Cuffed

The Everyday Heroes Series, Book 1

By: K. Bromberg

Narrated by: Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell

Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times best-selling author K. Bromberg comes a new series about three brothers, the job that calls them, and the women who challenge them.

“I hate you. I never want to see you again.”

Grant Malone is not the reason I moved back to Sunnyville - at least that’s what I tell myself. Yet, those parting words I said to him back in third grade ring in my ears every time a towns-person brings up one of the Malone boys. I thought time had healed my wounds. I was wrong. Nothing could have prepared me for how I felt when I finally saw him again.

Twenty years does a lot to turn a boy into a man. One who hits all my buttons - sexy, funny, attractive, and a police officer. But Grant is off limits because he knows too much about my past. But I’m drawn to him. That damn uniform of his doesn’t hurt either. It’ll be my downfall. I know it. What’s one night of sex going to hurt... right?

I’ve always loved Emmy Reeves.That’s why I’m shocked to see her all these years later. The shy girl I once knew is all grown up. Adventurous and full of life, she owns my heart now, just as much as she did back then. Convincing her of that is a whole different story.

I’ll give her the one night she asks for - like that’s a hardship - but when it comes to letting her walk away after, she has another thing coming. There’s no way in hell I’m letting her go this time without a fight.

©2017 K. Bromberg (P)2017 K. Bromberg

Childhood best friends become involved after a traumatic 20 year separation

This is the first of a series about 3 service oriented, adrenaline fueled brothers living in a small town. This storyline involves a cop and his former best friend who is a survivor of abuse so it is sad and sweet. The dialog is overlong at times with repetitive introspections of self doubt but the romance is engaging and the subplot interesting. The narrator choice was a good one though a little less of the whiney from Maxine Mitchell and a little more of the strong confident tone of Joe Arden would have been appreciated. Also a little more humor would have helped to balance the emotional scenes and while it is rarely done, if the narrators for the 2 other Malone brothers have been chosen, it would really have been great to have had their voices for their parts as often the brothers sounded alike. The romance was sexy without being overly graphic and the abuse topic was discussed from both child and adult perspectives though surprisingly not much about resolutions via the shelter and the epilogue was a bit sparse given the long build up of the story. Maybe there will be more on the couple throughout the series. It is worth the kindle+audible combo purchase but would have been even better as a Romance Package choice.

Could have been great; Revision: Ended Great!!

I’m having a very hard time getting through this book. The female narrator is difficult to listen to, but the main female character is even worse. As badly as you feel about her painful past, she’s very hard to like. I think the author was trying to make her seem strong and feisty but she comes across as mean-spirited, selfish, and arrogant. Grant, on the other hand, is kind, unselfish, gentle, giving, and patient and Emerson and her friends treat him like a villain. I’m going to finish because I think the rest of the series will be better but I’m not enjoying it.

Update: After finishing the book, my opinion has completely changed!! Ending was great and Emerson really redeemed herself in the last half of the book. I may even read it again. Notice I said READ rather than listen. There is no way I could get through another 12 hours of the female narrator’s voice. Joe Arden, on the hand, did a fantastic job as Grant. Despite a slow start, I would absolutely recommend this book and am looking forward to # 2.

Triggers & Questions

I didn't know there would be so many triggers (abuse, pedophilia, attempted suicide, etc.) but the author had a delicate approach. The FMC's reaction to certain things did confuse me and didn't come across as logical or realistic at times. I could sense the romantic build- up between the MC's but the angst was missing & in my opinion fell short. I wish we got to know some of the side characters a little better.
In the end I was left feeling empty even with a HEA. I don't like second chance romances, & this didn't change my opinion.

Not for the weak of heart

Grant and Emmy have a history that expands twenty years.
Except, years ago Grant broke a pinky promise with Emmy.
Emerson's father was molesting his daughter and much worse.
Do not read this book if you can't handle this.
Years later, Grant is "Officer Sexy", dubbed by the local women. With good reason.
He's ridiculously handsome. And kind.
During one of his calls, he comes upon a little girl who is going through similar problems. Only her father likes to hit her and his wife.
Emmy runs a sky diving school.
While trying to get a loan, the bank officer, who is lower than low.
He'll guarantee a loan... if Emmy has sex with him.
When she refuses, he informs her that the school has been sold.
All in all, through all the darkness, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I cried for Emmy as an eight year old. And I cried for the little girl who's father beat her.
And I laughed as Grant's brothers, Grady and Grayson, invade his house regularly.
Brothers will be brothers and all that.... they, along with his parents are a force to be reckoned with.
Enjoy Cuffed.
The ending will make you really smile!
Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell put in wonderful readings, as usual.

Sparkle

What a gem this book is! There are so many facets to this well written book. The story has so many emotions in it. The main theme I took away from the story was "Define or Fuel", with tragedy choosing to fuel the character, not define it. The topic of child molestation is difficult to hear about, but the author wrote this story in such a beautiful and gripping way. I loved how K.Bromberg wrote such truism into this book like trust is a hard thing to earn back, love hard in the present and not need to know the details of the past, heads up, wings out. Another aspect I found moving in this book was how the choice to do right, brought focus to what needs changed. Both narrators delivered so much with their performance, it was perfect. I received a review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I will definitely listen to more books by this author and both narrators, as each one is so talented. I can't wait to listen to the second book in this series! This is a standalone listen and does not end in a cliffhanger.

Good story

This was a hard listen. One because the content hit home but mostly the female narrator was terrible. If it hadn’t been for Joe Ardens performance I would have quit.

Awesome read!

What a great read! Definitely keeps you hooked and wanting you to read the whole series.

Emotional and very good!

I loved this book. 1st in the series. Joe Arden and Emma Wilder were awesome and brought the story to life. This has some very emotional topics and much more than I expected.

AMAZING!!!!!

Loved everything about this story. So worth the credit. I absolutely love Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell.

Family

How can a grown man enjoy the company of children ? I’ll never understand the mind of a sick person who would defile an innocent child. This book shows the power of love and family! Wish everyone who goes through something like this could fight as hard to regain their identity as Emerson did. She is truly a fighter.