked from the opening pages. How does one react when they discover the life they’ve led wasn’t theirs to live? When Aislinn Bravo is summoned to an attorney’s office she has no idea her life is going to change. When she sits for the reading of the will and discovers what Martin Durand has put in motion for not only her but Jaxon Winter’s, they realize immediately how their lives are going to change.
I’ve got to say I fell in love with Jaxon. I loved the heartfelt compassion he had for Aislinn from the outset. He had a lot to lose if she didn’t accept the terms of the will but he gave her the time she needed to make a decision that ultimately changed the direction of his life too.
I enjoyed watching them fall into love. It was heartwarming watching them as they gave into their hearts desire. I can only image the hurt and confusion Aislinn felt when she discovered the family that she grew up believing was hers wasn’t. Ms. Rimmer did a fantastic job putting the reader into Aislinn’s head as she delved into her feelings. She couldn’t get over the fact that all of the good times and bad that she experienced really belonged to another person. I can totally understand why she questioned her life and why she needed to work though her issues on her own.
Almost a Bravo is a story filled with its ups and downs. One thing Jax never gives up on Aislinn as she learns to deal with her past and her future. I highly recommend reading Almost a Bravo. You won’t be disappointed!
I’ve got to say I fell in love with Jaxon. I loved the heartfelt compassion he had for Aislinn from the outset. He had a lot to lose if she didn’t accept the terms of the will but he gave her the time she needed to make a decision that ultimately changed the direction of his life too.
I enjoyed watching them fall into love. It was heartwarming watching them as they gave into their hearts desire. I can only image the hurt and confusion Aislinn felt when she discovered the family that she grew up believing was hers wasn’t. Ms. Rimmer did a fantastic job putting the reader into Aislinn’s head as she delved into her feelings. She couldn’t get over the fact that all of the good times and bad that she experienced really belonged to another person. I can totally understand why she questioned her life and why she needed to work though her issues on her own.
Almost a Bravo is a story filled with its ups and downs. One thing Jax never gives up on Aislinn as she learns to deal with her past and her future. I highly recommend reading Almost a Bravo. You won’t be disappointed!
September 9, 2018
Another amazing story in the Bravo series!! This is the story of Aislinn and Jaxon. To save his ranch they have to live together as husband and wife, but what happens when you start falling for each other and the feelings for each other are becoming real? Then what happens when you find out your really not a Bravo? In this case, nothing. I loved how her Aunt and Uncle basically told her you can’t change the past, so just move on. This was a beautiful story of forgiveness, falling in love and family. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this Bravo family, but I’m sure it’s going to be fantastic.
September 8, 2018
Imagine waking up and finding out everything about your life was a lie! Aislinn Bravo has her world turned upside down and the man responsible has left her in an impossible situation with her long ago crush Jaxon. These two are destined to be together but they have to overcome her doubts and questions about where she came from and who she believes she is first. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Christine Rimmer has outdone herself for sure.
September 9, 2018
Another great story from a wonderful author.
September 9, 2018
Aislynn only had to marry jaxon for him to keep his ranch. But found out love conquer all in the end
September 16, 2018
Loved Book 2, I was not expecting the nail biting beginning and how it would turn out. Love the Bravos and Valentine Bay
September 8, 2018
Awesome books with a lot of twists and turns that made it even more amazing love the plot.
September 9, 2018
i loved this book. I had trouble putting it down.
September 2, 2018
Sweet Western Contemporary Romance with a HEA
Ms. Rimmer's newest addition to the Bravo series.
Aislinn Bravo finds out she is not a biological Bravo, and that her bio-dad has put her in an untenable position. She must marry Jason, his adopted son and the man she fell hard for years before...the one who was married and she threw herself at....or he will lose the ranch he loves.
Turns out he was much smarter than she realized. Close proximity reveals the reason he did so.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse. And loved the tale.
Ms. Rimmer's newest addition to the Bravo series.
Aislinn Bravo finds out she is not a biological Bravo, and that her bio-dad has put her in an untenable position. She must marry Jason, his adopted son and the man she fell hard for years before...the one who was married and she threw herself at....or he will lose the ranch he loves.
