Brody by Emma Lang (Circle Eight #2)
June 26, 2012
Historical Romance
Kensington Brava

Reviewed by Helyce

Texas Ranger Brody Armstrong has been investigating the murders and kidnapping of several ranchers but the one that has touched him the most is the kidnapping of Benjamin Graham, the youngest of the Graham children. He’s determined to find out everything he can even if in the end the news is devastating. When his investigation points him toward Mexico, he heads out to the Graham ranch to give Matthew Graham an update only to find out that he and his wife Hannah are not at the ranch. That leaves the next eldest, Olivia Graham in charge. When Olivia presses Brody for information, he hesitates, preferring to deal with Matthew as the man of the house, but Olivia does not give him an out and informs him that while Matthew is away, she is in charge and he can deal with her.

Olivia Graham has had to deal with a lot since her parents were murdered and her youngest brother Benjamin was kidnapped. The fact that he has not been found and that she can’t do anything about it weighs heavily on her. When Brody comes to the ranch with information she wants to know what the plan is and she wants to be involved-something Brody shoots down immediately. When Brody leaves, Olivia takes matters into her own hands, following Brody on his trek to Mexico.

Brody has many reasons to want to avoid Olivia; she’s certainly not anything like what he’s used to in a woman. She speaks her mind no matter what and she doesn’t take any shit from a man. She’s no wall flower and she makes Brody crazy so he really shouldn’t have been surprised when she showed up right behind him when he arrived at the first stop on his trek to Mexico.

When Olivia proves to Brody that she’s no wilting flower, he has no choice but to take her with him into Mexico to flush out the criminals he thinks are responsible for the kidnappings and murders. Together, they hatch an elaborate scheme to explain their presence in Mexico. Taking on the ruse of wanting to go into business with these criminals, they find themselves in more than one sticky situation. As they place themselves in one life or death situation after another, emotions run strong and they seek comfort in each other. Just when they each realize how much they mean to each other, it might be too late.

I met Brody in book one, Matthew, and I got the feeling he and Olivia might be paired together. Brody is a Texas Ranger and he’s good at his job. He’s a longer and he is okay with that. But he noticed Olivia Graham back in book one and they turned out to be perfect for each other. Olivia is a fantastic character, especially for this time period-1836. I would imagine that women had to be tough at this time. They worked hard, with no real comforts. Her determination to be a part of the search for her brother Benjamin, while absolutely crazy, fit well with her character. Brody is a tough guy too, but he is clueless when it comes to what it’s like to be in a loving family, even one that’s suffered through terrible loss and still manages to go on. I loved getting Brody’s back story. It explained so much about his character’s personality.

While Brody and Olivia quickly begin a physical relationship, Brody keeps himself closed off even when he knows that there is something special about Olivia. Even when his protective instincts kick in, he tries to ignore his feelings. Olivia is completely the opposite; she’s quick to tell Brody how she feels and even then he holds back. In the end, Brody’s reluctance to be honest with Olivia causes another set of problems for the couple.

The mystery of Benjamin’s disappearance is handled really well and had me intrigued through the end. In fact, I was totally fooled by one of the characters actions. So much so, that I was completely unprepared for the final conflict.

In the end, I really enjoyed Brody’s transformation from a hard, closed and cold man to a man who was willing to embrace a family that so easily accepted him. I do not read historicals as a rule, but these stories have a more contemporary feel only they take place in the early 1800s. Having said that, I love a series that centers on a family, especially one like the Grahams who have such strong family values; who love fiercely and completely. I am really looking forward to seeing how this series plays out!

Rating: B

Recent Reviews:
Under the Covers – 4/5
All About Romance – B+
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