Series Week- Donovan Brothers Brewery Trilogy by Victoria Dahl

Book 1:

Good Girls Don't

Author: Victoria Dahl

Publisher: Harlequin

Date of Publication: August 2011

Too much of a good thing…

With her sun-kissed hair and sparkling green eyes, Tessa Donovan looks more like the girl next door than a businesswoman—or a heart breaker. Which may explain why Detective Luke Asher barely notices her when he arrives to investigate a break-in at her family’s brewery. He’s got his own problems—starting with the fact that his partner, Simone, is pregnant and everyone thinks he’s the father.

Tessa has her hands full, too. Her brother’s playboy ways may be threatening the business, and the tension could tear her tight-knit family apart. In fact, the only thing that could unite the Donovan boys is seeing a man come after their baby” sister. Especially a man like Luke Asher. But Tessa sees past the rumors to the man beneath. He’s not who people think he is—and neither is she.

This was a great start to the trilogy.  Tessa is the youngest of 3 siblings who run their family brewery business.  For Tessa, she has felt for years that it is her job to keep the family together.  She has always wanted to be in control of everything and tries to constantly make things right for her brothers.  If it means she has to lie, she will.  Luke is a former college friend of Jamie's who comes into investigate when there is a break in at the brewery.  He has no room in his life for commitment, but he also didn't count on Tessa. Jamie and Tessa were great together.  I liked that Tessa was the forward one in the relationship.  You don't see that much in romances.  

I love the characters in this series.  While they are all smart and great people, they are all far from perfect.  The family isn't as close as it is in most books.  They all love each other, but they have major issues to overcome before they can be close again.  Since they are siblings, there are some really funny scenes, especially when it comes to the brothers trying to protect Tessa's virtue. Definitely recommend this one!

Book 2:

Bad Boys Do

Author: Victoria Dahl

Publisher: Harlequin

Date of Publication: September 2011

Olivia Bishop is no fun. That's what her ex-husband said. And that's what her smart bob and glasses imply. So with her trademark determination, Olivia sets out to remake her life. She's going to spend time with her girlfriends and not throw it all away for some man. But when an outing with her book club leads her to a brewery taproom, the dark-haired beauty realizes that trouble--in the form of sexy Jamie Donovan--may be too tempting to avoid.

Jamie Donovan doesn't mean to be bad. Sure, the wild streak in his wicked green eyes has lured the ladies before. Now it's time to grow up. He's even ready for a serious romance. But how can that be when Olivia, the only right woman he has ever met, already has him pegged as wrong?

Bad Boys Do was a bit more emotional than the first book.  I felt so badly for Jamie.  Yes, he has been a major screw up in the past, but he is now trying so hard to change and become a more responsible person.  He just can't get his siblings to see it.  Also, he just can't seem to catch a break.  When he decides to quit the business, it was heartbreaking.  I thought that Olivia was good for Jamie.  Although her thinking she was old at 35 made me want to slap her.  Really?  I know her husband did a number on her by making her think she was boring, but still.  Despite that, I liked her.  She was strong and in the end figured out that she could make it on her own and trust her heart to another again.  I thought that Jamie and Olivia were good for each other.  They both helped each other grow up a little. They also had tons of chemistry.  The mirror scene was pretty hot!  There is some healing between the siblings' relationship in this one.  Definitely recommend!

Book 3:

Real Men Will

Author: Victoria Dahl

Publisher: Harlequin

Date of Publication: October 2011

It was meant to be a one-night stand. One night of passion. Scorching hot. Then Beth Cantrell and Eric Donovan were supposed to go their separate ways. That’s the only reason he lied about his name, telling her he was really his wild younger brother. Hiding his own identity as the conservative Donovan. The “good” one.

But passion has its own logic, and Eric finds he cannot forget the sable-haired beauty with whom he shared one night of passion. When Beth discovers that Eric has lied, however, she knows he cannot be trusted. Her mind tells her to forget the blue-eyed charmer. If only every fiber of her being did not burn to call him back .

Real Men Will was the best for me out of the trilogy.  This one deals with lies, both those we tell ourselves and those we tell others, and how they can spiral out of control.  Eric and Beth are awesome together. Their story actually starts in the novella, Just One Taste.  It is included in the book, The Guy Next Door ,which I reviewed last year.  At the time that I reviewed it, I was frustrated with the novella. I am happy to say that Beth and Eric's story was worth the wait.  I just needed to trust the author more. Their attraction is definitely steamy.  It's always fun to watch 2 uptight people loosen up with each other.  There is also some very humorous scenes in the book.  I couldn't help but giggle when Beth finally figures out that Eric isn't who he said he was. There is a lot of family resolution in the story and I was left with a sense that the Donovans will be OK.  Their relationships seemed stronger in the end. This was a great end to the trilogy.  I highly recommend the 3 books.  Definitely worth reading!