Turns out he was much smarter than she realized. Close proximity reveals the reason he did so.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse. And loved the tale.
August 20, 2018
Having read all the previous series, this one was my favorite. Two very loeable characters that truly were meant to be. Their love story was sweet and believable. I was routing for their HEA and was not disappointed at all! A must read!
September 28, 2018
Aislinn Bravo in a nutshell: a beauty; appealing; a member of a large loving family; a jewelry maker; a lover of animals (including two pet rabbits); a young, smart, erstwhile college student. All true, but not the absolute truth.
She is not who she thinks she is. She is not a Bravo. She is almost a Bravo.
Almost. A powerful property owner has emerged to upend her world. With a few written words an ailing, manipulative, old man has taken away her name, independence, self-image, life focus, self-love, roots, and security. He has hurled her into an emotional abyss.
She has lost her persona. No, it wasn't lost, it was stolen. It was ripped away by Martin Durand, the owner of Wild River Ranch. Martin has a guilty secret. He got two women pregnant around the same time. One was his wife. One was not.
Martin is a man running out of time. He has people and property weighing on his mind. He must ensure Wild River Ranch will be taken care of along with the people tied to him. This means his adopted son, Jaxon Winter, and Aislinn Bravo.
Martin knows Aislinn from her time five years ago when she worked at the Ranch. He took an inherent interest in her and appreciated the young woman she had grown into. He also realized Aislinn had a serious crush on Jaxon, who was married. When one day Aislinn suddenly was gone, Martin knew she left because she could no longer fight the powerful flood of her feelings for Jaxon. Jaxon was divorced now. Martin didn't want Jaxon to be alone. He had to make things right. They had to be settled for all.
Time passed and so did Martin. He was gone and left an attorney, a will, and some documents to tell the story. Some might say he got off easy.
Aislinn was one to fret. She worried about everyone and everything. Now she could barely believe what the attorney told her. Martin was her legitimate father. She had been taken from her birth mother and given to the one who reared her. She wasn't a Bravo.
Before she could accept the impact of this first blow, there was another: Martin was her father. The lawyer told her if Jaxon was to keep Wild River Ranch, they had to marry and live as husband and wife for three months. Aislinn would receive $50,000 for her part of the bargain.
She was sure she wouldn't recover from the onslaught of emotions arising from the disclosures. More than once, when she had time to think, she readied herself to refuse the directives. But every time she did, her convictions melted away as she realized what her refusal would mean to Jaxon.
Jaxon. Sweet, strong, handsome, capable Jaxon. Just about every woman's dream. She couldn't bear to cause him to lose his beloved ranch. Yes, she would do it; but only for three months. No matter what.
Would she fall in love again with Jaxon? Would he even come to care for her? To find out, do yourself a big favor and read this excellent story, because, Christine Rimmer always hits the mark. And, otherwise, it would be telling.
She is not who she thinks she is. She is not a Bravo. She is almost a Bravo.
Almost. A powerful property owner has emerged to upend her world. With a few written words an ailing, manipulative, old man has taken away her name, independence, self-image, life focus, self-love, roots, and security. He has hurled her into an emotional abyss.
She has lost her persona. No, it wasn't lost, it was stolen. It was ripped away by Martin Durand, the owner of Wild River Ranch. Martin has a guilty secret. He got two women pregnant around the same time. One was his wife. One was not.
Martin is a man running out of time. He has people and property weighing on his mind. He must ensure Wild River Ranch will be taken care of along with the people tied to him. This means his adopted son, Jaxon Winter, and Aislinn Bravo.
Martin knows Aislinn from her time five years ago when she worked at the Ranch. He took an inherent interest in her and appreciated the young woman she had grown into. He also realized Aislinn had a serious crush on Jaxon, who was married. When one day Aislinn suddenly was gone, Martin knew she left because she could no longer fight the powerful flood of her feelings for Jaxon. Jaxon was divorced now. Martin didn't want Jaxon to be alone. He had to make things right. They had to be settled for all.
Time passed and so did Martin. He was gone and left an attorney, a will, and some documents to tell the story. Some might say he got off easy.
Aislinn was one to fret. She worried about everyone and everything. Now she could barely believe what the attorney told her. Martin was her legitimate father. She had been taken from her birth mother and given to the one who reared her. She wasn't a Bravo.
