4.5 stars

Let’s be honest. I cannot be the only one who was ready to not fully commit to Colt as a hero. Although he’s come a long way as this series has progressed, there are so many crappy things he did that made it hard for me to imagine I’d be won over by him. But win me over he did. In fact, this story opened up some of the flaws of the McKay family that I hadn’t seen before while being able to see Colt’s true personality. (Mama McKay is NOT on my good side anymore.)

I found it amusing that India often mentioned the “time lost” between her and Colt. But Colt has it right on, becoming and remaining friends cannot be time lost. In my experience, it’s better to be with someone you can also look at as your best friend. And, as a reader, it gives me a sense of warmth that the hero and heroine already mean a lot to each other. Of course, that also means they have a lot to lose if things don’t work out.

This story is about both Colt and India, but I felt as though we got way more of Colt’s story. There wasn’t too much added to India’s background for the reader. It seemed there was a lot we learn about Colt’s upbringing though. There is a scene between Colt and his dad toward the end that is absolutely phenomenal. So wonderfully written, in fact, that it made me stop and consider the way my husband and I treat our two sons and wonder if there are mistakes being made we don’t even realize. So gut-twisting.

See full review at https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/15/branded-as-trouble-book-review/