Everywhere and Every Way
Although I struggled to get into Everywhere and Every Way, I am glad I didn’t give up on it. The story is romantic and sexy, and I really enjoyed the characters. I am already looking forward to reading the rest of the story.
I have been a fan of Jennifer Probst since The Marriage Bargain was first getting buzz. In the midst of all the romance books I read, somehow I totally missed her last series. When I heard she was starting a new one, I knew it was the perfect time to jump back in. Everywhere and Every Way introduces us to the Pierce brothers, right as their father dies. He leaves his sons his construction business, provided that the brothers can reconcile, live together, and work as a team to make the business a success.
This first part of the story feels a bit bogged down. Although it is obvious right away that Caleb will be the main character, Probst makes a point of introducing each of the brothers, explaining what talents they bring to the Pierce Brothers company, and giving the readers a tease of what conflict lies between them. I think this would have been better introduced more slowly through the course of the book. I struggled to take in all of the names, jobs, and learn what is driving a wedge between the men. I found myself wondering when the love interest would even be introduced. Although I can appreciate that the author wanted to give the reader knowledge of what is to come for the series, I found myself repeating the famous Monty Python line, “Get on with it!”
Once Morgan comes onto the page, the story gets much more interesting. Morgan is an interior designer who has been hired by a celebrity client to oversee the entire process of designing, building, and decorating their dream home. Morgan thinks Pierce Brothers is the best company to handle such a big job on such a tight timeline. Although Caleb initially refuses the contract in favor of one that will garner a better reputation for the builders, Morgan is able to manipulate Caleb’s other client into giving her the spot.
Although it takes a while to get to the attraction between Caleb and Morgan, I really loved it once it got going. After his initial annoyance with Morgan wears off, Caleb can’t help but admire her dedication to her job and her eye for quality design. Not to mention, he’s struggling to deny the desire he has to muss up this otherwise prim and proper southern belle. He offers up the idea of the two of them having an affair for the length of the project. It’s an offer that Morgan knows can only be dangerous for the job and for her emotions. Still, he works his way under her skin and Morgan gives in.
I think what struck me most about the romance between Caleb and Morgan is that Caleb is the one always wanting more. I think I was expecting him to be like so many other romance heroes and be in denial that there was anything besides sexual attraction between them until he finally has a light-bulb moment, but that isn’t the case. Caleb knows that his admiration for Morgan professionally is gradually becoming more and more personal affection and is ready to go down that road with her. It’s nice to see a man in touch with his feelings for the whole book, not just when push comes to shove.
Once I got a handle on who all the characters were, I was really interested in what story is to come between Caleb’s brother Tristan and his secretary Sydney. Probst hints at some history there and I am eager to find out what it is. It looks like the next Billionaire Builders book will be about Dalton Pierce and bartender Raven, so I will have to be patient.
Although the first quarter of Everywhere and Every Way lost some points with me for the slower romantic pacing and the character overload, it is a really great romance with well-developed characters. I was given a clear idea of who Caleb and Morgan are, especially Morgan, and they didn’t feel at all like cookie-cutter romance leads. I’ll definitely be reading Dalton and Raven’s book, but my fingers are crossed that we’ll get to find out about the drama between Tristan and Sydney next.
Haley K is a librarian-of-all-trades, book reviewer, writer, perpetual student, as well as a pretty crafty chick. She lives in Texas with too many pets and too little sleep.
Book Details
Reviewer: | Haley Kral |
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Review Date: | July 7, 2016 |
Publication Date: | 05/2016 |
Grade: | B |
Sensuality | Hot |
Book Type: | Contemporary Romance |
Review Tags: |
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