Before she could accept the impact of this first blow, there was another: Martin was her father. The lawyer told her if Jaxon was to keep Wild River Ranch, they had to marry and live as husband and wife for three months. Aislinn would receive $50,000 for her part of the bargain.
She was sure she wouldn't recover from the onslaught of emotions arising from the disclosures. More than once, when she had time to think, she readied herself to refuse the directives. But every time she did, her convictions melted away as she realized what her refusal would mean to Jaxon.
Jaxon. Sweet, strong, handsome, capable Jaxon. Just about every woman's dream. She couldn't bear to cause him to lose his beloved ranch. Yes, she would do it; but only for three months. No matter what.
Would she fall in love again with Jaxon? Would he even come to care for her? To find out, do yourself a big favor and read this excellent story, because, Christine Rimmer always hits the mark. And, otherwise, it would be telling.
July 29, 2018
When Aislinn gets notice that an old employer of hers has died and that she is being summoned to the reading of the will, she is confused. She has no idea why she is being asked to attend, especially since when she shows up, she finds there are only 3 other people there. One of those people is the adopted son of her deceased employer. She had a massive crush on Jax when she worked on the ranch, but never thought she would see him again.
In a surprising twist of fate, though, in order for Jax to inherit the ranch the will requires that Jax and Aislinn get married for three months and live at the ranch. Aislinn gets $50,000 out of the deal, but for her, it isn’t about the money. She doesn’t want to see a good guy like Jax lose his home. So she agrees.
The more time that she spends at the ranch, though, the more comfortable she gets. What will happen at the end of the three months?
I would give this book 4 stars. It was a cute story and I liked the characters. This book is part of a series, but I have not read anything by this author before. I read this book as a stand alone, and it worked just fine. I was asked by the author for an honest review.
In a surprising twist of fate, though, in order for Jax to inherit the ranch the will requires that Jax and Aislinn get married for three months and live at the ranch. Aislinn gets $50,000 out of the deal, but for her, it isn’t about the money. She doesn’t want to see a good guy like Jax lose his home. So she agrees.
The more time that she spends at the ranch, though, the more comfortable she gets. What will happen at the end of the three months?
I would give this book 4 stars. It was a cute story and I liked the characters. This book is part of a series, but I have not read anything by this author before. I read this book as a stand alone, and it worked just fine. I was asked by the author for an honest review.
August 1, 2018
Love the Bravo series. And Christine Rimmer's writing style. This was an unusual way to create a romance. Former ranch hand being called to a reading of a will and the circumstances that leave her questioning everything she has ever known. An adoptive son and ranch hand who gets the rug pulled out from under him with the instructions he must marry in order to keep the ranch he grew up on and had always thought would be his.
I was provided this book to read for and open and honest review.
I was provided this book to read for and open and honest review.
July 18, 2018
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just couldn't get enough of it and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend that you read it.
September 27, 2018
I absolutely loved this second book of the Bravo’s of Valentine Bay. Christine Rimmer has always been an automatic one click for me and boy does she deliver with this book. Five years ago Aislinn Bravo had a head over heels crush for her married boss Jaxon Winter at his family ranch Wild River. They meet again to find out his adopted fathers reading of the will. Martin Durand writes a letter detailing how he switched two babies on the day of her birth and she is biologically his daughter and not a Bravo. Madison Delaney is a sweetheart darling who is actually a Bravo. If that’s not enough shocks his will demands them to get married for at least three months so Jaxon can keep Wild River and Aislinn will get $50,000. As upset as Aislinn is she can’t let Jaxon lose the one thing he loves most in life. She doesn’t want to tell her family and by doing so it makes it true. One thing I loved about this book and the series so far is the love of the Bravo’s. They will be there for her no matter what. I love Harper Hailey, Gracie, Liam, Matt, and Dafodill and Percey just to name a few. I loved how Burt interacted with the children and Aislinn’s bunnies. I love how close Jaxon and Aislinn get but she fights him at every turn because she feels adrift. Will she decide to give them a try or decide to be unhappy to spite Martin. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read Matt’s story. I received an ARC and volunteered to write a honest review.
October 6, 2018
I loved reading "Almost a Bravo (The Bravos of Valentine Bay, #2)" by Christine Rimmer. The book is a part of a series but it is also a read alone book. I highly recommend the first story in the series "The Nanny's Double Trouble" as it gives you a glimpse of the family in this series. This is Aislinn (Ais like Ash) Bravo and Jaxson (Jax) Winters story. Jax's legal guardian, Martin Durand, has passed away. At the law office during the reading of the will Ais is in attendance. As Martin's will is read Ais finds out that she was switched at birth during a storm many years ago with another baby girl. She was raised a Bravo but Martin was her father. Not only that, but 5 years ago when she was working at Wild River Ranch Martin knew that she had a crush on Jax even though he was married at the time. In his will Martin's stipulation is that Ais and Jax marry and stay married for 3 months or Jax would lose the Ranch. If they can make it work for 3 months being married and living together as a married couple then Ais would be $50,000 richer and Jax could keep the family Ranch. Reading the interaction between these two, the Bravo family, and even Burt an old ranch hand was a pleasure. Things were not easy and a few times I wanted to reach in the book and smack Aislinn for making her life more difficult than it needed to be. Some sexual situations so this is for the 18+ reader.
September 18, 2018
A certified letter changed Aislinn Bravo’s life. She was the Bravo Princess. Born on one of her parent’s jaunts to the small kingdom of Montedoro, which is near the Côte d'Azur. She was NOT born in Oregon and switched at birth. The bastard daughter of a man she hardly knew. But, truth is stranger than fiction and she is that person. Now her character is being tested and she must make a choice, her own Kobayashi Maru.
Jaxon Winter loved his adoptive parents. He knew they weren’t perfect, but he loved them anyway. He’d been adopted by his aunt Claudia, and her husband, Martin Durand, as a child. Jaxon also had his life changed by a certified letter. He loved the ranch he’d grown up on and expected to inherit when his parents passed on. He can inherit, but only if he and Aislinn can come to an agreement regarding the terms of his father’s will. Their choices will determine their future.
This was a ‘sit down and finish’ book for me. I sat down with coffee and finished it in one day. It kept me interested and I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional ups and downs of both Aislinn and Jaxon! Kind of real-life stuff. They talked about issues. They agreed and disagreed, but always listened to each other. I loved the truth in the dialogue. Can’t wait for more from the Valentine Bay Bravo’s!
Jaxon Winter loved his adoptive parents. He knew they weren’t perfect, but he loved them anyway. He’d been adopted by his aunt Claudia, and her husband, Martin Durand, as a child. Jaxon also had his life changed by a certified letter. He loved the ranch he’d grown up on and expected to inherit when his parents passed on. He can inherit, but only if he and Aislinn can come to an agreement regarding the terms of his father’s will. Their choices will determine their future.
This was a ‘sit down and finish’ book for me. I sat down with coffee and finished it in one day. It kept me interested and I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional ups and downs of both Aislinn and Jaxon! Kind of real-life stuff. They talked about issues. They agreed and disagreed, but always listened to each other. I loved the truth in the dialogue. Can’t wait for more from the Valentine Bay Bravo’s!
September 27, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked from the first pages of the first chapter. What happens when you find out your life may be a lie? How does a person react to news like that? When Aislinn Bravo is summoned to an attorney’s office she is brought face to face with the man she had secretly loved five years ago and then she sits for the reading of the will and discovers what the man who’s will is being read, has put in motion a life-changing plan that affects not only her but Jaxon Winter.
I just love Jaxon. His compassion for Aislinn just had my heart melting. He could have lost everything if she didn’t accept the terms of the will but he still gave her time so she could make a decision that changed his life too.
Their love story was heartwarming. The emotion that poured out of the pages as Aislinn learns the truth about her history, had me in emotional knots. I felt her pain and confusion and fear of not knowing the truth. Just another reason why these stories pull the reader in. Ms. Rimmer does a fantastic job of putting the reader into the character’s heads and hearts..
Almost a Bravo is a story filled with emotion. The characters pull you into their lives and you don’t want the story to end. I highly recommend reading Almost a Bravo!
I just love Jaxon. His compassion for Aislinn just had my heart melting. He could have lost everything if she didn’t accept the terms of the will but he still gave her time so she could make a decision that changed his life too.
Their love story was heartwarming. The emotion that poured out of the pages as Aislinn learns the truth about her history, had me in emotional knots. I felt her pain and confusion and fear of not knowing the truth. Just another reason why these stories pull the reader in. Ms. Rimmer does a fantastic job of putting the reader into the character’s heads and hearts..
Almost a Bravo is a story filled with emotion. The characters pull you into their lives and you don’t want the story to end. I highly recommend reading Almost a Bravo!
September 16, 2018
Aislinn is less then thrilled when she finds out that as apart of a will she is asked to marry Jaxon Winder a guy she once knew in the past to get some money and so that he can keep his ranch it is only temporary. But the kicker is that she finds out that she was switched at birth now there's so much to think about and work on and its a very confusing time and she, Jaxon and her family will work things out.
I thought that this was a pretty good book it was enjoyable enough for me to pretty much read though this book fairly quickly. I thought it was interesting getting to see the family dynamics and seeing how everyone was dealing with the who switched at birth situation. Then there was the beyond the grave match matching going on when Aislinn and Jaxson was forced into this situation and how they were making the best of what they were given. The romance was obviously rushed in this short book but it was nice. I wished that there was much to their relationship though more then just proximity and the face that they were attracted to each other. Overall though this was a pretty good book I enjoyed it.
I thought that this was a pretty good book it was enjoyable enough for me to pretty much read though this book fairly quickly. I thought it was interesting getting to see the family dynamics and seeing how everyone was dealing with the who switched at birth situation. Then there was the beyond the grave match matching going on when Aislinn and Jaxson was forced into this situation and how they were making the best of what they were given. The romance was obviously rushed in this short book but it was nice. I wished that there was much to their relationship though more then just proximity and the face that they were attracted to each other. Overall though this was a pretty good book I enjoyed it.
September 18, 2018
Great story! Aislinn Bravo had a crush on a married Jaxon Winter when she worked at his family's ranch one summer. It's 5 years later and Aislinn discovers she's not only not a Bravo due to being switched at birth....on purpose, but Jaxon is now single and they have to marry so he can keep his family's ranch. I do wish Ms. Rimmer had written more of the story from Jaxon's point of view, but this is still a great read. I've described the premise of the book above. Please buy this one (yes, I'm a longtime fan of Ms. Rimmer's work and this one, too, is going on my keeper shelf) and read for yourself the journey of Aislinn and Jaxon. You won't be disappointed. I enjoyed "watching" the effect Aislinn's rabbits had on Burt, the crusty foreman of Jaxon's ranch. The blurb on the back of the book states, "She isn't a true Bravo." Well.....you should know the Bravo family by now. Family is everything to them and Aislinn was, is, and always will be family! I am looking forward to reading Madison Delaney's story! (Sorry....you'll have to buy the book and read it to find out who she is.) Thanks, Christine!
September 19, 2018
Aislinn Bravo is certain that she is who she is. What she doesn't know is why she is suddenly at the reading of the will of her secret crush, Jaxon Winter's adopted father! What in the world could be in that will? She and Jaxson had met years before when he was married and she loved him from afar....what could possibly be of interest to her in the reading of the will?
Jaxon is set to inherit his father's ranch--but from the grave his will changes everything. Aislinn is his fathers biological child--he switched her at birth so that his wife wouldn't know---and the only way that Jaxon inherits the ranch is to marry a girl he doesn't remember.
Three months is a long time to figure out how you feel. Jaxon and Aislinn go on a journey to find true love. It isn't a path the runs smoothly, but it is a sweet and wonderful story of getting your hearts desire. Even though maybe you didn't realize that you desired it at all.
Christine Rimmer is an amazing story teller and this is no exception. There are cameo appearances from other Bravos that tie the story to past books. An awesome Saturday morning read!
Jaxon is set to inherit his father's ranch--but from the grave his will changes everything. Aislinn is his fathers biological child--he switched her at birth so that his wife wouldn't know---and the only way that Jaxon inherits the ranch is to marry a girl he doesn't remember.
Three months is a long time to figure out how you feel. Jaxon and Aislinn go on a journey to find true love. It isn't a path the runs smoothly, but it is a sweet and wonderful story of getting your hearts desire. Even though maybe you didn't realize that you desired it at all.
Christine Rimmer is an amazing story teller and this is no exception. There are cameo appearances from other Bravos that tie the story to past books. An awesome Saturday morning read!
September 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this second book in the Valentine's Bay series about the Bravo family. (You don't need to read the first one before this one in order to enjoy the book). The heroine was raised as a Bravo but when she is summoned to the office for the reading of the will of her former employer, she learns the shocking news of being switched at birth with the actual Bravo daughter and that she is the illegitimate daughter of her former boss. She has a hard time believing it and reconciling it with what she knows about the Bravo family of which she is a part. Her father's will sets some conditions for her and for his adoptive son to meet in order to receive any inheritance. She and Jaxon Winter must marry and stay married for 3 months or he loses the ranch he loves and she loses the $50K willed to her. She really doesn't care about the money but doesn't want Jaxon, whom she loved from afar 4 years ago, to lose his dream. They finally agree to marry and the story follows through al the ups, downs, and complications that ensue from their marriage and family. As always, Christine weaves a story that one falls right into so that you don't want to put down until the end. Very enjoyable!
September 20, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the book in exchange for an honest review.
Aislinn's whole world is flipped upside down when she thinks that she's just going to a will reading of an old man she knew and she thought hated her. When the letter is read that gives details she can't reconcile that they are facts. The stories she was told her whole life are the truth, this man is crazy and a liar. To top it all off she's supposed to marry Jaxson, a man she had feelings for five years go, even if they were just a serious crush, but he's a total stranger really.
Jaxon will do whatever he needs to do to keep the ranch he grew up on and loves. He doesn't remember Aislinn from when she worked at the ranch but Martin was specific and in order to save the ranch he'll marry her. He'll marry her today but she needs time, and that's one thing they don't really have. When she finally agrees to Martin's hairbrained scheme, he realizes that she's pretty great. She quickly becomes important to him, but shes worried the feelings they have are from being caught up in the moment of the whirlwind marriage.
I really enjoyed this book, it was different from what I normally read. What I mean by that is I've never read a switched at birth story. I hope that we get to see the story of the other girl that Aislinn was switched with. I really loved that her brothers and sisters didn't treat her any differently. Aislinn was terrified that her family wouldn't want anything to do with her but they showed her that sometimes DNA doesn't necessarily equal family.
Aislinn's whole world is flipped upside down when she thinks that she's just going to a will reading of an old man she knew and she thought hated her. When the letter is read that gives details she can't reconcile that they are facts. The stories she was told her whole life are the truth, this man is crazy and a liar. To top it all off she's supposed to marry Jaxson, a man she had feelings for five years go, even if they were just a serious crush, but he's a total stranger really.
Jaxon will do whatever he needs to do to keep the ranch he grew up on and loves. He doesn't remember Aislinn from when she worked at the ranch but Martin was specific and in order to save the ranch he'll marry her. He'll marry her today but she needs time, and that's one thing they don't really have. When she finally agrees to Martin's hairbrained scheme, he realizes that she's pretty great. She quickly becomes important to him, but shes worried the feelings they have are from being caught up in the moment of the whirlwind marriage.
I really enjoyed this book, it was different from what I normally read. What I mean by that is I've never read a switched at birth story. I hope that we get to see the story of the other girl that Aislinn was switched with. I really loved that her brothers and sisters didn't treat her any differently. Aislinn was terrified that her family wouldn't want anything to do with her but they showed her that sometimes DNA doesn't necessarily equal family.
December 21, 2018
This newer series, The Bravos of Valentine Bay book 2 is interesting and has some great characters. Christine Rimmer always has the story set up that you can read it as a stand alone and get an idea what happened in previous books. Aislinn Bravo discovers she was switched at birth and in order for her friend Jaxon to inherit his ranch they must marry and stay together for 3 months. She's always loved Jaxon so it's a long shot if she can convince him to stay after the 3 month mandate. Sort of predictable, the book is a good read. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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